Historic Scotland inspectors are to visit the Parish of Melrose to identify the important buildings and to review existing listings.

The team will visit the parish looking for buildings that merit listing while giving a fresh appraisal to properties already on the list. This will ensure the area has the appropriate statutory protection.

Head of Listing Dr Deborah Mays, said: "Whilst the burgh of Melrose was assessed previously, the wider parish has not been comprehensively surveyed since 1971. The parish has a long history of farming and is peppered with historic villages such as Newtown St Boswells and Gattonside, and fine estates including Abbotsford."

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Buildings are listed at one of three categories - A, B and C(s) - reflecting their level of importance. Once listed alterations that will affect the character of the structure require listed building consent before work can begin.

When the team have identified buildings of interest they will contact the local authority and, where possible, the owner.

A building must have special architectural or historic interest to be considered for listing and Historic Scotland would welcome information from members of the public.

Dr Mays added: "The resurvey will highlight buildings of special importance whose interest should be maintained as far as possible. It will also refresh existing listings and ensure that the lists are fit for purpose."

(GK/JM)