A HISTORIC pub in the centre of Selkirk is to be demolished later this year.

For well over a century the Cross Keys Inn has been a popular haunt for drinkers in the Royal Burgh.

But a recent inspection of the three-storey building has found it to be unsafe.

Local councillor Vicky Davidson said: "Scottish Borders Council is seeking a demolition order and once it is granted the building will be demolished."

The shutters came down on the pub for good around six years ago.

And stood boarded up for three years until it was bought by the local authority at the start of 2014 to be used as a community hub.

But the discovery of extensive dry rot the following year forced the community organisations to move out.

No dates have yet been set for the planned demolition of the Market Place building.

But it is hoped that the work will take place around the same time as extensive town centre improvements are carried out during the autumn.

Councillor Davidson added: "The Cross Keys was always part of a larger plan for the extension of the neighbouring courthouse.

"The funding bid for extending the courthouse is currently being devised. Once the extension is built it can house the library, council contact centre and tourist information."