Details have emerged of how Scottish Borders Council spent nearly £2million in an abortive attempt to develop an incinerating energy-creating waste treatment plant at Easter Langlee on the outskirts of Galashiels.

The scheme to provide a workable alternative to landfill, capable of meeting strict and impending Scottish Government targets, was finally ditched in February because of “issues in terms of funding and technology”.

The firm contracted by the council to deliver the facility – New Earth Solutions (NES) – had, it is understood, failed to attract the required investment capital for a largely untried process.

When the deal fell through, SBC admitted it had already spent £2million on the project and that this sum would be written off, but now a Freedom on Information response has revealed where the money went.

The largest beneficiary was Edinburgh law firm Brodies which pocketed more than £679,000 for the advice it gave the council.

Another major recipient was D & P Management, the firm run by the SBC’s chosen procurement expert Barry Phelps, which netted over £302,000.

Apart from Galashiels-based Holequest, which received £8,566 for technical advice, payments to firms and consultancies based outwith the region, were made as follows: Faculty Services Ltd (legal) £6,450; McGregors LLP (legal) £1,200; SLR Consulting Ltd (technical) £184,345; Envirocentre (technical/environmental) £32,744; Nevin Associates Ltd (financial) £143,401; QMPF LLP (financial) £2,750; Willis (insurance) £10,600; SOLACE (project management) £92,475; and Practicus (project management) £116,042.

In addition, the FoI response prices the provision of office supplies for the project at £31,062 and reveals that SBC’s own internal staff costs were £356.403.

That amounts to a grand total of £1.968million, exclusive of VAT which, if added, brings the spend to £2.36million.

The council maintains that no information relating to the contract – signed in April, 2011, for a large-scale composting system and amended by councillors in October, 2012, to simultaneously include the untried thermal treatment plant – can be revealed for the next six years because of commercial confidentiality.

While council leader David Parker has rejected calls for an independent enquiry and insists the money was spent “appropriately and effectively,” one backbench councillor takes a different line.

Watson McAteer (Ind, Hawick & Denholm) told The Southern yesterday: “The level of spend without anything to show for it demands critical examination and public explanation.

“How on earth have we been able to spend so much on external legal advice and yet still find ourselves in this position?”

Luigi Caterino’s barbershop in Galashiels has only been open for two years, but he’s already at the top of a cut-throat business.

Last year, his remarkable skills and steady hand brought him within a hair’s breadth of winning the Best Shave in Britain award, in a competition run by the British Barbers’ Association.

On Sunday, he found himself back in the ring for the final, held this year at the NEC in Birmingham. And this time he not only made the cut – he won the title.

And for Luigi – who prior to opening his Italian Job shop on the corner of Channel Street, had been working for 14 years as a waiter for his brother in the Monte Cassino restaurant in Melrose, where he still helps out – it was the culmination of a life-long dream, to be recognised for doing what he loves.

He said: “I was very emotional when the guy lifted up my hand to say I had won. I started to cry like a baby. Everyone around me was so nice and they cuddled me.

“It is great to win this, for me it is a dream, for me and my family.”

Luigi learned his trade in Italy from his father, who has come to work for his son when he is on holiday in Scotland.

He said with pride: “My father is so special, he is one of the last barbers in Italy to work in the old style, with the leather belt.”

Luigi’s journey to Birmingham again began in the regional heat at Gateshead, where he retained his title of Best Barber in Scotland.

This qualified him for Sunday’s event, sponsored by The Bluebeard’s Revenge shaving range and held, for some reason, in a boxing ring.

He swept aside North West champion Phil Christodoulides in the quarter-final, getting his eye in by shaving his own model.

But for the semi-final and the final, he was given a new person to work with.

Nerves escalated with every move, but he managed to beat South East victor Elvis Gjokaj in the semi.

By this time, the crowd had become very animated and was shouting his name when he stepped into the ring to take on Shakar Bakani, the Midlands winner, for the title.

“I was very nervous in the final, said Luigi. “I was trying to check everything, every movement I do around my customer in this moment. It was tense.”

But his calmness, knowledge of his craft and skill with the blade won through and he was crowned the best shavemaster in the land.

He said: “It has been an amazing time of my life. It has been good for me, for my family, and I think for the Scottish Borders.

“And, of course, it is very good for my business.”

Buried Borderers could be dug out of their graves and reburied under controversial plans being mooted by the Scottish Government.

It’s part of Holyrood’s way of extending the lifespan of cramped cemeteries and freeing up limited burial space.

And the recycling of graves is being backed by Scottish Borders Council, which says it could save them cash.

The local authority, which manages 154 burial grounds, is supporting new legislation which, if enacted, would allow plots which are already full to be re-used.

The radical move is enshrined in a Scottish Government consultation paper on its proposed Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill.

The re-use of full lairs, common practice in several European countries, involves remains being exhumed and re-interred at a deeper level.

However, it will only apply to graves where the last burial took place at least 75 years ago and councils will have to publicly advertise their intention to re-use a lair.

The consultation paper states: “If any surviving relative came forward to object, then re-use would not be permitted.”

However, a key aim of the proposed legislation is to stop lairs and cemeteries falling into disuse and disrepair.

And if a descendant does come forward, he or she will become responsible for the upkeep of the lair and any memorials.

Responding to the proposals on Tuesday, SBC’s executive endorsed a report by neighbourhood area manager Jason Hedley who said the re-use of graves, although potentially controversial, could reduce council costs in providing new burial space and increasing the capacity of older cemeteries.

He said the council could also benefit financially from the proposal to end the practice of lairs being sold in perpetuity and that transfer of ownership need not be restricted to family members.

Councillors agreed that the new legislation should contain provision for so-called home burials.

But these would only be allowed provided there were no land ownership issues and interments were carried out by competent staff to ensure appropriate health and safety procedures are followed.

Mr Hedley reported that, in 2014/15, the council had undertaken 768 burials, including five assisted funerals where the deceased was intestate or had no next of kin.

He estimated that around 600 cremations had taken place at the two privately-run crematoriums in the region – at Melrose and Houndswood, near Eyemouth.

There were 1,295 deaths registered in the region in 2014/15.

Jamie Fletcher, a 21-year-old electrician who lives in Walter Street, was elected Langholm Cornet on Friday – winning the public vote by a narrow margin of 22 votes.

After being dry for most of the day, rain arrived late afternoon and it was a very wet evening as everyone headed to vote and the bands played round the streets. There was still a good turnout with a total of 1,016 votes being cast in the Buccleuch Centre for the four candidates.

The result was: Jamie Fletcher 358, Simon Jack Tweddle 336, Stephen Thomas Devlin 219 and Jamie Gormley 103.

When the results of the vote were announced, the Right and Left-Hand Men, Dale Irving and Alasdair Cavers, rushed out of the meeting and made their way to the home of the elected cornet to break the good news to Jamie and his father and mother, Stuart and Jackie, and brother Neil.

Also there to receive the news was grandfather George Ellwood, who was cornet in 1963, along with grandmother Jean and uncle Stevie Ellwood, who was cornet in 1995.

Neighbours, relatives and friends soon gathered at the house to congratulate Jamie who works at the Buccleuch Estates.

