A troubled teenager who sprayed blood over police officers and ambulance staff during a disturbance has been warned he faces the prospect of a custodial sentence.

The 17-year-old – who cannot be named because he’s under 18 – pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in Guards Road, Coldstream, on January 30, and also at the accident and emergency department of Borders General Hospital.

The teenager also admitted a second allegation of assaulting a police constable by repeatedly head butting and kicking his arm in an ambulance.

The teenager also broke the conditions of his bail by having seven male friends in his Coldstream home.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told Selkirk Sheriff Court that at 2.11am on January 30 police officers got a message about a disturbance in Abbey Road, Coldstream.

He explained: “Blood was found there and they followed a trail of blood which led to the accused.

“He was clearly bleeding and an ambulance contacted, but he refused to go to hospital although it was obvious he required urgent medical attention.”

The procurator fiscal added: “Efforts were made to get his foster mother to convince him to go to hospital and everyone was trying to get him to do so.

“But he sprayed his blood towards police officers and all over the emergency services vehicles and ambulance personnel.

“He was handcuffed and put in an ambulance, but he lashed out at an ambulance worker and constable with his arms and head, and had to be restrained with straps.”

Mr Fraser said: “He spat over the interior of the vehicle and a spithood was applied to his head.

“This had been going on for two hours and it was 4am when they arrived at Borders General Hospital.”

Mr Fraser went on: “He continued to shout and swear when there were sick patients there and refused to be calmed down or X-rayed.”

The fiscal added: “He was told he was being arrested and he fell asleep.”

Mr Fraser told the hearing the severity of the injury, which was a cut on his right thumb, required him to be referred to St John’s Hospital in Livingston for specialist treatment.

The teenager’s lawyer, Ed Hulme, said his client had taken an excess of alcohol and had no recollection of the events, adding: “He has stopped drinking spirits and only drinks lager one night at weekends.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson called for a restriction-of-liberty assessment to be prepared to see “if there is an alternative to a custodial sentence”.

Sentence was deferred until July 4.

A Peebles teenager snapped when his mother refused to go to a shop and buy him cigarettes, Selkirk Sheriff Court has been told.

Peter Morey was described as being “immature” and having “a lamentable attitude” towards his mother.

The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour by shouting and swearing, throwing furniture across a room and repeatedly slamming doors, causing damage in the family home in Dalatho Crescent on November 3.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the disturbance started at about 9.30pm when Morey demanded his mother go to the shop to buy cigarettes for him.

When she refused he started swearing at her and turned over a sofa and clothes drier.

Mr Fraser said he continued to direct abuse towards his 38-year-old mum who was forced to call her 65-year-old mother for help, but even when she arrived Morey refused to calm down.

He continued: “He abused his grandmother as well and eventually the police were called. He left with a holdall full of clothes. The mother and grandmother were visibly upset at what had taken place.

“He was later traced by police.

“I understand he was working for a while at a delicaetessen, but was sacked because of his attitude.”

Mr Fraser told the hearing: “He has been offered a council house in Hawick, but wants one in Peebles where his friends are and he can go to Edinburgh.”

Mr Fraser said Morey’s mother had expressed concern about his alcohol consumption.

The procurator fiscal added added that the accused had a “lamentable attitude” towards his mother.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said: “The eruption in the house had been building up for some time. It did not take much for him to lose his temper and control.

“He is an intelligent young man and is well aware that the behaviour is not acceptable.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson called Morey “immature” with an “appalling attitude”, adding: “I am going to call for background reports here to see if there is an alternative to a prison sentence.”

He ordered a criminal justice social work report to be prepared and deferred sentence until July 4.

A Galashiels man who breached his ASBO (antisocial behaviour order) by swearing loudly in the casualty department of Borders General Hospital has been jailed for four months.

Scott Morrison, who is 29, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened on Monday morning.

Hours later he appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court where he was told by Sheriff Peter Paterson: “Conduct of this sort in hospital is not acceptable.”

The court heard that Morrison had been taken to hospital at around 10pm on Sunday for treatment to a cut on his left hand.

