ANOTHER important archaeological landmark in Peeblesshire has been adopted.

And a new interpretation board will make sure visitors to the area will appreciate its significance.

Members of the Peeblesshire Archaeological Society, who have previously adopted the Adam and Eve Memorial Stone at Lyne Kirk, have now taken on the Harehope settlement in the Meldon Valley.

The two projects have been carried out under the auspices of the Adopt-a-Monument scheme, run by Archaeology Scotland.

The nation-wide community archaeology initiative provides volunteer groups with the practical advice and training they need to care and conserve their local heritage.

Trevor Cowie from Peeblesshire Archaeological Society said: "One of the aims of Peeblesshire Archaeological Society is to promote awareness of the extremely rich archaeological heritage of the region.

"In recent years, the Society has undertaken successful projects on local sites at Lyne Kirk and more recently at Harehope in the Meldon Valley, to improve their condition and make them better known."

The Meldon Valley, as with much of Tweeddale, is rich in pre-historic palisade settlements with Harehope amongst the most intriguing.

Several archaeological surveys and digs took place at the remote site during the 1930s, 1960s and 1970s.

The aim of the Adopt-a-Monument scheme is to encourage local groups to get involved in hands-on activities to improve the condition, accessibility and interpretation of selected local sites.

At Harehope members of the Peeblesshire Archaeology Society carefully cleared vegetation from an important overgrown prehistoric burial cairn.

They also installed an attractive interpretation panel to explain the significance of the site.

Next Thursday (February 16) at the Society's next meeting Phil Richardson and Cara Jones of Archaeology Scotland will be talk about Adopt-a-Monument Projects in Scotland.

Mr Cowie added: "This is a great chance to hear about the national scheme as a whole and the fascinating range of community-led projects that have been undertaken across the length and breadth of the country."

The Archaeological Society will be held in the Community Centre, Walkershaugh, at 7.30pm.

Guests and visitors welcome - there is a £4 charge for non-members.