John Lamont MSP has said he is ‘disappointed’ that fewer Borders school pupils are walking to school.

A survey carried out by cycling charity Sustrans and local authorities across Scotland has shown that six per cent fewer school pupils walked to school in 2013 than in 2008.

The survey results show that in the Borders only 44.4 per cent of pupils walked to school in 2013. The number cycling increased, but so to did the number of students being driven to school by parents.

Mr Lamont said: “It is disappointing to see that fewer pupils in the Borders are walking to school.

“While I appreciate that walking is not an option for many youngsters due to the distance between home and their school, it is important that those who are within walking distance do so.

“Not only is it healthier to do so, but it can also help to reduce the carbon footprint of households across the Borders.”

Mr Lamont added: “It is important that we teach our children the importance of a healthy lifestyle at a young age, and encouraging them to walk more is an easy way to do this.

“With national statistics suggesting that obesity is becoming more and more prevalent in Scotland, we must do all we can to tackle it.”

Scotland’s national biennial sheep event, Scotsheep held the event’s first sale of ewe hoggs at Quixwood, near Grantshouse, last Wednesday.

Aberdeenshire pedigree sheep breeder, Robbie Wilson, North Dorlaithers, Turriff, received the top price of 1800 guineas each for a pair of Texel ewe hoggs at the select sale of breeding sheep at Scotsheep on Wednesday.

A complete clearance of the 27 lots on offer of various breeds and crosses was achieved.

Mr Wilson’s pair by Teiglum Tornado were purchased by Mrs Helen Hunter, Braehead, Bainshole, Huntly.

This was followed at 1200gns each for a pair of North Country Cheviot park hoggs by Synton Bullseye from Roderick Runciman, Allanshaws, Galashiels, to K Earle, Carmarthen, and 1100gns each for a pair of New Zealand Suffolk hoggs from Derek Steen, Whitecastles, Corrie, Lockerbie, to Robin Hulme, Ellesmere, Shropshire.

Suffolks sold to 900gns each for a pair by Glenhead Golden Phoenix and Cairnton Cracker from Caroline Nelson, Trows Cottage, Kelso, to Tim Robinson, Grimsby, and Bluefaced Leicester to 850gns each for a pair by Hewgill E43 and Cottage D13 from J and W Bell, Whelphill, Crawford, to J H C Campbell and Sons, Thrunton, Alnwick, Northumberland.

Auctioneers - Unite Auctions, Stirling

Police Scotland has urged people living on farms and other residents in rural parts of the Borders to be extra vigilant following a series of thefts at the weekend.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a Land Rover Discovery was stolen from a farm outside Innerleithen before being driven towards the village along with a small hatchback.

This was followed by the theft of a red Mitsubishi, which was taken from Muircleuch Farm, Lauder at around midnight on Saturday night.

Local officers are also investigating a number of diesel thefts in the Innerleithen, Stow and Heriot areas, which were also reported over the weekend.

Community Inspector Tony Hodges said: “I would ask that those living in rural areas of Tweeddale, Lauderdale and the A7 corridor north of Galashiels take extra steps to secure vehicles, outbuildings and outside diesel tanks.”

Glendale Agricultural Society (GAS) is looking for a young farmer or someone involved in farming to attend an international conference in Australia in October.

The Wooler-based society is looking for someone under 40 years old who “has the potential to contribute to the long term face of agriculture in the region, the country and the Commonwealth” to represent it at the 26th Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth’s (RASC) Common Agricultural

Conference in Brisbane from 21 to 24 October.

The successful candidate “will get an in depth look at the issues facing primary production in South-East Queensland in the farming and agricultural industry, and the challenges and opportunities for agricultural shows, with seminars from expert speakers” says the society.

Also attending will be President of the RASC Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

In 2012 Matthew Frater of Boulmer Hall Farm attended the biennial conference in Zambia for GAS.

He said:“It truly was a fantastic networking opportunity and it demonstrated to me the diversity of the agricultural industry, and the opportunities it has for young people.

“I would urge any young person involved in the agriculture industry in the area to seize this opportunity from the GAS with both hands. It is with thanks to them that I was able to witness and take part in the conference, and what turned out to be an experience of a lifetime.”

A scholarship available from the GAS is available to provide a £500 contribution towards the chosen

delegate, with the best candidate for the conference supported through the process of obtaining

any necessary further funding.

Anyone interested should contact GAS at info@glendaleshow.com. Nominations close on June 20.

