Town plans for Union celebration

There are plans to mark the Union of the Crowns

Plans to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Union of the Crowns of Scotland and England have been announced in the Scottish Borders.

Organisers claim that the scale of the ambitious project will not be matched by any other commemoration anywhere else in the UK.

James VI of Scotland became the king of England in 1603, when Queen Elizabeth I died.

In April of that year, the new king travelled to London to be crowned King James I of England.

Archy Kirkwood: "Delighted"

James first set foot in his new kingdom at Berwick-upon-Tweed, and organisers hope to stage a significant commemoration.

Berwick upon Tweed MP Alan Beith said: "The Union of the Crowns marked the end of centuries of warfare and bloodshed and pointed the way to prosperity for the town which lasted for many generations. This event is definitely worth celebrating."

Borders MP Sir Archy Kirkwood said: "I am delighted that Berwick on Tweed and the Borders are commemorating this significant event in British history."

It is hoped that the project will attract visitors from as far away as New Zealand, America, and Australia.

The Scottish Borders Common Ridings will join Berwick Riding of the Bounds for the first time in a colourful cavalcade from the border to re-enact the events of 1603.