Jedburgh looks set to lose its cottage hospital

Its board members agreed the move as part of a strategy of major changes in health provision for the region.

Campaigners against the move have vowed to fight on as the plan now goes to the health minister for final approval.

NHS Borders has proposed a palliative care bed in Jedburgh and extra beds in Kelso in order to cope with the two cottage hospital closures.

The decision came after a lengthy debate on a package of health measures for the Scottish Borders.

Angry reaction

These include a new emergency care centre at Borders General Hospital, a shake-up in mental health services and a greater focus on care in the home.

Despite considerable public protest, however, the NHS board decided there was no room in their "Fit for the Future" plans for the cottage hospitals.

The move has provoked an angry reaction with Tory MSP Derek Brownlee calling on the Scottish Executive to veto the proposal.

Scottish National Party MSP Christine Grahame claimed NHS Borders had shown contempt for local people in its actions.