Peeblesshire’s Cuddybridge Apple Juice is the only Border food producer shortlisted for this year’s Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards.

Graham Stoddart was nominated for his apple and Scottish sea buckthorn juice.

Whitmuir Organics near Lamancha is hosting an Italian Winemakers Dinner tonight at 7pm.

Silvano Brescianni of environmental vintners Barone Pizzini guides £35/£40 ticket holders through a six-course meal, matched with six organic wines. Call 01968 661147 to book.

As pubs close across the country, Ancrum’s thriving Cross Keys is bucking the trend with a new menu devised by Michelin chef David Malcolm.

The owner of the pub (and Scottish Borders Brewery), John Henderson, told TheSouthern: “We’re trying to realise people’s idea of a perfect, dream pub. Whether for beer or food, we want it to be everybody’s ideal of a good pub.”

While John’s in charge of the real ale, the pub grub is the domain of David Malcolm, a former chef at Michelin-starred London restaurants The Greenhouse in Mayfair, and Gordon Ramsay’s La Noisette on Sloane Street, where he was head chef.

The Australian, who most recently cooked in Aberdeen’s Fusion restaurant to be near his wife Nadine, described his new Ancrum menu as “a fusion of two worlds”, featuring dishes “grounded in pub style”, but created using his experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, and their emphasis on presentation and sourcing local – even foraged – produce.

The “approachable” lunch menu of classics featured a lemon sole fish finger sandwich: a breadcrumbed fresh fillet of lemon sole between toasted sourdough bread (sourced from the Great Northumberland Bread Company), garnished with a punchy gerkin and caper tartare sauce.

The “more adventurous” dinner menu, David said, “uses local food that doesn’t feature on menus elsewhere”, such as a starter of local pheasant eggs with Peelham air-dried ham, and picked pea flowers, or larch-cured salmon, beetroot, apple and thyme.

Mains range from smoked duck yolk, cheese, rye risotto and mushrooms, to Tamworth pork belly, kohlrabi, onion and black pudding crumble – and even the Scotch broth has a fresh twist.

“We’re taking something with history, and giving a modern edge to it,” David said.

“It’s got the usual really great lamb and barley, but we include ox tongue, lamb shanks and chicken for a really balanced stock. We serve the broth in a cafetiere with herbs, which introduces a theatre element.

“It’s been going really well, considering it’s early days,” he added, “we’ve had great feedback” – which makes the story of Ancrum’s trend-setting and trend-bucking pub all the more remarkable.

Research by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) published in May suggested six bars closed in Scotland each week in the previous six months as pubs struggled against the recession, cheap supermarket prices and the smoking ban. The figures showed 147 Scottish pubs calling time during that period.

The Ancrum pub, one of the region’s oldest, built up a reputation for good food and conviviality under its previous owners, Mike and Michelle Ludgate, but it closed for business in June 2010 after the couple struggled to keep it afloat for several months.

Two years later, in July 2012, Scottish Borders Brewery owner John added the pub to his growing portfolio of businesses (including a range of foraged flavour beers, as we reported last month), with plans to turn the establishment into a mecca for real ale enthusiasts.

“The pub is a key feature of the village and I want to build the Cross Keys into a real community hub – a place you can go to enjoy good company and great beer,” he said.

His ‘plough-to-pint’ microbrewery, based nearby at his 1,800-acre Chesters Estate, was set up in January 2011, where it brews cask and bottled ales such as Game Bird, Foxy Blond, Dark Horse, Holy Cow and Wee Beastie, created using the brewery’s own home-grown barley and artesian spring water (which the Cross Keys pub also serves and sells as bottled ‘Ale Water’).

While canny Mr Henderson’s first focus was on “growing the Cross Keys’ reputation as a relaxed, friendly pub that serves an excellent pint where locals can expect to see familiar, friendly faces behind the bar”, his long-term plans are to introduce food and accommodation to the historic, traditional country inn.

The old village pub, which he says still boasts “character and characters”, now has a bistro and courtyard furnished with reclaimed furniture “to make it feel like it’s always been”, with more plans over the summer to create a new terrace at the front overlooking Ancrum’s village green, and a beer garden running down to the Ale Water behind.

“Pubs have fallen on hard times. They’ve sat on their laurels too long,” he told us, “but we’re raising the game for pubs in Scotland.

