LITTLE JOCK is back in his rightful place in Market Square Galashiels alongside Wee Jeannie and Robert Coltart.

Jock was discovered lying flat and damaged on the plinth on Sunday 29 August, sparking an extensive police investigation into the circumstances.

No evidence of criminality was found and officers established that the small statue had structural stability issues for some time which resulted in it falling.

The popular set of three mini sculptures were commissioned after the Robert Coltart story was championed by local historians Graeme McIver and Mary Craig.

Local Councillor Sandy Aitchison and Helen Calder of the Energise Galashiels Trust also provided their support leading to the permanent tribute which has proved to be hugely popular with locals and visitors to the town.

Councillor Aitchison said: “He looks terrific. Amazing number of people spoke to us as they walked past pleased to see him ‘home’.

“I hope Gala folk will look after him and report any problems with him, ‘Wee Jeannie’ and Coulter himself.

“We want people to enjoy the group and to learn from them some of the history of Gala and the times in which these people lived.

“Considerably different from today when poverty was endemic and life was very, very hard. We live in troubled times ourselves, but nothing compared to what these people experienced.”

Mr McIver added: “It’s lovely to see Wee Jock back where he belongs. Although he’s a relatively new addition to the Galashiels townscape his absence was commented upon by many. The trio of statues are clearly much loved.

“Well done to everyone who worked so hard to get him back where he belongs including Councillor Sandy Aitchison, Helen Calder from Energise Galashiels, sculptor Angela Hunter and husband Brunton and the Powderhall Foundry.”

Robert Coltart was a mill worker in Galashiels in the 1870s who made aniseed-flavoured toffee in his house and sold it around all the fairs and markets in the Borders. He played his whistle and made up his song to call the children to buy his sweets.

Jock’s repair was carried out using funds provided by the Scottish Government’s place-based investment programme.