He was placed in a cubicle with a female friend, but despite several warnings would not stop swearing despite there being other patients around and children.

Solicitor Ross Dow, for Morrison, said the swearing was not directed at anyone, but that his client was annoyed at himself for cutting himself.

Mr Dow added: “He was under the influence of alcohol and did not realise he was so loud.”

Sheriff Paterson said: “The ASBO is there for a very good reason. There is no alternative to custody.”

A Galashiels man found in possession of an axe in a street has been ordered to stay in his home address between the hours of 7pm and 6am for the next year.

Wayne Stillwell, 27, was found guilty after a trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court of having the sharply-pointed blade in the Huddersfield Street area of Galashiels.

The offence happened on the morning of December 28.

The accused was given a restriction-of-liberty order keeping him indoors at his uncle’s Church Street home at night-time.

MAN UNABLE TO ATTEND COURT

Sentence has again been deferred on a 23-year-old offender who used racially-offensive language towards a man in a Galashiels bar after it emerged he has broken both his legs in a car accident.

Ryan Brodie, of Corton House, Ayr, admitted acting in a racially-aggravated manner at Reivers Sports Bar in High Street on September 8. He also pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman there.

Brodie admitted spitting at a female in Market Square, Galashiels, and acting in a racially-aggravated manner, intending to cause alarm to another woman, a few hours later.

Brodie also pleaded guilty to a further complaint of assaulting an employee to his injury at Reivers Bar on September 13.

Sentence was originally deferred until April 25 to await the outcome of another case involving Brodie at Ayr Sheriff Court.

At his last court hearing details of the car accident emerged and sentence was deferred for an update. Selkirk Sheriff Court was told on Monday that Brodie is in a wheelchair with casts on both legs and unable to attend court.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentence until August 1.

PRIVATE HEARING

A 21-year-old man appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court on a charge of theft by housebreaking.

Brendan Watson, of St Andrew’s Way, Gorebridge, is accused of committing the offence at premises in Galashiels last November. He made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination.

Watson was released on bail by Sheriff Peter Paterson.

BIRTHDAY IN COURT

A Hawick man marked his 64th birthday last Thursday by appearing in court from custody.

Thomas Laidlaw is accused of wilfully or recklessly puncturing the tyre of a vehicle parked outside a neighbour’s house in Wilton Crescent, Hawick, last Wednesday. He is also charged with being in possession of a knife in a public place without reasonable excuse.

Laidlaw was held overnight before appearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court the following morning.

Laidlaw pleaded not guilty to both charges and a trial date was fixed for July 26, with an intermediate hearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on June 27.

He was released on bail by Sheriff Kevin Drummond.

BUST-UP WITH EX-PARTNER

A Hawick man who was involved in a bust-up with his former partner has been ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Forty-seven-year-old Christopher Cooper – who has previous convictions for domestic abuse – pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, shouting and swearing and refusing to leave a house in Fairhurst Drive, Hawick, on December 27.

Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard that Cooper turned up at her door drunk, demanding entry and when he became aggressive she dialled 999.

Cooper told officers that they were just arguing.

Mat Patrick, defending, said his client had not had an alcoholic drink since the offence.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond told Cooper, of Wallace Court, Hawick, that the rest of the community did not need to share his problems.

MOTORING OFFENCES

A motorist appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court and admitted committing a string of offences in Kelso.

Thirty-seven-year-old Stephen Sansom drove while disqualified, with no insurance and failed to give a preliminary breath test in Dryinghouse Lane on Tuesday last week.

He also pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to give two breath samples at Hawick police station.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond called for background reports and imposed an interim driving ban.

Sansom, from the Killingworth area of Newcastle, will re-appear for sentence in June 27.

BACKGROUND REPORTS

Background reports have been ordered into a Jedburgh man who admitted being involved in a domestic disturbance.

Craig Stevens, of Howden Road, appeared from custody and pleaded guilty to a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, shouting and swearing and kicking and breaking a door.

The incident happened at a house in Grieve Avenue, Jedburgh, on Sunday.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond called for a criminal justice social work report to be prepared and deferred sentence until July 11.

