Borderer Peter Aiton is celebrating after being promoted to partner at CKD Galbraith.

The country’s leading independent property and rural consultancy firm announced five key promotions last week.

This included Aiton leaving the building survey department to becoming partner, working from Edinburgh.

The 30-year-old is the youngest member of staff to be made a partner of the firm.

Tim Kirkwood, chief executive for CKD, said: “We have continued to enjoy growth across our various business streams, particularly in the commercial and building surveying sectors. Our building surveying service continues to grow rapidly.

“Peter joined the firm in 2010 and after rapid promotion to senior associate, joins the partnership as the youngest partner. Having started his career in London, he returned home to the Borders, where he originates from.

“Currently, he is working across the UK in both the commercial and rural sectors of the firm.”

The Borders and Scottish farming industry has lost one of its leading lights after the death of Yarrow farmer and entrepreneur Tom Renwick on April 25. He was 76.

Mr Renwick’s expertise in agriculture, notably the breeding of Cheviot and Blackface sheep, was matched by an equally astute business sense which led him to establish the Cardrona village and golf course near Peebles.

The respect in which Tom Renwick was held throughout the Borders and beyond can be gauged by the large number of mourners who attended his memorial service in Peebles Old Parish Church, where the oration was given by Mr Renwick’s life-long friend and fellow farmer John Campbell of Glenrath.

An unstinting work ethic, combined with the foresight to make the most of commercial opportunities, were the building blocks of Tom Renwick’s highly successful farming and business careers – talents that were formally recognised in 2004, when the Queen presented him with an MBE at Holyrood Palace.

Born in 1938 at Riskenhope in the Yarrow Valley, where his father John was shepherd, Tom was only two when his father died of pneumonia. One year later his mother Mary took him and his older sister Sheila to live in a farm cottage at Catslackburn.

In 1944 Tom’s mother married Walter Douglas, the farmer at Catslackburn, and the couple had four children – Muriel, Norman, Oliver and Walter.

After attending Yarrow School, Tom moved on to Selkirk High School. His education was cut short following the death of his stepfather in 1952, and he left school aged 14 to work on the farm and support his mother and siblings.

In 1957 Tom married Sybil Inglis, a fellow member of the Selkirkshire Young Farmers, and the couple went on to have four children – Gordon, Billy, Tommy and Pamela. With a large family at Catslackburn, Tom decided to leave and was appointed farm manager at the Glen Estate in 1966. Four years later Mr Renwick bought Craig Douglas Farm in the Yarrow Valley. He eventually leased the whole of Glen Estate, including Glen House, and in 1981 purchased Blackhouse Farm, once shepherded by poet and author James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd.

Two years later he took over the lease of Traquair Knowe Farm and he and Sybil moved to live there.

By this time Tom Renwick’s managerial and executive skills were becoming widely recognised in the farming world. After serving as president of the Selkirk NFU, in 1978 he was appointed president of the Borders Area NFU for Scotland.

He was also a member of the NFU headquarter’s livestock committee, president of Yarrow Show, a member of the Scottish Agricultural Arbiters Association and a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society.

He served as and director and then chairman of livestock auctioneers Lawrie & Symington, and undertook two terms as area director of the Royal Highland Show, as well as being an honorary vice-president, and in 2008 proudly presented his grandson Steven with the Texel Championship.

Rugby was a life-long passion. A speedy wing, Tom represented Selkirkshire and the South of Scotland at semi-junior level, making his senior debut for Selkirk at the age of 17.

He recalled playing against Durham City where he marked Mike Weston, who went on to captain England and tour with the British Lions.

A knee injury forced him to curtail his playing days earlier than he would have liked, but he remained one of Selkirk Rugby Club’s most dedicated supporters, taking particular pride in the exploits of his grandson Andrew Renwick, captain of Selkirk’s 1st XV for the past two seasons, and who helped the team win promotion to the Premiership in March with a perfect winning record of played 22, won 22.

He had tremendous enthusiasm for the breeding of Blackface sheep, selling many top pens of females and also seeing Glen, Blackhouse and Williamhope all top Lanark Tup Sale. He derived equal pleasure from showing and judging sheep, winning numerous trophies at local shows, and being asked to judge no fewer than three times at the Royal Highland Show.

Arguably the biggest legacy of Tom Renwick’s career will be the creation of Cardrona. The golf course, hotel and housing complex was over 10 years in the planning, during which time Mr Renwick had to contend with numerous objections, planning knockbacks and economic uncertainty. His perseverance and unshakable faith in the project eventually triumphed, with the championship golf course, designed by Dave Thomas, opening in 2001, followed soon afterwards by the construction of the first of the village’s 320 homes.

Five years ago, following heart surgery, Tom suffered a stroke. The next 10 months were spent in hospital and left him confined to a wheelchair.

True to character he refused to let his new situation impinge on his day-to-day routine, and would regularly be driven by Sybil to inspect livestock on his three sons’ farms. A month ago Tom travelled to Lanark to see Gordon selling cattle, being delighted to make use of the mart’s lift in order to secure a bird’s eye view of the auction ring.

Away from farming and rugby, Tom’s other interests included football, curling, gardening and a special love of Scottish country dance music.

A family man through and through, he took particular interest and pride in the lives and achievements of his four children, 10 grandchildren and his one great-granddaughter.

His 58-year marriage to Sybil was the cornerstone of a happy and successful life, and deepest condolences are extended to her and the family.

J.D.R.S.

You know summer has finally arrived when St Boswells kicks off the season of festivals and common ridings with its annual Village Week.

And that means summer for 2015 arrives over the weekend of May 30 and 31 this year, with a packed programme for all the family.

The full programme is as follows:

Saturday, May 30: coffee morning, 9.30-11.30am in village hall, £1 per person; family tennis fun day and barbecue at tennis court, 2-5pm, admission free; St BOSWELLS LIVE! 7.30pm in village hall. Tickets from Post Office or via
www.stboswellslive.com

Sunday, May 31: Car Boot Sale, 9am-1pm on The Green.

Monday, June 1: Jango Starr (children’s entertainer), 10.30am-12.30pm in village hall, suitable for all ages, £3 including lunch bag and snack.

Golf Fun Day, from 2.30-5pm in golf club, and barbecue from 5pm. Free.

Tuesday, June 2: Evening Guided Walk, from 6.30pmwith John Wood. Along Dere Street, three hours’ duration (moderate). Meet at bus stop (not suitable for push/wheelchairs. Shared transport to/from start/end of walk).

Wednesday, June 3: Car Treasure Hunt, 6pm, starts and finishes at village hall (followed by ‘soup supper’ in hall and results). £5 per car.

