A FORMER amateur jockey and racehorse trainer from the Borders is spearheading a campaign for free use of mobility scooters at all Scottish racetracks.

Rhona Elliot from Jedburgh, who has been living with multiple sclerosis for 30 years, recently raised £15,000 for MS charities and the Injured Jockeys Fund when she led members of her MS Borders Racing Club over the Lammermuir Hills from Mussselburgh to Kelso racecourses.

She has also campaigned for free use of mobility scooters during racedays at all five Scottish racecourses.

This week the East Lothian track invested in two scooters after taking advice from 65-year-old Rhona.

Rhona said: “Racecourses are marvellous places for disabled people in that they usually have ample car parking, lots of flat surfaces, good toilet facilities and if the weather is not great there are places where you can take cover.

“However, despite all those positives, some people do find it difficult to get around and they would welcome additional support to make a day at the races an even better experience.

“I noticed that at the larger racecourses in England people could hire mobility scooters and I hope that Scottish courses can at least match this or go better and offer them free.

"I am delighted Bill Farnsworth had taken up this idea and I am sure the scooters will be very popular at Musselburgh.”

Awarded the MBE in 2017 for her fundraising activities which has raised more than £135,000 for MS and the Injured Jockeys Fund, Rhona is a regular attendee at racecourses throughout the UK.

Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, took on board Rhona’s suggestions and the racecourse invested in two mobile battery-operated scooters which are available free for use on racedays.

Mr Farnsworth added: “Rhona has done a fantastic job over the years in raising awareness of MS and in supporting the Jack Berry House rehabilitation centre for injured jockeys.

"We were happy to take on her challenge and hope the scooters will bring added enjoyment to racegoers so they can get around the course more easily and better enjoy all that Musselburgh has to offer on a raceday.”

The mobility scooters are free to use but must be booked in advance by phoning the racecourse office on 0131 665 2859.

Musselburgh is back racing again on Friday (January 18) with a jumps fixture featuring six races and a price fund of £48,000.

Gates open at 11am and first race is off at 12.40pm.