Forty-eight-year-old Stevens was released on bail with special conditions not to enter Grieve Avenue or contact a named woman.

TWO-MONTH TRIAL DELAY

The trial of a Jedburgh motorist accused of endangering the safety of emergency services personnel by ignoring road-closure signs during heavy flooding has been delayed for two months.

Jane Brewis, 50, is accused of committing the offence during a period of severe flooding in the Borders.

She appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court where she maintained her not-guilty plea to a charge of culpable and reckless conduct on December 6.

It is alleged she ignored road-closure signs as she headed towards Kelso and had to be rescued from the River Teviot after her vehicle was washed into the water before becoming wedged between two trees.

However, her trial could not go-ahead due to the non-availability of a key witness and a new date was fixed for August 9.

NIGHTCLUB ASSAULT

Headbutting a teenager in a Galashiels nightclub cost a Clovenfords teenager £400.

Karis Hislop, of Todburn Way, pleaded guilty to repeatedly headbutting 19-year-old Craig Munro to his injury at The Warehouse in Overhaugh Street on May 8.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, said the victim had been at Selkirk Sevens and had gone to Galashiels for a night out and was in the nightclub at 3am.

He continued: “For reasons totally unknown, the accused walked into the booth and twice headbutted Mr Munro to the face.

“It left him with a laceration to the face which he was bleeding from.

“Mr Munro was taken to Borders General Hospital where he had five stitches inserted in a three-centimetre laceration above the right eye.”

The incident was caught on CCTV and when traced by police Hislop said he had been very drunk.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said the pair were known to each other several years ago, so it was not a random stranger, but his client had no recollection of the attack.

He added: “He was very stupid.”

Hislop, 18, who works as a waiter, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £200 compensation to his victim.

CHEQUE CRIME BACKFIRED

An Innerleithen woman was conned out of £650 in a car purchase by Gordon Grant who knew his cheque would bounce.

But his con backfired on him as, following a police investigation, it was found he was driving while disqualified and with no insurance when he visited the property in Horsburgh Street in February 2013.

Grant, 32, of no fixed abode, was ordered to pay £400 compensation to the woman and ordered to carry out 70 hours’ unpaid work for the motoring offences.

In addition, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Borders MP Calum Kerr has donated a quad bike he won at the Duns Summer Festival last year to the Stable Life charity based at Dryden.

“Stable Life is an amazing charity which supports young people who are experiencing various challenges in their lives and, as a result, find fitting into a school routine overwhelming,” said Calum.

“Working with Stable Life’s outstanding staff, referred children can achieve great results through helping to care for and understand the horses and ponies there and, by building on their achievements, they can gain the confidence they need to face the world again.

Explaining how he became the owner of a Polaris quad bike, Calum said: “Last year, when I was at Duns Agricultural Show I bought some tickets for a raffle that the Duns Summer Festival Committee were running as a fundraiser. Incredibly, I was fortunate enough to win the bike!

“I decided that such an amazing prize should benefit a worthy cause and so I started to look around for a charity or organisation who could make good use of it. Having visited Stable Life previously, I decided to ask if they would like it and they were very happy to accept.

Nicola Glendinning, the driving force behind the project, said: “The bike will be incredibly useful for accompanying rides out onto the hill and we will be able to load it with packed lunches for longer excursions.”

The Royal Highland Show (June 23-26), has announced that it has raised almost £450k in sponsorship for the 2016 event, with title sponsor, The Royal Bank of Scotland, continuing to support the Show and the agricultural industry in Scotland.

A number of other major sponsors - Heineken, Marks & Spencer, Greenspan Energy, ScottishPower, McDermott Group and Quality Meat Scotland - have confirmed their renewed support for the event, which attracted over 180,000 visitors in 2015. Peter D. Stirling has increased its sponsorship this year, making the company a new major sponsor, and the Gillespie Family will mark their 38th year as a loyal supporter of the Show in the show jumping competition.