Thursday, June 4: afternoon tea for all, 2.30-4pm in church hall (£2/£1/under-5s free).

Beat The Retreat on The Green, 6pm. Free.

Boswells Got Talent, 7-9.30pm in village hall (£3 adults/£2 concessions).

Friday, June 5: Lunch Club, noon-1.30pm in church hall.

Family football at the rugby club (barbecue, food and tuck shop).

Saturday, June 6: coffee morning, 10am in church hall.

Pet Show, 11am on the Green plus Cake & Candy Stall.

Climb on board a Fire Engine, 11am on the Green.

Fancy Dress Parade, 3pm on The Green (Theme is Something Sweet), free, results at 3.45pm. Family Disco, 4-6pm in village hall (free).

Sunday, June 7: church service, 10.45am and Silver Band on the Croft,11.45am. Coffee after service in church hall; Traditional Potted Sports, 2pm, on The Croft (free); Village Race, 4pm. Plus Silver Band and presentation of medals and raffle.

Game of rounders and barbecue, 6pm at cricket club (bar open afternoon/evening).

See posters and daily blackboard notices during Village Week or regular updates on St Boswells Village Facebook page.

Angler Wayne Longstaff proudly lifts the 33lb fish which saw him presented with the Bemersyde Trophy this month, for the largest fly-caught Atlantic salmon, caught and released, on the River Tweed in 2014.

Mr Longstaff, from North Yorkshire, caught his trophy-winning spring fish in the Cottage Stream pool on the river’s Hendersyde beat last May. His ‘fish of a lifetime’ was superbly shaped, in prime condition and sea-liced.

The salmon was caught on a Hardy Elite rod with a Hardy 2000 reel, a Mach 55 sink-tip fly line and a Pot-Bellied Pig fly. The accuracy of the weigh-net was subsequently verified by keen angler John Taylor of Wylie Butchers in Kelso.

Friendly handshakes were exchanged and a stirrup cup enjoyed when Galashiels’ Braw Lad Cameron Pate, Braw Lass Abbie Frankland and Selkirk’s Royal Burgh Standard Bearer Scott Rodgerson met at the traditional Spurs Night rideout on Friday. Scott and his Burleymen forded the Tweed at the Abbot’s Ford for the meeting at Galafoot.

Riders were escorted into the town by Galashiels Ex-Servicemen’s Pipe Band for a short ceremony outside the Auld Mill which included a stirrup cup.

At the Gala Souters’ dinner, chairman George Emond presented the spurs.

Speakers included Selkirk Provost David Anderson and ex-Provost Jim Henderson.

Digital Precision Eyecare has come to Specsavers in Galashiels.

Using imaging software on tablet devices this is a cutting-edge way of selecting and fitting customers’ glasses. It’s a quick and easy process which ensures a perfect fit every time.

The body which has run the world famous fishery on the River Tweed and its catchment for over 200 years will meet on June 1 to discuss radical reforms which could lead to its demise.

Under policy options set out at the weekend by the Scottish Government, the self-financing River Tweed Commission (RTC) would cease to exist and be replaced by a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO).

The paper embraces the results of an independent review group which reported late last year.

Unveiling 12 weeks of consultation on Friday, environment minister Dr Aileen McLeod MSP said: “The Scottish Government will take forward an ambitious programme of wild fisheries reform.

“Scotland’s wild fisheries are a valuable natural resource and it is therefore vital we have a modern, evidence-based management system that is fit for purpose in the 21st century.”

The consultation proposes that a network of SCIOs, fully representative of all fishing interests, including local authority and public sector, should operate across Scotland and be funded by a national levy.

In order to draw up a response to the consultation, the RTC will hold a special meeting in the Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso, at 9.30am on Monday, June 1.

However, there seems little doubt commissioners will deliver a resounding call for the status quo as far as Tweed is concerned.

Nick Yonge, clerk to the RTC, told us: “When the review reported last year, the RTC agreed that a new wild fisheries management system could be appropriate for the rest of Scotland and that it should be based on a decentralised and locally empowered model. However, the River Tweed already has such a system which works well and addresses the legal and administrative requirements of cross-border fisheries management.

“Together with biological support from the Tweed Foundation, the RTC is self-funding and does not receive financial support from central government either in Scotland or England.

“Set up more than 200 years ago, it is both democratic and accountable, its 81 commissioners comprising 43 appointed by Scottish Borders Council and Northumberland County Council, including representatives of local angling clubs, and a minority, 38, appointed by salmon fishery proprietors.

“Tweed enjoys an international reputation for being well managed and its fisheries contribute £18million to the local economy, supporting the equivalent of 480 full-time jobs.

“Therefore, the RTC does not consider it appropriate for the Tweed to be constituted as part of the new system which the Scottish Government has proposed.”

The consultation ends on August 7.

Seven-year-old Ben Hibberd of Fountainhall Primary has won the regional finals of the competition to design the cover of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival programme.

The school was encouraged to take inspiration from French artist Henri Matisse, who cut up materials to use in his paintings.

Finally, the greenhouse is emptying. All those tenderly planted seeds, swaddled in home-made compost and lovingly watered, are now growing up into proper plants.

Two full-length tiers of staging were crammed with seed trays. I grow bedding every spring for my (many) tubs and a selection of veg for the three raised beds. Strawberry p!ants and raspberry canes are a permanent fixture, but the veg changes every year. Well, except for Gamford’s prize tatties which are hand chosen each year from the seed potato varieties at Potato Day, carefully chitted and eventually planted out in one of the three beds.

All the rest is up for discussion, debate and planning.

We always grow copious quantities of lettuce, which we use as salad leaves, picking what we need and letting it grow back again. Cut and come again, as they call it.

I sow in three-week intervals so there is always a plentiful supply late on in the year. It’s such a good feeling not to have to jump in the car and race off to the shops on a hot afternoon because you forgot the lettuce and tomatoes for the BBQ – only to get there and find the shelves empty because it’s a baking July afternoon and everyone has had the same idea.

Speaking of tomatoes, this is one crop I’ve had real problems with.

I never seemed to sow them early enough and would end up with pikes of unripe fruit at the end of the summer.

I had to make jar after jar of green tomato chutney one year, and the year before last I refused to grow them at all, so traumatised was I at the enforced chutney-making.

Last year I tried Tumbling Tom in large containers, and kept them in the greenhouse.They grew rapidly into fairly compact but very bushy plants, laden with juicy red orbs. Success!

So Tumbling Tom it is this year, as well.

My friend, the lovely Yvette, and I both had great success with a frizzy green lettuce called Mizuno. No matter how heavily we harvested it, like ‘Terminator’ Arnie, it just kept coming back. And it never, ever bolted.

