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First step in restoring old Robert Burns inn approved

BBC A run down former pub in the south of Scotland town of Sanquhar over three storeys with paint peeling from its frontBBC
The property in Sanquhar - which is now derelict - was immortalised in verse by Robert Burns

A first step towards bringing one of Robert Burns' favourite pubs back into use has been given the all-clear.

The local community has stepped in to restore the former Whigham's Inn in Sanquhar - immortalised by the poet in verse.

The prominent property in the heart of the town has fallen into disrepair over decades.

Approval has been given to use dry ice paint removal on the facade of the property in order to get it ready for a wider repairs programme.

A plaque on the side of a building celebrating Robert Burns visits to the Whigham Inn and the poem he wrote about the site
A plaque on the building marks its links to the poet

The Sanquhar Enterprise Company (SEC) has estimated the full overhaul of the property could cost close to £3m.

The cleaning work needs to be done in order to fully understand the condition of the brickwork below.

Dry ice cleaning is also known as cryogenic cleaning and uses dry ice pellets.

It is described as a "non-abrasive, eco-friendly method" of paint removal that freezes the paint on contact and causing it to contract and be easily removed without damaging the structure underneath.

Plans are in place to store some of the peeling paint from the front of the building for archaeological records.

A rear view of a derelict put with open brickwork and a metal fence beside it
The removal of paintwork on the front of the building is part of wider plans to bring it back into use

"The building was not intended to be painted with modern paint, and the appearance given by the paint detracts from the overall quality of Sanquhar High Street," said a supporting statement for the plans.

"Whatever the eventual decision for the street face of the building, it will look better than the existing paint finish.

"The paint is peeling and in poor condition, so its current condition detracts from the appearance of the conservation area."

The council has approved the work on condition that it starts within the next three years.

A street view of Sanquhar town centre with cars parked and a number of properties along the road
A supporting statement says removal of the paintwork will improve the look of the prominent property

At Whigham's Inn, Sanquhar by Robert Burns

Envy, if thy jaundiced eye,

Through this window chance to spy,

To thy sorrow thou shalt find,

All that's generous, all that's kind,

Friendship, virtue, every grace,

Dwelling in this happy place.