A Galashiels businessman this week described Borders Railway contractors and other hauliers as “negligent” and warned mud on main roads is an accident waiting to happen.

Company director Lawrence Niven’s criticism comes after police on the Edinburgh bypass fined him £100 for a dirty number plate as he drove to his daughter’s carol singing, last Friday afternoon.

The businessman, who commutes from his rural home near Galashiels to his printing and embroidery firm at Loanhead, had rung Transport Scotland just hours earlier to alert officials to the problem of mud on the A7 and A68.

Mr Niven has since contacted Michael Moore MP and local councillors to urge action and told them: “The A7, at Fountainhall and Heriot in particular, as well as the A68 around Soutra, are in a deplorable state as a result of railway work and hauliers’ disregard for other road users. The muck and damage to the roads is both disgraceful and out of control.

“The knock-on effect of this neglect is road damage to A, B and C class roads, dangerous driving conditions for other road users, a further deterioration of any white lines, difficult night driving and all this prior to proper winter conditions.

“There is unquestionably a serious accident waiting to happen and rather than waiting for this, will SBC and all the other agencies get their heads together and get the roads into a semblance of order?

“A typical journey between Galashiels and the Edinburgh City bypass could easily result in an illegible number plate on a daily basis.

“I am already using the A68 instead of the A7 to attend my work, so a disproportionate fine on top of (extra) car washing and fuel made my day.”

He told us: “I think Network Rail and (contractors) BAM are negligent. It’s obvious where they are pulling quarried materials from, that is the source of the dirt and they are being negligent by allowing that not to be contained.”

A Network Rail spokesman said: “The Borders Railway is not using the A68 as a supply route. Private operators using this route do so under their own site rules and are not under the supervision of Borders Railway.

“We are in regular contact with Police Scotland and Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to manage the road conditions.”

He continued: “There are no immediate safety concerns regarding the A7, however, if conditions deteriorate, we will stop site access and work with the police and local authorities to tackle the issue.

“The A7 is admittedly dirty and is likely to remain so while we undertake the major civil engineering work required.”

After a meeting with police, BAM, Network Rail and SBC representatives at Falahill earlier this week, Borders MP Michael Moore said yesterday (Wednesday): “This meeting with the most senior decision makers involved in the construction and monitoring of the railway saw all present make a commitment to safety above all else. It is understandable that people have been alarmed, given the filthy conditions.

“All present stressed that liaison will be closer and more regular and road safety will be of paramount importance”.

Police today confirmed that a man has been charged in connection with what they have described as cannabis cultivation.

It follows a raid on premises in Hawick’s Cheviot Road last Thursday.

Officers say around 15 plants were seized and have put the value of the Class B drug found at around £2,500.

According to the police, items of cultivation equipment were also found at the property.

Police Scotland said a 20-year-old man was detained and charged yesterday and will now be reported to the procurator fiscal.

Inspector Carol Wood said: “Our local communities in Hawick have made it very clear that those involved in drug crime are not welcome and we will continue to act on information from the public to remove harmful drugs from the streets.”

Research by Clydesdale Bank has revealed that more than a third of Scotland’s small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have never sought advice on how to drive business growth.

The research also found that among those businesses which do seek advice the average saving or extra profit made was more than £10,500 every year.

Across the UK, the survey found that 22 per cent of SMEs never seek out advice.

wooler

At their weekly Prime Stock sale last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 802 lambs and 295 ewes.

Lamb numbers slightly easier, but vendors received returns above expectations, early week markets left well behind.

Leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £87 Kettleburn, £82 Hartside (A Hutcheon), £79 Lorbottle, £78.50 Wandon, £78 Greenhead, Reston, £77.50, £77 West Longridge, £77 Branton Eastside. Suff.x:- £85.50 Castlelaw, £81.50 Brockley Hall, £79.50 Branton Eastside, £79 North Lyham, £77.50 Shotton. Bel.x:- £85 The Loan, £78.50, £78 Ladykirk. Chev:- £83 Humbleheugh.

Leading prices per kilo:- Bel:- 229.7p The Loan, 189.5p, 186.9p Ladykirk. Tex.x:- 200p Lorbottle, 191p Black Heddon, 187.2p Chatton Park, 186.3p, 185p Mindrum Farming Co, 185p Todrig, 183.3p Black Heddon, 182.9p Lorbottle, 181.3p East Fleetham. Suff.x:- 183.8p Mindrum Farming Co, 182.5p Howtel. Oxf:- 182.1p East Fleetham. Chev:- 181.7p South Charlton.

Ewes, numbers slightly increased with similar returns achieved, in keeping with national averages.

Leading prices:- Suff.x:- £77 Wandon, £70 Venchen, £69 Ross Farm. Tex.x:- £74 Alnham, £73 Wandon, £61 Cresswell Farms, £60 Yetlington Lane. Chev:- £50 Sourhope, £45 Alnham, £41 South Charlton. Mule:- £51 West Longridge. BF:- £35 Branton Eastside.

Rams:- Suff:- £90 Venchen. Tex.x:- £80 Greenhead, Reston.

st boswells

On Monday John Swan Ltd sold 86 clean cattle, 62 OTM cattle, 2,894 new season lambs and 425 ewes.

Bullocks (48) averaged 234.2p per kg and sold to 267p (-5.8p on week), heifers (38) averaged 230p per kg and sold to 277p (-7.2p on week) and 58 beef type OTM cattle averaged 127.9p per kg and sold to 225p (+5.9p on the week).

The 1,859 new season SQQ lambs averaged 181.6p per kg (+8.1p on week) and sold to £103, 1,035 light lambs averaged 171.7 and 425 ewes averaged £54.66 and sold to £95. Heavy ewes £71.29, light ewes £44.56.

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.77, 2.67 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.66 Denholm Meat Supplies, 2.60 Robert Wilson Butcher, Edinburgh, 2.58 W Taylor (Lockerbie); Traprain 2.67 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.59 (2) M/s Cropper and Malone of Edinburgh; Upper Nisbet 2.61 Denholm Meat Supplies, 2.59 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.57 Malone of Edinburgh; Longnewton £2.60 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd, 2.57 M/s J Saunderson Ltd; Saughland 2.60 Denholm Meat Supplies; Hollybush 2.59 M/s TA Shaw; Upper Hundalee 2.59 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons.