This year we are trying Mizur, a similar variety, so we’ll compare notes at the end of the season again.

Adventurous Yvette is also trying mini-squash this year. I am sticking to the more well-kent spinach and our perennial fave, chard.

So far, the spinach is a great improvement on the previous years when I’ve tried it, and it has bolted before I’ve even got it out of the greenhouse.

Gamford is also trialling dwarf French beans, or bush beans as he’s calling them, which makes them sound like an exotic Nigerian delicacy rather than referring to their habit.

Then there’s the more usual cosmos, nasturtium, alyssum, sweet peas and marigolds which I’ve just planted out in the tubs which look quite weedy just now.

Hopefully, they’ll fill out over the summer months (like they usually do) and give us a good show.

Three outings, during the past week in the central Borders, have been extra enjoyable, and all for totally different reasons.

Firstly, I had a real shocker while on a trip to Craik Forest, on a cold squally afternoon.

I was sitting in the car in the picnic area next to the infant Borthwick Water, reading the paper, when suddenly my wife shouted “Look at that!” Across the burn, completely oblivious to our presence, a young badger was trundling along the waterside path, no more than 20 feet away from the car.

I was so amazed that I forgot to reach onto the back seat and grab the camera. We watched it for about half a minute, until it eventually disappeared round the corner.

It was even more amazing to consider that we saw this nocturnal creature at two o’ clock in the afternoon!

On Saturday morning, I had a lovely wander round Selkirk Hill, dodging the worst heavy shower by seeking refuge in the convenient brick-built shelter.

The Hill is well known for its spectacular display of colour in late August when the heather is in full bloom, but just now it is the gorse which is stunningly beautiful.

There are always a few flowers on gorse at any time of year, but in May it is absolutely laden with blinding yellow flowers, which give off a delicious peachy scent.

Compact gorse is ideal for a range of nesting heath land and farmland birds, including the stonechat, linnet and yellowhammer.

The dense structure also provides important refuge for these birds in harsh weather. It is no accident that the yellowhammer has canary yellow plumage when you consider that its preferred habitat consists mainly of bright yellow whins.

Gorse is also important for invertebrates; it is in flower for long periods, so is an important nectar source in early spring and early winter, when little else is in flower.

My final excursion was to the Woodside Garden Centre near Ancrum on Sunday, when after watching the live CCTV images of a family of great tits in a garden nest box, I had a stroll up the section of the Border Abbeys Way which runs up the glen behind the gardens.

The woods were filled with the smell of wild garlic and the dappled shade was resplendent in carpets of bluebells and forget-me-nots.

We are so lucky in the Borders to have such a variety of wonderful places to visit.

British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) chief executive officer Ian Hartley says the upcoming wool season will see overall payments to producers at similar levels to the 2014 season, with slight increases within specific types and breeds.

The BWMB’s competitive auction system is a tried and tested method of delivering the best possible wool returns for producers and once again proved itself in 2014, a period of very challenging market conditions with the ever changing currency fluctuations, coupled with the much reported slowdown in economic activity in our major export market, China.

Mr Hartley said: “This is a positive outcome and is the result of the Board’s proactive selling policy, ensuring the best possible prices are achieved.

“Following this strong performance over the last 12 months, and with minimal stock carryover into the new season, the outlook is positive heading into the 2015 season, with demand for all types of wool strong in both the domestic and overseas markets.

The following 2015 guide wool clip values were announced - Cheviot £1.35/kg, Romney £1.30/kg, Texel £1.22/kg, Mule £1.16/kg and Blackface £0.90/kg.

Mr Hartley added: “The Board continues to support the Campaign for Wool (CfW) which generates a global profile and has been hugely influential in driving demand for British wools in a number of emerging markets.

“Our organisation is a tremendous example of collaborative marketing and I urge every sheep farmer to put their weight behind it”.

On Sunday, June 7, hundreds of farms across the country will be opening their gates to welcome the public for the tenth Open Farm Sunday.

This annual event organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), offers a great way for people to find out more about where their food comes from, talk to the farmers who produce it and get up close and personal with the countryside.

Farming is a progressive industry and has made many changes and innovations in the past ten years, with farmers using a mixture of traditional and modern technology on their farms. Some of the most recent introductions include drones, robot milking machines and even driverless tractors.

Opening their North Bellshill Farm as part of this popular initiative are Belford farmers John and Helen Renner.

Helen said: “Bellshill is a traditional mixed family farm located between Berwick and Alnwick, bordering the edge of the Northumberland National Park. The Renner family has farmed in this area for over 400 years.

“The farm is split over two sites extending to 500 acres. We have a herd of home bred ewes and suckler cows. The highest point on our farm is 170m above sea level and there are some excellent views over the countryside.

“Our strong tradition of combining environmental care with practical farming runs right through the business. We are a LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) Demonstration Farm, highlighting our dedication to sustainable farming.”

What to see and do at North Bellshill Farm on Open Farm Sunday: Walk through the farm, experience the wildlife and take a look at the farming practices; Visit the pond and go pond dipping!; Experience the fantastic views of the countryside; Learn about the heritage of potatoes, and find out how to grow your own!

North Bellshill Farm’s Open Farm Sunday event will take place on June 7 from 10am-4pm.

A visit to a farm on Open Farm Sunday is guaranteed to be packed with a host of different experiences. When did you last hear a cow moo, a pig grunt or a sheep baa? How long since you walked across a field and took time to look at all the wildlife that live there, like the bees and other insects that pollinate the crops, the birds that nest in the hedgerows and the worms that help to look after the soil?

As well as producing our food, farmers are responsible for managing the countryside and all the wonderful wildlife that lives there.

Come and meet the farmers who grow the wheat and oats that go into our breakfast cereals and bread and look after the cattle and hens that produce our milk and eggs. Talk to them about how they rear the meat that goes into our Sunday roasts and sausages and see first hand how our fruit and vegetables are grown.

Alongside Open Farm Sunday, farms across Britain also host Open Farm School Days which will run throughout June. They will provide thousands of school children with the opportunity to visit a farm to learn more about where their food comes from and how it is produced.

A unique ‘school’, set up in the Borders in December to preserve and pass on traditional kilt-making skills, has just produced its first batch of graduates.

And its reputation is such that the new intake of students for its introductory course includes someone who is prepared to travel more than 160 miles each week to get there.

Based at Mount Pleasant Farm near Duns, Border Kilt Craft is the business brainchild of Rachel Hammerton, whose passion for tartan and clan history inspired the enterprise, and Anne Campbell, a master kilt-maker who has made more than 1,000 of the garments, including the one worn by actor Greg Wise at his celebrity wedding to Emma Thompson in 2003.

