PART of Walkerburn turned French last Saturday – to celebrate Bastille Day.

The village bowling and pétanque club hosted an open day – which featured a barbecue and picnic – to mark what is known as La Fête Nationale.

It commemorates the storming of the Bastille in Paris in 1789 and the forming of the French Federation in 1790.

And to in keeping with the theme, the club was decked out in blue, white and red bunting, with two make-shift poles flying tricouleurs and the Saltire.

Locals got into the spirit of things by dressing in striped t-shirts and eating baguettes, brie, quiche, croissants as well as some Scottish fare.

There was also an opportunity to try out pétanque – which originated in Provence.

As well as club members, there were visitors from Melrose and Gala, Peebles, Moffat and even one new player from Japan.

Club secretary Bruce Macalister said the day was a huge success.

He added: “As a club we are keen to increase awareness of the game in the area and invite anyone interested in having a go to come along on Friday afternoons from 2pm.

“We have spare sets of boules for both adults and children and these times can be adapted should the need arise.

“The pétanque pistes are adjacent to the bowling green, just across the River Tweed on Caberston Road (opposite the Caberston Coffee Shop).”

For further information please contact Bruce at brucemacalister@hotmail.com, or phone 01896 870620.