24 September 2012 Last updated at 05:25 ET

Bill McLaren bust to be unveiled in Hawick

It is hoped the bust of Bill McLaren can be unveiled before the end of this year

A £5,500 memorial bust of veteran BBC rugby commentator Bill McLaren is set to be unveiled in his home town.

Community councillors in Hawick hope the statue and a planned rugby heritage centre can help attract tourists.

The bust of the "voice of rugby" - who died in January 2010 aged 86 - will be installed at the town's Wilton Lodge Park within the next few weeks.

It will sit alongside similar tributes to motorcycling stars Steve Hislop and Jimmie Guthrie.

Hawick community councillor Alastair Cranston, a former Scotland rugby cap, said: "I am hoping that with the bust and the rugby centre together, Hawick is going to become a mecca for rugby fans."

Marion Short, who chairs the council, said any left over funds would be put towards a plinth and landscaping the area.

"We are hoping it will be in place before the end of the year but that is dependent on the council's parks department clearing the area," she said.

A VisitScotland spokesman said: "The Scottish Borders is renowned for its rugby legends and the idea to celebrate this in Wilton Lodge Park sounds a fitting tribute.

"It could inspire more visitors to come to Hawick and enjoy their quality accommodation and great things to see and do here.

"The region is a hotbed of rugby talent."