Their venture offers a guarantee that students will be able to complete a kilt in just eight weeks.

Rachel, who has given talks on the history of Scottish kilts in Italy, the US and the Czech Republic, explained: “We are attracting a wide range of students including a lady who wants to make baby kilts from tartan rather than washable material, and another who is to travel from Stonehaven – a distance of 160 miles – each week, which shows great dedication.

“Our courses cover the history of kilt making and textile production, preparation of workspace, stitching, assembly and fitting, and we welcome anyone who wants to learn – you don’t even need to know how to thread a needle. 

“We’re very pleased with the results of our first course. The combination of one day of intense tuition followed by homework to complete each stage is proving a successful package we can now confidently roll out.”

With help from Business Gateway Scottish Borders, Rachel is now looking to build on the initial success of Border Kilt Craft.

“Business Gateway has been very helpful, and its courses have given me lots of ideas on what I need to do next.

“Now that our courses have successfully started, I want to develop a one-day tourist offering in our workshop and a mobile workshop that will allow us to take our expertise directly to customers such as production companies or historic groups.” 

As a spinner and weaver, Rachel is also currently producing the first ‘Mount Pleasant Tweed’ on the 200-year-old Armstrong Loom that she moved from her former home on Loch Lomond to the Borders two years ago.

“It is great to see so much interest in what would be classed a ‘dying art form’,” said Rachel.

“Yes, there are factories producing cheaper machine-made kilts, and there is a place for those as you don’t want to wear your grandfather’s historic kilt to a football match, but what we teach is how to make a kilt that will last for generations and become a family heirloom.”

For more information on Border Kilt Craft visit www.borderkiltcraft.net

Once again the annual rally staged by the Borders Vintage Agricultural Association was a big hit and a major crowd-puller.

The weather over Springwood Park in Kelso was mixed, but didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of exhibitors or spectators.

Entries were up on last year – more than 650 on show.

The associations Davy Jamieson told us : “There was a tremendous turnout of tractors, heavy commercials and classic cars and all were presented to the highest standard. Stationary engines were in abundance and that class is growing every year. A special attraction was the Spitfire Merlin engine which, when fired up, brought music to many an ear.

“Tom French’s traction steam engine was a great attraction and was used in the tug of war – kids and families against steam. Naturally the kids proved much stronger than the engine.”

Davy added: “The motor bike section had a big entry and presentation was of excellent standard. The exhibits of models in the hall were much appreciated by the many who flocked in duringthe showers and that pleased the traders who had a good day of sales.”

BROOMLANDS

AGM

The May meeting was our AGM, which saw the resignation of our President for 30 years Miss Margaret Mills. Our new President will be Mrs Janet Grief, who will be supported during the next year by the existing officers and committee. Before she handed over the reins to Janet, Margaret thanked everyone for the support she has had over the years and then went on to present the Silver Rose Bowl for the most points awarded in the Cup Competition this year to Jill Freshwater, with Helen Cavers second, and third equal Elizabeth Bruce, Elizabeth Drummond and Nancy Jerdan. Helen Cavers was also the recipient of the cup given for the most points in the Fun Competitions over the year. On June 20 there will be a presentation of certificates to members of the WI who have been lifelong members. This will be in the Bonar Room at Kelso North between 2-4pm. Please pop in. Anyone wishing to go on the Mystery Tour on Saturday, June 6, please contact Mary Cron by phoning 01573 223925. Our next meeting will be on Monday, September 21, in the new meeting place at the Abbey Row Centre.

CADDONFOOT

Parish church

It was a hectic morning in Caddonfoot Parish Church on Sunday when the service was conducted by the Rev. Elspeth Harley. Caddonfoot Youth (CY) thanked everyone for their support for their ‘Count Your Blessings’ Project which raised £215 and included £95 from the baking sale. In the Parish, including Clovenfords, a total of just over £887, including £95.12 for Gift Aid, was realised for Christian Aid. Georgie Bird, who, as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, does voluntary work for Riding for the Disabled, is holding a sponsored silence for 48 hours in June to raise funds. James Macfarlane attended the General Assembly and gave a talk on his impressions, and said that it had been interesting and fruitful. During the service, Mrs Fay Brydon and Mrs Anne Grieve took part in a dialogue with reference to the Holy Spirit, which Mrs Harley featured in her address. Mrs Brydon also read from The Bible. Music was played by Andy and Catriona Bird. This Sunday (May 31) Ongdi Sherpa will address members and speak of the effect of the earthquakes on his village. There will be a retiring collection in aid of the Nepalese people.

canonbie

SWI mini show

A well-supported mini show and coffee afternoon was held by the Eskdale Group SWI in the village hall last Saturday and the hosts were joined in the various competitions by Ewes WI and Westerkirk WI. Canonbie WI provided a lovely meal and they also had considerable success in the competitions. They won the cup for overall Institute points which was received by their president Doreen Millar. In the individuals section there were also several Canonbie WI winners, with Anne Ludlam coming out top in the handicraft, Elma Aitken in the floral art and Dorothy Watson in education. There were two winners from Westerkirk WI with Catherine Tod taking the baking and Elizabeth McNeil the preserves. Ewes won the team test which was for a Children’s Book and they named it Paddington Bear visits Langholm. The Ewes team was Aileen Cavers, Kate Elliot, Maureen Brown, Liz Ewart, Joan Cubbon and Yvonne Jackson, accompanied by their president Sue Grant. Westerkirk was second and Canonbie third. Group chairman Margaret Sanderson thanked Canonbie WI for hosting the event and also praised the various people who had contributed to the success of the day. She then called on Irela Hamilton, the treasurer of the Dumfries Federation, to make the presentations to the various winners. Aileen Cavers from Ewes presented Irela with a box of chocolates. The event was well supported, with high quality entries and the day ended with a good raffle.

Cogsmill

SWI

Members had an interesting visit to Philiphaugh Gardens in Selkirk where they were shown round the gardens and greenhouses, finishing off with supper at The Woll. Next meeting is at Cogsmill Hall on June 10 when Liz Howieson will demonstrate her baking talents.

EARLSTON

Parish church

The service at 10.15am this Sunday (May 31) will be conducted by members of The Worship Team and refreshments will be served after the service. The Session meet on Monday night at 7.30pm in the church hall lounge. The service in Hanover Lounge on Tuesday afternoon will be at 3pm.

Coffee morning

The women’s section of the Earlston Royal British Legion Scotland branch is holding a coffee morning on May 30 in Hanover Close in aid of ex-servicemen’s charities.

