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Country mansion 'unused too long' set for transformation

News imageBuccleuch A computer generated view of an extension to a mansion house in southern Scotland. Part of the building is in granite while another section has a smooth white surface with a blue sky above and green fields in the backgroundBuccleuch
The currently empty mansion would be transformed as part of the plans

A south of Scotland country mansion left "unused too long" has been cleared to become the hub of a large holiday complex.

Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) has given planning permission for the conversion and extension of Irvine House near Canonbie and the construction of nearly 140 lodges.

Ed Morris, estate manager at Buccleuch's Borders Estate, said it was "delighted" that the scheme had been given the go-ahead.

It has said about 36 jobs should be created once it is up and running and it would contribute about £3.4m per year to the local economy.

"This is a very positive step forward for an important heritage asset which has been unused for too long, and it provides an opportunity to bring new life and purpose to the site," said Morris.

"The development will create high-quality holiday accommodation in a beautiful part of Dumfries and Galloway, supporting jobs, local businesses and the wider visitor economy.

"We have worked carefully to bring forward a scheme that respects the setting and history of Irvine House while delivering long-term economic benefits for the local area."

News imageBuccleuch A side view of Irvine House a white and granite mansion house surrounded by grass and treesBuccleuch
More than 130 holiday lodges would be built on the site near the River Esk

Irvine House is located midway between Langholm and Canonbie on the west bank of the River Esk.

It was built in about 1792 and remodelled about 45 years later.

The plans will see the repair and adaptation of the house to become a welcome centre and holiday accommodation.

In total, 137 holiday lodges - a slight reduction on original proposals - will also be constructed on the surrounding land if the proposals are approved.