CONSTRUCTION of the new building which will house the Great Tapestry of Scotland will begin "in the very near future", it has been confirmed.
Scottish Borders Council Leader David Parker revealed the timetable for work on the new visitor attraction in Tweedbank in his newsletter to local residents.
He announced work will begin on site this month to prepare for the building opening in the spring of 2017.
Councillor Parker said: "In the very near future, early preparation works will begin on the site which will involve site clearance and the removal of a number of trees that are required to allow the project to take place.
"I anticipate that the site works will begin in December. In the early stages of the project, a living screen will be installed around the site which will provide an environmental view and, when construction begins, hoardings giving more information about the project and further visual images of the design will be on site.
"Work is due to commence on the construction of the building in March of 2016 with the building opening in the spring of 2017, around April or May."
The Great Tapestry of Scotland will be housed in a new purpose-built building on land opposite the entrance to the village's rail terminus, which links the Borders with Edinburgh.
On the ground floor, the centre will include a reception, shop, public toilets, cafe, temporary exhibition space and an education area. The first floor will house a gallery to display the Tapestry.
Councillor Parker also confirmed entrance to the ground floor of the building will be free and admission will only be charged to view the Tapestry.
In addition, he said: "It is anticipated that a special arrangement will be put in place so that those who pay to see the Tapestry will be able to return either for free, or at some type of discounted rate, but admission details are still to be finalised."
The cash-strapped council has attracted criticism for agreeing to help fund the £6million project while local authority budgets are being slashed.
But it is hoped it will attract more visitors to the area and begin the neighbouring industrial estate's transformation into a business park, bringing with it new investment - and jobs.
Councillor Parker added: "Lots has been written about the Tapestry but, believe you me, not all that you have read is accurate, so if Tweedbank residents do have any questions about the project please don't hesitate to contact me."
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