A GALASHIELS community group has been given the go-ahead for a century-old plan to light up the town's War Memorial.

Planning permission was this week granted for Energise Galashiels to reignite a project first mooted by renowned architect, artist and poet George Hope Tait in the early 1900s.

The industrious town councillor designed a bronze torch to be included as part of the War Memorial construction works.

The design included a mechanism where a glass flame would illuminate each evening at 8pm as the chimes of Braw, Braw Lads rang out.

A spokesman for Energise Galashiels stated: "This piece of artwork was brought to the attention of Energise Galashiels during their involvement in the Galashiels Remembers group, who organised events to mark the end of the First World War.

"Energise Galashiels are of the opinion that this proposed art work would serve as a legacy for the 2018 Gala Remembers Group and for the people of Galashiels as a further reminder of the human sacrifice during both World Wars."

Mr Hope Tait was part of the design group - which also included architect Sir Robert Lorimer, sculptor Thomas Clapperton and stonemason George Sutherland - responsible for the Galashiels War Memorial.

Although the torch design was warmly received, it was later dropped from the finalised plans due to costs.

Hope Tait's bronze torch, which would feature the term often attributed to Sir Walter Scott 'watch weel', will be incorporated into the Burgh Chambers over the coming months.

Carlos Clark from Scottish Borders Council's planning department said: "The sculpture will be in the design of a Borders Torch, constructed of bronze, and with a light at the top in the form of a flame set to flicker when the clock strikes 8pm. A plaque is proposed below it.

"The idea was first mooted many years ago, and this proposal would reflect the same proposal considered then."