A COUPLE from Sheffield and their newborn baby are hoping their long and winding search for a home will be realised in a Berwickshire parish – if they can get the green light to build it.

Pasco and Amy Ashton’s bid to find a home has made national headlines.

That was because both work freelance they were unable to get a mortgage.

Their story was featured on Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.

The Dobie family, owners of Shannobank Farmhouse, at Abbey St Bathans, were moved by their plight and asked them to come to Berwickshire to live and work on their farm.

Now the couple have submitted a planning application to Scottish Borders Council for permission to build prefabricated cabins in the garden grounds of the farmhouse to become their home.

The bid is particularly important after the couple recently welcomed the birth of their first child,  Afra.

They also plan to utilise their work skills for the benefit for the local community.

Pasco is the director and founder of Men’s Circle, the largest community for men’s self-development.

After speaking with local MP John Lamont, Pasco won his support for starting in-person men’s circles for local farmers and other agricultural workers.

Amy is a professional video producer, producing marketing content and creative tools in order to increase sales, boost revenue and harbour culture and community.

She plans to apply these same strategies to bring more tourists to the area, putting Duns on the map and showing off the beautiful attractions it has to offer.

Additionally, they will to support the Dobie family by producing promotional material for their Airbnb business.

In a statement in support of their application, the couple state: “The Dobie family would like us to relocate here in order to utilise our expertise in online marketing, communications, community building, photography, social media.

“They are also interested in our skills in areas such as organisational development, building management, landscaping and gardening, events, catering and mental health support.

“So as you can see this really is our very best shot at having a home. We’ve spent the last year hopping between four of our family homes, trying to save money and finish the build. There isn’t a plan B.”

In a statement in support of the planning bid, Charlotte Dobie says: “I have got to know Pasco and Amy over the past few months and have found them to be very likeable and enthusiastic to make a success of living and working in Abbey St Bathans.

“We need more young families to keep our village alive and thriving. We always have more people wanting to come to live here than there are houses available, so more affordable houses would be great.”