Sales manager Eric Johnson of Clelands has ‘graduated’ from the extensive Volvo Accredited Leadership Programme, a scheme designed to offer long-term professional training and development for management-level employees.
John Cleland said: “We are extremely proud of Eric’s achievement and we are already seeing the benefits of his additional training coming to fruition in the business.”
The reputation of Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design in Galashiels for producing top performing students has been maintained after two young designers landed prestigious awards.
At this year’s New Designers exhibition in London, graduates Rachel Howarth and Amy Gair beat off competition from more than 3,000 other new graduates.
Rachel, from Aberdeenshire, was awarded The Textile Society Lucienne Day Award for her high-end interior design and art collection and Amy, from Shetland, won the Worshipful Company of Weavers Associate Prize for her woven fabrics.
The accolades are among the most important in the UK for young design talent, recognising innovative and ground-breaking work.
Mark Parker, director of studies for textiles within the School of Textiles and Design, said: “Rachel and Amy are incredibly talented designers, both demonstrating forward-thinking and cutting-edge ideas.
“I’m extremely pleased their hard work under the guidance from the textile design teaching team has achieved this level of recognition.”
It is not just our dozen local sport stars preparing for the Commonwealth Games, with a Galashiels firm taking part in Festival 2014.
The cultural programme accompanying the Games is featuring ERIBÉ Knitwear, who will lead hand-knitting workshops and have retail space.
Lesley Hepburn, Festival 2014 producer, who selected ERIBÉ for inclusion, said: “I am delighted to have ERIBÉ on board in the ‘Shed Zone’, their enthusiasm and passion for all things knitted is commendable.
“Their products are contemporary and of outstanding quality”.
ERIBÉ will host free workshops from tomorrow, Friday, until Sunday from 11am to 5pm on Glasgow Green, near the main entrance off Saltmarket.
The retail area will be on site for the duration of the Commonwealth Games.
Rosemary Eribé, managing director of ERIBÉ said: “We will be bringing a large variety of yarns, colours and techniques to Festival 2014 to tell the Scottish knitwear story.
“We look forward to being part of the international conversation as we introduce all cultures to sit down, chat and knit together!”
Lesley Hepburn added: “From conversations with ERIBÉ, I have learned some impressive things about Scottish wool and knitters.
“ERIBÉ want to share this with the wider public, they aim to promote the Scottish knitting industry, to inspire, and get people involved ‘hands on’ with Scottish knitting.
“I am very much looking forward to their public participation events on the opening of the weekend where they will be teaching a very special guest some knitting techniques.”
The Scottish Mountain Biking Conference in Peebles later this year will bring industry experts from around the world to the area.
The event, in November, will also see local lad Grant Ferguson share his experiences of mountain biking in Scotland with hundreds of delegates at Peebles Hydro.
The conference, organised by Developing Mountain Biking for Scotland, part of Scottish Cycling, is being supported by the VisitScotland Conference Bid Fund and Scottish Borders Council.
It is estimated the event will attract more than 200 mountain biking experts from as far afield as New Zealand and Canada and generate more than £250,000 for the economy.
Grant Ferguson said: “I grew up in Peebles and fully appreciate the world-class trails on offer in the Borders.
“I have also ridden and raced my bike across the world, and have a wide range of experiences to share with the audience.
“To be asked back to my hometown to speak about the events I have participated in, including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, is a real honour and I am thrilled to be involved in the conference.”
As well as speeches and workshops, the conference will also include a number of field visits throughout Scotland, including the Scottish Mountain Bike Centre at Glentress.
Among the topics on the agenda will be the ongoing development of mountain biking tourism and the main issues facing the industry, with the overall aim to highlight the quality of mountain biking in Scotland to an international audience.
Councillor Stuart Bell, SBC executive member for economic development, said: “We are delighted to welcome the mountain bike world to the Scottish Borders and support this international conference.
“We are undoubtedly one of the best locations in Scotland to mountain bike and our 7stanes Glentress trail centre, based next door to the conference, is one of the busiest trail centres in the world.
“We are convinced that delegates will enjoy their experience in the Scottish Borders and the conference will help build our growing worldwide reputation.”
Mountain biking is worth £49.5m a year to the Scottish economy from visitors whose main reason for visiting is to ride and £130m from those who enjoy biking as part of their stay in Scotland.
The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in the Borders fell to 1,477 in mid-June, the latest figures reveal.
The total is 54 down on May and is over 500 less than in June 2013.
It is also the lowest figure for June since 2008.
Just under a third of claimants last month had been on the unemployment benefit for a year or more, and just under half of all claimants were aged 25-49.
A husband who assaulted his wife while on deferred sentence for a domestic-related incident was jailed for four months.
Darryll Stanton prevented his wife from leaving their home at Hillend Drive, Hawick, on July 1, kicked her on the body, and punched her on the body and face.
The 38-year-old had the jail term backdated to July 3.
