CONCERNS over proposals to house the Great Tapestry of Scotland in a custom-built facility at Tweedbank have been raised with the Scottish Government by MSP Christine Grahame.

 Ms Grahame, who has doubts about the viability of the project after scrutinising the business case, raised the issue with Fiona Hyslop, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs.

 The SNP representative for  Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale said: “In my opinion the business case for this project is certainly flawed, which is the main issue for me. To plough £220,000 a year of council tax payers money into paying for the building for the next 30 years at a time when belts need to be tightened seems ridiculous and potentially risky.

 “I contacted the Cabinet Secretary some time ago and due to my concerns her officials are now inspecting the business case.”

 Local press reports in the last week have shown that ditching the project is the top choice of Borderers who have been asked to help the local authority find budget savings.

 Ms Grahame believes the views of local people must be taken into consideration in order that the building doesn’t end up being a white elephant.

 She added:“Scottish Borders Council’s budget proposals for the next financial year may well result in an impact on front line local government services. It is therefore vital that proposals like the tapestry project are subjected to really detailed analysis before money is allocated.

 “If my concerns regarding the business case are justified then the multi-million pound scheme must be shelved or at least delayed until there is an improvement in the public finances.”