Explorer Polly Murray proved an inspirational guest speaker when she addressed around 50 business people in Hawick.

It was the latest leg of a masterclass tour, organised by Business Gateway Scottish Borders.

Perthshire-based Ms Murray, 41, shared her experiences of scaling Everest and trekking in the Amazonian rainforest, explaining how her determination saw her overcome adversity and stressing the importance of setting goals in order to succeed.

The masterclass roadshow moves to Berwickshire High School in Duns on August 27, when the guest speaker will be Philip Oldham, CEO of famous name textile brand Lyle & Scott which is headquartered in Selkirk.

With a successful background in several sectors, including pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing, Mr Oldham will talk about the use of innovative business practices to ignite company fortunes.

The Duns event will offer delegates the chance to see a 3D printing demonstration unit in action. Also attending will be a representative from Interface, which connects businesses to higher education and research institutions.

The EU-funded tour will conclude at Earlston High School on September 24 when the speaker will be sales expert Jackie Wade.

Inspectors have praised the Busy Bees @ Melrose nursery school.

In a letter to parents, inspector care inspector Barbara Miller said: “We are satisfied with the overall quality of provision. We are confident that the early learning and childcare setting’s self-evaluation processes are leading to improvements.

“As a result, we will make no further visits in connection with this inspection.”

{http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Images/BusyBeesMelroseAIE140715_tcm4-865640.pdf|Click here for the full report| www.educationscotland.gov.uk}

A group of bloggers from various tourism and travel bodies have been writing about their experiences in the Scottish Borders.

Six bloggers, known as the 
@Scotlanders, took part in the trip in June and have since been blogging to an audience of at least 40,000 people in over 100 countries.

Organised by VisitScotland in partnership with Borders Railway, the trip received assistance from European Funding. The project was designed to promote the region in light of the new Borders Railway, which is set to open in September of this year.

The railway should deliver a huge boost to the Scottish borders, ensuring easier access from other parts of the country. It is hoped that the bloggers’ visit and subsequent blogs will raise awareness of the region and encourage more visitors.

The bloggers visited many historic sites across the Scottish borders, including Jedburgh Abbey and Castle, Abbotsford House, and Floors Castle.

Paula McDonald, regional director of the Scottish Borders for VisitScotland said: “VisitScotland is helping to deliver an ambitious, targeted and co-ordinated marketing programme that brings the Borders Railway to life, targeting potential leisure and business visitors from domestic and international markets and encouraging them to visit the Scottish Borders.

“Inviting the @Scotlanders bloggers has been just one initiative which will help us promote the region on a world-wide scale encouraging more people to this great part of Scotland this year and beyond.”

Galashiels is one of 34 towns from right across the UK selected for a programme aimed at regenerating the high street.

The scheme – entitled Business in the Community’s Healthy High Streets – aims to increase footfall by 10%, reduce the number of vacant properties by 20% and stimulate the creation of new jobs in 100 towns over three years.

The programme launched in June 2014 and is backed by some of the UK’s biggest high street brands, including Boots UK, the Co-operative Group, Marks & Spencer and Santander along with new partners EE, Exterion Media and Greggs.

Following the addition of this latest batch, the total number of participating high streets to 67.

Galashiels will receive a bespoke package of support, including access to skills and expertise, and dedicated high street champions from supporting businesses who will work together with the local partnership team, local authority and relevant local partners to devise an action plan to address the specific challenges facing the town.

Commenting on the programme’s expansion, Robin Foale, managing director, Santander Business Banking, and chair of the Healthy High Streets programme said “Congratulations to Galashiels on being chosen to be part of the Healthy High Streets programme.

“This is a great opportunity to work with the business partners and the local High Street Champions to transform the town and create a thriving, vibrant centre for the local community.”

Business in the Community’s Peter Donohoe said: “One of the most powerful ways for business to make an impact in communities is by creating high streets that are vibrant places to live, work and do business.

“It has been heartening to see first-hand the practical difference that collaborative, business-led action can make on UK high streets in just one year. While there is much be proud of about our High Streets Programme we also know that there is more work to be done. We warmly welcome Greggs, EE and Exterion Media as programme partners and look forward to working with Galashiels to create lasting change.”

The value of investment into all 33 year 1 towns was £9 million, made up of investment in property upgrades, the cost of High Street Champions time and senior management support.

Police, firefighters and the ambulance service were in attendance following a serious road traffic collision one mile north of Stow on the A7 this afternoon.

Police said the incident happened at around 4.30pm and involved two cars.

The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service were also in attendance and diversions were put in place.

Rural areas of Scotland like the Borders have not so much been neglected by Westminster governments, as virtually abandoned.

That was the withering assessment of the current state of affairs, according to new Borders MP Calum Kerr.

His maiden speech as MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk in the House of Commons last week saw Mr Kerr tell the chamber issues such as patchy mobile phone coverage and lack of help for farming communities were holding the region back.

And while his constituency was “one of the most beautiful and diverse in these islands”, he said it faced real disadvantages.

“Rural Scotland, including my constituency, can feel like a forgotten land – a policy afterthought,” he said.

On mobile phone licensing, Mr Kerr said UK Government policy had left rural areas such as the Borders short-changed, while farming communities had an extremely poor deal from Tory ministers who failed to fight for their interests in Brussels. This is a remarkable abandonment. UK ministers have not so much been sleeping on the job as comatose in the corner.”

Mr Kerr also gave the House a potted history of the Borderlands, and paid tribute to his predecessor, Liberal Democrat Michael Moore.

And of his party’s delegation in Westminster, he said the new ranks of SNP members on the Commons benches had already made many friends.

“Honourable members should know, however, that Borderers have fierce pride, huge family loyalty and, if roused, fire in their hearts,” he added.

He went on, drawing laughs: “In this chamber, convention has it that opposing members are separated by two sword lengths. That has never been a propriety observed in my part of the world.”

Mr Kerr also welcomed the new Borders Railway and called for an examination into the feasibility of its extension to Hawick and Carlisle.

