'The whole town was buzzing' - Melrose shopkeepers recall moment Hollywood A-lister Harrison Ford popped by (and reveal what he bought)
Last updated 12th Jun 2021
Filming on the new Indiana Jones movie may now have finished in the Borders.
But the Hollywood juggernaut's left a lasting impression on the region.
A-lister Harrison Ford was spotted mingling with the locals in Melrose, before shooting scenes at nearby Leaderfoot viaduct yesterday.
And the American actor picked up some traditional Scottish treats during his visit.
Martin Baird, who runs a butcher's shop by the same name on the main street, told Radio Borders: "He just came in and took some Scotch pies. He was a very nice gentleman, and all-round nice guy.
"He just asked about what we did, what our most popular pie was, so we said: 'Try a Scotch pie' - and he was more than happy.
"He was very unassuming and a perfectly decent chap, and I don't think he likes a lot of fuss to be honest."
The 78-year-old - who was pictured wearing his trademark leather jacket and brown fedora hat on set - also popped in to Abbey Fine Wines in the town's Market Square.
Owner Joanne Gribbin wouldn't elaborate on his shopping list but she said: "He enjoys a nice whisky - let's say that - and he obviously enjoys his wine."
The big-screen star was the talk of the town as walkers who normally enjoy using the footpath between Newstead and Leaderfoot were sent on a four-mile detour while filming took place.
But not everyone immediately recognised Ford, who was wearing a mask indoors to comply with coronavirus rules.
"I've always followed all his films, so once you realise it's good," Joanne said, recalling the moment he stepped inside her store.
"We had people sitting outside who were stopped on their walk and insisted on going through the field they weren't supposed to, because they were going to have to do this four mile detour to finish off their long walk they'd already done, so the whole town was buzzing yesterday; it was really good.
"Anything (like this) is good at the moment, especially after everything we've been through with the pandemic."
Borders cinema boss Andrew Poole says he can't wait for the new Indiana Jones movie to be released next summer.
He was among crowds who lined the opposite bank of the River Tweed last night to watch Hollywood star Harrison Ford film scenes for the blockbuster in front of the Leaderdale viaduct.
And he hopes showcasing the local landscape on the big-screen could lead to a rise in people visiting the area.
"It's just great for the Borders, it's great for Borders tourism, it's great for us as a cinema operator in Galashiels," he said.
"When news came out that Avengers: Endgame was filmed in St Abbs we saw a boost in admissions and we immediately went over to visit, so there's no reason why this area can't also benefit.
"And let's hope now with Indiana Jones, it's going to lead to even more major film productions being shot here in the Borders."
The as yet untitled film, which is being produced by award-winning director Steven Spielberg, is due to be released in July 2022.