Langholm A main road into Scotland that has been closed for nearly two weeks after severe storms caused a landslide should be open in time for a town's annual Common Riding ceremony.

The closure of the A7 from Carlisle to Edinburgh south of Langholm meant visitors and townspeople have had to take a 60-mile detour. Bear Scotland, the company that looks after the road, said that it hoped to have it partially reopened on Friday for Langholm Common Riding, which attracts thousands.

The closure of the main route into the Scottish Borders from the west has had a serious effect on the town's trade at the height of the tourist season. A spokesman for Bear Scotland said it hoped that at least one lane would be open on Friday. The road is expected to be fully open by the middle of next month.

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