Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is urging Scottish secondary schools to apply for their Meat Vouchers Scheme before the deadline of December 31.

The initiative, which has been running for four years, aims to help Scotland’s school pupils learn how to cook quick, tasty, healthy meals. Every secondary school in the country is eligible to apply for vouchers worth up to £100. These vouchers can then be exchanged by the school for top-quality meat such as Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork at local retailers.

Developed in response to concerns that tight budgets mean many Scottish schools are unable to afford fresh, red meat products for cookery lessons, the scheme is a key component in QMS’s health and education work to ensure young people understand the role of red meat in a healthy, balanced diet.

Jennifer Robertson, a registered dietitian and QMS’s health and education co-ordinator, said: “We think it is really important to educate Scottish secondary school pupils, who are the consumers of the future, on the range of ingredients available to them, as well as showing them how to cook simple, nutritious meals that need not cost the earth.

Home economics teachers across Scotland should apply for their voucher before December 31. The vouchers are worth up to £100, depending on the number of pupils on the school roll, and are valid until mid-February 2015. Vouchers can be redeemed at independent retailers and butchers. To apply for vouchers, visit the Health and Education pages on www.qmscotland.co.uk.

Parents of primary classes one to three pupils in the Borders can sign their child up for a free school meal as part of a new Scottish Government initiative.

The scheme begins on the first day of the new term – Tuesday, January 6 – when every P1 to P3 pupil will be able to receive a nutritious meal that complies with current legislation and helps towards improved learning attainment.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, executive member for education at the council, said: “The health benefits of eating a nutritious lunchtime meal cannot be overestimated and recent research has clearly linked the benefits of a properly balanced lunch with higher levels of educational attainment, the impact on children’s concentration and behaviour, and the long term benefits for improved health.”

Anyone with a query on the free school meal initiative can phone 01835 825149, email schoolcatering@scotborders.gov.uk or visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals.

Police were called to the Borders College Campus – but fortunately no-one was arrested.

They were guests, along with representatives from Penumbra, NHS Borders, Addiction Scotland, Interest Link Borders and other groups, offering information and advice to students .

Administration and tourist students Jade Grahame, Scott Weir, James Fox and Kim Elliot organised the event as part of their course.

Also supporting the event were students from the hairdressing and beauty areas, who ran stalls providing nail painting, as well as hairdressing tips and advice.

Jade said: “We wanted to bring the exhibitors to the college so our students had
the opportunity to get free useful information, as well as find out about some of the other departments on our campus.”

Business Gateway has helped 52 out-of-work entrepreneurs set up thriving enterprises in the Borders in the last year.

Since November last year, 29 men and 23 women who were out of work, but had a business idea, were given assistance to become their own boss after being referred to the business advisory service by the Job Centre, through the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme (NEA).

Covering the spectrum of sectors, the businesses include: a gardener & handyman; an event organiser; a cleaning company; a massage therapist; a mobile phone repair shop; a catering company, and an artist.

The majority (70 per cent) of those referred to Business Gateway Scottish Borders were looking to set up an enterprise after redundancy.

Bartje Magee, business adviser, Business Gateway said: “We are delighted that our assistance has helped a great number of local people facing unemployment realise they have the potential and skills necessary to set up their own business.

Having access to one-to-one support, free workshops and networking opportunities, as well as potential financial support through the NEA, has provided a safety net and given them the confidence needed to become self-employed, which many had never considered as a viable option before.”

Steven Shann set up S.R.S. Rural Services three months ago after being referred to Business Gateway by the Job Centre during the summer.

Having been made redundant three times in four years, the Hawick-based entrepreneur now provides a range of services to his customers, including chimney sweeping, garden maintenance and general handyman duties.

The 37-year-old, former gardener and groundsman for the likes of the National Trust and two private estates, said: “When I was made redundant last year I thought ‘enough is enough’.

Although I knew exactly what I wanted to do, being referred to a business adviser and attending workshops helped me realise I was more than capable of going it alone.

I love working outdoors, it’s in my blood – my earliest memory is of my parents taking me to their allotment in a wheelbarrow – so being my own boss and getting to choose what work I do in the fresh air is fantastic.”

Having left her job as a website manager in West Lothian to relocate to the Borders at the start of this year, mother of four Carol Macintyre was signposted to Business Gateway and she decided to launch Everthine Events, based in Reston.