Police in the Borders have arrested and charged four men following enquiries into thefts of quad bikes and motor vehicles, as investigated under Operation RAC.

The spate of thefts took place around Stow, Lauder, Galashiels and Innerleithen over the last week.

The men were arrested and charged following extensive enquiries and several motor vehicles and quad bikes were also recovered by the investigation team.

A 36-year-old man, a 30-year-old man, a 27-year-old man and a 17-year-old man were due to appear at Selkirk Sheriff Court today.

Operation RAC officers are also appealing for any witnesses following the theft of 900 litres of diesel from the Forestry commission in Wauchope Forest between June 6 and 9.

Detective Sergeant Gordon Millar, who is leading the Operation RAC enquiry, said: “This is a great success for Operation RAC and demonstrates that we will actively pursue those who continue to blight our communities in such a way.

“Quad bikes and motor vehicles are vital for living and working in the Scottish Borders and these arrests send the message that theft and housebreaking will not be tolerated.”

Police are still appealing for information after two quad bikes were taken from an outbuilding at a farm in Newcastleton between 4pm on June 8 and 8am on June 9. They were later recovered in Roughope Forest.

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

Three local bus company employees are limbering up to take on a strenuous 24-hour trek in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Derek Gray, Gary Muir and Paul Croker work for First Borders, based at the Galashiels depot, and will take on the Three Peaks Challenge this weekend.

The trio has 24 hours to complete the walk, scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon respectively.

The death of Gary’s mother Mary last year, after a three-year battle with lung cancer, is one of the main motivations for the three taking on the challenge.

Gary, 47, has already lost more than a stone in weight during his training.

He said: “We chose this challenge because it will be a proper test, both physically and mentally.

“The fact that we’ve got such a short time to do it has given us real motivation to train and make sure that we get through it for all those who have kindly donated so far.”

Gary, who lives in Galashiels, added: “Unfortunately, given the death of my mother from lung cancer, I am very much aware of the pain and suffering cancer causes.

“There aren’t many people who can say that they’ve not been close to someone who has suffered from cancer. So we hope by taking on the Three Peaks Challenge we can raise some cash and help make a small difference.”

Bus driver Paul Croker, also from Galashiels, said: “Training has been intense - indeed I’ve never felt fitter after running up and down the Pentlands for the last couple of months.

“We’re really looking forward to the challenge and I’m proud to be taking on the three peaks with a great bunch of guys.”

First Borders colleagues, Ian McCutcheon and Jose Hoyes, will be driving the trio between locations, providing much needed food and, should the worst happen, step in if anyone cannot continue.

Lee Young, operations manager at the Galashiels depot, said: “It’s a really great cause and the commitment that the guys have shown already to prepare for the trek is fantastic.”

The group hopes to raise more than £2,000 in total. More than £1,000 has been donated already, including some support from FirstGroup, parent company to First Borders.

To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/lee-young1.

The biggest week of the year is fast approaching, with final preparations being made for Melrose Festival.

Taking place between Sunday, June 15, and Saturday, June 21, the highlights of the week are the ride-out on the Monday and the installation of the Melrosian, and crowning of the Festival Queen at the beautiful setting of Melrose Abbey on the Thursday.

This year it is Fraser Anderson who will proudly lead the celebrations, with Sam Thomson – right-hand man – and Graeme Crawford – left-hand man– by his side. Festival Queen is Charlie Hume.

As usual, the town will have a fairly busy week, with the main events being the ride-out on the Monday, the installation on Thursday, the ball on Friday and the Tour of Ceremonies and the sports on Saturday. The fancy dress is always popular on the Tuesday and last year the festival introduced a festival family barbecue following the bike ride on the Wednesday, which proved popular.

Organisers hope as many people in the Melrose and surrounding communities as possible come out and support the Melrosian and his Queen.

The official start of the festival programme is the laying of a wreath at the war memorial on Sunday morning, followed by the Kirkin’ of theMelrosian.

The five-a-side football will follow on Sunday afternoon.

On Monday, the ride-out leavesfrom the Greenyards at 6pm, with the concluding ceremony in the Market Square at 9.30pm.

The fancy dress kicks off in Gibson Park at 6.15pm on Tuesday, while the popular bike ride takes place at 6.30pm on Wednesday.

