The NHS Borders Board will meet in Newstead next Thursday, 25 February, for its public board meeting.

As the name suggests, the meeting is open to members of the public and will take place in the NHS Borders Boardroom in Newstead, from 10am to noon.

NHS Borders Board meets in public every two months to discuss current business, as well as receive updates on the business of the NHS Borders’ committees.

The board is responsible for providing health care services to protect and improve Borderers’ health.

John Raine, chair of NHS Borders, said: “Our public board meetings are an important opportunity, not only for the board to discuss current business and performance, but for local communities to be informed and involved in what we do.”

He added: “NHS Borders continues to work hard to achieve its targets.

“This is essential as we continue to ensure health care is safe, high quality and best value, and that the health of Borders people is improving.”

The A1 is currently closed has been closed to traffic after two lorries were overturned by high winds.

The incident happened on the southbound A1 near Torness power station in East Lothian at 11.25am on Tuesday.

One of the HGV overturned and caused a blockage on the lane. The other ended up on the side of the road.

No one was injured in the incident.

As a result of the incident, the southbound route has been closed while emergency services deal with the vehicles.

The road is expected to reopen at 2.30pm.

Motorists are being urged to drive with care as warnings for high winds have been put in place for bridges across the country.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Hon Theresa Villiers MP visited potato producer Greenvale, in Duns, with local MSP John Lamont this week.

As part of a visit to the Scottish Borders, the Secretary of State toured fresh potato and seed potato producer Greenvale, a Borders based company which employs up to 1,500 people across 9 UK sites.

The visit was an opportunity to discuss what further steps the UK Government can take to support local businesses.

John Lamont MSP said: “I was very pleased to be able to welcome Theresa Villiers MP to Berwickshire and to pay a visit to Greenvale. This company is one of many which highlight the fantastic produce we get here in the Borders.

“They are also a key provider of much needed apprenticeships, which are key to a skilled and motivated workforce. That is why I support Scottish Conservative plans to create 10,000 new apprenticeships a year in the next Parliament.

“Theresa is a good friend of the Borders and has visited a number of times. It is always really helpful to have a UK Government Minister visit and see for themselves the positives and challenges businesses face here.”

Following the visit, Theresa Villiers MP said: “It was a pleasure to pay a visit to such a successful Berwickshire business. It is firms like this which provide growth and local jobs which is why the UK Government is backing small businesses across the United Kingdom by cutting business and jobs taxes. I enjoyed seeing the work that goes on in Greenvale and listening to what more the UK Government can do to support the Borders economy.”

Procurement Director at Greenvale, Douglas Bell said: “It was great to have Theresa Villiers MP visit Berwickshire and to show her around the Greenvale factory with local MSP John Lamont. It was an opportunity to discuss how the UK Government can further help local businesses and local jobs.

“Keeping businesses taxes as low as possible and investment in transport links and broadband are really important to Greenvale and it was useful to be able to stress this with a UK Government Minister.”

The fundraising efforts to bring an independent lifeboat to St Abbs are continuing with two major events in the past week.

Firstly, an auction in aid of the charity raised £10,450.

This was later nearly matched by a grant of £10,000 from the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.

Organisers took to Facebook after the massively successful auction, hosted by Scotland rugby star Sean Lineen, to thank everyone who helped and who made bids.

“What an evening on Saturday,” they posted.

“We sold 160 tickets,which was a lot more than we could have imagined,but the numbers helped to create a fantastic atmosphere.

“The auction was a huge success,thanks in no small part to the efforts of Scotland rugby legend Sean Lineen as auctioneer. He definitely got the crowd into the spirit.”

“It gives us great pleasure to announce that the amazing sum of £100,450 was raised for St Abbs Lifeboat on the nigh. The fact that everyone said they’d had a great night was the icing on the cake. Thanks everyone.”

Meanwhile, the SFF gave £10,000, after the removal of the RNLI’s boat from the village.

Concerned by the removal of the Atlantic 75 boat and the resultant downgrade in cover for fishermen along Berwickshire’s stretch of coastline,the federation are very pleased that inshore lifeboat cover for their members will once again be improved and upgraded when St Abbs Independent Lifeboat is launched.

St Abbs Atlantic 75 lifeboat was the only inshore lifeboat on the south-east coast of Scotland,and far along the Northumberland coast,that could operate beyond Force 4/5 and in sea conditions beyond Moderate. The village has been without a lifeboat since September.

The charitable group representing Muslims living, working and studying in the Borders is planning to create an Islamic Centre in Galashiels.

The search for suitable accommodation by the Borders Islamic Society (BIS) was confirmed this week by its secretary Hamad Mustafa.

“The building will be a place of prayer and worship, but we also want the centre to be used for social and educational purposes, thus reaching out to and engaging with the wider community,” said Mr Mustafa, a surgeon at the Borders General Hospital.

At present, up to 30 Muslims gather for afternoon prayers on their Friday holy day in the Focus Centre in Galashiels.

“A prayer room is rented at the Focus, but it’s not really a satisfactory situation going forward and a more permanent home is what we want, although our plans are still at an early stage and all options are being considered.

“We have been in touch with the equality and diversity group at Scottish Borders Council and they have been most supportive of our aspirations.

“Ideally, we want to find a base in Galashiels: a town which is both central and well-connected and best serves our professional and student members.”

The society’s plans were welcomed by George Higgs, chair of the Scottish Borders Equality Forum.

“The society has done a tremendous amount to foster diversity in the Borders by giving talks in our schools and a permanent home will allow them to further develop that positive relationship,” said Mr Higgs.

