Twenty-five Borders bus drivers have been recognised as some of the best on the road.

The drivers, who operate from First’s Galashiels depot, have been presented with the ‘GreenRoad Fleet Elite Award.’

The award is based on driver’s ‘DriveGreen’ performance and is designed to reward and recognise the safest and greenest drivers within the business.

First’s unique DriveGreen system, which was launched in First Borders in 2009, is designed to provide customers with a safer, smoother journey, whilst also reducing the company’s carbon footprint.

A DriveGreen ‘traffic light’ monitor is fitted to vehicle dashboards on every one of First’s buses, which helps show the driver how well he/she is driving. The monitor displays a static green light if the driver is driving at low risk, or flashes amber or red if a bus driver carries out an unwanted driving manoeuvre such as heavy braking or rapid acceleration.

Points are given for each event and the fewer points a driver has, the better their DriveGreen score is.

A new rail bridge that will connect Galashiels to the rest of the railway network was successfully installed above the town’s Wheatlands Road at the weekend.

The works, carried out across Saturday and Sunday, saw a 15-strong team work around the clock to lift the 90-tonne bridge into place with a massive crane.

While much of the construction of the new bridge had been done without impacting traffic movements, the lifting of the bridge deck required a four-day closure of Wheatlands Road.

The successful installation allows the project team to turn to the next major milestone, with a pre-assembled road bridge being installed over Gala Water to reconnect Plumtreehall Brae on Friday and Saturday (May 16 & 17).

The installation will require the closure of King Street over the two days, with traffic diversions in place.

Elsewhere in Galashiels, a bridge installation at Currie Road will require the road to close from May 19 to June 14. Vehicles will be able to use Glenfield Crescent and Melrose Road as a diversion and a temporary footpath will be available for pedestrians.

A ‘Meet the Buyer’ event is to be held in Galashiels next month by Community Windpower.

The event is for local businesses to find out about opportunities related to the developer’s wind farm schemes in Berwickshire and East Lothian.

Contractors and suppliers for a wide range of services are required.

The event is at the Volunteer Hall on June 18 from 7.30am to 12pm.

First Borders has pledged its support to blind and partially sighted bus customers by becoming one of the first bus operators to sign a charter developed by the Royal National Institute of Blind People to make services more accessible.

The ‘Bus Charter’ encourages operators to provide services that are more accessible for customers with sight loss and follows the RNIB’s successful ‘Stop for me, Speak to me’ bus campaign which was designed to give bus drivers a better understanding of the challenges blind and partially sighted customers face when using the bus.

First Borders driving staff are currently undergoing extra training which has been specifically designed in partnership with the RNIB and other sight loss charities.

Paul McGowan, managing director of First Borders, said: “As part of our commitment to improve customer service and attract more people onto our buses, we are working with a number of disability groups to understand how the company can provide better services.

“I’m delighted that we’ve partnered with RNIB and signed its charter. All our drivers are receiving extra training so they are better aware of the issues that people with sight loss face.”

Fazilet Hadi, director of inclusive society at RNIB, said: “We are delighted at the positive and enthusiastic response from First to our charter.

“Local bus travel is a lifeline, providing an important means of transport and we want operators to ensure current and future services are accessible.”

Almost double the number of drivers and passengers were caught in the Borders for not wearing seatbelts in 2013/14 than the previous period.

The provisional police performance figures were presented to the council last week by area commander Chief Inspector Andy Clark.

Over 460 people were dealt with for such offences in 2013/14, which Chief Insp Clark said would hopefully have a “positive impact” on the number of people killed or seriously injured on local roads.

The provisional statistics show a 50 per cent fall in the number of people killed, down to four. There was also a fall in the number of people sustaining serious injuries in crashes.

Chief Insp Clark also reported that the detection rate locally, almost 58 per cent, is six per cent above the Police Scotland average.

He added that the detection rate for domestic abuse offences rose to 85 per cent last year, and for sexual offences climbed to 77 per cent.

The number of incidents of anti-social behaviour is expected to have fallen by 12 per cent when final figures are produced.

A 66 per cent fall in detections for supplying drugs has been attributed to the comparison with 2012/13, when a major operation led to a significant number of arrests.

The number of Borderers claiming unemployment benefits fell by 113 last month and is 480 fewer than April last year.

The figures, released on Wednesday morning, have been welcomed by Michael Moore MP.

He said: “The drop in unemployment in the Borders is good news for those trying to find work in the local area, and shows that the job market is starting to return to pre-recession levels after some difficult years.