After the installation on Thursday, the Festival Ball takes place on Friday night. On Saturday, Fraser and his followers will carry out the Tour of the Ceremonies, leaving at 9am. The sports take place at 2.30pm, the pipe band will entertain from 7pm and the festival concludes with the annual dinner at 8pm.

wooler

At their weekly sale of primestock last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 288 new season lambs, 38 hoggs and young sheep and 33 ewes.

Sheep numbers curtailed by inclement weather conditions and Scotsheep but selling vendors receiving cracking returns.

New season lambs: Leading prices per head - Tex.x:- £111.50, £110 Lilburn Estates, £110 (3) Springhill, Seahouses, £108.50 Ladykirk, £108 (2) Lilburn Estates. Bel:- £108, £106, £105, £104 Chillingham Home Farm. Sfx:- £102 Treaty Park, £101 (2) Howtel. Leading prices per kilo:- Bel:- 271.8p, 269.2p, 266.7p, 257.1p Chillingham Home Farm. Tex.x:- 268.3p (3) Springhill, Seahouses, 263.4p, 262.5p Lilburn Estates, 259p Newstead, 258.3p Ladykirk, 257.5p Springhill, Seahouses, Sfx:- 252.5p Howtel, 248.8p Treaty Park.

Hoggs: Leading prices per head - Tex.x:- £119.50p, £117.50p Norham, £102.50p South Ditchburn, £99.50p Treaty Park, £94.50p Islay Hill, Shotton. Sfx:- £104.50p Newstead, £96 Kettleburn. Mule:- £100.50p Shotton. Swa:- £71.50p Treaty Park.

Ewes short of numbers but a flier. Leading prices:- BL:- £118, £109 Eildon Cottage. Tex:- £109 South Ditchburn, £99 Norham, £93 Milfield Demesne. Sfx:- £104 Kettleburn. Mule:- £88.50p Kettleburn, £86 Howtel, £85 Milfield Demesne, £84 Ladykirk.

Rams:- BL:- £119 Eildon Cottage.

st boswells

At its weekly primestock sale on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 78 clean cattle, 29 OTM cattle, 1,009 new season lambs, 298 old season hoggs and 203 ewes.

Bullocks (25) averaged 199p per kg and sold to 221p (-2.5p on week), heifers (49) averaged 207p per kg and sold to 235p (-2.3p on week), young bulls (4) averaged 169.2p per kg and sold to 190p (n/c on the week), 29 beef type OTM cattle averaged 128.4p per kg and sold to 159p (-0.4p on the week) and five dairy type OTM cattle averaged 103.4p per kg and sold to 117p.

New season lambs averaged 248.6p per kg (-12.5p on the week) and sold to £126, old season hoggs averaged 167.4p per kg and sold to £101 and ewes averaged £75.42, and sold to £116. Heavy ewes £89.47, light ewes £64.29.

Principal prices per head: Dunslaw £1325.16; Crookhouse £1319.50, £1306.50; Bee Edge £1316, £1309.62.

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.35 Ms WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.19 M/s TA Shaw, 2.17 Robert Wilson Butcher Edin; Upper Nisbet 2.25 Charles Wilson Butcher, 2.19 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd; Haughhead 2.24 JF Finlay, 2.23 Malone of Edinburgh; Upper Hundalee 2.22 Charles Wilson Butcher; Caverton Mill 2.21 G and L Archibald, 2.19 TA Shaw, 2.18 Malone of Edinburgh; Hexpath 2.21 Malone of Edinburgh; Lennoxlove 2.20 Denholm Meats; Longnewton 2.19 WTS Forsyth and Sons; Snawdon 2.19 Robert Pringle and Sons; Lurdenlaw 2.18 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons.

Cows per head: Penston £1052.58, £1023.78; Bee Edge £1014.70, £1003.58; Northhouse £982.70, £899.08; Upper Hundalee £948.04; Towford £946.96, £915.90; Over Roxburgh £942.30; Todshawhaugh £941.64; Hyndsidehill £904.24.

Cows per kg: Penston 1.59, 1.51; Nisbet Mill 1.55, 1.35; Northhouse 1.55, 1.33; Bee Edge 1.39 (2); Blegbie 1.37, 1.29 (2); Over Roxburgh 1.35; Towford 1.33 (2); Todshawhaugh 1.33.

Bulls: Upper Hindhope £1146.20 (1.10); Wolfstar £1086.80 (1.10); Shaws £1018.03 (1.26); Nisbet Farms £960.36 (1.06).

