THE old and the needy are set to benefit further from a generous gift to the town of Galashiels.

When former town clerk George Knox died in 2009, aged 93, he left behind a £419,942 bequest to help the elderly of his hometown.

How that money should be spent had split members of Scottish Borders Council. But towards the end of last year it was agreed to invest the money with interest being donated to the Galashiels Local Relief Fund.

The GLRF, since 1943, has provided discreet financial assistance to the elderly of the town.

Councillor Bill White has now passed over the first cheque for the bequest’s interest to the Fund’s chairman, Tom Purves.

Councillor White said: “The current beneficiaries are all elderly people who’s names have been put forward by councillors, ministers, the Fund’s executive committee, and well-intentioned local people who felt that someone they know could benefit from a little help.” In 1943 Ex Provost Watson made a bequest to the town of £43,000 and also his house in Scott Crescent.

At the end of the war the town council formed a committee of the councillors and professionals to find the best use for this money by way of investment and use of interest to help the elderly.

Local church ministers were added to the committee and the Galashiels Local Relief Fund was established.

Further bequests were received from William Forester of £22,000 and Chris Boyd of £32,500.

Over the decades various other small bequests including numerous coal funds, which had become obsolete were also added to the pot.

The balance of around £108,000 came under the stewardship of the District Council and then Scottish Borders Council.

The annual interest from the Knox bequest, which was £10,064.16, has boosted the pot that the committee can give out this year.

A total of 21 payments are currently being made on a fortnightly basis.

The Fund’s executive committee meets every two weeks to arrange and deliver the cash.

Councillor White added: “Although the Galashiels Local Relief Fund has been in existence since the end of World War Two, it is not too well known by the townspeople of Galashiels - hopefully the Knox bequest will bring its hard work to the fore.” If anyone knows of someone who would benefit from the GLRF they should contact councilor White on 0300 100 0220 or email him at Bill.White@scotborders.gov.uk