“The employment market has been supported by the Government’s campaign to increase job opportunities for young people by helping to create apprenticeships.”

Mr Moore added: “The hard work of local employers in the Borders is beginning to pay off, however, we must remember that both the local economy and job market are still fragile and there is still a lot more work to be done.”

In mid-April 1,647 people were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance locally, 2.4 per cent of those of working age in the Borders.

The council will install new electric car charging points in Hawick and Eyemouth after receiving £120,000 from Transport Scotland for the project.

The work will be completed by the end of June at the Haugh and Harbour Road car parks respectively.

A further grant will also enable the charging points at Peebles and Newtown St Boswells to be upgraded.

NHS Borders bosses have said new shuttle bus services to the hospital from nearby towns may help relieve ongoing parking pressures.

Three new services have been launched by First Borders which operate every 20 minutes and have been specifically designed to complement shift patterns and visiting times.

The buses run from 6.35am to 10.23pm and link the hospital with Galashiels, Melrose, Tweedbank and Langlee.

David McLuckie, director of estates and facilities for NHS Borders, said: “These additional services will improve access for patients, visitors and staff.

“A commitment to the use of public transport for those travelling a short distance to and from the hospital will reduce demand on our car parks, both short and long stay.”

He added: “We are delighted that First Borders has introduced these additional services. I hope this will encourage more people to consider public transport when accessing the hospital.”

Mr McLuckie added that the health board is concluding arrangements for a ‘trip share’ scheme.

Managing director of First Borders, Paul McGowan, said: “Our H1, H2 and H3 services have been operating for just over three weeks, but already we’re noticing an increase in passenger numbers.

“We’ve worked closely with NHS Borders so that our new timetable better reflects visiting hours and shift patterns and I’m delighted that our new services are off to a good start.”

BONCHESTER

Fete

A fete is being held on June 21 (11am-1pm) – National Care Home Open Day – at Bonchester Bridge Care Centre. It will give the public a chance to have a look round the home and meet residents.

Bowden

Coffee morning

A coffee morning with bric-a-brac and book stalls will be held in the village hall on May 17 (10am-noon), the profits going towards Edinburgh Global Partnership’s project to build an income-generating maize mill in the Masindi community in Uganda.

Cafe

The next Community Café will be held on Wednesday at 11am in the village hall.

AGM

There will be a joint AGM of the village hall and village committees on May 28 at 7pm in the hall. Details for nominations are on Bowden’s noticeboards.

earlston

Wednesday Club

Last week members enjoyed an amusing talk by Connie Seaton on her life in places she has lived all over Scotland before coming to Earlston. The club’summer trip is a visit to New Lanark on June 4. There will be some seats available for friends. Competition – salad servers – 1, Alison Stewart; 2, Cynthia Sinclair; 3, Marjorie Murray. The competition for next week’s meeting is for a powder compact.

Parish church

The Christian Aid collectors are around this week. The service on May 18 will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. The Heart and Soul event in Princes Street Gardens takes place during the afternoon of May 18 as part of the start of the General Assembly.

Ettrick

Horse night

There will be a heavy horse open night at Gilmanscleuch Farm on May 24 (6.30-9pm). This year’s foals will be on view, as well as the show and driven horses. Barbecue and refreshments – proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support. Enquiries to 01750 62327.

AGM

Kirkhope Hall AGM is on May 26 (7.30pm) in the premises.

Music night

May 17 sees the first visit of “The Boyds” to Kirkhope Hall. Just back from touring abroad, the duo play music by The Beatles, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Simon and Garfunkel, and more. The evening kicks off at 7.30pm.

FOUNTAINHALL

WRI

The next meeting is in the village hall at 7.30pm on May 21. There will be a flower workshop – members should bring a small bunch of flowers and a flat dish, and other items needed will be provided. Competitions – tea loaf and a bud vase; April meeting results – three ginger snaps – 1, Dianne Wilson; 2, Christine Sinclair; button – 1, Dorothy Small; 2, Irene McLachlan.

galashiels

U3A

The next meeting of The Three Brethren (U3A) will take place on May 19 at 2pm in Lucy Sanderson Hall, Tweed Crescent. The first part of the afternoon will be given to the AGM, followed by Oliver Eade and “Children as writers”. Dr Eade took up book writing when he retired from his work as a hospital doctor and has written 10 novels – four of them for young adults and four for children.

