Seven weeks after Hawick Knitwear entered administration, with the immediate loss of 123 jobs, no buyer has been found for the business as a going concern.

The hopes of the 56 workers who were retained to complete existing orders for the famous name company now look increasingly forlorn and would appear to rest on a single unnamed “party” who is in discussion with administrators KPMG.

Blair Nimmo, joint administrator and head of restructuring at KPMG in Scotland, told The Southern yesterday: “Despite considerable efforts, unfortunately no party has been prepared to acquire the business and assets as a going concern.

“We have continued discussions with various parties who have offered to acquire the assets of the company.

“We are in discussions with a party who wishes to acquire certain assets and who may, at some point, look to commence production from the company’s premises in Hawick.

“However, until a formal agreement is concluded, we are not in a position to provide further information.”

Also waiting in the wings for a resolution are the 120 unsecured (non preferential) creditors who were owed a total of £1.33million by the company when it entered administration on January 7.

That list, verified by the company’s sole director Benny Hartop, is included in a “notice of statement of affairs”, required under the Insolvency Act and submitted to Companies House.

Unsecured trade creditors include yarn suppliers Hinchliffe & Sons of Huddersfield (owed £435,623), Todd & Duncan if Kinross (£228,546) and Italy-based Filivivi SRL (£67,444), along with HM Revenue and Customs PAYE/NI (£273,151).

Around 70 of the creditors are owed sums of £1,000 or less.

One of the larger debts (£42,000) is, according to the list, owed to the Alnwick-based property firm Liddesdale Ltd from which Hawick Knitwear leased its Liddesdale Road premises.

The sole director of Liddesdale Ltd is Mr Hartop whose Linkedin profile states he is “currently seeking new opportunities”.

Two men – Carl Miller of no fixed abode, aged 18 and Michael Hull of Carlisle, aged 40, have been arrested and charged with attempted murder, and made their first appearance at Jedburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday) in connection with a stabbing at Talisman Avenue, Galashiels, on Monday night.

A 28-year-old year old man sustained serious injuries to his torso and was taken to Borders General Hospital, where his condition is described as stable.

Both men made no plea or declaration and they were remanded in custody for further examination.

Their next appearance is expected on March 3.

Two Borderers have been recognised as ‘People of Excellence’ at ana awards ceremony showcasing the best of Scottish hotels.

The Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Spa, in Peebles, has been awarded two ‘People of Excellence’ honours at the prestigious 2016 Scottish Hotel Awards.

Head chef Ivor Clarke and wedding coordinator Jeanette Robertson were both presented with prizes for the Scottish Borders region.

Regional winners for the ‘People of Excellence’ award represent professionals who clearly stand out amongst their peer group.

The award is considered a true honour and recognises those individuals who make Scottish hotels so special, including the many people who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Established in 2003 and celebrated annually, the Scottish Hotel Awards are the crème de la crème when it comes to recognising excellence in the hospitality industry.

Andrew Deighan, general manager at Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Spa said: “Everyone at the hotel is incredibly proud of Jeanette and Ivor.

“From my perspective it’s a real privilege to work alongside talented individuals with such a professional, dedicated work ethic.

“It’s fantastic they’ve been recognised with such a high accolade and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”

The hotel’s Renwicks Restaurant features panoramic views of the golf course and the Border hills, and serves only the finest quality meat and fish. Where possible all vegetables and dairy are sourced from local, organic suppliers.

Ivor Clarke, head chef at Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Spa said this week: “Striving to bring that little something extra to the table means we’re able to give customers the absolute best food each and every time they visit us.”

He continued: “I’m honoured to be presented with the award which, in turn, I would like to share with the rest of my team.”

Set in 200 acres of private grounds and surrounded by hills, woodland and skirted by the winding River Tweed, the hotel can host weddings and events for up 200 people.

Jeanette Robertson, wedding coordinator at Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Spa commented: “Helping couples to make their wedding day something they’ll never forget is a job in which I take great pride.

“I’m humbled to have been honoured with the award and look forward to organising many more weddings in the beautiful setting of the Cardrona in the days to come.

“It’s a fantastic location, and every wedding feels unique and special.”

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has announced the quest for the first farmer host for its new Scottish Strategic Potato (SPot) Farm.

“The SPot Farm is a unique concept that improves the links between evidence based science and practical activity on-farm,” says project lead and AHDB Potatoes’ technical executive, Claire Hodge.

