A GRANDMOTHER from the Borders is facing another heart breaking Christmas without her youngest grand-daughter.

And presents meant for her have been collecting dust in the attic for the last two years.

The Tweedbank pensioner, who we have decided not to name, revealed she has been refused access to the child after her son split up with his wife.

Now she is campaigning for improved access for grandparents to their children.

The grandmother revealed her son obtained a court order to allow family visits but claimed these were regularly blocked by his former wife and her father.

“It is heart breaking that I and my son cannot share Christmas, birthdays or special occasions with his eight-year-old daughter,” said the grandmother, who has written to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and local MSP Christine Grahame in her bid for contact with the girl.

“I have Christmas presents in the loft for her going back at least two years, some are from her cousins as well.” But she added: “As the law stands my only recourse would be to go to court to try to get a contact order in my own name.” Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP Christine Grahame, who before becoming a politician was a solicitor specialising in family law, gave little hope for a change in the law.

“I am unable to comment on individual cases but, in all circumstances, the welfare of the child is paramount,” said the nationalist politician.

“A piece of general advice for anyone trying to maintain contact is to send regular birthday and Christmas cards and keep copies to prove that they have been sent.

“If the grandparent went to court they need to be aware that the court is not interested in the rights of the grandparents and fathers, it is primarily concerned with the interests of the child.

“However, many times I have seen things change when the children get to the age of about 13 and start to make their own decisions.”