As well as attacking Chancellor George Osborne’s “crippling austerity Budget”, he slammed the UK Government for rejecting SNP amendments to the Scotland Bill. The speech drew applause from the benches, despite the convention against clapping in the chamber.

Speaking after the Jethart Callant’s Festival on Friday, Mr Kerr told us he had enjoyed a warm welcome from all those he had met since his election in May.

“Not everyone knows my name yet – there was one day where I actually thought my name was ‘The MP’,” he laughed.

“But I’ve had a really good reaction; a lot of people coming up to congratulate me and I’ve even had people coming up and saying that while they didn’t vote for me, they wished me all the best and that’s important because as an MP you’re there to represent everyone, whether they voted for you or not.”

Mr Kerr admitted it had been a steep learning curve at Westminster, with a large amount of work to tackle already: “There’s so much to learn, a huge amount.

“But we’re starting to make an impact.

“It’s been a really rapid start to a new parliament with the Scotland bill, the new EU referendum issue, English votes for English laws – so a lot of things to get straight into.”

When the crowds flock to this month’s Border Union Show, they will enjoy an event much changed in scale an scope since that of 200 years ago.

Traditionally held on the last Friday and Saturday in July, this year’s show at Kelso’s Springwood Park will boast 2,023 entries in the livestock classes - just 87 less than the tally which set the show record in 2014.

This year the show boasts the UK Aberdeen Angus National Show with 88 entries from as far away as Oxford and Inverness and also the Scottish National Simmental Show with 56 entries.

Sheep entries are over 800, equine class numbers stand at 726, goats with 83 and 114 shepherds’ crook,s not mention around 1,000 further entries from the Ladies Industrial Section, poultry and rabbit classes.

And with over 250 trade stands, it is a far cry from the show of 1815, or those of 100, 50 and even just 25 years ago.

The first show was held in 1813 but there have been a number of years when it has been cancelled so 2015 will be the 184th such event.

‘Kelsae Show’ has been held at Springwood Park since the event was reinstated following the Second World War.

But in 1815 two shows were held in the Knowes, with one for cattle and horses in the spring and another for sheep in the Autumn.

A century later and with the Borders and the rest of the country coping with the trials and tribulations of the First World War, it was decided to cancel the show in 1915 and, ultimately, no shows were held during the years of the Great War.

In fact, the show would not resume until 1920.

In 1965, it was heavy rain that cause the Border Union Agricultural Society (BUAS) problems with considerable flooding in the days running up to the show.

The recently laid tarred roads through the showground made a massive difference. But while the show days were dry, the field was very muddy and the Saturday crowd of 10,000 was down by 2,500 on the previous year.

It was a different story 25 years later, when, in the July of 1990, glorious summer weather saw the show break a number of records.

Attendance on the Saturday topped 21,000 and over the two days was near 30,000.

BUAS secretary Ron Wilson says the show has become more than just the premier local showpiece for the Borders agricultural community.

“The show at Kelso is a pillar of the calendar for the Borders farming community, but one which has grown to encompass not only all that is best about Borders agriculture, but also highlights the importance of the wider rural economy which plays such a vital part in Borders life.

“And while it has steadily grown over the years, what has not changed is the welcoming atmosphere enjoyed by everyone who comes through its gates,” he added.

•The 2015 Border Union Show is at Springwood Park, Kelso, on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, from 8am both days.

National chain Argos is set to open in Hawick next month – providing a major retail boost for the town.

Work begins next week to convert 1,700sq feet of the Homebase store, and according to ward councillor Stuart Marshall, this ‘dual purpose store’ is hugely significant for the town.

A total of 12 jobs will be created in the Argos store and Mr Marshall, who met with a representative of company last week, told us: “I am delighted that at long last Hawick will have an Argos.

“This is a good news story for our town. It not only brings new employment opportunities but will also attract many people from across the Borders. And in line with the 700 or so other stores that Argos have within the UK this store will be a digital one with computerised pods.

“The fact that a popular and well-known retail name is coming to Hawick is an indicator of a growth of confidence with in how others see us. It’s excellent news.”

Plans of a store share between Homebase and Argos first came to light in January and it has now been confirmed that the store will open its doors on August 28.

Also bouyant is Andrew Farquhar, who was instrumental in kick-starting Future Hawick’s High Street regeneration bid.

He said: “This is without doubt good news for the town. Things are beginning to happen and there is a feel good factor on the High Street now compared to the situation in December last year. There is a long way to go and there is a lot of work still to do but yes, I think it is good for Hawick.”

Argos is a British catalogue retailer operating in the United Kingdom and Ireland and has a total of 737 stores and 340 million website visits a year. It is one of the largest high street retailers online in the United Kingdom.

In August 2013, it was estimated that 96% of the UK population was within 10 miles of an Argos branch.

Ward councillor Watson McAteer said: “This will provide a much-needed local boost and be-sides creating jobs, will attract many visitors and shoppers to Hawick from all over the Borders and further afield.

“This is a significant first step on our road to recovery with the prospect of further announcements regarding new businesses being attracted to Hawick expected soon.”

A man has been sentenced to four months in jail following a break-in and thefts from a chemist in Selkirk this week.

Twenty-four year old Gary Stewart admitted a reset at court yesterday following the incident on Monday July 13.

Detective Sergeant Adrian Dixon said: “Following information received from the public, a residential property in Selkirk was searched and items stolen from the premises were recovered.

“I would like to thank the community for this assistance in providing vital information which has allowed us to bring this offender before the court the day after the break-in occurred.”

An application has been made for planning permission to build a solar farm on land near Kelso.

Developers have submitted initial plans for the 5MW project to planners at Scottish Borders Council.

Green Energy UK has been exploring the possibility of constructing the panels on land about a mile south-east of the centre of Kelso, at Wooden Farm.

The firm, which is based in Cheshire, has told planners it would cover an area of 30.6 acres (12 hectares) of land at Wooden Farm, to the south-west of Windywalls.

