VOTING is under way in the 11 superwards that make up Scottish Borders Council, writes Bob Burgess.

Polling stations close at 10pm but this year the traditional overnight count has been shelved.

Instead counting starts at 9am tomorrow in a council-owned former factory at Tweedbank near Galashiels.

And you can follow the results throughout the day by logging onto our website – www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk and also on Twitter. And of course there will detailed coverage and news of who will govern the new council in Thursday’s Southern.

There are 72 candidates chasing the 34 places on the council. A total of 346 staff are involved in the election.

The first result will be from Tweeddale West around 10.30am and the last from Hawick and Hermitage in mid afternoon.

The Borders and the rest of Britain have changed a lot during the 60 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne.

In 1952, you could get a suit made at Arthur Armstrong & Co.’s shop in Galashiels’ Bank Street for £4.19.6, the big film playing at the town’s Pavilion was On the Riviera, starring Danny Kaye and The Southern Reporter cost threepence.

Some things, however, don’t seem to change much at all. Borders troops will continue to face danger in Afghanistan, while six decades ago their grandfathers were in action in Korea, Malaya and Kenya.

What also has not changed, it would seem, is the affection in which the Queen is held by residents of this region – a fact borne out by news that the Borders submitted more applications for funding for jubilee community events than any other region in Scotland.

It is a bit of a strange anomaly, therefore, that Borderers voted for the SNP at the last Scottish parliamentary and recent local authority elections in greater numbers than ever before – a party with many politicians holding republican views, including local MSP Christine Grahame.

And it also says a great deal about the complexity of our relationship with our larger southern neighbour that, while hoping he can persuade a majority of his fellow countrymen and women to severe their links with the rest of the United Kingdom, First Minister Alex Salmond sees nothing contradictory in lodging a parliamentary motion calling for the monarch’s “long and close relationship” with Scotland to continue.

There are very few public events whereby people can gather and celebrate the same emotions at the same time. That is something that nowadays seems mainly the providence of large sporting occasions and rock concerts.

But here in the Borders we are lucky, as our common ridings and festivals provide opportunities to come together and celebrate our shared heritage.

Yes, we are proud Borderers and we will remain fiercely Scottish. But much has been sacrificed by Borderers in the name of Britain and her Queen over the last 60 years and, despite what the future may hold, we are for the time being still British – and should celebrate that fact this weekend.

The Scottish Agricultural College has organised a farm walk in the Borders next month.

The event will be hosted by Jamie Scott of Kirklands Estate at Furlongs Farm, Ancrum, on June 19 and anyone with an interest in farmland conservation is welcome to attend.

Hedgerow and parkland management, and grazing of wildflower-rich grasslands will be key topics discussed at the event. The aim is to share the experiences of one family and their attempt to manage the land for future generations to enjoy.

Mr Scott said: “Regular hedgerow maintenance is very important. If left unmanaged, hedgerows will continue to grow to form a line of trees.

“Sometimes hedges become gappy or leggy with little at the base. Where stock are kept, thick, bushy and well-managed ‘laid’ hedges provide shelter and wildlife habitat.

“Because hedges are so long-lived, they provide significant landscape value too. I’d like to encourage more people to lay their hedges.”

Furlongs plays host to the Scottish Hedge Laying Championships each October and it attracts professional hedge layers from all over the country.

Hedge laying used to be a fairly common practice in the Borders, particularly on the larger estates. It all but died out after the Second World War, but there has been a recent resurgence of interest in this traditional country craft. There are many different styles, each suited to the local landscape, farming system and the different hedgerow plants themselves.

At some stage in the life of the hedge, it will require cutting to maintain condition.

The flail head trimmer is the most common tool used for trimming hedges. This uses hanging blades which rotate rapidly. On thin stems it is very effective, but on thicker specimens it can lead to unsightly torn edges. Knife blade cutters are equally effective on light growth. On hedges that have not been cut regularly, a circular saw with up to five blades is often required, to reshape the entire hedge.

Regular tight trimming of hawthorn hedges, to the same height each year, can cause the hedge to become stressed, bottomless and gappy. A gradual decline in condition often follows. If the cutting regime is relaxed and the hedge allowed to grow incrementally, then stems are less likely to die out. As long as stems are actively growing, then the hedge can be laid, which in turn forms a continuous and sustainable thick and stockproof hedgerow.

Lack of management or neglect often results in hedges requiring to be coppiced with gaps filled in. Periodic hedge laying can offer a solution to this recurring problem.

Keep hedges thick and dense to provide shelter for livestock and habitat for wildlife. Cut only every two to three years in late winter, after the berries have been eaten by birds. Try not to cut too often or too tight.

When gapping up hedges or planting new ones, try to use native shrubs of local provenance. Hedges with lots of wildflowers and native grasses growing at the base provide the best habitat for insects and ground-nesting birds.

If room allows, try and incorporate hedgerow trees such as oak and ash or rowan and field maple. Sparsely-located individual trees often have a hugely significant landscape enhancement value, often far outweighing densely-packed woodland areas. Try to link new hedges to existing habitat such as watercourses, drystone dykes or ponds to form wildlife corridors. Consider establishing a regular hedge-laying management programme and take the long-term view.

Actively managing farmland habitats can be hugely rewarding.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact SAC at St Boswells on 01835 823322.

ST BOSWELLS

AT St Boswells Mart on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 123 clean cattle, 88 OTM cattle, 315 spring lambs, 136 old season lambs and 435 ewes.

Bullocks (57) averaged 207.3p per kg (+0.4p on the week), heifers (55) averaged 202.2p per kg (+1.8p on the week), 11 young bulls averaged 177.7p per kg (n/c on the week) and 88 beef-type OTM cattle averaged 147p per kg (+3.0p on the week).

The 315 spring lambs averaged 189.5p, 136 old season lambs averaged 140.1p per kg (-6.1p on the week) and 435 ewes averaged £78.21 (-£8.61 on the week).