“We don’t want to throw out the rule book, but just reinvent it.”

Lara Gueldner, Cara Smith, Isabella Timmins, Gemma Stoddart and Lauren Thomson – members of the 1st Galashiels Guide Unit – have been presented with their Baden-Powell Challenge Award by Gail Fox, county commissioner for Tweed Valley.

The ceremony took place at an evening barbecue held at Wooplaw Woods, near Galashiels, attended by their family, friends and the rest of the unit.

The five girls have gained the highest award a Guide can achieve by completing 10 different challenges. Some of these were organising a mini-Olympics, fundraising for the Guide Friendship Fund, celebrating a festival from another culture, a disability awareness evening and using their IT skills to make a new resource for the unit. They also gained several badges, including Healthy Lifestyles, Independent Living, Cook, Culture and Water Safety.

Pictured, back row, from left, Emma Rae (assistant Guide leader), Gail Fox, Alison Henry (Guide leader); front, Isabella Timmins, Lauren Thomson, Cara Smith, Lara Gueldner and Gemma Stoddart.

STUART MILES has carved out a career for himself as a stonemason and has joined Historic Scotland on a four-year training programme for traditional skills apprentices.

The 23-year-old from Stow is one of 18 new apprentices with the organisation, the largest intake in its history, and will be based at Melrose Abbey.

Stuart responded to a call from Historic Scotland earlier this year for a new batch of recruits to ensure the ongoing demand for traditional and essential skills across the historic environment is met.

He told The Southern: “I was so excited to hear that I had been chosen for one of these apprenticeships.

“I love working with my hands and being out in the fresh air, so stonemasonry is ideal for me.”

He added: “Being from the Borders, it’s a dream come true to be able to work at Melrose Abbey, and I’m grateful to Historic Scotland for this incredible opportunity.”

The trainee positions focus on learning the traditional craft skills required in their chosen discipline, with a focus on conservation.

At the end of the apprenticeship, participants will gain an industry-recognised qualification.

Scottish Borders Council is currently having problems with its phone lines and is unable to accept calls to its Newtown St Boswells headquarters.

A statement on its website said: “Due to a technical issue we are currently unable to receive calls at Council HQ.

“The fault has been reported and is being investigated. Our 0300 100 1800 Customer Services number is not affected.”

Police are today appealing for witnesses following a metal theft in Tweedbank.

The incident happened around 9.45pm on Saturday at a Scottish Power electricity pylon compound on Essenside Drive.

Several lengths of copper taping, which acts as a safety measure to earth the pylons, was stolen and police are keen to speak with anyone who can assist with their enquiries.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Not only has this theft resulted in damage to the pylons, it could also have put those responsible in danger of electrocution.

“Anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in or around the pylon compound on Saturday evening is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Braw Lads’ Lindean Rideout will cross the River Tweed as expected tonight, provided there is no more rain.

With no rain forecast this afternoon, hundreds of riders are predicted to head across the river at Abbotsford on their way to the Auld Kirk at Lindean.

Behind Braw Lad Daniel Whitehead and Braw Lass Lucy Black, the cavalcade will return to Galashiels and head to Hollybush for the coveted Lindean Chase Races at around 8pm.

Torrential rain saw yesterday’s children’s sports day abandoned after the primary one races, and it is not expected to be rescheduled.

Tomorrow sees the Swimming Gala and Ex-Braw Lads’ and Lassies’ Association Dinner, while Wednesday is the rideout to Torwoodlee and fancy dress parade.

The civic reception is held on Thursday, while the investiture concert takes place on Friday ahead of Braw Lads Day.

A total of 120 sheep have been stolen from a farm at Cockburnspath.

The incident took place sometime between 9am on Friday and 8am on Saturday at a field beside Kinegar Quarry.

In total, 40 ewes and 80 lambs were taken.

The animals were all Suffolk/Charlois cross breeds and anyone who can assist police trace those responsible for their theft is asked to come forward immediately.

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A total of 138 horses made the trip to Lindean last night as Braw Lads’ Week got fully underway.

The cavalcade crossed the River Tweed despite Sunday’s downpour and service was held at Lindean Kirk by the Reverend Duncan McCosh in dry conditions.

After a wreath was placed on the Preachers Cross by Braw Lads Daniel Whitehead, the horses returned to Galashiels, via Hollybush for the annual Chase Races.

