The owners of a Galashiels slaughterhouse have been fined £100,000 after being found guilty of two health and safety breaches following the death of an employee.

Meat porter David Barker, from Selkirk, died in an accident at the Winston Road premises in January 2011.

A jury trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard how the 48-year-old was in a storage container loosening the fixings of a steel partition door which collapsed and trapped him by the neck, as a result of which he died.

Scottish Borders Abattoir Ltd was found guilty of failing to provide information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure the health and safety of Mr Barker. The company was also found guilty by the jury of failing to carry out a risk assessment for the task between January 5, 2011, and January 19, 2011.

Defence lawyer Susan Duff QC told the jury that Mr Barker had only been asked by the company’s management to remove boxes from the container so that an assessment of the partition removal could take place, and he had been acting without anyone’s knowledge by unscrewing the fastenings.

But after two hours of deliberation the jury returned majority guilty verdicts on both charges.

A third allegation of failing to carry out risk assessments between August 2006 and January 2011 for tasks unrelated to food management safety at the abattoir was dropped by the Crown during the trial.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond imposed a fine of £100,000 to cover both offences.

Jim Hume, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for South Scotland, has repeated calls for the Scottish Government to commit to extending the Borders railway line to Hawick and beyond.

The MSP made the comments ahead of today’s (Wednesday, August 20) visit to the Borders by First Minister Alex Salmond.

Mr Hume said: “Undoubtedly the link to Tweedbank will be crucial for commuting and leisure travellers alike, and will a massive boon for the local economy.

“Earlier this summer the First Minister said that the Borders rail link would serve as a catalyst for the restoration of the rest of this historic route through to Carlisle, so now is the time for the Scottish Government to commit to a feasibility study so that Hawick and surrounding communities across Roxburghshire can reap the benefits an extension to the rail link could bring.”

Trains will be operational on the new Borders railway from September 6, 2015, the First Minister Alex Salmond announced today (Wednesday, August 20).

The First Minister further announced a feasibility study, led by Scottish Enterprise in partnership with VisitScotland, Scottish Borders Council and Transport Scotland, which will look at how the Borders Railway will transform the tourism potential of the region.

The study will also look at tourist opportunities from any future development of the line, including the potential for a turntable and the creation of a permanent home at Tweedbank Station for the Great Tapestry of Scotland, the world’s longest embroidered tapestry, reflecting the textile heritage of the area.

The First Minister also announced plans to maximise the tourist potential of the line by introducing a steam train experience which could benefit the local economy by many £millions a year.

Speaking from Tweedbank, Mr Salmond said: “There will be few railway journeys anywhere in Europe to match the outstanding scenery along the route of the new Borders Railway.

“I have no doubt that Borders Railway will be profoundly successful and I will be one of the first in line for a ticket when the trains are running in September next year.”

•Full story in The Southern Reporter tomorrow.

Earlston dairy farmer Sally Wilson of Clackmae will be among the speakers at the next NFU Scotland debate on Independence in Lanark on Wednesday (August 27).

The debate, hosted by NFU Scotland Clydesdale and Avon and Nethan branches is in Ring One Lanark Mart and will be chaired by Forth and Clyde Regional Board Chairman, Tom French.

Representing the Yes Scotland campaign will be Minister for Environment and Climate Change Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Aileen Campbell MSP and Sally Wilson, Farming for Yes.

The Better Together campaign will be represented by Ian Duncan MEP, Claudia Beamish MSP and Alex Allison, Rural Together.

Each speaker will be given five minutes to give their speech on why those in attendance should vote for their campaign. This will be followed by questions and answers.

Those interested should attend at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Peebles Show at Nether Horsburgh last Saturday attracted even more people than last year.

A full report appears in tomorrow’s (Thursday, August 21) Southern Reporter, including the champion of champions, other contestants in the top line up and sheep champions.

Additional winners follow: taking the trophy the most points gained at the show were J Wight & Sons, Midlock, Crawford, Biggar, and winning the best trade stand trophy were Garden Solutions.

