THE name and memory of a nature-loving young man who took his own life last year is to live on at a new education centre in Selkirk.

Go Wild Scotland, a not-for-profit social enterprise bringing people together with nature, is to establish a new all-weather facility at Mauldsheugh Wood.

Mauldsheugh Wood was established to make it easier for anyone to view wildlife, even on the edge of a town.

Building a basic forest school was one of the first things Go Wild Scotland did when it started developing the wood as a community project.

Now a planning application has been endorsed Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to enhance the offer at the wood with the establishment of an all-weather facility – to be named after Greig Lothian, a 20-year-old from Selkirk who took his own life in July last year.

In his report approving the application, Alla Hassan, SBC assistant planning officer, states: “Whilst it is noted that the site is prone to flooding, no objections were raised from the flood officer given that the development is relatively small in scale and it is therefore not considered to have any significant adverse impacts to flooding.”

A report with the planning bid stated: “Now we hope to embark on a new and exciting chapter of the project’s development with the construction of a dedicated indoor space to provide all-weather facilities to support our work with all age-groups.”

“It has been made possible by the extraordinary generosity of hundreds of people who contributed to a crowd-funder organised by the irrepressible Grace Lothian.

“She wanted to do something in memory of her son Greig, who loved nature and working outdoors.

“Greig took his own life at the age of 20 and Grace is particularly keen that resources are available to help improve the mental health of young people in the community.

“The building will carry Greig’s name.”

With the support of funders – in particular Scottish Borders Council – Go Wild Scotland has worked with more than a dozen schools in and around Selkirk, Galashiels, Melrose and Hawick to bring youngsters closer to nature.

The fundraiser has currently attracted around £7,500 worth of donations.

To support the ongoing fundraising effort you can go to www.gofundme.com/f/in-greigs-memory