Verdict given on courthouse plan

The planning application for the courthouse has been approved

Plans to convert Peebles' former court building into a bar, restaurant and beauty salon have been approved by Scottish Borders Council

The sheriff court building has been empty for more than four years after extensive dry rot was discovered.

It was bought over at the end of last year by a family which currently owns a number of other businesses in the town.

As well as the leisure facilities, the top floor of the building would house office space.

The move brings to an end some debate about the future use of the building.

Last year, councillors blocked proposals to site the town's library there.

They decided that the design of the building was inappropriate for that purpose.

It resulted in the courthouse being sold and the application being submitted to turn it into a bar and restaurant.