A ROW has erupted over the African wood used to build Selkirk's new footbridge.

The 90-metre long structure which connects Bannerfield with the rest of the town was lowered into place last month.

And its new shape and design has been warmly welcomed.

But it has emerged that the timber, commonly called Ekki, used in its construction was harvested around 4,000 miles away in the forests of western Africa.

Environmentalist Doug Purves, who lives close to the Bannerfield bridge, said: "We are all happy that the bridge is finally open but it is made of wood that was chopped down in a rainforest.

"We are supposed to be watching our carbon footprint - surely wood could have been sourced nearer to Selkirk than Africa.

"We have a sawmill and plenty forestry just two miles from the bridge."

Mr Purves has already raised the matter with former Environment minister, Paul Wheelhouse.

He added: "Mr Wheelhouse was unaware where the wood had come from and so, it appears, were the Scottish Government. We should be using local timber for these projects."

The new footbridge is the latest milestone in the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme.

The steel and timber structure is wider than its predecessor, to allow for wheelchair and buggy access, as well as higher to prevent it flooding.

Scott Marr from flood defence contractor RJ McLeod stated: "The type of timber is specified by the architect who designed the bridge - all we did was fit it into place.

"I know the timber is called Ekki and it has come from overseas."

Ekki wood is harvested in the forests of Cameroon, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast.

Designers use the reddish hardwood due to its durability, good weathering and resistance to insect attacks.

Selkirkshire councillor Michelle Ballantyne has defended its use in Selkirk.

She said: "There will be a reason that this type of timber had to be used."

Once the Flood Protection Scheme is completed, a total of 595 properties in the Bannerfield, Philiphaugh and Riverside areas of Selkirk will be protected from the risk of a major flood event.