ENGINEERS face a race against time to have Galashiels chiming ahead of Remembrance Sunday after eagle-eared sheltered housing residents raised the alarm.

A vital part of the Remembrance Sunday commemorations is the signalling of two-minutes silence by the 11 o'clock chimes.

But residents at Abbotsford Court noticed more than a fortnight ago that the hourly bells had stopped peeling.

And they raised the alarm with Scottish Borders Council.

Betty Scott from Abbotsford Court told us: "Several residents who don't have good eye sight rely on the chimes for knowing what time it is.

"It was two or three weeks ago that we noticed the chimes had stopped all together.

"It's important that this is fixed - especially before Remembrance Sunday."

Thousands will take to the streets of Galashiels next Sunday as current servicemen will join veterans and representatives from youth, church and civic organisations to pay tribute to the fallen.

Since the chime fault was reported local councillor Euan Jardine has been pushing for emergency repairs to be carried out.

He told us: "It is imperative that we have the chimes fixed ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

"We are thankful to the residents of Abbotsford Court for bringing this to our attention.

"The fault has been identified and a specialist company will be coming to Gala on Thursday to make the necessary repairs."

As well as the firm from Derbyshire, local electricians will also be on site during Thursday to provide back-up.

Scottish Borders Council confirmed that the repairs will be carried out ahead of Sunday's parade.

A spokesperson said: “Work is scheduled to take place next week to fix the fault with the chimes.”