Predictably, Grand National winner Ryan Mania won the Prinicipals’ Race, with Braw Lads Executive Council chairman David Houston joking that the odds were 1-7.

Other results: Ex-Principals - Chris Mackenzie; Pony - Aidan McDonald; Ladies - Becky Johnston; Over 45s - Nick Mills; Gents - Mikey Turnbull.

Today sees the Swimming Gala and Ex-Braw Lads’ and Lassies’ Association Dinner, while Wednesday is the rideout to Torwoodlee and fancy dress parade.

The civic reception is held on Thursday, while the investiture concert takes place on Friday ahead of Braw Lads Day.

Three teenagers had to be rescued after getting stuck up a tree on The Haining in Selkirk last night.

The 14-year-old boy, and two 13-year-old girls were unable to get off the Witches Tree on the estate, and a fire crew from Selkirk was called out at 7.04pm.

The three youths were unhurt.

Fiona Waldron has been appointed as the new head of the School of Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt University in Galashiels.

Mrs Waldron undertook her studies in clothing production engineering and started her career in the clothing industry as a product developer, engineering products for commercial manufacture.

She has been lecturing at the School since 1986 and is currently both the Director of Resources at the School, and a Dean of the university.

Mrs Waldron said: “I am delighted to take up the post of Head of School and I look forward to working with colleagues to develop our potential over the coming years.”

Professor Steve Chapman, principal of Heriot-Watt, said: “Now is an exciting time for our school, a time for continued growth in our international reach, academic staff base, student numbers, industry collaborations, and strategic alliances.

“Fiona knows the school well, and is well positioned to build that sustainable future along with our staff, students and other partners.”

Jobstoday’s new and improved National Virtual Careers Fair has now opened, connecting talented job seekers to local and National employers for the next 12 days until the 5 July.

The Virtual Careers Fair is an online platform where job seekers can browse top companies from across the UK, connect in a real time environment and apply for advertised vacancies; all for FREE and from the comfort of their computers.

With more than 40 top employers showcasing job offers, this latest tool is a natural progression in finding the best talent; great businesses attending include Nationwide, Virgin Media, Centrica, B&Q and LV.

Proven a popular platform with both employers and job seekers alike, response to the fair has been encouraging. Joanne Harwood, Group Category Manager at Johnston Press, said “This is the first time Jobstoday has made a fair that can be navigated as if you were there in person; enabling employers and job seekers to connect more efficiently and successfully through innovative technology solutions. This latest trend offers job seekers a huge advantage as they can find jobs that best suit their skills set and desired working environment”.

Job seekers can join the fair over the next 12 days; simply register for free today at www.jobstodaycareerfair.com.

With such positive responses from job seekers and businesses, Jobstoday will also run a Virtual Careers Fair in September. Businesses can find out how to get involved by contacting 0114 299 6173 or emailing info@jobstoday.co.uk.

William Dalrymple, James Naughtie, Rory Stewart MP and Peter Sacks are among the names appearing at the fourth Books, Borders and Bikes literature festival at Traquair House.

The two-day event at the Tweeddale home is heading up by Mark Muller QC, who lives at Traquair with wife Catherine Maxwell Stuart.

Visitors this year’s event will be able to see General Sir Mike Jackson, former UK Chief of General Staff, US Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jorie Graham, Colombian writer and philosopher Oscar Guardiola Rivera, and a host of other leading cultural figures from around the globe, debate a series of topical issues.

Harvard literary professor Peter Sacks will discuss Sir Walter Scott’s credentials as a literary nationalist, international lawyer Ben Emmerson QC will speak about his latest report on drone strikes and former soldier and war photographer Paul Conroy will talk about his time under fire in Syria with journalist Marie Colvin.

Other participants include environmental campaigner and champion of ethical investment, Tessa Tennant, explorer, soldier, diplomat and politician, Iqbal Wahhab, director of counter-extremism think-tank the Quillam Foundation, UK diplomat Sir Kieran Prendergast, politicians from across the divide as well as leading Scottish interviewers Allan Little and Magnus Linklater.

There will also be music, comedy and outdoor activities such as family story-telling bike rides.

For further information, visit www.beyondbordersscotland.com

what and where?

Riverside Apartment, 6 Mayfield Gardens, Kelso

how much?

Asking price, £150,000

who is selling?

Hastings Property Shop – 01573 225999

anything else?

