PLANS to convert a crumbling mill building in Selkirk into flats has finally been approved.

Matthew Claridge tabled the conversion proposals for the High Mill, which is part of Forest Mill, back in 2012.

But lengthy legal battles over ownership of the Victorian building led to delays in consideration of the application for 16 flats and maisonettes.

Last week the full application as well as listed building consent was finally approved by Scottish Borders Council.

The original owner of the High Mill had gone into liquidation with the crown taking ownership.

But Mr Claridge's bid for the building was later accepted.

A spokesman for Scottish Borders Council said: "The applicant had a prospective legal title for the land accepted by Registers of Scotland, so is in a position to enter into a legal agreement.

"This has taken several years and SBC is in the process of concluding the legal agreement."

Forest Mill was hugely important in the rise of the textiles industry in the Borders.

Original owners George Roberts and Co pioneered Cheviot cloth in the early-to-mid 19th century and were the first in the area to adopt the self-acting mule.

George Roberts, who went on to become Provost of Selkirk, and his brother Tom, both of Galashiels, visited the USA and returned with the first condensers.

His sons John and Tom Roberts pioneered the import of Australian and New Zealand wool to the Borders.

And from the early 1860s Forest Mill served as the wool store, dyehouse and weaving mill for the expanding firm.

Spinning was conducted at St Ronan's Mill in Innerleithen, Philiphaugh Mill, Selkirk and Earlston Mill.

The weaving flat at Forrest Mill closed in 1967, with the remainder of the buildings closing six years later.

Since the closure, the High Mill has been placed on the Buildings at Risk Register as well as being classified as a Category B Listed Building.

The most recent inspection of the Forest Mill, carried out in 2016, identified holes have appeared in the roof with saplings and other vegetation growing through the south-east elevation.

The planning permission comes with 13 conditions, relating to materials, windows and doors, and landscaping, as well as informatives regarding the development.