And now, this week, a holiday. Yes, a holiday... from endless chicken-y ramblings. A holiday in the proper sense of the word – one where you get to pack a bag and go away somewhere, not a man’s idea of a holiday where they offer to do a BBQ to ‘give you a break from cooking’.

Men of the beautiful Scottish Borders, let me tell you, a ‘break from cooking’ isn’t a break. A break is where you get to physically go away, in an open-top sports car to a country house hotel with Hugh Grant, for at least 48 hours. Oops. Sorry. That’s Bridget Jones, not my real life.

Anyhoo, I have just returned from a proper holiday, which involved travel, and packed bags and sunshine and everything. OK, OK, it was in a tent, and it was in Argyll, but it had sun and a beach and a takeaway cafe (so minimal cooking). A break in the true sense of the word. Bliss.

The campsite was chosen for its proximity to the beach. Oh, to lie in luxury on your inflatable mattress at night and hear the sound of the sea as the waves gently washed on to the beach. Well, if you could hear it above the wails of sunburnt weans who’d been overlooked by parents snoozing on their sunloungers all day, forgetting to re-apply the sun block.

The gorgeous, loooooong, sandy beach, solely used by the campsite’s clientele, was so close you could almost unzip the tent flap and touch the waves. Just a couple of steps through the dunes and there it was – golden sands and caribbean island-style blue waters. You just can’t beat the west coast on a sunny day. And we had a whole, glorious eight days of sun. Knowing how ram-jam packed the beach at Coldingham gets as soon as the temperature rises above freezing, we packed everything we had for total, 100 per cent kiddie fun in anticipation of days on a happy, busy beach.

Flippers, snorkel and mask, bodyboards, shorty wetsuits, fishing nets, cricket set, rugby ball, football ... you name it, we took it.

Imagine that first day. We arrive at the campsite, we set up ASAP (no mean feat with a seven-metre tent), and we’re off for the beach. The YMs can hardly walk for all the flippers, fishing nets, bodyboards etc they are carrying. Eagerly they slip through the dunes and onto ... an empty beach. Yes, a totally empty beach. Apart from them, that is. This just does not compute. Where is everyone? There are tents, caravans, motorhomes and static caravans, all filled with with grown-ups and kids. So where were they?

Answer: on the play park, in football strips, playing kick-about. Every day, all day. Football. Sunburnt weans.

So just why did all these folk, mostly from that quaint, west coast fishing village of Glasweegie, choose to holiday at this beach-tastic campsite? Turns out they DO love the beach – but only at night. As soon as it started to go dusk and the sun began to set over the distant hills of Jura, they scuttled about gathering driftwood and lighting fires on the beach to sit around ’til the wee small hours, drinking cans of lager.

Let’s hear it for romantic mini-breaks.

The Innerleithen team of Jean Wilson, Claire Wilson, Jan McGlasson and Sheona Newton (pictured) emerged victorious in the St Ronan’s Games Week car treasure hunt, lifting the Cissy Barnett Trophy and £50 cash.

Thirty cars entered the event which took treasure seekers to Upper Tweeddale and South Lanarkshire. Kenneth Coltman (Peebles) took second prize, with Will Brockie (Eddleston) in third place.

Standard Bearer-Elect Robbie Scott and his Lass, Rachel Lauder, (also pictured) presented the winners with their prizes.

This year marked the 22nd time that Adrian Keddie and his team of wife Sheila and Ted McKie had compiled the hunt.

The sight of majestic golden eagles soaring in greater numbers across Borders skies could be possible, claims a major new report.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) says habitat changes could see southern Scotland support as many as 16 breeding pairs of the country’s iconic national bird of prey.

Experts believe no more than three pairs live in the Borders, while only one or two pairs attempt to breed annually in Galloway.

But Professor Des Thompson, of SNH, who led the research, says on-the-ground, practical work to improve habitat in the south of Scotland could have a major impact.

“With habitat improvements, we could see connections with the small reintroduced population in Ireland. This would help both groups of eagles,” he said.

