CONCERNS are growing that a historic Peeblesshire site in 'desperate need' of renovation could fall into a state beyond repair.

The visitor centre at Innerleithen's St Ronan's Wells is currently closed – as it has been for much of the past three years.

It reopened briefly to play its key part in St Ronan's Games Week last month thanks to the clean-up efforts of volunteers.

And they would like to see the attraction transformed under suggestions outlined to charity Live Borders, which manages the site.

The first proposal is to renovate the house into a self-catering holiday let, with the costs covered by Live Borders and crowdfunding efforts.

On behalf of volunteers, May, Barbara and Wilma Allan said: "We feel many locals and expats would be glad to donate to this very worthy cause.

"Sponsorship from fundraising events would also go towards the work which is so desperately needed.

"Once the work was completed, the self-catering holiday let would pay for itself."

Volunteers would also like to see a small kitchen added to the visitor hub, as well as a gift area for local crafters.

The third suggestion is that the centre and grounds surrounding the Wells be promoted as a destination for small weddings, receptions, parties, photoshoots and meetings of local groups.

The spokeswomen added: "We realise that parts of this process would include unwanted tasks but we feel so passionately about our heritage, we'd be happy to roll up our sleeves and physically help in any way possible and we're sure we wouldn't be alone.

"These are just thoughts in our heads but if they, or anyone else's ideas, could come to fruition it would be a dream come true.

"With Innerleithen looking forward to celebrating St Ronan's Border Games' bicentenary in 2027, wouldn't it be fitting for such a venture to be up, running and established?"

A special ceremony is held at the wells as part of the Cleikum Ceremonies during Games Week.

The site is noted in the works of Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns.

In July Scottish Borders Council agreed in principle to take back the running of some services from cash-strapped Live Borders.

In September the local authority will meet again to consider the future running of cultural and community services, such as museums.

A Live Borders spokesperson said St Ronan's Wells pavilion was among the properties where a survey on its condition would be carried out. Options for the site would then be outlined.

“This work is particularly focused on properties which meet various criteria, including high repair/maintenance costs, decreasing user numbers, increased running costs and where there is the potential to relocate or co-locate services,” they added.