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.25 (2) Robert Wilson Butcher and M/s Moor, 2.23 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.22 Charles Wilson Butcher; Butchercote 2.24, 2.18 M/s Moor; Snawdon 2.21 Ramsay Family Butcher; Gospelhall 2.19 M/s R Pringle; Phantassie 2.19 Scotbeef; Traprain 2.19 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Penston 2.18, 2.17 Malone of Edinburgh; Cranshaws 2.18 M/s TA Shaw; Lurdenlaw 2.16 M/s TA Shaw; Lennoxlove 2.16 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Thirlestane 2.16 M/s Saunderson Ltd.

Principal prices per head: Lurdenlaw £1640, £1638, £1469.70; Glenrath £1525.70; West Mains £1467.95; Butchercote £1449.70.

Cows per head: Innerwick £1645.60; Ruletownhead £1377.80; Phantassie £1352, £1219.65, £1168.65; Crookston £1290.50; Marigold £1278.20; Hoselaw £1267.50; Traprain £1256, £1196.80, £1163.25; Glenrath £1167.65; Dunslaw £1167.45; Lower Ashtrees £1156.20.

Cows per kg: Glenrath 1.93, 1.89; Dunslaw 1.81; Crookston 1.78, 1.66; Traprain 1.76, 1.72; Innerwick 1.76; Phantassie 1.73,1.69; Branton Eastside 1.70; Hoselaw 1.69; Soutra 1.69; Corsbie 1.67; Hexpath 1.66.

Bulls: Mitchelston £1445.60 (1.39p); Hartside £1401.30 (1.62p).

Spring lambs per head: Tex.x;- £93.50,£92.50 Lochside, £85 Thirlestane, Suff.x;- £86.50 Lee, £85 Craigsford Mains and Lochside, Cha;- £85 Hundalee.

Spring lambs per kilo: Tex.x;- 205.6 Lochside, 195.2 Thirlestane, Suff.x;- 196.6 Lee, 191 Byrewalls, Suff;- 193.2 Glenrath.

Hoggs: Principal prices per head: Tex.x;- £80 Kirktonhill and Lee, £75.50 Mervinslaw, Suff.x;- £75 Kirktonhill, £71.50 Deanfoot, Chev;- £75 Towford, EC;- £75 Mitchelston, Ham;- £71.50 Stichill Eastfield, BF;- £69 Mervinslaw (Craig), £65 Stoneypath.

Principal prices per kg: BF;- 191.7 Mervinslaw (Craig), 171.1 Stoneypath, Tex.x;- 162.2 Kilnknowe, Jac;- 161 Threepwood Cott (Sandilands).

Cast ewes: Suff;- £113 Glenrath, £107 Smailholm Mains, HB;- £105,£103, £97 Smailholm Mains, £97 Blegbie and Wester Middleton, Tex;- £99 Towford, £97 Redheugh (Fleming), Suff.x;- £99 New Blainslie, £97 Thirlestane, GF;- £83 Deanfoot, £81 Smailholm Mains 7 Heriot Mill, Chev;- £83 Stagehall, £81 Woodside, MS;- £83 Puttonmill, EC;- £75 Mitchelston, Lleyn;- £75 Brotherstone, BF;- £73 Kincraig, £65 Middle Monynut and Stoneypath.

Rams: £113 Kirktonhill, £107 Stagehall, EC;- £105 Mitchelston, Chev;- £105 Stagehall, Tex;- £83 Kirktonhill, BF;- £77 Mervinslaw.

WOOLER

AT their weekly Primestock Sale held at Wooler last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 118 spring lambs, 106 hoggs and young sheep and 119 ewes.

Spring lambs in keeping with national trend.

Spring lambs per head:- Suff.x:- £85 Fowberry Moor, £81 Newstead, £80 Shotton, Campfield and West Longridge. Tex:- £84, £83.50p West Longridge, £82.50p, £81.50p Barelees.

Spring lambs per kilo:- Tex.x:- 209.2p Shotton and Barelees, 206.6p Barelees. Suff.x:- 205.1p Shotton.

Hoggs, all classes in demand.

Hoggs, young sheep per head:- Tex.x:- £93.50p, £89.50p, £86.50p Ladykirk. Suff.x:- £92.50p, £92, £88.50p, £85.50p Ladykirk, £79.50p Roddam Estates. Mule:- £88.50p, £83 Ladykirk. Chev:- £79.50p, £72 New Haggerston.

Hoggs, young sheep per kilo:- Chev:- 185.9p, 180p, 173p New Haggerston, 169.2p Shotton. Tex:- 173p Ladykirk, 167.4p Woodhall, Harbottle. Mule:- 162.8p High Learchild.

Ewes maintaining late rates.

Ewes:- Suff.x:- £108, £104 Galewood, £106 South Bellshill, £103 Newstead, £100 South Fallaknowe and South Bellshill. Tex.x:- £100.50p Clarence House and Pallisburn. H.B:- £95 Galewood. Mule:- £87 Greystonnes, £83 South Fallaknowe. Chev:- £83 (2) Galewood.

Rams:- Suff :- £99 Ladykirk.

LONGTOWN

THE Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart PLC had forward 40 prime cattle, four young bulls, 28 over 30 month cattle, 335 spring lambs, 5,400 prime hoggs and 4,881 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

Prime cattle were an improved show of quality which saw trade rise 6p on the week. The sale was topped at 227.5p twice, firstly for a Limousin heifer shown by A. and W.J. Taylor and Son, Dashwell Green and then also for a Limousin heifer from J. and N. Blaylock and Son, Hallburn. Limousin bullocks sold to 219.5p, 218.5p and 217.5p all from Messrs Taylor, Dashwell Green. Top price per head was £1,593.75 for a Limousin bullock shown by N. Forster, Haining House.

A better show of OTM cattle and more buyers present saw trade sharper and a top of 189.5p for a British Blue from T. Armstrong and Sons, Sceughdyke.

At the Show and Sale of Spring Lambs, 335 head were forward. Lambs averaged 198p per kilo with an SQQ of 200p per kilo, harder to sell. The show was judged by Stephen Stoddart, who awarded the championship on both the singles and pairs to Alex and Robbie McGimpsey, The Thorns, The single weighed 40 kilos and realised £98 to the judge, with the pairs also weighing 40 kilos and also selling to the judge at £96. Other Texels to £94 The Thorns, £90 Lanehead; Suffolk £96 Thorns, £72 Sunnyhill; Charollais £86, £85 Rottington Hall; Oxford £80, £75 Guards.

