Scottish politician lobbies for return of town

By Avril Ormsby

LONDON (Reuters Life!) - England and Scotland could again do battle over the small border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed after a Scottish politician launched a bid to get it moved north.

The historic town changed hands at least 13 times between 1296 and 1482, but now sits one mile within England.

But it still has strong connections with Scotland. It was home to the King's Own Scottish Borderers regiment and its football team plays in the Scottish league.

Now Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Christine Grahame wants to go the whole hog and invite the Northumberland tourist town "back into the fold.

She lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament last week calling on the government to begin reunification negotiations.

"Historically the town does belong rightfully to Scotland," she told Reuters.

"It is very much like a Scottish town architecturally, and if you heard the accent you would not think you were in England.

"However, Scots have always taken the view that the final decision over its destiny should rest with the people of Berwick-upon-Tweed."