The Highland champion was a cow from Kelty enthusiast, Donald McNaughton while a bull shown by Peebles exhibitor Caroline Cuthbertson took reserve. The reserve Charolais champion was from J Wight & Sons, Midlock, Crawford, Biggar. The Limousin championship went to Ian Nimmo, Bogside Farm, Newmains, Wishaw and the reserve to Allan Campbell, Strawfrank, Carstairs. The Simmentals were topped by Gavin Brown, Springfield, Leadburn with the reserve going to David Lowry, Newsteadings, Cartland, Lanark. West Linton’s T & A Cockburn, Kingside, Leadburn won the British Blue’s highest honour; D & L Watret Muirfield, Hightae, Lockerbie were reserve. Any Other Pure Breed was won by W & I McGregor Chesterhall Parks, Wiston, Biggar with reserve going to Harvey Cattle

Abington farmer Kelly Blackwood, Nether Abington Farm won the commercial cattle championship and Robert Black, Drochil Castle, West Linton was reserve. The on farm cow and calf champion and reserve went to J Warnock & Sons Dreva, Broughton.

Lady Joan White presented the trophies.

An elderly couple in Peebles have been the victims of a bogus workman.

On Friday, August 15 at around 11am a man spoke to an elderly gentleman in a garden and offered to fell trees for £350.

The man returned around 10am on Monday, August 18, but after cutting down the trees he demanded extra money for them to be removed.

The elderly man handed over more money than had originally been agreed.

The suspect is described as 30 years old, medium build, Mediterranean appearance, narrow moustache on upper lip, pointed goatee beard, tan t-shirt, and chainsaw safety trousers and boots.

Police have said the suspect is believed to be from the Galashiels area and was driving a light grey Ford Thames van.

Inspector Tony Hodges said: “We’d like to warn people in the Scottish Borders to be wary of people offering work around the house or garden.

“If you are uncertain as to someone’s identity do not allow them entry and contact police if they fail to leave.

“Our communities are also asked to be vigilant on behalf of vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours and report any suspicious activities or people around their homes to police.”

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

A Melrose man appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) accused of assaulting a man to his severe injury and danger of life.

It follows an incident in Hawthorn Road, Galashiels, on Monday evening when a 39-year-old male was in collision with a car.

Police Scotland said the man was taken to Borders General Hospital and detained for treatment to a serious leg injury.

Derek McDermid, 50, has also been charged with breach of the peace.

His co-accused, Rebecca Fox, 20, from Hawick, faces allegations of carrying a knife and breach of the peace.

Both made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination.

They were released on bail and their next court date has yet to be arranged.

The popular Roberton Show takes place on Saturday, September 6 at Scaurend Haugh, Roberton from 1pm.

Music from the Hawick Scout Band, a quilting demonstration from local, award-winning Borderline Quilter, Kay Bell, a sheep dog demonstration, children’s crafts and entertainment as well as afternoon teas, raffle, tombola, home baking and a licenced bar.

The show’s Lynn Buchan said: “We have seen our sheep entries increasing year on year, with 2013 breaking all previous records.

“This year, we have introduced the two new categories - the young handler competition and the black sheep competition: this should provide some interesting afternoon entertainment.

“Our show promises to be a great day out, whether you are a first time exhibitor, returning winner or simply coming along to enjoy the exhibits and afternoon entertainment. The day will end with an after-show BBQ starting at 5pm.”

Judging taking place from 10.30am, with the show opening to the public at 1pm. Admission is £3 for adults and entry for children is free and there is ample car parking.

Pedigree beef cattle breeders will have to up their game by adopting the latest genetic technology to ensure quality Scotch beef competes in the market place, NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller warned.

Part of the £45 million fund earmarked by the Scottish Government for beef improvement over the next three years should be used to develop genetic programmes to help commercial beef producers become more efficient, Mr Miller told more than 1,000 beef farmers attending the centenary open day of the Wedderlie Aberdeen-Angus herd at Gordon.

He praised owners, John and Marion Tilson, and daughter, Wanda Hobbs, for their good use of estimated breeding values (EBVs) to improve the performance of their 200-cow herd, one of the best in the country.

“The Wedderlie herd is showing the way by incorporating all available technology into their breeding programme, with an emphasis on maternal EBVs, to produce commercial cattle for the commercial market,” said Mr Miller. “They have demonstrated how top quality cattle can be produced on grass on a high lying hill farm presenting many challenges.”

But Mr Miller said Scotland was falling behind Ireland where EU money is financing an ambitious data capture programme, including carcase information and eating quality, to help producers select breeding stock, and also a performance testing programme to assess the commercial progeny of selected sires.

Contrary to popular belief, research in Ireland indicates bulls showing the highest liveweight gains were not necessarily the most efficient in converting feed into beef, he said.

Reducing feed costs – the benefit could be as much as 7kg per head per day - would be a major bonus for the industry. And identifying the genetics of cattle producing a higher proportion of the best cuts in a carcase, rather than just huge rumps and mince, could be worth as much as £200 in carcase value, he said.