Since launching, the 48-year-old, who has previously owned her own bridal shop and worked in hospitality and IT, has ensured numerous brides have enjoyed a dream wedding; and with 24 weddings already booked for 2015, Carol Ann is now looking to open her first showroom.

She said: “I’d used Business Gateway services in my previous job, so the courses were a great refresher and my adviser gave me a lot of encouragement and kept me on track. The networking opportunities have also been fantastic. I did find it a bit daunting starting a business at my age in such a young industry – my target market is 25 to 35-year-old brides-to-be – but my experience has been a big selling point.

“I’m really passionate about what I do and with my diary quickly filling up for 2015 I am looking to open a showroom in the Borders to showcase the products I have that make a wedding day special.

As Business Gateway doesn’t forget about you once you’ve started, I am now looking to use their expertise to help me as I grow my business.”

Find out how Business Gateway can help your business by visiting www.bgateway.com, or call your local office on 01835 818315.

For more information, visit http://www.bgateway.com/local-offices/scottish-borders/ or @BGBorders on Twitter.

Leading Scottish angel investment group Tweed Renaissance Investors Capital (TRI Cap) celebrated its 10th anniversary at a reception at Ochiltrees Resturant, Abbotsford, recently.

Since its first investment meeting in 2004, TRI Cap members have provided both investment capital and strategic management support to 35 businesses in Scotland and the North East of England – seven of which are based in the Borders.

The anniversary celebration was attended by many of TRI Cap’s 64 members and supporting staff, as well as representatives from fellow angel investment syndicates, business angel association LINC Scotland and Scottish Enterprise.

Robert Dick, chairman, said: “The driver for TRI Cap has never been to just make money for its investors – although obviously that is a desirable outcome – rather, our main motivation has been the very real desire to make a difference to people.

“We also wanted to make a difference to the economy of the Borders – an area from which many of us had already derived success (financial or otherwise).

“It was arguably quite an act of faith as we had no idea whether anyone would join us to invest or indeed whether there were local businesses which would welcome us as investors.”

In fact, over the last 10 years, TRI Cap members have invested in 35 companies, providing £9.25million to fund deals totalling £52.5million. It is also estimated that TRI Cap members have match funded and drawn down around £6million in partnership with the Scottish Co-Investment Fund.

Former Borders police officer Kevin Storey was jailed for 12 years at the High Court in Edinburgh today (December 15).

Storey was described as a ‘callous individual’ when he appeared in court for sentencing.

Storey was convicted in November of eight charges against three women and a child. He sexually attacked two of the women.

Full story in this week’s Southern Reporter.

Police, fire and ambulance services are currently attending a serious road accident on the A7 at Selkirk’s Market Place.

The accident, involving a pedestrian and a lorry, took place around 4pm this afternoon.

There are no further details at this time.

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision in Selkirk around 3.15pm yesterday (December 15), in which an elderly lady was seriously injured.

The incident took place in Market Place and involved the woman pedestrian being struck by an articulated lorry.

The A7 was closed for several hours while emergency services responded to the incident and Police Scotland carried out full accident investigations.

Sergeant Scott Sneddon, who is in charge of the investigation, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses to this incident who have not already spoken to officers, to call us on 101.”

The Galashiels woman arrested after a three-year-old girl drowned in the swimming pool of a Lytham St Anne’s hotel earlier this year, will face no charges, Lancashire Police has confirmed.

Detectives launched a murder probe after Jane Bell, also from Galashiels, was pulled from the water at the Dalmeny Hotel and later died in hospital.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said this week no criminal charges will be brought against the 40-year-old woman, who was arrested on suspicion of murder and neglect shortly after the incident happened on August 14.

After a lengthy investigation, which saw the woman twice bailed by police while they gathered evidence, Lancashire Police said the case is now closed.

Police were called to the hotel by paramedics just before 11am on August 14 after Jane was brought up from the bottom of the pool.

She was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and later transported to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, where she died later that same day.

A Home Office post mortem examination concluded Jane died of drowning.

Joanna White, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West’s Complex Casework Unit, said she had reviewed all the evidence gathered by detectives, including witness statements and CCTV footage from the hotel and had concluded there should be no criminal proceedings against the woman in connection with Jane’s death.

