Tuesday May 26th 2026
Former Ettrick Primary School
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A former Borders primary school is poised to be converted into a community hub and bunkhouse despite concerns raised by some neighbours.
Ettrick Primary School was closed for good in 2019 due to falling pupil numbers.
When members of Scottish Borders Council’s Planning & Building Standards Committee meet on Monday, June 1, they will be recommended to approve its change of use to form a community hub with bunkhouse, museum and multi-use space.
A total of nine representations were received from separate households in relation to conversion of the single-storey building.
Of these, five were objections, three were letters of support, and one raised general comments and queries regarding the proposal.
Concerns centred on the proposal exacerbating existing water supply and shortage issues.
There was also concern that campervans and tents would be permanently sited within the school grounds and that the bunkhouse accommodation would remain unsupervised.
Support comments referenced increased visitor numbers which would help support the local economy and local businesses
It was also thought the proposal would help meet a need for accommodation for walkers and cyclists.
In his report recommending approval, council planning officer Alla Hassan states: “It is acknowledged that objections have been received from nearby residents, primarily those located to the west of the application site, in relation to potential adverse impacts on residential amenity.
“These concerns are noted. However, the scale of the proposal is modest, being largely constrained by the size and capacity of the existing building.
“As such, the level of activity, including associated comings and goings, is not considered likely to generate noise or disturbance to a degree that would result in significant detrimental impacts on neighbouring residential amenity.
“Concerns were raised that the proposal could result in campervans or tents being permanently stationed within the former school grounds. These concerns are noted.
“However, the scale of the accommodation proposed is limited and the bunkhouse use is intended to provide short-term visitor accommodation associated with tourism and recreational activity.
“As such, users of the accommodation would be transient in nature rather than permanent occupants.”
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