New season lambs per head: Tex;- £126 Headshaw. L, £125 Redden, £122 Sunnycroft, £117 (2) Lochside, £117 Thornington, Suff.x;- £125, £123 Knock Farm, £119.50 Oxmuir, £119 Headshaw. L, £118 Knock Farm, Oxmuir and Huntington, £116 Applecross, Suff;- £118 Trows Cott. Ham;- £101.50 Greenburn.

New season lambs per kg:- 284.1 Redden, 280 Headshaw. L, 272.1 (2) Lochside, 271.8 Huntington, 269.8 Lochside, 267.5 Headshaw.L, 265.9 (4) Thornington, 265.9 Lochside, Suff.x;- 268.3 Headshaw. L, 268.2 Oxmuir, 265.1 Upper Bolton, 263.4 Knock Farm,, 261 Upper Bolton, Ham;- 238.1 Marigold Farming.

Hoggs per head: £101 Carcant and Venchen, £92 Linton Farm, £90 West Moneylaws, £80 Housebyres, Suff.x;- £80 Dunslaw and West Moneylaws (2), Chev;- £87 Carcant, £84 Lylestane, BF;- £66 Dunslaw.

Hoggs per kg: BF;- 200 Dunslaw, Tex;- 187 Carcant, 183.7 West Moneylaws, 173.7 Dunslaw, Suff.x;- 173.9 West Moneylaws, 164.3 Dunslaw, Chev;- 181.3 Carcant.

Ewes: Tex;- £109 Oxmuir, £106 Greenhead, £101 Greenburn, GF;- £85 Traprain, £81 Venchen, £81, £77 Greenburn, Suff.x;- £113 Lochside, £111 Venchen, £100 Greenhead, Corsbie and Hermiston, Chev;- £95 Torwoodlee, £87 Traprain, HB;- £91 Applecross, Suff;- £116 Oxmuir, £113 Torwoodlee, £93 Belmont Farm, BF;- £63, £60 Danesgarth Mill, £60 Henderland.

Rams: Suff;- £93 Belmont, £83 Haltree, Tex;- £97 Danesgarth Mill.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart plc had forward 28 prime cattle, two young bulls, 19 over 30 month cattle, 1,551 spring lambs, 1,654 prime hoggs and 3,667 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

A nice show of prime cattle were on offer, prices followed a similar pattern to all other centres this week. The sale was topped at 219.5p twice for Limousin heifers, firstly from D.J. Garthwaite and Son, Wyseby Hill Cottage, then soon followed by A. and W.J. Taylor and Son, Dashwellgreen.

Bulls sold to 119.5p per kilo for Black and Whites from T. and M. Irving, Becton Hall.

Cast cows were more keenly sough after and a Limousin cow topped the sale at 140.5p from Messrs D. and Y. Wilson, Plumpe Farm.

A much larger show of 1,551 spring lambs sold fantastically well with a top of 310p per kilo for Texels from J.R. and N.G. Smith, Westhills, and to £136 per head for Suffolks from C. Nixon, Long Strumble. Overall average of 257.5p per kilo. With more and more producers drawing lambs at lighter weights, heavyweight lambs sold extremely well and short of requirements.

A good show of 1,654 prime hoggs for the time of year. All good quality hoggs carrying flesh as well as heavyweight hoggs again sold extremely well. Top price of £127 per head for Texels from Messrs Hyslop, West Logan, with a top per kilo of 258p for Texels from W. Gribbon and Co., Waterside. The overall sale average was 205p per kilo (SQQ 205.2p).

Another good show of 3,667 cast ewes and rams sold to an increased ringside of buyers. All ewes sold to great demand with best quality ewes and cast rams being extremely dear. Top of £154 for a Texel ram from J.F. Latimer, Ina House.

border livestock exchange

Last week Border Livestock Exchange sold 186 prime cattle including 28 cows, 1,639 prime lambs, 215 cast ewes, 82 store cattle and 26 cows with calves at foot.

Prime cattle were again steady with good demand for in spec steers and heifers. Over 16 month young bulls were slower to sell. Aberdeen Angus cross steers from South Farm, Newcastle, sold to 365p per kg to Well Hung and Tender, Berwick. Cast cows were short of demand selling to 270p per kg and £1,329 per head for a Charolais crosses also from South Farm.

Prime lambs continue to sell very well with top prices going to Yetholm farms of Primside, Lochside and Cherrytrees. Texel cross to 535p per kg and £112.35 per head. Charollais crosses from Cornhill to 520p per kg and £109.20.

