Missing archive material has been found and returned to the Auld Earlston local history group.
Last week, The Southern revealed how a box of items, including old photographs, had disappeared from a room being used by the club at the local primary school.
However, the mystery was solved when, on reading The Southern’s story, David Bisset from Borders Youth Theatre realised he had been the unwitting culprit.
The box of artefacts has now been retrieved from Earlston Library, where they had been deposited, and returned to Auld Earlston’s safekeeping, via its chairperson, Sheila McKay.
“I am responsible for the confusion. I mistakenly thought I was rescuing the material from likely disposal,” explained Mr Bisset. “I am now only too aware of the criticism which has centred on staff at Earlston Primary since the material was discovered to be missing.
“This is totally unfair and unjustified. I have spoken and apologised to Auld Earlston via Sheila McKay.
“I have spoken to the head teacher of Earlston Primary and am arranging to apologise to her and her staff.”
Mrs McKay said: “We’re delighted to have the artefacts returned and, as far as we are concerned, this draws a line under the matter.”