Scottish Borders Council plan is a breathe of fresh air for Galashiels

STAFF at a landfill site have installed a giant “air freshener” after local residents complained about the foul stench.

The Scottish Borders Council is combatting the problem at Easter Langlee rubbish dump in Galashiels with an odour control unit. Officials believe the smells from the dump, which serves the whole of the Scottish Borders, have been exacerbated by the wet weather.

Local landowner Tom Douglas said: “If my septic tank smelled like that SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) would be right on to me. It is particularly bad just now because there is no wind.”

Ross Sharp-Dent, council waste manager, said: “We have recently become aware of local concerns regarding unpleasant odours which appear to emanate from Easter Langlee.”