An historic pub that was once the haunt of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott has been saved after locals raised 160 thousand pounds to buy it.
The Crook Inn at Tweedsmuir was at risk of falling down after it closed in 2006, now there are plans to turn it into a community hub.
The Crook Inn in Tweedsmuir was a favourite haunt of literary greats Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. Burns even wrote a poem while perched at the bar.
Built in the 17th century it was once at the heart of the community but closed not long after celebrating it's 400th birthday.
For the last five years a local charity group has fought to prevent it being sold off to be converted into flats.
In March they signed a contract allowing them to buy and restore the Inn to it's former glory.
The deal was based on them being able to come up £160,000 by the end of 2012. Today they will announce if they have managed to hit the target.
Crime writer Ian Rankin has donated an undisclosed sum to help save the 17th Century Crook Inn pub in Tweedsmuir.
The Scottish author of the Inspector Rebus books has put his hands in his pocket to help the campaign to raise £160,000 by the end of the year.
The local community decided to try and save the pub, after it was bought over in 2006.
If they fail in their bid, the 400-year-old pub could be turned into housing.
The pub was a watering hole for other literary figures, including Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
The group has raised over £110,000 so far. Campaign brochures appealing for help to raise the last £50,000 will go out to 30,000 homes next week.
All donations are being welcomed.
Campaigners in the Scottish Borders are hoping to save a 400 year old pub, by buying it themselves.
The people of Tweedsmuir have to raise 160 thousand pounds before December to stop the Crook Inn from being turned into flats.
The pub was once a favorite haunt of two famous writers; Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
Jenny Longden's report is here:
A Scottish Borders community hope to raise enough money to buy their local pub by December this year. Residents of Tweedsmuir have already raised £110,000 towards buying The Crook Inn.
In March, a binding contract was made, meaning The Tweedsmuir Community Company could buy the former hotel for £160,000.
It has been closed since 2006, and the fabric of the building is starting to decay. The pub has been in the village since 1604, and has attracted visitors including Robert Burns and Walter Scott. If the community bid is successful, it's hoped the pub could bring nearly 20 jobs to the area.
It is hoped fundraising events including a Race Night and a virtual rally will help raise the final £50,000 in time.