Councillors will discuss plans to build up to 200 new affordable homes in the Borders next Wednesday at a full meeting in Kelso.

Members are being asked to approve proposals which would see SBC staff prepare a final business case to develop a council-led house building programme with the Scottish Futures Trust.

The Trust is an independent company set up by the Scottish Government to deliver value for money across public infrastructure investment.

If agreed, SBC would borrow from the Public Loans Work Board. This project follows the 58 homes already delivered using the NHT at Balnakiel in Galashiels, and Innerleithen.

Councillor Frances Renton, SBC’s executive member for social work and housing said: “This is the culmination of considerable work behind the scenes in order to revisit the role of the council leading on the delivery of new affordable housing following conclusion of the large scale voluntary stock transfer in 2003.

“I am very pleased with the outline business case and in particular the conclusions which indicate that this is a viable option, and sets out recommendations for the council to progress with this initiative.”

The meeting starts at 10am in the Tait Hall on June 26.

what and where?

A Tri Beinns, Longnewton, Melrose

how much?

Guide price £350,000

who is selling?

Cullen Kilshaw

anything else?

EPC rating C

The historic appointment of a first superhead of the Borders’ four Roman Catholic schools has been made, writes Kenny Paterson.

Karen Gray takes up the £52,290 post in August, having been acting head of both St Margaret’s schools, in Galashiels and Hawick, and at St Joseph’s in Selkirk, since April.

Mrs Gray took over temporarily after Scottish Borders Council’s attempts to attract a suitable candidate earlier in the year drew a blank.

But now she will take charge permanently of all four schools, the fourth being Halyrude in Peebles where Kate Brown is currently head.

Yvonne McCracken, SBC’s head of schools services said: “We are delighted to have appointed Karen Gray, currently senior education officer at Council HQ, as the new headteacher of the four Roman Catholic schools.

“She has been headteacher of St Margaret’s and St Joseph’s in the past and has been working across three of the four schools over the last five months.”

Robert Fairburn, chairman of St Margaret’s Parent Council (Galashiels), admitted it has been a struggle for the council to find a suitable candidate for the post, describing the search as “very complex and time-consuming”.

“But we have finally reached the end of that journey and I am delighted with the appointment of Mrs Gray which will at last provide the stability the parents have been calling for,” he said.

“Mrs Gray has been leading St Margaret’s on a temporary basis since Easter, so we will be hitting the ground running when she officially takes over after the summer.”

A Gattonside grandmother, who raised funds and awareness to battle a rare genetic syndrome affecting herself and her family, is now an MBE.

Maude Brownlie, 70, set up the Helen Maude Garfit Fund, named after her grandmother (a Wimbledon ladies’ doubles champion), to support research into fragile X and fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), presently carried out at the University of Edinburgh Patrick Wild Centre.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted,” she told The Southern. “So little is known about fragile X, I wanted to try to raise awareness with health professionals and also the general public to help other families.”

Fragile X syndrome, traced back to Maude’s grandmother, is carried on the X chromosome, and is the leading cause of inherited learning difficulties and a common cause of autism. While older carriers of the condition can suffer from FXTAS, a neurological degenerative disorder similar to Parkinson’s disease, younger female carriers may suffer early ovarian failure. Fragile X is carried by or seriously affects a number of Maude’s immediate family.

Fragile X first arrived in her family’s conscience in September 1999, after the birth of Maude’s first grandchild, Ewan. The former nurse, who sat on the UK Nursing Council and the Borders Health Board for five years, together with her family, became aware of her grandson’s neurological symptoms.

Six days after the birth of daughter Liz’s second child, Harry, in 2001, results confirmed 20-month-old Ewan was suffering from fragile X syndrome, for which there has been a reliable test only since 1991. Further tests followed and Harry was also discovered to have fragile X, though not as severely.

Later in 2005, Maude’s family and friends noticed her involuntary head shake, which worsened over the next two years into a loss of balance, coordination and articulation. Extensive tests at the MIND Institute in Sacramento, California, revealed Maude to be the first known UK female to suffer from FXTAS. Their experimental drugs programme dramatically improved her symptoms by 50 per cent.

“I wanted to get this medication available on the NHS for the benefit of others,” she said. She hopes the Helen Maude Garfit Fund, which to date has raised £75,000 for the Patrick Wild Centre at the University of Edinburgh, can benefit future research. It is estimated there are between 15,000 and 20,000 fragile X sufferers in the UK.

“One woman in 129 to 250 is a carrier of fragile X syndrome, while one man in 250-800 is also a carrier of Fragile X,” she said. “The Patrick Wild Centre has opened up a register of fragile X families, including carriers and those affected.” Donations can be sent directly to Maude or to the Patrick Wild Centre, labelled Helen Maude Garfit Fund. Her brother Timmy Douglas has also written two poem collections called ‘Borderline Ballads’ and ‘Country Places’, and all proceeds from the sales go to the Helen Maude Garfit Fund.