Prosecutor Claire Bottomley said the couple had been out shopping in Hawick, stopping for a couple of drinks on the way home.
Friends had joined them at the house, but Stanton asked them to leave around 7.30pm and lost his temper with his wife, grabbing and attacking her.
Ms Bottomley said Stanton prevented his wife from leaving the house, but she managed to run to a neighbour for help.
“She was highly distressed, with blood on her face and arms, and bruising to her upper arm,” added Ms Bottomley.
The woman was treated by paramedics. She was taken to Borders General Hospital after complaining of stomach pains, receiving pain relief en route, and later discharged herself.
Stanton’s lawyer, Ross Dow, conceded his client, who appeared from custody, was on deferred sentence for a domestic incident, also involving his wife.
Mr Dow went on: “He is well aware he needs to address his problems. They have been married for a year-and-a-half, but the relationship is now at an end and he intends to return to the south of England.”
Sheriff Kevin Drummond told Stanton: “In February this year you were involved in an incident with your wife and the court gave you the opportunity of demonstrating you were capable of changing your behaviour.
“On July 1, you carried out a significant assault on the same woman, while on bail and deferred sentence.
“You do not acknowledge that your behaviour is controlling and are assessed as an imminent risk of harm to your partner.
“It is clear that you are of a bullying nature. In this combination of circumstances, I consider that custody is the appropriate disposal.”
TEST PASSED – THEN BANNED
Having only passed his test a week earlier, Adam Hall was caught driving while over twice the alcohol limit.
The 21-year-old, of Wilton Hill, Hawick, pleaded guilty to driving a car at Princes Street and Langlands Road, in the town, on June 22 with a breath/alcohol reading of 93 mcgs – the legal limit being 35.
Police stopped the accused at 2am and noticed he was smelling of alcohol and that his speech was slurred.
Defence solicitor Ross Dow said: “He had just passed his test the week before and stupidly decided to go and get his car. He drove 500 yards before he realised how stupid he was and turned back to drive home.
“He didn’t have lights on, so the police stopped him.”
The solicitor described his client as “a sensible young man with a full-time job” adding: “This was a foolish act and he is suitably regretful and contrite.”
Sheriff Kevin Drummond fined Hall – a first offender – £300 and banned him from driving for 12 months.
TEENAGER DISQUALIFIED
A drunken teenager, found sleeping in a friend’s car, was fined £550 and banned from driving for eight months.
First offender Dale Whillans, 17, of Longcroft Road, Hawick, was fined £225 and banned from driving for eight months after he admitted being in charge of a car at Buccleuch Road in the town on June 8 with a breath/alcohol reading of 63 mcgs – the legal limit being 35. He was admonished after he admitted taking away the vehicle without the owner’s consent at Crumelknowes, Hawick.
The teenager, who works as a forester, was fined £225 after he pleaded guilty to using the vehicle without insurance in Buccleuch Road, and a further £100 for not having a full licence.
Prosecuting, Claire Bottomley said: “Police received a call at around 3am about a male sleeping in a vehicle in Buccleuch Road. They found the accused in the driver’s seat and he failed a roadside breath test.”
Ed Hulme, defending, said his client made a foolish mistake.
UNPAID WORK FOR FRAUDSTER
A financial agent who obtained almost £4,000 by fraud was sentenced to 180 hours of unpaid work.
Lorna Waddell, 40, of Orchard Park, Kelso, admitted obtaining £3,936.82 by fraud while working as an agent for Provident Financial Management Services Ltd.
The first offender induced five clients to sign loan applications, saying she would receive the capital and repay the loan instalments, in Kelso between February 1, 2012, and February 20, 2013.
“She received the cash and no payments were made,” explained prosecutor Claire Bottomley.
Waddell also admitted, while acting as an agent for the same company, embezzling £697.75 at her home between November 1, 2012, and March 12, 2013.
Ed Hulme, defending, said Waddell was no longer employed by the firm and was working as a part-time cleaner.
Sheriff Kevin Drummond told Waddell: “You were in a position of trust and you abused that for your personal benefit. The sum involved could justify a custodial sentence, but you are a 40-year-old first offender and in these circumstances I am able to deal with this by an alternative to custody.”
CAUGHT WITH DRUGS
A Kelso man found with illegal drugs was fined £317.
Ricky King, 37, of Eschie Court, was fined £267 after he admitted possession of diamorphine at Edenside Road, Kelso, on November 27 last year. He was fined a further £50 for possession of phenazepam, a class C drug.
Police searched the accused and found brown powder, confirmed as diamorphine, worth £55, and one blue tablet, confirmed as phenazepam.
‘HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST’ FINED
A drunken man who assaulted his best man’s niece in a Kelso pub was fined £265.
Fifty-seven-year-old first offender George Lees, of Pinnaclehill Park, Kelso, was fined £100 after he pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at the Black Swan on March 15. He was fined a further £165 when he also admitted assaulting a woman by seizing her by the throat, causing her to fall to the ground to her injury.