The new cornet headed off with supporters to visit the various hotels and clubs, starting off at the Masonic, where they received a warm welcome and were entertained with a number of common riding tunes by members of the town band.

Later in the evening the leading principals attended the dance in the Buccleuch Centre, which was well supported, and music provided by Bon Accord. The traditional polka was danced with the cornet and his partner taking the lead.

Earlier in the evening at the well-attended public meeting, Langholm Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell congratulated last year’s Langholm Cornet, Dale Irving, and said he had carried out his duties with great maturity and was a credit to all concerned. The Right and Left-Hand Men, Alasdair Cavers and Andrew Elliot, were also praised.

Mr Maxwell congratulated the three bands and made the traditional vote of thanks to all the sponsors, donors and the committee, and praised numerous others who had helped make the common riding a success.

The chairman mentioned the sad passing of Alex Pool who had been in charge of the concert for many years. The nominations for the committee were announced, and with two having retired, an appeal was made for new members .

Secretary Kenneth Hill said this year they had a diamond jubilee, jubilee and semi-jubilee cornet.

He spoke of the common riding 60 years ago when plasterer James Maxwell had been elected, but sadly he was not able to attend the meeting. However, Mr Hill asked his son, Roger, the chairman, to pass on the good wishes of everyone. Jimmy went on the committee, then became the chairman for many years and eventually took over as officiating magistrate.

In 1965 joiner David McVittie had been voted cornet with 460 votes from over 1,000 cast..David had then gone on the committee, and took over as chairman from James Maxwell in 1988. In 1990 there was a turnout of 1,107 and bricklayer Kevan Hotson was elected with 506.

Treasurer John Elliot gave details of the new charitable organisation and a rundown of the accounts which revealed the common riding had showed a profit of £1,800, but £3,000 had then been paid for legal fees to set up the new organisation. Langholm Common Riding was incorporated by trust deed as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) on July 10, 2014.

Among the questions brought up was one from committee member Stuart Tedham.

He said that as 1816 was the year that townsfolk first rode round the common on horseback, he thought that something could be arranged to mark the occasion in 2016. The chairman said it would come under discussion within the committee. There was also an enquiry to see if anything had been arranged with the sponsorship of the sprint handicap by ScottishPower, but this is still being looked into.

The chairman then received the official count which he announced to the eagerly-awaiting public.

bedrule

SWI

Fellow members showed others how to make origami flowers. Competition – Salt and Pepper – 1, Sharon McKenzie; 2, Margaret Taylor; 3, Olive Hogg.

bowden

Community cafe

The next meeting of the community cafe will be held on May 20 at 11am in the village hall.

caddonfoot

Parish church

Last Sunday’s service was conducted by the Reverend Elspeth Harley. Bill Birch delivered a Bible reading, and music was led by Andy and Catriona Bird. The congregation was reminded of Christian Aid Week, with the local collection being co-ordinated by Roddy Beatson.

earlston

Wednesday Club

The Reverend Julie Woods gave a talk on her journey to becoming a Church of Scotland minister. Competition – flower ornament – 1, Mrs A. Falconer; 2, Mrs J. Watson; 3, Mrs W. Henderson. The next meeting will be on May 20. Competiton – pendant.

Parish church

The May 17 service at 10.15am will be conducted by Rachel Wilson. The summer edition of the church magazine will soon be ready to go to the printers.

Plant sale

Earlston Horticultural Society holds its annual bedding plant sale and coffee morning at Hanover Close on May 16. Proceeds towards Earlston Flower Show.

FOUNTAINHALL

SWI

The next meeting is on May 20 at 7.30pm when there will be a gardening talk. Competitions – floral arrangement in a small jug and a vase. Competition winners from the April meeting – Paradise Slice – 1, Christine Sinclair; 2, Fiona Walters; holiday snap – 1, Dianne Wilson; 2, Kathleen Espie.

galashiels

Reunion

Galashiels Academy’s class of 1980, when they were in first year, are holding a reunion at Gala Rugby Club on May 23 from 7.30pm. For further details, contact Elaine Emond on keb23568@gmail.com or Helen Fraser on helen@fcconnect.co.uk.

St Peter’s Church

As part of Christian Aid Week, Karen Ellis told the congregation how climate change is affecting a nine-year-old girl in a small African village which has no electricity or running water. The congregation was asked to send Christian Aid postcards to our government, telling it to support the international conference on climate change later this year.

Trinity Church

Friends and members of the Church for the Deaf joined the congregation on Sunday to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Dorothy Howden led the music and Sheila Wilson read the lessons. As Sunday was the start of Christian Aid Week, minister Elspeth Harley based her service on the needs of the people in Africa, particularly Ethiopia.

Inner Wheel

Lesley Roster from Beadelicious in Kelso showed how to make a double-stringed bracelet with beads. The club held a presentation afternoon when money from the charities account was presented by president Vi Romanis to – Bill Glennie, Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team; Elaine Whellans, Teenage Cancer Trust; Carol Mitchell, TUSC (Transport for Ugandan Sick Children); Iona Cruikshank, who is going to South Africa to teach maths and English. The 45th birthday dinner will be held in the Kingsknowes Hotel on May 19 at 7.30pm.

Glendouglas

SWI

Members had an evening of gentle exercise with Denise Carmichael from Fit Borders. Competition – sundae dish – 1, Catherine Johnson; 2, Catherine Turner. The raffle was won by Elma Montgomerie. The next meeting – on June 4 – is an outing to Kelso Garden Centre.

Dance

Glendouglas Hall will host a dance in aid of Arthritis Scotland on May 16 (7.30pm). Music is by Gordon Clark, and there will be a stovie supper.

Hawick

Bridge club

May 5 – 1, John and Marian Miller; 2, Malcolm and Helen Ouldcott; 3, Valerie Johnstone and Marion Miller.

Camera club

Starting today (Thursday) and subsequently every second Thursday of the month until September, Hawick Camera Club is having walkabout/photo-workshop evenings, depending on the weather. Meet at the clubrooms at 78 High Street at 7pm. Non-members welcome.

Rotary

Anne Wright, past president of Kelso Rotary Club, explained the workings of a scheme she was involved in which helps finance small businesses in the Third World. The money can be used for anything and she gave as examples providing a sewing machine to help someone make goods to sell, or even buying a breeding animal to start a smallholding. The Rotary club, a group of members or even an individual can agree to become a lender and the money can be repaid at any time. Profits from the coffee morning on May 23 will go to the Nepal earthquake appeal.

heriot

Coffee morning

St Mary of Wedale and Heriot Parish Church is holding a coffee morning on May 16 (10am-noon) in the Macfie Hall.

Hownam

Towford SRI

Due to the cancellation of the speaker, discussions for the SWI show at the end of October were held instead at the latest meeting. Competition – individual sweet – 1, Diana Tweedie; 2, Jean Douglas; sports competition – tie between Jean Douglas and Mary Towers. The next meeting is the summer outing to Teviot Smokery on June 2 – meet for 6.30pm. The annual whist drive is on May 26 at 7.30pm in Hownam Hall.

INNERLEITHEN

Coffee morning

Innerleithen Music Festival coffee morning is on May 16 (10am-noon) in the Vale Club.

