TRIBUTES have been paid to a Borders man who died in hospital following a crash on the A7.

Mason Mackenzie, 20, was involved in a two-car collision near Galashiels on Monday 27 December 2021.

He later died at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Last Sunday dozens of cars were driven in convoy through Gala – the town where Mason lived with mum Tina – and sky lanterns were also set off in his memory.

Dozens of heartfelt tributes have also appeared online, while more than £5,000 has been raised to help his family through an online appeal.

On person wrote: “The kindest soul and someone I saw as a little brother. You gained your wings too early wee one. You’ll be missed so much by everyone, especially the boys. You really didn’t deserve to go like this. We love you mason. Until we meet again.”

Another said: "Rest easy Mason Mackenzie. You were the nicest lad I’d ever met. You were taken from us far too soon, it was a pleasure to have known you. Hope you continue being the legend that you are up there."

While a third added: "RIP Mason Mackenzie, hope you’re having a blast up there! If anyone can share or donate would be a huge help to his family."

The collision, which involved two Seat Ibiza cars, happened at around 9.10pm on Monday, December 27 around half-a-mile north of Galashiels.

The road was closed for several hours to allow crash scene investigators to examine the scene.

Sergeant Mark Banner, of Scottish Borders Road Policing, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the deceased’s family at this sad time.

“We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and would ask anyone who has not yet come forward with information to get in touch with police.

“We're also keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or motorists with dash-cam footage from around the time of the crash.

“Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting incident 3191 of December 27, 2021.”