IT is regarded as one of the region's most significant historical sites.

And it needs some friends.

A public meeting is being held next Tuesday (January 24) to look at the establishment of a Friends of the Auld Kirk group.

The meeting follows a recent archaeological survey at the Selkirk graveyard which uncovered the underground remains of a medieval chapel where William Wallace is believed to have been made Guardian of Scotland in 1297.

A series of events took place in September last year to increase awareness of the significance of the site within Scottish history as well as reinforcing the link to William Wallace.

Next week's meeting has been arranged as part of the Selkirk Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme.

Project officer Colin Gilmour said: “We were hopeful that the discovery made during the archaeological survey and the resulting events last September would encourage the development of further initiatives to secure this important site for the future, and this public meeting is the first step.

“We need to develop ideas and projects to safeguard the site for the future, enhances its interpretation and ensure its upkeep, and the support and involvement of the local community is key to that.”

The meeting is being held in the County Hotel, Selkirk at 7pm and is likely to last around an hour.