A MURAL dedicated to Sir Walter Scott has been unveiled in Galashiels this week.

Artists descended on Galashiels at the weekend to start work on the large-scale design on the gable end at Bank Close.

The mural celebrates the connection between the town and the great Scottish author who made the Borders his home, having been born in Edinburgh.

Earlier this year the mural, commissioned by Energise Galashiels Trust, was approved by planning officers at Scottish Borders Council (SBC) in a bid to boost the number of visitors coming to the town.

The mural is set to remain on the wall for a year.

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In a report backing the mural back in May, SBC chief planning officer Carlos Clarke said: “The application seeks a one-year advertisement consent for a painted mural of Sir Walter Scott on the stone gable of an unlisted building located within the Conservation Area.

“The advertising purpose of Sir Walter Scott in this location was unclear, not least since the proposal has no message – indeed, it is not clear it is an ‘advertisement’ at all.

“Unlike signage granted for other ‘Tapestry Way’ signs elsewhere in the town, of which there are three, this proposal is not on Tapestry Way and its advertising purpose is, therefore, not so obvious.

“The agent has, however, clarified that it is to help create footfall around the town centre, and this location forms part of the ‘loop’.”

The black and white mural was painted by artists from the Global Street Art Agency, a group which has worked on international projects and campaigns for businesses such as Absolut Vodka, Sony Pictures, and Louboutin.