Principal -prices per head: Lurdenlaw £1740.40, £1668.45, £1575.50; Bee Edge £1634.30, £1575.30; Haltree £1570.80.

John Swan Ltd held their annual Show and Sale of Cast Cows judged by M/s G Moor.

The champion exhibited by M/s Hamilton, Ramrig, scaled 905kgs making 153p realising £1384.65.

The reserve champion exhibited by M/s Fleming, Mosstower, scaled 765kgs making 1.59p realising £1216.35.

Cows per head: Ramrig £1384.65, £1345.05; Nisbet £1363.15, £1295.25, £1086.75; Thrunton £1253.55; Mosstower £1216.35, £1050.45; Wester Middleton £1112; Queenscairn £1107.20; Outerston £1102.50; Philiphaugh £1096.20; Upper Samieston £1080.25, Greenknowe £982.80; Upper Hundalee £981.25.

Cows per kg: Outerston 2.25; Philiphaugh 2.03; Nisbet 1.99, 1.89, 1.65; Queenscairn 1.73,1.63; Mosstower 1.59, 1.49; Greenknowe 1.53; Ramrig 1.53, 1.47; Upper Samieston 1.45; Wester Middleton 1.39; Rumbleton 1.39.

Bulls: Wedderlie £1047.60(.97p); Upper Tofts £906.95 (97p).

The new season lambs SQQ avge 181.6p selling to £103 Bel.x ex Sydenham and 220.8p pkg for Tex.x ex Crumhaughhill.
Lambs per head: Bel.x;- £103 Sydenham, £97 Craigsford Mains, Tex.x;- £94 Crumhaughhill, £93 Crookston, Tex;- £93 Roxburgh Mill, £92.50 Quarrybank, Suff.x;- £96 Nether Howden(Halliday), £88 Burnhouse Mains, Chev;- £81.50 Attonburn, £80 Wester Ulston and Haltree, Mule;- £77.50 Threeburnford, £77 Burncastle, CM;- £75 Gospelhall, £74.50 Gilston, BF;- £72 Lauderhill.

Lambs per kg: Tex.x;- 220.8, 217.6, 216.2 Crumhaughhill, Bel.x;- 218.4 Crookston, 215 Sydenham, 213.2 Ashcraig, Suff.x;- 187.5 Birkenside, 187.2 Parkhill, 185.9 Threeburnford, Chev;- 186.3 Haltree, 185 Sydenham, Mule;- 184.6 Coulston Mains, 182.9 Burncastle Farming, CM;- 180.5 Wester Uston, BF;- 173.8

Lightweight lambs avge 171.7.

Lambs per head: Bel.x;- £73 Crookston, £70 Ashcraig, Suff.x;- £66 Brotherston, Tex.x;- £62 Helmburn, £57.50 Hillhouse, Mule;- £60 Brockhouse, Chev;- £57.50 Brockhouse, BF;- £63.50 Woodburn, £57 Craig Douglas and Holylee. Lambs per kg: Bel.x;- 212 Ashcraig, 202.8 Crookston, Suff.x;- 188.6 Brotherston, Tex.x;- 187.9 Helmburn, BF;- 186.7 Burncastle, 185.7 Holylee, Chev.x;- 182.8 Birnieknowe.

Cast ewes: Suff.x;- £95,£85,£84 Craigsford Mains, £88 Middlethird and Cockburn, Tex;- £85 The Bow, £79 St Leonards, Suff;- £75 Brotherstone, Cher;- £75 Deanfoot, Chev;- £71 Provest (Melrose), £59 Gilston, HB;- £71 Wester Middleton, GF;- £63 Craigsford, £57 Burnhouse Mains and Cockburn, Chev;- £60 Gilston, BF;- £53 Burnhouse Mains, £43 Burncastle.

Rams: Suff;- £111 Wester Middleton, Tex;- £89 Ladylands. S.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart PLC had forward 43 prime cattle, five young bulls, 29 over 30 month cattle, 5,843 prime lambs and 6,317 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

It was the Christmas show and sale of prime cattle. A total of 20 cattle were offered for show, where the judge Mr Joe Kirkup (Wm Kirkup and Sons, Butcher, Longtown) cast his eye over them and awarded the championship to a Limousin heifer shown by J and N Blaylock and Son, Hallburn, which later realised 295p (£1,947) and was purchased by the judge.

The reserve ticket went to J Retson and Son, Gardrum for a Belgian Blue heifer selling to 280p (£1736) to S McGimpsey, Thorns.

The cup for the Best British Beast was awarded to WG and HM Kyle, Spout Bank, which later sold to 238p (£1213.80) purchased by Joe Kirkup (Wm Kirkup and Sons).

Young bulls were a small show of five.

The otms were a similar trade and continued to follow the national trend.

Top price was 145.5p for a British Blue cow from Nunscleugh with top price per head £1182 Henrys Hill.

border livestock

This week Border Livestock Exchange to week ending sold 109 prime cattle including 45 cows, 191 store cattle, 2,014 prime lambs, 1,140 store lambs, 262 cull ewes and four mature bulls.

Top prices in the prime cattle section went to Easington Grange, Belford, for a home bred Charolais cross steer at £1,786. Charolais cross heifers from the same farm sold to £1,524.

Hereford cross steers from Tughall Grange, Chathill, sold to £1,699. Cast cows to £1,190 for Limousin crosses from Harehope Farm, Wooler, and to £1,182 for Luings from Ewart Farm, Wooler.

Lambs showed good signs of improving as numbers tighten with demand firm particularly for lighter weights.

Top price:- 400p per kg from Venchen Farm, Yetholm and Hardens, Duns.

Top per head for export weights was £85.05 from Hollybush Galashiels and £84.00 from Primside Farm, Yetholm.

The company had one of their busiest weeks for the time of year, with store sheep and cattle.

Store lambs sold in large numbers with trade the dearest so far this
 year.

