A NEW petanque piste proposed for the Borders may have to be built on stilts to avoid damaging the site of an ancient burial ground which includes the heart of Robert the Bruce - the 14th century warrior, king of Scotland, brought to life in blockbuster movie Braveheart.

Community councillors heard the group behind the project were awaiting permission from Historic Scotland to develop the site next to Melrose Abbey.

Members were told that it is hoped to build two pistes in time for a summer opening after the project was given the thumbs up following a recent visit of a national umpire in the sport.

But it is feared any delays could scupper the plans after similar proposals to build a skatepark nearby took so long to be approved that many of its members had moved on before their half-pipe dream could become a reality.

Last year, the Border Telegraph revealed that Melrose is set to follow the French example by building a Petanque piste.

Local resident Peter Harrington, who helped found the Tweed Valley Pentanque Club, revealed he had a list of 22 people interested in forming a club to promote the sport, whose rules are similar to green bowls.

Petanque is a form of boules played by two teams of one, two or three players on a hard surface such as compacted ground and gravel using metal boules and a brightly coloured jack called a 'piglet’.