Teri Ian Landles has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to the community in Hawick.

While travelling from Hawick to Hong Kong, Mr Landles expressed his delight in a letter to TheSouthern: “A’m chuffed ti bits and humbled that Her Majesty has seen fit ti honour an ordinary Hawick callant whae hez dune a’ hei’s dune no in hope o’ reward but oot o love for his ain auld toon and its folk.

“A’ve been privileged ti receive a guid few honours in ma life but this yin withoot devaluin it in ony way at a’ is almost – but no quite – up there wi bein’ Chief Guest at Hawick Common Ridin in 2004. In other words the BEM is a huge, huge honour.

“A fund oot the day afore Bonchester rideoot and apairt frae ma wife whae heard ma shout o amazed delight when A opened the envelope A tellt naebody until the Sunday efter this year’s wonderful Hawick Common Ridin when A took a’ oor faimily ti the Woll for what they didni realise was a celebratory meal.

“A’ve been overwhelmed be the kind messages that hev been pourin in be e-mail and Facebook for which A thenk everybody maist sincerely. Their mair than kind responses hev again been very humblin.

“At the moment oo’re in Hong Kong en route ti supportin the Lions – no least Stuart Hogg – in Australia so as fer as A’m concerned ‘a day oot o Hawick’s no a day wasted’ but hevin hopefully enjoyed a great holiday – and a Lions win – A’ve got ‘the fairest spot o a’ and the best kith and kin in a’ the world ti come hame ti for as a minor Hawick song-writer, namely mei yince wrote:

“When on the street guid freends A see / Whae’ll stop and pass the time wi me / There’s naewhere A wad rither be / Than Hawick ma Border hame.”

Ian is a former teacher at Hawick High School; a stalwart of all things Hawick and a crafted after -dinner speaker much sought after across the Borders.

A total of 150 vintage vehicles took part in the Jimmie Guthrie Memorial Run on Sunday.

In its 52nd year, enthusiasts left Denholm and visited the Guthrie Statue in Hawick.

Organiser Jimmy Steel said: “It was a super day and the village green was packed with spectators.” Winners: Jimmie Guthrie Cup – G. Stevenson (Newcastle), 1930 Sunbeam; Mary Steel Rosebowl – C. Robertson (Ancrum), 1987 A.C Cobra.

Prayers seem to have been answered in Melrose that the recent glorious summer weather continues for this week’s festival.

Warm and sunny conditions saw large crowds of spectators and big numbers of young footballers throng the town’s Gibson Park for the five-a-side football tournament on Sunday.

There was also a good turnout for the kirkin’ of Melrosian Sam Thomson and the laying of a wreath at the local war memorial on Sunday morning.

Monday night and more glorious conditions saw 190 horses and riders manage to cross the Tweed for the first time since 2010.

There was only one mishap which resulted in a young female rider being taken to hospital as a precaution.

Festival chairman James Marjoribanks is delighted with the way this week’s programme of events is progressing.

“Such great weather really makes it. We are enjoying fantastic turnouts and it was tremendous that the mounted cavalcade was able to cross the river for Monday night’s ride-out.

“One person was taken to hospital purely as a precaution and I’m happy to report there were no casualties.

“Young Sam Thomson is also doing a very good job as Melrosian, ably supported by his Right and Left-Hand Men in the shape of Graeme Crawford and Ruaridh Nairn.”

Tuesday night saw further large crowds for the fancy dress and it was hoped continuing good weather would see last night’s bike ride and – a festival first for this year – the following family barbecue at Annay Road, also well attended.

Still to come are the installation ceremonies in the grounds of Melrose Abbey tonight, followed by the Festival Ball tomorrow and then Saturday’s Tour of Ceremonies.

A son who stole his father’s Christmas money was jailed for 12 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.

Andrew Clamp, 20, committed the £150 theft following a Christmas Day celebration at his father’s home in Northcote Street, Hawick. The hearing was told that the accused’s father had received the cash in gifts and put the money in an envelope in his bedroom.

“His father realised the envelope containing his Christmas money had gone and tried to phone his son, without success, before eventually contacting the police,” explained prosecutor Tessa Bradley.

Clamp told officers: “I’m disappointed in myself and embarrassed. I’m really sorry.”

Iain Burke, defending, said his client had been out of trouble for some two years, but a diazepam (Valium) habit led to a “rampage” of offending.

“For four months he was, quite simply, out of control,” explained the lawyer.

Clamp, also of Northcote Street, pleaded guilty to breaking into Crosby Chemist in the town’s North Bridge Street on November 5 and stealing prescription medication.

The pharmacy alarm was activated at 4.20am and a trail of blood heading towards the High Street led to the accused being traced through DNA. After being detained, he went into his house and handed over the £75 worth of medication, saying he wanted to give it back.