“We’re seeking an innovative grower to work with us to challenge conventional working practices and, using proven research, demonstrate how potato growers can benefit from applying beneficial adjustments to commercial growing systems.”

The joint AHDB and Scottish Government-funded project, worth £150,000, will run for three growing seasons, finishing in late 2019.

The SPot Farm is a practical, farmer-driven project all about giving growers the confidence to implement changes on their own farms.

Claire added: “Not only are we seeking a ware or seed grower, we’re also inviting forward-thinking farmers to come forward to join the steering group and help shape this project for the Scottish industry. The project will be rewarding for all involved, not least for the host farmer. Our aim is to uncover the research and ensure growers can use the results confidently from SPot Scotland to make real and beneficial changes to their businesses.”

The host farmer and the steering group will play a key role in establishing the focus of the project, so Scotland’s forward-thinking potato growers are encouraged to join the project and participate, and to benefit from the discoveries made throughout this important three-year project.

Those wanting to get involved should contact Claire Hodge at AHDB Potatoes on 01312977460 or email Claire.hodge@ahdb.org.uk

Berwick Rangers have announced that admission prices have been lowered to £10 for adults and £5 for concessions for their clash with Arbroath on Tuesday March 8.

The ‘Gers will be out to record their first win of the season against Arbroath.

The club feel that fans should be rewarded for their loyalty throughout a tough period and hope that reduced admission prices will help to attract a healthy crowd to back the team in what will undoubtedly be a key fixture.

Currently sat in 7th and six points ahead of Berwick, Arbroath will be looking to better their 2-2 draw at Shielfield in late August, when Darren Ramsey stole a point for the Smokies in the 88th minute.

With the clash the third of three midweek games in four weeks, the return to £10 and £5 admission will also hopefully help to ease the financial burden on fans through a busy period.

Dog wardens should be back on Borders streets within two months as part of a year-long pilot scheme.

Scottish Borders Council will work alongside a private firm who are to appoint two enforcement officers to issue tickets for dog fouling, and littering, targeting known problem areas across the region. Alongside enforcement, the officers will also fulfil an education role.

Councillors agreed to the pilot, believed to be the first time a Scottish council and private company have teamed up to tackle the problem of dog fouling.

It should be in place in time for the increase in fixed penalties for dog fouling doubling to £80 on April 1 (bringing it into line with the fine for littering offences), and microchipping of dogs being made compulsory from April 6.

Fixed penalties are an alternative to prosecution but the council “fully intends” to forward cases to the Procurator Fiscal for prosecution through the criminal courts.

SBC’s Councillor David Paterson, said: “With enforcement officers soon in place, those who let their dog foul or litter should be aware they risk being fined £80 or ending up in court.

Government support is to become available for angling clubs, such as those on the Tweed, potentially impacted by new rules to protect wild salmon.

The measures are in response to concerns about declining fish stocks and come after consultation about the most effective and proportionate means of conservation.

From April 1, the killing of wild salmon will not be allowed in areas where they are deemed to be most at risk.

Environment Minister Aileen McLeod last week confirmed up to £100,000 in Scottish Government support will be made available to help angling clubs in fishery districts where catch and release will be mandatory.

The minister said: “Scottish wild salmon is a valuable and important asset but fish numbers have been declining for a number of years. We need to take action now to protect stocks for the future. These new regulations strike the right balance between conservation and the interests of those who fish for salmon. They were the subject of extensive consultation and have been generally welcomed by fisheries organisations.

“I have listened to some concerns about the potential impact that mandatory catch and release will have on angling clubs that are already facing declining membership numbers. This is in spite of the fact that an estimated 82 per cent of wild salmon caught in Scottish waters by anglers are voluntarily released already. To help mitigate the potential impact of these measures, I will be funding a two year programme to support angling clubs that need assistance in promoting catch and release.”

A group of seven women working in a Galashiels mill in 1953 are the stars of ‘The Derners’ written in 1992 and performed on a regular basis ever since.

East Lothian amateur dramatic group Stenton Footlights first performed it in 1995 and for their 30th anniversary they decided to repeat their favourite play - ‘The Derners’.

