Monuments honouring two Scottish icons are to be restored to their former glory.
Statues of novelist, poet and historian Sir Walter Scott and explorer Mungo Park are located in Selkirk town centre.
Now, the community charity Selkirk Regeneration has been granted approval by Scottish Borders Council to spruce up the structures, both Category B listed monuments.
The work will involve removal of the paint finishes and full refurbishment of both monuments including stonework, bronze work, cast, lead and granite work.
The Sir Water Scott monument dates from 1839 and commemorates the world famous author who sat as Sheriff of Selkirk within the courthouse located behind the statue from 1800 until his death in 1832. The statue is on the spot of the former Tolbooth.
The monument commemorating Selkirk-born Mungo Park dates from 1859 and is located at the junction of the High Street and former market area of the Back Row.
Both are within Selkirk Conservation Area.
In his report approving the applications, Alla Hassan, assistant SBC planning officer, states: “The proposals are considered to preserve the significance of the listed monuments and character and appearance of the conservation area.”
“This would include the full removal of all paint and contaminants from stonework and metalwork, refurbishment of dedication panels and stones, allowing all to be viewed in their intended setting.
“We have analysed the overall impact the proposals will have on both the setting and character of each listed structure.
“It is clear that the current finish degrades the aesthetic of both, but it is unclear at this juncture of any significant damage caused below the surface.
“The retention of the status quo is not sustainable for the health of the monuments and financially the required yearly re-painting is excessive.
“The benefit of removing the paint finish from ashlar and contaminants from metal surfaces is extreme, intricate details which have been lost for decades can be exposed and allow the high quality craftsmanship to be enjoyed.
“Care must be taken and only carried out by highly qualified specialist contractors to ensure that the correct method of removal and treatment of surfaces are used.”