Clamp caused £2,000 damage to two cars in return for drugs in what was described as “contract” crime by the sheriff.

On March 15, he caused £500 damage after smashing windows and tyres of a car at Teviot Crescent, Hawick, and £1,500 damage after setting fire to another vehicle there four days later.

Ms Bradley said Clamp told police he was given drugs as “payment” for doing the damage.

But Mr Burke maintained: “It is not as sinister as it may appear. He was given drugs and, in his state, he committed these foolish and dangerous acts with no thought or planning.”

Clamp caused £420 damage by breaking a window, with intent to steal, at Teviot Town and Country Supplies in Oliver Place, Hawick, on March 25.

He struck the window, made of toughened glass, several times with a hammer in a bid to steal dog food from the window display. Clamp caused a further £1,524 damage after breaking a window at R. H. Miller in Commercial Road, Hawick, and stealing two bags of dog food for his pet.

A lorry driver sleeping nearby heard the noise and alerted police.

Clamp had been detained on another matter and asked officers to go to his home to check his dog was okay, where they found the stolen dog food.

The accused also admitted stealing five gold chains, worth £550, from Hamish Smith Jewellers in Bourtree Place on March 25.

Clamp went into the shop and asked to see some gold chains, saying he was looking for a birthday present for his father. The jeweller’s wife brought a tray to the counter and Clamp tried one on before she put them back. He then asked if he could have another look and when she returned them to the counter, Clamp grabbed five and ran out of the shop.

Mrs Smith shouted to her husband who ran out after him, and others also gave chase.

“He stopped and handed back three of the chains, but then made off again and scaled a wall into a yard,” continued Ms Bradley.

Police found him crouched in the yard trying to hide, and £335 worth of the chains were recovered.

“That theft from the jewellers just shows the state he was in at the time,” added Mr Burke.

Concerns about his welfare led to Clamp being taken to Borders General Hospital after he told officers he had taken Valium.

Clamp admitted possession of diazepam at the hospital.

“In the treatment room, he lifted his hand to his mouth and coughed, dropping a blue tablet into his hand,” said Ms Bradley.

He also pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct at the BGH, shouting and swearing, with handcuffs and leg restraints having to be used.

Clamp told police: “I took a hissy fit.”

He was also banned from driving for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to driving a car while unfit through drink or drugs at the Shell Garage, Edinburgh Road, and on the A68, both at Jedburgh; the A6091 at Melrose; and B6360 at Abbotsford on March 21. He also drove without insurance and without L plates, when only a provisional licence holder.

The prosecutor told the court that Clamp stopped for petrol at 1am and asked for tape to repair extensive damage to his car which he said had been caused by a deer. As he paid for his fuel, it was noted his hands were shaking and he was slurring his words.

Police stopped the car some 20 minutes later after it was seen crossing the road centre line. No alcohol was detected in a specimen provided by Clamp, but he told officers: “I’ve had a couple of joints and I’m totally stoned”.

A 16-year-old was heard screaming and crying after being attacked in the street.

The assault happened after the victim laughed when Claire Condie shouted to get her “some glow”.

Condie, 24, of Blair Avenue, Jedburgh, admitted blocking the woman’s path, pulling her hair and pulling her to the ground, and striking her repeatedly on the head, all to her injury, at Howden Road, Jedburgh, on November 2 last year.

The teenager was taken to Borders General Hospital by ambulance suffering from scratches to her right ear, a lump to the right of her forehead, redness under her eye, tenderness to the back of her head and a sore neck.

Prosecutor Graham Fraser told Jedburgh Sheriff Court last Friday that the victim had been chatting to a friend when the accused and a male friend shouted from a nearby block of flats. “Initially, she was asking how long the local shop was open, and was told until 10pm,” said Mr Fraser, adding: “She then called to her to get her some glow, which I understand to be cannabis.”

The 16-year-old had laughed at the request and continued her conversation.

Shortly after, Condie appeared beside her and wouldn’t let her past. She then grabbed her hair and pulled her to the ground, and struck her several times to the head.

“People nearby heard screaming and crying and went to her assistance,” added Mr Fraser.

When police spoke to Condie, she told officers: “I went for her because she was getting cheeky.”

Ross Dow, defending, said his client committed the crime at a time when she was misusing drugs, but was now making good progress.

On a further complaint, Condie admitted stealing a bottle of lorazepam tablets from a house at Wellington Court, Hawick, on October 31 last year.

Mr Fraser said the accused had stolen the medication from the home of a 47-year-old woman after being left alone in her living room, adding: “She told police she had taken them and consumed them.”

Sentence was deferred for six months on both complaints.

CANNABIS CRIME

A woman involved in the supply of cannabis told police she committed the offence to fund her own habit.

Maryanne Kellagher, 36, of Burnhead Road, Hawick, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis at her home on February 22.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, told the hearing: “She said she was involved in the supply to largely fund her own habit.”

A number of items consistent with drug possession and supply were found during a search of her home.

