CUMBRIANS opposed to Scottish independence are being urged to join a symbolic cairn-building project this weekend.

Hands Across the Border, a community movement with supporters from both Scotland and England, is erecting the stone structure to underline the age-old relationship between people north and south of the border.

It is being promoted by Penrith and the Border MP Rory Stewart who is battling to keep Scotland in the United Kingdom.

“Joining the cairn-building is a way for Cumbrians to let the people of Scotland know how they feel about the Union and the importance of preserving it,” said Mr Stewart.

Known as the ‘Auld Acquaintance’, the stone cairn is being built at Gretna by individuals and families ‘as a testament to the Union’.

Building work began on July 20 and will continue into September.

The Scottish independence vote takes place on September 18.

The latest YouGov opinion poll shows 57 per cent of Scottish people are likely to back the Union with support for independence at 43 per cent, an unchanged margin of 14 points on previous polling. .

For more information about the Auld Aquaintance project visit www.handsacrosstheborder.co.uk