SELKIRK Merchant Company has chosen Edith Scott as its 2015 Personality of the Year.

She received the James Oliver Memorial Award at the company’s winter function, held in Selkirk Rugby Club’s Philiphaugh Suite on Friday night.

The award recognises the exceptional contribution Edith has made to the Selkirk community over many years, including her huge input into the town’s Scott’s Selkirk festival, her work with the Chamber of Trade, as well as her continuing involvement with the Rotary Club of Selkirk.

Before presenting Edith with the James Oliver Shield, Merchant Company Master Douglas Hogarth praised the 2015 recipient’s selfless commitment to Selkirk, saying Edith, “would do anything to help anybody”.

She received a commemorative framed certificate from Selkirk Merchant Company’s 2015 Standard Bearer, David Nichol.

Born in Selkirk and having attended Philiphaugh Primary and Selkirk High schools, Edith played hockey for the South of Scotland and had an international trial for Scotland.

She also qualified as a swimming instructor and acted as timekeeper at the 1970 Commonwealth Games.

She joined the Southern Reporter as a 15-year-old, rising up the ranks from office receptionist to become group advertising manager of the Tweeddale Press Group in a career spanning 43 years with the weekly newspaper organisation.

In 1999 Mrs Scott became the first Lady Rotarian in the Borders, and is the Rotary Club of Selkirk’s current president, having first held that position in 2003/2004.

Other posts currently held include treasurer of the South of Scotland Kidney Association and board member with the Stable Life equestrian organisation at Dryden.

Edith’s husband Peter, who was Selkirk’s 1971 Royal Burgh Standard Bearer, accompanied her at Friday night’s function.

After the ceremony, Mrs Scott said she felt very honoured to have been chosen for the award, and thanked Selkirk Merchant Company’s members for all their kindness and good wishes.

Previous winners of the James Oliver Memorial Award are Ella Phaup, Stewart Roberts, Rev. Bill Laing, Jim Newlands, John Smail, Fiona Scott, Billy Stark, Jim Marshall, Jake Wheelans, Graham Coulson, Colin Kemp, Joyce Wright, Graham Easton and David Mitchell.