THE Borders is set to get a “world-class” venue in the summer, according to a council chief.

Rob Dickson, executive director of Scottish Borders Council, was speaking at a meeting of the executive committee last Tuesday (May 18).

Mr Dickson said he has had a “sneak preview” of the new Roman museum which is set to be opened in Melrose's Ormiston Institute by the Trimontium Trust this year.

“The work done in that building and I think the artefacts that will shortly be on display and open to the public this year will absolutely and genuinely be world class,” said Mr Dickson, who will soon be leaving his council role.

“I think we will see later this summer a world-class museum opening with world-class artefacts.

“It will be – for those with a particular interest and those who don’t know or aren’t experts – a fascinating look at what has been discovered in the area around Melrose and something we can be very, very proud of in the Borders.”

According to the trust’s website, the Trimontium Roman fort near Newstead is of “international importance as the largest Roman fort and settlement north of Hadrian’s Wall”.

The museum, which tells the fort’s story, will open in the summer and earlier this month the trust put out an appeal for volunteers.

The only requirements for a position are “an interest in history and museums plus the enthusiasm to get involved”.

If you are interested in volunteering, email info@trimontium.co.uk or see the website at www.trimontium.co.uk/volunteer