Ambitious plans to transform an Eyemouth guest house into a cultural and social hub will add to the vitality of the seaside town, planners have concluded.

The six-bedroom Glenerne Guest House at Albert Road in Eyemouth has a long history as a gateway site to the town, offering lodging and accommodation to visitors and contractors.

Now a planning application to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) for the change of use of the building to include retail, a coffee shop and a gallery has been endorsed.

The proposal seeks to assist in “revitalising the guest house via the vision of its new owners”.

placeholder image — Glenerne Guest House.

The use of the conservatory, hallway and existing dining room would be for a gallery and sales space for local artists to showcase and sell their work, including the owners, as a dedicated space for this activity within Eyemouth.

The dining room, currently used for guest house breakfasts, would also become a coffee shop that would further provide a diverse income stream supporting the primary use of the site as a guest house.

In his report approving the application, Paul Duncan, SBC planning officer, states: “The proposed development would contribute to the vitality of the town centre, adding to the mix of uses nearby.

“It is considered that the proposed development would not detract from the character and amenity of the surrounding area.

“The surrounding land uses include residential, church/community uses and the harbour area and associated activities. In principle, the proposed café and gallery should not conflict with these established land uses.”

A report with the application stated: “Their goal for The Glenerne is to make it one of the central providers to the community offering accommodation, refreshments, entertainment and a retail outlet for local artists as ancillary uses to the primary guest house, and outside event space with limited use.

“This diversification of income streams via ancillary uses is likely to ensure a continued use of the house as guest house, whilst creating a further vibrant cultural offering for the town of Eyemouth.

“Given there are aspirations via a masterplan to transform Eyemouth into a major hub for the UK’s offshore wind and marine economy, continued visitor and contractor accommodation will be essential to the town’s offer and this application seeks to strengthen The Glenerne’s ability to continue to offer this facility.”