The 5,400 prime hoggs forward were a very mixed show for quality, averaging 152.1p per kilo, with only well fleshed hoggs receiving a premium, lean hoggs very hard to cash but 50 kilo+ hoggs dearer on the week, more could have been sold to advantage. Far too many small bad hoggs forward with no flesh, reflecting in the poor average.

As from next week many firms will be switched off hoggets, killing lambs instead. The sale was topped at 195p per kilo for Texels from Waterside and to £98.50 per head for Texels from Hillside.

A larger show of 4,881 cast ewes and rams were forward to a smaller ring of buyers with heavy fat ewes hard to cash, £6 to £10 less on the week with lean selling ewes at a premium.

Hill ewes remain dear in comparison, with tups short of requirements. Top price of £148.50 for Charollais rams from Severs, £140.50 Burdon, £110.50 Longrigg House; Texel £146.50 Stackbraes, £140.50 Burdon, £138.50 Willimoteswick; Millenium Blue £144.50 Severs.

Two reports on the problems – but let’s not forget the pleasures – of living and working in rural areas were published last week.

A fact I found particularly interesting was that during the first 10 years of this century there was a net migration to the countryside as more people moved to accessible and remote rural areas than to anywhere else in Scotland.

From that finding, Professor Donald MacRae concludes: “The ultimate test of any economy is that people choose to live in it. By that definition, rural Scotland is performing well. Of the 5.2million people living in Scotland, almost one million of them live in rural areas.”

Given the well-documented problems claimed for rural areas and also given that the Borders and north Northumberland are two of the most rural areas in Britain, not everyone might agree. What about low wages, fuel poverty, down-at-heel town centres?

Perhaps his definition of rural might help. Rural is settlements with a population of less than 3,000, sub-divided into accessible rural and remote rural. Accessible rural is living within 30 minutes, driving, of the nearest 10,000+ town.

Remote rural is a drive time of more than 30 minutes to such a centre.

This latest economic bulletin from Lloyds TSB Scotland provides statistics for what most of us who live in rural areas recognise from anecdotal evidence and what we see around us.

For instance, small businesses, nought to nine employees, dominate the local economy; farming, fishing and forestry account for 17 per cent of workers in remote rural areas and 12 per cent in accessible rural areas; rural areas have a lower percentage of start-up businesses per head of population, but those that do start have a higher survival rate.

The employment percentage is higher in all areas of rural Scotland than urban areas and the unemployment rate lower, with self-employment double the percentage of urban Scotland. More surprising to me, the TSB report found that gross annual pay of full-time employees in Scotland is highest in accessible rural areas. Does that mean many are commuting to town and city?

The next finding of the survey, that rural Scotland has a higher percentage of households with a net annual income of more than £20,000, particularly in accessible rural areas, suggests to me that many must commute to where the better jobs are.

That’s not quite the same thing as a buoyant rural economy any more than the number of holiday and second homes in an area.

When the recession was at its worst – Professor MacRae might be an optimist here – in 2009, it was found that the rural economy struggled through better than the urban one. That was also true of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011.

But in the succeeding three quarters of 2011 the rural economy was harder hit by rising costs and prices, particularly fuel and transport, and suffered a substantial decline in new business. So what’s the outlook according to Professor MacRae?

He found that rural businesses have more modest ambitions than urban, planning and hoping to stay the same size over the next three years rather than expand. I think that might be realism rather than lack of ambition – high dependence on transport and the cost of fuel does that to you.

Professor MacRae concludes: “Any future policy on rural development must recognise that many of the issues faced by rural areas are identical to elsewhere in Scotland. There are few unique rural problems not faced by individuals and firms in urban Scotland.”

Well, possibly. The second report of interest was from the Scottish Agricultural College that argued that what rural Scotland needs is national policies that are specifically tailored to its needs, and locally applied.

That includes dealing with what the report calls broadband “not spots” and “twilight zones” where problems with modern communication methods cause big problems for individuals and businesses in education, jobs, social networks and services.

The report lists 90 rural towns vulnerable to downturn and economic and social change, and the special role that businesses and volunteers play in rural communities. It’s not an optimistic report, concluding that it is not an argument for giving rural areas privileges over urban and admitting that “localising design and delivery” of policies might be seen as an expensive luxury when we’re all having a tougher time.

But not to localise might mean even worse times ahead for rural areas. At least I think that’s a summary of a rather convoluted final paragraph. It will be a happy day when reports are published shorn of jargon – and an even happier one when action is taken on them.

Last week I wrote too soon about anti-GM protests being in the past. About 200 protesters tried to sabotage a GM wheat trial last weekend, failing because scientists at Rothamsted and the police were warned in advance.

TV pictures indicated a fairly good-natured protest. That doesn’t alter the fact that the thinking behind it was as woolly as ever and that interest in the science behind GM – in this case to breed a wheat naturally resistant to pests that would reduce pesticide use and therefore benefit the environment – is still nil.

Galashiels Swimming Baths at Wilderhaugh were packed to capacity on Sunday, November 20, 1983 when a farewell gala was held to mark the closure of the 69-year-old pool.

The event was organised by Gala Swimming Club ahead of the final swim sessions six days later.

The pool was gifted to the town by local manufacturer Anderson Dickson and his wife, and within a few weeks of the official opening on September 13, 1915, the swimming club had been formed.

Ettrick and Lauderdale District Council had a new pool built in Gala Policies and it opened for business on December 12, just a week or so after the closure, with an official opening ceremony the following April by Princess Anne.

The farewell gala included a lament played by Piper Jimmy Rae and swimmers taking part were presented with certificates by 71-year-old Tom Pringle, a life member of the club and oldest swimmer of the day. Chairman of the Scottish Sports Council Peter Heatly took to the water and Provost Drew Tulley toasted both the old and the new baths.

But the new facility wasn’t to everyone’s liking. The old pool went from three feet, to seven feet to six feet, while the new pool had an overall of depth of under four feet – posing problems for the local water polo club which had in the past achieved much glory.

The Wilderhaugh facility was demolished to make way for an extension to the then-thriving Bepi electronics plant. American giants Viasystem eventually took over, leading to closure.

A builders’ merchant complex now stands on the site of the old baths.

