Friday February 20th 2026
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Plans have been revealed for a mini-caravan site in a small rural community three miles outside of Kelso.
An application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council to form five pitches for touring caravans with improved track and a new gateway on land to the north and east of the Old School House at Makerstoun.
Makerstoun has a population of dozens rather than hundreds.
It is located on the River Tweed, is a historic estate and parish defined by its 16th-century, later remodeled, Makerstoun House and the long-standing ownership of the Makdougall family.
The Old School House and associated land are currently used for dog agility training.
The new application has been submitted by Duns-based The Fifth Lord Biddulph’s Trust, with the stated aim to “bring another source of diversified income into the estate”.
A report in support of the application, from Duns-based Richard Amos Architecture, states: “The entrance into the caravan paddock will be formed with fencing and a gate.
“Discreet lighting will be placed at the entrance and further fencing will be erected to delineate the caravan paddock from the service entrance to The Old School.
“The site benefits from an existing electric and mains water supply. Each pitch will be served by an electric point and water stand pipe.
“As the chemical present within touring caravan cassettes are detrimental to the operation of a septic tank, it is proposed to install a cesspit tank. This will allow visitors to empty their cassette.
“A service agreement will be procured with a provider to ensure the cesspit is emptied periodically.
“The proposal is located in an area whereby visitors to the area are well placed to visit local towns without affecting the residential amenity of surrounding residential houses.
“The proposal will bring additional footfall to the area to help the local economy. The proposal will also bring additional, diversified income to the estate.”
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