River views

Superbly appointed purpose built Riverside apartment. Situated on the 1st floor, this property enjoys fabulous uninterrupted views over the River Tweed to the rear. The accommodation has been designed to make the most of this stunning location with a lovely decked balcony off the lounge which provides a pleasant seating area with outlooks over the neat communal grounds with the River Tweed beyond.

The well proportioned accommodation enjoys excellent natural light throughout and benefits from a secure entry system.

The light and airy lounge has double windows to the front and a further glazed door to the rear opening out onto the decked balcony with lovely views over the river. The decked terrace and sunny seating area offer direct views over the Tweed and Tweed Green.

The kitchen access is also from the lounge and provides ample space for a table and chairs .

The property also has two bedrooms – a spacious double bedroom with river views and extensive built-in storage, and a second bedroom which is currently used as an office/guest bedroom – and recently fitted shower room. EPC-C

A Highland Show bounce-back attendance of more than 170,000 over four days was recorded by closing time on Sunday night – up almost 10,000 on last year’s show which was affected by wet weather – if 10,000 below the record attendance of a few years ago.

But still good news for the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, with various office holders claiming it a sign of returning confidence among farmers and the rural community, and one over-excited publicist claiming it as “the greatest show on earth”.

Not quite, but a good example of a well-run event which has managed to keep moving forward while retaining the traditional elements of an agricultural show, including livestock judging and lots of big, shiny, machines at eye-watering prices.

For years it has also been the event where politicians make announcements calculated to attract a favourable headline, usually something to do with extra funds for some sector of farming.

This year, farming supporters of the ‘No to Scottish independence’ campaign held press conferences and looked for signatories and the “Yes to independence’ campaigners argued their case.

With about 15 months before a vote on independence is held, it was difficult to work up enthusiasm about such politicking at a farm show, but on it went anyway with, predictably, both sides claiming support.

I’ll wait for the vote and the final count.

After all that premeditated and concentrated effort about independence, however, it was a chance remark at a press conference – if experienced politicians ever do anything so naïve – by Scotland’s rural affairs cabinet secretary Richard Lochhead that produced the surprise.

It was that a right to buy for tenant farmers is back on the SNP government’s agenda after having apparently been dropped.

His throwaway line produced a fireworks display of ­reaction from organisations such as the Scottish Land and Estates group – Scotland’s landowners – and the Scottish Tenant Farmers’ Association.

As has been apparent since devolution for Scotland in 1999, even within such entrenched organisations there are divided feelings on whether giving every tenant farmer the right to buy their land, whether or not the landlord wishes to sell, is a good idea.

That is also true of NFU Scotland, which has many owner-occupiers and landowners among its members as well as tenant farmers, although so far its fence-sitting seems to have upset more of its tenant members than those who own land already.

Whoever was most upset by the Scottish government’s apparent U-turn, I suspect that Mr Lochhead’s remark was planned.

There’s no easy answer and an argument that has gone on for more than a decade is likely to run on for some time, regardless of what happens in the independence referendum of 2014

I wonder how many farming visitors to the Highland Show were distracted from the livestock rings and machinery stands by politics and politicians?

Borders farmers and other producers from the region picked up top prizes in last week’s Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh.

Organisers of Scotland’s biggest agricultural show saw attendance figures rise on last year’s event, with 170,556 visiting the four-day event this year compared to 161,242 in 2012. Nearly 5,000 animals, including sheep, cattle, poultry and horses competed.

Chairman of show organisers, The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), Kelso farmer Allan Murray of Redden said: “It is clear that, following two weeks of sunny weather, farmers were in a optimistic frame of mind and ready to do business. All in all, it has been a very successful show.”

The show’s beef interbreed pairs judge, John Elliot, Roxburgh Mains, Kelso agreed: “There’s been a bit more of a feel-good factor at the Highland. The sun was shining on Thursday and people were a bit cheerier, but bank balances have been hit hard and that doesn’t go away. And if we have a year like last year, nobody is going to clap their hands. “

Former Yarrow Valley farmer, Jim Hume MSP was also at the show. His sons Duncan and Callum won the Cheviot shearling class this year replicating last year’s success, the first year they had shown at the Highland. This year’s shearling went on to take the reserve male ticket too.

Jim said: “Lamb numbers will be down come this autumn and sales will be down. Some hill farms will struggle to keep their own stock from the lambs they have kept. There is still a long way to go.”