Mr Fraser said the total amount of cannabis found was 57gm – “That would have realised between £300 to £700 on the street,” he explained.

Kellagher’s solicitor, Ed Hulme, said no money was found in the house, describing Kellagher as “the lowest line in the chain of supply”. He added: “She distributed some cannabis on behalf of another so that she could take some for herself. She finds cannabis useful in alleviating symptoms of a medical condition.”

Sentence was deferred for six months.”

SENTENCE DEFERRED

Natasha Murray admitted shouting and struggling violently with her partner at a house in Beech Avenue, Galashiels, on May 28.

The offence happened during the early hours of the morning after he left her sleeping on a couch and went to bed.

“She remonstrated loudly and it then became a physical struggle during which his T-shirt was ripped,” explained prosecutor Tessa Bradley.

Police found Murray, 23, of Wilderhaugh, Galashiels, in an agitated state and she was taken to the town’s police station.

Iain Burke, defence solicitor, said Murray’s partner was present in court and wished to resume the relationship.

Sentence was deferred until August 19.

COCAINE POSSESSION

Possession of cocaine cost David Mitchell a £300 fine.

Mitchell, 21, of Thornfield Avenue, Selkirk, was found with £10 worth of the class A drug by officers on duty at Melrose rugby sevens.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said police noticed the accused appeared “nervous, stuttering and not making eye contact” when they approached.

When searched, white powder in a wrap was found in his jeans pocket.

Mitchell’s solicitor said his client had a small quantity of the drug for his personal use and the offence had proved “a salutary lesson” to his client, who admitted possession of cocaine at High Cross Avenue, Melrose, on April 13.

HOMOPHOBIC REMARKS TRIAL

A Jedburgh man who denied making offensive gestures and uttering homophobic remarks in a pub will stand trial on October 17.

Douglas Lightbody, 49, of Forthill Avenue, pleaded not guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at the Jedburgh Arms, Abbey Place, Jedburgh, on May 12. An intermediate hearing was set for September 20.

SEXUAL OFFENCE ALLEGATION

A 36-year-old Selkirk man appeared in private, charged on petition with committing a sexual offence in the Borders.

Turan Maybasilgan made no plea or declaration, the case was continued for further examination of the evidence and he was bailed.

HEROIN OFFENDER

When police spotted Robert Yule at a bus stop and thought he was acting suspiciously, they stopped to speak to him.

As officers approached, Yule ran off, but was traced shortly after.

Yule, 36, of Croft Road, Kelso, pleaded guilty to possessing heroin at Marmion Road, Galashiels, on May 17. He was fined £300.

“He is ashamed and annoyed at his own stupidity,” explained defence solicitor Iain Burke.

The lawyer added: “He was offered a bargain and stupidly took it.”

This year’s March Riding and Beltane Queen Festival at Peebles began as it has done for seven decades in the open air ruins of an ancient church.

Sunday’s service saw the Reverend Malcolm Jefferson installed as Warden of the Cross Kirk. He went on to lead an ecumenical service that saw the festival on its way.

Peebles Silver Band led the procession from the Chambers Institution on the High Street to the kirkyard. This was once a neglected part of the history of Peebles until a local GP, Dr Clement Bryce Gunn, took matters in hand. He persuaded the town to tidy the ruins to be proud of the history that had been created within its walls.

And in 1930 he became the first Warden of the Cross Kirk and gave it a new place in the annuls of Peebles. He held the post until 1933 when he died and the honour is now swapped each year between one of the local clergy.

This year’s warden is the Rev. Malcolm Jefferson of St Andrews Leckie linked with Lyne and Manor.

The former youth and community worker is married to Hannah and they live in Peebles with their children Samual, 6, three-year-old Millie. He was installed by out-going Warden, Nancy Norman.

He took as his theme, “God’s undeserved kindness and joyful celebration”, and began by reflecting on the spring night when he was introduced to the town as warden.

He commented: “It was fun – I was invited to a party at the rugby club and received a nice surprise. I had a place reserved for me at the top table. I got myself seated and just when I was about to buy a drink, one of the ex-cornets offered to buy it for me. In fact the ex-cornets serve the principals all evening, without expecting you to get the next round. That’s not something that often happens in Scotland – we’re not always known as the most generous people! It was an experience of undeserved kindness and that got me thinking about a parable that Jesus told about a party”

Mr Jefferson spoke about the parable of the banquet (Luke 14:15-24) in which distinguished guests were invited to a party that a VIP was throwing and all made poor excuses why they couldn’t attend. In the parable, the host then invites a guests that other people would normally look down upon and treated to a wonderful banquet and party.

He concluded: “God is throwing a party, are you going to come? He is reaching out to bless and be good to this world and every community, including this community. The question is, will we receive Him?

“I hope that this will be a week full of joy and celebration and that the community will be blessed.”