Written by former Galashiels mill worker Mary Strathie, who was a derner – a darner – herself in the 1950s, the gritty comedy is regarded as a piece of social history which focuses on the lives and loves of the seven ‘derners’, as they prepare for the Braw Lads’ Day celebrations in the town.

Mary’s play was first performed by Galashiels Dramateurs, in the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels in 1993, Mary picking up her pen and writing the script after the amateur dramatic group were at a loss about how to follow their recent production of ‘The Steamie’.

Prompted by her years in the mill, experiences, friendships and heartaches, Mary’s story of mill life struck a chord with her audiences and the play proved to be a hit. The Rideout Theatre Company went on to perform it in 16 towns and villages across the Borders in 1994.

It’s success started to spread beyond the Borders and for East Lothian amateur dramatic group Stenton Footlights it became one of their favourite performances.

“Stenton Footlights’ first performance of the play was in 1995 and Mary Strathie gave us great support and help,” said a group spokesperson.

“Here we are 20 years later and Mary has given us her blessing to perform and indeed she is attending one of the performances herself!

“We hope to do the play, past derners and the serious and moving ceremony of the Mixing of the Roses, justice.”

Performances are on March 16-19 at 7.30pm in Stenton Hall. Tickets, available from Janette Macdonald on 01368 850665, include wine and locally made scotch pies.

For the nineth year running, a trophy has been put up for the first salmon of the season to be caught from the Kelso Angling Association (KAA) water on the Teviot.

The fish was bagged on February 15 by local angler Dave Simpson. Caught from the Castle Pool with a yellow flying C, it was a lovely 14lber and was landed by ex-Lower Floors head boatman Jim Smail.

Dave was presented with a certificate and the Tweedside Tackle Crystal Decanter the following day by Tim Pilcher, of the Bridge Street, Kelso, business where the trophy remains on show.

Four Borders businesses are on shortlists at the 2016 Scottish wedding Awards, to be held on Monday evening.

From Peebles, Printed Love Company were shortlisted for Stationery Supplier of the Year, while Murray’s Hairdressing are in the running for Hair/Make-up Salon of the Year.

Dryburgh Abbey and Duns Castle are also among the nominees, for Wedding Venue of the Year and Romantic Venue of the Year respectively.

The Crowne Plaza, Glasgow will once again play host to The Scottish Wedding Awards, taking place on Monday, February 29.

With a public voting system, the Scottish Wedding Awards is very much a celebration of local businesses.

Shortlisted finalists are a true reflection of quality and customer service as chosen by members of the general public. To enter the awards, dress makers, florists, photographers, caterers, and others throughout Scotland have been nominated by devoted clients that have experienced exceptional service.

In 2014, according to the National Records of Scotland, there were 29,070 marriages registered in Scotland, adding £537 million value to the Scottish economy.

The fourth annual awards will recognise and reward excellence in all aspects of the wedding industry.

“In April 2015, Scotland was named the most popular wedding destination in the United Kingdom. The Scottish Wedding Awards aim to reward those who work tirelessly to make our big day, a memorable one! The awards have grown from strength to strength each year and we thank the public who vote in their thousands to make this happen. We wish the finalists all the best.” Commented Irfan Younis of event organisers Creative Oceanic.

The glittering black tie ceremony will be hosted by radio personality Gina McKie and is set to attract around 500 guests from across Scotland.

Arts and crafters from across the Borders are planning to come together in aid of a regional children’s charity for the third year in a row.

Next month will see the Scottish Borders Art Fair make its return to Springwood Park, in Kelso from March 18-20.

This year organisers of the fair have chosen to support The Borders Children’s Charity in recognition of the charity’s 50th anniversary year.

This free event, which is now firmly established in the art lover’s calendar, will be showcasing work from contemporary artists and galleries, both from the Borders and further afield.

The fair will be attempting to build on last year’s footfall when over 3,500 members of the public made their way through the doors for the 2015 event.

Last year’s event also saw more than 70 artists put their work on display.

Borders Art Fair’s marketing manager, Jane Smith, has said that she is delighted to announce the Art Fair’s continued support for the Borders Children’s Charity.

“We are so pleased to be able to support the Borders Children’s Charity again,” said Jane.

“Hopefully plenty of our visitors will stop by their stand to support the charity and find out more about what they achieve for local children.”

To celebrate The Borders Children’s Charity’s 50th anniversary year, more than 50 Scottish artists have come together and donated small artworks to be sold at the Art Fair, with a 
tremendously generous 100% of proceeds going to the charity.

