AFTER the jubilee beacons comes the flame of the Olympic Torch. Day 27 of its 8,000 mile journey through the UK on its way to London brings it to the Borders next Thursday.
From Edinburgh to Alnwick it will pass through Eddleston (approx 11.11am), Peebles (11.22), Innerleithen (11.53), Walkerburn (12.04pm), Selkirk (12.34), Galashiels (1.16), Earlston (2.29), Gordon (2.53), Greenlaw (3.07), Duns (3.29), Chirnside (4pm) and Foulden (4.21).
The flame will be ferried in a transport convoy but carried through the communities by a relay of torch bearers.
The route through Peebles is from Edinburgh Road on to Innerleithen road.
At Innerleithen, the torch will pass through the town that each summer hosts the oldest organised sporting meeting in Scotland – the St Ronan’s Border Games, instituted in 1827. A host of events are planned to mark the relay run. Local school pupils will be joined by those from Redhall School in Edinburgh.
The torch arrives in Selkirk on the eve of the town’s Common Riding and will be welcomed by Royal Burgh Standard Bearer Gavin Henderson and Provost Les Millar. It will be carried from Lingle Road, across the Ettrick, up Yarrow Terrace, the Green and the West Port to the Market Place. Runners will take it down Ettrick Terrace on its journey to Galashiels.
In Galashiels the torch will be carried from the Public Park to Gala Fairydean FC’s ground at Netherdale where it will be greeted by 2,000 schoolchildren. The Netherdale event lasts from 12.30pm to 2pm and the torch will be carried into the field by a mystery VIP.
At Earlston the flame will be carried along the A68 and on to the High Street heading for Gordon and its journey through Berwickshire and onwards to England.
A Final Flame fun night takes place in the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels from 7pm organised by some of the bearers but open to all. Look out for posters with details.