In a pre-application ‘screening request’ to Scottish Borders Council, Green Energy UK claim most of the site will remain vegetated as only 30% of the site will be covered by solar panels.

The developers said the farm could be built in 12 weeks and it is likely to be in place for 25 years.

The proposed panels will be no more than 2.3m (7.5ft) in height.

The proposal for the Wooden site includes provision for CCTV, security fencing, soft landscaping a substation and access tracks.

Scottish Borders Council are not currently inviting public comments on the proposed development.

Based in Manchester, Green Energy UK’s portfolio contains several energy schemes in England, as well as further afield, including a solar farm in Pakistan.

While any accident on a farm can be harrowing, when a child is involved it can have a far greater impact on the family and the whole community.

Farms can be great playgrounds for children growing up, but with four being killed in recent years on Scottish farms, the dangers that this can present can have sadly have fatal consequences. And with summer holidays now here, the time is right to ensure the safety of children on Scottish farms.

The incidents in Scotland in the last decade are heart-breaking. They have included a young girl being hit by a reversing tractor and trailer as she cycled in the farmyard; another young girl was hit and crushed by an ATV against a gatepost; a teenage boy died when he fell through a plastic skylight window to the concrete floor below and another young boy died after being trapped underneath a farm quad bike when it overturned.

Farm Safety Week reminds us that farming is not child’s play. Children and young people up to the age of 16 are killed and injured on farms, either because they are working on the farm or because they are playing there.

Across the UK, the ways that a child can lose their life on a farm vary little from year to year. The most common causes of death and major injury in the last decade include contact with machinery or animals, falls from height, drowning and asphyxiation and being struck by moving vehicles or objects.

NFU Scotland’s Chief Executive Scott Walker commented: “Summer is a time when children can be more at risk with the long school holidays and the challenging workload for farmers. We are encouraging farming families to have a dedicated safe play area for younger children so as to keep them safe from heavy machinery and other dangers around the farm, particularly when farms are at their busiest.”

A charity which provides advice to vulnerable Borderers faces imminent homelessness after the company from which it rents its premises went into voluntary liquidation.

The Borders Independent Advocacy Service (BIAS), which employs eight advisers and deals with around 400 clients a year, has been based at The Hive – a converted mill in Low Buckholmside, Galashiels – for the past eight years.

But BIAS, whose funders include the Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Council, has been told it must vacate the premises by the end of this month and, according to manager Karen Palmer, it has nowhere else to go.

It follows the recent decision of the board of The Hive – which owns the building and was formerly known as GalaDay Services – to wind up the company and place it in liquidation. As a result, The Hive’s two permanent members of staff have lost their jobs.

Apart from BIAS, several other tenants of the building – mostly charities – have also been given their marching orders, including the befriending service Interest Link and the Borders Deaf and Hard of Hearing Network which held regular drop-in sessions there. Both have now vacated the premises, shortly to be followed by the Elder Voice group which is disbanding after 14 years. Tenants were given the news in a letter from joint liquidator Bill Cleghorn on June 24.

“After due consideration, the liquidators have reached a decision to close the premises as soon as possible,” stated the letter.

The tenants later met the liquidators when it was confirmed they would have to be out by the end of July.

“It’s a nightmare prospect,” said Ms Palmer. “BIAS merged its Galashiels and Kelso services to come here and we have many vulnerable and disabled clients for whom the ground-floor premises have been ideal. I’ve told the liquidators it will be impossible to find a new home by the end of this month and we have requested an extension.”

Mr Cleghorn said: “We are currently exploring all options, but the main issue is that the value of the company [TheHive] is entirely tied up in the building.”

BIAS formed as a pilot project in 1995 and worked mainly with individuals with community care or health-related complaints or concerns. Over the years, this generic form of advocacy expanded to offer advice for vulnerable people in the community. The organisation is now a limited company and registered charity.

bowden

Church

The tragedy of Gallipoli, 100 years ago, was commemorated by the ringing of the Gallipoli Bell, as it has been rung every Sunday since it was bequeathed to the church by Lt Col. John McNeil of Kippilaw, who was killed in action there in July 1915. The July 19 service begins at 9.30am.

Caddonfoot

Parish church

Highlight at morning service on Sunday was a slide-illustrated talk by Margaret Blyth following her visit to Malawi to visit the work done by her late husband John’s Friends Together Trust. He died last September. The John Blyth Malawi Fund continues to change the lives of his “sons and daughters” in Malawi, she said. It is hoped to develop a sense of “family” and mutual support among John’s Malawian “family”. During his illness, he heard of Lucky and Cynthia’s own plight and told them to seek and start life-saving treatment, the cost of which was met by donations from church-goers and at his funeral service. Melrose and Peebles presbytery is planning a youth visit to Malawi in July 2016 – details from the Reverend Jim Wallace, 52 Waverley Mills, Innerleithen EH44 6RH, or email jimwallace@121btinternet.com. Sunday’s Bible reading was performed by Jo Lawson, while Dorothy Howden was at the organ.

denholm

Sir James Murray

Ruberslaw Church, in association with Hawick Archaeological Society, is marking the 100th anniversary of the death of Denholm-born Sir James Murray, founder of the Oxford English Dictionary, on July 26 with a service in the village church at 11am, followed by a commemoration at Murray’s birthplace at 12.15pm. An exhibition of his life and work will run in the church from from 10.30am-3pm.

earlston

Parish church

The July 19 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods and members of the worship team.

Concert

The church is hosting a concert at 7.30pm on August 3 by St Peter’s Choir, St Albans, Hertfordshire. Donations welcome on the night.

