TWO couples from Selkirk have been given the go-ahead to convert an old workshop into a micro-distillery.

Allan and Jane Walker, along with David and Susan Myatt, had applied to Scottish Borders Council’s planning department for permission to convert the Old Joinery, at Philiphaugh, Selkirk, into a place they can distil their gin.

The foursome, trading under the name Selkirk Distillers, currently produce Reiver’s Gin, which is made using the whin flower as the main botanical ingredient, found on the lowland hills surrounding the royal burgh.

Selkirk Distillers also produced a special bath of Bannock Gin, made using Selkirk bannocks from Cameron’s Bakery.

Now, the group have been granted planning permission by Scottish Borders Council to build their own micro-distillery just outside of the town.

Mr Myatt said: “The process produces no noise, makes no fumes as these are extracted to produce the spirit, and waste botanicals will be composted and used by the on-site gardens.

“We are currently producing and selling out gin throughout the country.

"We currently produce at the Strathearn distillery in Perthshire.

“We are now looking to move to Selkirk and produce in our own building.”