Environment and climate change minister Paul Wheelhouse added: “As a resident of the Scottish Borders, I very much look forward to golden eagles once again becoming a regular sight in our skies.

“We will work hard to ensure that they are given the best possible chance to expand their population and range in the south of Scotland.”

However, the illegal persecution of eagles still poses a threat and RSPB Scotland’s head of investigations, Ian Thomson, has warned: “The poisoning of the female from a breeding pair of golden eagles in Peeblesshire in 2007 drew everybody’s attention to this.

“The poisoning, trapping and shooting of these birds, and other species, simply must stop.”

Four local businesses will battle it out with other leading names in the industry after being shortlisted in the Scottish Fashion Awards.

Hawick-based Barrie Knitwear will go up against Galashiels firm ERIBÉ Knitwear and two others finalists for the new Exporter of the Year award.

In the Scottish Textile Designer/Brand of the Year category the five finalists include Hawick-based company Brora and Queene and Belle, from Bonchester Bridge.

The winners will be announced at a glittering event in London on September 1, hosted by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Carmichael MP, and awards founder Dr Tessa Hartmann.

Victoria Stapleton, founder and creative director of Brora, said: “Brora is proud to be working with the very best cashmere mills and this nomination is a great honour.

“It is an acknowledgement of our 21 years of designing collections full of colour and style, using traditional techniques and craftsmanship. We are delighted.”

Rosemary Eribé, managing director of ERIBÉ Knitwear, added: “The nomination is recognition of our long term commitment to exporting and promoting Scottish textiles.

“Our commitment to exporting and promoting Scottish textiles spans 28 years and we are honoured to sit alongside Barrie Knitwear.”

Responding to their nomination, Angela Bell of Queene and Belle said: “We are delighted to be nominated for Scottish Textiles Brand of the Year.

“It is lovely to be recognised for all of the hard work we have put into our brand and our commitment to making our cashmere in the Borders.”

Nobody from Barrie Knitwear was available for comment.

Speaking about the awards, Mr Carmichael said: “It’s great to see year on year the commercial and creative success these Scottish designers, brands and manufacturers are having and it’s important they are acknowledged and supported.

“These awards are now recognised around the world as the benchmark of success within the global fashion community and are without a doubt the most high profile showcase of Scottish fashion, design and textile talent in the country.”

Plans have been lodged to convert a disused Galashiels church into a £2.5million housing development.

Book Developments Ltd wants to create 16 flats in the former B-Listed St Aidan’s Church in the town’s Gala Park.

The company is also seeking consent from Scottish Borders Council to demolish the adjoining church hall and build another 11 apartments.

Originally founded as the South United Presbyterian Church in 1880, it was merged with the former Trinity Church further along the town’s High Street.

The name was then changed to St Cuthbert’s. In 1974, St Cuthbert’s was united with Ladhope Parish Church, in Ladhope Vale, to become first of all Ladhope St Cuthbert’s and then, in 1981, St Aidan’s.

St Aidan’s closed in 2005, with its congregation joining with that of St Ninian’s to create Trinity Church.

St Aidan’s church and hall were finally put up for sale in 2007, at offers over £300,000.

An external inspection three years ago found some deterioration in St Aidan’s since the previous site visit – rear windows were no longer wind and watertight, glass was broken elsewhere and the building’s gutters were clogged.

The hall was in better condition, but still had clogged and broken gutters, and was steadily being encroached upon by trees and vegetation.

Organisers aim to build on last year’s successful celebration of 200 years of the Border Union Show.

South east Scotland’s premier two-day agricultural and countryside event takes place on July 25 and 26.

Border Union Agricultural Society secretary Ron Wilson said: “It really is a great two days out for everybody with lots of animals, delicious food, amusements, great shopping, countryside activities and an exciting main ring programme on Saturday afternoon, featuring the local stunt team, Les Ami d’Ono, who performed in the special History of the Horse in 2013.