Council

Earlston Community Council will hold its next meeting in the primary school staffroom today (Thursday) at 7pm. The public are invited to attend to raise local issues.

galashiels

Trinity church

Dorothy Howden led Sunday’s congregation in music and read Bible passages from Revelations. The Reverend Elspeth Harley had invited Margaret Blyth, from Caddonfoot Church, to tell of her recent trip to Malawi. Margaret and her late husband, John, had been involved in helping the people of that African nation for several years, and when John died a trust was set up in his name to help continue their work there. Margaret explained that although Malawi is a beautiful country with lovely people, they still have lots of problems – lack of opportunities for education, illness, shortage of medication, no welfare state nor pension scheme. In the south of the country, hit by severe flooding at the beginning of the year, people are starving. Through John’s trust, Margaret and her family have helped many youngsters in Malawi get an education, provided health care and assisted people to set up in business. Next week, from July 20-24, it’s Trinity’s turn on the foodbank rota. The Kidz Klub is on holiday for summer, but children are welcome to services and there are crèche facilities available for those under three.

Rotary

Carol Byers is the only full-time employee at the Haining Charitable Trust in Selkirk, she told members. Andrew Nimmo-Smith bequeathed the house and £1million for the benefit of Selkirk people and the wider public. She said the house was dilapidated and the full sum would be needed to restore the building. Following an appraisal of all the options available, the trust decided to set up a centre for contemporary culture with a gallery, café and artisan workshops. There are now six artist studios and six apartments in the courtyard area. A wide range of events now takes place, including craft fairs, exhibitions, theatre performances, and the grounds are being managed to improve access around the loch.

Having fun

Free fun activities are being held for parents and children who live in Galashiels. These take place on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings, with the first sessions on July 18 and 22. “Wild about Dads” is a chance for fathers and male carers to connect with nature and spend quality time with their child (newborns to aged five) and other dads. This takes place for six weeks between 10-11.30am in Langlee Community Woodlands. The first event is this weekend (July 18). Dads and tots should meet at Langlee Community Centre car park, be dressed for the outdoors and bring a snack. Meanwhile, every Wednesday, from July 22, a free evening activity club is taking place at Langlee Primary School. Organised by Borders Sport and Leisure Trust (BSLT), parents and their children (aged between five and eight) can take part in activities, including football, gardening, baking and a nature trail. These events are part of a year-long project co-ordinated by Langlee Early Years Centre and funded by the Big Lottery Fund. This was in response to a consultation undertaken with parents of young children in the Langlee area.

glendouglas

Lunch club

Members had visitors from Germany and Poland at their latest gathering.

Recording invite

Locals are invited to provide a cheering, capacity audience in Glendouglas Hall on July 24 at 7.30pm for the recording of Gary Forrest and his Ceilidh Band’s new CD. Entry is free and those turning up are asked to bring a raffle prize and their own supper. Tea and coffee will be provided, plus a bar. For more information, call John on 07803 951293.

hawick

Bridge club

July 7 – N/S – 1, Mary Millar and Patsy Gilligan; 2, Michael Tuson and Bob Witherington; E/W – 1, Ken Auckland and David King; 2, Valerie MacPherson and Bob Francombe.

Rotary

President Mairhi Trickett introduced Elle Bunyan, from Selkirk, who is doing post-graduate studies in psychology and care. She is engaged in fieldwork among the slums and ghettoes of the Ugandan capital of Kumpala, part of the team at a 250-strong orphanage. Disease is prevalent – Elle has suffered from malaria and typhoid.

Innerleithen

Service

There will be a Breakfast Song and Story service at 8.30am on July 19, with a service at St Ronan’s House at 4pm.

Jedburgh

Bridge club

July 6 – 1, R. Oates and S. West; 2, A. and R. Stewart; 3, M. Weightman and H. Long; 4, M. Allen and O. Whillans.

kelso

Bridge club

July 8 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; 2, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 3 (equal), Joyce Thomson and Helenor Pratt, Alex Jeffrey and Lee Leeson; E/W – 1, Maureen Weightman and Helen Long; 2, Jean McLaren and Alison Ireland; 3, Mary and Jim Stone. July 9 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Ian Watson and Georgina Hall; 2, Michael Horwood and Alison Ireland; 3, Brian Saywood and Sheila Urquhart; E/W – 1, Ken Ross and Jean McLaren; 2, Chris Anthony and Marion Miller; 3, Dorothy Graham and Lynda Douglas.

Langholm

Electricity upgrade

SP Energy Networks is installing 1,000 metres of high-voltage underground power cables in Langholm as part of a £750,000 local electricity network investment project. The new cabling will run from Meikleholm to the Caroline Street electricity sub-station. Temporary four-way traffic lights will be operating in Caroline Street and Eskdale Street until July 31. There will also be restricted vehicle access to Meikleholm on weekdays between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm, with the possibility of weekend work. Donald Kennedy, project manager for SP Energy Networks, said: “This work forms part of an important investment project for Langholm, modernising the electricity network and reinforcing supplies for homes and businesses in the local area. We have planned the temporary traffic management measures as carefully as possible to keep any disruption to a minimum, and landowners and residents have been kept informed of our plans. This project is designed to bring long-term benefits to the area, and we apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause in the short term.”

Probus club

Outgoing president Irving Stuart welcomed 25 members to the 31st annual general meeting in the Eskdale Hotel, where Harry Aitken was installed as president for the 2015/2016 session. George Whillans was made vice-president and Andy Little remains as secretary. Arrangements for the summer trip on August 19 to Dumfries House were finalised – there are still seats available. Following the meeting, the club was joined by members of the Friell family in front of the Town Hall to unveil a seat in memory of Willie Friell, the last founder member of the club. He was also a long-serving secretary and past president. Past president Irving Stuart thanked community councillors for their contribution to the money raised by the club to fund the seat, which replaces one fondly remembered by older club members. Following the unveiling, the party retired to the Eskdale Hotel for refreshments. Tributes were paid to Willie’s memory and vice-president George Whillans proposed the toast to “Absent Friends”. The next meeting of the club will be on September 2 in the Eskdale Hotel (10 for 10.30am).