Old season lambs sold to 460p per kg and £101.20 Hill Top East, Darlington.

Breeding and store cattle were short of requirements with a firm demand for all types.

Festivities are in full swing in West Linton with Whipman Calum Murray and his Lass Alison Hardie leading the way.

The smiling duo were appointed in April and installed last Friday at a special ceremony on the village’s Lower Green, before being led around the village by the West Linton and District Pipe Band.

Whipman Play Society secretary Sheila Forsyth said: “It’s been a busy week and Calum and Alison are doing a great job.

“Everything is going really well and, although we have had a lot of rain, the sun has shone when it needed to at all our events.”

Tonight’s events are junior rugby and cricket. Last night villagers were set to take part in cross country races, the children’s bogie race, adult’s wheelbarrow race and men and women’s pillow fight.

Tomorrow night will be the Ex Whipman’s Dinner Dance followed by Saturday’s procession, led by the pipe band, to the war memorial where Whipman Calum will lay a wreath. Sports Day, opened by Calum and his Lass, follows and, in the evening, the Whipman Market, while on Sunday the Whipman Songs of Praise will take place in the marquee at 6.30pm.

The Whipman Rideout last Saturday was well supported. Organisers said: “The ground was good and weather conditions were perfect for most of the ride, the rain coming in early afternoon.”

The Sashes races was won by Jedburgh’s Billy Spence, Jedburgh; Stuart Rendall took the open race and Robert Muir first hired horse, with Hamish Dykes taking the Ian Morrison Memorial Flask. Also last Saturday were the junior fun day (when Silky Skills were the overall winners), junior tug o’ war (won by Unusual Rainbow Unicorns) and the fancy dress with trophies to overall winner, Frankie Court, best dressed group Isobel and Nicola Amos and Owen Jones who won the best dressed, 9-11 years category.

Organisers say there was a “great turnout of bikes” for last Sunday’s cycle rideout; Eastern BMW won the five-a-side football with So Stobo United runners-up and Scott MacFarlane player of the tournament. The dog show attracted 71 entries and, following last year’s success, the second Whipman Playlist Music Festival was that evening . Monday brought kids football (Cameron Robb captained the winners, Alex Tait the runners-up), junior netball (won by Puffle Buffs, with Marshmallows the runners-up) and scooter and cycle races, while Tuesday’s toddlers and juniors fun discos were well attended.

In our final two reviews of contenders for this year’s Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, Texas and New Zealand are the backdrops.

The Promise by Ann Weisgarber: Review by Bridget McCann

Every so often a novel comes along that quietly gets under your skin from first word to last. This is one such gem, so that, even months on, I feel a loss that these characters and their world are no longer in my life.

The setting is Galveston Island, Texas in 1900, against the backdrop of the worst storm in American history. But we cannot ignore the impact on young pianist Catherine Wainwright of being a woman living at the turn of the century, without position or power, and driven from society. It is her ensuing desperation that drives this unfolding love story.

The characters are beautifully and honestly drawn, their flaws and failings only making them more vulnerable and human. But this “narrow bar of dirt and sand, water on all sides,” is as vital to the feel of this novel as the people, the salty air, the heavy Texan heat and the sounds of this weathered landscape. Weisgarber paints such a vivid description of the storm water which steals over this flat land that I was left wanting to shout out “Run for your lives!”

You will not be able to put this book down and will be moved by this story of redemption and of promises kept.

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton: Review by Sally Gillespie, The Southern Reporter

What more can be said about the Man Booker prize-winning The Luminaries from the competition’s youngest winner, Eleanor Catton? It’s a stunning book, Catton’s second, and deserving of the many plaudits it has garnered. The Observer describes it as ‘a dazzling feat’, the Independent praises its ‘sheer rip-roaring readability’ but not all have enjoyed, with the Standard’s David Sexton describing the prose style as ‘annoying’ and writing: “Catton never shows, she tells.”

The action is set in the 28-year-old author’s native New Zealand, in the South Island west coast town of Hokitika during the 1860s gold rush, and starts with unsupecting prospector Walter Moody arriving at his hotel where the book’s characters are seated.

Written in the style of a 19th-century novel, The Luminaries deals in secrets, sex, opium and murder, all manner of nefarious goings on really. It’s complex – at the least, characters are associated with the astrological zodiac – but it’s hugely readable and Catton at all times remains in command of the exquisitely crafted work, which at 832 pages achieves another Man Booker first by being the longest to win the prestigious prize.