“There will also be a cereals demonstration on the full growing season, with live action in the main ring from Berwick Bandits speedway riders, who will give a live demonstration of their skills.

“The Sheep Show is back again for its annual visit and around the showground there is the Crazy Bears Children’s Show, Bungy and the climbing wall.

“A special Wool and Water Marquee will feature the Tweed catchment area and there will be shearing of sheep adjacent to that.

“Show entries for livestock are a near record total of 2,111 (up from 2,042 last year) with more than a thousand more (generally) in the industrial section, poultry, rabbits and guinea pigs.

“All the trade stands areas are full, as is the Food Fair, and with a well-balanced main ring programme, there is something for everyone.”

More details of the show, the list of judges and the days’ programmes in next week’s farming review.

Stow livestock farmer and NFU Scotland president, Nigel Miller has been awarded an honorary fellowship of Scotland’s Rural College for his contribution to agriculture and the rural economy.

Nigel was presented with his award during the annual SRUC graduation ceremony in Bute Hall, University of Glasgow last week.

SRUC acting chief executive Janet Swadling told graduates, staff, parents and guests: “To his passionate advocacy on behalf of Scottish agriculture and the rural economy, Nigel has brought energy, drive, academic rigour, powerful thought and considered analysis. Yet all this is done with a light touch, humour and humility. He has recognised the significance and challenges of climate change and the issues linked to it such as nutrient management, energy conservation and the need for behavioural change. These are all issues of real concern to SRUC, its staff and students and we share common ground with Nigel.”

Nigel, of Stagehall Farm, Stow, first qualified as a vet before returning to the family farm after veterinary practice in Rogart. And it was then he started to get involved in local union activity. He became NFU Scotland president in 2011.

In 2001, he joined veterinary teams in Dumfries and Galloway during the Foot-and-Mouth outbreak and experienced at first hand the devastating effect the disease had on stock, the farming community, vets and the local economy. He describes it as the most extreme experience of his life.

Following FMD, Nigel was asked by his local NFU to join a group looking into future disease control strategies. Since then he has played an influential role in shaping Scotland’s animal health and welfare contingency plans in Scotland, including responses to Bluetongue, Bovine TB and Schmallenberg.

He has been at the forefront of industry initiatives to keep out major threats like BVD and TB. In that work he has been an active and supportive partner of SRUC and the health schemes run by SAC Consulting Veterinary Services.

Nigel said: “For me to be a part of today’s ceremony is an extraordinary privilege. I hope that I can give something back to SRUC as it takes its next steps. I am sure that development can keep SRUC at the front of Scottish farming and also ensure its knowledge and science reach into Europe and worldwide.

“Today is very much a moment to focus on and celebrate the achievements of a new generation of graduates from SRUC.

“Knowledge, skills and science have never been at such a high level and they have never been more important to the future of farming. SRUC’s role, not only in education but also in research, is crucial in creating the people that can take agriculture to a new level.

“SRUC graduates have the challenge of making sustainable intensification real in the face of climate change, volatile markets and a demand for food which will double by 2050.”

The college gives Honorary Fellowships to individuals who have made “a commendable contribution to rural affairs and whose work is closely aligned with the objectives of SRUC”.

The popular Harrier scenic bus service has returned for its 35th year in operation, allowing people to travel to places they cannot normally connect to via public transport.

The service runs until September.

z Mondays, Hawick - Jedburgh - Town Yetholm - Etal - Berwick - Eyemouth.

z Tuesdays, Hawick - Selkirk - St Mary’s Loch - Moffat.

z Wednesdays, Hawick - Selkirk - Galashiels - Melrose - Kelso - Berwick - Eyemouth.

z Thursdays, Earlston - Melrose - Galashiels - Selkirk - St Mary’s Loch - Moffat.

Telford’s Coaches will run the routes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Busker’s on Thursday.

Timetables are available from SBCoffices, libraries, visitor centres and Galashiels bus station.

Ettrick Forest Archers held the historic annual gents’ Selkirk Arrow double clout shoot on Sunday, along with the Philiphaugh Silver Arrow for ladies.