Founded as a charity in 2007, the BIS will next month launch its own website with details of activities and services.

Mr Mustafa also revealed that arrangements were under way to hold an open day in the Langlee Community Centre, Galashiels on a date to be confirmed.

“In a spirit of friendship and co-operation, we want people from all sections of society to come and find out more about us,” he added.

With the lambing season approaching and reports of dog attacks on sheep increasing, dog owners are being urged to take extra care.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) and SSPCA have teamed up to issue a joint plea to dog owners to be more responsible.

Every year sheep are killed, maimed and miscarry because of being chased and attacked by dogs.

This is a serious animal welfare concern and also caused a great deal of emotional stress and financial cost to sheep farmers around the country.

Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, says: “A growing number of our members continue to give us reports of some horrendous attacks they have suffered to their livestock.

“It is not only the harrowing injuries which out of control dogs have inflicted, but also the losses they have suffered as a result of dogs simply chasing livestock.

“The risk of heavily pregnant ewes aborting is extremely high after suffering the stress of having been chased by dogs, not to mention the risk of young lambs becoming separated from their mother at a critical early bonding stage.

“Lambs will die from starvation or hypothermia when they become separated from their mother and fail to find her again.”

NSA has been collecting evidence of sheep worrying incidents for several years now, with case after case highlighting the damage a pet can inflict when it is left unsupervised.

Both NSA and SSPCA want to reiterate to dog owners that there is there is a very simple way to stop these attacks – keep your dog on a lead around livestock.

NSA can supply sheep farming members with free hardwearing plastic dog control signs.

News that local Muslims want to open an Islamic centre in Galashiels is a sign of this region’s growing diversity.

And what is particularly refreshing is that the Borders Islamic Society (BIS) appears to be bending over backwards to engage with the wider community.

“In a spirit of friendship and co-operation, we want people from all sections of society to come and find out more about us,” said BIS secretary Hamad Mustafa, referring to an open day his organisation is planning to run at Langlee Community Centre.

We have become all too familiar via television of atrocities committed – according to the perpetrators of these evil acts – in the name of Islam. Actions, quite rightly, condemned by the vast majority of Muslims worldwide.

The Borders Islamic Society is offering non-Muslims the chance to learn for themselves the values of this religion, what it stands for and its attitudes to other members of society, perhaps dispelling a few myths in the process.

Members of the wider community should take up the BIS invitation.

bowden

Camera group

Members appreciated Jim Ross’ interesting and helpful talk on ambient light. The next session is on February 22 and features Lloyd Smith, who will give a presentation on producing videos with a digital camera. Visitors welcome.

SWI

The February meeting welcomed Lorna Balfour who spoke about her travels in Latin America, illustrated with slides. She then judged the competition – jar of marmalade – 1, Gill McIntosh; 2, Ann Stewart; 3, Sarah Gant. The next meeting is on March 9 with a hands-on demonstration by Beadelicious in Kelso.

broomlands

SWI

For the February meeting, members were introduced to some gentle exercise. The members thoroughly enjoyed the session. There was great hilarity at times and, hopefully, no aches and pains the next day. The competition was won by Elizabeth Drummond; second, Val Douglas; third, Jeanette Farquhar.

Caddonfoot

Parish church

The Street Pastors scheme is to be launched in Galashiels next month, and in Caddonfoot Parish Church on Sunday, the Reverend Elspeth Harley and session clerk Anne Grieve portrayed a presentation of their work aimed at being on hand to help young people when nightclubs shut their doors. The Bible reading was delivered by Atholl Innes and Fay Brydon read the prayers. Music was led by Margaret Blyth and Mrs Grieve, and tea/coffee, under the auspices of John and Irene Bruce, was served after the service. Subscriptions (£24) are now due for Life & Work and can be paid to Joyce Brown before the end of this month. Bible study began last Wednesday at the manse when members discussed the following Sunday’s readings. There will be a congregational board meeting on February 25 at 7.30pm.

cogsmill

SWI

Kirsty Dunlop was speaker at the meeting last Wednesday night. She spoke about her role as one of the Deputy Lord Lieutenants for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, as well as an insight into how she went to a small country school, boarding school, college, then into farming. Caroline Tullie, Roxburgh federation chairperson, gave members an update on the AGM at Jedburgh and presented Mary McTaggart, president, with the trophy for the best syllabus. After supper, more business items were discussed. Mary thanked Rea and Morag for the supper.Competition winners – rock buns – Shona Morison, Christine Laidlaw, Liz Calcroft; fridge magnet – Mary McTaggart, Shona Morison, Chrissie Brain.

Dance

Lyne Valley will be playing at the last dance of the season on February 26 at 8pm.

Whist

February 29 in Cogsmill Hall at 7.30pm.

Earlston

Lunch club

Earlston Thursday Lunch Club is run independently by a group of local volunteers who provide lunch, social activities and entertainment each week for around 30 members – all over 60 years of age. Members are grateful to Earlston Community Council for a grant to enable a bingo machine to be purchased for use at the weekly meetings.

Parish church

The February 21 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. As it is the third Sunday in the month, there will be the usual monthly communion service at the close of worship. The magazine committee meets in the manse on February 22 at 7.30pm for the proof reading. The spring coffee morning will be held on March 5 from 10am-noon in the church hall. Donations received for the cake and candy and raffle stalls (no alcohol) from 9am on the day.

