Councillors have voted to fund the refurbishment of the ‘Old Firm’ pavilion at Gala Hotspur FC.

Sitting at a meeting of the Galashiels common good sub-committee, councillors unanimously agreed to provide £3,250 to repair the roof and exterior of the club’s facilities.

The pavilion was originally built in 1906 using funds raised by staging exhibition games against Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts.

However, as we reported last week, despite the continued efforts of the club to keep the pavilion up and running, it’s fallen into disrepair due to its age and incidents of vandalism.

Thomas Dalgliesh, the chairman of Gala Hotspur FC, said: “It’s been a long haul, getting the Ts crossed and the Is dotted, but we’ve got there in the end and can now start a new chapter for the club.

“We can go ahead and tell the workmen to get the refurbishments started, get a fresh lick of paint on it and get the roof and tiles sorted.

“We think it’ll not only enhance the building but the local area and community as well.”

The work will include repairing damaged roof tiles, repainting the exterior of the building and fitting new ornate timber mouldings to replace rotted wooden beams.

Approving the application, Galashiels councillor Euan Jardine, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for culture and sport, said: “I’m happy to support this. I think the legacy that this club has, as well as the fact this pavilion is a community asset as well as a club asset, makes me vote in favour.”

The club has also applied for £5,000 from the council’s community grant scheme, but that has yet to be discussed.