Probus

Tom Burnham gave an illustrated talk entitled “Why I’m In Love With Iceland”. Tom, who has been involved with Scottish trade missions to that country, spoke about the geology and geography, the “Hidden People” (elves and trolls), independence from Denmark, the fact that a third of the 300,000 population visits the UK every year, the sheepdogs originate from Bonchester Bridge and a landowner reduces his tax burden by half if he builds a church. The next meeting is on May 22 at 10am and will be the last before the summer recess.

Quiz

A Galashiels Academy fundraising quiz night will be held at the school on May 30 at 7.30pm. There will also be a raffle and musical entertainment by pupils. Tickets are available from Fountain News and the Academy reception.

Glendouglas

WRI

Members enjoyed a demonstration of summer salads by Wendy Hickson, with Cathy Johnson and Cath Turner helping, after which everyone enjoyed tasting the results. Competition – 1, Sandra Jeffrey; 2, Cathy Johnson. The winner of the raffle was Marie Hogg.

HAWICK

Bridge club

May 6 – N/S – 1, J. and M. Miller; 2, J. Urquhart and S. White; E/W – 1, V. MacPherson and B. Francombe; 2, J. and S. Law.

Rotary

The official/ceremonial common riding may not start until 6pm on June 5, but Rotarians, plus wives and guests, were treated last Thursday evening to an account of how the principals are so deeply involved in preparation for, and participation in, the festivities.Instead of the usual mix of Hawick songs and poetry, the Rotary Hawick Night took the form of a question-and-answer forum with Ian Landles acting as questionmaster, eliciting thoughts and memories from Gordon Jackson, ex-Acting Father; Gail Nuttall, ex-Cornet’s Lass; John Hope, ex-Cornet, ex-Acting Father and Master of Ceremonies; and Ronnie Nichol, member of the Drums and Fifes Band for well over 25 years. Gordon Jackson told how his wife had given him riding lessons when he was 37 years old – and he got his Mosstrooper’s Badge that year. Gail said that in the days before her official duties, there was snow on the ground, but the colour bussing ceremony was blessed by perfect weather. John recalled his early horse-riding experiences and how he progressed from helping to round up sheep on a pony to proudly leading the magnificent following of horsemen and carrying the Banner Blue. Ronnie stressed that the band had far more than one or two tunes in their repertoire. President Scott Elliot extended a vote of thanks on behalf of all present, including ex-Cornet’s Lass Joyce Wilson(nee Robson), Lass to Cornet Drew Martin, who was visiting the club and is now a Rotarian in Workington. The evening, which ended with the traditional rendition of “Teribus”, was arranged by Past President Bobby Cairns.

Hownam

Towford WRI

Diana Cairns demonstrated how to make a rose corsage at last week’s meeting. Everyone was able to try out these new skills. She also brought along her Pampered Chef catalogues with items available to purchase. Competition – prettiest teapot – 1, Diana Tweedie; 2, Elizabeth Kellington. The annual fundraising whist drive is on May 27 in Hownam Hall at 7.30pm. The next meeting – June 3 – is the summer outing to Standhill Cheeses for 6pm, with supper at Minto Golf Club for 7pm.

Innerleithen

Church

The service on May 18 will be at 10.30am. There is also a service in St Ronan’s House at 4pm.

kelso

Christian Aid

This is Christian Aid Week, but fundraising efforts by Kelso Churches Together began on April 25 with a MusicAid concert, realising £400. The start of Christian Aid Week was marked on Sunday night with a service at the same venue – and the fundraising goes on at 7.30pm today (Thursday) in the Cross Keys Hotel with a QuizAid Night. Teams of four, entry by minimum donation of £2.50 per person. To find out more, phone Moira Walsh (01573 225500) or Ruth McGrath (01573 228346).

Bridge club

May 7 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; 2, Joyce Thomson and Helenor Pratt; 3, Bob Stevenson and Annie Mitchell; E/W – 1, John and Marian Miller; 2, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 3, Mary and Jim Stone.

Sale

Organisers of the Friends of Kelso Hospital table-top sale held last Saturday are grateful to all who turned out in dreadful weather, raising in excess of £700.