Prosecutor Claire Bottomley said a group of girls had been sitting at a table in the pub when they noticed Lees moving closer to them. When he ran his finger up the back of one girl’s arm, she tried to ignore him. He put his elbows on the table, was told the girls were having a private conversation and asked not to intrude.
Lees told one of the girls she was “f*****g morbidly obese”.
The prosecutor went on: “He stood up and seized hold of one of the girls by the throat and she fell to the ground and suffered a one-inch cut to her back.”
Lees, who described himself as a human rights activist, said the offence happened on the most traumatic day of his life, following divorce proceedings, and he had resorted to alcohol. He added: “It was also the same day as the rugby international, and Scotland got beat. I was very drunk.”
Lees said the girl had asked her boyfriend to put him out of the pub.He said he was ashamed of his behaviour, later discovering the girl’s uncle was his best man.
Sheriff Kevin Drummond told the accused: “You describe yourself as a human rights activist. One of the essences is the right of people not to listen, if they are not so inclined. You did not appear to respect that on March 15 in Kelso.”
BOILING WATER ALLEGATION
A 73-year-old Hawick man, alleged to have poured boiling water over a woman, is due to face a jury on August 11.
Alexander Morgan, c/o Howegate, appeared on indictment and denied assaulting a woman at a house at Towerknowe, Hawick, on October 24, seizing her by the hair, dragging her into the kitchen and pouring boiling water on her body, to her injury. He also pleaded not guilty to assaulting the same woman on October 25 by repeatedly cutting her on the body with a knife to her injury.
A further first hearing was set for August 1.
AUGUST JURY TRIAL
A Galashiels man who denies drugs charges had a further first hearing set for August 8.
Murray Yule, 37, of Beech Avenue, appeared on indictment and pleaded not guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and amphetamine at his home between October 26 and December 20, 2012. He also denies possession of cannabis on November 1, 2012.
The accused is due to stand trial by jury on August 11.
CANNABIS CHARGE
A 35-year-old man charged with being concerned in the supply of cannabis on the A1 at Reston will stand trial by jury on September 8 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.
Paul McPherson, of River Street, Falkirk, appeared on indictment, pleading not guilty to the offence which is alleged to have been committed on October 30 last year.
A further first hearing was set for August 18.
The vital efforts of volunteers in Borders communities was highlighted during a successful Games Week in Innerleithen.
Principal guest at the Cleikum Ceremonies on Friday evening, Alan Thomson, praised all those who put so much into ensuring the event went ahead year-on-year.
Mr Thomson is a long-term supporter of Games Week and is a founding member of the town’s Christmas lights group.
He also paid tribute to those who had played an important role in Games Week in the past, including his late father-in-law Walker McLaren, chairman for 29 years.
Mr Thomson added: “In a society where you rarely get anything for free, we are lucky enough to have a number of volunteers who turn up and do their bit.
“Volunteers don’t get paid, but it is not because they are worthless, it is because they are priceless.”
However, he said: “Innerleithen has expanded greatly, and in my mind more people should mean more help, more input, more energy – it is easy maths – but it does mean encouraging youngsters to become involved.”
Mr Thomson concluded: “Walker showed me the ropes. He was an Innerleithen stalwart and played a huge part in not only the growth of the Games, but also in helping out in the community.
“I can see a little bit of Walker in Mr President, Keith Belleville – the Games are in good hands, as are the silver band, the opera and our excellent primary school!”
At the Cleikum Ceremonies, Dux Boy Alex Paterson was invested with the crozier and Dux Girl Estelle Nguyen installed by Mr Thomson’s wife Isobel.
Ex-Standard Bearer Lyle Caine returned the Blue Banner unsullied and untarnished before Robbie Scott was installed by Mr Belleville.
Speaking to The Southern after the ceremony at St Ronan’s Wells later on Friday, Standard Bearer Robbie Scott said: “I’m proud to be in the history books now, and to put a mark down, so to speak.
“It has been a busy and tiring week, but it is a brilliant feeling.”
Standard Bearer’s Lass Rachel Lauder said the Cleikum Ceremonies was the “most nerve-wracking” bit for her, although Robbie added that for him the build-up was actually worse than making his speech.
More than 400 children took part in the flower parade on Saturday, with a sponsored truck-pull by the Ex-Standard Bearers’ Association bringing up the rear of the procession.
Unfortunately, the weather failed to hold out for Beating the Retreat later in the day.
Mr Belleville said: “The weather conditions for the first 20 minutes of this year’s Retreat can only be described as monsoon-like.
“However, an amazing number of townsfolk and visitors lined both sides of the High Street to support their bands and enjoy the music.”
Games Week concluded with the Burning of the De’il and fireworks display.
Mr Belleville said: “We’re blessed in Innerleithen to have a very strong community spirit. There’s a real ‘can-do’ attitude and this is perfectly illustrated when you consider the 10-day festival that we manage to produce every year.