Remaining in the Yarrow Valley, Jimmy and George Irving of Mountbenger won the Cheviots championship with a two-shear tup.

Other winners included Ian Walling, Over Whitlaw, Selkirk who took the Lleyn championship with a two-year-old tup, Balliney Antics, which he bought at Carlisle for £3,500 last year.

He said: “He’s got an excellent crop of lambs, he’s the best tup we have ever had. We had another good tup in 2006 which won the championship here as well: he’s just as good if not better.”

Over in the cattle lines, his brother Tom won reserve champion in the Belted Galloways with the two-year-old bull Southfield Major Ronaldo.

Roderick ‘Rocket’ Runciman of Allanshaws, Galashiels, won the North Country Cheviot championship with a home-bred two crop ewe sired by Synton Bullseye, last year’s breed champion, on her first time out.

When asked what he liked about the ewe, Mr Runciman joked: “The judge picked her first, that’s what I like about her... She’s a very correct ewe with beautiful sweet hair.”

He also won the breed reserve male and female championships. Returning to the Yarrow Valley, Sam McClymont of Tinnis, Yarrow, won the Blackface male championship, while in the North Country Cheviots Hill Sheep, Yetholm farmer Michael Elliot of Woodside won the reserve male ticket.

James Brown and others of Eildon Cottage, Mindrum Mill, near Cornhill, took the reserve female championship in the Border Leicesters. And Charles Scott of Viewfields, East Middle, Hawick, won the reserve male champion’s ticket in the Zwartbles.

Among the Aberdeen Angus, Gordon Brooke, Upper Huntlywood Farm, Earlston won the reserve championship with the three-year-old cow, Linton Gilbertines Black Bess, and Whittaker and Co Farms’ two-year-old Haughton Laura took the reserve female ticket for producer Fraser Cormack of Stickle Heaton Farm, Cornhill.

Hereford breeders Ron and Robert Wilson of Cowbog, Morebattle, Kelso, won the breed’s reserve champion’s ticket with their five-year-old cow Romany 1 Plum. They also won the best junior bull and reserve male champion with Romany 1 Jackel.

Hawick’s Roy and Adam Crockett of Conker Cottage, Deanfoot, won the Salers championship with the bull champion, two-year-old Gulliver, while Rob and Kath Livesey, Firth Farm, Nether Firth, Lilliesleaf, took the reserve female champion’s rosette with Cleuchhead Mhairi 10th.

From Berwick, Brian Redhead and Jonathan Watson of Bowsden Moor, Bowsden, had the reserve male champion among the British Blues with their two-year-old bull Tweeddale Guinness.

Chain Bridge Honey Farm won the Thomas Henry Fairley Perpetual Trophy after gaining most points in the extracted honey/comb honey/beeswax/mead and cocktail classes.

The reserve overall hunter was the six-year-old bay gelding, Tredragon, owned by Andrew and Gilly McCowan of Horncliffe Mains, Berwick-upon-Tweed .

The Eriskay Champion was the seven-year-old mare, Gretel, belonging to Mrs Gillian Clark of Kerchesters, Kelso, while the Connemara in hand champion rosette went to the five-year-old grey mare, Eastlands Rashiebrae, owned by Dianna Staveley of the Eastlands Stud, Davington, Eskdalemuir. The mare went on to take reserve champion in the ‘Cuddy’, the Horse of the Year Show Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship qualifier.

Peeblesshire exhibitors D and P Fontana of Honeysuckle Cottage, Kailzie, had a good show in the poultry section, winning the best exhibition trio and the best utility prizes, while Dorothy Thomson of Kingsmuir Drive, Peebles won the best extra fine fleece class.

Wooler

At their weekly Primestock sale last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 760 new season lambs, 173 hoggs and 326 ewes.

Increased numbers with an increase in quality reflected in higher returns.

Leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £107, £104, £100.50, £100 Lilburn Estates, £101, £100 Holy Island, £100 Chesterhill. Suff.x:- £100 Shipley Lane, £98 Treaty Park and Clarence House, £97 Holy Island. Chev:- £94 Humbleheugh, £90 Barelees. Ven:- £93 North Lyham. Bel.x:- £92, £91, £90 Chillingham Home Farm. Zwa:- £90 Barelees.