ECKFORD

SWI

We visited Border Meringues in Jedburgh where we all had a go at piping meringues, then we had a tour of the new expanding premises. Orders for cakes go as far as Stornoway, Orkney and Shetland, packed on pallets and sent on the ferry. After drinks and cakes we went home with our meringues. Chris Robertson, Margaret Linton and Annette Fraser brought the winning tea towels and the ‘cakes made from any craft but not baked’ were won by Christine Tucker, Carol Wilson Green and Chris Robertson. We all enjoyed the outing.

ettrick

Cycle ride

The Ettrick Valley committee of Macmillan Cancer Support has organised a cycle ride for May 30. There is a choice of 29 or 47-mile routes in the Ettrick, Yarrow and Ashkirk areas. To enter online, visit rideettrickvalley.wordpress.com

galashiels

Probus club

At Kingsknowes Hotel on May 14 Alisdaire Lockhart gave an illustrated talk on the “First British Sports Car”, describing Vauxhall Motors, who developed a sports car which won its first Reliability Trial in 1908, and was the first car to do 100mph at Brooklands in 1910. In 1912 the car won the Royal Automobile Club’s Swedish Reliability Trial. In 2011 Alisdaire built a replica sports car of the 1912 model using parts from the original cars, some of which were sourced from Australia. He took his car to Sweden in 2012 for the Centenary of the 1912 RAC Reliability Trial. The highlight of his visit was that Alisdaire had brought his sports car to the Hotel to show us. After a push start he was able to drive the car away. The vote of thanks was given by Ian Purves. The next meeting is today (May 28) at 10am.

St Peter’s Church

The Sunday Squad children celebrated the church’s birthday with small cakes with candles that they couldn’t blow out.

GORDON

Plant sale

Gordon Flower Show Plant Sale will be held in the Village Hall this Saturday (May 30) 10am – 12noon.

GLENDOUGLAS

Plant sale

A plant sale in aid of the Lavender Trust charity starts at 10am on May 31.

hawick

Bridge club

May 19 results: 1 Valerie Johnstone & Marion Miller; 2 Helen & Malcolm Ouldcott; 3 John & Marian Miller.

Rotary club

President Sandy Bannerman welcomed four visitors to the Rotary Club last week from Galashiels and District Rotary Club: Dave Romanis, John Miller, Tom Ingoldsby and Rae Hastings – all Past Presidents. They heard the speaker, Bruce Simpson, describe his role as Communications Director of the Border Chamber of Commerce. He has had wide business experience in a variety of roles. A graduate in hotel and catering he has been involved in providing tourism advice all over Britain and also ran a pub in Fife as well as owning a publishing business in Glasgow. He is a tourism consultant in Hungary and Romania where he now spends a lot of time. Locally he also serves on Denholm and district community council. When he was at Fort William he was a member of Lochaber Rotary Club when time allowed. The Board is concerned with and promotes road improvement, rail links, broadband improvement and youth opportunities in the Borders and works closely with local MPs, Councils and Youth Commissions. Many questions were raised after which Jack Swanston, Paul Harris Fellow, gave the vote of thanks. On Tuesday, May 19, Sandy Bannerman, Jim Walker and Mairhi Trickett assisted at the School’s Countryside Day at Springwood Park, Kelso.

innerleithen

Parish church

The service this Sunday (May 31) will be in the Hall of Friendship at 9am.

KELSO

Bridge club

May 20 results: Tom Peel Quaich 1 Alex Jeffrey & Alison Ireland; 2 David Harris-Burland & Gerry Eglington; 3 Ian Watson & John Urquhart; 4 Sheena McPherson & Annie Mitchell; 5 Alison Darling & Bob Stevenson; 6 Rena Stewart & Miles Browne. Thursday, May 21 - Aggregate Pairs N/S 1 Rena Stewart & Maureen Weightman; 2 Dorothy Graham & Lynda Douglas; 3 Bob Stevenson & Lee Leeson. E/W 1 Annie Mitchell & John Loudon; 2 = Chris Anthony & Marion Miller and Shirley Armstrong & Moira Ayton.

Parish church

Kelso North and Ednam Parish Church. Trinity Sunday, this Sunday (May 31) Ednam – 9.30am Morning Worship. Kelso North – 11am Morning Worship.

Plant sale

A sale of plants and wood turning is being held on the Bowmont Street side of Kelso North Church this Saturday (May 30) from 9am to 12noon, all in aid of Church funds.

LANGHOLM

Arts and crafts

A new shop of high quality arts and crafts has opened on the High Street. Extensive work has been carried out on what was once the old mini market and the name of the new shop is Cut the Mustard Gallery. It will be run by Lisa Rothwell-Young, a jeweller, and Barry Young, a photographer. There are more than 24 different exhibitors with items for sale. The business has been supported and encouraged by The David Stevenson Trust.

Concert

The Town Band are holding a concert in the Buccleuch Centre on Saturday (May 30) when the Scottish champions Whitburn Band will be the top attraction. The junior Band will also entertain during the evening, when everything kicks off at 7.30pm. Tickets can be obtained by phoning the Buccleuch Centre box office on 013873 81196, or you can pay at the door.

Special service

The Academy S6 pupils attended a service in their honour, along with family and friends, in recognition of their graduation. The service was led by headteacher Jason Sinclair, who delivered a history talk on a former head teacher of the school. Depute headteachers John McFadzean and Lindsay Brown presented the pupils with certificates and hoodies.

LAUDER

AGM

Lauder in Bloom AGM is on June 25 at 7pm in the Lauderdale Hotel.

Turn to page 30

From page 29

melrose

History society

Borders Family History Society will be hosting a talk, “Hatches, Matches & Dispatches” by Marjorie Gavin this Sunday (May 31) in the Corn Exchange, Market Sq, Melrose, TD9 6PN. Doors open 2pm, talk preceded by the Society AGM at 2.30pm. Refreshments. All welcome.

Border Flower Club

Jean McClure was demonstrator for the May meeting, with the curious title of Strictly Jeanious. Jean brought craft and talented designs throughout, starting with a Spring nest of woven willow with large and small roses. Next she used dogwood to make a cage, as well as the unusual Easter lily and ranunculus which were all white. Her next was a colourful fan-shaped design, created by a contrast of colours, with lilac liatris, orange marigolds and yellow spray chrysanthemums. A woodland was portrayed with many different types of foliage – white cala lilies, carnations and cream gerberas with unusual white centres. A lattice fence painted pale blue was used to interlace pussy willows, while the base was blocked with blue agapanthus, with the sea holly and deep green chrysanths used to give the height. Her finale was a superb tall piece of wood, using eucalyptus, pale anthuriums, lavender roses and a lovely orchid, which was cut down to the gasps of the audience. Next meeting is on Wednesday, June 3, at 7pm in our usual venue – the Corn Exchange, Melrose, when the demonstrator will be Hetty Redwood from Linlithgow with the title Happiness in Flowers. Visitors welcome.

