SIR, Why on earth would one pay to get on a train, be taken through beautiful countryside, to get off at the other end to go indoors and pay again to gawp at a tapestry? At £10 a shot - prices go up, not down!

I have lived in the Borders for over 20 years (originally from Edinburgh) and spent some years of my working life in North America. What do my visitors wish to do and see when they come to the beautiful Borders? Walk/hike; stroll around the historically fascinating towns and villages - each one quite unique; have lunch in a country pub or inn - not readily available in North America; visiting the abbeys, stately homes and Smailholm Tower is a great favourite; festivals - there are loads of them; and if they wish to buy some of the items of clothing that the Borders produce they are taken to Lochcarron at Selkirk; and the wool shops in Hawick.

These are the places where demonstrations ought to be held.

As I myself am a foodie and restaurants abound in the Borders, I take visitors to Peebles Hydro where there is good food and a stunning view; Teviot Smokery with a lovely garden; The Terrace Restaurant on the Roxburghe Estate where there is also so much of interest; The Woll Golf Club - a great place to eat and a stunning location.

There are many eating places in some of the lovely villages - I could name those also.

Oh! And I haven’t mentioned St Abbs - love it.

Two places that are sadly missed since I have been here are Selkirk Glass, where one could eat, buy items produced in the Borders and watch glass blowers at work. The other is the Wynd Theatre in Melrose - still no buyer. Perhaps our go-ahead council could take it over and bring it back to life.

A study has been done regarding tapestries elsewhere and these run at a loss. £208,000 per annum out of the budget for the next 30 years - what a financial burden. Creating a special ediface to house the Tapestry when at the present time the Borders appears to be awash with empty buildings? In my view it would be better placed in the Scottish Parliament where it has been previously and see if it pays.

Councillors should be improving/promoting what exists. The centres of Galashiels, Selkirk and Hawick require upgrading/beautifying. Most other towns appear to be in good shape.

And real money is required for resurfacing roads, permanent filling for potholes - the present situation is grim. I use public transport, as well as driving and sometimes I feel as if the bus is on square wheels.

Is the leader of Scottish Borders Council, Mr Parker on an ego trip? I believe he represents Tweedbank. Tapestry - you cannot be serious!

I am etc.

Dorothy Crombie Ladhope Crescent Galashiels