Leading prices per kilo:- Bel.x:- 257.1p, 255.6p, 246p Chillingham Home Farm, 242.9p, 233.8p Ladykirk. Tex.x:- 250p Little Swinton, 247.4p Lilburn Estates, 243.9p Holy Island. Suff.x:- 238.8p Clarence House, 233.3p Treaty Park, 232.4p Kettleburn. BDM:- 229.5p Chillingham Home Farm. Chev:- 225.6p Humbleheugh.

Hoggs, leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £80 Charlton Mires and Clarence House, £70 Elwick and Ladykirk. Suff.x:- £70 Cockhall and Ladykirk. Mule:- £70 Ladykirk.

Leading prices per kilo:- Tex.x:- 166.7p Charlton Mires, 154.1p, 150p The Hagg, 152.2p Ladykirk, Suff.x:- 152.2p Ladykirk, 145.8p Cockhall. GF:- 145.8p Ladykirk.

Strong show of ewes, with plenty of flesh available achieving similar returns. Leading rices:- Suff.x:- £95 Barelees, £93.50, £86 Wandon, £85.50 (x2), £82 Lilburn

Estates, £82 Milfield Demesne. Tex.x:- £86 Wandon, £84 The Hagg, £83 Barelees. Zwa:- £86 Barelees. Mule:- £68 Elwick, £67 Charlton Mires, £65.50 Greystonnes, £65 Whitsome West Newton and West Rennington. BF:- £61 Ladykirk. Ven:- £60 South Lyham.

Rams:- Tex.x:- £97 Chesterhill, £90 Wrangham East, £82 West Longridge. Suff.x:- £95 Goswick.

St Boswells

On Monday John Swan Ltd sold 85 clean cattle, 44 OTM cattle, 839 new season lambs, 383 old season lambs and 407 ewes.

Bullocks (31) averaged 240.7p per kg and sold to 256p (+1.2p on week), heifers (53) averaged 235p per kg and sold to 255p (+0.2p on week), one young bull averaged 212p per kg and sold to 212p (n/c on week) and 44 beef type OTM cattle averaged 154.7p per kg and sold to 207p (n/c on the week).

New season lambs averaged 240.4p per kg(+8.4p on week) and sold to £121, old season SQQ lambs averaged 166.4p per kg (-4.7p on week) and sold to £98, ewes averaged £66.41, and sold to £95, heavy ewes £75.83, light ewes £56.29.

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.56 (2) M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd and W Taylor (Lockerbie), 2.55 (2), Robert Wilson Butcher and M/s TA Shaw, 2.53 M/s J Saunderson Ltd; Longnewton 2.55 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Caverton Mill 2.55 M/s TA Shaw; Lurdenlaw 2.54 Colin Peat; Traprain 2.51 Charles Wilson Butcher; Pathhead 2.50 Robert Wilson Butcher; Upper Hundalee 2.50 W Taylor(Lockerbie), 2.49 Malone of Edinburgh; Lennoxlove 2.48 M/s Moor; Thirlestane 2.48 Ramsay Butcher; Ramrig 2.47 Malone of Edinburgh.

Principal prices per head: Lurdenlaw £1809.50, £1747.90, £1715.50, £1610.

Bulls: Haltree £1313 (1.30p).

Cows per head: Humbie Mill £1891.50; Kersknowe £1559.25, £1488, £1435; Honeyburn £1451.40; Muircleugh £1169.55, £1107.20; Roxburgh Mains £1165.45; Lakewood Stud £1147.50; Kirkton £1144.80, £1088.50, £1056; Thirlestane £1110.90; Bonjedward Mill £1094.80; Kaeside £1085.50.

Cows per kg: Muircleugh 2.07, 1.73; Kaeside 1.99; Humbie Mill 1.94; Kersknowe 1.89, 1.75; Honeyburn 1.77; Kirkton 1.77, 1.65; Kaeside 1.67; Huntington 1.67; Bonjedward Mill 1.63, 1.61; Roxburgh Mains 1.63; Bogbank 1.61; Thirlestane 1.61.

New season lambs per head: Suff.x;- £121 Roxburgh Mains, £117 Ladyflat, £113 Thirlestane; Tex.x;- £121 Preston, £115.50 Upper Bolton, £112 Thirlestane; Zwar;- £110 Eden Lodge; High;- £109 Carterhaugh.