Wednesday club

The latest meeting was opened by hostess Mrs A. Penman who welcomed Andy and his team from Galashiels fire station who delivered an interesting talk on their work as firefighters, as well as speaking about safety in the home. They also answered questions put to them by members. Competition – a candle – 1, Ms K. Brownlie; 2, Mrs R. Murray; 3, Mrs W. Moffat. The next meeting will be on February 24. Competition – “Hummel Ornament”.

edgerston

SWI

At the February meeting Sheilagh Brown gave an informative talk about her experiences as a veterinary surgeon working with MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) and later with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. In addition, Mrs Brown breeds Skyro horses and spoke enthusiastically about them. Maggie Greenwood served tea. Competitions – horse picture – 1, M. Anderson; 2, J. Dun; 3, R. Wilkes; something made with oats – 1, R. Wilkes; 2, M. Anderson; 3, M. Greenwood. On March 9 Jill Evans will demonstrate breadmaking in Edgerston Hall at 2pm. Visitors welcome.

ETTRICKBRIDGE

SWI

Stephen Fox, from Alzheimers Scotland, gave a light-hearted, entertaining, yet informative talk on dementia awareness to this month’s meeting. The next gathering is on March 9 when Alma Dowle leads a drawing class.

Galashiels

Probus

Oliver Eade spoke about “Around the World in 60 Minutes” at last Thursday’s meeting. He is a retired Borders General Hospital physician consultant and now a writer of more than 100 novels, short stories and plays, as well as a photographer. He showed hundreds of pictures from 20 countries. He has family, relatives or friends in almost every one. Starting with Edinburgh, he said cities are wonderful places for photographs because of interesting characters and impressive buildings. And he carried this on through Dublin and London, where he said a man with a camera has to be careful in case he is mistaken for a terrorist and Paris, where it is probably now the same. In Spain he was fascinated by the flamenco dancers and then on to Switzerland, Italy, where he had to be out early morning in Venice and Florence to get photographs not be dominated by thousands of tourists. Turkey, Russia, including St Petersburg, and then China, where he has a strong affinity as his wife is Chinese with an extensive family there. Oliver then took his audience to Thailand, Japan, Manilla in the Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, where he had a brush with an alligator, Hawaii, Texas, Mexico, New York, Vermont, where he had worked for some time, and then back to Melrose with images of the Borders. The next meeting of the club is on February 25 at Kingsknowes Hotel when Dave Potts speaks on “Fair Trade”.

Studio club

Galashiels Studio Club has organised an afternoon session with Barbara Farquhar – “Textures: from paper to bondaweb” – in St Paul’s Church Hall, Scott Street, on February 25. The event runs from 2.15pm until approx. 4pm. Members free/visitors £4. Enquiries to 01896 820023.

glendouglas

Whist

Whist drive results – ladies – 1, Sandra Jeffrey; 2, Christine Ballantyne; 3, Hannah Wilson; booby, Jean Rae; gents – 1, Selby Wilson; 2, Cath Turner; 3, Ella Young; booby, Ralph Ramskir; bingo, Jean Rae; sweep, Ray Buchanan, Rita, Christine Ballantine.

Lunch club

The Burns supper was enjoyed by all who attended. A good meal and entertainment

helped the evening go with a swing.

HAWICK

Bridge club

February 9 – N/S – 1, John & Marian Miller; 2, Mike Tuson & Bob Witherington; E/W – 1, Bob Francombe & George Graham; 2, Richard von Slicher & Sam White.

Probus

President Alex Bell opened his first meeting introducing the Reverend Douglas Nicol to give a presentation on “Memories of the General Assembly”.Now minister of Hobkirk, Southdean with Ruberslaw, he has attended for more than 40 years and served committees in numerous capacities. He made it clear how diverse the activities of the Church of Scotland are, as well as the many changes he had been involved in and witnessed. Robert Scott gave a vote of thanks.

Heiton

SWI

Twenty members performed gentle fitness exercises, led by Lynn Young, who also spoke about the British Heart Foundation and National Heart Month (February every year). Lynn was asked to judge the competition entries for a sporting photograph – 1, Gill Harrop; 2, Ann Bacon; 3, Elizabeth Cuthbert.

Hownam

Towford SWI

A member for more than half a century, Margaret Jeffrey has died following a short illness. She was at the centre of the community of Hownam and Kale Water all her life. The rural formed part of her many interests, whether it was as tea hostess or selling raffle tickets. She continued to attend SWI meetings, despite failing health. Her last was the Christmas dinner.

innerleithen

Countdown Club

There will be no further meetings during February. The next gatherings will be on the second and fourth Wednesdays (March 9 and 23) following the usual pattern, with the final meeting of the session on April 13 (all at 10.30am) in Innerleithen Church Hall of Friendship.

Coffee morning

There will be a chance to buy tickets for Innerleithen Opera’s production of Oliver! (March 28 March-April 2) at the society’s annual coffee morning in the Vale Club on February 20 (10am-noon).

jedburgh

Bridge club

February 8 – N/S – 1, V. Johnstone & M. Miller; 2, R. Oates & S. West; 3, M. Purdie & O. Whillans; E/W – 1, M. & H. Ouldcott; 2, D. Cessford & D. Gray; 3, M. Allan & T. Davidson.

kelso

Thursday Group

Margaret Jeary used the 1851 census; newspapers; births, marriages and deaths registers; and other records to describe how Kelso folk lived, worked and died in the middle of the 18th century. Today, Keith Hanson has called his talk about the life of James “Paraffin” Young “Fracking: So What’s New?” – Abbey Row Centre, 2pm. February 25 sees Dr John Reid, chairman of the Trimontium Trust, speaks on “Burnswark: a Battle Rediscovered”. Visitors welcome.

