AN estate agent from Melrose is returning to his offices - almost three months after being firebombed.

But boss Jamie Macpherson has still enjoyed his busiest September and October on record as the property boom continues on the back of the Borders Railway.

The St Dunstans Lane premises of Macpherson Property were targeted at the end of August.

Flames ripped through the interior of the building during the Saturday night attack.

And the family-run firm was forced to work from temporary accommodation as extensive repairs were required.

Mr Macpherson said: “We have embraced technology from the outset and this has put us in an excellent position to run the business from absolutely anywhere.

"As a result, operationally, nothing changed – and it has to be a lesson to anyone in this day and age. We continued to run with the ball and it worked.

"With everything a write-off, it has been a tricky couple of months but even a fire could not prevent us from having the best September and October in over seven years."

Mr Macpherson believes the property boom on the back of the railway is set to continue.

And the housing market has a rosy future.

He added: "There has obviously been a much publicised marked improvement in the local housing market - with various contributing factors but the arrival of the new Borders Railway has certainly helped."

Two fire crews from Galashiels rushed to St Dunstans Lane, which is a popular short-cut between the town’s caravan park and the High Street, at 10.05pm on Saturday, August 29.

Investigation officers from both the Scottish Fire Service and Police Scotland established that the blaze was started deliberately.

Police Scotland stated this week that inquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.