A BID to expand a family-run wedding venue in a village near Kelso has received the blessing of Scottish Borders Council.

Applicant James Neil & Son submitted an application for the construction of a log cabin on undeveloped grassland beside a pond to the east of Runningburn Farm at Stichill.

The aim is for the cabin to provide self-catering accommodation in conjunction with a wedding venue located in a state-of-the-art barn on the farm site.

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A statement submitted with the application said: “The intention is to construct the cabin on the farm to be let as self-catering accommodation to accompany the existing wedding venue business on the site.

“The proposed cabin has been designed to sit on the site inconspicuously.”

Supporting the application, council assistant planning officer Euan Calvert, said: “The proposal enhances the existing wedding venue business. The cabin would be off-grid and supported by adjacent solar array.”