A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched to cover the costs of a memorial headstone for a Galashiels legend.

The appeal – led by Christine Grahame MSP, councillor Fay Sinclair, historian Graeme McIver, and funeral director Awdri Doyle – wants to raise funds for a memorial headstone for Robert Coltart.

Coltart, a former weaver and confectioner from Galashiels, known for writing Coulter's Candy, is buried at Eastland's Cemetery with no gravestone.

His grave has been unmarked since his interment in 1880, however, the group behind the appeal want to set things right.

Councillor Sinclair explained: “Coulter’s Candy is sung around the world and we want to make sure people know it was here in Gala that Coltart made his sweets and wrote the song.

"I couldn’t believe it when Graeme told me he was laid to rest in an unmarked grave.

"Installing a memorial headstone feels like an important step towards ensuring Coltart’s cultural impact and his connection to the area are properly recognised and I hope that people will get behind the project.”

The group aims to raise £3,000 to purchase and install a memorial headstone to recognise the cultural impact Coltart had.

Extra funds raised over the cost of the memorial will be used to set up a charity which will help with the creation of a local exhibition or museum dedicated to Robert Coltart.

To donate to the crowdfunding appeal, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ally-ballys-frae-guid-auld-galae