Boost for Britannia bard tribute

A path will be built to the Thomson Monument in the Borders

A plan to help raise the profile of the Scottish writer of the words to Rule Britannia has received funding support.

Kelso-born poet James Thomson penned the verse which was later put to music in the 18th Century.

His importance is recognised by the Thomson Monument situated on a hillside near Ednam in the Scottish Borders.

A grant of more than £7,000 has been given by lottery group Awards for All towards building a path to the monument and creating seating at the viewpoint.

The funding is part of about £1m given to dozens of projects across southern Scotland.

Set to music

The award was made to Ednam, Stichill and Berrymoss Community Council.

Thomson was born in the Borders in 1700 and went on to study at Edinburgh University.

He moved to London in 1725 where his poetic work, The Seasons, enjoyed great success.

He later wrote the words to Rule Britannia which was set to music by Thomas Arne in about 1740.

Thomson was also the author of many other poetic works before his death in Richmond in 1748.