A SAMARITANS call centre in Selkirk has reported a surge in calls for help since the death of Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison almost a fortnight ago.

The 36-year-old's body was discovered the day after he’d posted worrying tweets and disappeared from a hotel in South Queensferry.

The Selkirk singer had suffered from depression for much of his adult life.

Since Scott’s tragic death, call handlers for the Borders Samaritans in Selkirk have witnessed an increase in people wanting to discuss their own mental health issues.

Rosie Davidson, director of Borders Samaritans, told us: “Calls to Samaritans in general have increased following the sad, yet high-profile, death of Scott.

“As a result of a tragedy like this we would sadly expect an increase in callers wanting to talk with us.

“There is a national line open 24 hours a day - 116 123 – and people can also send us a text or an email.”

To highlight the work of Samaritans a former caller who was seeking help - and now volunteers at the Tunbridge Wells branch - is cycling on a tandem from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

And one of her planned 26 stops is in Selkirk.

Rosie added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Rachel to Selkirk, and supporting her challenge.

“In the light of Scott’s battle with depression, we feel this is a particularly poignant time to welcome Rachel and raise the profile of the service we provide.”

“We hope people will look out for her and consider sponsoring the ride.”

Rachel hopes the ride will encourage people to reach out for support, and also consider volunteering.

Rachel said: “The idea behind the tandem is that some challenges are too big to tackle by yourself, and it’s okay to ask for help.

“As a short, fat woman most at home curled up on a sofa, getting fit enough to cycle a thousand miles felt like a ludicrous impossibility – I’d never have managed to make myself do it on my own.

“But with help and support, I might just get there!”

Borders Samaritans relies on volunteers to provide their service and is urgently recruiting.

Visit www.samaritans.org for more information about volunteering.

To sponsor Rachel visit mydonate.bt.com/teams/endtoendtandemonium.