Concert

There will be an opportunity to hear the Silver Band in concert on May 22 in the Memorial Hall from 7.30pm. Tickets (£6 – £5 concession) are on sale at John Adam’s Bakery and The Thrift Shop in Innerleithen, or from Robb’s KeyStore, Peebles. They can also be ordered by sending a stamped addressed envelope to St Ronan’s Silver Band, 21 Miller Street, Innerleithen EH44 6QR. Cheques should be payable to “St Ronan’s Silver Band”. Phone 01896 831721or email KJBelleville@aol.com for more information. If anyone in the Innerleithen area requires a lift to/from the concert, contact Elma on 01896 830577.

Crafts

Innerleithen and District Amateur Operatic Society is holding a craft and table-top sale on May 23 (9.30am-12.30pm) in the Memorial Hall. To book a table, ring 01896 830577 or email secretary@idaos.org.uk.

Church

The service on May 17 will be at 11.30am. There is also a service at St Ronan’s House at 4pm.

Fair

St Ronan’s Primary School hosts a summer fair on May 28 (6-8pm).

Ball

St Ronan’s Standard Bearer’s Ball is on July 11 in the St Ronan’s Marquee. Tickets will be on sale on May 30 from 8am at Foresters, Wells Brae. They cost £32.50 and full payment must be handed in at this time with a note of exact requirements. Maximum of 12 tickets per table and dress is strictly formal. Cheques should be made payable to “St Ronan’s Border Games”.

Family fun

Innerleithen Family Fun Day will take place on May 31, from 1-5pm, in Victoria Park. There will be a children’s pet competition, with judging at 3pm. A cricket match will be held from 10am in the Vale Park – more information from Tom Harrison (01896 833492). There will be a car boot sale and anyone who would like to book a place should call 01896 831721 or email KJBelleville@aol.com – £10 per car. Should any local organisation wish to have a stall at this event, ring 01896 831721 or email KJBelleville@aol.com.

Kelso

Fundraising dance

Kelso Accordion and Fiddle Club is holding a fundraising evening of Scottish old-time and ceilidh dancing at Kelso Rugby Club on June 5, from 7.30-11pm. Music will be provided by Gordon Brown’s Scottish Dance Band, Charlie McIntee’s Scottish Dance Band, and Bob Liddle and the Blackthorne Ceilidh Band.
Entry on the door.

Bridge club

May 6 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Jean McLaren and Alison Ireland; 2, Alex Jeffrey and Lee Leeson; 3, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, Diana and Dominic Alkin; 3, Sheena McPherson and Sheila Urquhart.

Best-dressed window

The winner of Kelso Races’ best-dressed shop window competition will tomorrow (Friday) be presented with a trophy and get a table for four in the Final Furlong Marquee at the course’s Ladies Day on May 24.

Langholm

Boys’ night

Castle Craigs Club held its annual boys’ night in the Crown Hotel. Club president Kevan Grieve was in charge proceedings. The function was attended by Cornet Dale Irving who presented the prizes, and he was accompanied by his Right and Left-Hand Men, Alasdair Cavers and Andrew Elliot. Ryan Johnstone received the R. E. Borthwick Shield as winner of the quiz, with Sam Cottrill second and Calum Jeffrey third. The prize for the best-dressed boy went to Callum Henderson. There was a tie-design competition and the winner in the over-sevens group was Robert Wood, with Leo Aitken and Ben Borthwick second and third respectively. Ryan Warwick took the seven-and-under, with Aaron Wood second and Greg Cartner third.

Spring clean

The spring litter clean-up around the town has proved to be one of the most successful for years. The Academy pupils were heavily involved, with a group clearing rubbish from the Galaside Wood and another from the area around the Co-operative store. There had been more than 20 areas targeted in the best turnout of volunteers for years.

lauder

Historical society

Lauderdale Historical Society is organising “Lauderdale’s Rich History Open Day”, to be held on May 16 in Lauder Public Hall (10am-4pm). There will be local history books for sale. More details from Joan Stevens (joan.c.stevens@btinternet.com).

Lindean

SWI

President Margaret Milne welcomed members to the

Turn to page 30

From page 29

AGM and gave a resume of an interesting year. Treasurer Margaret McKinlay presented the audited accounts which were approved. Officials elected – president, Margaret Milne; secretary, Valerie Mayo; treasurer, Margaret McKinlay; vice-president and press secretary, Marjorie Lawrie. Six other members agreed to serve on the committee. Prizes were awarded – Miss McGowan Trophy for most points, Margaret Inglis; Jess Hope Trophy for runner-up, Marjorie Lawrie; Miss Scott Trophy for most entries, Valerie Mayo. There followed a mini beetle drive which was won by Margaret Oliver with Valerie Mayo runner-up. The two least successful “beetlers” were Barbara Lothian and Margaret Inglis. Raffle prizes went to Margaret Chisholm, Sandra Todd, Janet Mitchell and Grace Aitchison.

Maxton

Coffee morning

Maxton 21 is holding a coffee morning on May 23 in the village hall, starting at 10am. Proceeds will go to Maxton 21’s charity for 2015 – Border Search and Rescue Unit. This will be an opportunity to sponsor local man Tom Veitch on his charity walk.

melrose

On song

Roxburgh Singers are to perform “The Armed Man” (a mass for peace), by Karl Jenkins, on May 16 (7.30pm) in Melrose Parish Church. The work reflects on the passing of the First World War and looks forward in hope to a more peaceful future. The concert begins with Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester psalms. Tickets at the door.

Parish church

Christian Aid Week house-to-house collection, or contributions can be made at the coffee morning on May 16, or at church services held on May 17 at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am).

morebattle

Coffee morning

There will be a coffee morning in the institute on May 16 at 10.30am in aid of a school working trip to Austria.

OXTON

Plant sale

Oxton Horticultural Society holds its annual plant sale and coffee morning on May 16 (10am-noon) in the Memorial Hall. Schedules for the flower show on September 12 will be available.

SWI

The AGM is on May 20 and members should bring their voting sheets or hand them in to Jackie, and well as handing in their penny cup. It is also a taste-and-try evening – bring along favourite dishes/cakes or soups to sample.

peebles

Blood donors

At a blood-donor session on May 10, 188 volunteers offered to give blood and there were 169 donations. There were 12 new donors.

Selkirk

Camera club

The camera club is holding a sale of photographic work in its High Street clubrooms on May 23 (10am-1pm), with all proceeds going towards helping victims of the Nepal earthquake.

Smailholm

Folk music

Shona Mooney and Friends are playing contemporary folk music at Smailholm Village Hall on May 24 (7.30pm). Tickets – 01573 460666.

STICHILL

SWI

Kathy Wilkie welcomed members and visitors from Broomlands, Greenlaw, Heiton, Langshaw, Morebattle, Newtown, St Boswells and Yetholm to the May visitors’ evening. She introduced Lewis, George, Mary and Gordon, of Border Folk, who stepped in at short notice to entertain with Scottish, Irish and English folk melodies, interspersed with banter. On behalf of the visitors, Grace Cessford (Morebattle) expressed her thanks to Stichill members for an enjoyable evening. Competitions: visitors – pill box – 1, Marilyn McCall (St Boswells); 2, Nancy Jerdan (Broomlands); 3, Brenda Wright (Heiton); members – pill box – 1, Yvonne Wood; 2, Brenda Waring; 3, Pam Hall; three-fruit marmalade – 1, Janine Wilson; 2, June Brown; 3, Jean McDermid. The next meeting will be held on June 2 at the earlier time of 7pm.