“Yes, the committee works hard to draw everything together, but there are also a huge number of other people who carry out many other tasks to ensure the success of the Games.”
He said the town was “extremely proud” of the principals and added: “All our events have been extremely well supported and I’d like to record my thanks to townsfolk and visitors alike who came along and took part to help make it a brilliant occasion once again.”
It was cloudy for much of the installation of the Laddie when Kelso’s historic Square was lined with crowds last Wednesday evening.
But just before the dancing of the Kelso Laddie’s Reel, it started to rain and, later, pour for the rest of the event.
Provost John Bassett sashed Kelso Laddie Ross Henderson and his Right and Left-Hand Men, Calum Thomson and Callum Vickers, before entrusting Laddie Henderson with the Kelso Standard and urging him: “Fear nocht, dae richt”.
To music by Jedforest Instrumental Band, the Laddie slowly descended the platform and made his way to the centre of The Square where Lady Bussers Abbie Burgher, Sophie Graham, Hannah Patterson and Erin Armstrong bussed the flag.
Returning to the platform, Laddie Henderson talked of his pride and the honour of being Kelso Laddie and said he would endeavour to carry out his duties to the same high standards set by his predecessors and return the standard, “unsullied and untarnished” at the end of the week.
Provost Bassett and Laddie Henderson presented Diamond Jubilee Ex-LaddieTom Laing with a shepherd’s crook. Kelso Laddies’ Association chairman Scott Forbes’ wife made the presentation to Golden Jubilee Laddie Alastair Neil.
And it was also 50 years ago this year that Kelso Laddies’ Association secretary Richie Allan first became involved as an assistant secretary. Chairman Forbes presented Richie with a tie pin as an appreciation for his five decades of service.
Afterwards, Richie told TheSouthern: “I was delighted: it goes to show your services are appreciated.”
Mrs Forbes again made a presentation to Silver Jubilee Laddie Douglas Harvey, whose thank-you speech took place during torrential rain.
Ex-Laddie Colin Dumma then presented the Ex-Kelso Laddies’ Club’s Achievement Award to Kelso Cricket Club groundsman Brian Lang, who has been involved with the club since 1988 and is a former chairman and president.
He has also been involved with Kelso Football Club since 1965 where he has served on the committee and cut the pitch. Additionally, he has chauffeured the Kelso principals to their commitments during Civic Week for 15 years.
Other events later in the week included the Grand Civic Week Ball at Springwood Park on Thursday night, which was attended by 560 revellers.
Earlier in the evening, 60-70 mounted followers, plus another 100 on bicycles, including many children, saddled up behind the Kelso Laddie for the ride to Floors Castle.
The historic Whipman’s Ride on Friday attracted around 60 to 70 followers. Ex-Kelso Laddies’ Club president Colin Dumma presented the Whipman’s Flag to Laddie Ross in the Square on Friday night before MC Colin Henderson recited “Taddie Us” and Margaret Dumma bussed the flag.
Speaking this week, Mr Henderson – Kelso Laddie in 1980 and uncle of this year’s incumbent – said the town’s Civic Week programme of festivities and ceremonials just seemed to get bigger and better.
“When you see the numbers out to support the events, even when raining, it’s obvious Civic Week continues to go from strength to strength,” he told us.
“Obviously I’m Kelso through and through and with Ross being Laddie this year, it helped make it even more special for the family and I thought he did really well.
“We had a bit of rain on the Wednesday and then again on Saturday afternoon, but overall it’s been a fantastic week.”
A Hawick man involved in a drug-related attack and robbery was jailed for 12 months.
Robert Searle, who lives at Fraser Avenue, appeared on indictment and admitted assaulting a man at a house in Oliver Crescent, Hawick, on August 12 last year.
The 21-year-old forced his victim onto a bed, repeatedly punched him on the head, and robbed him of a games console and games.
Prosecutor Claire Bottomley told Jedburgh Sheriff Court last Friday how the victim had visited the accused the previous day to discuss X-boxes and mobile phones, adding: “They made an arrangement to meet the next day to sort out a new chip for his X-box.”
The man left his home and returned to find the accused and another person there. Following a confrontation, Searle repeatedly punched the victim on the head, after forcing him on to a bed.
He threatened: “You’ve got until one o’clock to get the Blackberry, or I will shoot you.”
Searle left the house with a games console and games, which were later recovered by police.
Ed Hulme, defending, said his client appreciated the seriousness of the offence, but had been “very candid” in his explanation.
Addressing Searle, Sheriff Kevin Drummond said: “The explanation given by the Crown is one of an apparently motiveless assault, but the explanation you offer is one which appears to fit the circumstances in that this was a drug-related transaction and you were enforcing payment and gathering security.
“This is a serious matter which cannot be dealt with by any alternative to custody.”
Anne-Marie Gass, 37, assaulted her partner of 14 years by grabbing her arm and throwing a hairbrush at her at their home in Hawthorn Road, Galashiels, on June 20.