MOREBATTLE

Fishing

The Morebattle & Caverton Mill Fishing Club Coffee Morning will be held in the Institute this Saturday (May 30) at 10.30am. Morebattle Fishing Competition will be held on Saturday, June 6. Names to David Gray by Thursday, June 4 for draw at Templehall at 9pm.

Guild

The Jedburgh East Presbyterial Council Church of Scotland Guild Summer Rally will be held at Morebattle Church on Wednesday, June 3 at 7.30pm. All Welcome. Tea & Sales Table to follow in The Institute.

WI

Winners of the competition “Something beginning with Q” – 1 Helen Cessford; 2 Wilma Horlock; 3 Mary Pringle. Powder Compact – 1 Nancy Anderson; 2 Margaret Blackmore; 3 Brenda Dixon.

newcastleton

Tub elected

Copshaw Common Riding this year will take place on Saturday, July 4. The unique event, which has folk on bikes instead of horses, elected the new Tub last week at the annual ball. Four candidates had forwarded their names and in a close contest John (Jock) Elliot was elected. The other three candidates were Dulcie Skelton, Mark Richardson and Mhairi Herd. The Tub’s first duty will be the Ride oot Bye on Saturday, June 20.

NEWTOWN

Community council

Nominations are invited to form a new Newtown St Boswells & Eildon village Community Council. This is a non-political group with the sole purpose of improving the village and services provided for the villagers. It is also the only collective village group with statutory rights and powers representing residents. People with different backgrounds, willingness to help and give a little of your time with one meeting each month. Your involvement would be interesting, rewarding and helpful and you’ll meet new people. Get nomination forms from the Newsagent, get proposer and seconder e.g. any friend or neighbour on electoral register, and submit to PO Box in SBC HQ building Reception by deadline 12 noon, June 5. See village website for more info. – newtowneildon.weebly.com

SWI

The next meeting of Newtown SWI will be held in the Community Wing on Thursday, June 4 at 7pm. The topic will be a talk on Guide Dogs. Members are reminded the competition will be “Fresh Flowers in a Tea Cup”. Last month members enjoyed an evening out and an excellent dinner at the Buccleuch Arms Hotel, St Boswells.

Seniors’ club

The last meeting of Newtown and Eildon Seniors’ Afternoon Club before the summer break will be on June 2 in the Community Wing from 2pm.

St Boswells

Pet show

The Guides, along with the Brownies, will be hosting a pet show on June 6 on The Green, starting at 11am. More information from Kirsten Forsyth (01835 823902/07795 417322).

STOW

Water singers

You can’t have lived in the Gala Water valley over the past two years and been unaware of “...the longest new domestic railway to be constructed in Britain for over 100 years...” taking shape. The community choir wanted to capture and celebrate this huge and unique event. How? Step forward John Nichol, one of the Borders’ greatest creators and performers of musical theatre. Gala Water Singers commissioned John to go into our valley schools and engage the children about the Borders railway. From the children came the ideas; from John came the lyrics; from Music Director Jim Letham came the music and on June 7 at 3pm Stow Church sees the World Première of ‘The Waverley Line’, sung by the adult and children’s joint choir, in celebration of this extraordinary event. The rest of the programme keeps to the theme, sometimes flexibly interpreted, of celebrating transportation, enhanced by soloist Fraser Harris from Selkirk, currently studying music in Aberdeen plus, once again, the joy of live musicians. Tickets (nibbles included) £8 (children free), from Stow shop, from John on 01578 730507 or on the door.

TRAQUAIR

Parish church

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on June 14 at 10.30am.

WALKERBURN

Parish church

The service this Sunday (May 31) in Walkerburn Public Hall will be at 10.30am.

YARROWFORD

Concert

BBC Radio Scotland Traditional Musician of 2006 Shona Mooney and friends present an evening of old favourites and contemporary compositions in Yarrowford Village Hall this Sunday (May 31) at 7.30pm. Tickets £8, £5 (children) and £20 (family) from 01750 76212.

YETHOLM

Coffee morning

Yetholm Guild would like to thank all who helped and attended the Coffee Morning last Saturday. £505 was raised which will go towards the Guild Projects this year.

Festival meeting

The last meeting before this year’s Festival takes place on Monday, June 1, at 7.30pm in Youth Hall. Programmes are now on sale in shops and Post Office at £1.50.

Grand auction

Yetholm Church are holding an Auction on Friday, June 5 in Wauchope Hall at 7pm. You can view items on Thursday June 4 from 7 - 8pm and on Friday from 6 - 7pm.

Live theatre

Tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm in Wauchope Hall, The Man Who Left the Titanic will be staged. Entry, £10, to include refreshments.

Shepherd’s show

The Show are holding a Sheep Stock Judging Event this Saturday (May 30) from 5pm on the Haugh. There will also be a Bouncy Castle, Barbecue and Bar. Come along and guess the weight of the heaviest, wooliest sheep!

wooler

At their weekly sale of Primestock last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 220 spring lambs, 125 hoggs and young sheep and 295 ewes. The first spring lambs of the season met hesitant demand for the time of year.

Leading prices per head:- Zwa:- £88.50 Barelees. Bel:- £84.50 (2) Chillingham Home Farm. Tex.x:- £82.50 Ladykirk, £81 Wagtail and Lilburn Estates, £80.50 Holy Island and Barelees, £80 Lilburn Estates and Ladykirk (4). Suff.x:- £82 Newstead, £80 Holy Island.

Leading prices per kilo:- Bel:- 228.4p, 206.1p Chillingham Home Farm. Tex.x:- 213.2p Wagtail, Rothbury, 202.5p Lilburn Estates, 200p (3) Ladykirk, 200p Lilburn Estates (2). Suff.x:- 200p Newstead.

Hoggs and young sheep sold easily.

Leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £91.50 Yetlington Lane, £80 Broomhouse, Cambo, £75.50 Ladykirk, £75 Broomhouse, Cambo. Mule:- £79.50 8, Mordington, £77.50 Ladykirk, £70.50 8, Mordington

Ewes slightly easier but still a good trade.

Leading prices per head:- Suff.x:- £123 Shipley Lane, £113 East Fleetham, £101 Shipley Lane, £99 (2) Mayfield, £95 Branton Eastside. Tex.x:- £115 East Fleetham, £105 Pallinsburn. Hamp:- £100 East Fleetham. Wen:- £95 Prior House, Berwick. Mule:- £94 Branton Eastside, £93 Shipley Lane, £92 Mayfield. BF:- £75 Branton Eastside, £72 Fawdon Farms.