Stow

Coffee morning

See Heriot section.

Sound Out

Sound Out is hosting a night of ska music, starring Skababs, in Stow Town Hall on May 16. Doors open 7.30pm. This is a fundraiser for Stowed Out Festival. Tickets from Stow Post Office or on the door.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on May 24 at 10.30am.

Walkerburn

Serivce

The service on May 17 will be at 10am in Walkerburn Public Hall.

yetholm

SWI

The annual guest night is on May 19 at 7.30pm in the Wauchope Hall when the speaker is Linda Hamilton, fundraising manager for the Macmillan cancer charity’s Lothian and Borders area. Competition – photograph which makes you happy.

Village lunch

The next lunch is on May 21, from noon, in the Wauchope Hall. Proceeds from this will go the history society.

Coffee morning

Yetholm Guild will hold a coffee morning on May 23 from 10.30am in the Wauchope Hall.

Yetholm Sinfonia

On May 24 at 7.30pm in Norham Parish Church, Yetholm Sinfonia wind soloists present a programme which will include Sir Arthur Sullivan, Iolanthe Overture; Ernö Dohnányi, Serenade; Sergei Rachmaninov, Symphonic Dance; Sir Edward Elgar, Serenade.

wooler

At their weekly sale of primestock last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 164 hoggs and 116 ewes.

Hoggs a better fleshed show, clearly dearer.

Leading prices per head: Suff.x:- £90.50 Brandon, £88 Newstead, £83.50 Elwick. Tex.x:- £85 Ladykirk (2), £84, £83 Newstead, £81.50, £80 (4) Elwick, £80 West Longridge. Mule:- £77 West Longridge.

Leading prices per kilo: Tex.x:- 188.9p (2), 187.5p Ladykirk, 186.1p West Longridge, 185.2p Elwick. Suff.x:- 185.6p Elwick, 170.7p Newstead. Mule:- 179.1p West Longridge.

A small show, but dear rates maintained.

Leading prices: Suff.x:- £116, £108, £100, £95 Lilburn Estates, £94 Newstead, £90 Milfield Demesne. Tex.x:- £112, £97 Elwick, £96 Newstead. Mule:- £84 Kimmerston.

st boswells

At their weekly primestock sale on Monday, John Swan Ltd sold 104 clean cattle, three OTM cattle, 54 beef cows, 1,264 old season lambs, 147 new season lambs and 259 ewes.

Bullocks (37) averaged 204.3p per kg and sold to 226p (-1.9p on the week).

Heifers (67) averaged 210.8p per kg and sold to 244p (+1.3p on the week).

Three young bulls averaged 177p per kg and sold to 187p (n/c on the week).

Three OTM cattle averaged 159p and sold to 173p (+9.9p on the week) and 54 beef type cows averaged 135.4p per kg and sold to 167p (+6.9p on the week).

Old season lambs averaged 176p per kg (+9p on the week) £84.59 per head and sold to £98, top price 201p per kg for Chv.

New season lambs averaged 207p per kg (-15p on the week) £90.67 per head and sold to £118, top price 230p per kg for Texel.

Ewes averaged £91.34, and sold to £150 for Texel.

Heavy ewes averaged £95.26. Light ewes sold to £81 for Chv and averaged £47.

Principal prices per head: Lennoxlove £1442.28, Bee Edge £1439.60, £1414.70, £1404.20.

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.44 Border Meats (Lockerbie), Bee Edge 2.40 Shaws of Lauder, Bee Edge 2.38 M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, 2.35 Shaws of Lauder, Pathhead 2.35 M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, Wester Ulston, Lurdenlaw 2.32 M/s J. Gilmour and Co Ltd, Wester Ulston 2.32 Robert Pringle Butchers, Lurdenlaw, Traprain 2.30 Linton Butchers, Caverton Mill 2.30 Shaws of Lauder, Pathhead 2.30 J.F. Finlay and Company Ltd, Nisbet 2.29 Gosford Farm Shop, Wester Ulston 2.28 Michael Malone of Edinburgh Ltd, Pathhead 2.26 Shaws of Lauder, Lurdenlaw 2.25 Michael Malone of Edinburgh Ltd.

OTM cattle: Corsbie £1276.74 (1.73), Nisbet £961.02 (1.71).

Cows per head: Glenrath £1262.52, Caverton Mill £1261.70, Upper Tofts £1233.18, Mosstower £1227.60, Longnewton £1219.24.

Cows per kg: Glenrath 1.67, Mosstower 1.65 (2), Longnewton 1.63, Glenrath 1.61, 1.59, 1.55, Caverton Mill, Hyndlee 1.55, Upper Tofts 1.53, Corsbie 1.51, Smailholm Mains 1.47, Grahamslaw, Mosstower 1.43.

New season lambs per head: Tex;- £118 Thornington, £106.50, £106 Corsbie, £105, £104 Lochside, Sfx;- £97 Berryhill, £95, £93.50 Smailholm Mains, Suf;- £96 Ladyflat, Ham;- £96 East Fortune, Cha;- £93.50 Ladyflat, £87 Fairlaw, Ber;- £85 Whitehaugh.

New season lambs per kg: Tex;- 2.30 (2), 2.28 Lochside, 2.26 Corsbie, Cha;- 2.17 Ladyflat, Sfx;- 2.11, 2.09 South Falaknowe, 2.06 Smailholm Mains, Suf;- 2.08 Ladyflat.

Hoggs per head: £98, £96 Boghall St Andrews, £95.50 (2) Clochnahill, Sfx;- £96, £95, £94 Boghall St Andrews, £93, £89.50, £88.50 Clochnahill, Chv;- £93.50, £89.50 Boghall St Andrews, £88 Traprain, Cha;- £87.50, £85 Whitlaw, SM;- £88.50 Boghall St Andrews, £77 Bedrule, Chx;- £82 (2) Boghall St Andrews, BF;- £81 Hutlerburn, £80 Boghall St Andrews.

Hoggs per kg: Chv;- 2.01 Thorlieshope, Saughtree, Sfx;- 2.00 Stoneypath, 1.93, 1.84 Dunslaw, Tex;- 1.92 Dunslaw, Stoneypath, Hamildean, 1.90 Inchkeith, Wormiston, Cha;- 1.92 Whitlaw, SM;- 1.79 Bedrule, BF;- 1.89 Traprain, 1.86 Dunslaw.

Ewes: Tex;- £128 Stouslie, £125 Chapelhill Peebles, £121 Toxside, Sfx;- £115, £112 Middlestead, £110 Lochside, Wormiston, Ber;- £107 Springwood Estate, £101 Whitehaugh Hawick, SM;- £101 Stouslie, £99 Symington Mains, Chm;- £101 Halidean Mill, £91 Wester Ulston, Upper Tofts, Dor;- £93 Whitehaugh Hawick, Chv;- £81 Whitsome East Newton, BF;- £59 Wormiston, £55 Inchkeith.