Det Chief Insp Dean Holden, of Lancashire Police, who said his thoughts were with the youngster’s family, added: “We will now provide the coroner with all the relevant information for inquest.”

Police in the Borders are appealing for witnesses following a number of thefts over the last couple of days, which are not thought to be linked.

Two nail guns were stolen from a van in Lauder some time from Monday at 3.30pm and 12.30pm yesterday (December 16), believed to have happened when the van was parked on West High Street.

Around 300 litres of red diesel was stolen from insecure vehicles and a storage tank in the grounds of an industrial estate on Edinburgh Road, Lauder around 2.50am on Tuesday morning (December 16).

A grey BMW was seen in the area at the time and police are keen to trace anyone who has observed a similar car in the area over the last couple of days.

Police are also investigating two thefts from Dalatho Street, Peebles, between 4.30pm on Friday evening and 8.15am yesterday, when a number of builders’ tools were taken from one shed, and there was an attempted break-in to another garage.

Inspector Carol Wood said: “We are appealing for anybody with information into these thefts and break-ins to come forward to police.

“I would also advise people to ensure that their property and vehicles are secure, and where possible, CCTV installed to deter thieves.

“If you notice or hear any suspicious behaviour then I would urge people to contact police on 999 if it’s an emergency, or 101 which is our non-emergency number.”

Local MP Michael Moore is to meet local NHS chiefs as he campaigns against possible moves by NHS Borders to close community hospitals in the Borders.

A review is currently being carried out by NHS Borders, and community hospitals in Hawick, Kelso and Duns could be at risk of closure.

Mr Moore has started a petition on his website (www.MichaelMoore.org.uk) to gather support against the proposed closures. He has also written to NHS Borders in advance of the meeting in early January to urge them to ensure local community hospitals remain open.

“I am deeply concerned that our local community hospitals in Hawick, Kelso and Duns may be in danger of closure,” he said today.

“These hospitals provide a vital service to people here in the Borders and it would be devastating to our local communities if we were to lose them.

“I have written to NHS Borders calling for clarity around the review and for assurances that the threat to our Community Hospitals will be lifted.

“The closure of our local hospitals must not happen so I am urging NHS Borders to think again.”

Motoring organisation, the RAC, says it is optimistic petrol could soon be selling for less than £1 litre.

It is due to the plummeting global oil price, with the price of Brent crude now below the $60 a barrel mark for the first time since early July, 2009.

The price is predicted to keep on dropping after OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) indicated it will not cut production even if oil hits $40 a barrel.

In July, 2009, the average price of unleaded was 103.09p a litre and diesel 104.22p, due to the slightly stronger pound which affects pump prices as fuel is traded in dollars. While the pound is currently a little weaker than it was then at $1.57 there is a very good chance forecourt prices will continue to fall as the price of a barrel of crude goes lower.

The RAC is now hopeful this will lead to petrol being sold nationally for under £1 a litre in the first few months of the new year.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “What’s currently happening at the pumps with falling fuel prices is something many motorists will not remember seeing before. “Talk of prices going up like a rocket and falling like a feather could not be further from the truth as retailers have been quick to pass on savings at the forecourt since the RAC forecast on December 6 that prices were due to come down by 7p a litre for petrol and 6p for diesel.”

The RAC’s monitoring of fuel prices shows the average price of a litre of petrol is 116.9p (Dec 14, 2014 – the latest available price) – 13.89p a litre cheaper than the start of the year when it was 130.79p – and diesel is 15.91p cheaper – 122.33p a litre now compared to 138.24p in January.

On December 15, 2014, the average supermarket price of fuel was 114.26p for petrol and 120.18p for diesel.

Do YOU think we are paying a fair price for petrol at the pumps? Leave your views in our Comments section below.

Local people are being given the chance to have their say on how Scottish Borders Council should prioritise its budget over the next four years with the launch of a budget simulator.

Check it out and see how you would spend more than £252million a year at
https://scotborders.budgetsimulator.com

More than 100 police officers made several arrests and seized over £16,000 worth of drugs in a series of raids last week codenamed Operation Archerfish.

On Thursday, police squads carried out eight house searches in Galashiels, Hawick, Kelso and Selkirk.

Following the morning’s raids – the largest undertaken in the Borders during the last two years – officers recovered cannabis and other suspected controlled drugs. A total of £1,200 cash was also seized and two men, aged 32 and 34, were arrested, a police spokesperson told The Southern.

