Tweeddale MP David Mundell last weekend visited an archaeological excavation of what is believed may be a Dark Age settlement in the Manor Valley.
The Scottish Dark Ages are a little-known period of history, yet were one of the most dynamic and dramatic times when the country was just beginning to be formed.
The picture shows what may be a Dark Age house beginning to emerge from its hidden past. It would have housed a family of up to 20 people.
The site is rare in that it was simply abandoned and much of it never subsequently ploughed over, so with the naked eye one can still make out the shapes of around 50 houses, yards and fields.
The research is being carried out by the Arthur Trail Association and its consultants, AOC Archaeology Group.