At Selkirk Sheriff Court, sentence was deferred until January 12. The background was said to be fairly complex, but Gass’ lawyer said they remained in a relationship.
A total of 4,500 competitors – from 71 countries – contesting medals in 17 different sports over the next 11 days means the Commonwealth Games promise some fantastic sporting heroics.
And right at its heart will be the 12 Borderers selected as part of Team Scotland for what will be a major never-to-be-forgotten highlight of their sporting careers.
And the Borders will also be represented by a number of Games officials and volunteers giving up their time for free to make sure this huge sporting occasion is something that all of Scotland – not just Glasgow – can be proud of. So it is time for all of us, including the naysayers and doom-and-gloom merchants, to get behind our athletes, Games staff and Glasgow, and take pride in an event – delivered on time and within budget – which will be watched by a global audience of more than a billion.
To our dozen local sportsmen and women – Lee Jones, Stuart Hogg, Scott Wight, Jak Scott, Lucy Hope, Sarah Robertson, Chris O’Hare, Guy Learmonth, Libby Clegg, Sam Kinghorn, Grant Ferguson and Jo Pettitt – we say good luck and we will be cheering you all on to do your best.
But whether any of you manage to earn a coveted medal podium place or not, please be confident in the knowledge that you are an inspiration and source of great pride to the rest of us here in the Borders.
A teenager who broke into the Galashiels home of an 81-year-old woman in the early hours of the morning has escaped jail.
Ben Walkingshaw has been sentenced to a 12-month Community Payback order with 135 hours of unpaid work.
Walkingshaw has also been ordered to pay the elderly woman, who woke at 4.30am to the noise of footsteps in her home, £250 compensation.
Her husband, who suffers from dementia, was still asleep.
She found documents strewn across the floor and broken ornaments.
Walkingshaw’s fingerprints were found on a window, where he had gained entry.
The 18-year-old, of North Bughtlin Brae, Edinburgh, admitted breaking into a house in Galashiels, on September 8 last year, with intent to steal.
Solicitor Ed Hulme, defending, described the offence as a spontaneous act of extreme stupidity.
Mr Hulme added: “He appreciates the severity of the charge, and very much regrets his actions. He wishes to express his sincere apology.” added Mr Hulme.
Sheriff Peter Paterson told Walkingshaw at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday that the sentence was a direct alternative to jail.
Having returned from a barbecue to watch football, Derek Buchan became hungry and decided to drive to a chip shop.
Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said a woman driving her daughter and two children negotiated a bend when she was met by Buchan on her side of the road, adding: “He struck the rear offside of her car and she stopped, but he continued.”
Some 40 minutes later police turned up at the accused’s home, where they noticed the car parked in the drive. “It had scratches and denting consistent with the accident,” added Ms Bradley.
Buchan’s lawyer, Ed Hulme, said his client had been at a barbecue and walked home to watch football, adding: “He was hungry, so drove the car to a local chip shop.” He said the former nurse planned to enjoy his retirement in Spain.
Buchan, 57, of Riddle Dumble Park, Galashiels, was fined a total of £550 and banned from driving for 15 months.
He admitted driving a car without due care and attention at Mossilee Road, Galashiels, on June 28, and failing to stop and give his name and address after an accident. Buchan also pleaded guilty to driving a car with a breath/alcohol reading of 81 mcgs – the legal limit being 35.
A disqualified driver was more than three-and-a-half times the alcohol limit when he drove onto a Lauder garage forecourt for petrol.
Leonard Moorhead admitted drink-driving at Gulf Garage, Edinburgh Road, and on the A68 at Edinburgh Road on May 15. His alcohol reading was 123 mcgs – the legal limit being 35. He also pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified.
Prosecuting at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday, Tessa Bradley told how staff in the adjoining shop noticed the accused appeared to be drunk when he went there at 7.50pm.
Shortly after 11pm, they saw him drive a Nissan truck onto the forecourt of the petrol station and police were contacted. Officers found the vehicle parked outside his home and Moorhead 41, of Edinburgh Road, Lauder, confirmed he had been behind the wheel.
“I only drove over the road,” he told police.
For Moorhead, Ed Hulme said his client had spent 24 days in custody.
“He has taken steps to address his alcohol use. He drove a very short distance and did consume alcohol after driving,” added the defence lawyer.
Moorhead was sentenced to a two-year community payback order, with 240 hours of unpaid work. He was also banned from driving for four years.
A thief who stole more than £1,000 worth of property from cars parked in Earlston – just a few months after receiving a community payback order for similar crimes – was jailed for 168 days.
John Campbell, of Fernieside Avenue, Edinburgh, admitted entering an insecure vehicle at Haughhead Road on December 28, and stealing power tools and bolt cutters worth £1,120. The 24-year-old, who was on bail at the time, also pleaded guilty to entering an insecure vehicle at Summerfield on the same date and stealing a satellite navigation device worth £130, and entering another insecure vehicle at Crown Crescent and stealing another device worth £100.
