A SELKIRK businessman is over the moon after Manchester City took him up on a tartan offer.

Craig Douglas has worked behind the scenes for the past year pulling together designs and support for the Blue Moon tartan.

And last month he was joined by some of the club’s greatest ever players at the Etihad Stadium, including Asa Hartford and Mike Summerbee, for the official launch.

An initial order for ties as well as cashmere and lambswool scarves has now been delivered.

Mr Douglas told us: “There is a lot of enthusiasm at Manchester City for the tartan.

“The feedback I got when I was down at the launch was excellent and I hope this is just the start.

“We are already talking about expanding the range into handbags and caps - and it looks as though the club itself will use the tartan for its hospitality box travelling rugs.” The ties between Selkirk and Manchester City first began in 1955 when Bobby Johnstone signed for the Maine Road club.

The former Selkirk and Hibs striker scored in consecutive FA Cup finals during his 124 appearances for the Blues.

Manchester City has twice sent teams to Selkirk’s new Yarrow Park ground in recent seasons, when Mr Douglas was chairman.

Mr Douglas’ wife, Judith, chose the name Blue Moon to reflect the Manchester club’s association with the 1940s stage musical hit.

Selkirk-based Lochcarron of Scotland are manufactures of the Blue Moon tartan.

Craig added: “There remain strong links between Selkirk and Manchester City - Bobby’s portrait still hangs on the walls at the Etihad Stadium.

“It is great that it will be a Selkirk company that will benefit if the tartan takes off in Manchester.”