Coffee morning

The Kelso branch of the British Heart Foundation will be holding a coffee morning and table-top sale in Kelso North Parish Church hall on February 20 from 10am-noon.

Bridge club

February 10 – Rose Bowl – N/S – 1, Alex Jeffrey & Vanessa Wilson; 2, Dominic & Diana Alkin; 3, Jean Henry & Myra Thomson; E/W – 1, Lynda Douglas & Lesley Dick; 2, Joyce Thomson & Helenor Pratt; 3, Annie Mitchell & Bob Stevenson. February 11 – Millennium Trophy – N/S – 1, John Loudon & Annie Mitchell; 2, Bob Stevenson & Lee Leeson; 3, Jean McLaren & Ken Ross; E/W – 1, Lynda Douglas & Vanessa Wilson; 2, Colin McGrath & Beth Thompson; 3, Margot McVie & Edith Hogg.

Guild

Kelso North and Ednam Guild met last Thursday in Kelso North Church. Margaret Aitken, co-ordinator, opened the meeting with a hymn, reading and prayer. Elaine Hutchison spoke about her work over 19 years with the Africa Inland Mission. Her presentation covered Lesotho, Madagascar and Mozambique. The next meeting will be on February 25 when there will be a talk about Guide Dogs for the Blind. Visitors welcome.

Stitchers

Kelso Stitchers will meet on February 23 at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre. Gail Watson, from Border Blooms, is giving a talk/demonstration entitled “The Road to Chelsea”. Visitors welcome (£3). For further information, contact Rineke Sangster on 01573 229414.

Free lunch

Cheviot Youth is running a free lunch with musical entertainment on February 23 at 12.30pm at The Planet (next door to the Border ice rink), Kelso, to celebrate the end of its second Budget, Shop, Store and Cook (BSSC) project. To book a table, email Ian at ianrendallreid@cheviotyouth.co.uk or ring/text him on 07958 277766.

Langholm

New appointment

The new head teacher of the academy, primary and Canonbie primary cluster has officially taken up the post. Lindsay Brown, who has been acting head since the start of December, was previously principal teacher of English and modern languages at Annan Academy for eight years.

Sale

The local branch of the British Heart Foundation held a sale at the pop-up shop, raising £464. There was bric-a-brac and baking.

Lindean

SWI

Sewing machines were whirring away at the February meeting. Federation president Irene McFadzen gave a demonstration and then had members making tote bags. The colourful results delighted the ladies. Competition winners – sewn spectacle cases – Jean Rodin, Diana Murray and Edith Scott; best brass ornament – Margaret Oliver, Marjorie Lawrie and Jean Rodin. Raffle winners – Valerie Mayo, Evelyn Douglas and Janet Mitchell.

melrose

Literary society

At the next meeting on February 23, there will be a talk by Philip Hutton on “John Ruskin – what, why and who he?” Philip, who lives in Peebles, is perhaps best known as a painter, but he is also a teacher of art history and has a long-standing interest in the work of Ruskin, art critic and social reformer. His talk will give a view of the writer’s purposes and achievements, contrast his contemporary readership with recent growth of Ruskin studies and give a re-evaluation of aspects of his personal life. The other focus will be on Ruskin’s book, “Modern Painters”. The meeting starts at 7.30pm upstairs in the Ormiston Institute. Non-members welcome (£3 admission fee). Further information from Peter Hoad, secretary, at peterhoad@aol.com.

Parish church

Despite the Lenten snow, the theme at the Bowden and Melrose services was “journeys”. Bowden coffee morning raised over £340 for the special projects. February 18 – guild, 2.30pm, Henry Borthwick. February 21 – church magazine deadline; services at 9.30am (Bowden) and 11am (Melrose) with the Very Reverend D. Arnott. February 24 – midweek service and lunch.

Trimontium

It seemed a good idea at the time (and proved right in the past) – opening the museum for the schools’ long weekend. But two days’ snow proved discouraging for visitors (so far). Work goes on apace behind the scenes in preparation for the opening at Easter, including recruiting half-day supervisors, by arrangement, to make the public welcome and updating them at the pre-season staff coffee morning. A recent meeting confirmed moral support from Historic Environment Scotland and National Museums en route to a business plan for an extension being put to the Heritage Lottery Fund and a fundraising drive to secure a proportion of match funding if Melrose was fortunate enough to be awarded a capital grant for a building that would be

Turn to page 40

From page 39

worthy of its place in the heritage of Scotland.

Concert

Ettrick and Lauderdale JAC is holding its first variety concert on February 20 at the Corn Exchange. The club has been practising since September and it’s a sell-out crowd of 260.

MIDLEM

SWI

Gail Watson, from Border Blooms, Kelso, gave a demonstration at the February meeting. Self-taught Gail has been in her shop for four years, working from a shed for three years before that. Members gleaned many tips from her – e.g. with tulips the water should be changed every day, and the neck of the tulip should not be pierced. Always cut everything at an angle, and you don’t always need a lot – of flowers for an arrangement. Gail said artificial flowers were popular among brides who like them to be preserved for years to come. She hopes to show again this year at Chelsea flower show. A vote of thanks was proposed by president Irene Cotter. Competitions – floral art – 1, Helen Pearce; 2, Dilys Wheelans; 3, Gweyn Williamson; three chocolate chip cookies – 1, Margot Hastie; 2, Dilys Wheelans; 3, Margaret Rutter. The next meeting is on March 8 when Christine Wright will demonstrate her decoupage eggs. Competitions – small clootie dumpling and a decorated egg.