A 34-year-old man appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, charged on petition with being concerned in the supply of illegal drugs and with possession of an illegal drug.

Police are also seeking another male in relation to a cannabis cultivation and further inquiries are being carried out.

A police spokesperson added: “The activity has seriously disrupted the drug supply networks within the Borders area and has removed a significant quantity of controlled drugs with a street value in the region of £3,750. Further activity is planned over the coming weeks.”

On Friday, in the second stage of Archerfish, officers carried out searches at six more houses within the region, and three outwith the Borders.

A vehicle was also stopped and searched, with a kilo of Class B drugs recovered. A 31-year-old man appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.

Three other persons are being reported to the procurator fiscal for alleged possession and production of Class B drugs.

A police spokesperson told us: “This activity removed a significant quantity of controlled drugs with a street value in region of £12,800. A further £2,900 in notes was also recovered.”

Scottish Borders Area Commander Chief Inspector Andrew McLean added: “Thursday’s successful operation was the start of a long-term plan to tackle drugs use and supply throughout the region. We are deploying a large amount of resources to the Borders with the explicit aim of tackling drug misuse and distribution.

“The sale and use of illegal substances is a scourge on our community and is a top priority for Police Scotland. We will not tolerate this type of anti-social behaviour in the Borders and we will continue to hold those who peddle drugs in our community to account.”

Dr Eric Baijal, joint director of public health for NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council, said: “Many local people will not think there is a significant drug problem in the area, however NHS Borders and other agencies in the Borders are at the front line and see the impact of substance misuse on a daily basis.

“Drugs have a devastating impact on people’s health, well-being and life in general, and we have a range of confidential support services available for adults and young people.

“Being vigilant in your own community towards this activity can help tackle this destructive crime.”

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Healy, Specialist Crime Division, said: “This operation was devised due to feedback from the local community. Over 100 officers took part, and we have sent a strong message to those in our community who peddle harmful substances to the public.

“However, our work does not stop today. Tackling drug crime and drug misuse is a key priority for Police Scotland.

“We need more information from the public in order to stop these criminals. Those with information can contact police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Should Scottish Borders Council borrow £3.5million to create a permanent home for the Great Tapestry of Scotland at Tweedbank?

That is the capital spend, involving loan and interest repayments of £8.25million over 30 years, which elected members will be asked to sanction today (Thursday).

If approved, the money will be allocated over the next two financial years to build a two-storey visitor centre for the giant artwork at a tree-covered council-owned site close to the Tweedbank rail terminus.

A paper recommending the move indicates the total cost of construction will be £6million with the Scottish Government, as part of a deal to maximise the economic impact of the Borders Railway, contributing the £2.5million balance. The report, by SBC officers, is based on a business case and a design feasibility study produced by two private consultants for a combined cost of £40,000.

The business case assumes that 55,000 people will visit the centre in its first year to view the tapestry. The visitor numbers are expected to fall to 50,000 in year two before settling at 47,000 thereafter.
Although the entry charge will be £10 per adult, discounts for families, school and other concessionary groups are expected to produce an income yield of £6 per admission.

On these assumptions, the report indicates the centre – with a café, gallery and workshops complementing the main exhibition area – will produce an annual surplus of £22,000 from year three. The council’s capital spend of £3.5million, involving an annual loan repayment of £275,000 over 30 years, will see the local authority own the building in perpetuity. It will be leased to a new ad hoc trust which must operate without any further calls on the public purse.

The two studies, which focused purely on Tweedbank, were authorised by the council in May, despite some members claiming the tapestry would be better sited in towns with an established textile heritage.

Now that the extent of the council’s required financial commitment is known, that dissent is expected to find expression at today’s full council meeting.

Councillor Michelle Ballantyne, leader of the Conservative opposition group, told The Southern she would vote against the recommendation.

“As always our group will vote as individuals, but the general consensus is that while we might welcome the tapestry to the Borders, we cannot support the use of council budgets at a time when the administration is having to cut frontline services,” said Mrs Ballantyne

“It’s a question of priorities … as elected members we would be failing our constituents if we allow this through without a fight.”

At least two members of the ruling administration – Hawick independents Watson McAteer and Stuart Marshall – will also break ranks to oppose the proposal.