– compiled by Bob Burgess

THEY came from all over the UK to take part in what has become a major event on the Scottish Carte Grand Prix circuit.

It all happened on Saturday as Denholm, bathed in glorious sunshine, hosted the fourth annual Border Bogie Challenge.

From the state-of-the-art to the Dennis the Menace, all kinds of unpowered, handcrafted vehicles were given the chance to show their mettle down the spectacular hill course at the west end of the village.

Very much in the former category was the sleek C12, crafted and driven by Steve Thomas, a lecturer in carbon fibre technology from Chippenham, who sped down the 1km senior course in a time of 57 seconds – a new course record.

Steve’s was one of only a handful of bogies in the 26-strong adult class to break the one minute barrier and he was clocked at an astonishing 40mph as he crossed the finishing line.

At the other end of the scale was the wooden soapbox, complete with pram wheels, which 11-year-old Jack Ellis had brought to compete from his home in Wakefield.

Built by his cousin who works at the Cross Keys in Denholm, the bogie, appropriately named Scrap, crossed the line at a relaxed 4mph in the shorter junior class.

“This sums up the spirit of the Border Bogie Challenge,” observed Guy Satchwell, who compered the event.

“Young Jack was just thrilled to be there and Steve, too, clearly enjoyed the camaraderie and thrill of impressing the real carte enthusiasts,” said Guy. “It was the biggest and best challenge ever.”

The husband and wife team of Graham and Carol Kerr from Galashiels, with their lime green liveried carte Piston Broke, took the Sandy Milligan Trophy for the day’s most stylish bogie, while Carol, in her own vehicle, was the second quickest female behind Michelle Ash, who won the Scottish Borders Brewery Trophy in her classy Centa Bavaria.

A popular local winner was 13-year-old Fraser Lothian who did Denholm proud when he completed the 600-metre junior course in 58.8 seconds.

The fastest junior in the GP class – for higher-tech bogies – was Alex Thomas from Aberlady in Night Train. Another youngster, Orlando Hayward, representing Team Flake from Coldstream, lifted the Borders Vintage Automobile Club award for driver ability.

The pilots of Monkey Business were deserved recipients of the award for the fastest gravity sidecar.

Second in that exciting class was a duo from Aberdeen whose time would have been faster if the sidecar passenger was not intent on spraying spectators with a battery-operated water pistol during the descent. The antics did, however, earn the pair the Spirit of Border Bogie Challenge 2012 award.

The Thomas Crapper award for ingenuity and engineering excellence went to Where’s My Spanners, run by Dominic Quinn and Andy Clayton from Glossop in Derbyshire.

Finally, in an innovation this year, Ben Wilson won the hill descent trophy for bicycles over a thrilling new track.

With so many bogies, bikes, pilots, support teams, families, kids, pets and a record number of spectators, the event was deemed the best ever by organisers.

Between the opening parade and the trophy presentation ceremony, the throng was kept royally entertained on the Green by St Boswells Concert Band and Molly Marshall and her school of dance.

in last week’s Southern we reported on a response from Scottish Borders Council following a Freedom of Information (FoI) request by a member of the public who asked how many empty properties were currently under the control of the local authority.

That response stated that there were 761 such properties, with leader Councillor David Parker later citing “current market conditions” for derailing SBC’s proposals to rationalise its property holdings.

It has now emerged that the information contained in that FoI response was wrong, with a council spokesman explaining: “SBC currently has 71 empty properties under its control. Due to an error by the council the information given as part of an FoI request, stating that 761 properties were empty, was incorrect. SBC apologises for any confusion.”

PLANS to transform a large derelict pub in the region’s largest public housing scheme into a community hub have received a major boost.

It follows Tuesday’s news that the Big Lottery Fund has confirmed a grant of £56,670 to Burnfoot Community Futures (BCF), a not-for-profit company which has already secured a new multi-use games area and Christmas lights for the Hawick estate.

The cash will allow the group, which has resident representation, to take forward its proposal to develop the boarded-up Roadhouse, in Burnfoot Road, into a community hub comprising a café, function room, childcare facilties, room rental spaces, a play area and a community garden.

The grant will see a design team engaged to progress the plans and also help fund a part-time development worker.

BCF chair Zoe Hall said: “The community has worked very hard over the last five years to realise our dream of owning and operating our very own hub and this amazing support from the Big Lottery Fund will help us take a very significant step forward.

“By obtaining professional designs and planning consent, we will be in the best position to buy the site and achieve the next stage of full funding to actually create the facilities. This gives us real confidence for the future.”

THE Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is celebrating a hat-trick of national awards, writes Andrew Keddie.

At last Sunday’s Scottish Hotel Awards at the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow, the Dryburgh, below, was named Country House Sports Hotel of the Year, retaining the accolade it won in 2010 and 2011.

It was also named Dog-Friendly Hotel of the Year, while its wedding co-ordinator Julie Hyde won the gold medal for the best wedding planner.

“We’re all absolutely thrilled with the awards which champion not only our hotel but the Borders as a wonderful destination for enthusiasts of country sports,” said general manager Mark Wallace.

Before the award ceremony, Mark had just returned from a three-day visit to Thailand where he had been part of a 10-strong delegation of Borders businesses taking part in the Destination Britain and Ireland international networking event, supported by VisitScotland.

“To be showcased in the Far East and then to have so much success at the national award ceremony has made it a very special few weeks for everyone at the Dryburgh,” he added.

FIVE Border towns have been listed among Scotland’s most vulnerable rural communities to the economic downturns, writes Kenny Paterson.

Eyemouth was deemed the region’s town most at risk in the Scottish Agricultural College report – followed by Hawick, Galashiels, Newtown St Boswells and Langholm.

Indeed, last week Galashiels saw another national chain pull out of the town centre as troubled Clinton Cards at Douglas Bridge closed its doors for the last time on Thursday. It follows the loss of Semichem and Game in recent months, while the sight of an empty premises is also common in Hawick’s High Street.

John Lamont, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, described the report’s findings as deeply concerning.

He added: “There are a considerable number of people in both Hawick and Eyemouth who are either finding it hard to get a job, or are on very low incomes. We need to help those living in deprivation by giving them practical help to find work opportunities and by bringing more jobs to the Borders.

