SCOTTISH Borders Council has appointed a new depute leader.

Jedburgh & District Conservative councillor Scott Hamilton was appointed unopposed when the new full council met for the first time on Thursday.

It was also the first in-person gathering within the council chamber – rather than via video-link – since the start of the pandemic.

Mr Hamilton pledged to be “inclusive and work with all members across the chamber”.

Galashiels & District councillor Euan Jardine was last week appointed leader of Scottish Borders Council.