“Stuart and I have made it clear we will not support the tapestry,” said Councillor McAteer. “I cannot agree to spending £3.5million in capital with significant additional annual revenue costs at a time when council taxpayers are suffering reduced services.

“I would be happy to see the tapestry in the Borders as long as it does not cost Borders taxpayers a penny.”

Young Lauder rider Megan Morris is just days away from her dream trip of a lifetime to this year’s Olympia Horse Show in London.

Megan, aged 11, will travel south on Saturday to take part in the jumping events at next week’s prestigious winter equestrian event.

The Lauder youngster has dreamed about this since the first time she visited Olympia to watch the show, and is over the moon to now be taking part in the event herself.

Megan has been picked as one of only two 128cm tall riders from Scotland to compete in Olympia’s mini major speed class on Monday.

This is a class in which young competitors will be paired up with a top international show jumper and jump a round against the clock, with the fastest pair being the winner.

Megan is keeping her fingers crossed to be paired with the Borders’ own Olympic equestrian hero, Scott Brash from Peebles, the current world number one.

They will be up against two junior riders from England, Ireland and Wales and this will be the first time in six years there has been a Scottish junior rider competing.

Megan has had ponies from a very young age and has always shown natural riding ability.

She has had her current mount, Brown Sugar III, since August 2012, after a friend brought her home from a show and suggested trying her.

“Megan loved her, so she has been with us on the farm ever since,” said Megan’s mum, Anne, this week.

“They have done everything together, from pony club games to cross-country to BS show jumping. Brown Sugar III is a very experienced pony and has jumped at all major venues including Scope and HOYS.”

Over the last two years, the partnership has become very successful.

This year got off to a particularly good start, with Megan qualifying one of her ponies for the 128cm class at The Royal Highland Show, but sadly she didn’t get to compete due to a broken leg.

Anne added: “Megan has put so much effort and dedication into her ponies since returning to the saddle and has been rewarded by being picked as reserve for the Scottish 128cm team at Scottish Home Pony International, and more recently, picking up the trophy for most improved Scottish 128cm rider from British Showjumping Scotland.”

Asked for her reaction on being selected for Olympia, Megan, who has sponsorship from Rockrose Equestrian Sport of East Lothian, told us: “I’m so excited about going; I can’t believe it and I’m going on the best pony ever – Sugar!”

Former Borders police officer Kevin Storey was described as a “callous individual” after being jailed over a string of sex crimes against women.

Storey was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday after being convicted in November of eight charges against three women and a child.

He had sexually attacked two of the women and the court heard that the offences took place over a 20-year period.

The 48-year-old, formerly of Quarrydene in Melrose, was a serving police officer when many of these crimes were committed. However, he is no longer employed by Police Scotland.

The first offender had denied a series of allegations, but the jury had found him guilty of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault and assault, committed at various locations in the Borders.

Storey has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and will be kept under supervision for three years at the end of his sentence.

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, commander of the Lothians and Scottish Borders division of Police Scotland, where Storey served as a sergeant, said the perpetration of such crimes would never be tolerated and it was of even greater shock and disappointment when the offender was a police officer.

“Kevin Storey’s complete contempt and disregard for his victims shows him to be a callous individual whose actions have fallen significantly short of the high standards of professional behaviour we expect as an organisation,” she said.

“There is no place for such crimes within our communities and we will continue to use all resources at our disposal to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“The public within the Lothians and Scottish Borders division, and throughout Scotland, can rest assured that we will continue to treat all reports with the utmost seriousness and conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, regardless of how challenging or sensitive the issue may be.”

An 84-year-old Selkirk grandmother was in a serious but stable condition in hospital on Wednesday, after being trapped under an articulated lorry in Selkirk Market Place on Monday.

Mrs Marion Fair was crossing the A7 beside the Fleece Hotel around 3.15pm, when she was hit by a 12-wheeled juggernaut turning the right-angle corner onto the A7 from the West Port.

Mrs Fair was trapped under the cab’s front left wheel for over an hour, until she was freed by fire crews’ specialist equipment. A rescue helicopter flew her to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary at 4.40pm, where she underwent emergency surgery for a leg injury.

The A7 through Selkirk Market Place reopened five hours after the incident. Police confirmed the driver is not facing charges and they appealed for witnesses to the incident to call 101.

HM Revenue and Customs officers investigating a £15,000 VAT scam raided a 35-year-old man’s home and found naked images of children on his computer.