“These statistics must act as a warning and we need to make sure that the next time they are published we see a marked improvement in the Borders.”

The study based its findings on four categories of economic wellbeing – number of people of working age, claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, working in the public sector and income levels.

But Borders MP Michael Moore believes the study is “extremely useful”.

He added: “The report shows the importance of small businesses, broadband and local services for our rural communities, and outlines that Scottish Government policy must recognise the specific characteristics of our rural communities and tailor service provision accordingly.

“I also agree that services such as broadband and local amenities such as post offices are vital to the sustainability of our rural communities. This is why I have welcomed the commitment from the UK Government to roll-out better broadband across the UK and end Labour’s post office closure programme which damaged many rural communities across the Borders.

“These are clearly challenging times for people here in the Borders and as local MP I am working with local business to boost employment and opportunities.

“This is why I welcomed the apprenticeship scheme set up by local textiles firms to enable young people to break into the job market.”

A lack of custom in Langholm recently led to a series of meetings attended by up to 40 traders from the Muckle Toon.

The firms decided to work with The Langholm Initiative, a group designed to improve the town’s social, physical and business environments, as well as approach BEAR Scotland, which is responsible for the main A7 road which passes through the middle of Langholm, and Dumfries and Galloway Council for help.

Langholm councillor Denis Male said: “Obviously there is concern among local traders, but the meetings are a positive step and should lead to a more attractive town centre which, in turn, will see more people, especially from the A7’s passing traffic, use the town’s shops.”

PRIMARY seven pupils Reece Smith and Alex Bell in their roles as Tweedbank Lad and Lass got the village’s annual fair underway this week, writes Flora Colton.

Tweedbank Lad Reece said: “It’s fantastic,” while Alex added: “I feel happy.”

Investiture Night kicked things off on Tuesday and there is a busy programme of events leading up to Sunday.

Reece and Alex are being supported by their attendants Ciaran McLaren (Lad’s First Attendant), Jordan Turnbull (Lad’s Second Attendant), Jayden McAllan (Lass’ First Attendant) and Maisie Kidd (Lass’ Second Attendant).

The Lad, Lass and all attendants said they would enjoy their special day.

The investiture was staged in the local community centre, with the Braw Lad and Lass from Galashiels also present.

The fun continued last night with a fancy dress parade, while tonight in the community centre there is junior and senior bingo, starting at 6pm.

Tomorrow night is adults’ night, with the community centre playing host to international comedy artist, Brenda Collins, plus music from Magnum Disco, from 7.30pm till late.

On Saturday, pavement artists will be at the school from 10am (weather permitting) and then it will be the turn of the fruit and flower grand parade.

Melrose Pipes & Drums will lead the parade from the community centre to the primary school, with the Tweedbank Lad and Lass plus their attendants following in a horse-drawn carriage, as well as local community groups and individuals.

The fete and fun day will follow on the school’s playing field, starting at 1pm. Other events include a Miss Chucklebutty Show in the school hall and a car boot sale in aid of local community groups.

On Sunday, there will be a grand charity adults quiz night in aid of the Scottish HART (Heart at Risk Testing) charity, which will be staged at Herges on the Loch, with registration starting at 8.30pm.

OVERWHELMING support by veterans from the King’s Own Scottish Borderers has won the battle for Berwick Barracks to be selected as the final resting place for the Regimental Colours.

It brings to a successful end the six-month campaign launched by the Berwick branch of the KOSB Association in November, which also saw an appeal to the general public to back the campaign.

In its first month – up until the original December 17 deadline for the consultation exercise – such was the huge response, that the regimental trustees agreed to continue the review period until Friday’s annual general meeting.

The three options for laying up the Colours – paraded for the last time in front of the Queen last summer before being stored at Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh – were Berwick, Edinburgh Castle and the Canongate Kirk, also in the capital.

Chairman of the trustees and current president of the KOSB Association is former KOSB commanding officer, Brigadier Andrew Jackson.

Confirming Friday’s decision by the trustees, Brigadier Jackson told TheSouthern that the extra-long consultation exercise had given the trustees a clear view of the size of support behind the Berwick bid.

“The decision was pretty straightforward. Everyone was in agreement that we should support what the members of the association wanted and there was a clear majority in favour of Berwick,” he explained.

Brigadier Jackson said the hope now is that the Princess Royal, patron of the association, will agree to be present at the ceremony to lay up the Colours at Berwick Barracks.

But he stressed: “We are not going to rush to have the ceremony. We have to find the right occasion and we need to write to the office of the Princess Royal and invite her to do this and, if she agrees, to find a suitable date. So it will probably be next year sometime.”

Berwick is home to the first purpose-built barracks in Britain, designed in the early 18th century by celebrated architect, Nicholas Hawksmoor. It served as the regimental depot for the KOSB and remains the location for the regimental museum.

Boasting a multitude of battle honours won during its 300-year history, the KOSB was merged with the Royal Scots as part of the Government defence review in 2006, to become the Royal Scots Borderers.

But while there will be rejoicing that the Colours will be coming home to Berwick, uncertainty remains over the long-term future of the barracks site.

It is nearly two years since proposals to convert the barracks into a 60-bedroom varsity hotel, providing a place for guests to enjoy special interest holidays, were first announced.

It was envisaged visitors might come to learn more about the borough’s history and heritage, its architecture, archaeology and natural environment.

However, the lack of progress with plans to redevelop the barracks has been described by ex-mayor Alan Bowlas as the biggest disappointment of his year in office.

He used his recent end- of-term address to express frustration that proposals to convert the barracks into a varsity hotel have so far come to nothing.

The project, one of 10 key sites identified for development in the Berwick’s Future masterplan, has been hit by considerable delay due to internal reorganisation at key partners such as Northumberland County Council, English Heritage and the disbanding of the regional development agency, One North East.

“Of all these projects, the barracks has been my greatest disappointment as all the work completed by the working group, of which I was a member, and that done by consultants, is now probably wasted”, said Councillor Bowlas.

Northumberland County Council has appointed a privately-owned company, Arch Ltd, to take forward the Berwick’s Future programme, although there are doubts whether any or all of the remaining projects will be completed by the deadline of 2015.

