THE final pieces of the Coulter's Candy jigsaw were fitted last week.

An eye-catching bronze statue of Robert Coltart - the sweetseller who composed the Ally Bally Bee song - was unveiled in September.

Now two additional pieces, Little Jock and Wee Jeannie, have been added to complete the commemoration artwork in Gala's Market Square.

Both the boy and the girl were characters in verses of the world-famous lullaby.

All three sculptures are the work of Innerleithen-based artist Angela Hunter.

She said: "It is wonderful to see the figures of Wee Jeannie and Little Jock in place.

“This completes the scenario honouring Robert Coltart which I hope will appeal to all ages and become an added attraction to Galashiels.

"I would also like to thank Powderhall Bronze for their hard work and support throughout this project."

The story of sweetseller Coltart was championed by local historians Graeme McIver and Mary Craig.

Mr McIver told us: “The song Coulter’s Candy is arguably Scotland’s most loved children’s song so it is wonderful and appropriate to see Poor Wee Jeannie and Little Jock, names lifted from verses, join the statue of Robert Coltart to complete Angela Hunter’s vision.

"Angela has managed to capture perfectly both the anticipation of the little boy rushing to purchase the sweets as well as the wee girl, sitting eating the famous candy. You can see the pleasure in the faces of what would have been poor, mill workers’ children.

“The Coulter’s Candy statue has proved very popular since its unveiling back in September and I’m sure the addition of both children will make it an even more loved attraction that will delight young and old alike and visitors to the town as well as residents of Galashiels.”

The tribute is part of a town trail created by Scottish Borders Council, which includes a plaque at Coltart’s former home on Overhaugh Street.

The project is supported by the Scottish Government who provided a £1.18million grant last year to help fund a number of regeneration projects in the town, including new visitor signage and improvements to Channel Street and Douglas Bridge, as well as helping to fund the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre.

Helen Calder, from the Energise Galashiels Trust, said: “The additions of the children Jock and Jeannie will help tell the story of the much loved candy man Robert Coltart.

“Since the Coulter’s Candy statue was installed in September, the Market Square is rarely without children and adults taking photos and reading the story all with smiling faces.

“I am very proud to have been involved in this wonderful project.”