THE spotlight was shone on Kelso as the town celebrated the conclusion of two major town centre projects.

On Thursday, Kelso Laddie Ross Henderson unveiled the completed streetscape works in the town’s Square, which includes a newly-carved Kelso crest in the entrance to the Town Hall.

Earlier in the day, the Horsemarket Business Centre was officially opened by Councillor Ron Smith, Executive Member for Planning and Environment at Scottish Borders Council.

The £2million streetscape works are designed to improve the town’s historic square and surrounding streets through the introduction of pedestrian crossing points, wider footways and re-pointed and re-laid cobbles. There is also additional on-street parking, bus stops and loading areas and improved facilities for community events, with the introduction of electrical points for civic events as well as an electric vehicle charging point.

Stone sourced from Scotland was used for the new benches and planters in the town centre, while the sandstone for the widened footways came from the north of England. The project, developed with Kelso Stakeholders Group, was funded by SBC, Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Meanwhile, the £800,000 Horsemarket Business Centre, built by local firm M & J Ballantyne, incorporates five business units, new public toilets and two bus shelters. A digital tourist information point is to be installed in the coming weeks.

The centre was also supported by SBC and the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as the European Regional Development Fund.

Councillor Smith said: “I am delighted to open the Horsemarket Business Centre, which will provide social and economic benefits to Kelso.

“An unsightly toilet block has been replaced by a building that meets modern environmental standards with solar panels on the roof to generate electricity, air source heat pumps to limit the energy consumption and a high level of thermal insulation.

“However, these modern adaptations are part of a building designed to fit with the historic heart of Kelso, complementing and enhancing the area, with traditional materials used for the external cladding of the property, following consultation.” All three Kelso councillors have welcomed the streetscape improvements, which were carried out by SBc Contracts.

Councillor Simon Mountford said: “The completed works provide an enhanced environment for both local residents and visitors, while respecting and protecting the historic setting of the town centre.” And Councillor Alec Nicol added: “These improvements have been discussed for many years and I am so pleased to see it come to fruition for the benefit of Kelso.” The improvements following months of upheaval in the town, with some local businesses claiming the construction work and road closures have driven business away.

Councillor Tom Weatherston said: “It is great to see the finished result and I believe the Kelso community and visitors will be equally impressed with the completed scheme.”