RURAL secretary Fergus Ewing marched into Melrose this week ahead of a £1.3 million expansion of the town's Roman museum.

The Trimontium Museum celebrates the Roman settlement less than a mile away.

Historians believe the Trimontium fort was occupied by up to 1500 soldiers around 100 AD.

The South of Scotland Economic Partnership is investing almost £400,000 towards a learning programme to be developed in line with the refurbished museum, enabling visitors to contribute to archaeological research.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: "This funding will allow the Trimontium Trust to expand on the great work it is already doing to promote the rich Roman and Iron Age history of the Scottish Borders.

“The refurbishment of the museum will allow the Trust to display more artefacts from the local area and improve the visitor experience.

“Our tourism industry plays a vital part in the Scottish economy. People choose to visit Scotland for our culture, heritage and scenery.

This South of Scotland Economic Partnership funding will help support and maximise the economic potential of that region.”

Mr Ewing was shown round the current museum by Chair of the Trimontium Trust, Dr John Reid.

He said: "The Trust is grateful to the South of Scotland Economic Partnership and Scottish Government and our other partners for supporting our vision to develop this to a scale and quality which compliments the other excellent attractions in Melrose and the wider Borders.

"Newstead Roman Fort, lies in an area incredibly rich in historical heritage. The Trimontium Trust has been proud to share its story for over twenty-five years from our small museum in Melrose overlooked by the ancient hillfort on Eildon Hill."