Ancrum

WRI

Elected at the AGM were – president, Mrs Allan; vice-president, Mrs Butler; treasurer, Mrs Goodfellow; secretary, Mrs Smail; minute secretary, Mrs Law; press secretary, Mrs Sinton. Committee – Mrs Dorricott, Mrs McDonald, Mrs Little and Mrs Wight. Cups were presented – most points – Mrs R. Sinton; runner-up, Mrs J. Butler; cookery, Mrs R Sinton; handicrafts, Mrs M. Dorricott and Mrs R. Sinton. Competitions – best-dressed haggis – Mrs R. Sinton; four shortbread fingers – Mrs R. Sinton.

Broomlands

WRI

The Christmas party meeting featured a quiz night, followed by supper supplied by members. Everyone brought a wrapped Christmas parcel, which was judged for the competition. First prize went to Helen Cavers, with Moira Nicholson and Joan Turnbull runner-up and third respectively.

Caddonfoot

Church

The second Sunday service of Advent was celebrated in Caddonfoot Church on Sunday when the Candle of Hope was lit by Hannah Birch. Proceedings were conducted by the Reverend Marion Dodd and lessons read by session clerk Anne Grieve. The theme of the Reverend Dodd’s address was the life of Nelson Mandela. It was also the last opportunity to sign the call for the Reverend Elspeth Harley, the new minister, who is expected to conduct her first service in February. Sunday was also a Gift Service Day and members of the congregation donated cash for Borders children’s charities. Christmas newsletters and the list of festive services are being delivered this week. A watchnight service with Trinity Church will be held on December 24 at 11pm.

Atholl Innes is asking members to save their Christmas stamps to help raise cash for the Eden Valley Hospice at Brampton.

DARNICK

WRI

Flower arranger Joyce Tinlin sang a special song relating to each arrangement she produced. Competition – floral arrangement in an egg cup – 1, Mrs Crosbie; 2, Mrs Waldie; 3, Mr Arthur. Today (Thursday) the village hall will host the Christmas party which starts at 7.15pm. Members should bring a supper plate for the buffet table. The January meeting is the birthday meal at Quins in Galashiels.

EARLSTON

Parish church

The nativity service on December 15 at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. Carol services at Hanover Lounge (3pm) and Grangehall Nursing Home (2.15pm) will be held on December 16 and 17 respectively. An Advent service will be held on December 18 at 7pm in the church.

Guide post

The last collection is on December 14 at noon for delivery on 16th. The post box is in Aquarius Hair Design.

Edgerston

WRI

The rural’s 86th birthday lunch was held in The Clocktower, Jedburgh, on December 4. Afterwards, a draw took place and the winner of the wood-turned pen, donated by Alan Thompson, was won by Joan Badger. The points cup went to Evelyn Grierson. Best wrapped present – 1, Joan Badger; 2, Celia Badman; 3, Maggie Greenwood.

Ettrickbridge

Fundraiser

The next village hall fundraiser is on December 16 at 7.15pm when Selkirk Silver Band play Christmas carols. Tickets from Linda on 01750 52257.

Galashiels

Probus

At a meeting held in the Kingsknowes Hotel on November 28, members were given an illustrated talk by James (Lord) Joicey about the Battle of Flodden and the ecomuseum set up to celebrate its 500th anniversary (www,flodden1513).com. The next meeting will be held today (Thursday), starting at 10am.

Shopping evening

Royal Voluntary Service funds will be swelled tonight (Thursday) at a Christmas Indulgence Shopping Night (6-8pm) held in North Wheatlands Mill, Wheatlands Road.

Camera club

Last night’s men v women competition marked the final meeting of this session for Galashiels Camera Club. Gatherings resume on January 8 at 7.30pm – opening with a quiz entitled “Where in the world?” Members meet for their Christmas meal on Friday, January 10.

GLENDOUGLAS

Call My Bluff

The winning team was Linda McCall, Lenny Wyse and Rob Hogg.

Carols

December 16 sees carols round the Christmas tree at 7pm with Jedforest Instrumental Band.

Demonstration

A seasonal floral demonstration evening with Ruby Brown from Jedburgh will be held on December 18 (7pm). Bring along greenery and containers to make an arrangement and any other items you wish to use. Flowers will be available to buy on the night.

Dancing

The old-time dancing party night is on December 19 (7.30pm) – bring and share supper.

Games

A games evening will be held on December 27 from 6pm.

Hawick

Film and Video Group

One of the founding members of the club, Scott Renwick presented a programme of his films.

Camera club

Les Miller, accompanied by his son Nigel (who took care of the computer and technical aspects), presented a talk entitled “Photographing the Alps”. The meeting on December 12 will be a practical night about “Sequences”.

Rotary

Due to the speaker calling off at the last minute, club member and past president Jack Swanston stepped into the breech at last week’s meeting to give an illustrated talk on three air trips he had made across the Borders – two in a helicopter and one in a single-engined plane. At an earlier meeting, Galashiels firefighter Rachel Harris spoke about firefighting through the ages. The Great Fire of London saw moves towards a more organised service in Britain, initially mainly organised by insurance companies, until brigades were taken over by local authorities. She explained what it was like to be a firefighter today – starting with the selection process, training at Gullane and then to a station to start work.

Camera club

The annual three-way competition between Galashiels, Selkirk and Hawick took place last Wednesday, with the former hosting the event. Result – 1, Galashiels (254 points); 2, Hawick (249); 3, Selkirk (218). Hawick member Sel Messer was awarded full marks for his digital image “Reflections”. The meeting on December 19 will be an informal competition between the president and vice-president and their teams. This will be followed with a Christmas buffet.

Hownam

Towford WRI

Joyce Luby demonstrated how to make sparkly Christmas boxes at last month’s meeting. The competition for a decorated witch’s hat was won by Sue Aitchison, while the Ann Douglas Trophy for a knitted jumper went to Jean Douglas. All jumpers are to go to South Africa for underprivileged children. The Points Trophy was jointly won by Jean Douglas and Margaret Hornsby. This gathering was also the annual business meeting and all office bearers and committee members were appointed. Members enjoyed a meal at the Glenbank Hotel, Jedburgh, on December 3. Successes of individuals and the group at the federation show were celebrated and trophies presented. Margaret Jeffrey was presented with a certificate and gift for 50 years of involvement in Towford rural. The next meeting is on January 7 at 7.30pm in Hownam Hall. This will be a try-and-taste evening with everyone bringing a favourite recipe. Competition – a slice of Christmas cake.