Brigadier Jackson says the trustees have been trying to work with English Heritage to find a solution that would secure the barracks and the museum as part of it.

He said: “We are concerned there is a potentially uncertain future for the barracks site – there’s no way we can pretend there isn’t.

“We need to look at raising money to help secure the museum for the future and ensure it is relevant and active in preserving the history of the regiment.”

IF YOU go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise. A giant one to be precise.

For Bowhill woodlands and Glentress Forest are hosting giants’ heads made of wood in their trees.

They are part of a community arts project led by the Edinburgh-based creator of large-scale interactive events, Vision Mechanics, and local groups.

The aim of the Giants in the Forest project is to encourage more people to visit woods and enjoy art in non-traditional settings.

Vision Mechanics is working with Eastgate Theatre on the Glentress project and volunteers placed the heads in trees earlier this spring.

A spokesperson for the Peebles theatre said: “The six-month project is set to invite creative activity. We will organise and encourage groups and individuals to visit the site and record their own artistic responses to the giant heads.”

Local Brownies, Cubs and Beavers were inspired when they saw them, creating their own giants from willow and other wood.

Meanwhile, at Bowhill earlier this month, more than 50 Borders primary schoolchildren foraged for branches to decorate the heads before splitting into three teams to plant them.

A spokesperson for Bowhill said on the project’s website: “We have already had lots of visitors going to try to find them and they are genuinely excited about the project. We can’t wait to see how they evolve over the coming months.”

Vision Mechanic’s artistic director Symon Macintyre said online: “The project aims to connect people and their communities, and invites them to reflect on their relationship with the environment, the seasons, life cycles”.

The company has also created Big Man Walking, an eight-metre (26ft) giant which will start Glasgow’s Olympic celebrations in July.

Borderers are familiar with the team behind Vision Mechanics – Mr Macintyre and Kim Bergsagel – for they also lead Puppet Lab, puppeteers and regular visitors to the area.

For more information on Giants in the Forest visit www.giantsintheforest.com. The project runs until November.

June promises to be a busy month for local railway heritage buffs as they prepare for the 150th anniversary of the inception of the Carlisle-Hawick rail link – the Border Union Railway (BUR) – on July 1, writes Andrew Keddie.

There is still plenty to do at the Waverley Route Heritage Association (WRHA)’s Whitrope site in Liddesdale – from the pointing of the newly-built platform to the painting of notices and signboards.

In a welcome example of co-operation, contractors currently working for Transport Scotland on the northern part of the Waverley line contacted BUR/WRHA to say the former station footbridge at Eskbank Station was surplus to requirements ahead of the route from Edinburgh to Tweedbank being reopened in 2014.

The heritage group has arranged to have the bridge picked up from Midlothian and transported down to Whitrope where it will be stored and restored prior to being installed at Riccarton Junction – replacing the original which was destroyed following the closure of the line in 1969.

Yesterday, a second new powered coach to run on the half-mile restored section at Whitrope was due to arrive on site.

The anniversary celebrations on July 1 will be opened by MSP John Lamont and Madge Elliot, stalwart defender of the Waverley line. Festivities will start at 10am, with trains running until 4pm.

Meanwhile, Iain McIntosh from Newcastleton, operations director of the restored section, recently travelled to Spain to sign a twinning agreement with the Spanish heritage railway Asvafar.

The deal will involve regular exchanges of technical know-how and experience.

“We hope this twinning arrangement will be of benefit to the local economy as the name of Liddesdale becomes better known in Europe,” said Mr McIntosh.

JEDBURGH people want a bigger better supermarket according to the town’s community council chairman Richard Gordon, writes Sally Gillespie.

Giving his report to fellow councillors at last week’s annual general meeting he said: “From soundings I have taken, I’m firmly of the opinion that the majority of townsfolk want better, more competitive shopping provision in Jedburgh than currently exists.”

He said it was one of the subjects the council had discussed over the last year that remained unresolved.

“The town isn’t as one on this issue and there have been differing views expressed courteously and sincerely around this table. I have no doubt that the refusal, earlier this year, of the latest planning application, isn’t the last we’ll hear on the topic”, he said.

The councillor welcomed the near ending of what he described as the saga of 31 High Street, more commonly referred to locally as ‘Bert’s shop’, set to be demolished this summer.

He added: “Hopefully, redevelopment of the site, probably for affordable housing, will be undertaken sooner rather than later.”

But he cautioned: “Steps must be taken to ensure that as much as possible of the public money spent on the site is returned to the coffers.”

He was critical of efforts to renovate the town’s Jubilee fountain, originally commissioned to mark Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee in 1887.

Two years ago, the town’s common good fund approved a grant of £8,537 towards the costs of refurbishment work, with the balance of more than £10,000 to be provided by Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Government. Work on the structure is complete but questions remain over it being permanently connected to a water supply.

“I find it little short of amazing that a scheme to totally renovate and restore water to the famous Moffat Ram was carried out within four months while work on our more modest fountain has dragged on for years, “ said Councillor Gordon.

The community council’s action to celebrate the present Queen’s Diamond Jubilee include planting pear trees in the gardens at Mary, Queen of Scots’ House for which he thanked Councillors John Bathgate, Ray King and Hugh Wight who were involved.

He added: “I’m sure it will be a success and leave a lasting mark of the Diamond Jubilee in the Royal Burgh. Another scheme under consideration is the installation of fitness equipment along what was the Trim Track. Councillor Kevin Hill has been particularly involved and should be recognised.”

He reported Jedburgh Christmas Lights situation was more secure with more money being donated.

“A big thanks is due to everyone who has helped in the fundraising effort. Keeping Jedburgh lit up at Christmas will always be a challenge but, I’m sure, ways will always be found to ensure the festive season in the town is celebrated in lights”, he said.

Mr Gordon continues as chairman Councillor King as vice chairman, Councillor Joe Coulson as treasurer and Susan Elliot as secretary.

it was a glorious summer evening, as sunshine bathed the July 11 crowds packing Paris’s Colombes Stadium, for one of the highlights of the 1924 Olympic Games.

Oblivious to both the crowds and the weather, deep inside the stadium, Scottish sprinter Eric Liddell was just a few minutes away from writing himself into the history books with a performance that would not only see him take gold in the final of the 400m, but also set new Olympic and world records.

