'This is probably the single most important planning application in the history of Galashiels

As published by Border Telegraph Thursday, 18th February, 2010
by Ally McGilvray


FEARS have been voiced that a supermarket could be built next to the historic home of Sir Walter Scott - if plans for a new visitor centre on a neighbouring site are approved.

Drew Tulley, former leader of Scottish Borders Council, spoke out at a meeting of Galashiels and Langlee Community Council after members were shown plans to develop Abbotsford House, near Galashiels, into a world-class tourist attraction.

He pointed out a number of planning applications for the site earmarked for the visitor centre car park had been rejected to protect the area from overdevelopment.

The former planning convener revealed that before the first house was built in Tweedbank it was agreed there would be no building in the field between the village and the A-listing building.

Speaking from the public gallery, MrTulley said: "I am a great supporter of Abbotsford but my fear is if these plans are approved it could open the way for commercial development in that field.

"We could of had a supermarket or non-food outlet there already had we not turned them down because there has been a lot of interest shown in that field in the past, and any development would weaken the case for future planning applications on what has been green belt land up until now."

The Abbotsford Trust argued it proposed to build the car park within a line of trees bordering the field and the Border Abbeys Way and revealed Scottish Borders Council and Historic Scotland were supportive of their plans.

Last month, the Border Telegraph revealed it has applied to Scottish Borders Council for planning permission to build a new visitor centre and cafe within the grounds, upgrade the main building and create a new large car park on adjacent farmland.

It also wants to create self-catering visitor accommodation in the Hope Scott Wing to cater for up to 12 people, as well as new interpretation facilties to conserve the collections inside - and a playpark inspired by characters from Sir Walter Scott's books.

The Trust has already secured much of the £10million required to upgrade the 200 baronial mansion with grants from various public bodies.

However, it has warned if it doesn't win enough support for the plans, Abbotsford - which is already losing £100,000 a year - will be forced to close within three years.

Tony Taylor, from The Abbotsford Trust, said: "This is an exceptionally important project which aims to create a legacy for one of the region's most important sons and through this, to help to attract more visitors to the area.

"It's an enterprise in which all Borders residents have a stake so we want to get as much feedback as possible before putting our final plans forward to Scottish Borders Council.

"Abbotsford needs to develop into a financially viable, world-class visitor attraction which is why these plans are so important.

"Visitor requirements are changing and there is immense competition from other regions so we need to create something very special that will make Abbotsford and Sir Walter Scott relevant to today's audiences and encourage as many people as possible to come here.

"In Scott and Abbotsford, we have a globally famous asset here in the Borders and we believe it's time to capitalise on that and establish Abbotsford as a heritage tourism focal point for the region from which we can all benefit."

But he added: "The support of the Borders public is crucial and we look forward to hearing their views."

Pre-planning consultations are underway with Community Councils in Selkirk, Melrose, Tweedbank and Galashiels in advance of an eventual planning submission to Scottish Borders Council. A larger public consultation event is also being planned for the coming weeks.

The consultations will inform those attending about the overall aims of the project and how it has progressed to date and will give them the chance to comment about the outline plans that have been developed for the house, visitor access and parking and a new visitor reception building.

All plans for the development of Abbotsford will depend on the Trust raising the necessary funds to take them forward. Fundraising efforts are currently underway and a final application for grant of over £4m from the Heritage Lottery Fund will be submitted later this month with a decision expected in May.

However, if the plans are approved and all funds raised, work could start on building the new visitor centre in September 2010 and be open in June 2011 and the project be completed by 2013.

Following a presentation on the plans at Galashiels and Langlee Community Council last week, community councillor Peter Roden said: "This is probably the single most important planning application in the history of Galashiels."

And community councillor Murray Dickson, President of the Old Gala Club, added: "From the historical society's point of view we fully support any development that attracts more visitors to Abbotsford and keeps the memory of Sir Walter Scott alive."

Provisional Programme for Clan Scott Gathering—Wed 23rd—Sun 27th September

NOTE :
On-line booking of tickets will be available from 9th January, 2009 through the Bowhill website.

There has been an addition to the Bowhill House and Country Estate site. Including a Provisional Programme that may be of interest to those planning a trip to the Clan Scott Gathering in Scotland between the 24th and 27th September 2009.