Innerleithen

Service

The service on Sunday in Innerleithen Church will be at 11.30 am. There will be a carol service in the church at 6.30pm.

Coffee morning

St Ronan’s Border Games Committee’s winter coffee morning raised £400 towards Games Week 2014.

Jedburgh

Bridge club

December 2 – N/S – 1. A.and R. Stewart; 2, V. Johnstone and M. Miller; 3, R. Oates and S.West; E/W – 1, K. Jackson and D. Cairns; 2, M. and H. Ouldcott; 3, D. Cessford and D. Gray. November 25 – N/S – 1, O. Whillans and A. Ireland; 2, A. and R. Stewart; 3, T. Davidson and M. Allan; E/W – 1, M. Forsyth and P. Harris; 2, I. Middleton and D. Cessford; 3, N. Porter and S. Graham.

Probus AGM

President, Kennie Hogg; vice-president, Ian Weir; secretary/ treasurer, vacant; committee, Kennie Hogg, Ian Weir, Harry Wright, Michael Smith and Jim Thomson.

Historical society

Paul Brough, from The Heritage Hub and Archives Centre in Hawick, outlined plans for the centre aimed at benefiting historians and family researchers. He also illustrated the range of materials it held. The next talk is in the British Legion on December 12 at 7.30pm when Chris Veitch will recreate the ramblers’ club walk around the Jedburgh of 1913.

Exhibition

Jedburgh Grammar School pupils are holding a Christmas cake and craft exhibition in the school on December 17 and 18.

AGM

Roxburghshire Federation WRI held its AGM in The Thistle Pavilion. Reports were given by office bearers on activities which had taken place during the year, including the recent very successful show. The entertainment convener gave a resume of the events planned for the coming year, including the annual quiz and the trip to St Andrews in May. It has been decided to suspend the Reading Aloud competition meantime. The H&H rally will take place in May in Jedburgh Town Hall. As Liz Jackson and Helen Moffat have completed their terms as central councillors, Caroline Tullie and Ann Reid have been elected to take their place and were presented with their badges of office. Liz and Helen were presented with orchid plants as a token of appreciation. Gweyn Williamson of Midlem was elected press secretary on the retiral of Elizabeth Topp who was presented with a gift. Hermitage members were winners of the competition for best syllabus which was in celebration of their 90th birthday and gave a history of the rural, with Midlem runners-up. The federation plans to hold a dinner in October to celebrate its 90th birthday. Elizabeth Jackson (01450 372511) would be pleased to hear from anyone wishing to join.

Kelso

Thursday Group

Members were transported to Antarctica by Captain Mike Perry to follow the experiences of research teams who spend several months of the year in that region. Today (Thursday), at the Christmas tea, Trevor Black will talk about his life as an auctioneer and value objects brought by members – 2pm, Abbey Row Centre.

Guild

Kelso North and Ednam Guild met in Kelso North Parish Church on November 28. Speaker Elizabeth Finlay reminded members of the many changes in day-to-day living, a world of make do and mend, hard work and hard times, but also of neighbourliness and hospitality. Mrs P. Donaldson thanked her for her reminiscences of the past. The guild meets again on December 12 for a Christmas evening with the Reverend Tom McDonald.

Bridge club

December 4 – Celtic Pairs and Rose Bowl 4 – N/S – 1, Jean McLaren and Alison Ireland; 2, Alex Jeffrey and Jock Dun; 3, Bob Stevenson and Annie Mitchell; E/W – 1, Lee Leeson and John Hayton; 2 David Harris-Burland and Ruth Mackay; 3, Mary and Nigel Lindsay. December 5 – match-pointed pairs – 1, John Urquhart and Janet Kyle; 2, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 3, Alison Darling and Mary Logan; 4, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson. November 27 – Abbey Salver 4 – N/S – 1, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; 2 (equal), John and Marian Miller, Dominic and Diana Alkin; E/W – 1, Ian and Eliz Ross; 2, Sheena McPherson and Sheila Urquhart; 3, Jean Bunyan and Val Fairbairn. November 28 – Calchou Cup 6 – N/S –1, Jean McLaren and Ken Ross; 2, Rena Stewart and Val Johnstone; 3, Bob Stevenson andNancy Porter. E/W – 1, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 2, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger; 3, John and Marian Miller.

Museum friends

Friends of Kelso Museum’s final talk in the autumn series was delivered by Kristian Peterson who kept the audience enthralled by his description of “Doggerland” and what this part of the world would have been like many thousands of years ago. The next series of talks resumes on March 5.

Probus

Kelso and District Probus Club last Thursday elected its first female president – Veronica Saunders, who has been club secretary for several years.

Library friends

Friends of Kelso Library enjoyed an afternoon of refreshments and Christmas readings last Wednesday when members and their guests entertained. Alasdair Hutton also delivered extracts from his book, “Tattoo Fox”.

Scout post

Kelso Explorer Scout Group ls running a Christmas card postal service for Kelso and Ednam. The recommended donation is 25p. Boxes will be situated at Seasons Coffee Shop in Roxburgh Street and at James Stewart and Son, Woodmarket, tomorrow (Friday) and Saturdav. All cards will be delivered bv Christmas Eve. Part of the money raised will be going to the Cash for Kids charity which helps disabled and disadvantaged children from birth to age 18. Any cards addressed outwith Kelso or Ednam, and any

unaddressed envelopes will be recycled.

Fair

See Yetholm district.

