St Ronan’s Wells future in hands of community
Residents are being invited to have their say on ambitious plans to bring one of Innerleithen's best-known historic landmarks into community ownership.
Scottish Borders Council has launched a 20-working-day public consultation after receiving an asset transfer request from St Ronan's Wells Support Group SCIO to purchase St Ronan's Wells under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.
The consultation, which runs until Sunday, August 9, gives members of the public the opportunity to submit their views before the council reaches a decision on the request. A final decision is expected by September 9, 2026.
If approved, the transfer would see the historic building and its surrounding gardens transformed into a community-owned heritage, wellbeing and learning hub.
The support group's proposals include refurbishing and repurposing the site to create flexible spaces for community events, workshops, exhibitions and educational activities, while preserving and celebrating the history of St Ronan's Wells and Innerleithen.
Plans also include heritage interpretation, improvements to the gardens and outdoor learning areas, and the creation of heritage-themed short-stay accommodation. Income generated from the accommodation would help secure the long-term sustainability of the site.
The group says the project aims to increase opportunities for community participation, volunteering, learning, health and wellbeing while safeguarding an important local landmark for future generations.
As part of the statutory asset transfer process, anyone can make representations to Scottish Borders Council before the consultation closes. Comments must be submitted in writing and include the name and address of the person making the representation. Personal details will be redacted before representations are shared with the applicant.
Documents relating to the request can be viewed online through the Scottish Borders Council asset transfer webpage or in person at Innerleithen Library Contact Centre.
Representations can be submitted online through the council's consultation portal, by email to [email protected], or by post to the Communities and Partnerships Team at SBC’s headquarters.