Morebattle

SWI

President Mary Pringle welcomed everyone to the February meeting in the institute and then introduced Trevor Black and his talk, entitled “Cash in the Attic”. A few members had brought along articles of interest to be valued and he gave an insight into those, along with a quiz he had devised, guessing the prices of the articles he had brought. The winner of the quiz was Janette Stenhouse. Brenda Dixon gave the vote of thanks. Competitions – limerick – 1, Grace Cessford; 2, Nancy Anderson; 3, Margaret Blackmore; bracelet – 1, Angela Cook; 2, Nancy Anderson; 3, Brenda Herdman.

Coffee morning

Morebattle Games annual coffee morning was opened by John Mabon who informed those attending that the games began in 1894 and he asked if anyone had any photographs to help compile an archive of Morebattle Games. Approximately £340 was raised. Competition winners – guess the number of sweets, Sheena Murray; plant, Anne Brown; lucky number for box of sweets, Nathan and Marcus Cook; 50/50 draw, Craig Brown/Tamara Cook. Games Queen Kym Cessford drew the raffle.

AGM

Morebattle Institute AGM is on February 23 at 7pm in the institute.

Selkirk

Monday Club

At 2pm on February 22 in St Joseph’s Church hall, Amanda Richard will demonstrate gentle chair exercises.

st boswells

Gaelic in the Borders

An illustrated talk (in English) by artist Mary Morrison, entitled “Sea, Music, Mapping”, will be held on February 26 in St Boswells (Lesser) Hall, starting at 7.45pm. This is an open meeting talk.

yetholm

Panto

Aladdin, performed last Friday and Saturday night, realised £595 for hall funds.

Bingo

A bingo night is being held in the Wauchope Hall at 7pm tonight (Thursday). Proceeds to Yetholm school.

Guild

Members meet on February 23 at 2.30pm in Yetholm Church for a talk on The Samaritans.

Council

Community councillors meet on February 23 at 7pm in the Youth Hall. There will be a discussion at the beginning of the meeting about Yetholm Community Trust. All Welcome

AGM

Yetholm Shepherds’ Show AGM is on February 25 at 7.30pm in the Wauchope Hall.

Thirteen Borders College staff members completed the renowned ‘WorldHost’ customer service training.

This course has been used to train staff worldwide, including the games makers at the London 2012 Olympics. More courses will be taking place within Borders College, with the College aiming to become a ‘WorldHost’ accredited organisation.

Pictured are Brian Jamieson, Vivienne Stavert, Angela Pearson, Fiona Jackson, Jennifer MacKenzie, Grieg Forrest, Lidia Carsane and

Glen Turnbull. Lucy Couper, Fiona McIntosh, Amy Hamilton, Cheryl Elliot and Tracey Worth were also successful.

An Eyemouth coffee shop is set to join exalted company later this month as it joins the roster of top coffee roasters in Scotland.

Rialto, managed by husband and wife Michael and Ellyn Howes, has been selected to be part of the Scottish Indy Coffee Guide, which is the latest in a series showing there is more to having a cuppa in the high street than the usual chain outlets.

And Michael, originally from Spittal, Berwick, will be joining the highest profile names on the Scottish coffee scene when they come together in Glasgow later this month to celebrate the guide’s launch.

The first ever book of its kind for the region, The Scottish Indy Coffee Guide will be launching at South Block in Glasgow on February 23.

The guide includes reviews of 44 top coffee shops in Scotland (plus another 27 “More Good Cups” listings), which have been chosen to be in the guide by a committee of Scottish coffee experts, based on quality of coffee served, expertise, and the use of the highest quality beans.

“I knew it was coming out, because I had seen the other editions,” said Michael this week, “but I never thought that it would be us included in it.

“They judge for the guide on criteria like serving speciality coffee, preparing it in a certain way, working with single origin coffees, things like that.

“Obviously, we must have been ticking off the criteria, because Salt Media, the publishers of the guide, rang us up, and I just said yes. I didn’t have to think about it.

“It’s just great that there’s another little bit of profile for Eyemouth, really. And if you get people coming into town for a stop on the A1, they’re likely to visit us, or come to tick us off their coffee shop list and have a look around the town.”

The reviews in the guide include information on different brew types, beans, grinders and equipment, and in addition, the guide showcases 11 top local artisan roasters (with seven “More Good Roasters” added in for good measure).

Editor of the guide, Jo Rees said: “There’s loads of coffee in Scotland – some of it incredible, some not so good, but your Indy Coffee Guide in your back pocket is your starting point for some brilliant coffee adventures.

The UK’s top barista, Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood said of the venture: “The guide represents the emergence of “coffee tourism”. After all, guidebooks have led people to new and exciting realms for centuries.”

The book launch also incorporates the national barista championships, something that Michael has his eye on.

“I’ve been here for four years, and we offer food as well as just coffee, so I’ve been a bit out of practice as a barista, but I really like doing it. It’s mainly been Matthew who’s been doing that, but I’d love to try my hand at competing.

“We’re just preparing to offer another speciality coffee,” he continues, “and we’re looking to sell our own blend in the near future, called Braw Beans, which people will be able to buy bagged, to prepare at home.”

He describes the new blend as a classic, faintly acidic coffee.

“As opposed to the very modern, fruity coffees that we have recently offered,” he said, “this is more of a classic Italian drink. It’s a bit like a record - this is the A-side of the single, the crowd-pleaser.”

Farmers attending the next Grazing Group meeting at Galashiels will have the chance to benefit from some practical and interesting research that grazing expert Philip Creighton has undertaken in Ireland.

The meeting, which is free to attend and organised by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), will take place on March 4.

