St. Ronan's Wells, Innerleithen: Community Asset Transfer Request

Scottish Borders Council received a Community Asset Transfer request from St Ronan’s Wells Support Group SCIO to purchase St Ronan’s Wells, Wells Brae, Innerleithen.

As required under Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, the request and supporting documents were made available for public comment. The public notification period ran for four weeks, from Monday, 13 July 2026 to Sunday, 9 August 2026. 

We asked the community for views on the proposed transfer and invited comments:

• through the Council’s online consultation form;
• by email;
• by post; or
• by handing a written response into Innerleithen Library Contact Centre.

The purpose of the public notification period was to understand local views on the proposal and ensure these could be considered as part of the assessment of the Community Asset Transfer request.

We received 50 responses during the public notification period:

• 8 responses through the online consultation form; and
• 42 responses by email.

All 50 responses expressed support for the Community Asset Transfer request. The responses demonstrated strong support from people living in Innerleithen, as well as from others with personal, family or historical connections to the town and the Wells.

A number of clear and consistent themes emerged.

Strong support for community ownership

Respondents believed that community ownership offered the best opportunity to protect the Wells and secure its long-term future. Many felt that the site should remain accessible to the community and be managed by people with a strong local interest in its success.

There was confidence that the St Ronan’s Wells Support Group SCIO had the commitment, knowledge and community backing needed to take the project forward. Respondents also referred positively to the group’s proposals and the work already undertaken by local volunteers.

The historical and cultural importance of the Wells

Many respondents described the Wells as an important part of Innerleithen’s history, identity and heritage. The building and grounds were viewed as a distinctive local landmark with strong cultural significance.

Responses referred to:

• the history and architecture of the building;
• the Wells’ literary and heritage connections;
• its importance to local traditions;
• its continuing role in St Ronan’s Border Games Week; and
• the personal and family memories associated with the site.

A recurring view was that the Wells should be preserved for future generations.

Bringing the building back into use

Respondents supported the opportunity to restore the building and bring it back into active community use. Suggestions and anticipated benefits included:

• creating a heritage and visitor attraction;
• providing space for community events, exhibitions and activities;
• establishing a venue for learning, wellbeing and cultural activities;
• creating opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the history of the Wells; and
• supporting wider tourism and economic activity in the town.

Several respondents felt that the Wells had significant unrealised potential and that community ownership could help it become an active and valued local facility once again.

The contribution of local volunteers

The work already undertaken by volunteers, particularly in maintaining and improving the gardens, was frequently recognised.

Respondents felt this demonstrated:

• sustained community commitment to the site;
• local pride in the Wells;
• the ability of volunteers to care for and improve the grounds; and
• the level of interest likely to support the property under community ownership.

The gardens were described as a valued place for residents and visitors, as well as evidence of what could be achieved through local involvement.

Concerns about the condition of the property

A significant number of respondents raised concerns about the condition of the building and the level of investment that would be required to restore it.

Some respondents were critical of the historic management and maintenance of the property by the Council and considered that the building had been allowed to deteriorate. These comments reflected concern that, without action, an important part of the town’s heritage could be lost.

Respondents wanted the condition of the property and the likely cost of restoration to be taken into account when the Community Asset Transfer request was assessed.

Support for transfer at a nominal value

A recurring theme was that the property should be transferred to the community for a minimal, nominal or token sum.

Respondents felt this would:

• recognise the building’s condition and the investment required;
• allow available funding to be directed towards repairs and restoration;
• support the long-term viability of the project; and
• acknowledge the work already undertaken by community volunteers.

Although not every response commented specifically on the proposed purchase price, those that did were consistently supportive of a low or nominal transfer value.

Community and visitor benefits

Respondents believed the transfer could create wider benefits for Innerleithen and the surrounding area.

Potential benefits identified included:

• protecting an important local heritage asset;
• providing additional community space;
• supporting local events and traditions;
• improving the visitor experience;
• attracting visitors interested in the history of the Wells;
• supporting tourism and local businesses; and
• creating a sustainable future for the building and grounds.

Overall, respondents viewed the proposed transfer as an opportunity to protect the Wells while allowing it to make a renewed contribution to community life.

Following the close of the public notification period, all responses were:

• collated and reviewed;
• anonymised or redacted where necessary to protect respondents’ personal information;
• shared with the St Ronan’s Wells Support Group SCIO; and
• used to inform the officer assessment and report on the Community Asset Transfer request.

The responses helped demonstrate the level of community support for the proposed transfer. They also ensured that the assessment reflected the issues that mattered most to respondents, including:

• the historical and cultural importance of the Wells;
• the benefits of community ownership;
• the future use and accessibility of the site;
• the contribution of volunteers;
• the condition of the building;
• the investment required to restore it; and
• the strong preference for transfer at a nominal value.

The officer report, including the findings from the public notification period, was considered by the Asset Transfer Officers Group.

The Community Asset Transfer request was approved, allowing the St Ronan’s Wells Support Group SCIO the opportunity to purchase St Ronan’s Wells for £1, subject to the terms and conditions set out by the Council.

The decision reflected the strength of the proposal, the anticipated community benefits and the clear support expressed during the public notification period.