CALLS have been made for a public show of gratitude to be made to the former lawyer who bequeathed his home and estate to the people of Selkirk.

Following the death of Andrew Nimmo-Smith in 2009, he left the Haining House and its vast grounds for the "architectural, cultural or historical" benefit of the community.

Since the formation of The Haining Charitable Trust, the mansion has been turned into a hugely popular venue for concerts, weddings and other events.

And the grounds are currently being upgraded with woodland management and the installation of new pathways.

But community leaders in Selkirk believe more should be done to acknowledge the bequest.

Selkirk community councillor Alisdaire Lockhart said: "How many other towns have been gifted millions of pounds worth of house and estate?

"There is nowhere in Selkirk, or in fact the Haining Estate, to commemorate the wonderfully generous gift that Mr Nimmo-Smith gave to Selkirk.

"I believe a commemoration is long overdue."

Over the past decade several studios have been created in the former stables.

And other buildings were turned into in-demand holiday accommodation.

Announcements are expected in the coming weeks about the further conservation and restoration to both the exterior and interior of the 18th century Haining House.

But community council chairman Alistair Pattullo is backing calls for a permanent 'thank-you'; to Andrew Nimmo-Smith.

He said: "This great gift should be acknowledged in some way."