The aim of the grazing groups is to increase kg of liveweight produced per hectare through better utilisation of grass. The groups have been meeting regularly to try and achieve this and Mr Creighton plans to use case studies from commercial farms in Ireland at these forthcoming meetings to show how farmers in Scotland can improve their profits by making better grass.

Mr Creighton is a graduate of in Animal and Crop Production at University College Dublin and established the Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Galway in April 2011 which focuses on sheep and cattle grassland systems research.

He said: “Although there is more upland grazing in Scotland and there may not be the same production potential in some areas, the principles of grassland management are the same and can be adapted to suit different types of farms. Soil fertility and weather have a big part to play in identifying how much grass a farm can grow but long-term accumulation of information should lead to identifying the best stocking rates to maximise output.”

Many farmers are considering starting grass measuring, rotational grazing and experimenting with increased stocking rates and Mr Creighton will highlight some case studies where changes in grassland management have been successful.

The meeting begins at 10am and lunch will be provided. For further information and to register a place visit www.qmscotland.co.uk/events or phone 0131 472 4040.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) is encouraging local communities from across the region to apply to its community grant scheme.

The scheme is open to all community groups in the Borders and provides grants of up to £5,000 to support projects which can be used to improve access to services, improve the environment, increase peoples’ pride in their community and provide easier access to advice and information.

In some circumstances, support is available to groups who are experiencing financial difficulty. Advice is also available on the many other grants that are available, both large and small, across Scotland.

Councillor Jim Brown, SBC’s executive member for community planning said: “Community grants are available for local community groups who are keen to come together and make a difference in their local area. Whether you want to have an event, refurbish a building or derelict piece of ground or simply buy equipment to help groups in your area to thrive, funding could be available to help you make your project a reality.”

To apply and find out more about the scheme, visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/communitygrants

Information is also available from grants co-ordinator Linda Cornwall on 01835 826659.

Borders College Engineering students have officially commenced work on their electric go-kart, which will see them participate in the Greenpower Formula 24 races during 2016.

The event, run by the Greenpower Education Trust, promotes sustainable engineering to young people with the aim to link education, industry and community through inspirational engineering projects.

As part of the initial research, students visited ‘The Experience’ in Glasgow, who operate a go-karting business which includes electric karts.Dave Black, one of the College Lecturers involved in the project, commented: “The students are ‘buzzing’, having seen a real electric kart in Glasgow, and with the kit arriving, they just want to get on and start the build. Obviously we need to ‘walk’ before we can ‘drive’, and research, testing and checking are all vital to the success of the project.”

The Motor Vehicle Level 2 students have been raising funds by offering a car valeting service, whilst one group of NC Engineering students have been grass-cutting, and have organised an Xbox tournament within the Fujitsu room at the Scottish Borders Campus.

The Introduction to Engineering students organised a raffle, whilst another group of students from the NC Engineering course also offered a handyman service, all to raise funds to enable them to build and take part in the Greenpower racing events.

The serious work of building starts very soon, with students working out the various weight components and the detailed drawings required to enable the ‘College Electric Kart’ to be built and raced in the Greenpower Formula 24 races later on in the year.

It’s been a challenging few weeks on the jobs front, but we’ve just had some excellent and uplifting news.

Customer service company Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS) has announced it is to add 150 new jobs to the 200 it has already created at its call centre in Selkirk. The firm is particularly keen to open its doors to young people and to provide real opportunities for career progression.

This expansion follows growth at highly-rated independent power supplier Spark Energy, also based in Selkirk, which now employs more than 300 staff.

These positive developments are a useful reminder that despite recent job losses at places like Hawick Knitwear and Burgons of Eyemouth, we have real skills here which employers are keen to use.

In the 21st century, innovation is key, and one thing which gives us a real edge over competitors is that we’ve recognised that markets are changing and we’re adapting to that.

Take the knitwear sector, for instance.

Traditionally, this is a huge area of strength for us, and global consumers are now demanding low-volume, high-quality luxury products such as cashmere.

When I attended the recent economic summit in Hawick, local industry leaders impressed on me that they’ve recognised this reality and adapted their business models to suit. They’ve become more efficient and embraced the technological change needed to secure their futures – though we all need to acknowledge that this means they’ll require fewer staff than previously.

These new industries and ways of working will drive our economy going forward. I know people have historically been suspicious about the quality of call centre jobs, but that’s changed too.

Before I became an MP, I worked in technology and dealt with some of the biggest contact centres in the United Kingdom.

It’s one reason why I remain a trustee of Citizens’ Advice Direct, a Scottish call centre for people needing help and information.

I’ve seen the demand grow for highly-skilled people who interact with customers in a number of different ways – phone, internet, social media – and often provide highly-specialised and sometimes sensitive information. It’s a long way from the chicken-coop, sweat-shop image that the call centre sector used to have.

Companies like Spark and HGS are examples of high-quality, high-value operations, treating their staff well and offering them personal development. They’re using the skills, the enthusiasm and the warmth of the Borders people they employ to help build their businesses and to create a better and more profitable environment for everyone.

Yes, we’ve had our jobs issues locally, and we’re facing up to those. But rather than doing ourselves down and reflecting on the past, we’re carving a space for ourselves in the innovative, globalised and often quality-led trading environment in which we all live today.

It’s the right way forward – and it’ll bring us the benefits we need and deserve.

New free workshops aimed at helping Scottish Borders’ small and medium-sized enterprises adopt digital technology have been launched.

The DigitalBoost events have been designed to help businesses improve website presence, communicate with their customers better, and increase sales.