The event has welcomed a number of new sponsors including: The Scottish Salmon Company, Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, Highland Spring, Fisher Paykal, Strathallan Events, Easterton Stables, Scottish Beef Association, Odysseus Capital Management, Dengie, RD Sports horses, MacMillan Land and Newark Livestock Mart.

A new element of the Show this year, an overall prize in the Scottish Cheese, Scottish Ice Cream, and Scottish Butter Championships, will be sponsored by Lactallis McLelland, which continues its sponsorship under its Seriously Strong Cheddar brand.

Willie Gill, RHASS Chairman, said: “As a registered charity, the Society relies on this sponsorship to put on the Show. The overwhelming support we receive from our sponsors year on year is testament to the popularity of the Royal Highland Show and its reputation for being the place to do business. The 35 years of support from the Royal Bank of Scotland is really a testament to their commitment to the rural and agricultural community in Scotland.”

MSP John Lamont hopes the decision to extend the deadline for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments to farmers will not be used as an excuse for more delays in the Borders region.

European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, announced his intention to extend the cut-off point from June 30 to October 15.

Mr Hogan said it was an “exceptional measure” and an “unprecedented level of flexibility” for member states, including Scotland, that have struggled to process the vital payments on time.

This means that the Scottish Government will likely avoid fines of up to £125 million that could have been imposed if 95% of farm payments were not made by June 30.

In the Borders, farming businesses were due over £50m in payment last December.

Mr Lamont said this week: “Today’s news cannot be used as an excuse for any further delays in the distribution of CAP payments to farmers in the Borders.”

Elsewhere, NFU Scotland’s chief executive Scott Walker voiced a similar opinon: “Any deadline shift must not be used as an excuse by the Scottish government in delaying the payment of outstanding 2015 monies any further.”

Councillors are to be given the chance to pull the plug on controversial plans to site a £6m centre housing the Great Tapestry of Scotland at Tweedbank.

They will be offered the option of voting to create a home for the tapestry at nearby Galashiels instead or scrapping the project altogether.

Other suggested locations for the proposed centre including Selkirk and Hawick have been ruled out, however.

A decision on the fate of the project will now be made in August.

The construction of the centre at Tweedbank had looked to be a done deal after planning consent for it was granted last October, and work was expected to have started in February, but controversy over the council’s choice of site has continued to rage ever since.

That dissent has led to the Scottish Government refusing to commit the £2.5m stake in the project it had provisionally offered to Scottish Borders Council until the plans have undergone further scrutiny.

A spokesman for the council said: “We continue to work with the Scottish Government to carry out the necessary due diligence work for the Great Tapestry of Scotland site at Tweedbank.

“The Tweedbank site has many advantages. It is very close to the Borders Railway and located in an ideal location for the road network.

“The public transport provision by bus at Tweedbank is also excellent, and the site provides high-quality pedestrian and cycle routes.

“Tweedbank’s proximity to Melrose, Galashiels and Abbotsford House, along with excellent road links to the rest of the Borders, is one of the key reasons why the site was chosen.

“The figures published this week which show Tweedbank has had 184,000 passenger journeys since the railway opened – 10 times the original estimate – demonstrate a real desire to use the railhead.

“The tapestry being located in Tweedbank would provide a critical tourist hub for the whole of the Borders and would provide other facilities that would benefit visitors and regular users of the railway alike.

“In recent months, a new opportunity has arisen to consider the location of the tapestry in an alternative development in central Galashiels. Buildings have recently become available that were not vacant when the council carried out its original assessment of Galashiels.

“At present, the council is carefully assessing whether recent developments provide the potential for an alternative location to house the tapestry in Galashiels town centre.

“This opportunity may create an important tourist attraction for the town and at the same time develop a significant regeneration project for the centre of Galashiels.

“Work on Tweedbank and the emerging possibility of Galashiels being the location for the tapestry will continue over the summer, and in August a detailed report will come to councillors.

“This will give Councillors the opportunity to decide whether to proceed with Tweedbank or whether to progress with a project in Galashiels, if it proves viable.

“Councillors will also have the opportunity to cancel the project in August, if they so wish.”

