THE Rhymer’s Stone viewing point has been refurbished thanks to surplus funds generated from the Melrose Pay and Display car parking charges.
In recent years the area around the Stone started to deteriorate so the old concrete has been replaced with new mono block paving.
The Rhymer's Stone was erected in 1929 by the Melrose Literary Society and marks the spot on which the fabled Eildon Tree once grew.
It was under this tree that Thomas the Rhymer took a fateful nap while hunting on the estate of Melrose Abbey. He was awakened by the Queen of Elfland, who he kissed.
He then spent seven years with her in the Land of the Elves before returning to his home in Earlston for seven years, then disappearing for good: presumably back to the Land of the Elves.
Thomas the Rhymer's reputation for making many accurate prophesies included a prediction that a bridge over the River Tweed would one day be visible from the Eildon Tree. In 1865 the impressive Leaderfoot Viaduct opened, carrying the Berwickshire Railway over the River Tweed.
The viaduct comprises 19 spans and carried the railway at a height of 126ft above the river.
Because of its height the viaduct can be seen from the viewpoint close to the Rhymer's Stone: apparently proving Thomas the Rhymer's prediction correct.
The popular viewing point was created by Melrose Community Council in the late 1990’s.
The work was carried out by Thomas Riddell Builders from Selkirk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here