Rams:- Ber:- £112 Mayfield.

st boswells

At their weekly Primestock sale on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 90 clean cattle, 54 beef cows, 260 old season lambs, 323 new season lambs and 428 ewes.

Bullocks (30) averaged 210.6p per kg and sold to 231p (+2.6p on week), heifers (58) averaged 212p per kg and sold to 252p (+4.4p on the week), 2 year old bulls averaged 143p per kg and sold to 159p (n/c on the week) and 54 beef type cows averaged 131.3p per kg and sold to 171p (-2.9 on the week).

Old season lambs averaged 155p per kg (-12p on the week), £66.75 per head and sold to £91, top price 170p per kg for Mule.

New season lambs averaged 188p per kg (-10p on the week) £82.55 per head and sold to £95, top price 211p per kg for Texel.

Ewes averaged £78.18, and sold to £140 for Texel.

Heavy ewes averaged £81.18, light ewes sold to £109 for Chv and averaged £63.85.

Principal prices per head: Lennoxlove £1503.36, Toxside £1460.12, £1419.60, Bee Edge £1411.20.

Principal prices per kg: Shidlaw 2.52 M/s J. and B. Fitton Butchers Ltd, Bee Edge 2.40, 2.39 Shaws of Lauder, Pathhead 2.38 M/s J. Gilmour and Co Ltd, Michael Malone of Edinburgh, Bee Edge 2.35 Michael Malone of Edinburgh, Gospel Hall 2.34 M/s J. Gilmour and Co Ltd, Haughhead 2.32 Shaws of Lauder, Caverton Mill 2.31 Shaws of Lauder, Dunslaw 2.30 M/s J. and B. Fitton Butchers Ltd, Hexpath 2.30 J.F. Finlay and Company Ltd, Longnewton 2.29 M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, Bee Edge 2.29 Michael Malone of Edinburgh Ltd, Haughhead 2.28 M/s John Saunderson Ltd, Bee Edge 2.28 M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons.

Cows per head: Mosstower £1364.52, £1309.86, Glenrath £1175.46, Todshawhaugh £1153.26.

Cows per kg: Mosstower 1.71, Harwood on Teviot 1.67, Mosstower 1.53, Upper Samieston 1.51, Todshawhaugh 1.49, Glenrath 1.47, Mitchelston 1.43, 1.41, Shaws, Upper Samieston, Glenrath 1.41, Northhouse, Fullarton, Todshawhaugh 1.39, Bowshiel, Mosstower 1.37.

New season lambs per head: Sfx;- £95 Coltcrooks, £93 Upper Bolton, Tex;- £94, £90 Thirlestane, £93 (2) Lochside, Suf;- £84.50 Little Swinton, £79.50 Glenrath, Cha;- £83 Fairlaw, £82 Greenburn, Dor;- £78, £76, £75 The Granary.

New Season Lambs per kg: Tex;- 2.11 Lochside, 2.09 Thirlestane, Sfx;- 2.04, 2.02, 1.97 Thirlestane, 1.97 Coltcrooks, Cha;- 1.96, 1.95 Greenburn, Suf;- 1.90 Glenrath.

Hoggs per head: Bel;- £91 Threeburnford, Chv;- £85.50 Headshaw L, £76.50, £70 Langhope, Sfx;- £75 (3) Dunslaw, £71 West Moneylaws, Tex;- £79.50, £70 Traprain, £76 West Moneylaws, BF;- £79, £72 Traprain, £73 Edston, Mul;- £76.50 Traprain, £67 Threeburnford.

Hoggs per kg: Mul;- 1.70 Traprain, BF;- 1.67 Traprain, Chv;- 1.66 Langhope, 1.65 Dunslaw, Tex;- 1.65 Traprain, Lamberton, Sfx;- 1.62 Lamberton.

Young sheep: Tex;- £101 Headshaw L, £75 Traprain, £71 Dunslaw, Chv;- £90 Soutra. Sfx;- £77 West Moneylaws, ewes: Tex;- £115 Drumreach, £112 Headshaw L, £110 Corsbie, Suf;- £113, £111 Oxmuir, Sfx;- £111 Headshaw L, £105 Hermiston, Upper Bolton, Chv;- £109 Drumreach, £90 Headshaw L, BDM;- £103 Drumreach, Bel;- £102 Threeburnford, HB;- £100 Smailholm Mains, £91 Upper Bolton, SM;- £89 Redpath East End, £87 Glenwood, BFL;- £89 No.3 Glenrath Cottages, Chm;- £87 Northfield St Abbs, ML;- £85 Houdshall Cottage, Chvx;- £83 Carterhaugh, Rom;- £75 Towford, Lly;- £75 Kidshielhaugh, BF;- £71 No.3 Glenrath Cottages, £65 Threeburnford, EC;- £70 Kilnknowe.

Rams: Tex;- £140 Drumreach, £135 Edston, Suf;- £105 Drumreach, Chv;- £100 Soutra.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart plc had forward 25 prime cattle, 12 OTM cattle, 4,433 prime hoggs, 299 spring lambs and 3,467 cast ewes and rams at their sale last Thursday.

A larger show of 25 prime cattle were forward, trade was very similar to previous weeks with all buyers in attendance ensuring prices remain competitive with other local centres. OTM cattle were dearer on the week peaking at 172.5p and 159.5p from Messrs Ritson, Swaites and 164.5p and 157.5p from A. and A. Ewing, Dumbretton.

A larger show of spring lambs were forward at our annual show and sale. Classes sold better than anticipated but fell short of expectations. Sale averaged 180ppk with light weight lambs easier to sell but heavy weights more per head. Top price of £100 per head for Suffolks from Mid Upper Priestside and to 211p per kilo for Texels from The Wynd and Cottage Farm.

Excitment is building in St Boswells as residents look forward to their annual village week, which kicks off this weekend.

The full programme is as follows:

Saturday, May 30:

Coffee morning, 9.30-11.30am in village hall, £1 per person; family tennis fun day and barbecue at tennis court, 2-5pm, admission free; St BOSWELLS LIVE! 7.30pm in village hall. Tickets from Post Office or via
www.stboswellslive.com

Sunday, May 31:

Car Boot Sale,9am-1pm on The Green.

Monday, June 1:

Jango Starr (children’s entertainer), 10.30am-12.30pm in village hall, suitable for all ages, £3 including lunch bag and snack.

Golf Fun Day, from 2.30-5pm in golf club, and barbecue from 5pm. Free.

Tuesday, June 2:

Evening Guided Walk, from 6.30pmwith John Wood. Along Dere Street, three hours’ duration (moderate). Meet at bus stop (not suitable for push/wheelchairs. Shared transport to/from start/end of walk).