Roslin Institute research shows progeny of some sires had a higher resistance to TB than others, and the same might apply to Johne’s diseases, which offered tremendous potential advantages to beef producers.

SRUC beef expert, Dr Basil Lowman, warned attendees the continued emphasis on liveweight gain in all breeds could lead to the breeding of “elephants” in the future. The Aberdeen-Angus had made tremendous progress in increasing average 400-day weights by 20kg over the past 10 years but indications suggested it was at the cost of calving ease.

“The aim must be to get cattle to grow as fast as possible up to 400 days and then stop, The breed should be looking to select females with a big pelvis for easy calving rather than concentrating on a further increase in growth rates,” he said.

The Wedderlie herd meanwhile has increased growth rates above the breed average while improving calving ease and increasing 200-day milk weight at double the breed average by concentrating on maternal EBVs when choosing females for breeding.

A violent man asked to be locked up after threatening to rape police officers’ daughters and decapitate their sons.

Leg restraints and a spit hood had to be placed on Gregory Cranston as he struggled with the officers and tried to bite them.

The 20-year-old, who lives at Glenfield Road East, Galashiels, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court, pictured, on Monday. Cranston admitted shouting and swearing and uttering threats of violence to police and their families at Market Square, Galashiels, on Saturday. He also pleaded guilty to assaulting two police officers by spitting at them and repeatedly trying to bite them.

Cranston had earlier admitted assaulting his partner by punching her on the head, and committing the offence while on an ASBO (antisocial behaviour order).

Prosecuting, Tessa Bradley told how there was an altercation between the accused and his partner outside a kebab shop at 3.15am, when the street was busy with people leaving licensed premises.

Cranston punched the woman and a police sergeant was alerted to the incident.

As the sergeant spoke to the victim, other officers attended to assist and approached the accused.

The prosecutor went on: “He began shouting and swearing, and trying to get away from them. He continued to resist arrest and was taken to the ground, where the level of violence escalated and he was struggling on the ground with three officers.”

Cranston continued to shout and swear, repeatedly headbutting the ground and lashing out with his legs.

“Leg restraints were applied, but he spat at the officers and tried to bite them, and they had to apply a spit hood,” said Ms Bradley.

Cranston continued to shout abuse at the police. “He said he would rape their daughters and decapitate their sons,” added Ms Bradley.

His violence persisted and he had to be lifted into the cage of the police van.

Cranston, who sustained injuries in the fracas, was taken to Borders General Hospital where he was assessed as fit for police custody.

His lawyer, Heather Stewart, said her client was “asking for a custodial sentence”.

Sheriff Peter Paterson told the accused he was required to obtain reports and remanded him in custody until September 8, adding: “I note your attitude to this matter.”

Next month’s independence referendum does not appear to be worrying local estate agents, despite reports some buyers are hesitating.

There has been at least one confirmed report of a potential sale of a local house to a buyer from south of the border as being conditional on a ‘no’ vote being delivered when Scots go to the polls in September.

But, giving his reaction, David Kilshaw, of estate agents Cullen Kilshaw, says this is the first he has heard of such a phenomenon actually happening – a buyer making an offer conditional on the outcome of the referendum.

“I am a member of a working group consisting of lawyers from across the country currently looking at the creation of a standard offer for use across Scotland, and at a meeting about 10 days ago, one member of the group did air this issue, but no-one present had a record of it actually happening,” he said.

And Mr Kilshaw says the local Borders property market has improved over the last year: “It’s definitely an improving market – a big boost came from help for first-time 
buyers.”

Simon Brown, head of residential sales at CKD Galbraith, said to date, there has been no dramatic effect on the residential property market, other than perhaps at the very top end where some vendors and purchasers may be holding off until the result is known.

“At a domestic level, with uncertainty, there may be more likelihood of a wait-and-see approach, but demand remains high and prospective land reform legislation – regardless of the outcome of the referendum – is more likely if anything to be a factor in people’s decision-making than the outcome of the referendum itself,” he told us.

When Jamie Wilkinson awoke to find his partner was leaving him, he followed her out of the house “ranting and raving” before punching a car window as she was driven off.

Wilkinson, 36, of Thistle Street, Galashiels, appeared from custody and was jailed for three months after he admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at his home on January 25.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley told an earlier hearing there had been difficulties in the relationship and the woman had gone to stay with a relative. She returned to collect belongings and found Wilkinson asleep on a couch.

The woman tried not to disturb him as she packed her things, and was about to take the final box to the car when he woke.