Well, it’s here. The wait is over for one of the Borders’ most popular events, which this year is set to be even bigger and better than ever.

The 2014 Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival in Melrose gets off to an absolutely fabulous start today (Thursday) with comic genius Jennifer Saunders being joined on the opening night by leading politician Paddy Ashdown; Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason; adventurer and explorer Steve Backshall; broadcaster Kate Adie and novelist and screen writer Lynda La Plante.

As part of Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival will, over the four days, welcome a host of big names from the world of literature, politics, stage and screen.

And with less than 100 days to go before Scotland decides its future, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown will take to the stage to talk about his vision of Scottishness and how Scotland might lead Britain, not leave it.

Political rivals Michael Forsyth, former Secretary of State for Scotland and Jim Sillars, former Deputy Leader of the Scottish National Party, continue the debate as they argue with passion, intellect and wit on the most important issue facing Scotland.

Other highlights include Rory Bremner returning to the Borders with a wealth of new material, observations and insight; veteran broadcasters Jon Snow and Allan Little; foodie experts Jay Rayner, Carina Contini and Incredible Spice Men duo Tony Singh and Cyrus Todiwala; as well as masters of crime John Connolly and Chris Brookmyre.

The Borders Book Festival is known for the unexpected and this year is no exception, including: Kirsty Wark and Jim Naughtie talking about their bestselling novels; a dramatisation of the life of Sir Harry Lauder as a tribute to the centenary of the outbreak of the Great War; a unique adaptation of Sir Walter Scott’s great, innovative novel, Waverley, written specially for the festival by Alan Caig Wilson, and performed by Phyllida Law, Samuel West, John Sessions and David Robb to mark the 200th anniversary of its publication, courtesy of the generosity and patronage of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch. And a Book Festival finale like no other featuring the talented comedian and ventriloquist, Nina Conti.

Tomorrow (Friday), the winner of the fifth £25,000 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction will be announced, with four of the six shortlisted authors in attendance to hear the result, three of them having earlier taken part in a separate panel discussion on historical fiction – Historical Fiction At Its Best.

The Family Book Festival, running throughout the Saturday and Sunday, provides a treat for all ages including the BBC’s Simon Mayo with his Itch Rocks series for older kids and their parents, and there are some Family Day Passes still available for both days.

Tomorrow (Friday) is also the Knight Frank Schools Gala Day with some fantastic events and activities expecting over 1,600 pupils and their teachers from more than 20 schools. Festival director, Alistair Moffat, told us: “We look forward to welcoming our authors, sponsors and supporters, but most of all our audience to Harmony Garden for what will be a truly memorable weekend.”

The Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival takes place in Harmony Garden, Melrose from Thursday, 12 to Sunday, 15 June. The full programme is available at www.bordersbookfestival.org

The greatest asset of any local newspaper is very much its personnel and none more so than its staff photographers.

For almost four decades, Southern Reporter snapper Alastair Watson captured the highs and lows in the lives of ordinary Borders across this region.

From the most joyful of occasions and sporting triumphs to the saddest of tragedies, he treated all assignments with professionalism and consideration for those involved.

So when Alastair died in October after a short illness, it was not just this newspaper and his colleagues who lost a true friend and supporter, but the wider Borders community.

To honour Alastair’s contribution to The Southern and this region, colleagues have launched an award in his memory.

And as an integral part of Alastair’s working year was coverage of common ridings and festivals, what could be more fitting than a prize for the best image from such an event by one of the region’s younger photographers?

For many of us who covered common ridings and festivals alongside Alastair, this first summer without him and his irreverent sense of humour will seem strange.

But the Alastair Watson Memorial Award will ensure his name continues to be a lasting feature of our coverage of summer festivals for many years to come.

A drunken woman involved in a brawl with her partner after Hawick Common Riding, has been fined £200.

First offender Sharon Takacs, 29, of Galalaw Road, Hawick, appeared from custody and admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Rosebank Road on June 6.

“Both parties had taken considerable refreshment,” explained prosecutor Tessa Bradley.

“Hawick Common Riding celebrations were ongoing and the area round about was very busy,” she added.

“At 7.10pm, the accused and her partner were walking into Hawick from the Moor. They were having an argument and shouting and swearing,” continued Ms Bradley.

“The public round about were shocked by the language and behaviour, which was so heated that cars were slowing down.

“She struck him on the cheek, and there was struggle, and she ended up rolling about on the ground, and they had to be split up by the police.”

