HUNDREDS descended on Galashiels on Friday to pay tribute to the sweet-seller behind the Ally Bally Bee lullaby.

A stunning bronze of Robert Coltart was unveiled at a ceremony in the Market Square – in front of 30 of his relatives.

And there was a special appearance made by folk singer Jimmie Macgregor, who performed Coulter's Candy on national television in the 1950s and 60s.

The statue was unveiled by sculptor Angela Hunter, local historian Graeme McIver and 14-year-old Liam Darling who is a relative of Coltart.

But the project isn't finished just yet.

Statues of a boy and girl will be added by the end of this year.

Ms Hunter said: "I am delighted to finally see Robert Coltart returned to his hometown.

"It has been a fantastic project to work on with the council, Energise Galashiels Trust and the local community.

"I worked closely with local historians to try and ensure the finished sculpture reflected the descriptions of Robert Coltart from the time, as well as his flamboyant character.

"I am looking forward to adding the two sculptures of a boy and girl to complete the piece."

Following words by councillor Sandy Aitchison, Mr McIver and Mr Macgregor; local schoolchildren tied ribbons to the bronze figure to symbolise how the sweet-seller advertised his products.

Mr McIver, who has been championing Robert Coltart's story for more than a decade, explained: "My interest in the story began when I witnessed a Japanese film crew visiting Galashiels in the late 1990s to research the life of Coltart, but until now his story has been largely unknown in his hometown.

"Robert Coltart was well known across Galashiels and the Borders in the late 19th century for selling his boiled sweets at fairs and festivals, dressing in a variety of colourful clothes, and singing his much-loved lullaby song to help advertise his wares.

"It is fantastic that Robert Coltart and his famous song can now be remembered and recognised by his local community."

Scottish Government funding for the project is also helping to support new visitor signage and improvements to the town centre.

Councillor Mark Rowley, executive member for business and economic development, said: "The Coulter's Candy project is part of a wider regeneration plan for Galashiels which we hope will help transform the town and provide wider benefits to the Scottish Borders.

"Alongside Energise Galashiels Trust, we hope to present these ideas to the local community in the coming months.

"These will aim to make sure the town is prepared to grasp the opportunities presented by the Borders Railway and arrival of the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor attraction."

Helen Calder, chairwoman of Energise Galashiels, added: "We want Galashiels to be a vibrant, welcoming and confident community – Robert Coltart's story and this project reflects all of these themes.

"We hope local people will take pride in the sculpture and with a number of other positive projects being taken forward in the town, will help encourage more visitors to come to Galashiels."

To mark the sculpture unveiling, the Borders Family History Society is hosting a small exhibition dedicated to Colthart in its Overhaugh Street office.

It will be open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am until 4pm.

Watch our video of the ceremony on our Facebook page.