Exhibition

The local camera club is holding its annual exhibition in the Eskdalemuir Hub. After the closure of the gallery at the town hall, the photographers had to look around for a new home for the summer exhibition – and the old school at Eskdalemuir, which was converted, now has a café and other facilities, proving ideal. The exhibition runs until July 31.

Entertainment

The Buccleuch Centre is launching its first season of live screening events, via satellite to the big screen. It begins with André Rieu’s Maastricht concert on July 18. Known as the King of Waltz, André performs every year in front of thousands of fans in his home town of Maastricht in the Netherlands. He will, as usual, be joined by his Johann Strauss orchestra and singers, along with special guests.

melrose

Guided walk

On July 18, Melrose Historical and Archaeological Association will host a guided walk covering sites associated with the military action that took place in July 1526 when Walter Scott of Buccleuch challenged the Earl of Angus for the custody of the 12-year-old king, James V. The walk will visit Darnick Tower, where the young monarch watched the action from the battlements, and also the “Turn Again Stone”, believed to mark the spot where the retreating followers of Buccleuch killed the pursuing Earl of Cessford. The walk starts from Melrose Parish Church grounds at 2pm – free to members of the association and Battlefields Trust, donations from non-members appreciated.

Rotary

The last few weeks have been busy for members of the Rotary Club of Melrose. A coffee morning in the Corn Exchange enabled the club to fund a Shelterbox which provides basic shelter for 12 people, together with the essentials of life such as cooking, ensuring clean water and enabling families to remain together in areas of natural disaster. In addition, the club funded an Aquabox, which ensures

clean water for an entire village. Closer to home, following Richard Salem’s President’s Night, the club donated £250 to the Children’s Hospice Association of Scotland. In Melrose itself, members were involved in stewarding for the Melrose Festival and even found time to appear as monks at the abbey.

Parish church

Harrison Joseph Scott was baptised amid family and friends, receiving a candle lit from the church’s Easter candle, signifying new life. The July 19 service begins at 11am.

Trimontium

Walks continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Melrose, and Sunday afternoons from Newstead. A reunion group of 16 is coming this week to add to the mix. Numbers are still coming forward for the Antonine Wall central section outing on August 8.

Cancelled

The Glitz and Glam night at the rugby club on July 25 has been cancelled.

Morebattle

Archives

A committee has been formed to create “Morebattle Archives”. Members are currently concentrating on fishing in the village. If anyone has information or photographs which they think would be of interest, they should contact Anne Brown at the village store.

Blooming

Morebattle is in Scotland in Bloom’s Champion of Champions category. Judging will be on July 29, with a clean-up on July 24 at 7pm at the Toon Gate which villagers are urged to take part in.

Coffee morning

A coffee morning in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind is being held in the village hall on July 18 from 10.30am.

Newcastleton

Common riding

Copshaw Common Riding once again attracted a good turnout. It was thunder, lightning and torrential rain at the hound trail (puppies) for the tongue-in-cheek event, which has people on bicycles instead of horses. But by the time chairman Gary Cuthbert stood on top of the fountain in the square to welcome everyone, it was cloudy but dry. Tub Elliot arrived with his Left and Right-Leg Man and Woman, Peter Irving and Gillian McGimpsey, and his first duty was to present the hound trail cup to Barbara Telford from Carlisle and her pup, Tate. The prize for best-dressed window was won by Copshaw Kitchen. The best-turned out young supporter on their bike was Reece Young, and the prize for best-dressed adult went to the group called Jock’s Dykers. The other youngsters’ prize was won by seven-month-old Lauchlan Brannan. Garry Cuthbert gave his rendering of Copshaw Common Riding Fair and his wife, Vicky, recited a poem. Martin Pearson sang his version of the Common Riding song. It was decided that the money usually given to local causes at the New Year would instead be given out during the morning – £500 went to Newcastleton and District Community Trust, which was received by Barbara Elborn; Libby Kennedy was handed a cheque for £500 for Polysport; and Newcastleton Youth Project got £250, received by Zach Milner. Tub Elliot then collected the flag and, along with his mounted followers and supported by Flake Grace Elliot, set off on his bike on the chase for the Mick Rick Memorial Tankard. It was up the stiff climb to the golf club where there was a social gathering. After various unusual ceremonies throughout the morning, the riders headed down the main street to Liddleview Park for the garden party, with sports for adults and kids. In the evening, Jedburgh Pipe Band marched to the village hall for the opening of the festival concert, and then at the conclusion returned with the Tub to the fountain in the square where he handed back the flag.

oxton

Garden competitions

Entries for the Oxton Garden Competitions should be given to a committee member (718633 or 750654) by July 20. There are four classes – vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens, tubs and window boxes, and hanging baskets. They will be judged, unannounced, during the last week of July.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on July 26 at 10.30am.

yetholm

Kelso Laddie

The Kelso Laddie makes his annual visit to the village on July 18, arriving at the war memorial about 11.15am for a short ceremony conducted by the Reverend Ian Clark. Then the Laddie heads to Kirk Yetholm for a welcome speech, followed by lunch at The Plough Hotel in Town Yetholm. Before leaving the village, the principal and his followers will dance the traditional reel outside The Plough Hotel.

MSP’s surgery

John Lamont will be holding an open surgery in the Wauchope Hall at 4.15pm on July 21.

Church

Weekly coffee mornings continue each Wednesday at 10.30am downstairs in church. Sunday services for the rest of this month will be in Morebattle Church only at 11.15am.

Concerts

Tickets for the Robyn Stapleton Trio concert in the Wauchope Hall on July 25 are on sale at the village shop, or contact Susan Stewart (01573 420231). And on August 27 at the same venue, Kathryn Joseph (Scottish Album of the Year 2015). Tickets for this event will be on sale at the shop from the end of July.

The A708 linking Selkirk to the Yarrow valley will not now need to close at Philiphaugh for Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme works after a public furore forced contractors to change their plans.

“We went back to the drawing board,” said a spokesperson.

A Jedburgh man will stand trial at the town’s sheriff court on August 11 after denying using racially-offensive language.

