A FORMER mill in the Borders has been sold to become part of a new mountain biking project.

Brodies Mill at Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen has been sold to South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) by housing developer Whiteburn.

The Edinburgh-based developer sold the old mill to SOSE in order for the site to be used in its plans for a Mountain Bike Innovation Centre.

Eve McCurrich, Whiteburn projects managing director said: “The aspiration for the site was housing-led regeneration which we have successfully achieved. Our design-led housing masterplan has been recognised by Scottish Borders Council this year, being awarded their Place Making Award 2022.

“With the sale of Brodies Mill to SOSE, we hope this Borderlands Growth Initiative funded project will act as a positive catalyst by putting Brodies Mill back in the heart of the village, creating jobs and employment.

“Caerlee Mill is a great example of regeneration of a brownfield site for the Scottish Borders and we are very proud of what we have achieved in Innerleithen.”

The multi-million pound sale was put in place in February and the project is expected to create more than 400 jobs over a 10-year period.

In February, former Scottish Borders Council (SBC) leader Mark Rowley said: “All of the mountain biking community is behind us and it’s just going to be the most fantastic project, here, right in the heart of the Borders, in Tweeddale and Innerleithen.

“And [we’re] just ready to push for the regeneration of the area, so there’s huge excitement.”

Earlier this year a report submitted by Edinburgh-based architects Oberlanders stated: “The site has key proximities to a number of world class mountain biking trails, and aims to build upon this mountain bike focused cluster providing support, promotion for growth and drive sustainable innovation.

“The scope of the project relates to development of the grade B listed Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen to provide a new mountain bike innovation centre which will provide leading expertise from academia and industry with a focus on the development of opportunities for businesses right across the mountain bike sector.

“The building will cater for a wide range of activities including bike design, testing and manufacture of bike components and accessories, food, nutrition and well-being as well as training and support facilities for elite riders.

“It will provide space to support start-up companies within the sector, as well as providing facilities for more established companies to grow and expand their business.

“The building will also provide community facilities including café and space for heritage information boards and displays.”