THE sale of the former Burgh Yard in Galashiels has been agreed.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) and Stirling-based Ramoyle Developments Limited have concluded the missives for the site, with the sale subject to surveys and planning permission being achieved for a mixed use commercial scheme which would include flatted residential properties.

Ramoyle is also in talks with various commercial users including a national family pub restaurant operator, as well as a hotel chain over a potential new 50 bed hotel at the site.

Both Premier Inn and Travelodge have previously confirmed their interest in moving to the town which has a shortage of hotel accommodation.

The site formerly housed a petrol station and associated garages and workshops before the new road – Braw Lads Brae – was created in 2010 as part of the Galashiels Inner Relief Road scheme.

SBC Leader, Councillor David Parker, said: “There has been a great deal of interest surrounding the former Burgh Yard site, and I am delighted that the sale has now been agreed.

“If it goes ahead as planned, this development should bring a significant benefit to Galashiels at an exciting time, with the Borders Railway opening in less than one month.

“I look forward to seeing it enhance the facilities in the town for visitors and the local community.” The announcement was made just weeks before the reopening of the Borders Railway which it is hoped will attract more visitors to the area.

Councillor Stuart Bell, SBC’s Executive Member for Economic Development, added: “The development of the former Burgh Yard, just 650 metres from the newly opened Transport Interchange and new Galashiels railway station, will bring an empty site back into commercial use.

“If the scheme comes to fruition, it will bring investment in our region, create new jobs and provide improved facilities for tourists, tying into the key aims of the Borders Railway Blueprint programme.” Jim Turnbull, Group MD of Ramoyle, added: "We are very pleased to be able to add this prestigious project to our currently expanding development programme. Several operators have approached us with regards to the various commercial uses we have in mind for Galashiels and we expect to be able to reveal our preferred line up soon."