PLANS for a 120ft sculpture on the Border between ­Scotland and England have been backed by the UK Tourism Minister.

Helen Grant MP has pledged to help look at ways to promote the development of the Star of Caledonia, which was designed by Charles Jencks and Cecil Balmond, and it is hoped that work on the project will begin next year.

Project Director Jan Hogarth, of Wide Open, said: "It's fabulous that the Star is winning so much support at the highest levels from across the political spectrum in the UK and Scotland.

"Helen Grant showed a real understanding and enthusiasm for what we are trying to achieve for Dumfries and Galloway, and for Scotland as a whole, by creating a superb landmark at Gretna which will act as an important visitor attraction."