Rams: Tex;- £150 Symington Mains.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart plc had forward 22 prime cattle, four young bulls, 10 OTM cattle, 5,248 prime hoggs, 123 spring lambs and 2,048 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

A larger show of prime cattle were slightly harder to sell, but very much in line with the national trend.

A larger entry of 123 spring lambs were forward.

Many more could be sold to advantage, especially lighter weights.

Top price of £96 per head for Suffolks from North Cowshaw and to 222p per kilo for Texels from Bellfield.

A larger show of 5,248 prime hoggs were forward to the usual ring of buyers.

All classes of hoggs were sharper on the week, with a tremendous show of Cheviot and Continental-fed hoggs forward.

Leaner types harder to cash, although lightweight hoggs remained extremely sought after. The sale averaged 180.7p overall (SQQ 188.8p).

Top price per head was £100 per head for Texels from Mid Harrietsfield and to 237p per kilo for Beltex from Southernby Hall.

A much smaller show of 2,048 cast ewes and rams were forward to a full ringside of buyers. All classes of ewes £10-£14 dearer on the week and well short of buyer requirements. Many more could be sold to advantage.

It was a remarkable night’s election viewing and listening for anyone who had the stamina or thought they could get through the next day’s work without sleep.

But as the Conservatives outflanked all poll predictions except the exit one, any farmers watching must have had mixed feelings.

Without me being pro or anti any political persuasion that is, because the Conservative leader, Prime Minister David Cameron, has promised a referendum on Europe. Even as things stand the Conservatives are the only party to have in mind a reduction in farm subsidies and more dependence on market returns.

If in 2017 we vote to leave the European Union that would end EU farm subsidies in Britain. There is no guarantee that the present annual total of more than £3billion paid to British farmers would be replaced on anything like the same scale by a British government elected on an austerity platform.

If farmers, particularly those in the most heavily-subsidised sectors of beef cattle and sheep, do have to rely more on the ups and downs of the market, it gives extra emphasis to a recent PhD project by Scottish Rural University College graduate Kalina Kasprzyk.

She analysed the farm incomes of 151 farmers over a range of farming systems and areas over 14 years and found that over these years the gap between the highest and lowest earners changed very little. That is, none of the farmers in the bottom 25% of those analysed moved up and none of the top 25% slid down. A bit like the premier football league, the same names stayed at or near the top, the mid-table and relegation strugglers struggled on year by year.

It makes me wonder whether the annual reports on, say, beef and sheep production produced by organisations such as Quality Meat Scotland do any good. They prove consistently that good managers in control of costs are in the top third and those whose management is poorer and can’t control costs are in the bottom third.

What these reports are intended to do is encourage the bottom third of performers to improve. They don’t show year to year whether they do. What Ms Kasprzyk’s project indicates is that they don’t. She concludes: “Inequality within the industry is structural and persistent and the higher incomes are held by a small proportion of farmers”, no matter how hard Europe’s common agricultural policy (CAP) has tried to even incomes out.

I had occasion recently to have several lengthy phone calls with an insurance company which also involved some almost lengthy ‘on-hold’ spells. Irritating and frustrating, but I couldn’t help a wry smile as I listened, at different times, to ‘In or out of the money’, ‘Happy together, unhappy together’, and best of all, ‘Come rain or shine.’ An insurance company with a sense of humour? Surely not.

Great excitement at Shoogly Towers this week, as we have three broody hens. Every spring, nature tells some hens to creep into a full nestbox and sit on the eggs there. The more the merrier.

Once there, they become immoveable. Solid. Flattened down to the straw like some sort of chicken egg-cosy. Their feathers are all fluffed out, their tail sticks up in a v-shape, they put me in mind of a (mini, feathered) hovercraft.

All attempts to shift them are met with growls and odd screeches. Other hens queue up outside the boxes, almost crossing their legs, desperate to get in there to lay. But the broody hen will not budge. No siree. She’s made up her mind to be a mum, and be a mum she will.

Some folk try to ‘break’ broodies and the methods are many and various. But because we like to breed our own chunky chooks (with spare boys for the pot), if we get a broody we like to use it.

And this year we have our two new cockerels, Sergeant Murdoch the very handsome Scots Grey, and Gilou the La Bresse Gauloise (aka the French chicken).

As my few loyal readers might remember, Seargeant M is named after one John Murdoch, a relation of Mr E’s who was killed at the beginning of World War One. Gilou got his name because we are fans of the excellent French cop drama, ‘Engrenages’ (called ‘Spiral’ over here). Gilou is a banty cock of a man, one of lead character Capitaine Berthaud’s trusty sidekicks, whose retro policing style has a lot in common with DCI Hunt in Life on Mars.

Well, now will be the time to see whether Gilou and Sergeant Murdoch have been doing their proper cockerel job, if you get my drift. Aware of the younger reader who might have been forced to read this column as part of their punishment during school detention, I will keep it clean.

We had three hens determined to go broody this week, so we are letting them have their wish and have set up three lovely, quiet, cosy wee nest boxes with runs for them to sit in peace on eggs. Gamford even re-felted the tiny roofs, under the watchful eye of Queenie the turkey, acting in a supervisory role.

It’s a fine line between failure and success – you need to get in there quick and get them on some eggs before they decide to give up and wander off. It’s also important that you let them cause (major) disruption to the coop for a couple of days just to make sure that they are as committed as they seem, otherwise you pop the eggs under them and they jump up and wander off.

One has all green and blue eggs, the second has all brown eggs and the third, who is tiny, has a handful of eggs in cream and white. This clutch includes two teeny bantam eggs from our one and only bantam, which is the Young Master’s pet and isn’t getting any younger.

Hooefully, he pays it so little attention to it now that when it drops off the perch we can substitute (hopefully) one of its ‘mini-mes’ from this year’s hatch and he’ll be none the wiser.

Roll on Day 21 and hatchin’ time, and we’ll see if our boys have made the grade.

With the first reported cuckoo calls received and the swifts zooming overhead, I think we can safely say that spring is now officially under way.

On my favourite stretch of riverside walk, the spring flowers are coming into their own. In amongst the carpets of wild garlic and forget-me-nots, some hidden gems are there to be found if you look closely.

One is the strange wood goldilocks, which looks like a buttercup which has been in the wars. It is a straggly plant and the flower heads never seem to have a full compliment of five petals.

At first glance it seems to be a mixture of two plants, but detailed inspection reveals a confusion of palmately lobed basal leaves and whorls of narrow stem leaves on the same plant.

Not the most beautiful of flowers, but certainly one to look out for.

If you look even closer, there is one tiny flower in bloom just now, which is easily missed, but well worth seeking out. It is moschatel or “town hall clock”, so called because of the arrangement of blooms on a single stem.

Well-formed flowers have four flowers arranged like lighthouse beacons to the four points of the compass and a fifth flower pointing directly upwards.

The flowers are pale greeny yellow and only an inch or so in height, so good eyesight is required to find them. 

In damp places or by water, the water avens is in full flower at the moment.

It is a native plant and the wild cousin of the geums which we grow in our gardens. The nodding, cup-shaped flowers have dark red sepals and orangey-pink petals surrounding a cluster of yellow stamens; they hang delicately on long, purple stems.