The prosecutor went on: “She told him the relationship was over and she had left a letter for him, but he followed her out ranting and raving. She hurriedly got into the car and he punched the window.”

Defending, Ross Dow described the offence as “relatively minor in the grand scale of things”, adding: “He wakes up to find her packing her stuff and leaving home, and his pleas for her not to leave him fell on deaf ears.”

SEVERE INJURY ALLEGATION

A 21-year-old man appeared in private, charged on petition with assaulting a man to his severe injury at Tesco’s Galashiels store.

Sean Forrest, from Kirkcaldy, made no plea or declaration when he appeared before Sheriff Peter Paterson on Monday.

The case was continued and Forrest released on bail.

‘A GOOD-GOING DOMESTIC’

Police found breakfast cereal and dry dog food strewn across the floor of a house in Galashiels, and a woman shaking and crying.

George Chapman pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at the home of his “on/off partner” in Beech Avenue, Galashiels, on Friday, shouting, swearing and throwing items. The 24-year-old, who also lives at an address in Beech Avenue, further admitted possession of diazepam and diamorphine.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said neighbours heard “a racket” coming from the flat – one witness described it as “a good-going domestic”.

Police attended and could hear a woman crying.

“She was visibly shaking and there was Cornflakes and dry dog food strewn over the floor. She was very upset, but said she didn’t want to be a grass,” said Ms Bradley.

Chapman was taken to Galashiels police station and during a search a bag containing 100 blue tablets was found in his pocket. These were confirmed at diazepam and valued at £60.

The prosecutor said he tried to conceal another item, but removed it. Chapman told police the wrap of brown powder was “half a gram of gear” It tested as heroin, worth £20.

Defence solicitor Ross Dow said his client has spent the weekend in custody and could remember very little of the offences.

“He and his partner had been arguing and it was a prolonged affair. He says he does not have an addiction to heroin, and says he can take it or leave it,” added the lawyer.

Chapman was remanded in custody for reports until September 8.

‘I’LL HAVE YOU,’ OFFICERS TOLD

A drunken man came out of his house holding a pool cue and challenged police to fight.

Officers found a broken plant pot at a neighbour’s door and a microwave on the ground near Michael Dodds’ home.

The 33-year-old, of Howegate, Hawick, admitted assaulting his partner at a house in Chris Paterson Place, Galashiels, where he was living on September 21 last year.

He also pleaded guilty to throwing and breaking household items, challenging police to fight while holding a pool cue and threatening them with violence. Dodds further admitted recklessly damaging a door of a neighbour’s home by throwing a plant pot.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said others tried to calm Dodds down, but things escalated. When police officers turned up he came out of his house in an aggressive manner, holding a pool cue and shouted to them: “You’re not coming in here, and I’ll have you if you do.” He then slammed the door.

But police eventually gained entry and he was arrested.

“He has very little recollection, due to the significant amount of Valium and alcohol he had consumed,” explained defence solicitor Iain Burke, adding: “He and his partner are reconciled, although not living together.”

Dodds was sentenced to a two-year community payback order with 150 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months.

On a further complaint, he was fined £100 after admitting failing to appear at Selkirk Sheriff Court on January 8.

PUB ASSAULT CHARGE DENIED

A 29-year-old accused who denies assaulting a man to his severe injury and danger of life has had a further first hearing set for September 1.

Brian Cassie, of Beech Avenue in Galashiels, appeared on indictment and pleaded not guilty to repeatedly punching a man on the head, seizing him by the body, dragging him to the ground and repeatedly stamping and jumping on his head as he lay on the floor, rendering him unconscious, all to his severe injury, permanent impairment, permanent disfigurement and danger of life.

The offence is alleged to have happened at the Bridge Inn, Island Street, Galashiels, on August 18 last year.

He is due to stand trial by jury on September 8.

DANGEROUS DOG ALLEGATION

A woman who denies being in charge of an Airdale terrier which was dangerously out of control and attacked a four-year-old child to her severe injury and permanent disfigurement will stand trial by jury on September 8.

Karissa Johnstone, 20, of Eildon Road, Hawick, appeared on indictment and denied committing an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act in the Borders last May.

The animal is alleged to have jumped on the child, causing her to fall to the ground, and bitten her on the head.

KNIFE CASE JURY TRIAL

A Galashiels man who denies having a knife in the town will stand trial by jury on September 8.

Jamie Wilkinson, 36, of Thistle Street, appeared on indictment and pleaded not guilty to breaching a bail order at a house at Kirkbrae, Galashiels, on January 31, attempting to force entry and presenting a knife, and possession of a knife.