All of the stolen property was recovered.
A warrant was granted for the arrest of co-accused John McMurray.
The 20-year-old, of Pilrig Street, Edinburgh, admitted forcing open a locked vehicle in Earlston Square on the same date and stealing power tools worth £1,550.
McMurray also pleaded guilty to forcing open a locked vehicle at Summerfield and stealing an iPod worth £100, and entering an insecure vehicle at Crichton Drive, Pathhead, on December 27/28 and stealing two iPods and headphones worth £150.
A temporary one-way traffic system in Galashiels town centre will be implemented from July 27 to December 5 to allow for the construction of the new railway station at Ladhope Vale.
Ladhope Vale, Bridge Place and the junction of Stirling Street are being added to the existing one-way system.
Three Selkirk horse riders have taken part in one of the biggest mounted events in Europe in the shape of Denmark’s Sonderborg Festival.
Earlier this month, Falconer Grieve, Kim Peters and Scott Rodgerson spent a weekend in the southern Danish town, which lies in a region well-known for its tilting events.
The trio are members of the Scottish Borders Tilters’ Association and took part in the festival on the Friday and Sunday, and at a smaller event on the Saturday. Riders use lances to ‘tilt’ at rings, which decrease in size as competitions progress.
Training since last year’s visit certainly paid off, as the trio took rings at every event, with the highest score being Kim’s excellent nine rings on the Saturday.
The Scottish riders got a tremendous welcome from their Danish counterparts, and were asked to carry the Saltire near the front of the processions.
Falconer told us: “It was a fantastic experience. On the Friday there was about 500 riders and another 475 on the Sunday – so it’s a huge event. We were the only foreign riders taking part. It was different in many ways from the Common Riding, but then again it also had some similarities, with everyone turning out to support it, plus all the music from local bands,” added Falconer.
“We’ve been asked back for next year and some of the Danish riders are now quite keen to come to the Borders and take part in tilting events over here.”
Longtown
The Cumberland & Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart at their weekly sale at Longtown on Thursday July 17. Top price to 224.5p for a Limousin bullock shown by A. & W.J. Taylor & Son, Dashwellgreen, purchased by local butcher W. Kirkup & Sons, Longtown. Heifers topped at 222.5p and 221.5p for Limousins also from Messrs Taylor and bought by W. Kirkup & Sons and Border Meats, Butchers, Lockerbie respectively. PRINCIPAL PRICES (PER KILO) Bullocks: Limousin 224.5p, 217.5p, 214.5p, 211.5p Dashwellgreen, 191.5p Plumpe.Charolais 188.5p, 186.5p Plumpe.Angus 186.5p Plumpe.British Blue 180.5p Plumpe.Friesian 165.5p Highmoorhead. Heifers Limousin 222.5p, 221.5p, 220.5p, 217.5p, 215.5p Dashwellgreen, 203.5p The Ash. Charolais 196.5p, 191.5p (x2), 187.5p Upper Mains. PRINCIPAL PRICES (PER HEAD) Bullocks: British Blue £1,344 Plumpe. Heifers Limousin £1,305, £1,278, £1,271 Dashwellgreen, £1,251 The Ash, £1,229 Dashwellgreen, £1,187 The Ash. Charolais £1,225, £1,198, £1,181 Upper Mains. Dexter bulls sold to 84.5p per kilo from Achingills. PRINCIPAL PRICES (PER KILO) Dexter 84.5p, 77.5p Achingills. Cows sold well and more could be sold to advantage. Topping the sale at 162.5p was a Limousin shown by S. Dalton, Greenside Farm. Limousin 162.5p Greenside, 126.5p, 124.5p Bleatarn. British Blue 117.5p Wickerthwaite, 104.5p Laverhay. Longhorn 109.5p (x2) Laverhay. Friesian 106.5p Newby Farm, 103.5p Haggistone Holm.
PRINCIPAL PRICES (PER HEAD).Limousin £948, £859 Bleatarn, £828 Greenside. British Blue £763 Wickerthwaite. Friesian £729 Newby Farm.
A fantastic show of 3,080 prime lambs sold to an average of 193p per kilo, a rise of 11p on the week being 10p to 15p sharper than most other centres this week. All classes of lambs sold exceedingly well with best quality export lambs and lightweight lambs being the easiest to cash. Top of 234.1p per kilo and £103 per head for Texels from Carran. Texel £103 Carran, £99.50 Old Wall, £97 Pennersaughs and Copperthorns, £96.50 High House, £95 Cardew Hall, Reagill Grange, Lanerton, Braehead and Rowan Cottage.
Suffolk £101 Hollows Mill, £93, £89 Cambeckhill, £89 Latterford, £88 Carsegowan and Eastside, £87 Upper Mains. Hill Cheviot £98, £82 Sundhope, £80.50 Parcelstown, £80 Sundhope.
Bleu d’Maine £93 High Wreay, £70.50 Tarnside. Zwartbles £88, £72 Holmlea.