The round leaves are usually found at the base of the stem. The colour combination is so unusual on this flower that it is definitely one of my favourites.

Different from all the previous ones, in that it towers above all else and is not native, is the sweet cicely.

Nonetheless I always look forward to its appearance on my riverside wanderings, as I can never resist crushing a portion of its soft feathery leaf between my fingers and inhaling the lovely aniseed aroma.

A member of the carrot family, it has blousy white flowers and was originally grown as a herb and has since escaped into the wild, where it is now well established.

With the leaf canopy rapidly thickening, it is becoming harder to see any bird activity, so why not cast your eyes downwards and enjoy the feast of wild flowers currently on display in our woodlands.

Email me on corbie@homecall.co.uk

Dedication to the health service was the theme at the Celebrating Excellence awards for NHS staff in the Borders.

The awards covered a wide spectrum of the services provided by NHS Borders staff.

The chairman’s award went to the Margaret Kerr Unit at the Borders General Hospital and the Specialised Palliative Care Team.

Chairman of NHS Borders John Raine said the event at Springwood Park in Kelso had been a special night for all involved.

He commented: “All of the finalists and winners were very proud and indeed humbled to have been nominated and recognised for what they consider to be simply doing their job.

“I thank everyone who nominated and contributed to making the evening such a success. This was the second Celebrating Excellence Awards and it is now firmly embedded in NHS Borders annual calendar and I am already looking forward to next year.”

The Rising Star Award

Marie Morrison is an individual who, in the course of her studies or work placement, has shown impressive dedication and commitment to furthering themselves and supporting the work of NHS Borders. Marie, a Student Nurse, East Brigs, is a mental health student with the Open University. She has shown herself to be dedicated and committed to her nursing studies. She goes above and beyond what is expected of a student nurse and as well as working all the hours allocated in her course, she has arranged days in addition to shadow other members of the multidisciplinary team to gain insight into their role and how the different disciplines mesh.

The Behind The Scenes Clinical Award

The Behind The Scenes Clinical award recognises an individual or team who may be out of the limelight but who provide invaluable support to frontline services or colleagues in other teams.

As Director of Medical Education, Dr Roddy Campbell has overseen improvements in the facilities, support and educational provision available to medical students and foundation doctors here in NHS Borders. He has managed the creation of the only dedicated medical education facility in NHS Borders – the Archie Cochrane Medical Education Room in the library. All his efforts have made a significant positive impact on the experience of medical students and doctors in training in NHS Borders.

Improving Health Award

The Improving Health Award recognises an individual or team who have made a real contribution to improving the health of colleagues or members of the wider public, or are helping people take control of their own health.

The Community Food Workers team of four develop and deliver a range of practical food- based initiatives to promote the importance of healthy eating. The sessions delivered, support families by enabling them to make positive choices and make sense of the vast array of food advice and dietary recommendations in a fun and non threatening way. They help promote a healthy lifestyle and support schools to deliver health and wellbeing in a hands-on practical way.

Innovation and Improvement Award

The Innovation and Improvement award recognises an individual or team that implemented changes, through inspired, creative or original thinking, which have improved the experience of patients, families and carers, or colleagues.

The winning Borders Emergency Care Service (BECS) have consistently sought creative solutions to the current challenges of delivering a high quality, safe unscheduled care service and has identified short and long term solutions, redesigning the service to create a sustainable model for the future.

Chairman’s Award

Chairman’s Award 2015: The Margaret Kerr Unit and the Specialist Palliative Care Team.

To recognise their outstanding contribution to the organisation, for upholding the NHS Borders values and for demonstrating true excellence.

The Behind The Scenes

Non-Clinical Award

The Behind The Scenes Non-Clinical award recognises an individual or team who may be out of the limelight but who provide invaluable support to frontline services or colleagues in other teams.

Grant Laidlaw, is NHS Borders Commissioning Project Manager who has set up a referral redirection process and in doing so provides invaluable advice, guidance and support to patients, GPs,consultants and other providers. The impact of Grant’s work has been a significant reduction in the number of non-tertiary referrals being sent to other providers, ultimately ensuring that services in the Borders remain sustainable for the Borders population.

Clinical Excellence Award

The Clinical Excellence award recognises an individual or team demonstrating initiative and personal motivation to provide exceptionally high quality and safe care.

The winning team from East Brigs represented the first ward in NHS Borders to undertake innovative small tests of change to improve their work in risk assessment and safety planning as part of the Scottish Patient Safety Programme. The staff team have worked extremely hard to ensure that patients feel safe in the ward and that any risks of harm are reduced whilst involving them in their care and making sure it is person centred.

Leading By Example Award

The Leading by Example award recognises an individual who has demonstrated excellent leadership skills by showing genuine concern for others, mentoring or supporting and enabling the development of people and services and inspiring and motivating others.

Linda Gray, a physiotherapist, has worked in NHS Borders for over 22 years. Linda has consistently surpassed expectations in her pursuit of professional excellence, she has modelled exemplary leadership, and she strives to improve the experience of patients, colleagues and students. Linda’s calm and compassionate manner ensure staff feel at ease and valued as she organises the busy Physiotherapy work environment with grace and skill, while also meeting her day-to-day responsibilities.

The Partnership Working Award

The Partnership Working award recognises an individual or team who has exemplified partnership working to ensure service development or improvement.

In 2012 Dr Olive Herlihy collaborated with medical education leads in NHS Lothian and NHS Fife to pilot a standardised induction programme.

In August last year the programme was rolled out across NHS Borders, NHS Lothian & NHS Fife for Foundation Year One doctors in the form of the South East Scotland Virtual Induction Passport. Dr Herlihy is overseeing the roll out of this innovative partnership to all doctors in NHS Borders, including locums, from August 2015, which will result in a consistent, efficient and safe induction that benefits everyone but ultimately the patients.

Supporter Of The Year Award

The Supporter of the year award recognises an individual or team who volunteer or support the organisation, provide an outstanding service and have shown exceptional commitment to supporting the work of NHS Borders.

Winner James Marjoribanks, as chairman of ‘the difference’ has been heavily involved in fundraising for the Dialysis Unit, Children’s Ward, The Lavender Touch and the most recent appeal which raised the £4.1 million for the Margaret Kerr Unit. Everything that James does is in addition to his day job as an accountant in Galashiels. His unselfishness and commitment to ‘the difference’ and the work of NHS Borders is outstanding.

The Person Centred Award

The Person Centred Care award recognises an individual or team who deliver high quality care while being responsive to individual needs and preferences. They are open and honest with service users and treat everyone with care, compassion, dignity and respect.

The Community Children Nursing Team provide care for children at home and in their wider community. They provide a wide range of care options related to each child’s individual needs and provide a service that covers children with life-threatening or terminal conditions, complex healthcare needs, acute illnesses/conditions and chronic conditions.

Gordon Arms owner Susan Cree has pledged the historic Yarrow Valley hotel will be rebuilt following Tuesday’s devastating fire.

The alarm was raised at the former coaching inn shortly after 2pm when a shepherd spotted smoke and alerted lunchtime diners.

Firefighters from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service stations at Selkirk, Innerleithen, Galashiels, Moffat and even Edinburgh were all involved in tackling the blaze which is believed to have started in the roof of the 200-year-old property near St Mary’s Loch.