The principals were escorted back to the Chambers Institute by the Silver Band and the halberdiers.

Reports such as “Eight out of 10 children don’t know milk comes from cows” or “Six out of 10 children think bananas grow in Britain” are familiar enough, emphasising the ever-increasing disconnection between farm and consumer.

Less publicised are the efforts, local and national, that are made by farmers and their organisations to try to close that gap.

Two valiant local efforts have been made recently. One, now a regular event, by Glendale show organisers at their Wooler site, the second by the Border Union Agricultural Society at Kelso.

In total, the two hands-on days gave about 3,000 children the chance to see what farmers do and the importance of farming to rural life and food supplies.

At national level, over the next four days, more than 25,000 children are expected at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, in several hundred school parties. The range of activities provided at the show by the Royal Highland Educational Trust is wide, with a main aim to improve “childrens’ food literacy”. That is, to teach them, as entertainingly as possible, about where much of their food comes from and how good it can be.

It is quite possible that such educational activity days for thousands of children might also spark for some the idea of a career in farming.

Over the years I’ve met a number of people who battled their way into farming from non-farming backgrounds after their interest was kindled by a rural holiday or farm visit. They realised quickly that there was more to farm work and prospects than appealing lambs and chicks on clean straw or shavings, but persevered, a number doing the farming equivalent of working their way through army ranks to become farmers in their own right.

Others have reached influential positions in research, science and administration, providing the outside, broader, views that the too-often insular world of farming needs. It’s a message that can’t be repeated often enough that the most determined and persistent can make their way as new entrants – and it was repeated recently by the head of Askham Bryan agricultural college, Liz Philp.

Her claim that 60,000 new faces would be needed in farming over the next decade might be pitching it strong, but her basic suggestion was correct, as was her warning when speaking at the North Sheep event that practical knowledge and a good education would not be enough. She said: “You also have to raise your horizons and see how the rest of the world is farming because that’s where a lot of good ideas come from.”

She also dealt with something I’ve mentioned several times recently, the important place women have, and should see recognised more, in farming: “Girls coming to our college are good – they have the practical skills, the education and the ability to farm and should get the chance to.

“If the succession to the throne can change, so can the succession to the family farm.”

Brave words, and there are just enough female farmers to prove Ms Philp is correct. But if we’re talking about the likelihood of the farming establishment changing its mind before royalty accepts change it might not only be a close-run thing, eternity might come into the reckoning.

Scottish farming leaders met Defra minister Owen Paterson last week to press the case for Scotland in the final lead-in to CAP reform decisions being made.

NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller and other top union officials met the minister to reiterate Scottish priorities yet to be addressed in concluding discussions between the EU Commission, EU Parliament and member state governments via the EU Council.

Union officials said there remained “deep concerns” about some aspects of greening and the option to use coupled support to help stop the decline in Scotland’s livestock sector.

Stow farmer Mr Miller said: “The flexibility we so desperately seek for our arable farmers has still not been achieved, so we impressed emphatically on Mr Paterson the need to ensure that our limited arable acres will not be devalued by an inappropriate EU straitjacket.

“We re-emphasised the importance of targeting coupled support to producers hit hardest by the move to an area-based payment system.

“We shall reconvene with Mr Paterson and his agriculture minister David Heath at the Royal Highland Show, and continue our close and frequent contact with Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead and his staff too.

“However, as CAP negotiations evolve almost by the day, every opportunity to discuss or impress our key issues face-to-face is invaluable.”

Scotland’s biggest agricultural show, the four-day Royal Highland Show, takes place next Thursday when local farmers, horse owners and other producers often take home their fair share of the ribbons.

Health worker Daniel Williamson found the perfect prescription for happiness last night when he was installed as Peebles Cornet.

Also installed was Cornet’s Lass Susan Thomson, a fellow health worker at the Sick Children’s Hospital in Edinburgh.

The ceremony took place on a podium in front of the imposing Parish Church where 2012 Cornet Cameron Young returned – some might say reluctantly – the cherished burgh standard which had been in his custody for the past year.

Daniel and Susan were installed by Beltane chairman Ex-Cornet Alastair Dodds.

And it was a beaming Susan who displayed Daniel’s ribbons to a crowd of Gutterbluids and Stooriefits before bussin’ the standard with much majesty and style.

Looking on was Beltane Queen Rianna Sterricks, a primary seven pupil from Kingsland school, whose Red Letter day is on Saturday when she will be crowned by Theresa Hindhaugh on the steps of the Parish Church.

But last night was about the Cornet’s Canter and the Riding of the Marches of the Royal Burgh.

Prince Charles and Camilla may have just paid a visit to the town – but this is Beltane week, this is a week for Cornet and Queen, for Wardens of the Cross Kirk and Neidpath, for Crowing Ladies and for proclamations of ancient fairs and rights. It is a week when Peebles opens its arms even wider than normal in invitation– come ower the hills tae Peebles.