He denies acting in a racially-aggravated manner and using racially-offensive and sectarian language on January 1 last year.

Cruickhank denies committing a similar offence between March 1 and March 31 last year.

NOT-GUILTY PLEA TO ASSAULT

Two Hawick accused will stand trial on August 11, facing a racially-aggravated charge.

Lesley Cook, 49, of Silverbuthall Road, and 27-year-old Kayleigh Page, of Howdenbank, deny assaulting a woman in a racially-aggravated attack, or alternatively, acting in a racially-aggravated manner at Howdenbank on February 27.

Page also pleads not guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour on January 29, and repeatedly kicking a door.

MAN DENIES KNIFE OFFENCE

A Hawick man has denied trying to pull a driver from a car and brandishing a knife.

John Turnbull, 27, of Crailing Court, is alleged to have assaulted a man by grabbing his legs and pulling at him at Minto Place, Hawick, on April 23.

He also denies forcing open a car door, grabbing at the driver and attempting to pull him from the car, brandishing a knife or similar, and breaking the wing mirror of the vehicle, all to the fear and alarm of the occupants. Turnbull also denies having a knife and wilfully damaging a car.

He will stand trial on August 11.

KNIFE ALLEGATION

A 45-year-old man has denied holding a knife to a woman’s throat.

Steven Coulter, of Melrose Court, Hawick, is alleged to have assaulted a woman at his home on January 29, seized her by the hair, dragged her, held a knife to her throat and uttered threats of violence. He will stand trial on August 11.

TEENAGER DENIES ASSAULT

A Hawick teenager who denies assaulting a former partner will stand trial on July 28

Samantha Dahill, 17, of Ramsay Road, faces a charge of assaulting a man by striking him repeatedly on the head and body at Havelock Street, Hawick,on May 11.

KELSO MAN TO STAND TRIAL

A 25-year-old accused of assaulting his partner will stand trial on August 13.

Darren Devlin, of Maxmill Park, Kelso, denies assaulting his partner by kicking her on the body to her injury at High Street, Hawick, on January 3.

Devlin also pleads not guilty to failing to comply with a bail condition not to contact his partner at Laidlaw Terrace, Hawick, on January 12.

JULY TRIAL DATE

A Hawick man faces trial on July 30 after he denied threatening or abusive behaviour.

Jay Gallagher, 23, of Galalaw Road, is alleged to have shouted and swore and uttering threats at a house in Burns Road, Hawick, on May 24.

ACCUSED OF TOOLS THEFT

Christopher Keir will stand trial on July 30 after he denied stealing tools.

The 29-year-old, of Ayr Street, Glasgow, pleaded not guilty to forcing open a locked vehicle at Arthur Street, Hawick, and stealing an electric saw, jigsaw, hand drill, nail guns and other tools on November 14/15 last year.

WOMAN DENIES POLICE ASSAULT

A Newcastleton woman who denies assaulting a police officer will stand trial on August 11.

Patricia Linton, 40, of Moss Place, is said to have repeatedly kicked the officer on the body and struck him with a mobile phone, to his injury, at Moss Place on March 15.

DRINK-DRIVING CHARGE

A man who denies driving while over the alcohol limit will stand trial on August 25.

Steven McAleese, 29, of Cheviot View, Hume, is charged with driving a car at Hume on May 9 last year with a blood/alcohol reading of 138 mgms – the legal limit at the time being 80.

TRIAL DATE FOR HAWICK MAN

Jori Silver, of Princes Street, Hawick, will stand trial on August 13.

Silver, 21, denies threatening or abusive behaviour and breaking a mobile phone at a house at Croft Road, Hawick, on November 9 last year.

He also pleads not guilty to shouting and swearing at Priors Court, Jedburgh, on December 28 last year.

A 20-year-old man has appeared in private, on allegations of rape and attempted rape in Eyemouth.

Malkeet Sing, who lives in Eyemouth, made no plea or declaration when he appeared on petition at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Monday afternoon.

The case was continued for further examination of the evidence and Sing was released on bail.

ALLEGED ASSAULT IN INNERLEITHEN

An Innerleithen man appeared in private on Monday, charged on petition with assault in the town the previous day.

Steven Harkness, 26, of Drovers Way, is also alleged to have been in possession of scissors and a knife, and committed a breach of the peace.

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

WOMAN ‘FELL OFF THE WAGGON’

A drunken woman who shouted and swore claimed to have committed the offence after “falling off the waggon”.

Sharon Jeffrey, 36, of Applin Cross, Coldingham, admitted threatening or abusive behaviour, shouting and swearing, and shouting threats of violence at Applin Cross on January 10.

Defending, Ross Dow said: “The root of her problem has been an ongoing alcohol addiction and she has fallen off the waggon.”

Jeffrey was sentenced to a 15-month community payback order with supervision.

“The purpose of this is mainly to help you overcome your alcohol addiction,” Sheriff Peter Paterson told her.

THREATENED POLICE WITH DOG

When police attended after an assault, a Hawick woman threatened to set her dog on officers.

Jennifer Sherlow also called the police “f*****g dicks”.

The 33-year-old, of Weensland Road, admitted assaulting a woman by punching her on the head at Weensland Park, Hawick, on February 22.

She also pleaded guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour, and uttering threats of violence.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said an ambulance attended an incident during the early hours of the morning, and the complainer and the accused were both present.

Mr Fraser said that “for no apparent reason” Sherlow punched the other woman.

Police turned up and Sherlow changed from “calm to emotional”, and was described as being “all over the place”.

The fiscal added: “Police received some abuse from her, and she said she would set her dog on them.”

Sherlow described the woman as “a lying b*****d”, adding, “I’m going to f*****g kill her.”

Robert More, defending, said his client was “all over the place at this time”.

Sherlow was sentenced to a one-year community payback order, with supervision.

DOG CRUELTY ALLEGATION

A Hawick man has denied failing to provide a dog in his care with adequate feeding.

