PLANS for the region's first whisky distillery in 180 years has taken a step forward.

The Three Stills Company have been granted planning permission to establish a £10 million plant in Hawick.

The firm believe the new distillery and accompanying visitor centre will be a boost for local tourism as well as employment.

A change of use application for the Commercial Road site as well as demolition of former mill buildings were passed this week.

Planning officer Julie Hayward said: "The development is appropriate for this town centre site and would be in keeping with the mixed use nature of the area.

"The proposal would result in the creation of jobs and would attract visitors to the town, benefitting the local economy.

"The proposal would result in the renovation and re-use of the Listed Buildings, which are on the at risk register."

The Three Stills Company, which already produces Clan Fraser whisky, said that they want to uphold the "rich industrial tradition" of the region, which has been a centre for textile production.

Funding for the project has come from private investors including the Duke of Buccleuch and Edinburgh-based investment company Badenoch & Co.

Ms Hayward added: "The alterations proposed are considered to be sympathetic and sensitive and would respect and enhance the character and setting of the Listed Buildings.

"The development on this vacant site would improve the visual amenities of the area.

"The issues of flooding, archaeology and the impact on the River Teviot have been adequately addressed.."

The firm is the latest in a series of companies to express an interest in establishing a distillery in the region.

Mossburn Distillers has recently submitted full plans for a £40m new distillery south of Jedburgh.

It was hoped the scheme could create 50 full-time jobs with more than seven million bottles a year produced at the site.