No hitches at all as Westruther wedding venue plans get thumbs-up

Scottish Borders Council planners have given the green light for change of use of both Wedderlie House and a stable block north west of the property, near Westruther.

Approval has also been granted for guest accommodation, temporary marquees, parking spaces and associated infrastructure.

Category-A listed Wedderlie House, an 11-bedroom mansion house built in the 16th and 17th centuries on the site of a 12th century castle, was bought by Jamie Fraser and wife Connie last year after being put on the market for just over £1m.

It was originally owned by the Polwarth family but was gifted by King Robert the Bruce to Richard Edgar in 1327 and remained in his family for the following 400 years.

In a planning application submitted via Galashiels firm Ferguson Planning, Mr Fraser says: “We seek a sensitive change of use of the buildings and immediate lands from a private residency to a bespoke high-quality wedding venue with guest accommodation.

“The previous owners of the property have taken a keen interest in all things equine and have, in recent years, converted the barn into a stable block and installed a very large riding arena close to the main courtyard.

“The intention is to convert the barn into a small dance hall and ceremony room, with the option of erecting a temporary small marquee to accommodate dining in what would have been the old vegetable garden to the east of the barn.

“The conversion of the existing stable block into a ceremony space and dance hall would be aimed for weddings or events of up to 110 guests.

“The marketing will take on an international focus utilising established links with the US and Canada. It is hoped that many of the future clients will come from overseas and not just from the UK.”

It is hoped the house and grounds will be available for private rental from October and for use as a wedding venue from early next year.

Go to wedderliehouse.com for further details.