AN HISTORIC military training camp in the Borders could soon have its national importance recognised.

The facilities at Stobs Camp, near Hawick, were used by thousands to prepare for war.

The site consists of a civilian internment camp, prisoner-of-war camp and training trenches, all from the First World War.

Its tank target range was used for military training up to and during the Korean War.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is seeking views from the public on proposals to recognise the camp’s key features as ‘scheduled monuments’.

Dara Parsons, head of designations at HES, said: “Stobs Camp is an outstanding monument to Scotland’s role in the two great conflicts of the 20th century. It gives us a unique insight into the experience of those involved in these conflicts; those that served in the British military, civilian internees and prisoners of war.

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“Designating a site as a scheduled monument is a way through which we can recognise and celebrate what makes this heritage special, along with ensuring it’s protected for future generations.

“We’re keen that the people have an opportunity to have their say as a part of this process and are encouraging anyone with an interest in Stobs Camp to take part in our consultation.”

The Stobs Estate was purchased by the War Office in 1902, with the aim of having a permanent training base and barracks for one of the Army Corps.

Within months nearly 20,000 troops had been through the camp and it was dubbed ‘Scotland’s Aldershot’.

It was larger than the population of Hawick, which at the time was about 17,000.

Stobs is home to the last surviving example of a First World War prisoner of war accommodation hut still in its original location in the UK, according to HES.

The public consultation will run until Thursday, March 2. The survey can be accessed here.

HES maintains a list of monuments of national importance. Scheduling is the process of adding monuments to this list.

A HES spokesperson said: “The aim of scheduling is to preserve our most significant sites and monuments as far as possible in the form in which they have been passed down to us today.”