Darran Whitelaw, 20, of Anderson Place, denies failing to provide adequate nutrition for a dog called Bella, whereby she became emaciated, and failing to provide adequate treatment for the dog, who was suffering from pressure sores and a reduction in muscle mass, at his home, between September 19 and December 19 last year.

He also denies failing to provide a suitable environment for the dog, which was in a cage in a closed cupboard with no light, and in contact with faeces and urine, on December 19.

Whitelaw is due to stand trial on August 11, and a further intermediate hearing was set for July 27.

LEARNER DRIVER OVERTURNED CAR

An Eyemouth teenage driver misjudged a bend, causing the car she was driving to overturn and land in a field.

Kaitlyn Shell and her passengers escaped from the badly-damaged vehicle.

Shell, 17, of Killies Green, was fined a total of £350 and her licence endorsed with five penalty points.

She was fined £100 after admitting driving without a full licence, and without supervision, at Killies Green on September 21 last year.

Shell was fined a further £100, and her licence endorsed with five penalty points, after pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention, failing to negotiate a bend, causing the car to leave the carriageway and overturn. She was also fined £150 after she admitted telling police a man has been driving, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told how the accused had been driving at 1.30am on a Sunday, and had two friends in the car.

He added: “She misjudged a bend and mounted the verge, and the vehicle overturned, coming to rest in a field. There was extensive damage to the car, but they all managed to get out, and the police were contacted by one of the passengers.”

Shell initially told police someone else had been driving.

Her lawyer, Ross Dow, said: “She was a learner at the time and showed a great deal of naivety in this.”

ADMONISHED AFTER ASSAULT

A Galashiels man who assaulted his partner has been admonished for good behaviour.

Matthew Paxton, 23, of Wood Street, admitted striking his partner on the head to her injury at Wood Street on March 8.

The court heard he had been of good behaviour during a period of deferred sentence.

HEROIN AND CANNABIS FOUND

When police saw a man swaying about the street, they found him with heroin and cannabis.

Lee Smith, 35, of Mansfield Gardens, Hawick, admitted possession of diamorphine and cannabis at Glebe Mill Street, Hawick, on April 25.

The court heard how the heroin was valued at about £40, and the cannabis at about £15.

Prosecutor Graham Fraser said: “Police saw him swaying about, clearly intoxicated, and decided to speak to him. He was searched and these drugs were found.”

Sentence was deferred until July 27 for Smith to appear personally.

DENIED ATTACK ON MECHANIC

Two men who deny assaulting a mechanic to his severe injury and danger of life will stand trial by jury on September 28.

David Drummond, 56, and his 35-year-old co-accused, also called David Drummond, both of Main Street, Tweedmouth, deny assaulting a mechanic at East End Garage, Main Street, Chirnside, on April 10 last year. They plead not guilty to repeatedly punching and kicking him on the head and body to his severe injury, permanent impairment, permanent disfigurement, and to the danger of his life.

Drummond senior also denied threatening or abusive behaviour, and challenging a mechanic to fight on the same date. A further first hearing was set for September 7.

JEDBURGH FESTIVAL ASSAULT

A man assaulted his partner after enjoying the Jedburgh festival.

Robert Wright, 59, of Bountrees, Jedburgh, appeared from custody and admitted assaulting his partner by tripping her up, to her injury, at Abbey Place, Jedburgh.

Prosecutor Graham Fraser said: “They have been in a relationship since January and had been enjoying the festivities on Friday. By 10pm he had taken a fair amount of drink and became jealous about a previous relationship.”

Mr Fraser told how Wright tripped the woman up twice, and she fell to the ground, adding: “She struck her face and her nose was bleeding. She said that she was now rather scared of him.”

Rory Bannerman, defending, said alcohol had played a significant part in the offence, and his client is addressing it.

“He accepts it is likely that the relationship has ended because of his violence,” he added.

Wright was fined £200.

PARTNER DEATH THREAT DENIED

A man who denies accusing his partner of hiding drugs has been bailed.

John Banaicha, 39, of Buckston Row, Edinburgh, denies accusing his partner of having drugs concealed on her, repeatedly requiring her to remove clothing, and forcing her to stand part-dressed, and making abusive and offensive comments at Smailholm Tower on April 20 last year.

He also denies assaulting her and threatening to kill her, and repeatedly slapping her.

Banaicha further denies threatening or abusive behaviour at Borders General Hospital, shouting and swearing, and spitting water over police and hospital staff. He will stand trial on August 11. Banaicha was previously released on bail, with a condition not to contact the woman, or enter a specified address.

A Hawick man had more than 8,500 indecent images of children on his home computer, Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard on Monday.

Thirty-five-year-old Gary Montgomery was sentenced to a two-and-a-half year community payback order, with supervision, and also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for the same period.

Montgomery, a supermarket nightshift shelf stacker, appeared on indictment and admitted possession of indecent images of children at his Stonefield Place home between September 2010 and June last year.

The court heard how the 8,516 images found were all at level one – the lowest end of the scale.

“Police received information that someone at the address was accessing indecent images depicting what appeared to be sexual abuse of children,” explained procurator fiscal Graham Fraser.

Officers obtained a search warrant for the property, and Montgomery confirmed he had a computer, and that no-one else had access to it.

“He said he did use file-sharing software known as ‘Bit Torrent’ for downloading movies,” added Mr Fraser.

“The computer was seized, and it was noted that in a cupboard in his bedroom, there were two framed pictures showing children, one of them being a female child naked,” he continued.

The fiscal said a total of 8,516 images were found, all at level one.

Defence solicitor Maureen Sinclair told Sheriff Peter Paterson: “When you press download, you have no control over how much is downloaded, and that is Mr Montgomery’s position as regards the volume of numbers.”

Miss Sinclair said her client, who suffers from depression and social phobia, had been severely affected by both the court and police processes.

She continued: “He may not perhaps have full insight into the nature of the offence as he considered some of them to be artistic photographs.