But that was still to come. For now, the dressing room was characteristically quiet as Liddell was massaged by the small stout Scot who’d been by his side over the past four years as his trainer.

But Tom McKerchar and his crticial role in coaching Liddell to Olympic glory never featured in the smash hit film, Chariots of Fire, which brought his protege’s achievements to a wider public audience.

But Liddell knew how important McKerchar had been to his success. Ever loyal, Liddell ensured McKerchar’s name was among the VIP guests invited to the civic reception thrown in Edinburgh on his triumphant return to Scotland after the games ended.

Liddell’s sporting legend was added to by his famous refusal to break the Sabbath by competing in the Olympic heats of his favoured event, the 100m. Most people will have formed their views of Liddell, from Chariots of Fire. But there is much more to the story of this iconic Scottish sportsman, including, many will be surprised to learn, his sporting links with the Borders.

Galashiels vet Harry McKerchar, who has worked in the town for the last 35 years, is Tom McKerchar’s grandson and the figure of Eric Liddell features in many of the McKerchar family stories.

As a young boy growing up, Harry added no other significance to Liddell’s name other than that he was one of the runners ‘Grandpa’ had coached in the distant past.

Although Harry never met his grandfather – Tom was Harry’s grandfather on his father’s side of the family – he is immensly proud of the family link with one of Scotland’s greatest sporting icons.

Harry told explained: “My grandfather was a printer by trade, but he was always interested in athletics.

“Liddell was one of the lads he coached, from when he was at university, right through to the Olympic Games. My father used to tell how Grandpa was always infuriated by Liddell, because he never used to turn up for training as he was always at Bible class.

“Grandpa had developed these innovative techniques for coaching athletes and was one of the first people to use massage and physiotherapy as part of a coaching regime.

“He was always interested in how athletes run, how they used their bodies to run. People will be familiar with the peculiar way of running Eric Liddell had, with his head thrown back.

“Grandpa tried constantly to get him out of this. But Liddell said it was his natural way to run. He used to say he ran the first half of the race for Eric Liddell and the second half for God.”

Liddell’s life has been the subject of many books, and one of the best – reprinted earlier this year – is Pure Gold by David McCasland.

Here, at least, Tom McKerchar’s pivotal role in the Liddell legend is well documented.

Tom McKerchar was 44 years old when he first shook Liddell’s hand at the Powderhall track.

Standing 5ft 5ins tall, he is described in the book as more bulldog than greyhound, but with an intrinsic understanding of muscles, tension and tone.

And just four months after entrusting himself to McKerchar, Liddell was among the cream of British sprinters and already being touted as a possible future Olympic champion.

Harry takes up the story: “My family found Chariots of Fire very realistic and an enjoyable film, but we were a bit disappointed to find that Tom McKerchar wasn’t mentioned at all.

“The film was based more on the story of Liddell’s fellow runner, Harold Abrahams, than on Liddell. Personally, I thought the film made Liddell out to be a wee bit of a religious buffoon and he wasn’t that at all.

“From my father’s stories, Liddell was clearly very intelligent. He regularly came to my grandparents’ house on many occasions. In fact, my father’s brother was christened Eric Liddell McKerchar and Eric Liddell was actually his godfather.”

In Pure Gold, McCasland recounts how Liddell paid tribute to his coach at the civic reception in Edinburgh: “Glancing at the table where McKerchar sat ... Eric continued: ‘In all the mentions of my Olympic victory, one thing has been forgotten and that is the great part my trainer, Mr Tom McKerchar, has played in my success.

‘For the last four years, he has coached me and shown me exactly how to run the various races. When I ran my first quarter mile at Edinburgh University, my trainer really ran it for me, before sending me out to try it on the track. I have much for which to thank Mr McKerchar in all my success’.”

And there are other links between Liddell and the Borders. On December 8, 1921, the first trial match for selection for the Scottish international rugby team drew 8,000 spectators to Netherdale in Galashiels.

The large crowd was treated to the sight of Liddell scoring five tries. Liddell would go on to win seven international caps for Scotland, but it was his fame as an Olympian that would eclipse all else. Just five weeks after stepping off the boat from France, Liddell found himself in Galashiels again, this time for the final athletics meet of the season.

Many believed it would be his last appearance on a Scottish track before he left to pursue his career as a missionary in China.

Thousands are reported to have flocked to Netherdale to watch Liddell run and he did not disappoint them. He took second place in the 100-yard handicap and victory in the 440-yard event in the pouring rain.

He’d also competed at the Hawick Common Riding sports in the town’s Volunteer Park just a month before the Paris Olympics.

Liddell knew the Borders well. Apart from competing at race meetings, his mother’s family lived in Coldstream and the Liddell family itself spent many a happy holiday at Carcant, near Heriot.

But Liddell’s family had long been associated with Christian missionary work in China, where Liddell himself had been born.

He returned to China in 1925, where he was ordained a minister in 1932.

He married Florence Mackenzie two years later and the couple had three daughters. But Japanese forces invaded in 1937 and Liddell’s family moved to Canada, while Liddell himself remained in China.

In 1943, he was interned by the Japanese authorities in a camp at Weishien, where he died just a few months before the end of the war due to a brain tumour.

Harry, who still has the gold watch presented to his grandfather in recognition of coaching Liddell to Olympic glory, knows why Liddell’s story still has the power to move people.

He said: “It is a Boys’ Own story, isn’t it. It’s ‘Tough of the Track’. Nobody thought Liddell could win races, not the way he ran. I’m not religious myself, but I greatly admire his conviction and commitment to what he believed in.

“I have to admit, every time I see the Chariots of Fire title scenes, with the athletes running along the beach and the music, I’m in a heap. It’s an amazing story.”

Well now, as this edition of The Pilgrim is on the stocks the present state of play is there has been no rain for three days, maybe more, but not much more than that.

Across the UK the weather doomers are laying plans to announce a terrible drought – a biblical dry spell, the like of which we will not have seen in this land since Adam was a boy, the arid soil bare of life, thirst-crazed football fans foaming at the mouth and, of course, early rumours that Brenda’s diamond anni-bash will have to be cancelled in the interests of public safety.