BROKE HIS CURFEW

A Hawick man was caught breaking a court curfew when seen buying cigarettes from a shop during the early hours of the morning.

Twenty-year-old Taylor Wright also broke a window trying to get back into his accommodation in Weensland Road on August 12.

Wright appeared from custody and admitted both offences.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond deferred sentence until August 29 for reports.

CONVICTED BY JURY

A jury convicted a Hawick man of assaulting a 12-year-old child with a knife.

Michael Davidson, 39, of Bright Street, appeared on indictment and denied committing the offence at Station Bridge, Hawick, on November 11 last year. He was also found guilty of having a knife without reasonable excuse on the same date.

Sentence was deferred until September 19 for reports.

A former Hawick councillor has started a petition to try to force a council U-turn on garden waste collections.

Andrew Farquhar says this is one of the most contentious issues ever and it’s “one that isn’t going to go away”.

And speaking this week, Mr Farquhar said: “The decision to withdraw the kerbside garden waste service was wrong. The irresponsible alternative is for garden waste to be placed in the black bins and consigned to landfill at a cost of £80 per ton which is apparently acceptable to the council in spite of them having spent nearly £3million on landfill tax last year.”

The collections were stopped earlier this year in a bid to save £450,000 and SBC’s environmental portfolio holder Davie Paterson said: “I have no idea what Andrew Farquhar is trying to do here. Yes, he can take it to the petitions committee but it stands no chance whatsoever of succeeding.”

Borderers can sign the petition at Scott’s Selkirk, High Street, the Co-op, Melrose, Taylor’s Newsagent, Jedburgh, Border Blooms, Kelso, Hawick News office, Hawick and Porter’s Porches Showroom, Galashiels.

A 40-year-old Galashiels woman has been bailed by Lancashire Police following the death of her three-year-old daughter last week.

Sarah Bell, of Tweed Road, was arrested on suspicion of murder and child neglect, and has been bailed until November 15 for further inquiries.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances around the death of her daughter, Jane, following an incident in the swimming pool of the Dalmeny Hotel in St Annes last Thursday.

Jane was pulled from the water by a member of the public who jumped in to help, accompanied by a member of staff from the hotel.

The three-year-old was initially taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and then to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.

She passed away there on Thursday evening.

Detective Inspector Nick Connaughton, of Blackpool CID, said: “This is a tragic situation where a young girl has lost her fight for life following an incident at a swimming pool in a hotel in St Annes.

“We are now treating this sad death as suspicious and are investigating just how the child has come into difficulties in the pool.”

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said a post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday (Wednesday).

The latest Jobseeker’s Allowance figures show that the number of claimants in the Borders fell by 470 between July 2013 and this year, despite a small rise of eight last month compared to June.

Jim Mulholland, regional senior partnership manager for the Department of Work and Pensions, said targeted training programmes had helped local people find jobs.

Mr Mulholland said a series of programmes offered in partnership with the NHS, council, Borders College and Skills Development Scotland (SDS) in the care sector had proved successful.

Courses in other sectors have also proved effective, with an emphasis on ensuring training is linked to employers that are recruiting.

Mr Mulholland added: “There is particularly strong demand from the contact centre sector at present.

“Employers are looking to fill their vacancies as quickly as possible and we are continuing to support them with this by matching claimants to their vacancies and working in partnership with other agencies, including the college and SDS to ensure appropriate training opportunities are in place.”

A pornography-obsessed man, found with indecent images of children on a computer at his Galashiels home, has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for three years.

Jason Thomson, described as having “an addiction to pornography”, was sentenced to a three-year community payback order with 150 hours of unpaid work at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.

The 40-year-old admitted possession of indecent images of children at his then home at Woodstock Avenue, between September 11, 2012, and July 1, 2013.

Thomson, of St Andrew Street, Galashiels, also admitted taking or permitting indecent images of children to be taken.

Searches for Lolita, child porno and PTHC (pre-teen hard core) were found on his laptop, and further forensic examination revealed 164 indecent images and 28 movie clips.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley told an earlier hearing how Thomson had been living at Woodstock Avenue with his partner at the time of the offences.

“Police received intelligence that the internet had been used to access indecent images of children,” explained Ms Bradley.

Following enquiries, police called at the address with a search warrant.

A laptop, iPad and external hardrive were recovered and examined.

During police interview, Thomson confirmed he used the laptop, which he had purchased new some six years earlier. “He gave a largely ‘no-comment’ interview,” continued Ms Bradley, “although said he was not attracted to children and did not use chat rooms.