That invitation was accepted by many last night as Peebles wrote yet another page into its illustrious history book.

And leading from the front were Cornet and Lass, Danial and Susan and their supporters .

With the flag fluttering, the marches were ridden. On the way there was the traditional stop at Neidpath Castle where the Cornet and his immediate entourage were welcomed by this year’s Warden of Neidpath James Moffat.

Standing at the castle doors high above the low-running Rover Tweed, he welcome one and all.

Neidpath was no stranger to James. For more than 30 years he has been a maintenance officer with Wemyss and March Estate – and his charges included this ancient keep.

In his address he talked of the many changes that have taken place in Peebles. Mr Moffat told the gathering: “It is good to see Renwick and Weir still going strong; sadly like mills of the town quite a few of the firms have closed. Grandison the joiners, Shortreed the plumber, Clyde the builder and Vannans the painter, to name but a few, but it is good to see Mitchells the painter and Renwick and Weir and Grandison the plasterer still going and willing to take on apprentices to pass down their skills.The high street has seen many changes since I was a boy. We shop online, bank online, pay bills online and we talk online. Sadly these are a sign of the times and the computer age.

“Do we see kids on the street playing? They are all too busy on the computer. I feel these days may be long gone.”

Mr Moffat spoke of his love of football and praised the army of volunteers who assisted, not only, with football, but many other activities. But he also urged more to come forward.

For Cornet and Lass it was time to rejoin the cavalcade. Tweed and Cuddy were forded and the chases took place on the edge of the golf course.

Later the reel was danced outside the Tontine Hotel. For many the night was yet young.

Christine Grahame has defended her vote to close Peebles Sheriff Court and nine others in an interview with The Southern.

In a debate in Parliament in February 2012, the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP commented: “If the SCS (Scottish Court Service)tried to close Peebles sheriff court, I would say ‘Over my dead body’.”

This week she told us: “At that stage I was unaware that there was going to be presented a piece of legislation with multiple courts on it.

“Last Tuesday, the vote was not on Peebles or Haddington or Cupar courts, but on Peebles and Haddington and Cupar – a whole stream of courts.”

She added that when that proposal was first set out she was ‘determined to build up a ‘B’ plan’ – referring to the creation of a justice centre.

Ms Grahame added that a justice centre was the best she could get for her constituents.

She reiterated that she had fought for court business at Peebles to go to Selkirk instead of Edinburgh, as initially planned.

The MSP said she was hopeful that the ‘positive discussions’ between the council and Scottish Court Service would result in a justice centre being created in Galashiels before 2015, which is when Peebles Sheriff Court will close, adding that it would be ‘the first in Scotland’.

She added that the justice centre would be ‘good news’ for her constituents and ‘good for justice in the Borders’.

There was 500 years of history weighing on Martin Rodgerson’s shoulders, as well as a family tradition ingrained in the Common Riding.

Five centuries since the Battle of Flodden and Fletcher’s show of defiance inspired one of the most eyecatching spectacles of any Borders festival.

And 28-year-old Martin also had to live up to huge expectations, with grandfather George (1950), dad Brian (1980) and uncle Ian (1986) having all held the honour of being Selkirk Standard Bearer.

At times, the emotion of the occasion seemed too much for Martin, such as at The Toll when he gave girlfriend Jayne Andrew the biggest of hugs.

But ultimately, the newsagent for once made the headlines by Casting the Colours in style in front of thousands of Souters and visitors.

With a huge smile on his face in the Town Hall after handing back the Royal Burgh flag, Martin said it would take a few days for him to take it all in.

He told TheSouthern: “I got a brilliant crowd and brilliant attendants to support me.

“The highlight was the Casting. I decided to take my time going up there as you only get one chance to do it and I wanted to do it right.

“It was very windy when you got on the stage but to see everyone up there supporting me was amazing.

“The wind also made it hard when we were up the hill.

“There was a lot of pressure on me to live up to the standards of previous Standard Bearers, but hopefully I lived up to it.

“I think it will be a few days until I realise what I have done.”

As has been the case for centuries, Hail Smiling Morn began with the sound of the flute band at 4am, wakening new Provost David Anderson and Standard Bearer Rodgerson, who insisted he got some sleep ahead of his big day.

Martin admitted to being delighted with the sunny weather conditions, after being drenched last year as attendant to Gavin Henderson in the wettest Common Riding since 1948.

The Act of Remembrance at the town’s War Memorial followed, poignant as ever, before the Silver Band’s first drum and the sound of the Exiles singing Her Bright Smile rang out.

Martin’s long wait to get hold of the Royal Burgh flag on Common Riding day ended at 6.45am on the Victoria Halls balcony and he made the promise to return it unsullied and untarnished.

He, along with attendants Adam Nichol, Greg MacDougall, Thomas Bell, Menzies Haining and Chris Sanders led off the cavalcade of 337 to check the boundaries of the Royal Burgh – 900 years since King David granted Selkirk large amounts of its current land.