Included in the collection are works by renowned Borders artists such as Susan Ryder (RP NEAC), Helen Tabor, David Hay and Derek Jones.

Meanwhile, from further afield, art has also been donated by Michael Clark (PAI RSW), Anna Wright and Helen Fay, among many others.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response from artists willing to donate,” added Borders Children’s Charity secretary, Frances Fergusson.

She continued: “We are so grateful to all the artists who have so kindly produced original pieces especially for the BCC.

“It gives people a unique opportunity to pick up a fabulous and affordable artwork, from established and emerging artists, whilst also raising money for a local charity.”

These fundraising artworks will be available to preview from March 3-12, at Apples for Jam Gallery and Café in Melrose.

After that the pieces will be moving to the Borders Children’s Charity’s stand at the Art Fair.

The Borders Children’s Charity stand will also be repeating their ever popular ‘Pick a Paintbrush’ game.

The prizes from ‘Pick a Paintbrush’ will include a dinner, bed and breakfast stay at the Macdonald Cardrona near Peebles, a Half Day Spa at Stobo, Tea at the Roxburghe, and many other great prizes, generously donated.

“The kindness and support of local businesses and individuals has been key to the survival of the charity over the last 50 years” said charity secretary, Frances.

“Their help in raising funds and awareness of the Borders Children’s Charity, has helped the charity to provide support to so many vulnerable children in desperate situations across the Borders.”

The horseshoes that helped a Peebles sportsman to Olympic glory could be used as part of a commemorative sculpture.

Plans are already under way for the sculpture to mark Scott Brash’s exploits as a leading show jumper.

Brash’s clear round on Hello Sanctos played a major role in the British team’s gold medal triumph in London in 2012.

“They are going to use recycled horseshoes for the sculpture, and it’s possible that the four horseshoes worn during the Olympic victory will be made available,” said Peebles Community Council member Anne Snoddy.

Plans for the metal sculpture were submitted to Scottish Borders Council earlier this month by Bonnie Peebles.

The 3.2 metre-high commemoration will be erected in Station Bank and will depict horse and rider jumping a five-bar gate above the five Olympic rings.

It will carry a plaque with the wording: “In recognition of Scott Brash and his achievements as a world class show jumper”.

The applicants have not revealed the cost of the sculpture, but Mrs Snoddy said: “It is going to cost a lot of money and fundraising will be necessary.”

Representatives from NHS Borders, Borders College Skills Development Scotland and Jobcentre Plus celebrated the nine successful trainees who completed the six week ‘Train to Care’ programme as part of the NHS Borders Sector Based Work Academy and were presented with their certificates.

Train to Care provides opportunities to help unemployed people in the Borders gain work within the health and social care sector, focussing on skills development and building a better understanding and insight into working in the sector through work placements within NHS Borders and local care homes.

John McLaren, NHS Borders employee director presented certificates to the participants at the graduation ceremony, and said: “I would like to congratulate all the participants who have successfully completed this valuable training programme.”

“The programme provides an excellent opportunity for a number of unemployed local people to develop the desired knowledge and skills required to help them gain employment in the health and social care sector.

“We run these programmes on a regular basis and once again we would like to thank the placement areas within NHS Borders and the care homes for their support in making this a success.”

People in the Borders are being asked to get involved in VisitScotland’s new #ScotSpirit social media movement, the national tourism organisation’s first-ever global campaign.

The £4.25 million ‘Spirit of Scotland’ campaign looks to go beyond standard marketing, changing the way VisitScotland markets and sells Scotland around the world.

It features inspirational, cinematic-style ‘Scotland: A spirit of its own’ TV adverts (to be shown across the USA and UK) including stunning time-lapse imagery, a specially-commissioned Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) soundtrack and a voiceover by Game of Thrones star Iain Glen and Perthshire-born actor and star of The Good Wife, Alan Cumming.

It is hoped the campaign will help Scottish tourism acheive its ambition of £1 billion growth by 2020.

The hydro-electric scheme at Dawyck Botanic Garden, Stobo, near Peebles is now generating enough electricity to power 25 family homes.

Since the scheme opened in May 2014, Dawyck, which is the first carbon neutral botanic garden in the UK, has increased its power generation from 100KWh to 239KWh per day.