Lauder

WRI

Meeting at Lauder Primary School last week, members heard Norah Lonie, from Loanhead, speak about Christmas decorations, as well as reciting three humorous poems. She gives her time to help Macmillan Cancer Care and has raised £1,600 this year, making an approximate total of £12,000. Norah recently donated a reclining chair to Borders General Hospital. She judged the competitions which resulted – table decoration using candle – 1, Christine Brandeschi; 2,Anne Strangeways; 3, Wendy Paterson; shortbread fingers – 1, Joanne Watson; 2, Christine Riddell; 3, Sheila Hardie. Members then exchanged Christmas gifts. The next meeting is the Scots Night – Ian Brotherston Concert Party –in the Lauderdale Hotel on January 17 – names to Janette Waldie (01578 722273). Competitions – four rum truffles and a kilt pin.

Lindean

WRI

President Margaret Milne welcomed members and guests to the Christmas party when they were entertained by five ladies from the music group Quintessence. After supper provided by the members , the talented ladies from Hawick led carol singing. The competition for a wrapped gift was won by Margaret Milne, Valerie Mayo and Diana Murray. Santa had left sacks of presents and there was a special raffle to ending the evening.

melrose

Trimontium

Pupils from Priorsford Primary last week route-marched from Old Drygrange Bridge at Leaderfoot to the Newstead milestone before going to the museum in Melrose. At the quarterly meetings of the Trimontium and museum trust, held in the Ormiston, Stephen Huyton, the intern shared between SBC Museums and Trimontium, spoke on his work. A number of new papers attached to the inspection of the museum’s accredited status were approved, relating to additional requirements about the environment, responsibilities of (and towards) volunteers, policies for conservation, access (including ‘Take the train to Trimontium’) communications and Forward Plan up to 2015. Mention was made of steps being taken to try to have the Bradford Report of the 1989-98 dig completed and possible implications for the museum. The once-a-month walks at Old Melrose, led by Ian Skinner and starting on Easter Monday, would continue in 2014, as would liaison with Melrose Historical and Archaeological on the investigation of the peninsula in the context of the central Tweed valley.

Church

Activities – Scout post available till December 21; St Mary’s School carol service today (Thursday) at 10am; December 14 –Newstead Hall carols, carols in Melrose Square at 6pm; December 15 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am), 7.30pm, Eildon Singers’ Christmas concert; December 18 – 11.45am, midweek service and Christmas lunch.

Morebattle

Fund boost

About £90 was raised for the Morebattle defibrillator fund at a collection when refreshments were served in the institute following the switching on of the Christmas lights by the Games Queen and carol singing round the tree.

Fair

See Yetholm district.

Playgroup

See Yetholm district.

Newmill

WRI

Newmill and Teviothead members were last week treated to The Festive Fare, presented by Caroline Tullie and Jan Little (aka The Nutcrackers), featuring no-pastry quiche to strawberry Santas, with lots of other inspirational goodies in between. Competitions – jar of home-made mincemeat – Muriel Baptie, Trish Kirkpatrick and Liz Howieson; favourite Christmas tree decoration – Liz Howieson, Alison Barker

Turn to page 28

From page 27

and Trish Kirkpatrick. The 2013 federation show will be discussed at the next meeting on January 7 at 7.30pm when PC Patterson will be giving a talk on bogus callers. Competitions – a copper item and piece of Christmas cake.

Newtown
grant

Newtown and St Boswells Community First Responders – a group of volunteers who support the Scottish Ambulance Service by providing early intervention in the event of life-threatening heart conditions – has been awarded a grant of £6,590 by Awards for All, part of the Big Lottery Fund. The cash will allow the group to buy the most up-to-date defibrillator used by first responders, a medical response bag, uniforms and a range of training equipment. Newtown and St Boswells Community First Responders have been operating for about six months, with four trained volunteers. More volunteers are needed and anyone interested should email boswellsfr@operamail.com or telephone 07881 647818.

Christmas lights

About 200 people took part in the torchlight procession and festive lights switch-on around the Christmas tree with Father Christmas, piper, brass band and carols. Afterwards, the Community Wing was bulging at the seams with people enjoying refreshments and shopping at the large variety of stalls. George Luke, community council chairman, thanked the volunteers who helped make the day success, Councillor Michelle Ballantyne, who switched on the lights, St Boswells Silver Band, local businesses and particularly Milestone Garden Centre for their support.

Bazaar

The Christmas b azaar in aid of Newtown Church funds realised £1,617.83. Prizewinners – value of Christmas hamper – Cath Park; runner-up, Margo Harper; guess weight of Christmas cake – Nathan Armstrong; runner-up, Shenagh Ellershaw; number of balloons in limo – Mrs Doyle; runners-up,Shona Cathro, Elvira Denoon and Margaret Gladstone.

Oxnam

Cafe

The last library cafe on November 27 was well attended with some new faces. It was hosted by Linda Johnson, Carrie Scott and Susan Corbett. The final cafe this year will be a Christmas special held on Wednesday, December 18, hosted by Margaret Clayton, Carrie Scott and Elspeth Currie.

Selkirk

Charity sale

Marion Hutchison and Dorothy Torrance will be in the pop-up shop at 23 High Street on December 14 (9am-4pm), selling hand-made bears, bags, quilts and snakes, plus other bits and pieces. All proceeds will go to Cystinosis Foundation UK, in support of Marion’s granddaughter Morven and others who suffer from this rare genetic condition.

Stow

Fair

The church Christmas fair will be held in Stow Town Hall on December 14 from 10am until noon.

Traquair

Service

Traquair Kirk hosts a carol service on Christmas Eve at 7pm.

yetholm

History society

Yetholm History Society members enjoyed a Christmas dinner held in the Plough Hotel. John Nicol from Selkirk provided entertainment. No stranger to the village, having appeared in numerous productions in the Wauchope Hall, recited amusing monologues and also sang. At the end of the evening, the chairman, David Hutchinson, proposed a vote of thanks.

Storm

On Thursday morning the village woke up to storm-force winds and lashing rain. The road to Kelso was blocked by an overturned lorry and a fallen tree made the Cornhill road impassable. However, by mid-morning the storm abated and travel soon returned to normal.

Art group

Yetholm welcomed Kelso Art Group to the village on Saturday. Members took over the Youth Hall as a venue for a day school.

Party time

The Friends of the Primary School will be holding a children’s party in the Wauchope Hall on December 21 (2-4pm). Tickets may be purchased from the village shop. A pub quiz also raised money for the school.

