A HISTORIC former auction mart could be transformed into business units, offices and workshops under ambitious community plans.

Residents in and around East Linton are making a bid to develop the site, known as the Old Saleground.

The two-acre site includes the well-known octagonal auction mart building that stood for many years at the heart of the rural economy as a centre for trading livestock.

Now, the site, near Orchardfield, in the village, could once again be thriving under the ambitious proposals.

Andrew Turner, who is one of those who has been involved since the start, said a valuation of the site would be carried out in the coming weeks.

He said: “The funding avenue that we are investigating just now is the through the Scottish Land Fund, so we need to get a valuation done for them.

“Until that is done, we do not really know what the figure is.

“Buying the site will be the cheap part and developing the site will be quite a costly thing.” A series of meetings have been held in the village to gauge public opinion and to decide on a way forward.

Already, a feasibility study is being carried out to see what is practical for the site.

Judith Priest, chairwoman of Dunpender Community Council, was among those backing the idea.

She said: “The Saleground is an important part of East Linton’s history and could once again be a real asset to the community.

“These plans sound like a great use of an iconic building and have the full support of Dunpender Community Council.” The scheme gained support when a small group of residents got together and started to discuss what could be done to develop the site.

Surveys carried out by East Lothian Council and Sustaining Dunbar have identified there is a need for local jobs, training opportunities, business premises, studios and social spaces, all of which could be catered for on the site.

If successful, the site could once again be the focus of trading and community involvement in the area by encouraging enterprise and business start-ups, training and education.

Once the site is established, a management team made up of local people will decide how any surplus profits are ploughed back in to develop the site further.

It is hoped that by providing the right mix of facilities on the site, a diverse range of social enterprises, commercial businesses, community groups, artists, craftspeople and charities will be able to work together and cooperate which will be to everyone’s benefit.

The village’s primary school has shown an interest in being involved through indoor/outdoor activities including food growing, cooking, learning practical skills and sustainability.

Dunbar and East Linton councillor Michael Veitch was another keen to find out more.

Mr Veitch said: “I’m extremely excited about proposals to bring the historic auction mart back into use.

“This is an iconic and historically important building in East Linton, and I congratulate those who have had the vision to pursue this.

“The most important element will be to ensure there is a high level of consultation with local people who I’m sure will be keen to have their say.” A launch event takes place next Sunday (August 31) in East Linton Community Hall from 11am to 4pm, where everyone is invited to learn more about the project.

A survey will also be completed, with the views forming part of the feasibility study.