Doon the Green they went to the sound of O’ a’ the Airts, and through the low lying River Ettrick.

The riders made the steep climb to the Three Brethern, and came back into the town. Martin, on board Rogan, led the procession back to huge roars from the awaiting crowd at The Toll.

The strength of the wind was evident to the on-foot supporters in the Market Place, as each Standard Bearer struggled in the conditions.

But led by Martin, they did themselves proud – Hammermen (Kieran Riddell), Weavers (David Shiels), Fleshers (Scott McKenzie), Colonial (Robert Mailer Anderson), Merchant Company (Ian Main) and Ex-Soldiers (David Deacon).

David then dipped the flag for the two-minute silence, a moving moment that later prompted a tear from the Ex-Soldiers Standard Bearer.

A video of Martin Rodgerson’s casting can be viewed at thesouthernreporter.co.uk

Well, I’m taking a bit of stick for a vote which will see Peebles Sheriff Court sittings end in 2015.

The courthouse proper closed years ago. Of course what I had to vote for was the ending of sittings in 10 sheriff courts across Scotland, not just Peebles. It was 10 or none at all.

My mind was made up when I heard the evidence of Lord Gill, the Lord President, senior judge in Scotland. When he is telling you that this is the way forward for justice you have to pay heed.

It is my job as a committee member of justice to consider the evidence and vote accordingly. I am not there in my capacity as a constituency member and to use my vote for that purpose would have been an abuse of my position.

In England and Wales dozens of courts are being closed due to cuts. On top of that civil legal aid, which is for people on low incomes to help them in court in, is going in England.

But not in Scotland. And that justice centre is moving forward. So against the cuts – right, left and centre – from the Westminster Tory/Liberal coalition, and more to come, I think Borders justice, which should be about people first rather than places, is being secured.

potholes

Sitting in my Tesco surgeries, all kinds of issues cross my path, from housing problems to potholes.

Here I have sympathy for the council. Just like the Scottish Government, they have less money to move around.

Hard choices are being made about priorities all round and there are more to come.

Ridings

Well, we’ve not had Gala’s Braw Lad and Lass yet, but I’ve been to a few, starting with Penicuik, which is the first.

These are great get-togethers for communities and I love the different colours of the bunting.

My assistants in my Edinburgh parliamentary office are now having to mug up on which colours for which part of the constituency as I have told them it would be heresy to turn up to Gala in Peebles colours. Quite rightly so.

A Parliament cat

A colleague saw three mice toddling about the parly a week or so back. I, too, had seen the mice in the garden lobby area.

Time for a cat, methinks, and so I asked the parliament’s corporate body (four members from four political parties) if we could have one, or even two.

Not surprisingly this imaginative suggestion was rejected, but I was inundated with mouse/cat puns. What a “mousetake” even a “catastrophe”.

However, since my failed campaign, there has not been a mouse seen.

Pumping more than £3million into the local economy and attracting over 13,000 people, the Borders Book Festival is a truly world class standard event.

The Southern was once again proud to be a media sponsor of the festival, which this year could not have gone any better, with glorious weather and plenty of happy, smiling faces by the time it drew to a close on Sunday night.

The fact that the smiles were not just confined to those attending the packed four-day programme of events, but could also be found on the faces of such literary luminaries as Hilary Mantel and Pat Barker, as well as that of actors, Joanna Lumley and Tom Conti, surely says much about the Borders welcome they received.

As festival director Alistair Moffat says, the event’s success shows that here in the Borders we have talented people who can create events and projects to rival anything found elsewhere.

In a few weeks, the results of the near £15m restoration of Abbotsford House will be open to the public and soon we will have our rail link restored.

Moffat is right. We have the people to make things happen. But more of us need to start believing that.

Enough of the ‘ah kent his faither’ and ‘wha’ does he think he is’ mentality. Perhaps once such views helped keep people’s feet on the ground.

But maybe now it’s time to break free of those shackles and fly.

As I write, there’s a discussion on BBC Radio Scotland about whether the novelist Sir Walter Scott is more relevant today than he was at the time he was alive.

I’ve just switched it off. I think Scott wrote long-winded, boring books where the plot meandered aimlessly and characters appeared for a few chapters, took a walk or a carriage ride, and never found their way back.

Many years ago I was given a copy of Rob Roy as a present. It was a paperback edition and the cover was multi-coloured. Rob Roy appeared on that cover. And that was the last I saw of him until I was halfway through the book. Rob, Rob, wherefore art thou Rob? Sorry, wrong boring author.

To those who think Scott is wonderful – and there are many – my feelings are about his works, not against the man, who had many commendable attributes. And I admit I have read few of his works because of my dislike at the few I have read. Biographies of the man are much more interesting. And some of his poems are truly inspiring.

I once dressed as a woman – complete with stockings, suspenders and a black bra – and displayed myself through the streets of my hometown.

