A CALL has been made to rename a notorious stretch of road in memory of the woman who spent decades fighting for safety measures at the accident blackspot.

Over the past two weeks, tributes have been flooding in to remember Mollie McIntosh, who died at the age of 99.

And, as Walkerburn’s oldest resident was this week laid to rest, former council convenor Graham Garvie suggested renaming Dirtpot Corner after the community stalwart.

Mr Garvie, who served Tweeddale as a councillor from 2003 until 2017, told us: “One of main issues Mollie raised over the years was road safety.

“She told me that proposals for road improvements to Dirtpot Corner were first considered by Peeblesshire County Council in 1947.

“She campaigned for many years to improve the road.

“She was truly delighted that Scottish Borders Council at long last made it happen. I think now that work has eventually started at Dirtpot Corner, it would be nice to name it after her. She did so much good work in the community.”

The 10-month programme of improvement works began at the bottleneck on the A72 between Peebles and Innerleithen in August of last year.

Peeblesshire News:

Above: Dirtpot Corner

As well as widening the carriageway, the £2.2 million scheme will also feature an improved road surface and the addition of modern road safety fencing as well as a parapet.

Mr Garvie added: “Mollie was such a public orientated person and very motivated to get things done.

“Dirtpot Corner is a horrible name and I hope we can somehow get it renamed ‘Mollie’s Corner’ once the work is all finished.

“At one time it was very common to name streets and roads after people – for example we have Pennel’s Close and Veitch’s Corner in Peebles. But we don’t see that happen so often now. 

“It is only a suggestion, but I hope we could make it happen.”

“Mollie would be the last person to seek any kind of recognition but wouldn’t it be a lovely gesture to mark her extraordinary and exemplary record of public service.

“A lasting tribute to a truly remarkable lady.”

Council leader Shona Haslam said: “I think it is a lovely idea and we should certainly be looking at ways to remember Mollie in the community. We, as a council, will look at ways of doing that.”

A remembrance service for Mollie took place at Innerleithen Parish Church yesterday.

It was attended by family, close friends and politicians as the community paid its respects.