THE successful proposals for two Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme community art projects have been announced.

Following a competitive tendering process, the successful proposals are The Spirit of Black Bob Trail by the Black Bob Heritage Group for the Long Philip Burn corridor, and Spinning Point by Bespoke Atelier for the Bannerfield Plaza.

Evaluation of the proposals for the third site - the Riverside corridor - is still in progress.

The Spirit of Black Bob Trail will see a large drystone stell and cairn constructed using stone from the Philiphaugh Estate, and a series of sculptural objects introduced along the footpath to evoke the world of shepherding.

The proposal recognises the local farming heritage and acknowledges Selkirk as the home of the fictional Black Bob.

A spokesperson for the Black Bob Heritage Group said: “We are delighted that the Spirit of Black Bob Trail has been selected and are very much looking forward to seeing it take shape over the next few months.”

Spinning Point will see a wooden sculpture constructed near the Bannerfield Arches, inspired by the skyline of Selkirk and models built by children. Local timber engraved with woven patterns will be used to evoke memories of Selkirk’s once-prominent textile industry.

A spokesperson for Bespoke Atelier added: “We are excited to give to Selkirk a piece of artwork which celebrates the town's textile heritage, while creating a public space which will help local communities gather.”

The project for the third zone will be chosen from A Selkirk Legacy by Svetlana Kondakova, The Standard Bearer by Beltane Studios Ltd and Weave by Jamieson & Gordon Ltd.

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: “The community arts project is looking to soften and enhance the flood defence infrastructure, help the scheme to blend in with the local environment and to provide a link to the town’s history, heritage and environment.

“We believe the two projects chosen so far will achieve these aims and we congratulate the successful proposals.”

The defences of the £31.4million Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme were officially opened in February 2017, providing protection from major flood events to around 600 homes and businesses.