“He couldn’t offer an explanation for the images.”

A further forensic examination revealed 101 images at level one, showing young girls naked or partially-clothed, posing erotically; six images at level two; 36 at level three; 20 at level four, and one image at level five – sadism or penetration. There was one movie at level one; 10 at level three and 17 at level four.

Ross Dow, defending, said his client was “at a loss to explain” the offences.

“He describes an addiction to pornography,” said Mr Dow.

“He says he was accessing regular pornography, and things progressed from there.”

Mr Dow said Thomson had been suspended from work and currently lives alone.

Thomson was represented on Monday by Mat Patrick who urged Sheriff Peter Paterson to follow the recommendation of the Criminal Justice Social Work Report and impose a non-custodial sentence.

“He imposes no risk,” said Mr Patrick, “and the numbers we are dealing with are low.

“There is no suggestion of distribution and the categories are, overwhelmingly, at the lowest end of the scale,” he added.

Sheriff Paterson warned Thomson the sentence was a direct alternative to custody.

“You have pled guilty to serious offences involving images which no right-minded person would conceive viewing in any circumstances,” he told the accused.

wooler

At their weekly sale of primestock last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 1,219 lambs and 518 ewes.

Similar numbers of lambs forward with trade dearer than markets earlier in the week.

Lambs - leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £80 (2) Roseden, £79 Lickar Moor, £77 Great Ryle and Wandon, £76 Wandon, £75.50 Branton Eastside, £75 Cresswell Farms, Black Heddon, Branton Eastside and Edlingham Demesne (2). Suff.x:- £78 Branton Eastside (J Elliot), £74 Wandon, £72 West Longridge, £71.50 Auchencrow Mains. CHM:- £72, £70 (2) Bewick Folly. Ven:- £70 North Lyham. Chv:- £77.50, £75, £71 (2), £70 South Charlton. Cha:- £74.50 Auchencrow Mains and Wandon. Bel:- £79, £76, £75, £72, £70 Ladykirk.

Lambs – leading prices per kilo:- Bel.x:- 207.9p, 194.9p, 179.5p Ladykirk. Tex.x:- 188.9p West Rennington, 180p Black Heddon, 179.5p Hedgeley Farms and Brackenside, 179p Hedgeley Farms, 178.6p Black Heddon and Edlingham Demesne (2), 178.1p Springhill, Seahouses. Suff.x:- 168.4p Brackenside, 166.3p Auchencrow Mains. CHM:- 175p, 171.4p, 170.7p Bewick Folly. Ven:- 175p North Lyham. Chev:- 172.2p, 170.7p South Charlton. Char:- 173.3p Auchencrow Mains.

Ewes – again more numbers forward, but trade still holding well just under 50% of the sale horned ewes.

Leading prices:- Tex.x:- £97 Lickar Moor, £93 Springhill, Berwick, £91 Craigshouse, £85 Black Heddon, £83 West Rennington and Bolton North Wing. CHM:- £91, £85 South Charlton. Chev:- £90 Humbleheugh, £87 Mowhaugh, £85 Humbleheugh. Suff.x:- £83 Titlington Mount, £80 8 Lamberton Holdings, £77 Brandon Whitehouse. BFL:- £77 Titlington Mount. Mule:- £75 South Falaknowe, £73 Alnham, Brandon Whitehouse and West Longridge, £71 Alwinton Farm. BF:- £69 South Falaknowe, £59 Lilburn Estates, £55 High Weldon, £51 Alnham, £49 Lilburn Estates and Clennell.

Rams:- Wen:- £97 Springhill, Berwick. Tex:- £93 Edlingham Newtown. BF:- £73 Edlingham Newtown.

st boswells

At their weekly primestock sale on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 74 clean cattle, 35 OTM cattle, 1,954 new season lambs and 880 ewes.

Bullocks (30) averaged 206.3p per kg and sold to 230p (+0.1p on week), heifers (38) averaged 217.5p per kg and sold to 231p (+2.6p on week), six young bulls sold to 174.5p and sold to 231 (+2.6p on the week) and 35 beef type OTM cattle averaged 124.2p per kg and sold to 143p (+6.3p on the week).

New season lambs averaged 1.63.3p per kg (-4.7p on the week) and sold to £91, top price 187.8p per kg for Beltex.

Ewes averaged £60, and sold to £111 for Suffolk.

Heavy ewes averaged £70, light ewes sold to £75 for hill Chev and averaged £50.

Principal prices per head: Ramrig £1452.99, £1384.32;; Lennoxlove £1422.96; £1388; Longnewton £1387.68.