Choir

Yetholm Ladies’ Choir are about to go into action with Christmas-themed concerts.The first will be at 3pm in Kelso Old Parish Kirk on December 15, followed by another at 3pm on December 22 in Yetholm Parish Kirk. In addition to the ladies and their conductor, Geoffrey Emerson, Kate Fish and Roy Howell will also be taking part.

Fair

A Christmas fair will be held on December 14 from 10.30am in the Youth Hall for the young people of Kelso, Morebattle and Yetholm. Donations are needed and can be dropped off at the Youth Hall the previous day (4-6pm) and from 9am on the day itself. Ring Ian (01573 420703) for further information.

Playgroup

Morebattle and Yetholm Playgroup will have spaces available from January. Children can start at two years of age and the group meets three times a week in Yetholm Primary School. More information is available by telephoning Melanie on 01573 440646.

A former boss at Scottish Borders Council has been jailed for a year for siphoning cash from another local authority in a scam that lasted three years.

Tom Leighton, pictured, admitted embezzling morethan £27,000 of public money and trying to steal another £16,000 while he was Falkirk Council’s head of leisure services.

The 48-year-old from Selkirk was Falkirk’s leisure chief from 2004 to 2009. His £62,000-a-year job meant he was authorised to make payments to third-party contractors working at the Big in Falkirk pop concert.

And between 2006-2009 he took advantage of this by making out cheques to friends and family members who then transferred the money back to him.

The shamed civil servant appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday for sentencing after admitting the theft last month.

At the earlier hearing, the court heard the scam was uncovered by his boss, Maureen Campbell, who became suspicious over a £4,000 payment to a Mrs Gardiner who lived in the Borders.

She contacted Mrs Gardiner who turned out to be Leighton’s mother-in-law. An investigation was carried out and the full extent of the fraud uncovered.

In addition to the £27,152 stolen, the council worker also attempted to embezzle £16,000 by authorising payments to which he was not entitled.

Defending, Iain Burke told the court that Leighton, of Rosebank Drive, had already suffered due to the conviction, losing his wife, having no contact with his children and being forced out of his new job at Horsham District Council.

Mr Burke said that Leighton had paid back some of the cash with the rest being taken from his pension with Falkirk Council. He blamed his mental health difficulties for acting out of character.

He added: “Since this was uncovered four years ago, he has been living in limbo. He has isolated himself from family and friends, and has no prospects for a future career. He has paid significantly for his crime.”

Prior to taking up his post at Falkirk in 2002, Leighton was head of sport and recreation in the Borders.

Concerns over the impact of the loss of traffic wardens will prompt councillors to call on Police Scotland to delay their withdrawal.

A report for the full council meeting today, Thursday, states: “While fully recognising the significant financial pressure on Police Scotland, it is unlikely that SBC would be in a position to introduce Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) on an efficient and effective basis for two to three years.

“As such there is considerable concern over the proposal for the withdrawal of the role of traffic wardens.”

The report recommends responding to the Police Scotland proposal by requesting that the withdrawal of wardens is delayed until 2016.

The report states: “It is considered that the withdrawal of the role of traffic wardens by Police Scotland on a national basis is now somewhat inevitable.

“It is hoped, however, that their withdrawal locally can be delayed so that it is carried out in tandem with the decriminalisation of parking legislation and other minor road traffic offences.”

An additional concern for the council is that for a local authority to be given the go-ahead to undertake DPE it has to prove to Transport Scotland that the service can be achieved on a break-even basis at least.

However, the report says that in a rural area this may not be possible, adding: “This would mean that the only control available would be ‘appropriate enforcement activity’ by police officers ‘where parking is dangerous or causes significant obstruction’.

“This gives the council serious concern for effective traffic management and road safety within our towns and villages.”

The report states that a full review of car parking policy and all existing traffic regulation orders would need to be carried out ahead of any future options being presented to councillors.

It adds that an ‘enforcement void’ could lead to “significant parking problems across the Scottish Borders, which could have an adverse economic impact on town centres and lead to traffic congestion in particular areas”.

More than 1,110 parking tickets have been issued by the Borders wardens in the past 12 months.

COUNCILLORS are expected to give the go-ahead today, Thursday, for up to £18.8million to be borrowed to provide 200 affordable homes across the Borders, writes Adam Drummond.

A final business case for the Affordable Housing Investment Programme has been produced after councillors agreed in June for the plans to be progressed.

Up to 200 mid-market homes for rent could be made available under the scheme, through purchase of existing homes and new builds.

Should the council be given the green light from both its own members and the Scottish Government for the borrowing, a limited liability partnership will be established to deliver the homes.

The aim is to have them in place within four years.

Councillors will also be asked to approve the use of more than £3million of second homes council tax to help cover land acquisition costs.

A PROPOSAL has been put forward by Transport Scotland to lower the speed limit on a 1.4 mile section of the A68 covering an accident blackspot.

The stretch between the Eildon junction to the 40mph limit at St Boswells could be reduced from 60mph to 50mph following a consultation exercise.

The move is as a result of a review of trunk road speed limits across Scotland.

For this part of the A68 it found: “Given the character, mean speed and accident rates, the assessment concludes that the 50mph speed limit is appropriate.”

Local MSP John Lamont said: “I am pleased that Transport Scotland have decided to look into improving safety on this stretch of road.

“The A68 before and after Newtown St Boswells has seen several serious accidents in recent years and there is no doubt that something needs to be done before we see any more motorists injured or even killed.

“However, before any change to the speed limit is made it must be established whether or not it will make a positive difference to safety.

“All possible safety measures should be looked into before a decision is taken.”

The southern Newtown St Boswells junction has been the site of numerous crashes since the bypass opened in 1990, while the Eildon junction was the site of a fatal crash in 2009.

Combining her passion for creating unique jewellery and organic meals has been a long held dream for Laura Marsh, from Kelso.

Now she has managed to put both together in her new town centre business in Kelso.

E.A.T (Exquisite Artisan Tempting) in The Square is now home to jeweller Laura, who had a shop at The Hirsel in Coldstream for seven years and trades as Briget of Edinburgh.

