SCOTTISH Borders Council has granted planning permission for a £1.45m overhaul and upgrade of Gala Fairydean Rovers' iconic stand at Netherdale.

The structure, which was designed by modernist architect Peter Womersley almost 60 years ago, was one of the first in the UK to use a cantilever design.

It was given category A status by Historic Environment Scotland in 2013 and is an attraction with visitors to Galashiels.

The work which is due to start in the next few weeks, includes cleaning and repairing all the concrete and resin will be applied to the roof area.

Brick walls beneath the stand will be demolished and rebuilt, new glazing and ventilation added and turnstiles will be refurbished and returned to their original state.

Chairman of Gala Fairydean Rovers Football Club Community Trust Ross Buchan has played a major role in the restoration project over the last four years.

He said: “My journey on the Stand Repair Project began in October 2017. A Condition Survey Report issued during September 2017 highlighted the need for repairs. This was brought to my attention, at a game at Netherdale, by then chairman and secretary of the Gala Fairydean Rovers Football Club, Kevin Temple and Graeme McIver, respectively.

“I spoke with them the next again week when I volunteered my services to set up a working group to advance the work required in raising funding and addressing the commercial and technical challenges that such a repair project would present.

“The ‘A’ Listed Stand is an example of the ‘brutalist’ architectural style which emerged during the 1950s in the United Kingdom, designed by architect Peter Womersley, a major contributor to the post-war development of the Scottish Borders.

“Like it or loath it, the stand is part of our architectural and historic heritage and it’s listing places a duty on us, the community, to preserve the structure for future generations.

“The project has benefitted from work in cooperation and partnership with Scottish Borders Council, Historic Environment Scotland, Fallago Environmental Fund, Live Borders, Gala Fairydean Rovers Football Club, Gala Fairydean Rovers Football Club Community Trust and our very experienced design team.

"We have reached a significant stage on this journey, where this month, Scottish Borders Council granted planning permission, enabling the repairs works to proceed, together with the return of tenders from contractors bidding to carry out the works. The design team is currently reviewing the tenders and hopes to appoint a contractor in the next few weeks with works programmed to commence on site in October 2021. It is currently anticipated that completion of the works will be in August 2022.”