It was to prove former winner – and Royal Company of Archers member – Adair Anderson’s day, his 42 hits for a score of 97 edging out Doug Anderson by 14 points. Doug and Jim Stillie took the individual round bronze medals.

For the ladies, Elaine Pearson put in a fantastically high score (50 hits for a 157 score, including four clouts) to win, with Ev Craig picking up the bronze medal for the first round score. Ev and Doug both got their own back on the champions with a win in the best ends shoot-off.

The club is hosting a come and try on Saturday for D.S. Dalgeish staff and guests, and the BLBS Wand Shoot takes place on Sunday from 10.30am, both events at Thirladean.

Results – Ladies’ clout (120yds): 1, Elaine Pearson 50, 157, 4 ; 2, Ev Craig 33, 79, 1.

Gents’ clout (180yds): 1, Adair Anderson 42, 97, 0; 2, Doug Anderson 33, 83, 1; 3, Jimmy Stillie 34, 74, 1; 4, Alan Lindsay 28, 57, 0; 6, Wullie Good 23, 48, 1; 6, Mike Pearson 20, 43, 1; 7, Richard Tice 18, 34, 0; 8, Michael Liddle 17, 31, 0; 9, Jim Craig 13, 30, 2; 10, Scott Young 0, 0, 0.

Your Wee Paper has a brand new Facebook page – and we want you, our readers, to help us make it the go-to social media place for Souters.

You can find out about stories that are in the Wee Paper, read breaking news in the Selkirk area, as it happens, but it’s also a portal of all things Selkirk, which can be populated by you, as well as our editorial staff.

Find the page, (search for TheWeePaper), like it, and spread the word by inviting your friends.

Happy Facebooking!

A drink-driver was fined £2,000 and banned from the roads for two years at Selkirk Sheriff Court, pictured, on Monday.

Patrick Harte, 50, of Raeburn Place, Selkirk, admitted driving a car in the town’s Shawburn Road on April 7 with a breath/alcohol reading of 161 mcgs – the legal limit being 35.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said the offence happened in a residential street during daylight, when traffic was moderate. A police officer was driving a marked vehicle when he noticed a black Audi being driven in an erratic manner.

Ms Bradley went on: “It struck the nearside kerb and crossed on to the wrong side of the road, causing an oncoming bus to brake sharply. The blue light was activated on the police vehicle, but the car driver seemed oblivious. He eventually noticed it and pulled over.”

Harte was alone in the car and smelling strongly of alcohol. Other officers attended and the accused provided a positive roadside breath test. He was taken to Galashiels police station and made no reply to caution.

“Given the exceptionally high reading, there is a Crown motion for forfeiture of the vehicle,” concluded Ms Bradley.

Harte’s lawyer, Mat Patrick, said his client acknowledged the seriousness of the offence and fully accepted his responsibility, showing genuine remorse.

Mr Patrick said his client, who was currently signed off work, had bumped into some friends and had too much to drink, adding: “There is no rational explanation for why he drove.”

Referring to the Crown motion, he argued it would be disproportionate to forfeit the vehicle, telling Sheriff John Halley: “It is a 2011 Audi A4 with a low mileage, valued at between £15,000 to £16,000.”

The sheriff told Harte: “This is a very serious offence, standing the reading which was taken, which is of great concern to the court.

There is an element of risk to the public, but I note the offence is completely out of character and that you are unable to undertake unpaid work in the community.

“Therefore, I intend to impose a substantial fine of £2,000, reduced from £3,000 for the early plea.”

The forfeiture request was refused.

Three months after a £2,194 cash injection from the Grow Wild community projects fund for Scotland for its Rezz Garden Project, The Rezz Youth Project has reported great progress.

The site at the former Ace Centre in Kelso is part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Let’s Grow Wild campaign, which aims to inspire people across the UK to get together to transform unloved spaces with native wild flowers, creating new habitats for wildlife in the

process. Grow Wild is a £10.5million programme bringing people together to sow, grow and enjoy UK native wildflowers – 97 per cent of wildflower meadows have disappeared since the 1930s.