They immediately stopped their search and informed police at what they had found at William Brown’s home.

The court was told that 61 indecent images of children at level one – the least serious on a sliding scale – were discovered on Brown’s computer. It emerged he had used the search terms “naked photos of young 10-year-old boys” and “child porn” on the computer at a house in Bleachfield Road, Selkirk, on May 8, 2013.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing indecent images of children and was ordered to carry out 50 hours’ unpaid work.

Brown, described in court as “socially awkward” and “a victim of society for most of his life” – also had his name placed on the Sex Offender’s Register.

Veronica Clinkscale, defending, pointed out all the images were at level one and there had been no previous pattern of offending of this nature. She said he had been attending college regularly, but due to court proceedings this had come to a halt. However, he intended to re-apply to continue his studies.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre questioned the contents of background reports in which Brown said he had no knowledge of how the images came to be on his computer.

But Ms Clinkscale said it was not uncommon for people convicted of offences of this nature to be embarrassed and be in some form of denial.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told Brown for all intent and purposes he was a first offender for this type of crime and he could impose a community-based disposal.

But he warned him if the images had been above level one he would almost certainly have gone to prison, adding: “This is not a victimless crime.”

As Brown was already carrying out 250 hours unpaid work for the VAT offence, he imposed another 50 hours, bringing it up to the maximum 300.

GALA ACCUSED’S SHOTGUN THREAT

A Galashiels man apprehended by police following a town centre disturbance shouted at officers: “I have got a shotgun and I will blow you away.”
At the charge bar in Galashiels police station, Samual Wightman struggled with officers and leg restraints had to be used before he eventually calmed down.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley explained how the accused had been out socialising and in the early hours of September 14 got into an argument with another man in Green Street, which escalated.

She said: “As two officers were driving past they saw him swing a punch at the man and he was shouting and swearing.”

As the officers intervened, the 23-year-old, of Beech Avenue, reacted angrily and made the threat.

Wightman’s lawyer said his client had reacted angrily because the other man had been the aggressor, but the officers had not seen that part of the incident, adding: “It does not excuse his behaviour, but it was fuelled by alcohol.”

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre imposed a community payback order involving 75 hours unpaid work.

BOOZE-UP BREACHED ORDER

A Galashiels man breached his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) by being drunk.

The order relating to 40-year-old Mark King prevents him from being under the influence of alcohol in a public place or at a private address that has not been approved.

King appeared from custody and pleaded guilty to the offence which happened at a house in Jura Drive, Tweedbank, on Friday afternoon.

Depute procurator fiscal Tessa Bradley said King’s partner had telephoned the police at around 2.25pm to say he was at the house and under the influence of alcohol.

She continued: “Officers made their way to the house and found the accused asleep upstairs. It was immediately evident to them that he was under the influence. He was arrested for breaching the terms of his SOPO.”

She explained he was given a breath test which showed a reading of 106 microgrammes – more than three times the then legal drink-drive limit of 35 microgrammes.

King’s lawyer said he had gone to the house of a friend who had offered him a drink and “temptation got the better of him”. He was trying to sleep off the effects of the alcohol, knowing his partner would disapprove.”

The lawyer said King’s partner did not realise the serious position he would be in by contacting police. But he added it was a stable relationship and the partner would not tolerate any further breaches, so asked that bail be granted.

However, in ordering background reports, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre remanded King in custody “due to the nature of the offence and your record”.

Sentence was deferred until January 12 and bail was refused.

DRUG ORDER FOR CHEAT

A Tweedbank woman who falsely obtained more than £3,000 Jobseeker’s Allowance will undergo a Drug Treatment and Testing Order assessment for the next two years.

Stephanie Ritchie, 30, of Jura Drive, admitted making false statements between October 2012 and August 2013, declaring she was not working, while in receipt of earnings from Kennedys (Melrose) Ltd and obtaining £3,157.79 to which she was not entitled.

McManus also admitted a further complaint of stealing perfume and cosmetics from Asda’s Galashiels store on November 7, and stealing earphones from Curry’s store on November 9. She also admitted possession of cannabis at Galashiels police station.

BENEFITS FRAUDSTER

A benefits fraudster has been ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work.

David Henderson, 33 of Murray Place, Selkirk, pleaded guilty to making false statements and claiming £14,619 in Jobseeker’s Allowance he was not entitled to as he was working at the time.