Leicester £88 Albierigg.Berrichon £86 Sceughdyke.Beltex £85 Walton Highrigg. Greyface £81 High Wreay, £80 Latterford, £72 Clonrae, £70 Waterloo, £68.50 Softley. Charollais £80 Braithwaite Hall, £79.50 Knowe Farm, £73.50 Hallburn, £72 Wyseby Hill Cottage. Oxford £71 Guards. Half Bred £70 High Moat.North Country Cheviot £68 Allanshaws.Blackface £66 Bowershield, £58 Clonrae.Swaledale £51 Softley. PRINCIPAL PRICES (PER KILO) Texel 234.1p Carran, 225p Glencartholm and Copperthorns, 221.1p Old Wall, 221p Cowcorse, 220p Copperthorns.Beltex 223.3p Newington.
Hill Cheviot 210p Golden Lane, 209p Sundhope, 183p Parcelstown.Suffolk 207p Cambeckhill and Cowcorse, 205p Carsegowan, 203p Falla and Clonrae, 198p Falla, 197p High Acres, High Wreay, Sundhope, Redgate Head and Newington.Bleu d’Maine 207p High Wreay, 201p, 200p Tarnside.Charollais 207p Porterstown, 205p Quarryfield, 204p Tarnside House, 199p Hallburn, 192p Porterstown.Berrichon 200p Sceughdyke.Greyface 200p, 196p, 188p Clonrae, 187p Pennyhill Park, 183p Whitbysteads.Blackface 187p Clonrae, 183p Bowershield.Herdwick 183p Cottage and Pennyhill Park.Swaledale 176p Softley.
Oxford 173p Guards.
Wooler
John Swan Limited had forward and sold 1782 Lambs, 306 Hoggs, Young Sheep and Ewes. Lambs - Leading Prices Per Head:- Tex:- £87.50 Cresswell Farms, £87 Chesterhill, £86.50 Wandon, £85.50 Bewick Folly, £85 Greystonnes and West Rennington, £84 Ladykirk, £83 Newburn and Chesterbank, £82.50 Railway House, £82 West Longridge, Wandon, Fenham Hill and Ladykirk, £81.50 Fenham Hill, Great Ryle, Chesterhill and Charlton Mires. Suff.x:- £85 Doune Brae, £83 Cresswell Farms, £82.50 Castlelaw, £81.50 Cresswell Farms, Brockley Hall, Shipley Lane and Todrig. Bel.x:- £87.50, £81.50 Henlaw.Lambs – Leading Prices Per Kilo:- Bel .x:- 212.5p, 205.6p, 204.4p (2) Chillingham Home Farm, 195p, 194.9p Henlaw. Tex.x:- 201.3p Kettleburn and Black Heddon, 200p Marshall Meadows, 198.8p Ladykirk and Village Farm, Seahouses, 198.7p Shipley Smallburns, 197.5p Bewick Folly, 197.3p Shipley Smallburns, 196.2p Ladykirk and Titlington Mount, 195.2p Wandon, 195p Yetlington Lane and Village Farm, Seahouses. Char.x:- 195p Yetlington Lane. Suff.x:- 194.1p Cresswell Farms, 189.5p, 189p Shipley Lane, 188.6p, 188.4p Cresswell Farms, 188.4p, 188.1p Brockley Hall. Hoggs and young sheep sold to £64 Craigshouse. Leading Prices:- BFL:- £105 Clennel. Suff.x:- £97 Goswick, £96 Lilburn Estates, £94 Mayfield, £91 Milfield Demesne, £90 West Longridge. Tex.x:- £95 Chillingham Home Farm, £92 West Rennington, £90 East Fleetham, £89 Newburn, £88 Lorbottle, £87 Fowberry Moor, £85 Marshall Meadows. Bel.x:- £93 Chillingham Home Farm. Mule:- £91 Craigshouse, £80 Todrig, £79 West Longridge.Rams:- BFL:- £103 Clennel. Tex.:- £103 Charlton Mires.
St Boswells
John Swan Ltd sold 95 clean cattle, 57 OTM cattle, Bullocks (40) averaged 205.6p per kg and sold to 230p Heifers (55) averaged 199.1p per kg and sold to 232p (-10p on week)57 beef type OTM cattle averaged 125.3p per kg and sold to 155p (+5.3p on the week) New season lambs averaged 1.82p per kg (-1p on the week) and sold to £96, 2068 New Season lambs and 477 Ewes top price 2.02p per kg for Texel Ewes averaged £62, and sold to £109 for Texel. Heavy ewes averaged £80, Light ewes sold to £78 for GF and averaged £55.
