Monday June 1st 2026
Restored lantern
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Townsfolk in the Borders have reason to celebrate after the restoration of an historic lantern brought light back into their lives.
One of the two cast iron lanterns on Rennie Bridge in Kelso was badly damaged during Storm Éowyn, which hit in January 2025 and brought severe weather to parts of Scotland.
The lantern was left twisted and broken, with shattered glass.
Now after several weeks of restoration work carried out by Scottish Borders Council blacksmith, it has now been returned to its place on Rennie Bridge.
Kelso councillor Euan Robson, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on SBC, said: “I would like to express my thanks to the council for the remarkable restoration work carried out on the lantern.
“This was an outstanding piece of craftsmanship, requiring traditional and highly specialised skills to bring the lantern back to its original condition.
“The lanterns are much admired locally, and the community is very appreciative to see them restored.”
The two cast iron lanterns were installed on Rennie Bridge after being salvaged from Waterloo Bridge in London when it was demolished in 1936.
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