A HISTORIC piece of Peebles' railway history is set to be transferred into the ownership of a town trust.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has approved the asset transfer request of the old station building by Peebles Community Trust.

The trust will take on the task of raising funds for the restoration of the site.

The building, the last of its kind in the area, has been used for various purposes throughout its history.

Originally part of the railway, it later became the local coal merchant’s office.

Malcolm Bruce from Peebles Community Trust said: "Peebles Community Trust volunteers have worked for a number of years towards this moment, first by obtaining a long lease on the building and carrying out some necessary repairs and then more recently by making the application for transfer of ownership.

"We are only too well aware that a lot of work will be required to bring the building properly back to life but we are committed to doing what is required to heritage standards thus protecting the history of the building and in particular the railway past.

"The coming of the railway to Peebles in the 1800s brought wealth and prosperity in abundance and we intend to respect that in the way we refurbish the building.

"No decisions have been taken regarding the final use for the building and we would be happy to hear any ideas people may have."

Councillor Simon Mountford, portfolio holder for planning and community assets, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the trust to develop and restore a local building that has great historical significance.

"Throughout the years the building has been used for several purposes, originally as part of the railway, and after that the local coal merchant’s office.

"It has been a focal point for the town for decades and returning the building back to its former glory will undoubtedly be a positive for the local area."

The transfer of ownership was made possible through the community asset transfer process.

It allows community bodies to request to use, lease or purchase land and buildings owned by public authorities such as SBC.