Council apologise for Mercat Cross works

Scottish Borders Council confirmed a three-way traffic light system was put in place at the junction between Scott Crescent, Elm Row and Church Street to allow scaffolding to be erected.

The local landmark, which places a central role in the summer’s festivities, was damaged in an accident on March 12, and Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has been working on a resolution since.

An SBC spokesperson said: “We apologise for the disruption caused by these emergency works.

“The current position is that the council has assessed the damage to the Mercat Cross, obtained estimated costs for re-instatement from a local specialist building contractor and is in negotiation with the van driver’s insurance company to agree the insurance claim.

“Meanwhile, the building contractor has been instructed to undertake the re-instatement works and provided there are no unforeseen issues, it is anticipated the works would be completed in time for the Braw Lads’ Gathering at the end of June.” The spokesperson added: “In order to undertake the re-instatement works safely, it is likely that traffic lights will be needed again for its duration. Unfortunately this cannot be avoided and we apologise in advance for any disruption these works will cause.” Meanwhile, ex principal of the Braw Lads’ Gathering, Alan Cowburgh, has called for a time capsule to be placed inside the Cross during its reconstruction.

He has suggested it could be put together by the Braw Lads’ Gathering committee, Old Gala Club and SBC.

But an SBC spokesperson said: "We have not received any requests to insert a time capsule into the base of the Mercat Cross, the bottom section of which has now been completed as part of our efforts to ensure the works are finished in time for the Braw Lads Gathering.

"Inclusion of a time capsule would mean that the Cross would need to be taken apart at some point in the future and of course these current works are only being undertaken as a result of the damage caused by a vehicle."