GARDENERS in Tweeddale are searching for a philanthropist in a bid to save under-threat allotments at an historic site.

Peebles Community Trust says it is appealing for a buyer to purchase allotments at the town’s March Street Mill.

As previously reported, a ruling at Selkirk Sheriff Court saw the site removed from the right-to-buy register – throwing the future of the land into uncertainty.

The land is owned by Ayr-based Moorbrook Textiles, part of Stockholm firm Lindengruppen, which hopes to sell the former March Street Mills and allotments for redevelopment.

Scott Rae, chairman of the Peebles Community Trust, said: “We are looking for someone who has the means to buy the site and allow us the time to raise the funds to carry out due diligence to bring part of the site into community ownership.

“Failing that, we want to talk to potential buyers or the successful buyer to persuade them to do the best for Peebles in terms of much-needed supported care accommodation, some economic activities and social housing.

“All we want to do is to ensure that March Street Mill, which has been the heart of the economic life of Peebles for so long, continues to play a significant role in the town. Without jobs, Peebles is just a dormitory town for many people.”

Mr Rae says the Community Trust is supporting, as a bottom line, the Rosetta Road allotments holders in their wish to have them transferred into community ownership.

The former mill workers’ family plots were established 80 years ago during the Second World War Dig for Britain campaign.

Mr Rae added: “It involves up to a hundred families and contributes to the well-being and mental health of many people, as well as providing local produce with zero food miles.

“There is a waiting list for allotments in Peebles and the drive to grow more produce locally and reduce food miles is now official government policy.

“Any developer needs the community on their side, and we can help to create a development on this important town centre site that suits everyone, including any new owner.”

This newspaper has contacted Lindengruppen on a number of occasions, but has not received a comment.