Announcing the acquisition of the site, the developer said its vision is to build a range of two, three and four bedroom houses which will be designed to reflect the spirit of the former mill site as well as the heritage of the village structure.

The site has a planning permission in principle and over the next few months Whiteburn Projects will progress with a detailed planning application.

The proposed new-build parcel of the development, which will be released for sale on the open market, will provide a springboard to explore an economically-viable solution for the B-listed Brodie’s Mill building which dates back to 1778, as well as the other associated listed buildings, retained on the site.

Whiteburn Projects will consider and explore the viability of a variety of uses for this very important area of the site.

Whiteburn’s Project director, Eve McCurrich, said: “Our key objective is to bring this historic site in the heart of the village of Innerleithen back to life and create a great place for people to live.

“This is a great opportunity to combine our award-winning skills in residential development with our proven sensitive approach to revitalising and repurposing listed historic and post-industrial buildings.

“We’re at the start of a very exciting process for Caerlee Mill, and I’d be happy to hear from anyone who has sound ideas for the listed buildings which are retained within the site.

“We’re really keen to engage with the local community and my door is open for suggestions that we can consider at this early stage of our proposals for the site.”

Roger Bainbridge, Whiteburn’s newly-appointed team member responsible for design and delivery, added: “With our Caerlee Mill project we hope to show that new-build housing can be designed and delivered with consideration for the heritage of the site at the heart of our proposals.

“We want to collaborate with Scottish Borders Council to deliver an award-winning development that puts Innerleithen on the property map as an incredible place to live, and it is our aim to offer desirable homes where people want to live, in a place where they will be proud to contribute to its future legacy.”