The events run throughout March and include digital marketing strategy, data analytics and back office systems.

DigitalBoost has been developed by Business Gateway, Scottish Enterprise and Highland & Islands Enterprise on behalf of Digital Scotland. The programme of workshops have been designed specifically to support SMEs development into digital technologies and ultimately to bring business benefits.

The seminars, will take place at Ettrick Riverside, Selkirk. One to one adviser sessions with digital specialists are also available.

Phil McCreadie, Business Gateway, said: “Digital technologies open doors to bigger markets as well as opportunities to improve efficiencies of individual businesses. The events aim to give greater understanding of this fast moving sector and real business benefits it can bring.”

For details, call 01835 818315 or visit www.bgateway.com/events.

Scottish Greens have hit out at the lack of public consultation after French multinational EDF Energy announced the operating life of the Torness nuclear plant would be extended by seven years from 2023 to 2030.

Sarah Beattie-Smith, infrastructure and investment spokesperson and MSP candidate for South of Scotland, said: “The announcement from EDF to extend the life of Torness is bad news for East Lothian and bad for Scotland. The fact that a private company can dictate energy policy for another seven years undermines democracy, both in the local community in East Lothian and nationally at a time when the Scottish Government ought to be focused on our ambitious climate targets.

“Torness is almost 30 years old and we should be planning for its decommissioning. ”

Meanwhile, Dunbar and East Linton councillor Michael Veitch said: “I am absolutely delighted by this announcement. Torness is the major employer in my ward, and is a tremendous asset to Dunbar.”

A drug courier, stopped en route to Hawick, with over £7,000 cannabis and £2,900 cash, has been jailed for 12 months.

Thirty-two-year-old Paul Marshall of Burnfoot Road, Hawick, appeared on indictment at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday and admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis on the A6088 road at Bonchester Bridge and at Benfield Road, Newcastle, on December 12, 2014.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told how police received information about a car travelling to Scotland with a quantity of controlled drugs.

“Officers attended at the Carter Bar area and saw the car travelling towards Hawick,” explained Mr Fraser.

In the vehicle, they found a “substantial amount” of cannabis, with a value of around £7,500, and also £2,900 in cash.

“He said that his partner knew nothing about it, and couldn’t explain why he was travelling in this fashion,” added Mr Fraser.

A confiscation order for the cash seized was granted by the court.

Defence solicitor Phil Templeton said his client had been “acting as a courier”.

“It is a significant quantity of cannabis and that is accepted,” he said.

Mr Templeton said Marshall had no previous convictions for drug supply, and was considered unlikely to become involved in any similar offending.

“His involvement was on a single day,” he added.

The solicitor said his client was currently employed, but likely to lose his job if a custodial sentence was imposed.

“The bulk of his offending, for offences of violence or disorder, was committed some 10 years ago,” continued Mr Templeton.

“His alcohol abuse has since reduced and he is now in employment.”

”There has been a discernible reduction in his rate of offending,” added Mr Templeton.

“While this was a significant quantity of cannabis, there is no pattern of entrenched offending of this type,” he continued.

He said his client was “realistic enough” to know that custody was something which would be considered by the court.

Jailing the accused for 12 months, Sheriff Peter Paterson told him, “ You have chosen to act as a courier for pure personal gain.

“In my view, there is no alternative to custody.”

A father and son had indecent images of children at their Hawick home.

Sixty-eight-year-old Dennis Barnes and his 27-year-old son, Stuart, both of Crailing Court, Hawick, appeared on indictment and admitted possession of indecent images of children at their home between May 1, 2014 and May 13 last year.

Stuart Barnes, who was jailed for 11 months and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years, also admitted taking or permitting to be taken, indecent photos of children.

His father, Dennis, was sentenced to a three-year Community Payback Order, with supervision, and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for three years.

Sheriff Peter Paterson described the offence as “an odd and worrying case”.

“We have a father and son on the same complaint, with separate and deviant interests,” he added.

Having sentenced Dennis Barnes, he remanded his son, Stuart, in custody over lunch to consider his disposal.

Stuart Barnes, a first offender, was found with over 1,000 images.

“I accept there was no distribution, but the particular nature of some of these images is troubling,” concluded Sheriff Paterson.

TWO RAPE ALLEGATIONS

A Galashiels teenager has appeared in private, charged with rape.

Eighteen-year-old Callum Millar of Glendinning Terrace, Galashiels, appeared in private, charged on petition with two allegations of rape in the Borders.

Millar made no plea or declaration, and was released on bail meantime.

IN CUSTODY ON ASSAULT CHARGE

A 29-year-old man appeared in private, charged with assault to danger of life.

Michael Stead of Talisman Avenue, Galashiels, is alleged to have committed the offence in Galashiels, and also faces a charge of police assault.

He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody meantime.

GALASHIELS GOLF RANGE THEFT

A Selkirk man stole money from a local golf range in Galashiels.

Iain McCallum, 32, of Bannerfield Drive, appeared on indictment and admitted breaking into a portacabin at Meadowfield Golf Range with intent to steal, on August 14, 2014.

He also admitted forcing open a locked ball dispensing machine and stealing money.

McCallum was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work, to be completed within one year.

He was warned the sentence was a direct alternative to custody.

McCallum was sentenced to a further 50 hours of unpaid work after he also admitted attempting to force open a locked bar with intent to steal at Selkirk Golf Club on August 6 ,2014.

He was also sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work - to run concurrently - after he admitted stealing a box of sweets at Business Gateway, Dunsdale Road, Selkirk, on July 28, 2014, and being found in the curtilage of Chiefswood House, Darnick, in suspicious circumstances on September 5, 2014.

