A FAMOUS old Borders mill could soon be facing the bulldozers, it has emerged.

Scottish Borders Council has revealed plans to flatten Hawick's Buccleuch Mill at 2 to 8 Green Lane.

The former hosiery mill, which ceased operating in 1999, has deteriorated so much it is on the buildings at risk register for Scotland, with sections in danger of collapse.

It is now regarded to be in a “perilous” condition and plans have been submitted for its demolition.

The fear is that if it is allowed to remain standing it will eventually require an emergency demolition in the interests of public safety.

If the building is flattened the expectation is that the site will ultimately be used to provide new housing.

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A report with the application says that since 2002 council workers have been called to the building on 12 separate occasions to make it safe.

It adds: “The structural condition of the building has now deteriorated to such an extent that significant works would be required to bring the building back to a stable position before any subsequent redevelopment may be undertaken.

“The roof has failed allowing substantial water ingress into the building directly affecting the timber lintels in numerous locations.

“The eaves external masonry to the western end of the north elevation has a significant lean.

“It is considered that the building to the western end in particular is in potential danger of collapse and would require urgent works to make safe.

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“The removal of the building at this stage will prevent it from becoming an emergency demolition due to further structural deterioration and ultimately becoming a danger to public health and safety.

“The expected future development of the site once the building has been demolished would be residential.”

Built in 1824, the mill was originally a stocking shop for William Elliot and Son, later becoming Bonsor’s, Sybil Gentleman’s and, latterly, Glenhowe, though it was still known locally as Sybil’s.

The report adds: “It would be regrettable to lose this building as it has merit as a piece of industrial and social history for Hawick, also for the contribution it makes to the streetscape, and as a good example of its type.

“However, the current safety threat to the neighbouring residents is considered to be the overriding factor here.”