A hotel that first operated as an inn 278 years ago and was later used as a meeting place for a famous writer's dining club has been sold.

Smith and Clough Business Associates handled the sale of the hotel which is claimed to have been frequented by the Forest Club, whose members were also said to have included Mungo Park and Prince Leopold of Belgium.

Sir Walter Scott was one of the "most prominent" members of the dining club. 

A statue of Sir Walter Scott at the Scott Monument in EdinburghA statue of Sir Walter Scott at the Scott Monument in Edinburgh (Image: Getty Images)

Graeme Smith, of Smith and Clough, said: "We are delighted to announce the sale of the County Hotel in the historic borders town of Selkirk.

"Thank you to Graham Wilson at McKee Campbell Morrison, who acted for the buyer and to Clark Boyle & Co, who acted for our clients and ensured a successful completion."

The name of the buyer has not yet been disclosed.

Located on the High Street and dating from 1746 when it then traded as the Grapes Inn, the property is "instantly recognisable due to its whitewashed façade and pillared entrance", with an archway that leads to the private parking to the rear.


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The County Hotel has nine rooms, a lounge bar, function room and restaurant. The property is split over three levels, with separate access to the function room and owner's flat.

Smith and Clough Business Associates said its clients had bought the hotel in 2018 and had "spent a lot of time and effort refurbishing the premises and establishing it as a well-known and reputable business within the town".

The value of the sale was not made public but the hotel had been marketed at offers "in excess of £380,000" for the freehold.