LANGHOLM

Cornet

The Langholm Cornet was appointed on Friday (see pages 6 and 7) at the annual public meeting. Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell was accompanied onto the stage by secretary Kenneth Hill. They were joined by committee vice-chairman Tommy Morrison, who was to read the financial report for Paul Davidson who, due to health reasons, was retiring from the position after 14 years and praised for his work over that period. The chairman congratulated last year’s Cornet, Alasdair Cavers, and Ex-Cornets Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsmen. Mr Maxwell thanked the hard-working committee and praised numerous others who had helped make the Common Riding a success, including officiating magistrate David Stevenson, Fair Crier Rae Elliot and the bands, landowners, patrons, sponsors and donors. The nominations for the committee were announced, and at present is 30 strong. Secretary Hill spoke of the Common Riding 50 years ago when Irving Edgar, a 23-year-old builder, was elected Cornet with 440 votes when there were six candidates – David McVittie, Ronnie Hudson, Alistair Graham, John Ewart and Billy Laidlaw. A total vote of 1,053. It was in 1964 that passenger trains came to and end at Langholm and it was also the year that The Beatles stormed America. There was one candidate in 1989 and Andrew Johnstone, a textile worker at Bell’s mill, was duly elected. James Harkness was the officiating magistrate and it remained dry for most of the morning, with the odd shower in the afternoon. It was 25 years ago that the bridge at the park was judged unsafe; Finlay Calder was captain of the Lions rugby tourists and the poll tax was introduced in Scotland. It was also the year of the Hillsborough football disaster. Referring to the treasurer’s report, Mr Morrison revealed a healthy balance. He read a letter from Mr Davidson saying he had made many friends during his time as treasurer. Tributes were paid to the recent passing of ex- Cornet John Paterson and Jean Young, who had been great Common Riding enthusiast. The chairman put two proposals to the meeting. This was in regard to the committee forming a constitution so that it can claim directly, instead of through the community council, from Dumfries and Galloway Council for money charged for various services. The second proposal concerned forming the committee as a company limited by guarantee. This was to safeguard the personal liabilities of members if anyone made a claim for an accident. This will not effect the Common Riding and was given the backing of the meeting. Among the questions brought up that will be discussed by the committee was the re-introduction of the high jump, and increasing the concert admission. There was also some concern over a bottleneck by the crowd at the top of the Kirk Wynd and bringing back a mounted marshal was suggested. It was also felt that more loudspeakers were needed in certain areas.

Castle Craigs

The annual boys’ night, organised by the Castle Craigs Club, took place in the Crown Hotel. Club president Andrew Johnstone was in charge of proceedings and welcomed everyone, and the lads tucked into party food. Official bearer of the barley banna, Ian Borthwick, was on hand, along with Hector Barnfather, to demonstrate how to prepare the emblem. Stephen Tweddle organised the quiz, with questions of a Common Riding theme on his slide show. Cornet Alasdair Cavers and his Right and Left-Hand Men, Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman, were present. They each sat at a table with a group of the young lads and there was a singing competition of Common Riding favourites which was judged by the president – and he decided they were all winners. There was a tie-design drawing competition for two age groups, a prize for best-dressed boy and a quiz, with the winner getting the R. E Borthwick shield. The prizes were presented by Cornet Cavers. Results – best-dressed boy, Ruairi Hotson; tie design (under 9), Eric Goodfellow; (under 7), Codey Foster;, Castle Craigs quiz, Christopher Tait.

Macmillan walk

The annual sponsored walk in aid of the local Macmillan Cancer Support group was held on a fine dry evening. It began from the community centre car park and went round the town, with several members of the group carrying collection boxes. The walkers enjoyed refreshments on their return to the community centre.

Play

An initial meeting about the local amateur operatic and dramatic society’s November play is being held in The Studio on May 18. “Albert Make Us Laugh” will be directed by Bob McLure and anybody interested in being on or off stage is welcome.

Exhibition

The local photographers’ association, an informal group of camera enthusiasts, is holding an exhibition of photographs in the gallery at the Town Hall during in the first two weeks of June. The association is keen to encourage other photographers to also show their work – the only condition is that exhibits must be mounted and framed.

Lauder

Fun day

The bowling club hosted a fun day on Saturday for those who appeared in the Ruby Anniversary 2014 Lauderdale Macmillan Group calendar. A total of 32 “players” turned up for an enjoyable afternoon, which was unfortunately cut short by the weather. The club is grateful to the local businesses who supplied raffle prizes for the event which raised £230 for the group.

Church

Holly Louise, infant daughter of John and Zoe Brown, was baptised on May 4 by the Reverend Jim Wallace.

Guild

On Saturday afternoon, guild members visited Rosslyn Chapel, followed by a meal in Carfraemill Hotel.

Flower show

The AGM is in the Church Centre on May 15 (7.30pm).

AGM

Lauderdale Historical Society’s annual meeting will be held on May 21 at 7.30pm in Lauder Youth Trust Hall.