New season lambs per kg: Tex;- 269.2 Legers, Tex.x;- 251.3 Sydenham, 251.2 Huntington, Suff.x;- 242.1 Lauder Barns, 241 Marvingston.

Rams: Tex;- £111 Newbiggin Walls, Char;- £91 Carterhaugh, BFL;- £85 Newbiggin Walls.

Border Livestock

Last week Border Livestock Exchange Ltd sold 115 prime cattle including 34 cows, 2,019 prime lambs including 214 ewes and 149 store cattle.

Prime cattle numbers were short of requirements with trade subsequently firmer for all classes. Aberdeen Angus crosses sold to 454p per kg to Well Hung and Tender, Berwick. Simmental crosses sold to 413p per kg with Limousin young bulls selling to 410p per kg and £1,555 from Whitmuirhaugh, Kelso.

Lambs were considerably dearer towards the end of the week with Hoggs also being easier to sell. Texel cross lambs sold to £107.10 for 21kg. Suffolk crosses and Meatlinc to £99.75. Heavy lambs 22kg sold to £109.80 with light Lambs 8-12kgs selling to 465p per kg.

The Beltane has come and gone – but the memories will forever be etched in the minds of Queen Rianna Sterricks and Cornet Daniel Williamson.

They have enjoyed the time of their lives, while at the same time ensuring that once again it was indeed, Peebles for Pleasure.

They smiled, they laughed, they waved and they cheered and even when a horrendous downpour drenched Saturday’s Beating of the Retreat – they still laughed and the cornet danced. And if Peebles was rightly proud of its principals, they, too, were equally proud of the people.

Rianna, a 12-year-old pupil at Kingsland Primary School, told The Southern: “There was such a good turnout of people and it was great to hear them all cheering and see them waving. It was all very exciting and Saturday was phenomenal.

“The weather was really good until the Saturday night when they were Beating the Retreat, but there was a big crowd and the bands were great. It has been a memorable week.”

That memorable week began on the Sunday with the installation of the Reverend Malcolm Jefferson of St Andrews Leckie linked with Lyne and Manor, as Warden of Neidpath.

Wednesday belonged to Cornet Daniel Williamson and Cornet’s Lass Susan Thomson who were installed by Beltane and Marching Riding committee chairman, the 1979 Cornet Alastair Dodds. Supporting them were predecessors Cameron Young and Rae Brown and Cameron’s brother Ewen and his Lass Laura Cox.

Susan bussed the Burgh Standard before it was carried round the marches with a stop being made at the ancient castle of Neidpath where this year’s Warden James Moffat gave the warden’s address.

Tweed and Cuddy were forded while on the edge of the golf course the chases were held for a variety of trophies. This was the centenary of the Beltane Bell race. The trophy was retained by local rider Ross Wilson.

Back on the High Street the traditional reel was danced and Cornet Williamson commented: “What I have experienced tonight is the best night of my life.”

And after Saturday he told The Southern: “The crowds were fabulous, they have been huge all week, The weather was great until the last half hour [Beating Retreat]. The Queen and the children deserved that great weather. I have spoken this week about what makes it so great for the children. Every child from primary one to seven has been singing the Beltane Song with pride and passion.”

And he revealed: “I tried to ride the Beltane last year and failed so if it wasn’t for my Lass and the Kailzie equestrian centre, none of this would have been possible for me.”

There was pleasant surprise for Queen Rianna as she sat Crowned in front of the Parish Church. Three generations of the Sterrick family have pedalled the Beltane Penny Farthing at the festival fancy dress and Saturday parade. Her uncle Jim has done it for a number of years. But it has never been cycled in tribute to a Queen as she sat on her throne – until Saturday. Closely behind the Cornet and his party came Jim on his bike.

Rianna told us: “It was a complete surprise and added to all the excitement. It was great.”

Saturday night’s Retreat featured Peebles Silver band and the pipes and drums of the Royal Guard of Oman. This was when the rain fell – and the Cornet danced.

He told us: “It wasn’t planned, but the crowd were fantastic, staying throughout despite the rain.”

And the Cornet, who is in charge of the Peebles Silver Development band, took the baton for Baggy Trousers by Madness.

Cornet and Queen reigned in Peebles last week as the Royal Burgh took Daniel Williamson and Rianna Sterricks to their hearts.

