South of Scotland SNP MSP Christine Grahame says the model should be used to keep closure-threatened facilities in Coldstream and Jedburgh open.

She said that in Tayside cottage hospitals had been recognised as an "important asset".

The final decision on the Borders sites lies with the health minister, who met with protesters earlier this week.

Ms Grahame said that NHS Tayside had not only maintained but invested in its cottage hospitals.

Final decision

"It's a model I think could still be used by NHS Borders if they would take the time to consider it," she said.

She suggested that the chief executives of the two boards should meet to discuss how the situation was resolved in Tayside.

The board of NHS Borders has already agreed to close the facilities, with the final decision resting with the Scottish Executive.