The shop combines her one-off jewellery, mini organic deli and small cafe. Everything for the cafe is made fresh, organic, and, wherever possible, is local too.

“I can’t exist without both. If I’m not creating jewellery then I am creating food for people,” Laura said. “It is in my nature to do that nurturing bit for people.

“This is all about love - ­total and utter pleasure and love for what I do - and is about nurturing people. The jewellery makes them feel beautiful and the food makes them feel comforted, and it’s an honour to supply it.”

The homely feel to the premises is down to Laura too, as she built the counters and tables herself.

Sourcing ingredients for her cafe items and for the deli has been a challenge though.

“It took me six months to source products,” Laura said, adding: “It was a bit of a labour of love trying to find organic salad in winter, but I have found Phantassie in East Lothian, who have their own farm.”

Finding organic coffee to meet her high standards was proving difficult, but then she came across Cafe Femenino.

“It is the only organic coffee that tasted strong enough. It is beautiful, it has a nice rich flavour and supports the female growers in Peru,” Laura said.

The shop is open 11am to 6pm six days a week, which allows Laura time each morning to create her tasty goodies, including soup and homebaking, the latter made with organic eggs from Ednam.

“When people get to taste organic food they say it is really delicious. People taste the flavour and the lightness of it,” Laura said.

Her produce also dispels the myth that it costs a fortune to eat organic and eat well too.

Borders MSP Christine Grahame visited Royal Mail’s Galashiels delivery office to pass on Christmas wishes and encouragement to the postmen and women at their busiest time of year.

The SNP politician was shown round by local delivery office manager Graham Wilson and was introduced to staff.

Ms Grahame said: “It was great to meet the dedicated, hard-working Royal Mail postmen and women at Galashiels delivery office and to see first-hand just how much effort they put into delivering for people at this time of year.

“Postmen and women do such an important job at this time of year. I like to thank them for their efforts and wish them all the best over the busy festive period.”

Mr Wilson said: “Christmas is the busiest time of year for Royal Mail. Our people pull out all the stops throughout the year to ensure mail is delivered quickly, but even more so over the busy festive period.

“We are grateful that Christine Grahame MSP came along to see the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

“Our people do a fantastic job at this time of year to ensure that friends and families stay in touch through their Christmas greetings and gifts.”

I recently attended a briefing in Kelso to learn more about the work that Help for Heroes does in the Borders.

The charity performs fantastic work not only in our region, but throughout Scotland to help those who suffered life- changing injuries while serving our country. They support those who have been wounded in the line of fire, and make sure they achieve their full potential.

One of the speakers at the event was Lance Corporal JJ Chalmers, who was badly injured while serving in Afghanistan. He spoke tremendously well about not only his experience of being wounded, but also about the support he subsequently received from Help for Heroes.

It was great to hear such an inspiring individual speak so passionately about the charity, and after the event no one was left in any doubt about how vital the service they provide is.

WHITE PAPER

Over the last few months of the referendum campaign, I have had countless people ask me about how a separate Scotland would work in practice.

From what currency we use to whether we would have control points on our border, there have been hundreds of questions about what would happen if we voted to split from the UK.

The SNP has so far failed to answer the vast majority of questions, but it was hoped that the White Paper it published recently would help provide more facts.

Unfortunately it proved to be a massive let-down, as it was simply full of the same assertion and bluster that we have already seen from the SNP. If it is to persuade people to break up one of the most successful unions in history, it will need to start providing hard evidence on what we stand to lose.

ROWLAND’S

I was pleased to be able to drop in to Rowland’s Dry Bar in Selkirk last week to see some of the great work being done to help youngsters in the local community.

For years it has operated an alcohol and drug-free drop- in centre for young people in the area, providing them with a safe place to go. There are games consoles, pool tables and a computer suite, all for the use of the youngsters who go there. In addition to dance and music activities, it offers those who use it opportunities they might otherwise not have had.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

It was great to get an opportunity to speak to the Borders Chamber of Commerce the other week.

As the upcoming referendum on separation is dominating the headlines, I thought I would speak to them about the impact it could have on our economy. Being part of the single UK market brings huge benefits to Scottish business, and if we were to leave this market we would be putting up barriers to trade that can obstruct economic growth.

A drunken man who assaulted another to his severe injury was this week jailed for eight months and 15 days.

John Grierson was also ordered to serve 22 days of an unexpired sentence.

His victim was taken by ambulance to Borders General Hospital, suffering cuts to his forehead and eyebrow.

Grierson, 26, described as a prisoner in Edinburgh, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court, pictured, charged on indictment with an assault to severe injury at Scott Park, Galashiels, on July 19.

At a previous hearing, prosecutor Tessa Bradley told how the offence happened near a park bench where a group of young men, including the accused, has been drinking.

The victim had been at a local pub around 6pm with a friend, who said he was meeting up with some others in the park, and the man agreed to join them. When he arrived at the park, he saw his friend with the accused and two others, and joined their company.

Ms Bradley said one of the party described the victim as “trying to show off”, adding: “He said he was being a bit of a daftie, trying to show them how to punch.”

But the prosecutor went on: “Grierson took exception to this, moved towards him and struck him on the face with an unknown glass object, causing him to stagger back.”

When the victim asked him what that was for, Grierson told him it was for “being a dickhead.” Grierson and two others then left.

Scenes-of-crime officers went to the park bench, where they found broken glass, but were unable to identify exactly what had caused the injury.

Defending, Michael Gammie said his client had suffered deteriorating mental health following an operation in May, adding: “He is assessed as a very damaged young man and would welcome any form of assistance in addressing his difficulties.”

Mr Gammie said Grierson had been drinking from a bottle when he struck the victim. The group had been drinking and the complainer had been part of the group for about an hour, with no difficulty.

“He began to show off and his behaviour was annoying the others. He then made an abusive reference to my client’s disability and it was that which prompted him to lose control and, in a spontaneous reaction, he struck him once,” explained the lawyer.

Mr Gammie asked Sheriff Peter Paterson to take account of the 98 days Grierson had spent in custody.

The sheriff told the accused: “You have a truly appalling record for violence.”

