Plans to convert landmark Midlothian pub into holiday accommodation

An historic inn, which had to be rebuilt after it was destroyed by a blaze, could be turned into holiday accommodation by its owners after lying vacant during lockdown.
Stock Pic Greg Macvean.  Leadburn InnStock Pic Greg Macvean.  Leadburn Inn
Stock Pic Greg Macvean. Leadburn Inn

Owners of the Leadburn Inn, near Penicuik, D & A Leisure, hope to change the fortunes of the pub which has struggled to recover from the accident nearly 15 years ago. They have applied for planning permission to turn the site into self-catering holiday lets pointing out it sits on the gateway to the Scottish Borders.

The original inn dated back to 1777, but in 2005 it was destroyed after a car crashed into the building, killing the driver and setting the building alight. It had been bought by D & A just two years earlier and they rebuilt the inn. However, in a statement to Midlothian Council, the owners said it did not reopen until 2010 and has failed to recover fully.

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It said: “The owners operated the business for a short period of time however after suffering from ill health they were forced to let the business out. Over the years a number of operatives from a variety of different companies have taken on the lease but have never managed to make their ventures work, even with the owners passing on incentives to help the respective businesses get off and running.”

The current tenants moved out in March and the inn has lain empty since.

Putting forward the case for a change of use for the building, the owners pointed to a bus stop outside the property adding: “The location as a whole is a gateway to many of the Borders tourist attractions, with a mere 17 minute drive to Peebles and Glentress (Forest), it would provide ideal accommodation for cycling parties and adventure seekers alike.”

The application is currently open for comment on the planning website.

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