Wednesday, June 3:

Car Treasure Hunt, 6pm, starts and finishes at village hall (followed by ‘soup supper’ in hall and results). £5 per car.

Thursday, June 4:

Afternoon tea for all, 2.30-4pm in church hall (£2/£1/under-5s free).

Beat The Retreat on The Green, 6pm. Free.

Boswells Got Talent, 7-9.30pm in village hall (£3 adults/£2 concessions).

Friday, June 5:

Lunch Club, noon-1.30pm in church hall.

Family football at the rugby club (barbecue, food and tuck shop).

Saturday, June 6:

Coffee morning, 10am in church hall.

Pet Show, 11am on the Green plus Cake & Candy Stall.

Climb on board a Fire Engine, 11am on the Green.

Fancy Dress Parade, 3pm on The Green (Theme is Something Sweet), free, results at 3.45pm. Family Disco, 4-6pm in village hall (free).

Sunday, June 7:

Church service, 10.45am and Silver Band on the Croft, 11.45am. Coffee after service in church hall; Traditional Potted Sports, 2pm, on The Croft (free); Village Race, 4pm. Plus Silver Band and presentation of medals and raffle.

Game of rounders and barbecue, 6pm at cricket club (bar open afternoon/evening).

l See posters and daily blackboard notices during Village Week or regular updates on St Boswells Village Facebook page.

So much for Shakespeare’s – or even David Jason and Pam Ferris’ version of the HE Bates novel, ‘The Darling Buds of May.’ Although, on second thoughts, the playwright and poet’s full line was ‘Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May/And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.’

So as far as this particular month of May is concerned, he got it about right. The rough winds have blown, temperatures fallen to frost level, and rainfall is above average.

It’s bad enough at low level, but I was at the trig point on a Borders hill farm last Thursday and it felt more like a bad March day than one in late May.

Fortunately, most of us are such forward-looking, optimistic types that we tend to forget bad past experiences. It takes the specialists who concentrate on one subject to remind us that many a May has a cold spell in it that frequently spells trouble for fruit tree blossom and early-appearing potatoes. Well, we’ve just had another.

The net result is that crops that were looking good a few weeks ago more or less stood still and are now if anything a little behind. Bare patches have shown up in some fields, others have gone an unhealthy yellow that looks nothing like the many fields of flowering oilseed rape. But all we need is a few good days.

You’ve got to admire Brian Pack, who with his committee last year produced a report on how to reduce bureaucracy in farming. As I’ve noted before, benefitting from European Union and the few British subsidies comes with the baggage of farmers having to deal with large amounts of recording and form-filling to prove they’re entitled to it.

As man in general is a complicating animal and civil servants more complicating than most, it follows that with every change to Europe’s common agricultural policy (CAP) the bureaucracy will increase. Mr Pack’s report was thorough and well intended, but I couldn’t help feeling it was a couple of years out of his life that will never come again, to no great effect.

Undaunted, he recently went to Brussels to argue with them that at least some of his proposals should be introduced. As Mr Pack himself noted, every EU commissioner of agriculture for 30 years has come to office agreeing that simplification of the CAP should be a priority. But Europe too has its Sir Humphreys and little happens. However, I admire Mr Pack’s persistence.

It’s a small thing, but I was in an up-market Northumbrian farm shop last week and thought a ‘three for £10’ offer – choose your three from mince, several kinds of sausages and burgers – looked good value. It took the usual food buyer for our happy home to point out that the sausages I’d chosen had only 75% pork, compared to our usual, if occasional, supermarket type with 95% and that shoppers need eyes in the back of their head. The pork pie was a disappointment too.

The jobs of over 80 workers at one of the Borders’ most famous mills, which weaves tartan for Scottish regimental kilts, are under threat.

Just two years ago, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay toured March Street Mills in Peebles, meeting staff of Replin Fabrics – who design and produce cloth for use in trains and planes – and met designers and spinners for Robert Noble.

The latter have also woven tartan for military kilts and trews for around 150 years and were awarded a major contract by the Ministry of Defence in 2007 to manufacture tartan for kilts for the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

But now owner Moorbrook Textiles says a new owner for the two brands, and March Street Mills, is the best way to secure continued production and employment for the 87 staff.

The company is blaming the seasonal and volatile nature of the textiles business, coupled with changes in global demand, for the mills’ failure to achieve sustainable positive financial results.

Efforts have been made over recent months to identify potential buyers, but last week the company admitted the search has so far been unsuccessful.

And last week, Ian Laird, managing director of Moorbrook Textiles, announced that the continuing losses mean that if a buyer or alternative solution cannot be found, production at the mills will cease this year.

All 87 employees were informed last week of the possible closure and the start of a 30-day consultation process.

Mr Laird said senior management of the firm were aware of the impact the potential closure of the mills would have on the local community.

“It remains our earnest hope a buyer can be found who can offer a better strategic fit for the excellent products and hard-working workforce at March Street Mills,” he added.

Manufacturing at Moorbrook’s mill in Ayrshire is unaffected and some Peebles staff may be offered the opportunity to relocate to the Ayr business.

News that the formal statutory redundancy procedure had started for the workers sent shockwaves through the local community, says Tweeddale MP David Mundell.

“The company tells me the site has been losing money for some time and their primary objective now is to find a buyer for the business who can turn it round,” Mr Mundell told The Southern.

“I am speaking to both Scottish and UK Government ministers to see what can be done to help in finding that buyer.”

The traditional meeting of the Braw Lad and Lass and Lauder Cornet saw more than 150 riders make the trip to Threepwood Crossroads on Friday night.

Lauder Cornet Daniel Simpson and his Lass, Chevonne Ainslie, exchanged greetings with Braw Lad Cameron Pate and Braw Lass Abbie Frankland.

The mounted cavalcade, comprising a 50-strong contingent from Galashiels, with around 130 from Lauder, were greeted by a crowd of well-wishers.

Medals were presented to the principals and entertainment was provided by Galashiels Ex-Servicemen’s Pipe Band and Galashiels Town Band.

The Braw Lads’ Mounted Events Committee had worked hard to introduce a new route for riders this year, leaving from Netherdale, up Winston Road, Melrose Road then onto Lauder Road and cross country.

It meant less roadwork and seems to have proved popular with riders taking part.

Speakers were Stuart Dick, chairman, Lauder Ex-Cornets (compere); David Romanes, president, Braw Lads’ Gathering; and Ian Middlemiss, chairman, Lauder Common Riding. The vote of thanks came from Braw Lads’ Gathering chairman David Houston.

At the conclusion of the gathering, the two parties rode into Lauder for a night of celebrations.