A NEW Borders tartan was unveiled recently to honour those who died during the coronavirus pandemic and their surviving friends and families.

The Borders Together Tartan, a project from Remembering Together: The Scottish Borders, which has been developed over 18 months by artists Katerina Radeva and Alister Lownie of Two Destination Language, Greenspace Scotland, the Scottish Government, and 700 individuals in the Borders who contributed to the tartan's creation.

The tartan is a mix of green, blue, red, and yellow.

A spokesperson from Remembering Together: The Scottish Borders said: "Over the last 18 months, 700 individuals from across the Scottish Borders have contributed to the creation of the ‘Borders Together’ tartan, a poignant memorial symbolising the loss, grief, hope, and healing experienced across our region during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The new tartan was officially launched at the Great Tapestry Centre in Galashiels to an audience of contributors and supporters.

"Remembering Together: The Scottish Borders was brought to life by artists Katerina Radeva and Alister Lownie of Two Destination Language, in partnership with Greenspace Scotland and the Scottish Government."

The tartan was manufactured by Andrew Elliot Limited, of Selkirk, and finished by Schofield Dyers and Finishers in Galashiels.

The event at the Great Tapestry of Scotland saw Karen Hamilton, chair of NHS Borders attend, along with Jenny Smith, CEO of Borders Care Voice, and representatives from the creative industries, the health and social care, and community groups such as Galashiels Scouts, Border Buddies, Tweed Swimmers, and Newstead Village Hall.

Free sections of the Borders Together Tartan, including framed pieces, are available to local groups for display in community spaces.

Anyone interested in receiving a free piece of the tartan can contact the Remember Together: The Scottish Borders team by visiting: www.twodestinationlanguage.com/rtb