Takacs told officers: “I stuck up for myself.”

Solicitor Iain Burke, defending, said his client was “very upset and distressed” about the offence.

“She feels very ashamed,” he added.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre fined Takacs £200, telling her: “This happened during the Common Riding, and people shouldn’t have to put up with this kind of behaviour.”

A 37-year-old who denies being in charge of a van while over the alcohol limit, will stand trial on October 14.

Robert MacDonald of Midburn Farm Cottage, Bonchester Bridge, Hawick, denies being in charge of a van at Huntshaw Road, Earlston, on May 5, with a breath/alcohol reading of 67 mcgs – the legal limit being 35.

A Russian driver competing in the Gumball 3000 rally from Miami to Ibiza, has been fined £600 after driving dangerously on the A702 near Dolphinton.

The 28-year-old was contesting the Edinburgh-Manchester-London leg of the event on Sunday.

A driving instructor travelling on the Dolphinton straight was forced on to the grass verge after being confronted by the accused as he overtook in a powerful four-wheel drive Mercedes ML3.

Vyacheslov Tonakanyan of Moscow Oblast, Russia, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday and admitted driving dangerously, into the face of oncoming traffic, on June 8.

He was also banned from holding a UK driving licence for two years and ordered to resit an extended test.

The accused was taking part in day four of the rally, which commands a $4,000 entrance fee.

Employed as an architect in his native Russia, he was driving the vehicle for his boss, whom he was due to meet in London.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said the charity event, which began on June 4, involved more than 100 drivers.

She said the accused had been travelling on the Dolphinton straight in Peeblesshire.

“It is a main arterial route through the Borders, and carries a large volume of traffic,” explained Ms Bradley.

“The weather was fine and visibility good,” continued Ms Bradley.

“Police were on uniform mobile patrol because of the event as a large number of prestige vehicles were travelling that route.”

The police vehicle was behind a driving instructor travelling north.

As the driving instructor came on to the straight he was aware of two southbound vehicles travelling towards him in the northbound carriageway, while overtaking a line of cars.

“He is an experienced driver and reduced his speed, anticipating they would get back on to the right side of the road,” explained Ms Bradley.

The first vehicle returned to its correct carriageway, but the 4 x 4 – driven by the accused – continued towards him.

“He applied his brakes, but it still kept coming towards him, and it was clear to him if he didn’t take evasive action, there would be a collision,” continued Ms Bradley.

“He swerved to the nearside and pulled off the road on to the grass verge.

“As the 4 x 4 passed him, still travelling on the wrong carriageway, he described it as being so close that he could see the driver’s teeth,” added Ms Bradley.

Police officers following the instructor turned their vehicle and pursued the accused, who told them, “I apologise, I’m sorry.”

Solicitor Ross Dow, defending, said his client had been looking forward to “the trip of a lifetime”.

“Instead, it is turning out to be a nightmare,” he said.

Mr Dow said his client had been driving his boss’s car, which he was due to hand over to him in London the previous day.

“He was due to fly to Moscow from London last night,” continued Mr Dow.

“Now, he has to get to Paris to meet his boss.

“The car will be boarded on the Channel Tunnel and rail roaded to Paris.”

Mr Dow said his client had been chosen to complete the first leg of the rally by his boss.

“It is not a race, it is a rally of like-minded individuals coming together, most of whom are very wealthy,” explained Mr Dow.

“He is a not a wealthy individual himself, and will incur significant cost for the vehicle being transported to France,” he added.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told the first offender his driving could have had serious consequences.

“This was pretty dangerous – you could have killed someone,” he told the accused.

A woman accused of diamorphine drug dealing will stand trial by jury on June 16.

Janine Mullins, 35, of Keppoch Hill Road, Glasgow, denies being concerned in the supply of the class A drug at 
Chapel Quay in Eyemouth, on May 1 last year.

A Hawick man who caused distress to a former partner, and assaulted another, has been sentenced to a two-year Community Payback Order.

Hermes Lobo, 36, of Trinity Street, caused a former partner fear and alarm, persistently attending at her address, engaging in arguments with her, and refusing to leave, on various occasions between August 13 and September 22 last year.

Lobo also admitted assaulting another 
ex-partner to her 
injury at Trinity Street on February 27 this 
year.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre ordered supervision and a requirement to attend the Respect Programme.

Danielle Lazzari, 23, of Chay Blyth Place, Hawick, had her case continued without plea until June 27.