A private report will be presented to councillors on Wednesday, June 29, giving them a detailed update on the project ahead of the meeting the month after at which its fate will be sealed.

Tapestry trustees’ spokesman Alistair Moffat added: “Tweedbank remains the preferred site for the home of the Great Tapestry of Scotland as the trustees believe that a very innovative and strong proposal has been developed.

“Following discussions with the council, the trustees are open-minded about considering a Galashiels option, if it proves deliverable and financially viable.

“The trustees are very clear that no other Borders site, apart from one in Tweedbank or Galashiels, would be acceptable as it is critical that the tapestry visitor centre has the best road access possible and is within walking distance of the railway station at Tweedbank or Galashiels.”

The 469ft-long tapestry, claimed to be the longest of its kind in the world, is made up of 160 embroidered cloth panels depicting dates of interest in Scotland’s history.

It was designed by Andrew Crummy, based on an idea by author Alexander McCall Smith, and sewn by more than 1,000 volunteers.

It has never had a permanent home but has been exhibited all over Scotland since its creation in 2013 at towns and cities including Ayr, Paisley, New Lanark, Kirkcaldy, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Stirling.

With Common Riding season now well under way picture entries are being sought for this year’s Alastair Watson Memorial Award.

The annual photography competition is now in its third year with previous winners from Coldstream and Galashiels. The contest was launched by colleagues of Borders photographer Alastair Watson who died in 2013. Alastair lived in Coldstream and worked for the Tweeddale Press Group for almost four decades. Covering border common ridings and festivals was a major part of Alastair’s work and colleagues felt this would be a suitable topic to be the subject of a competition aimed at recognising young photographers.

Entries should be a photograph, with accompanying caption, that features a common riding or summer festival activity. One photograph per entrant should be emailed to kimberley.powell@jpress.co.uk before the closing date of September 1.

Make sure to include the entrant’s full name, address, date of birth, and contact telephone details for a parent or guardian.

Entries will be judged by a panel of Borders-based NUJ members with the winner being awarded a £50 cash prize as well as the trophy to keep for the year.

A unique document of the horrors soldiers experienced in the trenches of the First World War is to be shown in Hawick this summer.

Imperial War Museums (IWM), Live Borders Archive service and Local History Centre, The Heritage Hub, are working together to show the UNESCO-listed film The Battle of the Somme, from 1916.

The film was the first feature-length documentary about war, and changed the way both cinema and film was perceived by the public.

In the year of its release around 20 million people, almost half the population of Britain at the time, watched The Battle of the Somme, many hoping to see the image of a loved-one, or friend captured on film.

One hundred years later, this unique film is being shown to commemorate the centenary of the battle.

The silent film will be accompanied by Laura Rossi’s score, which was commissioned to mark that 90th anniversary.

Archive manager Paul Brough says “Even in ‘a war to end all wars” the Battle of the Somme commands attention, epitomising the failure to learn which characterises the first half of the First World War. Though the Somme was not a key factor in the Scottish Borders’ war experience we believe that viewing this film from 1916 is essential to a proper understanding of the conflict.”

Screenings will take place at the Heritage Hub, Heart of Hawick, on Friday, July 8 from 7pm and on Saturday, July 9 from 2.30pm.

There will also be an opportunity to view an exhibition created by Gateways to the First World War entitled Cinema during the First World War, which will run from July 8-29.

The Heritage Hub, along with Live Borders Museum and Library Services, are currently engaged in a two-year project, Saving and Sharing Scottish Borders Stories of World War One, which will provide a lasting commemorative record of the First World War and its legacy for the Borders.

The project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Armed Forces Covenant, aims to digitally preserve material relating to individual experiences of the war.

There will be a selection of Scottish Borders stories on display at the event and the project welcomes any further contributions of material from the public.

These screenings are free but space is limited.

To book your place, or for more information about the Saving and Sharing project, please contact the Heritage Hub on 01450 360699 or at: http://www.liveborders.org.uk/libraries_and_archives/archives

On August 18 1965, the boxing legend Muhammad Ali landed at Glasgow airport for a short stay in Scotland.