No one was injured, but the roof and upstairs floor of the building are destroyed, and there is water damage to the downstairs areas.

Fire crews remained on site overnight and well into Wednesday, ensuring any remaining hotspots were damped down. Fire service investigators have also been combing the building for clues as to the cause.

But the extensive damage means the hotel, which also houses the Big Sky recording studios run by Ms Cree’s partner, Borders musician Tom Roseburgh, has been forced to cancel some forthcoming music events.

“Luckily, we only had some people in eating on Tuesday – we didn’t have any guests staying,” said Ms Cree, who took over the hotel along with Mr Roseburgh and another well-known musician, Malcolm ‘Shankend Mac’ McEwan, just three years ago.

Mr McEwan retired from the business last year and the hotel is now run solely by Ms Cree and Mr Roseburgh, who was travelling back from Germany yesterday.

“The bar and kitchen don’t seem too badly damaged, but the upstairs is gone,” said Ms Cree yesterday morning as she watched firefighters finishing up.

However, she says she and Mr Roseburgh are determined to restore the hotel – “We’ve worked really hard over the last three years, so it’s heart-breaking to see this. But we will rebuild it.”

Among comments on the hotel’s Facebook page was one from Megan Gordan: “All the people in Yarrow and Ettrick are thinking of you and wishing you well.” And from South of Scotland MSP and former Yarrow farmer Jim Hume: “Glad nobody hurt. Look forward to seeing the Gordon open for business. Thoughts with all.”

z See video of firefighters tackling the blaze at www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk

Lone Tory and new Scottish Secretary David Mundell has called for an end to bickering and for the country to move forward.

Mr Mundell was chased to the finishing line by the SNP and saw his majority in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale slashed from more than 4,000 to just under 800.

The Labour vote vanished like snow off a dyke and the Lib Dems – wiped out by the SNP in their Tweeddale stronghold – finished behind UKIP.

Activists from the SNP sat glued to a television in the Eastbrooks Hall at Dumfries as their tally of MPs grew and grew. There were groans when they failed to take Orkney and Shetland, and tears when they came so close to ousting Mr Mundell, who is now in his third term as the area’s MP.

Fresh from victory, Mr Mundell told The Southern: “The political landscape of Scotland has changed, but the decision of the people of Scotland – particularly clear in this area – in the referendum has not.

“We want to remain part of the United Kingdom and I will do everything in my power to ensure that happens, and that we are not forced into another referendum.”

And being confirmed as Secretary of State for Scotland, which comes with a Cabinet seat, he told us: “My priority is to ensure that the Scottish and UK Governments work constructively together in the best interests of the people of Scotland. It’s time to move on from bickering and politicking and instead take forward the issues and concerns important to people across Scotland. My first major task is to take through parliament the legislation that will enact the recommendations of the Smith Commission to increase the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

“I also want to be a strong voice for rural areas. Government at all levels has become far too urban-orientated and the needs of those who live in rural communities must be taken into account more.”

RESULT

David Mundell (Con) 20,759

Emma Harper (SNP) 19,961

Archie Dryburgh (Lab) 7,711

Kevin Newton (UKIP) 1,472

Amanda Kubie (Lib Dem) 1,392

Jody Jamieson (Green) 839

Turnout: 76.2%

Majority: 798

z Turn to pages 38-39 for a report from the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk contest.

Twenty-five-year-old David Forrest is the young man who has been chosen to carry the Blue Banner of St Ronan this year.

The chairman of St. Ronan’s Border Games, Keith Belleville, introduced David as Standard Bearer-Elect to Innerleithen townsfolk on Friday in a packed Memorial Hall.

David, a former pupil of St. Ronan’s Primary and Peebles High School works for local firm Glendinning Groundworks.

He has participated in all aspects of the Games over the years and is a worthy choice as Standard Bearer for 2015.

David’s Lass is Miss Shannon Knox, an events management student, herself also a keen follower of St. Ronan’s Games.

In accepting his appointment, David said: “It shall be my earnest endeavour to carry out the duties of the office of Standard Bearer to the satisfaction of my fellow townspeople. On behalf of my Lass, Shannon, and myself, I thank you, Mr Chairman, for your kind remarks and you ladies and gentlemen for the reception accorded to me this evening.”

David and Shannon say they are greatly looking forward to Games Week and to representing the town around the Borders.

Others introduced on Friday were the Principal Guest and the Lady Busser.

The 2015 Principal Guest is retired Innerleithen GP, Dr Robert Cumming. Dr Cumming will deliver the main speech during the Cleikum Ceremonies on July 17 and is well qualified for the role having taken a keen interest in Games Week, helping out on many occasions.

Ellen Frost, who was Dux Girl in 2010, will buss the colours at this year’s festival of the Cleikum. Ellen is a fifth year pupil at Peebles High School, currently undertaking her Highers.

Following the introduction ceremony, Innerleithen Pipe Band provided the soundtrack to a very energetic Standard Bearers’ Reel which was danced in the hall, instead of outside, due to inclement weather. A reception was then held when visiting principals and other invited guests were entertained.

Mr Belleville will introduce St. Ronan, the Dux Girl, Monks, Sash Girls and Lantern Bearer on Wednesday June 17, completing the line-up for this year’s celebrations.

A teenager who caused £600 damage after setting fire to toilet paper in public toilets was sentenced to a 12-month community payback order with 140 hours of unpaid work.

At Selkirk Sheriff Court, on Monday, Sheriff Kevin Drummond told Jack Neville: “You have done damage which the community will have to pay for, and you will make some form of recompense for that by 140 hours of unpaid work in the community.”

Neville was due to meet friends in Peebles at 10am, but arrived in the town at 7.30am.

He went into the public toilets at Kingsmeadows car park and set fire to toilet paper with a lighter. The 17-year-old first offender later returned and repeated the offence, with two dispensers catching well alight and causing considerable smoke damage.

Neville, of St Mungo’s Lea, West Linton, admitted wilfully setting fire to toilet paper dispensers on November 4.

At a previous hearing, prosecutor Tessa Bradley said a cleaner noticed burnt toilet paper in one of the cubicles and that a dispenser had melted and burned, after the accused’s first visit.

Ms Bradley went on: “He went back and set fire to toilet paper in three cubicles, with two catching well alight and causing a large amount of smoke.”

The police and fire brigade attended, and Neville was standing next to a fire engine watching what was happening.

“He was spoken to by police and told them, ‘Some people have no respect’,” continued Ms Bradley, who said the toilet walls were badly scorched.

She said the toilets had to be closed while repairs were made. Neville was asked to empty his pockets and removed a lighter.

Someone serving at a nearby snack van confirmed the accused had been seen at the toilets earlier that morning.

“He said he was trying to keep himself warm, but the reporting officer felt he had an unhealthy interest in fire,” concluded Ms Bradley.

The prospect of all Scottish Borders Council’s roads services, including winter gritting and emergency pothole repairs, being taken out of local control proved too much for senior elected members this week, writes Andrew Keddie.

They had been asked to consider a Scottish Government proposal for the services, which employ more than 400 staff, to be transferred to an Edinburgh, Lothians, Borders and Fife (ELBF) limited liability partnership – a formal collaboration with five other local authorities to “reduce costs and drive through efficiencies”.