On a summary complaint, Grierson was jailed for five months – to run concurrently – after he admitted stealing 20 bottles of lager at the Spar shop, Lothian Road, Jedburgh, on November 24, and recklessly damaging property after spitting and urinating in the rear caged area of a police vehicle travelling between Jedburgh and Hawick.

Co-accused Scott Morrison, 26, of Bannerfield Drive, Selkirk, was jailed for three months and ordered to complete 22 days of an unexpired sentence after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a police constable at Lothian Road, Jedburgh, on the same date by spitting in her face.

Morrison was on an ASBO (antisocial behaviour order) at the time of the offence.

A man who assaulted his cousin claimed he was “trying to show him the lifestyle he was choosing”.

Beau Reid repeatedly punched the 18-year-old on the head and struck him with his knee, to his injury. He admitted assaulting the teenager at Huddersfield Street, Galashiels, on August 29.

Prosecutor Graham Fraser said the victim and a friend had been walking when they became aware of the accused in his car. Reid stopped the vehicle, got out and confronted his cousin.

Reid, 21, of High Buckholmside, Galashiels, told police: “I am sorry. I punched him a few times and kneed him in the face, but he is my cousin and we will make up again.” He told the court there had been a background to the offence, adding: “I was trying to show him what lifestyle he was choosing”.

Reid was sentenced to a six-month community payback order with 75 hours of unpaid work.

A home carer stole £4,900 from a couple in their 90s who suffer from dementia.

Kirsty Ritchie took two debit cards from a house at Abbotsford Place, Galashiels, on April 2 and used them on numerous occasions between April 2 and July 2 to obtain the money from a cashpoint in the town’s Gala Park.

The offence came to light when the daughter of the elderly couple – aged 91 and 92 – noticed unauthorised transactions.

Ritchie also obtained goods worth £4,451 by fraud from Amazon.co.uk between April 23 and June 27 by pretending she was the holder of a debit card owned by a 41-year-old woman.

Ritchie, 28, of Gala Park Court in Galashiels, admitted the offences and sentence was deferred until January 6 for reports.

A 38-year-old who tried to intimidate a man as he spoke to police in a bar was sentenced to a 12-month community payback order with a total of 180 hours of unpaid work.

Douglas Cruikshank, of Winston Road, Galashiels, admitted behaving in an abusive, belligerent and aggressive manner at the town’s Woodcutter pub on November 10.

Police were making enquiries relating to an allegation of assault when the accused came into the bar.

“He stood and stared at the person police were speaking to, and when the man asked him if he had a problem, he told him he was just watching him being a grass,” said prosecutor Graham Fraser.

The man ignored Cruikshank, but he continued to stare.

“Police were concerned about intimidation and asked him to leave, but he was belligerent and refused to go,” said the prosecutor.

When officers told Cruikshank they were going to search him as they had been told he could have a weapon, he became even more difficult and was arrested.

His lawyer, Mat Patrick, said: “These were the actions of a man who had drunk far too much. He became really upset when police said they were going to search him for a weapon as, it his position, he would never do such a thing. He should never have got himself involved in the police investigation.”

Cruikshank was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work for the offence and received an additional 100 hours after he admitted breaching a community payback order.

Around 70 short-stay parking spaces at Borders General Hospital are to be turned over to car-sharing staff in a bid to ease parking issues.

At a well-attended public meeting in Darnick on Monday, Calum Campbell, NHS Borders chief executive, said the move would hopefully remove much of the parking that has blighted the village since new restrictions were brought in at the hospital.

The meeting, called by Bridget Khursheed, chair of Darnick Village Trust, was also attended by police officers and Brian Young, the council’s roads network manager.

In response to concerns about the safety of both pedestrians and drivers from cars parked at junctions and on footpaths, the police officers told residents to report inconsiderate and dangerous parking through the 101 non-emergency number.

John Raine, chairman of NHS Borders, said he could not deny that Darnick had been adversely affected by the new parking regime at the BGH. He added: “We want to be good neighbours. We have a responsibility and want to work with you on a solution.”

Ms Khursheed told The Southern: “I hope the promised increase in staff car parking for car sharing staff results in a significant improvement for our community from next week. However, this may not be a quick fix.

“The community council and village trust will continue to work with the NHS, SBC and police to monitor the situation closely.”

Objections to a new £300,000 play park in Earlston were overruled this week when it was given the go-ahead by council planners.

The news has been welcomed by Earlston Community Development Trust, who hope that the all-inclusive park at Mill Meadow could be open by September if funding is granted.

“We’re very pleased our planning application got through as we’ve been working on this since 2011 and there is a real need for it in Earlston,” said trust chair Maggi Wimberley. Two new conditions – that no equipment designed to create noise and no lighting is installed without council permission – were imposed by Scottish Borders Council’s planning and building standards committee on Monday.

Objectors at the meeting raised concerns over flooding, road safety, parking, access, site maintenance and the effect on nearby housing.

But planning officers recommended approval of the application provided steps are taken to prevent any issues arising from the creation of a play park.

Ms Wimberley pointed out that the play park would only take up around 12 per cent of the existing green space which is currently mostly used by dog walkers.

“We’re building up a bank of volunteers to maintain the equipment and keep the area tidy because it is the community who will be running it rather than the council,” she said.

“Parents are already coming forward and we are trying to get young people to take responsibility for it too.”

As well as a zipwire, pendulum swing, mobility trampoline, mobility roundabout, mobility see-saw, swings, infinity bowl and equipment for toddlers, there will be a barbecue and picnic tables.

“We also want to put in a multipurpose shelter that could be used as an outdoor classroom for the nursery, for example,” said Ms Wimberley.

A plan to install an off-road cycle track beside the park was refused due to flooding risks.

A man was trapped in a crashed car for around 90 minutes on Wednsday before being freed by firefighters.

The head-on smash happened at Nisbet road end, off the A698, between Kelso and Hawick.

Emergency services were alerted at 4.50pm and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the man was freed by crews from Kelso and Jedburgh just before 6.15pm.

A spokesman said he had been severely trapped in the wreckage and had been taken with leg injuries to the Borders General Hospital.

A woman was treated at the scene by paramedics but did not require to be taken to hospital.