The completion of repair work to Galashiels’ historic Mercat Cross has been welcomed by the chairman of the town’s annual summer festival.
The monument, which dates back to 1867, plays a significant role in the Braw Lads’ Gathering, but it was damaged last month after a van collided with it.
Scottish Borders Council recently instructed a local building contractor to carry out the specialist repairs after initial discussions with the van driver’s insurance company, and the local authority has now announced the work has been completed.
Braw Lads’ Gathering chairman, David Houston, says he is delighted the work has been finished well ahead of this year’s festival, which takes at the end of June.
“I always had confidence that Scottish Borders Council would push the repairs through,” he told The Southern this week.
“It’s good to see it wasn’t as badly damaged as first thought. Thanks go to the council and Murray & Burrell for their quick work.”