Known then as Cassius Clay, he was in Paisley to take part in a promotional fight with Jimmy Ellis at Paisley Ice Rink.

Although the crowds did not turn out in great numbers to see Ali then, those that did, were rightly entertained by this engaging man.

Whilst in Glasgow, Ali stayed at the McDonald Hotel Eastwood.

It was here that the now retired and local to St Boswells restauranteur, Rene Duzelier met Muhammad Ali.

Rene was the catering manager at the McDonald Hotel from 1963 to 1969 and he met many famous people including many well know film stars of the day.

It is Muhammad Ali however, that sticks fondly in Rene’s memory. Rene recalled ‘The Greatest’ after his funeral this week: “I remember the day Muhammad Ali arrived at the hotel.

“It was 6 o’clock in the evening of August 18, 1965. Being the catering manager I was in the welcoming party which greeted Muhammad Ali.

“I remember the Scottish television cameras being there and it being on the news that evening.

“Ali struck me as being a very gentle and kind man. He stayed at the hotel for 5 days.

“I was charged with the task of taking his meals to his room every evening as he didn’t wish to eat in the dining room.

“I can remember exactly what he ate that first night.

“He didn’t ask for a menu, he just said he wanted a 14oz Scotch Beef steak, a bowl of tossed salad, a jug of milk and a bowl of fresh fruit. That was it, nothing else. I was quite surprised.

“For five days and nights I looked after Ali and had several discussions with him. He was a very entertaining and gracious man. On the morning of his departure I offered to take his cases to the car but he declined, he carried them himself, stopped at the car, gave me a big smile, shook my hand and thanked me for his stay.

“I was deeply moved. He had quite a large entourage with him, yet he still carried his own cases. I remember that, as it was unusual with guests.

“I was deeply saddened when I learned of his death last week. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I wish I had got a photograph with him, as it would be one of my treasured possessions, but I didn’t. I still like watching sport on television and Muhammad Ali will always be one of the greatest sportsmen (and nicest people) of all time to me.”

The JS Crawford MS Borders Fun Run returned to Melrose at the weekend when more than 200 people took to the five kilometre course, on a circuit along the River Tweed, starting and finishing at St Mary’s School.

As well as the race, the afternoon of Sunday June 12 saw a visit from the Andy Struthers rally team, Radio Borders, rugby sevens star Scott White, who waved the runners off, and charity rugby team The Powerbombs.

The annual event raised more than £5,000 for the Borders MS Society, which will be put towards treatment and therapies for those in the region diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

The strengths of the Borders economy, especially in ourism and agriculture, were highlighted this week in a report to the region’s Chamber of Commerce.

In his report to the chamber’s AGM, Jack Clark, convenor, highlighted those two sectors as being of vital importance to future growth.

Speaking on Friday, June 10, Mr Clark said: “We in the Borders need to remind ourselves what a beautiful and vibrant region we live in – and what a great place it is to do business from. I feel we sometimes forget this.

“Of course we have issues and challenges – which part of the country doesn’t? – but when you factor in quality of life, proximity to Edinburgh, the excellence of our schools and increasing business opportunities, then I believe few areas have more to offer.

“And it is that thought that lies at the heart of the chamber’s increasing activity as the voice of business in the Borders to attract economic development in this marvellous region.”

Mr Clark reserved particular praise for the work of the Scottish Borders Business Awards, which the chamber will again host in November.

“These awards are an effective showcase for excellence and innovation in the Borders,” he said, “and a chance for local businesses to sell themselves in front of a wide audience.”

He continued: “Many of the businesses we expect to be nominated for an award will be tourism-based. I spoke last year about the need to capitalise on the energy to be found amongst local tourism providers in seeking out ever greater opportunities. Tourism is one the cornerstones of the Borders economy and there is no doubt it has received a welcome and significant boost from the opening of the railway last year.

“Agriculture is another main stay of the local economy. Farmers across the Borders will be relieved by the Scottish Government’s promise – repeated by the Minister, Fergus Ewing, as recently as June 8 - that funds from the 2015 EU Basic Payment Scheme will finally be paid by the end of June.

