A LEADING glass company from the Borders has received an award for its commitment to the industry.

The owners of Mitchell Glass, a glazing business based in Galashiels, were recognised by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF).

Peter and Susan Roden were invited to visit GFF’s offices in London on May 26th for VIP treatment.

After a tour of the federation's display on the history of the glass and glazing industry and a photoshoot, the couple received a special GFF award for Outstanding service to the industry.

Peter and Susan have been active members of the GGF for more than 25 years, and Peter recently became the first ever Chairman of GGF Scotland.

Upon receiving the award, Peter said: “It’s been an amazing day. I am truly honoured, and I’d like to thank the GGF and everyone for making it so special.

“It has been a great day for both Susan and I, not only receiving this award but also to be photographed at the GGF offices, wearing the 90-year-old Scottish Glass Merchants and Suppliers Association President’s Chain of Office which was worn by Susan’s father when he was President of the Scottish Glass Association in 1992. That was a very humbling experience.”

The Scottish Glass Association (SGA) eventually merged with the GGF in 1996.

Dating back more than 140 years, Mitchell Glass is the oldest glazing company in Scotland.

It was started by Robert Mitchell, who ran away from home in Perthshire when he was 14 years old and started working as a glazier in Edinburgh.

He later made his way to the Scottish Borders and, aged 28, set up his own business R Mitchell Glass in Hawick in 1875. Robert eventually moved into politics, becoming Provost of Hawick in 1896.

Current owner Peter Roden entered the glazing business as a sales manager for Mitchell Glass.

He persuaded Susan to come back to the company, where she had worked as a ‘Saturday girl’ while still at school, typing invoices for her father's business. She is now Company Secretary.

The couple's son Lewis became managing director in February