Lilliesleaf

School fundraiser

The village primary school is having a fundraising afternoon on May 17 (2pm). Attractions include teas, stalls and a den building course.

maxton

Coffee morning

Maxton 21 coffee morning and plant sale is on May 24 in the village hall with a 10am start. Other attractions include hand-crafted cards and jewellery. The event is in aid of hall funds. Updates on Tom’s Walk to Santiago are posted on the Maxton website, along with details on how to donate to this fundraising effort for The Border Holiday Group, Maxton21’s 2014 charity.

melrose

Trimontium

A 45-strong party from Fettes school in Edinburgh visited last Thursday to tackle the Leaderfoot-Newstead Route March and then the Heritage Centre experience in the Market Square. They were older than the usual run of primary schoolchildren, but were just as willing to sing the song, join in the Latin salutations to the Tweed and “jannys” everywhere, and appreciate the finer points of the Roman miniature catapult. The Trimontium Thursday afternoon walk with guide and refreshments is still ongoing, and the Roman steering oar and Synton Hill silver denarii hoard are intriguing visitors.

Church

Activities – May 16, 7pm, Corn Exchange, festival supporters; May 17, Christian Aid Week door-to-door collection and coffee morning (stall donations welcome); May 18, services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (10am and 11am).

Midlem

WRI

Members welcomed Lesley Rosher from Beadelicious in Kelso who has turned her hobby into a business. She makes jewellery to sell from her premises, and also takes craft and jewellery classes for children and adults. With her help, all the members created a lovely bracelet. Competitions – hand-made jewellery – 1, Margot Hastie; 2, Anne Craig; 3, Sheena Galloway; cherry scones – 1, Margot Hastie; 2, Ella Nairn; 3, Helen Pierce.

Morebattle

Coffee morning

The fishing club coffee morning will be held on May 31 at 10.30am in the institute.

newmill

WRI

At Newmill and Teviot

Turn to page 28

From page 27

head’s open night, members were joined by friends and other local rural groups. Also welcomed was Margaret Shea, spokesperson for the Smailholm Stitchers (and their supporters) who sewed two panels on the Great Tapestry of Scotland. Margaret discussed their contribution to the tapestry – “The Border Reivers” and “The Modern Kilt invented Lochaber 1723”. She inspired her audience to see the tapestry when it returns to Edinburgh (the tapestry website has details). Competitions – common riding rosette – 1, Trish Kirkpatrick; 2, Roberta McMillan; 3, Julia Templeman; five-line limerick – 1, Trish Kirkpatrick; 2, Jan Chetwynd; 3, Elsie Crouch. For the visitors, the five-line limerick results were – 1, Pat Jardine (Minto); 2, Joyce Tinlin (Wilton Dean). A supper followed. The spring rally for the Roxburghshire federation will be in Jedburgh Town Hall at 7.30pm on May 19. The rural has organised an outing on June 3 to the donkey sanctuary for 6.30pm with supper at Lilliardsedge. Anyone wishing to arrange transport or choose from menu should contact Gil Francombe or Trish Kirkpatrick.

oxnam

Owls

Oxnam Owls held its third charity concert on May 6 when Jamie McKenzie and the Oxnam Valley Voices entertained a capacity audience with music. This was followed by a supper prepared by Owls members and the first prize in the raffle was won by Ann Bell. The sum of £600 was raised for the Borders branches of the MS Society and RDA.

OXTON

WRI

The AGM is on May 21 when there will also be a Commonwealth-themed taste and try evening.


SELKIRK

Antiquarian society

On May 21 in the parish church hall, John Nichol, Hilary Bell and Jenni Borthwick present “A Windea on Hogg”. This will be preceded at 7.30pm by a short AGM.

AGM

The annual general meeting of local charity Fresh Start Borders will be held on May 27 at 7pm in The Rectory, Viewfield Park. Donations of household goods and cleaning materials are always appreciated. Details of all items regularly required are on the website www.freshstartborders.org.uk.

st boswells

Live!

St Boswells Live! both opens Village Week and celebrates the renovation of the village hall on May 31 (8pm). Starring Scottish folk legend Archie Fisher, he will be followed by a performance from Tommy Ashby and his band. Guitarist, singer and songwriter Fisher is probably best known for his 27-year stint as the host of BBC Radio Scotland’s award-winning “Travelling Folk” show. Hailing from Innerleithen, Ashby is continually gaining momentum as a songwriter and live performer, most recently demonstrated as lead guitarist and backing vocalist for Nina Nesbitt’s band. He is supported by a group of talented musicians, including singer/guitarist Adam Double. Tickets – www.stboswellslive.com or the village post office.