Supported by the Big Lottery Fund and led by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Grow Wild is also a response to studies that have shown that communities across the UK are now more fragmented than ever before and young people, in particular, do not often have the freedom to connect with nature.

The Scottish Grow Wild campaign is partnering with Greenspace Scotland and Youth Scotland.

Since receiving its award, The Rezz Youth Project has completed the hard landscaping and invited local community members to a planting and sowing event on the previously-disused open spaces around the former Ace Centre, which is to be the group’s new drop-in facility, serving young people in Kelso and the surrounding villages.

The garden project is being run by young people from The Rezz, aged between 11 and 19, who will plan and design the garden as part of their achievement awards.

Jedburgh Rotarians hosted Jethart Callant Jack Fraser and his henchmen.

After dinner, Callant Fraser gave a speech highlighting the many achievements of the year to date, including support for Borders charities and successful fundraising, enabling the club to fund local projects and support individuals who are carrying out worthwhile activities in the community.

The club’s international efforts were also mentioned, especially support for the campaign to end polio and to encourage young people to volunteer in developing countries.

‘The hill road to Roberton’s a steep road to climb, but where your foot has crushed it you can smell the scented thyme,’ begins a famous Border poem.

Written by Will Ogilvie, the lines from The Road to Roberton have long since immortalised the scenic high pass between Ashkirk and Roberton, where Ogilvie spent much of his life and where now stands his memorial cairn.

But these days, there are complaints that it is not so much the smell of scented thyme that assails the nostrils of visitors to the cairn, but rather the alleged stench from fertiliser pellets piled along the nearby roadside while waiting to be spread on fields belonging to Shielswood Farm, run by Robert Nosworthy for the last 12 years.

Local community councillors say the heaps of black pellets – which are manufactured from dried sewage cake – and their associated smell have made a footpath unpassable and rendered any visit to the Ogilvie memorial an “unpleasant” experience.

Local Scottish Borders councillor Vicky Davidson agrees the pellets have a terrible smell, while Ian Landles, chair of the Will H. Ogilvie Memorial Trust, is also unhappy.

But Mr Nosworthy is now so fed up with the “grief” he has been getting over the pellets, that this week saw him threaten that, if it continues, he will demolish the cairn.

“This is the first time I’ve had any pellets – which after a couple of days have no smell and are not cheap to buy – for two years. I only get access to them when the plants, like cement factories which normally use them, break down,” Mr Nosworthy told us.

“The lay-by where the pellets are piled is on my land. However, I must’ve shifted about 300 or 400 tons in the last few weeks and the rest would have been gone by now if it wasn’t for the weather holding things up.”

Mr Nosworthy also feels the flak he is getting is particularly unfair, as he says without his permission there would have been no car park, no stone seat and no Ogilvie memorial cairn in the first place.

He said: “It was me who created the car park for visitors to the cairn and I’ve since actually extended it.

“I also took the gate off to make access easier and it was actually me who gave the original permission for the cairn and stone seat to be erected.

“There are no houses near this except mine and SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) has checked everything and there’s no problem.

“But if this hassle keeps up, I’ll just pull the monument down and close the car park.”

And SEPA yesterday confirmed it has found no problems with the storing or spreading of the pellets.

The Galashiels-based Eildon West Youth Hub (TD1 Youth Hub) is set to benefit from a grant of £10,077 from the Bank of Scotland (BoS) Foundation.

The foundation this week announced a whole raft of awards being made under its Small and Medium Grants Programmes, ranging from £2,500 to £12,500, which will benefit a wide range of charitable causes, including mental health, the elderly and young people.

Overall, a total of £214,560 will be awarded to 26 Scottish charities and TD1 manager, Douglas Ormiston, says the cash will give a real boost.