The only real snag to their plot is the UK climate, which if it performs as normal will mean any protest marches against hosepipe bans will be rained off and farmers will be calling for government help to pay for losses caused by flooding. We have one of the most variable climates going and surely instead of moaning about it, we should learn to live with it and enjoy what is available as best we can.

Yep, that’s right, we need to enjoy ourselves a lot more and that typically means it is up to us to find something we like doing and get on with it.

I shall now tell you how I have led by example.

As you already know, The Pilgrim is dog daft, with a bit left over for cats. Anything vaguely doggy will see me there, likely as not with the Grey Hooligan in tow, ready for some good old-fashioned enjoyment.

Last Sunday saw myself and GH all spruced up (like both of us) and cruising the back road towards Houdshall on the way to Midlem, where the Duke of Buccleuch Hunt Supporters’ Club stage their annual terrier and lurcher show. It only costs a couple of quid to get in, not being a rock concert or anything to do with the Olympics, and you get a free programme thrown in for good value.

People attending such canine extravaganzas should not under any circumstances confuse the event with the posher dog shows where people, usually without any pedigree, show dogs that most certainly have.

In the case of lurcher and terrier showing, the process of breeding the canines on show is at best a matter of some approximation and they are all the better for that. Dogs of all sizes, colours and description are all there for the fun, although winning a class on the day does qualify the lucky mutt for other more serious contests aimed at those who take it all too seriously.

You see, ownership of a muscular long dog or a snarly terrier was once the preserve of those who either hunted game for a living or as part of a sport in which not getting your collar felt was an essential part of the entertainment.

Nowadays such dogs are more often found as treasured pets in many households, more valued for companionship than any hunting prowess. There are still a few who adhere to the illicit taking of game, although it must be mentioned the guys who indulge in such practices are not commonly seen at lurcher or terrier shows as it is in their interest to keep the battle-scarred dogs they employ well out of the public gaze.

In short, the socialisation of these two types of country dogs has done much to ease the aggravation caused by the prohibition of hunting with dogs of any kind. And, by the way, I am far too experienced to get into any wrangle about hunting bans etc. – I have my own views, which I rarely share with anyone, and will continue like that unless I get garrulously drunk sometime, and these days that is most unlikely.

So there I was, sitting out of the hot sun in the shade of the refreshment tent, with GH lying at my feet, observing a weird and wonderful selection of dogs and people, eyeing up dogs, meeting old friends, or like me indulging in a session of covert people watching.

The variety was great, some real characters, quite a lot of dog-savvy kids, flamboyantly-dressed ladies showing off their tans and tattoos, men attempting to dress rural, not always with success, and others like me who cling to a dress style of jeans and shirtsleeves that now seems almost ageless.

Because of the well-known fact that dog people are very matey and like nothing better than to talk dog, I got to know several complete strangers, a few more who knew me well, although I could not remember them (it’s an age thing), and, of course, old friends.

The afternoon passed all too quickly and after watching several show classes and some chaotic terrier/lurcher racing, it was time to wander homewards for a well-deserved rest.

Did I enjoy myself? You bet I did!

It must have been a wild, stormy night when the legendary Auld Wat of Harden crossed the Ettrick in flood about five miles upstream from Selkirk nearly 400 years ago, writes Judy Steel.

A child was swept from his arms and lost in the torrent and Wat vowed to build a bridge to prevent another such tragedy.

On Saturday, on an evening of balmy sunshine in Ettrickbridge, a replica of the stone tablet recording the building of that famous first crossing in 1628 was unveiled on the parapet, along with a brass plaque telling the story.

The unveiling marked the fulfillment of a dream for Alison Maguire, secretary of Ettrick and Yarrow Community Council, and her husband Bob who have lived in the village for several years.

It was a commitment praised by all who attended the unveiling, carried out by Andrew, Lord Polwarth, the descendant of Auld Wat.

All three Selkirkshire councillors were present, with the honour of introducing Lord Polwarth falling to newcomer Michelle Ballantyne.

Lord Polwarth spoke about his family’s history, in particular Auld Wat who was one of the most colourful – and the last – of the 16th/17th century Border reivers.

After the ceremony, the hundred plus who were gathered on the bridge adjourned to the football field where wine, cake and, appropriately, bridge rolls were handed out to everyone.

Now, visitors to the village will be able to see and learn about a small part of Border history which has been hidden to view for four hundred years.

Bob Maguire told us: “The stone is, in effect, the foundation stone of the village of Ettrickbridge and Auld Wat’s bridge, which replaced the notoriously unreliable ford and opened up the first reliable route to the upper Ettrick Valley.”

The stone was carved by sculptor and letter cutter Gillian Forbes of Perth. It shows Auld Wat’s coat of arms and his initials WS, those of his second wife Margaret Edgar and the date of the first bridge.

By the mid-18th century the bridge was in a ruinous state with the present one built in 1780 and doubled in width in 1858.

The stone project, carried out by the community council, was funded mainly from a community grant from Scottish Borders Council.

“It is hoped other projects of an historic, community and tourist interest can follow in the valleys,” said Alison.

Twenty new jobs have been created by Johnstons of Elgin opening its new, state-of-the-art cashmere visitor centre at the Eastfield Mills site in Hawick, writes Mark Entwistle.

Friday’s opening ceremony was performed by the Duchess of Northumberland, with 250 guests from all over the UK, including some of Johnstons of Elgin’s cashmere raw material suppliers from China.

Commenting on the £1million investment, director James Sugden said: “This is a further step on the way to cementing our position as Scotland’s leading manufacturer of cashmere products, both woven and knitted.

“As well as creating an additional 20 jobs, the retail shop, café and interpretation centre will help protect the existing manufacturing jobs in Hawick where we already employ 250 people.”

Mr Sugden went on: “All the building work has been carried out by local trades, providing vital work at a difficult time for the construction industry. A lot of the work has involved renovating the 1882 frontage to the mill, and this has taxed all the skills available in Hawick to reach the high standards associated not just with our products, but also our marketing and presentation.

“Over the years Hawick as a town has had a bad press, but it is our aim with this investment to help to put the town back on the map as a destination place to shop.”

Johnstons employ 750 people between its Elgin and Hawick plants, and last year turned over in excess of £50million.