STICHILL

WRI

Kathy Wilkie welcomed members and visitors from Broomlands, Earlston, Eckford, Greenlaw. Heiton, Langshaw, Morebattle, Newtown, St Boswells and Yetholm to the May visitors’ evening. She then introduced Heiton and Morebattle Choir, led by Lesley Abernethy. A programme of musical items with a maritime theme entitled “All at Sea” was well received.Competitions – visitors – paperweight – 1, Joyce Eaves (Eckford); 2, Lorna Dickson (Newtown); 3, Elizabeth 
Leckie (Greenlaw). Members – paperweight – 1, Jean McDermid; 2, Meg Black; 3, Kathy Wilkie; fruit loaf – 1, June Brown; 2, Kathy Wilkie. The next meeting will be held on June 3 at the earlier time of 7pm.

Stobo

Plant sale

Friends of Dawyck Botanic Garden’s annual plant sale is on May 18 (11am-4pm). In addition to an array of plants from members’ own gardens, there will be stalls featuring the Peeblesshire Beekeepers’ Association and Waulkmill Cider of Langholm.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on May 25 at 10am.

Yetholm

WRI

Members gather on May 20 at 7.30pm in the Wauchope Hall for a guest night with the topic being Yetholm Village Choir.

Coffee morning

There will be a coffee morning run by Yetholm Guild in the Wauchope Hall on May 24.

Lambs service

On May 25 at 11.15am, the local kirk is holding the annual Service of the Lambs at Belford-on-Bowmont.

A councillor has been accused of making outdated sexist comments during an independence debate and has been urged to apologise.

Tory Jim Fullerton is said to have made an offensive remark during a National Farmers Union Scotland discussion at The Lodge at Carfraemill on Monday.

Kirsty Boyle says she heard the councillor describe the Yes We Can campaign slogan as being “better than a woman closing her legs and saying no”.

She says the remark was made during the last third of the debate while Councillor Fullerton was on his feet at the back of the hall.

Ms Boyle, who was sitting two rows from the councillor, concedes it wasn’t heard by the chairman or the six-strong Yes-No panel. But says others sitting close to her did.

She works for Scot Nat MSP Paul Wheelhouse but denies her claims are political.

She told us : “I found it horrendous because I had personal experiences and issues about 10 years ago. I don’t see this as a referendum issue and I don’t see it as a reflection on the Conservatives as a whole.”

And in a letter to our sister paper the Berwickshire News she urged him to apologise and wrote: “I would encourage him to engage with women who have suffered abuse – mental, physical and sexual – to find out why his comments are unacceptable, because I don’t for a minute think he will fully understand why his ideas are so misplaced in modern society.”

Lib Dem MSP Jim Hume was on the panel.

He told us: Councillor Fullerton was sitting at the back. I can’t say if he said it or not. It was a robust meeting.”

A spokesperson for the NFUS commented: “There has been no negative feedback to either the chair of the event Stuart McNicol or the organisers.

“It was a robust debate with quite a lot of interventions from the floor.”

Councillor Fullerton failed to respond to attempts by both the Berwickshire News and The Southern to obtain a comment. Conservative HQ in Edinburgh said they had not received a complaint, but added: “We believe both sides in the independence argument should use appropriate language and keep the quality of debate as high as possible at all times.”

At the time of going to press The Southern understands party officials had not been able to speak to Councillor Fullerton.

Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker said he was not aware of any complaint being made to the council or the Standards Commission.

He added: “The Code of Conduct is clear – councillors should not use inappropriate language. If such a comment was made in the council chamber it would warrant a discussion with the councillor.”

Selkirk’s Co-op NGT superstore will close in July, with the loss of 12 full-time and four part-time local jobs, staff were told last Friday.

The electrical and furnishing store had faced a “tough trading environment”, the Co-op admitted.

The struggling outlet on Dunsdalehaugh is the second to close there this year, after Baxters shut its shop in February, with the loss of 20 jobs.

“It’s another blow to Selkirk,” Selkirkshire Councillor Gordon Edgar said. “I understand they’re trying to relocate jobs, but it looks like there will be a number of redundancies. It’s a disappointing loss for Selkirk. It is an attraction, so businesses in the whole of the town will suffer. It’s part of the gateway to Selkirk, but now they’ll have to shutter the glass, and it’ll look quite bad.

A spokesperson confirmed: “Staff have been informed of the decision, which has been taken with the greatest reluctance and follows strenuous efforts to find a way to continue to operate the store on a sustainable basis. It is not, in any way, a reflection on the commitment and hard work of the store team.