“This is for a new 15 to 19s Transitions Project and will fund a part-time worker who will engage with those in this age range, helping them with making transitions from youth to adulthood with issues such as tenancy, support with financial literacy and supporting those most vulnerable to make positive choices,” explained Mr Ormiston.

“I am delighted that BoS has agreed to join our range of funders supporting those young people who most need support within Galashiels and the surrounding area.

“We look forward to working with a range of other agencies to ensure young people are supported and know about it.”

The Bank of Scotland Foundation has distributed over £4.7million to more than 700 charities since its launch in 2010.

Gold jewellery valued at a four-figure sum has been stolen from a house in the Borders

A 62-year-old man returned from holiday to discoverer his home at Station Road in Reston had been broken into.

It happened sometime between Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 20.

Police have launched an investigation and appealed for anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area during that time to come forward.

Chief Inspector Paula Clark said: “The homeowner is understandably very upset at the theft of his belongings and we are keen to speak with anyone who has information relevant to our enquiries.”

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 or information can be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Record numbers of followers supported Jethart Callant Jack Fraser throughout the sun-drenched festival this summer.

A new record total of 1,068 riders followed the young figurehead on rides to Morebattle, Southdean, Crailing and Nisbet, Redeswire, on the Queen’s ride and to Lanton and Ancrum.

Festival Day itself attracted a cavalcade of 274, following Jack and his Henchmen to Ferniehirst Castle last Friday.

The sun beamed down on happy crowds throughout the day after the morning haze cleared. Supporters lined the street from early morning, eagerly awaiting the spectacle. Then the strains of Jedforest Instrumental Band was heard as the musicians made their way up High Street to Abbey Place to applause, marking the start of Festival Day.

Sounding his horn, Herald Allan Learmonth then rode into view, with Jedburgh Royal British Legion Pipe Band playing behind him and the crowd cheered again.

Finally, Callant Fraser, flanked by his Right and Left-Hand Men, Garry Ramsay and Iain Chisholm, rode in and townsfolk once again gave a rousing welcome.

The young principal dismounted before striding to the platform with the Jethart Flag on which Provost Richard Gordon’s wife, Pamela, pinned the traditional rosette.

Silence fell as Callant Fraser remounted; anticipation grew as the young leader took a few moments to prepare.

He then held the flag aloft and roared out the mighty battle cry: “Jethart’s Here!”

Music and wild cheering followed, and supporters sang Jethart’s Here as the cavalcade made off towards Ferniehirst Castle, stronghold of the Kerr family.

Arriving at Ferniehirst, the Callant and other principals were piped down to the castle, where, in 1575, the men of Jethart joined the Kerr family to break an English siege.

Friday’s meeting was of a more peaceful nature, however, as Jedburgh Grammar School pupil Abigail Stephenson, 14, gave the recitation of Walter Laidlaw’s Reprisal and Lord Lothian’s nephew, Jamie Kerr, welcomed riders on behalf of the family.

The London-based 24-year-old, who works in the policy unit of the Institute of Directors, spoke of the link between Jedburgh and Ferniehirst, which has been strong for 700 years.

The Edinburgh University graduate talked of his luck in being able to bring friends to Ferniehirst and his gratitude at having the opportunity to develop his links with the castle and town.

Referring to September’s referendum, he said: “This year everyone north of the border is being asked to look very carefully at themselves and make an important decision about their identity.

“Being able to take part in this festival and make a connection with Jedburgh – that means such a great deal to my family and is one of the strongest expressions of identity that I could hope for.”

Callant Fraser thanked the Kerr family and led supporters in a rousing rendition of a verse of Jethart’s Here.

He then rode on with his henchmen to the Capon Tree where Callant’s Club president Ivor Hughes pinned a sprig of the ancient Jed Forest oak onto Callant Fraser’s sash.

The cavalcade rode on, returning to the Royal Burgh, where riders crossed Jed Water, sparkling in the midday sun.

Callant Fraser laid a wreath at the town’s war memorial before returning to the Abbey Place platform where he was presented with the Callant’s Cup.

