AN 82-YEAR-OLD man has been accused of causing the death of his wife and a motorist by dangerous driving.

Walter Tait, of Ladylands Terrace, Selkirk, appeared in private at the town's sheriff court charged with the offence from November 26 last year.

It is alleged he caused the deaths of retired chemist Henry Keith Holme, 90, of Melrose, and also 79-year-old Janette Tait from Selkirk on the A7 road near its junction with the B7060.

Peeblesshire News: Janette Tait, 79, of Selkirk, and 90-year-old Henry Keith Holme from Melrose died following the crash Janette Tait, 79, of Selkirk, and 90-year-old Henry Keith Holme from Melrose died following the crash (Image: Police Scotland)

The pensioner is charged with driving onto the opposite carriageway and verge, striking the protective barrier, driving across a junction and then driving along a footpath next to the opposing carriageway before returning to the road, and causing his Ford Fiesta to collide with a Honda driven by Mr Holme.

Both Mr Holme and Mrs Tait, who was a passenger in the Ford, suffered severe injuries from which they later died.

Walter Tait made no plea and the case was continued for further examination. He was released on bail.