She is charged with being in possession of methadone at a house in Leishman Place, Hawick, on September 30.

Red tape has forced the owners of Jedforest Deer and Farm Park, near Jedburgh, to make the decision to close the popular visitor attraction.

A statement on the park’s website said the decision to close later this summer came after discussions with the Health & Safety Executive, Scottish Borders Council and insurers.

The statement says: “We have decided to close at the end of this season (August 31, 2014). We hope to stay open until then with some changes – some of the play equipment will be removed, some activities will cease, access to certain parts of the working farm will be prohibited, and during busy times of the farming season there will be reduced car parking due to farm traffic.

“We would like to thank all our visitors over the years – will miss your company.”

And a message on the park’s Facebook page this week adds: “... can’t get over the overwhelming support shown by everyone, thank you.”

Owners John and Lorna Irving were unable to comment this week due to what was described as an on-going discussion with the local authority about public access to working farms.

Whether this means, however, that there might be a slender chance the park could possibly remain open, is unclear.

Thousands of visitors come through the park’s gates every year to get up close to four breeds of deer, as well as rare breeds of farm livestock, together with birds of prey, donkeys and ponies, and other attractions, including a woodland playground and tearoom.

Responding to the closure news, Marika Smith posted on Facebook: “Is there no way this decision can be changed? Surely to goodness it can’t just close without a fight.

“I have spoken to so many people who are frankly shocked at the decision.”

And local Jedburgh area councillor, Sandy Scott, agreed it was disappointing news.

He said: “Yes, it is very sad it is closing. It is a landmark – an amazing number of people know where the Jedforest Deer Park is situated, and as a result it was a very popular venue.

“Mr and Mrs Irving need to be congratulated because it is not easy to run an outdoor visitor centre with all the rules and regulations that this entails, and, of course, the famous British weather.

“The closure will be a huge loss – for parents and children alike.”

VisitScotland regional director Paula McDonald added: “Jedforest Deer and Farm Park has given a great many visitors to the Scottish Borders an enjoyable day out, so we were sorry to hear it will be closing at the end of this summer season.”

The countryside continues to look well, give or take a few impressive thunderstorms and an equally impressive range of plant bugs and diseases to be kept under control if possible.

That “looking good” part is just as well because farmers, particularly in Scotland, are still in suspense about what will happen to European Union farm subsidies come January 1 next year. That is at time of writing. By today (Thurs) it is possible that Richard Lochhead will have announced how the SNP government hope to deal with the country’s common agricultural policy (CAP) subsidy allocation. As I write, the fear among farmers is that the intricacies of CAP decision making will mean a few huge winners and thousands of heavy losers, a fear articulated last week by Jim Walker, former Scottish NFU president.

In his Scottish Farmer column Mr Walker argued again, as he has done for months, that as things stand Scotland’s beef farmers could be wiped out because subsidies for most will be slashed. He blames Scotland’s civil servants and the Scottish NFU for failing to make a stronger case, but mainly he blames Mr Lochhead and First Minister Alex Salmond for “simply moving the deck chairs on the Titanic.”

As always, detail of CAP subsidy payments leave the layman begging for mercy. But the gist of Mr Walker’s argument is that Mr Lochhead could by now have announced implementation of subsidies that would have been fairer to all. Instead, challenged to show leadership “he has failed miserably” and farmers “are in the last chance saloon.”

We’ve heard such end of the world predictions before, but – as with the boy who cried wolf – this time the worst might happen. Mr Lochhead and the SNP government have until now been seen as strongly supportive of farmers. That reputation is at risk. The irony is that farmers throughout England, who have suffered more from unsympathetic treatment on subsidies for the past decade, look as if they will come out of the latest CAP deal in better shape.

I was sorry for the Macfarlane family of Quixwood, Duns, hosts, and the organisers of Scotsheep last Wednesday when their preparations and hard work were victims of what must have seemed like a month’s rain in the space of a few hours. Several thousand farmers still turned up, which was a triumph for the appeal of the event and a testament to wellingtons and weatherproof clothing of every style and shape.

I was also sorry, very sorry, to learn that Maitland Mackie had died at 76 only three months after his wife. Ironically for one of the most entertaining and enthusiastic farmers/businessmen I’ve ever met, his ever-fizzing brain bursting with ideas, he died from a brain tumour. More entrepreneurs like him and his family and the Byzantine intricacies of the CAP wouldn’t matter.