Residents in the Borders facing a court battle to save their homes can now access free help from a housing law advisor.
The service is being provided by Shelter Scotland, and will mean a legal advisor will cover the local courts to help people facing eviction or repossession.
Stuart Gillies will work as a ‘lay rep’ alongside the charity’s team of solicitors to help struggling tenants and homeowners.
Eleanor Hamilton, principal solicitor at Shelter Scotland, said: “Being able to offer this new service is a huge boost to our legal team and significantly increases our capacity and capability to support and represent our clients in court.
“There is a shortage of lay reps across Scotland and so this is great news for struggling tenants and homeowners.
“Where people in the past may have had to appear in court without legal representation, there is now a much better chance of getting the vital support and advice they need.”
Mr Gillies previously volunteered with In-Court Advice Service in Aberdeen.