The opening date has been set for a new visitor centre in the Borders.

The facility at Abbotsford House will focus on the life and legacy of its former resident, author of Ivanhoe, Sir Walter Scott.

It is part of the multi-million pound restoration of the main house, which is scheduled to re-open next year.

The visitor centre will open on August 20, less than a year after bulk excavation works were carried out.

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Carlisle-based Border Construction was awarded the £3m contract last year, and pledged to fulfil the building’s sustainable design, by including a rainwater harvesting system, Ground Source heat pump and 'very good' BREEAM rating.

It sits in a tree-covered embankment at the site and has a viewing gallery for panoramic vistas.

Among the objects to go on show at the new visitor centre are old visitor books, which include names such as Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Charlotte Bronte and former US President Ulysses S Grant.

It will also include an interpretation area charting Scott's life, influences and legacy.

(NE/GK)