Stone carver and artist, Luke Batchelor, is set to be Artist in Residence for the final year of Hawick's Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS). 

The Scottish Borders craftsman will facilitate a community art project as part of the £1.5 million heritage project, due to close in March 2025.

The project will see him work with with the Hawick Museum and Heart of Hawick creative team, with the final piece of stone art will be a permanent installation in Hawick.

Mr Batchelor, an expert in stone carving and gold ‘squeeze’ technique, will use locally-sourced, environmentally-friendly materials for his handcrafted works.

Peeblesshire News: He will be participating in the Borders Art Fair at the Borders Events Centre in Kelso from March

He said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the community to develop a unique piece of stone art for Hawick and look forward to getting involved with workshops and events over the next 12 months."

He will be participating in the Borders Art Fair at the Borders Events Centre in Kelso from March 15 to 17.

Hawick CARS is a collaborative project with Scottish Borders Council and Historic Environment Scotland, providing grant support for the repair of traditional buildings (pre-1919) to conservation standards.

It is also geared towards increasing the understanding of the town’s heritage and promoting traditional skills.

Councillor John PatonDay, Scottish Borders Council’s Champion for the Creative Arts, said: "I am delighted that we have secured a locally-based artist to take on this role as we enter the final 12 months of the Hawick CARS project.

"As a stone carver with a background in stonework conservation in historic buildings, there is a real connection between Luke’s work and the Hawick CARS project and I am sure the passionate Hawick community will help shape a very fitting piece to celebrate the town."

Mr Batchelor's work can be viewed on his website at www.lukebatchelorsculptor.com.