Principal prices per kg: Ramrig 2.31 Malone of Edinburgh, 2.24 Charles Wilson Butcher; Greenknowe 2.30, 2.29 Malone of Edinburgh; Bee Edge 2.29 W Taylor (Lockerbie), 2.26 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.25 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd; Humbie Mil 2.29, 2.25 John Anderson Butcher, 2.27 Ramsay Family Butcher; Upper Nisbet 2.28 Denholm Meat Supplies; Applecross 2.27 James Cockburn and Son; Dunslaw 2.26 JF Finlay and Co Ltd; Faughhill 2.25 Malone of Edinburgh; Mosstower 2.27 Shaws of Lauder, 2.25 JF Finlay and Co Ltd.

Bulls: Balgone Estate £1198.50(1.41).

Cows per head: South Ditchburn £1151.78; Kirkton £1117.92, £1051.86; Legerwood £1092.54, £996.30; Over Whitlaw £1081.02; Huntington £1038.18; Berryhill £960.50; Over Langshaw £953.48; Craiglea £948.44; Mossilee £927.48, £922.24; Hutlerburn £919.48; Muircleugh £912.34; Newton £895.44.

Cows per kg: Huntington 1.43; Muircleugh 1.43; Kirkton 1.41, 1.37; Balgone Est. 1.41; Legerwood 1.39, 1.33; Craiglea 1.33, 1.31; South Ditchburn 1.33; Mosstower 1.31; Mossilee 1.31(3); Over Whitlaw 1.29; Ford Westside 1.29.

Lambs per head: Bel;- £91, £85, £77 Crookston, £80.50, £74 Fountainhall, £77.50 Threeburnford, Suff.x;- £85 Mossilee, £79 St Dunstan, £77.50 Hyndsidehill, £76 Hermiston, £75 Saughtree, £74.50 Thornington, Tex;- £84 Sydenham, £82 Ashcraig, £80 St Leonards, Lower Ashtrees, Craigsford Mains and Sydenham, CHM;- £74 Gilston, Suff;- £81.50, £80, £74 Berrymoss Court, Mule;- £71.50 Stoneypath.

Lambs per kg: Bel;- £187.8, 185.7, 173.5 Crookston, 183.3, 174.4 Threeburnford, Tex;- 187.2 Sydenham, 185.1 Tannage Brae, 181.8 Lower Ashtrees, 178.7 Sydenham, 176.2 Wester Ulston, Suff.x;- 172.5, 170.7 Lustruther, 169.8 Saughtree, 167.5 Borthwickshiels, Char;- 170 Borthwickshiels.

Ewes: Tex;- £97 Headshaw. L, £95 Upper Tofts and Burnhouse Mains, £93 Blegbie, Birkenside and Wantonwalls, Suff.x;- £91 Headshaw. L, £90 Monklaw, £89 Knock Farm and Birkenside, CHM;- £87 Blegbie, £81. £77 Bonjedward Mill, HB;- £87 Eilean Farm, £85 Knock Farm, Mule;- £87 Aikeyside, £75 Chesters Brae, Birkenside and Burnhouse Mains, Chev;- £81, £75 Marvingston, £75 Attonburn, £71 Headshaw. L. Lleyn;- £73 Ruletownhead, BF;- £57, £51 Hartside, £55 Saughtree, £53 Elmscleugh, Rams: Suff.x;- £111 Berrymoss Court, £100 Knock Farm, Tex;- £103 Sydenham, Bel;- £90 Threeburnford.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart plc had forward 32 prime cattle, three young bulls, 28 over 30 month cattle, 4,343 prime lambs and 6,508 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

An increased entry of grass fed cattle saw trade sharper on the week with the sale topping at 224.5p and 218.5p for Limousin heifers shown by A. and W.J. Taylor and Son, Dashwellgreen. Limousin bullocks sold to 214.5p also from Dashwellgreen.

Another mixed show of OTM’s met a similar trade. The sale topped at 169.5p for a Charolais stock bull from David MacTaggart, Hallrule, with Limousin cows topping at 142.5p from J. Losh, Broomhouse.

A larger, quality show of prime lambs were forward to the usual buyers, but as with the national trend that has prevailed all week to level at 165p per kilo. Top price per kilo was 215.8p for Texels from Lower Ashtrees and to £95 per head for Suffolk lambs from R.A. Crichton, Rottington Hall.

As Scottish referendum day draws closer – September 18 to vote yes or no for independence, that is, four weeks from today – the debate gets more heated.