The average Scottish home uses around 14KWh per day.

The scheme, which benefited from a £30,000 grant from the EDF Energy’s Green Fund in 2014, provides enough electricity to power both the Dawyck Visitor Centre and the year-round maintenance of the Garden’s infrastructure.

Surplus electricity is being sold back to the National Grid at times of low demand.

Garden curator Graham Stewart explained: “The power being generated by the scheme has increased by 125 per cent.

“The water flow was being hindered by a surface filter screen because it was getting filled with leaves and debris.

“It has been replaced by a submerged screen, so the water is now flowing freely and output has increased.”

During December and January, when the garden was closed to the public, Graham and his team carried out a programme of works including resurfacing work to pathways to improve accessibility to the garden and new plantings which means there are now 174 new accessions in the garden. The team includes horticulturist Harvey Geddes, who has just notched up 35 years’ service.

Graham said: “The two-month winter closure gives us the chance to carry out work at a time when it won’t impact on visitors. Unfortunately, there were some delays caused by high winds and heavy rainfall, but most of the major works were finished in time.”

Now, the garden is taking part in the Scottish Snowdrop Festival 2016, which runs until March 13. Dawyck is renowned for its swathes of snowdrops which carpet the banks of Scrape Burn.

The garden is also famed for its collection of Meconopsis or Himalayan blue poppies, which flower in late spring. The Meconopsis Group named the plants at Dawyck as the finest in the UK last year.

There is also an exhibition of photographs taken by the garden’s 10 volunteer photographers. Their work will be on display in the studio until April 24. Admission is free.

Garden tours take place on the first and third Sunday each month at 1.45pm. The garden will be taking part in Disabled Access Day on Saturday, March 12. There will be free entry for visitors quoting “Disabled Access Day” on arrival. There will also be a tour of Dawyck along the accessible paths. Registered assistance dogs are welcome.

A mother-of-four from the Borders who died in a road crash earlier this month has been described as devoted to her family.

Kirsty Parker, 34, from Denholm, died at the scene of the incident on the A698 near the village on February 11.

Three of her children, aged one, nine and 12, were also travelling in the car and were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. They have all since been discharged.

Ms Parker was driving a Vauxhall Zafira which collided with a Peugeot 207 at around 4.15pm. The driver of the other car, a 26-year-old man, was also taken for treatment.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, her family said: “Kirsty was devoted to her family and we are still trying to come to terms with our tragic loss.

“She was a much loved mum to Jessica, 16, Kyle, 12, Mackenzie, nine, and John Paul, two, and planned to marry her fiance, Chris, in September.

“As a family we enjoyed many trips to the countryside to walk, camp and fish and we will cherish these fond memories forever.

“We’d like to thank the local community for all their support so far at what has been an incredibly difficult time.

“We understand that officers are still trying to trace witnesses who were in the area at the time of the collision, and would ask anyone who can help police with their inquiries to come forward.”

The contrasting trends between so-called youth incidents and rural crime in the Borders were among the topics discussed when local SNP MSPs Christine Grahame and Paul Wheelhouse, who is also Scottish Government Minister for Community Safety, met divisional police commander Gill Imery.

In the course of a wide-ranging meeting, which also touched on community justice and drugs and alcohol related crimes, Ms Grahame and Mr Wheelhouse were made aware of a marked increase in the value of items stolen from farms and other rural premises in the region.

A presentation compiled by Chief Superintendent Imery showed the thefts are frequently perpetrated by opportunist thieves and organised gangs, often travelling to the Borders from outwith the area.

The loss to owners has spiralled from around £146,000 in 2012/13 to around £347,000 last year.

Ms Grahame, who chairs the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee, and Mr Wheelhouse, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, were told of various police initiatives aimed at thieves who preyed on rural properties. These include forensic security marking and the SB Alert Messaging System.

The MSPs were also briefed on police numbers in the J Division area, the former Lothian & Borders police force area. Chief Superintendent Imery said the division had a similar number of officers (922) to when she took up post over two years ago.

Ms Grahame and Mr Wheelhouse welcomed a sizeable drop in youth incidents with an accompanying significant downward trend in incidents involving alcohol.

Commenting on the meeting, Ms Grahame said: “It was extremely useful to talk face to face with Chief Superintendent Imery and get her perspective on policing in the Scottish Borders. It is an issue which many of my constituents take a keen interest in. The figures relating to police numbers were very assuring.”