Commercial services director Andrew Drummond-Hunt, in a report to SBC’s executive on Tuesday, said: “This flows from Scottish Government initiatives towards shared services generally.”

He said SBC and the five other councils had many functions in common, including repairs and surveying, salt and gritting, traffic light maintenance and weather forecasting, and officers from each local authority already met informally to share information and experiences.

However, under the ELBF model, such collaborations would be formalised and extended to include asset management, joint procurement, new road and street works, road safety, street lighting and staff training.

But Mr Drummond-Hunt cautioned: “The council will need to ensure it retains access to resources to deliver roads services to the Borders to at least the same standard as at present. In particular it would need to ensure it retains the capability to maintain gritting levels and responsiveness to reactive maintenance such as pothole repairs.”

He also stressed that the role of SB Contracts, the council’s 60-strong trading division which carries out the bulk of road repairs in the region and bids for contracts outwith the Borders, must not be compromised. Currently the only arm’s-length organisation of its kind in the ELBF area, SB Contracts is projected to make a surplus of £652,000 this year to support a range of other council services and budgets.

However, Mr Drummond-Hunt warned that if SBC did not “constructively engage” with the ELBF process, it was likely the Scottish Government would step in and order a radical restructuring of roads authorities across Scotland.

To obviate such a sanction he recommended – and councillors agreed – that SBC, while declining to join ELBF at present, should adopt a “watching brief” which would allow the proposal to be revisited in future.

The executive also agreed that an internal review of all roads services should be undertaken to determine the “best operating model” for in-house services.

The results of the review will be reported back to the executive by the end of this year.

Just hours after the SNP’s general election landslide, leader Nicola Sturgeon declared: “The tectonic plates of Scottish politics have shifted.”

They certainly did in the Borders, where half a century of Liberal/Lib Dem representation at Westminister was swept away by the political tsunami which washed over the whole country. Previous incumbent Michael Moore – lauded, even by political opponents, as a decent and honourable man – was caught up by, in the reputed words of former Tory PM Harold Macmillan, “events, dear boy, events”.

A feather in this region’s cap was the appointment of David Mundell, who speaks for the Tweeddale part of the Borders in the Commons, as Secretary of State for Scotland – a position held by Mr Moore in the previous government.

Mr Moore’s replacement, the SNP’s Calum Kerr, now has five years to build up a defence of his 328-vote majority after Borderers jettisoned their traditional “aye-been” mentality.

But he may not be able to solely rely on his party’s performance or fortunes in order to be returned to Westminster in 2020 – developing a personal vote in an area which plumped strongly to remain part of the Union during the independence referendum could be the key to his continued success.

Scottish Borders Green Party is holding a public meeting in the upstairs function room of Reivers, High Street, Galashiels, at 7pm on May 21.

Westminster candidates Jody Jamieson and Pauline Stewart will be present, along with the party’s lead candidates for next year’s Scottish Parliament election.

The famous Kelpies maquettes will arrive in Kelso Square at 11am tomorrow (Friday) – and will remain on display there until Monday.

The three-metre high equine artworks heading for the Tweedside town were hand-crafted by renowned Scottish sculptor Andy Scott as models to create the world’s largest equine sculpture, The Kelpies, at Falkirk.

The visit coincides with one of the biggest annual weekends on the Kelso calendar, which also sees Floors Castle Horse Trials and the Border Vintage Agricultural Association’s annual rally at Springwood Park.

In a joint statement, Kelso councillors Tom Weatherston, Alec Nicol and Simon Mountford said being able to bring the Kelpies maquettes to Kelso was a real coup for the town.

“Having the Kelpies in front of the town hall on these dates will also make the most of having large numbers of visitors at Springwood Park and Floors too,” they commented, adding: “Hopefully, the combination of these three great attractions will be a major boost to our local traders.”

The sculptures have been touring the United States, and have also appeared at the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and this year’s Grand National.

Charity fundraiser Joyce Wright is about to raise much-needed cash for an orphanage in Nepal that was badly hit by the first earthquake.

She has taken the Tower Street pop-up shop for her fundraiser on Saturday, May 23.

The OCCED Naxai children’s home is in Kathmandu and was established by businessmen as an educational centre, and houses more than 40 children from a year to 16.

The building is too dangerous to enter as there are fears it could collapse, and the children and volunteers are living in a gazebo.

OCCED was already raising money for a move to a better building when the earthquake struck.

Joyce told us: “They still need £15,000 to get the buuilding that has been identified, but even when they raise the full sum they will not have access for a few months, so will need to raise enough to be able to rent something in the meantime.

“They really need a roof over their heads, which is why donations are urgently required.”

z Also on May 23, the Camera Club has a sale of its works in the clubrooms (10am-1pm) for Nepal.

The scheme to get rid of illegal pesticides which could be used to poison wildlife will close on May 29.

The pesticides disposal scheme allows those who know, or suspect they are in possession of certain pesticides which are illegal, to dispose of them safely and confidentially.

To date, more than 80 requests for collection and disposal have already been accepted through the scheme. The most common requests have been for Sodium Cyanide and Strychnine.

There have also been five requests for disposal of Mevinphos, which has been banned since the early 1990s and five requests for disposal of Carbofuran, with more than 80kg accepted for collection so far.

Announcing the closure, environment minister Dr Aileen McLeod said: “Since it was launched on February 23, the pesticides disposal scheme has resulted in the removal of some extremely dangerous substances from our environment. By helping to dispose of them now, we are ensuring these stocks can never be used in the future to illegally target Scotland’s wildlife.

“I would encourage people to carefully and safely check sheds and outbuildings for old stocks of illegal substances. If you are, or think you may be, in possession of illegal pesticides, I strongly encourage you to phone the disposal scheme line before it closes on May 29.

“Tackling wildlife crime is a key priority for the Scottish Government. We have the strongest wildlife legislation in the UK, and in the last few months we have seen the first ever custodial sentence for the killing of birds of prey and the first conviction of a land owner under the vicarious liability provisions, for crimes committed in 2012.

“Arrangements are also in place for SNH to restrict the use of general licences where there is evidence of wildlife crime. I believe this sends out a clear message to those who continue to illegally target Scotland’s wildlife that their actions will not be tolerated.”

Rob Livesey, vice-president of NFU Scotland, said: “It is imperative that any farmer and crofter with one of these products acts now to get it disposed of free of charge and anonymously via the scheme.

“We understand that it is a very busy time of year, but it would be great to see a surge of enquiries during the last month so that as much is taken out of circulation as possible. Don’t delay, call today.”

Dr Colin Shedden, director of BASC Scotland, said: “Nobody has any reason or right to possess any of the pesticides covered by this disposal scheme.

“It is in the interest of everyone’s safety, including those who even suspect that they might have banned pesticides, to get in touch and arrange the safe and free disposal afforded by this scheme.”

Borders gamekeeper Alex Hogg, chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, added: “This has been a very worthwhile scheme, as the take-up proves. It is likely there are people out there who, until now, have had no way of identifying or safely disposing of chemicals which should no longer be held. We hope even more pesticides are collected before this month’s deadline.”