And, notable in farming terms, the big names have broken cover to say “Yes” – former NFU Scotland presidents John Cameron, John Ross, Jim Walker and John Kinnaird.

Having talked to a number of farmers on both sides of the debate during the past year or so, and read some of the seemingly interminable letters in the farming press before losing the will to live, I don’t know how much effect endorsement by the four will have.

All gave valuable service to Scottish farming over a combined period of almost 30 years, Cameron and Walker more extrovertly, Ross and Kinnaird more low key, but in their way as effective.

However, just as I doubt whether the televised debates of the genuine big political names Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling change our views on independence for or against, I doubt the farming four will convince or disabuse.

Still, we must give them full marks for trying.

Their joint view, summed up by Mr Ross at a press conference is basically: “Farming and rural affairs need to be at the forefront of all future Scottish government thinking… An independent Scotland is the only way this can be secured.”

It might seem naïve to suggest that an industry involving only about 65,000 people directly and producing a small part of the country’s output should be at the forefront of government thinking. But isn’t that rather blinkered view how most people think about the referendum? In theory, they should consider the overall effect. In practice, it is about how we think it will affect us as an individual.

As for my own view, I can only offer the allegory of a dour Gala/Hawick game where a visitor turned to the man next to him and said it was an awful match. To which the man said: “Are you fae Gala?” “No.” “Are oo fae Hawick?” “Er, no.” “Then what’s it got to do with you?”

I look forward to animated debate and discussion in the next month, but to few minds being changed from their present yes or no setting, regardless of who endorses either side.

Back in the harvest fields throughout the region, no one needs to be told that the weather took a turn for the worse again last week and remains unsettled.

So much for the worse that in some parts of our area grain fields were flattened, an unusual sight these days, and some might have suffered wind damage. A pity, because until early August most farmers in north Northumberland and the Borders admitted – the correct description for something akin to drawing teeth – that this has been a good year with a good spring, good lambing, good hay and silage and a great start to harvest with oilseed rape and winter barley.

Hawick Summer Festival is celebrating one of the most successful starts to its programme in the event’s 30-year history.

The special anniversary year began in style at the weekend when more than 200 primary school children participated in the second Children’s Day at Teviotdale Leisure Centre.

Festival chairman Gerry Monaghan said: “We were thrilled by the huge turnout and have received nothing but praise from parents and grandparents.”

Flower Princess Brooke Hollett and attendants Lucy Laing and Abigail Taylor, all from Burnfoot school, were presented to Provost Stuart Marshall, Cornet Ross Gibson and Lass Michelle Paxton, at the crowning ceremony. Also in attendance were Gilbert and Evelyn Sangster who, along with Betty Campbell, helped establish the summer festival in 1984.

Provost Marshall stated: “It’s fabulous to see how Hawick Summer Festival has developed and original committee members are to be commended for introducing this annual event to the town.”

The programme had begun the previous night at the Border Club where the junior showcase music night attracted big numbers. Sunday saw movie fans flock to Wilton Lodge Park for a special open-air film night to celebrate the anniversary of the Pink Panther. And walking enthusiasts enjoyed a visit to Fatlips Castle on the Monday.

Mr Monaghan added: “We have a small, but hard-working committee who pull out all the stops. The support from Teries makes it all worthwhile. We are also indebted to the groups and individuals
always willing to help organise events.

“The summer festival is a true Hawick success
and I hope continues to flourish.”

The celebrations conclude on Saturday, when Scocha and The Joe Mangels headline a special music evening at the leisure centre. Tickets available at the door.

An Ettrickbridge mother says the Foreign Office allowed her to wrongly believe it held letters containing fresh information about her son’s death.

Andrew Watt’s family has spent two years and nearly £5,000 on a legal challenge to gain access to the withheld documents concerning his death in France in 2010.

Although French doctors concluded Andrew’s death was due to ill health, his family has always believed the investigation was flawed.

But when Andrew’s mum, Julie Sheppard, and other family members travelled to London earlier this month to finally view two official letters, they discovered all they contained was information they already knew.

Information contained in the two letters and two further notes between British and French officials had been deemed so sensitive it could prejudice relations between the two countries if made public.

“Our legal advisers had recommended we drop our request for a tribunal – the Foreign Office made that a prerequisite for letting us see these two letters,” Mrs Sheppard said.

“But they contained nothing new, just pretty much what we already had been given in a paraphrasing of the information last year. And we weren’t allowed to see the two notes.

“To be honest, they’ve just strung us along for two years, letting us believe these letters contained important information. To treat a bereaved family this way is disgusting.”