There, that got your attention back. I hasten to add that I was part of a crowd from the sadly-defunct Royal Hotel who entered the Braw Lads’ Gathering fancy dress parade as a team of St Trinian’s hockey players. Pat and her staff at the Royal really went to town with the make-up and wigs, and we played hockey in front of a crowd of thousands outside the General Post Office.

What’s this got to do with Wattie Scott, you ask? Well, the man from Abbotsford is credited with turning Scotland into a must-do tourist destination. He did it through his books and his love of all things tartan.

Actually, I think he invented the fancy dress parade. When George IV decided that Scotland was actually part of the royal patch and condescended to visit in 1822, his chief wardrobe master was no other than Sir Walter. The bulky monarch was dressed in kilt, plaid, feather bonnet and – wait for it – pink tights. He was painted in that outfit, although later artists took both the tights and a few pounds off him. But, hats off to Walter, the tradition of the fancy dress parade was established.

And over the years it has given delight to children and adults alike. Never more so than during our summer of fun in the Borders.

Last night James Moffat, a worthy of Peebles, was installed as Warden of Neidpath. In his address he spoke of pleasure and hilarity he, his children and his grandchildren have enjoyed at the Beltane fancy dress parade.

He recommended it to everyone.

He said: “If, like me all those years ago, you feel a bit shy and awkward, don’t, because there will be some great banter among fellow entrants.”

Thousands of adults and children will dress up this year, mostly in homemade costumes, and there will be much fun in what can sometimes be a pretty gloomy world.

Sir Walter, I forgive you, your works and thank you for the fancy dress parade.

There has always been something faintly ridiculous about zombies. Vampires are the same. Undead? What’s that? Payday for makeup artists?

From the innovative credits to the emotive ending, World War Z comes from another dimension. This is film making of the highest order. As thrillers go, you are unlikely to watch better this year.

Brad Pitt deserves much of the credit. He co-produced and plays the lead with a commitment and authority that may surprise you, although shouldn’t, because his acting skills have been superseded for so long by celebrity who-ha and the whole Brangelina thing.

Z’s plot hits hard from the opening – a traffic jam in downtown Phily – and never eases off.

Explanations are blown away by the speed of this global catastrophe. No-one knows why. No-one knows what to do.

“The president is dead. The VP is missing.”

News breaks like a storm.

“We’ve lost Boston.”

A viral strain of rabies? No one can say for sure why hordes of infected humans have changed into crazed beasts, famished for the kill.

Pitt plays a UN investigator who is thrown into the front line, leaving his wife and young daughters on a warship in the Atlantic.

As nations are overcome by what might have been a pandemic, but is more horrific and visible – these zombies are not goofy, drooling idiots, but raving wolverines – fear spreads like wildfire.

Somewhere, somehow, a vaccine must be found. Somewhere, somehow, there has to be an answer.

Pitt’s character is resourceful and courageous without being a superhero.

His connection with family is central to his motivation. Unlike modern disaster movies, CGI is used with discretion and, for once, 3-D helps.

Marc Forster’s direction has a surety and a confidence that silences nit pickers.

Words such as “absurd” and “fanciful” are as dead as yesterday.

“Mother Nature is a serial killer,” someone says, and it doesn’t sound cheesy at the time because the action smashes through the walls of scepticism and hijacks your logical mind.

Let the terror take you, but, remember, don’t stop breathing.

Anyone going to the Heart of Hawick tonight expecting a retro evening with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner will be sorely disappointed.

Snow is no longer falling on this particular mountain top in Africa. Or maybe it is. Who knows? More to the point, the weather’s fine in France.

There is a connection to Tanzania, but only as the promise of a holiday, air flights, tickets bought for Michel (Jean-Pierre Darroussin) and Marie Claire (Ariane Ascaride), 30 years married and still in love, after he has been made redundant from the shipyard.

The film is a slow burner.

Just when you think it is about retirement, how to cope, or not, a horrific act occurs in Michel and Marie Claire’s home.

Two men, wearing balaclavas and carrying guns, break into their kitchen, beat them up and scream in their faces, wanting credit cards and pin numbers. The violence is piercing and their lives are altered by it.

When Michel discovers that one of the perpetrators of this shocking crime is a young man from the shipyard who lost his job at the same time as he, his attitude changes, as does that of Marie Claire. They begin to question his motive, why this workmate could conceive of stealing from a loyal trade union official, like Michel.

Slowly, independently, they learn about the thief’s circumstances, abandoned by a father he never knew and a mother who couldn’t care less, trying to support two younger brothers so that they won’t be split up, or taken away by social services.

The film works, it works beautifully, due to strong, natural performances from Ascaride and Darroussin, and writer/director Robert Guediguian’s emotionally honest and unsentimental style. The only false note, for those who suffer cynicism as a medical condition, is that the brothers are ridiculously good looking and well behaved.