SEX OFFENDERS REGISTER

A teenager had indecent photos of children at his Eyemouth home.

Nineteen-year-old Daniel Mark of Killiesgreen, Eyemouth, appeared on indictment and admitted having indecent photos of children at his home between December 27, 2014 and April 23, 2015.

He also admitted distributing or showing indecent images of children on repeated occasions between February 24, and April 11, last year.

Sheriff Peter Paterson told the accused: “It goes without saying that these are serious offences, but I take account of the lack of any record and the level and number of images involved.

“For that reason, I am able to impose a non-custodial sentence,” he added.

Mark was sentenced to a three-year Community Payback Order, and placed on the Sex Offenders’ register for a similar period.

He was warned the sentence was a direct alternative to custody.

AGGRESSIVE TO FORMER PARTNER

After an argument, a man seized his ex-partner and sat astride her.

Aigars Bankovs, 32, of Whitefield Crescent, Newtown St Boswells, admitted threatening or abusive behaviour towards his former partner at a house in Beech Avenue, Galashiels, on December 24.

He also admitted assaulting her, repeatedly seizing her by the head and body, pushing her, and sitting astride her.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the couple had known each other for some 12 years, and briefly split two weeks earlier.

“At the time, she was 11-weeks pregnant with his child,” said Mr Fraser.

He said they had discussed separation again on Christmas Eve, and Bankovs “became angry”.

“He seized her jaw, took off her glasses, and said that he was going to break her tooth,” said Mr Fraser.

“He pushed her on to the bed and sat on top of her,” he added.

The woman locked him out and dialled 999.

“She was very upset when police attended, and had a bump to her head and some scratches.”

Defence solicitor Mat Patrick said the “entire physical incident was just a few seconds.

“Drink had been taken by both parties,” he added.

Bankovs was sentenced to 70 hours unpaid work, to be completed within nine months.

RACIST REMARK TO HIS MOTHER

An angry man made a racist remark to his mother, calling her a n......r.

Scott Garment admitted the offence which happened when his mother had stopped at traffic lights, and Garment was passing by.

Garment, 30, of Glendinning Terrace, Galashiels, also admitted threatening or abusive behaviour at a house at Sprouston Cottages, Newton St Boswells, on January 11.

He also admitted obstructing three police officers and struggling violently with them.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Garment and his partner had been discussing their relationship, and she had suggested it come to an end.

Garment began to shout and swear, and poured a bottle of milk around the kitchen.

The woman was “hysterical and crying” when she left the address.

Garment was also hostile towards police, telling one officer, “I’m going to f.....g kill you.”

He said he had no recollection of the offences when charged.

Defence solicitor Ed Hulme said his client had taken some of his partner’s prescribed medication prior to the offence.

“He has no recollection of what happened after, and is extremely apologetic,” said Mr Hulme.

Garment was sentenced to a total of 260 hours of unpaid work, to be completed within one year.

ALCOHOL THEFT IN SELKIRK SHOP

A drunken man walked out of a Selkirk shop with a box of stolen lager.

Scott Chisholm, 24, of Beech Avenue, Galashiels, admitted stealing alcohol from Sainsburys in High Street, Selkirk, on September 28.

He walked out of the store with a box of six bottles of lager, worth £8.

“He attended at the police station voluntarily, and apologised,” said defence solicitor Stephanie Clinkscale.

Chisholm was fined £200.

ASSAULTED BAR DOORMAN

A drunken man spat on a bar doorman after being asked to leave.

Liam Lothian, 25, of Hall Place, Galashiels, admitted shouting and swearing in Hunters Hall, High Street, Galashiels, on November 21, and also assaulting a man by spitting on him.

Defence solicitor Ross Dow said his client was “full of contrition”.

Lothian was fined £350 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to his victim.

DAMAGED TWO CARS IN SELKIRK

A Selkirk man caused a total of £800 damage to two cars in the town.

Peter Doswell, 19, of Murray Place, Selkirk, admitted recklessly damaging two vehicles in Curror Street, on September 6.

He also admitted causing £100 damage by throwing a stone at a window of a house there.

Doswell was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay a total of £695 compensation.

He was warned the sentence was a direct alternative to custody.

OBSTRUCTED POLICE IN GALA

A Hawick man removed something from his mouth and threw it in the river.

Darren Crawford, 31, of Lothian Street, failed to stop for police and removed an item from his mouth and threw it in the Gala Water on May 15.

He was sentenced to 70 hours of unpaid work.

The body of a man has been found in a property in Broadlee Bank, Tweedbank.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in the Borders responded to an address in Broadlee Bank, Galashiels at around 1.30pm on Thursday, February 18, where the body of a man was found within.

“Inquiries are ongoing to identify the man and establish the full circumstances surrounding his death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.”

Social media reports say the area around the house has been taped off.

The Borders Organic Gardeners (BOG) group has asked potato expert John Marshall to give a talk on potatoes at the Abbey Row Centre in Kelso on Saturday at 2pm.

This is a free BOG event, open to the public as well as BOG members – so it doesn’t cost to discover how many things you don’t know about the tattie.

The annual Potato Day is on Sunday, March 6, from 11am-3pm at Kelso’s Springwood Park.

Mr Marshall will also be there with his expert advice as usual, as will the local food, craft and horticultural stands, cafe, tattie-tasting table, kids activities and organic gardening advice.

And, of course, keen gardeners can choose from more than 100 seed potato varieties sold by the tuber, together with shallot, onion and garlic sets, so you can try something different as well as old favourites.