A BORDERS builder has saved 35 jobs after receiving a six-figure loan.

Melrose's Rural Renaissance Ltd (RRL), the parent company of JS Crawford, put 35 full-time staff on furlough due to the coronavirus shutdown.

But the workers' futures are now safe after Bank of Scotland (BoS) agreed to issue a loan.

The bank's relationship director Douglas Spowart said: "The funding has secured the future of the business alongside the jobs of its 35 members of staff.”

JS Crawford Group is one of the largest builders in the region, with sites in Melrose, Kelso and Galashiels.

RRL managing director Michael Crawford said: “We were set for further success this year until the COVID-19 crisis hit.

"As with many other businesses, much of our activity is now on hold.

“The financial support means we’ve been able to pay our suppliers and support our staff.

“We’re a big part of the community here, so it’s really important to us as a company that we’re able to meet our commitments.”

Once lockdown has ended, the firm aims to start three projects in the Borders.

Seven large houses are planned for Orchard Park, Gattonside, while Galashiels is due to see a mix of detached and semi-detached homes at the Old Tennis Courts on Abbotsford Road.

Luxury flats and a health spa, planned for Melrose, are awaiting planning permission.

Mr Crawford said the bank has helped RRL through "cash flow challenges, ensuring we have the financial headspace needed to continue to trade".

Mr Spowart, of the bank, added: “We’ve worked with RRL to put a package in place that, critically, the business can afford to repay."

RRL achieved a turnover of £7 million in 2019.