More Grazing type Heifers forward: Principal Prices per Head: Longnewton £1392.92; Bee Edge £1387.36, £1346.52; Lennoxlove £1379.70; Mosstower 31375.78. Principal Prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.32 Robert Wilson Butcher Edin, 2.29 Shaws Butcher, Lauder, 2.26 W Taylor(Lockerbie); Lurdenlaw 2.30 M/s JA Waters & Sons, 2.10, M/s J Gilmour & Co Ltd; Caverton Mill 2.28 Malone of Edinburgh; Lennoxlove 2.24 M/s Foley, 2.21 Scottish Border Meats; Longnewton 2.22 Malone of Edinburgh; Chillingham Home Farm 2.20 M/s Cropper; Ramrig 2.20 M/s WTS Forsyth & Sons. Bull: Hyndsidehill £1200.64 (1.12). Cows per head: Butchercote £1489.80, £1185.72; Kersknowe £1261.26, £1178, £1085; Torwoodlee Mains £1212.64; Aikeyside £1146.86, £1057.64, £1034.88, £969.54; Rumbletonrig £1055.60; Hyndsidehill £1023.04, £1000.10, £992.18; Langlee Mains £962.92. Cows per kg: Butchercote 1.95, 1.37; Kersknowe 1.55, 1.43; Rumbletonrig 1.49, 1.45; Aikeyside1.47, 1.43(2), 1.37; Hepburn 1.43; Torwoodlee 1.43; Hyndsidehill 1.39, 1.37, 1.35; Upper Hundalee 1.35. New Season Lambs per head: Suff.x;- £96, £88, £87 Huntington, Tex;- £95 Huntington & Crookston, £92 Thirlestane, Suff;- £89.50 Trows, Bel;- £84.50, £80.50 Benson Wemyss, £81.50 Craiglea, Chev Mule;- £73 Wester Ulston, HB;- £72 Stobshiel Mains, Char;- £75.50 Ruletownhead, £72.50 Ladyflat, £71.50, £70 Fairlaw.
Supreme Champion
Touchwood, S Martin
Reserve Supreme
Tra Bhain Kate, B Macdonald
In Hand Hunters
Champion - Scotty, V Laub
Reserve - Bordergrove Haiti, N Stewart.
Brood Mare - Vella Sunrise, Bordergrove Stud
Foal - 1 Scotty
Yearling - 1 Rachan Sans Next Top Model, S Burns
Two year old - 1 Bordergrove Haiti N Stewart
Three year old - 1 Bordergrove Honolulu Bordergrove Stud
Champion - Barney, C Storey
Reserve - Masquerade, C Storey
Novice Working Hunter - Rehy Archer, A Goldie
P4 (2002) - Chalet Lus Z
2 Belle Miss I Orr 3 Dragons Den Mrs S Burns
P12 (2005) - 1 Romano II Du Gand Mrs L Hogarth.
Ridden Pony Classes
Champion - Lindisfarne T’Ambassador, Amy Campbell Reserve - Haimer Showday,
In Hand Ponies
Champion - Properly Dun, K Lynn
Reserve - Cayberry Mickey Mouse
Champion - Tra Bhain Kate Reserve - Earnwell Ravensboy, Mojo, S Dickson
Tra Bhain Kate
Reserve - Earnwell, Ravensboy Mojo
Coloured Classes
Champion - Humphrey, H Bowyer
Reserve - Tomahawk Flyer, J Stenhouse
Champion - Another Adventure, Vicky Edgar
Reserve - Touchwood, Samantha Martin
12.2 and under - Ridgehill Robina, Blake Hedley
13.2 and under - Priory Quickthorn
14.2 and under - Keldspring Mistral Ava Bremner
Champion - Priory Quickthorn, Ellie Vestey
Reserve - Keldspring Mistral, Ava Bremner
Fancy Dress
Alice Walton
Gymkhana Games
Leading Rein - Robbie Forster
10 & under - Sarah Farnsworth
11 to 14 years old - 1 Duncan McFadyen
Retrained Racehorse Challenge
Rumour Has It, Miss C Bunting
Retraining of Racehorses
Ridden Show Class - Monsoon Music, P Dale
Sheep
Best Pair of Ewe Lambs -
Philiphaugh Estate
Photography
Jim Manderson
Dog Show
Champion - Pip, Jack Russell
Reserve - Taffy, Flatcoat Retreiver
A supermarket could be built on part of the Wilton Mills site in Hawick should a planning application get the green light.
The application, lodged at the end of last week by Aitken Turnbull Architects, on behalf of Wilton Mills Limited, outlines proposals for a “discount foodstore”.
Wording contained in documents submitted with the application suggests that German retailer Aldi may be the occupant for the store.
However a spokesman for the supermarket told The Southern that it does not have a contract for the site, but added that the company was “reviewing its options for Hawick”.
The proposal is for the cleared area to the rear of the Clock Tower building on Commercial Road, with the creation of a store and parking for almost 90 cars and separate service entrance.
The former YM club building and garages and outbuilding adjacent to the clock tower would be demolished, but a 1.2m natural stone boundary wall using reclaimed stone would be built along the site boundary.
A design and access document submitted with the application states that the store could create up to 30 new jobs and would “improve consumer choice and complement existing provision within the area”.