“He accepts it is wrong to download such images, but is socially maladjusted, and lives in his own world.”

The defence lawyer explained her client was anxious and distressed about the matter, telling the hearing: “This offence has had a huge impact on his life.”

Sheriff Paterson described the offence as serious, warning Montgomery the sentence was a direct alternative to custody.

Work is expected to start early next year on the £18million replacement of two primary schools in the Borders.

Langlee in Galashiels and Broomlands (Kelso) have long been in the vanguard of a list of schools which are either overcrowded or in poor physical condition, or both.

Scottish Borders Council, however, had not made financial provision for their replacement until at least 2018.

But all that changed last year when the Scottish Government’s capital investment arm, the Scottish Futures Trust, agreed to cover the entire £21million cost of a new Kelso High School. This freed up an unexpected capital balance, allowing the local authority to part-fund and thus accelerate the replacement of Langlee and Broomlands.

A condition of the windfall is that both new schools are up and running by April 2017 – at least three years ahead of schedule. The council, which has already appointed a design team for both projects, is this week seeking expressions of interest from contractors for construction and delivery.

Potential bidders have until August 17 to respond, with invitations to tender due to be sent to shortlisted firms from September 21.

The current Langlee school, which began life as Wester Langlee in 1958, accommodates 250 primary and nursery pupils.

Its £10million replacement will be spread over three floors with a gross internal floor area of 4,100sqm and will incorporate a nursery, primary teaching rooms, additional support teaching areas, games hall, catering kitchen, multi-use games area and staff accommodation areas.

Apart from the additional support areas, the same specifications and requirements will apply to Broomlands which will be built over two floors and have a floor area of 3,200sqm.

The cost of replacing 285-pupil Broomlands, built in 1980, is estimated at £8million.

A council spokesman said: “It is anticipated each development will be built alongside the existing schools which will be in occupation during the construction period. Once completed and the schools are transferred, the original buildings will be demolished to make way for landscaping and car parking.”

In our New Year’s Day edition, this column suggested that 2015 could be an even more tumultuous year politically than the previous referendum-obsessed 12 months.

“The SNP, far from licking its wounds after the No camp’s victory, has seen its membership more than treble, with pundits predicting that the party will hit Labour hard,” we wrote.

And so it came to pass – on May 7.

With the nationalists bagging all but three of the country’s 59 Westminster seats – including the former Liberal Democrat stronghold of Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk – fireworks were always likely in that legislature down by the banks of the Thames. English votes for English laws, UK Government rejection of SNP amendments and fox hunting have already lit the blue touchpaper.

And, maintaining the incendiary vein, Borders MP Calum Kerr, in his maiden speech last week, accused ministers of being “comatose” when it came to looking after the interests of farming communities and savaged Chancellor George Osborne’s “crippling austerity Budget”.

In the immediate aftermath of May’s general election, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon vowed to make Scotland’s voice heard at Westminster – Calum Kerr seems just as determined to do that so far as the Borders is concerned.

The weather for the start of Kelso Civic Week was a bit mixed, but never in doubt was the warmth of the welcome for this year’s Kelso Laddie.

Wherever 22-year-old Fraser Hastie went during the first half of Civic week he was greeted with cheers and waves from big turnouts of Kelso citizens as well as those from the surrounding villages.

The official ceremonies for Civic Week 2015 started on Sunday with the traditional laying of the wreath by the Kelso Laddie at the war memorial.

This year also saw an additional poingnant element with the unveiling of a new memorial tablet bearing the names of the 42 men from the Kelso area killed at Gallipoli exactly a century before.

This was followed by the Kirkin’ of the Kelso Laddie at Old Parish and Sprouston Church.

While the big crowd for Sunday evening’s events had enjoyed welcome sunshine, it was a different story the next evening for Monday’s ride to Heiton.

The heavens decided to open for the ride, which saw around 60 riders and horses follow the Kelso Laddie to Heiton, where a presentation was made by Heiton Parish villagers.

The Kelso Laddie also laid a wreath at the Roxburgh war memorial, before the cavalcade made its way to Springwood for equestrian events.

The weather was kinder on Tuesday night for the ride to Stichill, Hume and Ednam, when a mounted cavalcade 173 horses strong made the trip to the three villages.

Presentations were made to the Kelso Ladiie at all three destinations and at Ednam the principals invited local children to join them in the singing of the Kelso song, after which there was a fiercely contested scramble for sweets!

Last night witnessed the installation of Kelso Laddie Fraser Hastie in The Square, including the bussin’ of the standard.

There will be a full report plus photographs and video footage from the installation ceremony and the remaining Civic Week events in next week’s coverage in The Southern.

These also include Saturday’s official ride to Yetholm and the ever-popular fancy dress parade, which always attracts a big entry.

Speaking about how the first half of this year’s Civic Week had gone, Provost John Bassett told The Southern said he was delighted.

“It’s all gone really well so far, with big crowds of people out to greet the Kelso Laddie and his supporters wherever they’ve gone.

“Apart from the fact it was pouring with rain for Monday’s ride to Heiton – the only time it stopped raining was for the dancing of the reel – everything else has gone very well and now we’re all looking forward to the rest of this year’s programme for Civic Week.

“And I’m sure we’ll see just as large and enthusiastic crowds out to cheer on Fraser and everyone else at the rest of the events.”

Writing in this year’s Civic Week programme, chairman Scott Forbes praised Fraser Hastie’s selection as Kelso Laddie as “an exceptional choice” and someone whose family name is woven into the tapestry of Civic Week.

And in his own contribution to the souvenir programme, the Kelso Laddie said it was an honour and a privilege to have been given such a fantastic opportunity.

He wrote: “Once again I must extend my thanks to the Ex-Kelso Laddies for giving me this amazing opportunity. I have been told by many of them to cherish and enjoy every moment, as it is over in a flash – I certainly will!

“Finally to the people of Kelso. Thank you for all the congratulations and messages of support. Have a fantastic Civic Week, “Safe Oot, Safe In.”