The Bowhill House & Country Estate site now has the details in pdf format through the following link.
The details have been copied (without the original formatting) below

Bowhill House and Country Estate
www.bowhill.org

Provisional Programme for Scott Clan Gathering at Bowhill

24 – 27 September 2009

Wednesday September 23, 2009
Evening Welcome with traditional music and light supper for overseas guests - location: County Hotel, Selkirk
Free to overseas Clan Scott members on application to bht@buccleuch.com
Tickets limited to 50 people

Thursday September 24, 2009 10am-5pm
Bus Tour of Scott Country - visits to Abbotsford, Melrose, Aikwood Tower and Dryburg
£10, including light lunch of local produce.
- location: Around the Scottish Borders

Thursday September 24, 2009 7:30 pm
Theatre Performance The Ragged Lion presented by Rowan Tree Theatre Company
£10 (numbers limited to 70)
- location: Bowhill Theatre

Friday September 25, 2009 2-5 pm
Tours of Bowhill House - Bowhill House and tea with 10th Duke of Buccleuch. 4 tours with tickets limited to 20 per tour.
£15 80 tickets in total Timed Tickets
- location: Bowhill House

Friday September 25 1:30-4:30
Ranger led tours of Bowhill Woodlands. 3 tours with tickets limited to 40 per tour
£5 120 tickets in total Timed Tickets
- location: Bowhill Country Estate

Friday September 25 7 pm
Reception Dinner at Abbotsford for overseas guests
£40 Limited to 40
Abbotsford House, Melrose. Transport provided to and from Selkirk

Friday September 25 7:30 pm
Theatre Performance The Ragged Lion presented by Rowan Tree Theatre Company
£10 (numbers limited to 70)
- location: Bowhill Theatre

Friday September 25 7:30 pm
Concert and Ceilidh Dancing, singing, entertainment.
£10
- location: Victoria Hall, Selkirk

Saturday September 26, 2009 10 am - 4 pm
Tented Village: local crafts, Genealogy, Clan Parade, Storytelling, Re-enactment of Carterhaugh Ba’ Game and much more
£10 per car, Free for overseas Clan Scott members on application to to bht@buccleuch.com
- location Bowhill Gardens and Estate

Saturday September 26, 2009 7:30 pm
Evening Concert with SCOCHA – traditional Scottish folk rock band
£10
- location Bowhill Gardens

Saturday September 26, 2009 7:30 pm
Theatre Performance The Ragged Lion presented by Rowan Tree Theatre Company
£10 (numbers limited to 70)
- location: Bowhill Theatre

Sunday September 27, 2009 1 pm
Walks round Estate, display of Buccleuch Fox Hounds, Ox roast BBQ to bid farewell to the Scotts. For Scott Clan members.
Free to overseas Clan Scott members on application to bht@buccleuch.com
- location Bowhill Courtyard

Local Accommodation Providers - near Bowhill Country House & Estate

There has been an addition to the Bowhill House and Country Estate site. Including a listing of local accommodation providers that may be of interest to those planning a trip to the Clan Scott Gathering in Scotland between the 24th and 27th September 2009.

Selkirk Area (Approx 2.8 miles)

Hotels

The Glen Hotel http://www.glenhotel.co.uk/ Tel. 01750 20259

B&B’s/Guesthouses

Cross Keys Inn http://www.cross-keys-inn.co.uk Tel. 01750 52224
Ivy Bank B&B http://www.ivy-bank-bed-and-breakfast.co.uk/ Tel. 01750 21270


Galashiels Area (Approx 10 miles)

B&B’s/Guesthouses

Craigielea Guest House http://www.craigieleaborders.co.uk Tel. 01896 753838
Sunnybrae B&B http://www.sunnybrae.co.uk/ Tel. 01896 758042

Melrose Area (Approx 10 miles)

Hotels

Burts Hotel http://www.burtshotel.co.uk Tel. 01896 822285
The Townhouse http://www.thetownhousemelrose.co.uk Tel. 01896 822645

B&B’s/Guesthouses

Braidwood B&B http://www.braidwoodmelrose.co.uk/ Tel. 01896 822488
Fiorlin B&B http://www.melroseaccommodation.co.uk
Fauhope House http://www.fauhopehouse.com Tel. 01896 823184

Hawick Area (Approx 14 miles)

B&B’s/Guesthouses

Hizzy’s Guest House http://www.hizzys.co.uk/ Tel. 01450 372101