ONE of the region’s most revered historical heroines is being eaten by ants.

Muckle Mouthed Meg’s elmwood statue has been overlooking the Tweed Valley for the past 16 years.

But an infestation of nesting flying-ants has led to areas of decay and rot.

Keen walker Jane Molineaux from Biggar noticed the ants recently. She told us: “Sadly it is being destroyed by flying ants which are nesting in the crevices in great numbers. “It appears to be deteriorating fast and in need of urgent attention.” Muckle Mouthed Meg has been the protagonist of many a poem and ballad since her infamous marriage to William Scott in 1611.

The daughter of Sir Gideon Murray of Elibank, Agnes Murray was well known in the area for her ugliness.

It was claimed that when she smiled or laughed her mouth covered her entire face.

With her better-looking sisters having all been wed, Meg’s parents feared she would grow to become an old spinster.

But following an ill-fated reiving raid by the Scotts of Harden, from Oakwood Tower in the Ettrick Valley, one of the sons was captured and held in the dungeons of Elibank Tower.

Facing the noose, young Will agreed to marry Meg.

The eight-feet tall sculpture by artist Rob Taylor, which was unveiled in 1999, overlooks the turrets of the bride’s ancestral home at Elibank.

And it depicts her on her wedding day with groom Will for company.

Forestry Commission Scotland, who own the land at Thornilee, were unaware of the insect infestation.

But they have vowed to take action.

A spokesman told us: “We are certainly aware that Meg is not looking her best and we have put this down to weathering over the past few years.

“But we are not aware of ants nesting in the crevices and damaging her further.

“We’ll inspect her further and start looking at the options from here on.” Sir Willaim Scott and Agnes Murray went on to have a happy marriage, producing five sons and three daughters.

Muckle Mouthed Meg was immortalised by several poets and writers, including Sir Walter Scott.

“Her nature was generous, gentle and free,” said poet James Hogg in his ballad, The Fray of Ellibank.