“Every effort is being made to redeploy as many as possible of the 12 members of staff with The Co-operative, or to help them find alternative employment. The Co-operative food store in High Street, Selkirk, is unaffected by this decision and will remain open.”

Earlier in March, we reported how staff were told the store stood in danger of closing, unless urgent changes were made. Managers, we were told, were “open minded” about options – one they pursued was sharing floorspace with interested retailers. The Co-op then sought clarification of planning conditions with Scottish Borders Council (SBC), to confirm it was legal to sell any food retail items at the store. An SBC spokesperson told us: “We accepted that the permission allowed use for food retail, provided that the parking provision was in place to meet the necessary standards.”

But Cllr Edgar added: “It looks like their recovery plan has not worked.”

Councillors have agreed to continue to allow applicants and objectors speak at the planning committee meetings.

A report from Brian Frater, head of planning, revealed committee members and those who had spoken before the committee had felt that the trial, introduced at the end of last year, had been positive.

However the surveys did indicate areas for potential improvement, with issues regarding the audibility of the debate for those hard of hearing and speakers feeling intimidated by the layout of the chamber.

Chairman Ron Smith said: “I think we are totally unanimous that the acoustics in this chamber are totally unsatisfactory and this needs to be borne in mind for improvement.”

He added that he tried to make speakers feel relaxed and welcome and said layout changes would not improve the situation.

Two of the most important jobs a weekly newspaper has is to speak out for those who alone would struggle to be heard, or to get behind great causes that are important to the communities we serve.

This week is Local Newspaper Week, an annual initiative by the industry. And this year, under the title Making a Difference, the project highlights the power of local newspapers to campaign for positive change in the areas they circulate – in print, online and on social media.

As the Borders’ most widely-read weekly paper, we at The Southern pride ourselves on giving our communities a voice – telling your stories and using our influence to campaign for issues that matter to you, on your behalf, aiming to make a real difference to your lives.

One of our biggest campaigns was to help the fundraising efforts for The Margaret Kerr Unit at Borders General Hospital by supporting the fundraising team’s appeal for money, running regular updates on the cash raised and making sure that Borderers efforts did not go un-noticed – sharing stories and photographs about the lengths people went to to raise cash for this great cause.

And, a year after the appeal was launched, the palliative care unit, built for the people of the Borders, with the help of Borderers, opened its doors to patients.

Teamwork, that’s what makes things happen. And we couldn’t do it without you.

One hundred and fifty Borders primary school pupils will perform a special dance routine tomorrow as part of the Big Dance Pledge 2014.

Big Dance is the UK’s biggest celebration of all types of dance, for all ages and all levels of ability. The Big Dance Pledge is a chance to learn, make and perform dance with the rest of the world.

Now in its fifth year, 2014’s Big Dance Pledge routine has been choreographed by the Scottish Ballet as part of the Cultural Programme of the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Communities around the world have been rehearsing the dance in preparation for two simultaneous performances taking place at 1pm and 7pm on Friday May 1pm 2014.

Pupils from Melrose and Westruther primary schools will perform the Big Dance Pledge in their school playgrounds at 1pm tomorrow.

A food thief, caught after leaving his DNA on a lager can, was jailed for nine months.

Brian Hall drank from the can and left it sitting on the kitchen table of a friend’s home.

The 37-year-old, of Buccleuch Street, Hawick, had broken into the house at Sydenham Court, Kelso, on February 26 last year, stealing food worth £15.

The householder found the open can and realised a bedroom window was open. He then discovered a pork joint, gammon steak, hamburgers and cheese slices missing from the fridge.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: “He initially denied being there to police, but the DNA linked him in closely and he accepts his guilt.”

Mat Patrick, defending, said his client had a long -standing problem with alcohol, adding: “He remembers very little about the incident due to his addiction, but given the evidence he accepts it is fairly conclusive.”

Sentencing Hall at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, pictured, on Thursday, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told him: “You broke into someone’s house. The fact only £15 worth of items were stolen is neither here nor there.”

A “birthday treat” of cocaine cost Jamie Thomson a £200 fine.

Thomson, of Havelock Street, Hawick, admitted possession of the class A drug at Galashiels police station on January 29.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday, told how officers were processing his belongings when they found white powder in his wallet.

Mr Fraser added: “He initially claimed a friend must have planted it, but then accepted it was his. He was due to celebrate his 18th birthday the next day and said he had this small amount for thatpurpose.”

The cocaine had a street value of £40-£60.

“He described it as a treat for his birthday,” concluded Mr Fraser.