The offence was committed at Galashiels Job Centre between August 2011 and February this year.

The court was told that an arrangement for repayments was still being resolved with a debt recovery agency.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said his client had been working for an agency of which there was no certainty about the work and to keep a consistent income he continued receiving benefits.

FACING DRUGS ALLEGATION

A former Hawick man appeared in private facing a charge under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

This came after police stopped a vehicle at the Carter Bar last weekend.

Paul Marshall, 31, now living in Newcastle, is accused of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug to another person.

He made no plea or declaration and his case was continued for further examination.

Marshall was released on bail by Sheriff Derrick McIntyre and his next court appearance is on a date yet to be confirmed.

CASE IS CONTINUED

A 22-year-old man appeared in private accused of being in possession of a knife.

Connor Leith, from Currie in Edinburgh, is also charged with having cannabis and two motoring offences.

The crimes are alleged to have been committed on the Kelso-Nenthorn Road at the weekend.

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

He was bailed by Sheriff Derrick McIntyre.

RELEASED ON BAIL

A 34-year-old man made a private appearance at Jedburgh Sheriff Court last Friday, charged on petition with being concerned in the supply of illegal drugs.

Raymond Russell, of Kenilworth Avenue, Galashiels, is also alleged to have been in possession of an illegal drug.

The offences are alleged to have happened in Galashiels last Thursday.

Russell made no plea or declaration and was released on bail.

ALCOHOL THIEF FINED

An alcohol thief has been fined a total of £300.

Christopher Haddock, 33, of Elm Court, Hawick, was fined £235 after he admitted stealing a quantity of alcohol, tools, a bicycle and a sleeping bag from a house at Lockhart Place, Hawick, on March 17.

Haddock was fined a further £65 after he also pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a bail order to remain at his home when found at Lauriston Gardens, Selkirk, on September 5.

An internal investigation has been launched this week into the expenses claims of a suspended SNP councillor.

The probe, by Scottish Borders Council’s monitoring officer Brian Frater, will focus on claims submitted by Councillor Alastair Cranston since his election to the Hawick and Denholm ward in 2012.

The investigation was requested by Councillor Stuart Bell, leader of the nine-strong SNP group at Newtown.

It follows the revelation that Mr Cranston claimed £6.45 in February this year for a 17-mile return journey from his home near Lilliesleaf to attend the funeral of his fellow ward councillor Zandra Elliot at Teviot Parish Church in Hawick.

Although that claim – one of 32 made in that month alone – was deemed admissible, another eight were rejected, including a bid to be similarly reimbursed for signing a book of condolence for Mrs Elliot in Hawick Town Hall two days later.

A trawl of Mr Cranston’s expenses applications, which can be accessed via SBC’s website, shows that nearly 50 of his claims have been disallowed.

These include attempts to get payment for attending meetings of Hawick Community Rugby Trust, common riding functions and ride-outs, as well as meetings with South of Scotland SNP MSP Paul Wheelhouse.

Counted among Mr Cranston’s successful claims was one for mileage from his home to SBC HQ at Newtown – to hand in his expenses claim form.

Responding to our sister paper the Hawick News, Mr Cranston said there had been no attempt at dishonesty, adding: “I just have to stop putting daft things in like I have been doing. I just have to be reminded what I can and can’t claim for.”

In October, the 64-year-old former Scottish rugby international was suspended from the council for three months following a hearing by the Standards Commission which found he had failed to declare a business interest during a renewable energy debate in December last year.

The issue of his expenses was due to be raised at today’s full council meeting.

Conservative Tom Weatherston had submitted a written question, asking SBC leader David Parker: “Do you share our group’s disgust at an elected member claiming expenses to attend Councillor Elliot’s funeral...?”

But the question has been disallowed as a result of Mr Frater’s investigation.

“I cannot object to this ... but I can say I am disgusted at what he [Mr Cranston] has done,” said Mr Weatherston.

Mr Bell said it was the responsibility of councillors as individuals to ensure all expenses claims were legitimate.

“I have asked the monitoring officer [Mr Frater] to investigate all aspects of Councillor Cranston’s expenses,” he told The Southern.

“If Councillor Cranston needs help with, or clarification of, the proper procedure or if he is at fault, it is up to the monitoring officer to decide this and take appropriate action.”