PEEBLES showjumper Scott Brash has returned to the town to unveil a statue in his honour.

On Friday, December 23, Scott arrived at 11am to official unveil the statue, on Edinburgh Road, and was greeted by a packed crowd who turned out to see him despite the heavy rain.

Made from recycled horseshoes, sculptor Kevin Paxton met 31-year-old Scott, along with Avril Murray and the team at voluntary group Bonnie Peebles who commissioned the statue.

Starting the speeches, Avril Murray from Bonnie Peebles said: "Scott, we're delighted that you've joined us today to unveil a unique statue in your honour which is absolutely tremendous.

"I'd also like to welcome Kevin Paxton and his team who have been involved in making this and congratulate them all on this magnificent piece.

"Scott, this sculpture is for you and from the people of Peebles and we are just delighted to give you the recognition for your fantastic efforts."

Following the speech, Avril also invited Scott to place the time capsule, to be buried below the statue.

Sculpture Kevin Paxton said: "I'd also like to congratulate Scott on the achievements he's had. I was really honoured when I was asked to make the sculpture. 

"Our whole process of life is about banter and having fun and we did say in the meeting from the word go if he wanted marriage guidance of not.

"When Scott first came into the workshop around halfway through building, I was delighted to see his reaction even at that stage.

"It has been an honour for me and my team to have been involved in this whole process."

Speaking to the Peeblesshire News after unveiling the statue, Scott told us: "I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone, I'm quite overwhelmed and never ever thought that someone would do such as thing for me.

"I think it's fantastic, I love the thistle's as well, as it's an iconic piece of Scotland.

"It wouldn't be Scotland if it wasn't raining today, thanks very much to everyone who turned out.

"I've been living in West Sussex for two years now, and I must say that I'm extremely proud to come from Peebles.

"Everywhere I go all the world, no matter if I get in a Taxi or whatever, and if they ask where do I come from, I always say Peebles in Scotland.

"Peebles is within me, it's where I call home and yet again you all have made me very very proud to say I come from here."