Crime author donates to community pub buy out

Crime writer Ian Rankin has donated an undisclosed sum to help save the 17th Century Crook Inn pub in Tweedsmuir.

The Scottish author of the Inspector Rebus books has put his hands in his pocket to help the campaign to raise £160,000 by the end of the year.

The local community decided to try and save the pub, after it was bought over in 2006.

If they fail in their bid, the 400-year-old pub could be turned into housing.

The pub was a watering hole for other literary figures, including Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.

The group has raised over £110,000 so far. Campaign brochures appealing for help to raise the last £50,000 will go out to 30,000 homes next week.

All donations are being welcomed.