Olympic flame could make detour to Melrose
Ally McGilvray • Published 15 Dec 2011 09:30
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A LAST-gasp attempt has been made to bring the Olympic flame to Melrose.
With rugby sevens now recognised as an Olympic sport, community councillor Robin Chisholm suggested the torch should make a visit to the Greenyards - the birthplace of the sport - when it visits the Borders next year.
It follows concerns over Roxburghshire's omission from the route which will carry it through the region.
Torchbearers will carry the Olympic flame south from Edinburgh in relay through Eddleston, Peebles, Innerleithen and Walkerburn during the morning of June 14 next year. It will then go to Selkirk, Galashiels, Earlston, Gordon, Duns, Chirnside and Foulden in the afternoon before continuing its journey south to the capital for the opening ceremony on July 27.
The London 2012 Organising Committee unveiled the route of the iconic torch earlier this month - an occasion marked locally with a photoshoot at Scottish Borders Council headquarters at Newtown St Boswells.
Speaking at Melrose and District Community Council, Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker said: "They've mapped out the route very carefully and I don't think there is much leeway. We have had some discussions with them but the final decision is with them."
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 15 Dec 11
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