COMMUNITY leaders in Selkirk are hoping for a Braveheart boost.

Despite several failed attempts in the past, members of the town's community council are set to try again in putting William Wallace on the tourist map.

The 13th Century freedom fighter has long been associated with the Scottish Borders - carrying out raids from the safety of the Ettrick Forest.

And it was widely believed he was appointed Guardian of Scotland within the Kirk o' the Forest in Selkirk.

Despite Mel Gibson's 1995 film, Braveheart, taking Wallace's story around the world Selkirk failed to capitalise on its links.

And again, three years ago, when archaeologists discovered remains of the medieval church beneath Selkirk's Auld Kirk there was a further failure to capitalise on the connections.

Now, members of the community council are to embark on a campaign to have the site and the connections with Wallace properly promoted.

Councillor Alasdaire Lockhart has agreed to source initial funding.

He said: "We are always moaning about not making enough of our heritage and this is a prime case.

"All we need at the moment is a small amount of money to see what can be done - we need to come up with a project and have it costed."

Wallace was proclaimed Guardian of Scotland after he defeated English forces at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.

The ceremony took place in front of nobles and clergy.

The 2016 geophysics survey in the ruins of the town's Auld Kirkyard provided proof of the location - revealing the remains of the medieval chapel.

And a re-enactment group recreated the ceremony a few months later as part of a heritage festival.

A new information board is due to be erected near the entrance to the kirkyard by owners of the site, Scottish Borders Council.

But the local authority isn't willing to spend any more money on attracting tourists.

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar said: "There simply isn't the funding to turn the kirkyard into a tourist attraction."

Sub-groups have previously been formed to maintain and promote the historic site.

But they have rarely got further than tidy ups and the planning stages of a marketing campaign.

Community councillor David Deacon said: "This should be a major tourist attraction.

"It's only a short walk from the town centre.

"It's maybe not Melrose Abbey but it is still a significant historical site - and people should know about it."