Wednesday and the Riding of the Marches belonged to Cornet Williamson and his Lass Susan Thomson.

But Saturday, Red Letter Day, belonged to Queen Rianna, her court and the children of Peebles.

Cornet Williamson declared it so from the Mercat Cross after the Proclamation of the Beltane Fair.

He told the crowd as the youngsters awaited to take centre stage: “All our Border towns have passion and pride for their traditions. But only Peebles has the passion to make Red Letter Day for the children. Queen Rianna’s smile has captured the people of Peebles.”

The Beltane Fair was proclaimed by local solicitor Struan Ferguson who went on to fulfil his duties at the old burgh boundaries.

Cornet Williamson received his medallion from Beltane and March Riding chairman Alastair Dodds and he would wear it with pride. There was a medal too for silver jubilee cornet Andrew Williamson whose Lass in 1988 was his wife Joyce.

Pipes and drums heralded the arrival from the Northgate on to the High Street of the children – soldiers, penguins pirates, rag dolls , flower girls and mice, and onwards they marched, carefully chaperoned and gently marshalled, by teachers, through the gathered crowd to the Parish Church steps.

There they took their places – a sea of colour – to await the arrival of their Queen.

The combined Peebles Ex-Service and Peebles Silver Bands blew any remaining Saturday morning cobwebs away as they escorted dignitaries and visiting principals to their places for the Crowning.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall were in town earlier this month and on Wednesday Queen Elizabeth follows in her son’s footsteps to open the Buchan Centre. But on Saturday it was Rianna who reigned.

Earlier clouds with their threat of rain had long gone and there was sunshine. If it was a bit chilly, nobody noticed.

The characters of the festival were waiting and slowly and with dignity the court was built up with Rianna waiting to be crowned.

First Courtier Ross Aiken, 11, from Priorsford Primary, never put a foot wrong – no one involved in this picturesque pageantry did. Maid of Honour Abbie Gilmour and Maids Lilly Carvalho, Abbey Scrimger, Anna Taylor, Darcy Hamilton and Lorna Welsh, were attentive to the finest detail.

Crowning Lady Theresa Hindhaugh, who has helped train the court for the past 18 years. Dressed in Beltane red, she fulfilled her appointed role with dignity and grace. Rianna Sterricks was now truly, Beltane Queen 2013. There were fanfares and cheers.

And there were telegrams from China, France, Australia, Botswana, New Zealand, the USA, Thailand, St Helena, the Republic of Ireland, England and of course Scotland. Many included special mention of the Silver Band which responded to each with a cheer.

Cornet Williamson and his supporters, the brothers, Cameron and Ewen Young rode by to pay homage and were greeted by happy cheers from the youngsters.

And then there was a surprise. Queen Rianna’s uncle, Jim Sterricks, cycled by on the Beltane Penny Farthing. The cycle has been ridden by the Sterrick family since the days of her great grandfather, but only in the parades – never at the Crowning. Special permission had been asked for its use by the Sterrick family and had been granted, but Rianna was unaware it was going to happen. She said later it was a pleasant surprise.

On this, the 114th anniversary of the restoration of the festival, Queen Rianna’s proclamation, extended a warm welcome to young and old and to those attending for the first time and those “whom our festival has gladdened for many years”.

The Queen’s desire was for the day be given over to sport and jollity and that nothing should be done to tarnish the fair names of the Ancient and Royal Burgh.

And before long there was much jollity. Queen and Court departed in the Beltane Landaux while the young characters of the festival let excitement rip as they headed for the decorated floats.

Brass and pipe bands were woven between the lorries and trailers as the youngsters toured town. Sweets were thrown by onlookers – and sometimes mischievously returned. Peebles Silver Band proudly led their Queen and Court.

Soon it was time to remember those of the armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice to ensure that days like this could be enjoyed.

In the Quadrangle, as the parade continued outside, due tribute was paid. There was a hint of rain that faded away.

Floral wreaths were gently laid by Queen, Cornet, Crowing Lady, Warden of Neidpath, James Moffat, and Chairman Dodds. Warden of the Cross Kirk, the Reverend Malcolm Jefferson, reminded us that those whose names appeared on the memorial, would not grow old as we that are left would.

And here was the Last Post, the silence, Reveille and the haunting strains of Flo’ers o’ the Forest.

Amidst the fun, Peebles had remembered.