Speaking to The Southern afterwards, Callant Fraser said: “It’s gone too fast. I have loved every minute of it and hopefully I have done the town proud.

“We’ve had fabulous weather all summer, culminating with today. It’s been excellent, I couldn’t have asked for better.”

He said the new record number of followers is due to festival organisers and volunteers.

He added: “That’s not down to me, the credit goes to our marshalls and Herald and committee. Our rides are superb; we have the best rides in the Borders.”

Asked what his festival highlights were, Jack said: “The whole thing. Redeswire was my favourite ride.

“The whole festival week was brilliant and the two ceremonial days, Thursday and Friday: it’s difficult to pick one thing, there were so many good points.

“I wasn’t nervous about shouting out ‘Jethart’s Here’ until I came round the corner and saw the crowd. (As the crowds waited to hear him) it was so silent, you could hear a pin drop, all eyes are on you.

“Being Callant is something I didn’t think I would get the opportunity to do. It’s been brilliant from the first minute to the end.”

Increased numbers of riders took part in seven of the festival’s eight ride-outs. A cavalcade of 84 rode to Morebattle last month; 95 to Southdean, Crailing attracted 148, Redeswire saw 93 form the cavalcade, 161 took part in the Queen’s Ride, 52 in the Lanton rideout and 161 joined the cavalcade to ride to Ancrum.

Jedburgh teenager Samantha Martin and her six-year-old gelding Touchwood both 
stood supreme at the 100th Newtown St Boswells Show.

The 15-year-old’s horse took the top prize on a day when a good crowd enjoyed a high standard of entrants.

The show, which took place at St Boswells Auction Mart, also included sheep for the first time since 2000.

The supreme of the show, judged by John Tilson and his wife went to the working hunter pony reserve champion, Touchwood, ridden by Jedburgh Grammar School pupil Samantha Martin.

The six-year-old Colleen Clover gelding was bought at Goresbridge as a three-year- old by Clive Storey and sold to the Martin family last October.

The combination are enjoying a great season as he has qualified in dressage to go to the pony club championships later in the year.

Reserve supreme was Beth Macdonald’s Connemara Mare, Tra Bhain Kate, who stood overall in the mountain & moorland section.

Aidan Kennedy from Co Tipperary judged the in hand hunters and he chose the winner of the foal class, Scotty, as his champion.

Scotty then went on to take the overall hunter championship with Clive Storey’s Barney in reserve. Scotty is by the stallion Classic Scott and is owned by Vicky Laub from Selkirk.

Pippa Bell on Humphrey were champion in the coloured classes.

Best in the ridden pony section was the 12.2 winner, Lindisfarne T’Ambassador, ridden by Amy Campbell.

Vicky Edgar took the triclour in the working hunter pony classes aboard Another Adventure and Ellie Vestey was overall in the pony club pony classes on Priory Quickthorn.

The Retrained Racehorse Challenge, went to Charlotte Bunting on Clive Storey’s Rumour Has It while Charlotte Dun and Peter Dale’s Monsoon Music headed a strong class in the retrained racehorses show class.

The winner of the sheep class for the best pair of ewe lambs went to Philiphaugh Estate. These were judged by Jim Jeffrey, whose grandfather had judged at the show after the First World War.

Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion in Earlston on Monday night.

It was carried out in a field off Haughhead Road around 10pm.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in the Scottish Borders attended at an address in Haughead Avenue, Earlston on Monday after a member of the public reported the discovery of an unexploded mortar shell.

“The item, which had been found in Westruther, was examined by the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) before being taken to a nearby field, where a controlled explosion was carried out.

“There was no danger to the public at any time.”

If you have any pictures of the explosion or more information please contact us on 01750 725426 or {mailto:adam.drummond@jpress.co.uk|email Adam Drummond|adam.drummond@jpress.co.uk}

Local singer Gary Cleghorn performs the song Yetholm Day at Kelso.

The performance was part of the Kelso Civic Week ... see the Southern later this week for a special report and pics.

Filmed by Stuart Cobley