According to Mr Wheelhouse: “It was pleasing to hear of the reduction in youth crime incidents across the Borders. It is often too easy to paint a picture which unfairly portrays all young people as a problem rather than the asset they are for our future.

“On rural crime, clearly the theft of quad bikes, farm machinery and, particularly, the loss of livestock can be both distressing and financially damaging for our local farmers.

“The discussion with Chief Superintendent Imery and CID colleagues was very helpful in also setting out how Police Scotland is responding to such challenges. Hopefully action being taken by police, allied to close co-operation from the agricultural community, will combine to beat the thieves - but it is absolutely essential these crimes are reported so Police Scotland can assess their impact and target its resources where those are most needed.”

Pay practices at major energy construction projects including Dunbar’s Oxewllmains waste plant will come under fire from the UK’s major unions tomorrow (Tuesday, March 1).

The ‘pay the rate’ protests organised by construction unions Unite, GMB and Ucatt, follow claims that non-UK workers installing the main boilers on three projects overseen by construction firms Interserve and Bacock & Wilcox will be paid little more than the minimum wage, as opposed to the agreed rate of £16.64 per hour (plus £2.37 per hour bonus) covered by national agreements.

The three unions are calling on the contractors to adhere to national minimum standards negotiated through the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) and the National Agreement Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI).

The protest outside the Dunbar plant is set to begin at 6.30am.

Unite’s national officer for construction, Bernard McAulay said: “The contractors on this project are actively seeking to undermine the pay and conditions of skilled workers through their refusal to abide by industry wide agreements.

“Paying fellow European workers just above the minimum wage when the agreed rate is over double is completely unacceptable and smacks of exploitation and social dumping.

“Under national agreements for the industry there is one rate for the job, no matter where you are from.”

At their last meeting, Dunbar Community Council heard about plans for the future of Winterfield Park.

Gordon Millar, Chair of the Group, updated the Council on the work of the Friends Of Winterfield, which is now looking at plans to furhter enhance the park with planting and landscaping.

The group was established in 2011 and now has 70 members.

The main aims of FOW are to preserve Winterfield Park as an open recreational space for the town of Dunbar in co-operation with other organisations, and to support the provision of recreational facilities and activities for the public at large.

After five years, with the help of East Lothian Council staff and financial support from a range of sources FOW is coming to the end of its initial work plan. There have been improvements to the landscape of the park, there is more use of the site for sports (Dunbar Cricket Club has moved its pitch to Winterfield) and there have been other community activities including a Civic Week dog show.

However, there are challenges which FOW feel, as a small group, they cannot tackle without support of Dunbar Community Council and Local Area Partnership.

FOW, along with Dunbar Community Council had reluctantly accepted the ELC decision to demolish the Pavilion. The demolition had met with a public petition raised by Ruth Elford which had obtained 513 signatures. Ruth had attended the last FOW meeting and the situation had been discussed. Although the Pavilion will come down the council heard that it is important to plan for the future use of its site.

Changes to social work service charges have been agreed by Scottish Borders councillors and will come into force on April 1, 2016.

The main change is raising the threshold that determines how much income people can have before being charged, from 16.5 to 25 percent.

In addition, people whose only support is a short break or respite for their carer could benefit from changes to charging arrangements if they have Self-Directed Support (SDS). An automatic disregard will be introduced for people with a disability related benefit to take account of disability related expenses.

A small number of people who have been exempt from being charged for support and services due to their guardian (under the Adults with Incapacity Act, 2000) being the chief social work officer will now be subject to financial assessment. This is in line with all other guardian arrangements which are subject to the charging policy.

The updates reflect national guidance on charging produced by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and feedback from people in the Borders who pay social care charges.

Councillor Frances Renton, executive member for social work, said: “A thorough review of social work charging was carried out in 2014. The updates being introduced for the coming year reflect feedback we have received from people, particularly those who rely on support from family carers, and take account of changes to national guidance.

“The views of the Charging Forum were incorporated as their input has been extremely helpful in highlighting key areas where the policy has been working well, as well as giving useful suggestions for future improvements.”

Councillor Renton welcomed the production of an easy read version of the new charging policy leaflet, making the information more accessible to services users - and better communication will continue to be a priority.