Defending, Mat Patrick said Thomson had been given the drug for his birthday, adding: “He is not a regular user.”

Sheriff John Halley told Thomson: “The court always takes the view that possession of a class A drug is a very serious matter indeed. It is a particular scourge to society and far from being something to be regarded as a treat for your birthday.”

With a week to go until the Hawick & Denholm local government by-election, residents are being reminded that the will need to vote by numbers.

This by-election uses a form of voting called Single Transferable Vote, where voters number candidates in order of choice. They mark a 1 by their first choice candidate, a 2 by their second, a 3 by their third and so on.

Tracey Logan, Returning Officer, said: “People in the Hawick and Denholm ward need to vote with numbers instead of using an X to make sure their vote counts. They don’t need to number all the candidates if they don’t want to - but they will need to number at least one.

“I would encourage voters to study the ballot paper instructions carefully and polling station staff will be able to help with any queries they may have.”

Voters are also being encouraged to check where they will vote. Details of their local polling station will be on their poll card. If someone has not received it or they are unsure of where to go they can call Scottish Borders Council’s elections team on 01835 825005.

The Hawick and Denholm by-election is being held on Thursday, May 22, with polling stations open from 7am to 10pm. It is required after the death of Councillor Zandra Elliot. The electronic counting of votes will take place at Council HQ in Newtown St Boswells from 10.30am on Friday 23 May.

The European Parliament Election is also being held on the same day. For this election people do need to put an X next to the party that they wish to vote for.

For more information about elections visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/elections

The Borders Railway project is marking its one-year anniversary, with just over 12 months of construction left until completion of the project delivery phase in summer, 2015.

In the year since construction of the new Borders Railway began, 866 directly employed staff have worked 2.1 million hours, completing 44% of the work on the 30 mile long route.

Including supplier personnel indirectly employed by the project, the total number of project jobs is in excess of 1,100, with local people and suppliers the primary beneficiaries.

Among their achievements in the last year, those workers have moved 804,000 tonnes of earth; used 400 tonnes of grouting as part of mining remediation work; installed 25.6 km of drainage works; worked on 104 bridges including 12 footbridges, 39 overbridges and 53 underbridges and installed 22,800 m³ of gabion baskets to support embankments and cuttings.

Since the start of the project, Network Rail and principal contractor BAM have also actively engaged with over 3,000 members of the local communities along the line of the route at local events and community meetings.

They have also responded to 1,500 specific enquiries and reached over 140,000 unique visitors via the project website.

Keeping the project team fuelled has been a logistical challenge in itself and an estimated 25,000 bacon rolls from local caterers have helped to keep construction crews energised.

Transport Minister, Keith Brown, said: “It is almost hard to believe that only a year has passed since I marked the beginning of construction of the Borders Railway. “Network Rail and BAM should be applauded for the progress they have made to get us to this stage.”

ERIBÉ Knitwear, based in Galashiels, has been nominated for two BQ (Business Quarterly) Awards.

The local business is in the running for the Scottish Export Team of the Year and Most Entrepreneurial Exporter of the Year awards.

The ceremony will be held at the Glasgow Science Centre on Wednesday, May 28.

“I am thrilled to be nominated for these two awards,” said Rosemary ERIBÉ, founder and managing director of the company.

“This is recognition for ERIBÉ’s innovative and growing team, and for their continuous improvement and hard work.”

With an avid following around the world, the compnay’s collections are available in 200-plus top stores in 16 countries.

The company is world-renowned for putting a colourful twist on traditional Scottish knitwear.

Recent export successes include staff visiting Seoul, South Korea on a Great Weeks mission trip organised by government body UK Trade and Investment.

There they had a positive response from potential wholesale customers and, combined with some research, has quickly resulted in lucrative new accounts.

The company has also recently appointed a new agent in Denmark, who has quickly secured ERIBÉ representation in Ilium, a top department store in Copenhagen for autumn/winter 2014.

ERIBÉ also knits for prestigious fashion designers and has recently been approached by one of the top Italian fashion house to produce a collection for them.

Rosemary said: “Our customers continue to enjoy our Scottish-inspired colour and pattern, despite the continued trend of wearing only black.”

To support the growing export side of the business, ERIBÉ recently expanded into a second production unit in Galashiels and created a permanent showroom in their design studio.

The firm has also invested in two German industrial knitting machines to support their current suppliers.

Last year ERIBÉ Knitwear was a nominee for the prestigious UK Fashion and Textile Awards, in the Exporter of the Year category.