“This vital money is not a subsidy. It is a means of ensuring that farmers – especially those in the livestock sector – can continue to produce food at an economic price to the consumer. Without it, many businesses would find it difficult to compete. The Chamber has consistently called on the Scottish Government to sort out the computer problems which caused the late payments. Now we are seeking assurances that the problems will never arise again. Only time will tell.”

A woman in her seventies had a lucky escape after her car turned on its side at the weekend.

The accident, which featured no other vehicles, occurred at around 9.30am on the A6105, about half a mile outside Earlston.

The fire service were called to the scene, and the car, a Suzuki Swift, was removed, with the road reopening just after 12 noon.

The driver was uninjured.

St Boswells enjoyed some excellent weather for Village Week, and even when the rain came on Sunday, the fancy dress parade still drew plenty of entrants.

Events kicked off on Saturday with a coffee morning and an afternoon of fun at the Tennis Club, followed in the evening by music from Stillhound at St Boswells Live.

Sunday was an afternoon of family fun at the Golf Club and on Monday the children were entertained by Chris Wish in the Village Hall.

From the coffee mornings to the car treasure hunt, guided walks, fancy dress, family football, to the Queen’s tea party and the annual Village Race the entertainment was endless.

A particular highlight was Boswells Got Talent where there were a number of different acts, from dancing and singing to poetry.

Village Week chair Suzan Bell said of the events: “It’s been another successful Village Week for St Boswells, and events were well attended.

“Despite the decline of the weather toward the end of our week, we still managed to carry on with festivities.

“The Village Week relies upon supporters and helpers. Thanks to everyone who supported and attended the events, helping us to raise money for our local clubs and groups. Also a big thank you to everyone who helped organise the village week, including those putting up bunting and flags, organising events and marshalling the village race.”

Hutchison Vale 16s pulled off an incredible late turnaround against Tynecastle, scoring two goals in the final five minutes to lift the Jackie Faichney Cup.

Hutchie got the final underway at New Dundas Park, Bonnyrigg and were the first to show attacking intent. A corner from the right-hand side picked out Grant Rose in the box, who headed over the Tynie crossbar. The teams began to battle hard to control the game. There was lots of huffing and puffing but little creativity as play became bogged down in the middle of the park.

Chances were few and far between but Hutchie should really have been ahead on the half-hour mark. Samuel Walker thundered down the left-hand side to create space before sending the ball to the back post for Kieran Jack. However, the forward couldn’t quite get a clean shot away and he scooped the ball over the Tyncastle crossbar.

Just before the opening 40 minutes were up, Tynecastle almost took the lead against the run of play. Russell Cairns raced onto a through ball as a gaping hole appeared in the Hutchie defence but his team-mate Owen Winnick picked the ball up first and saw his low shot well saved down low by Bryan Cairns.

With literally ten seconds of the half remaining, Hutchie went 1-0 up. A long ball forward was picked up by Rose 30 yards out and, although stumbling, he still managed to curl an effort over the head of Macpherson and into the top-right corner.

Tynie made their intent known early on in the second half. A ball in from the right by Martin Maughan found Gregor Lamb in space but his first-time volley was directed wide of the right-hand post.

Tynecastle were taking the game to their opponents and were looking much more accomplished. Again they had a great chance to get on level terms five minutes into the half. Matthew Brown’s dangerous ball in from the right was met by Maughan but his header ended wide of Cairns’ goal.

However, Maughan soon got Tynie on level terms. The winger charged down the right-hand side before sending a cross-cum-shot over the head of Cairns and into the Hutchie goal.

As the game entered the final ten minutes, both sides went all out for a late winner. Brown saw his free-kick fly over the bar for Tynie while, at the other end, Hutchie’s Jack cut inside from the right before testing Macpherson who matched the effort with a decent save.

Tynie went 2-1 up with eight minutes to go, Bremner striking a sweet half-volley in off the left-hand post beyond the outstretched arm of Cairns.

That looked to be the winning goal but there was more drama to come as Hutchie levelled. A free-kick whipped in from the left was inadvertently headed into his own goal by Tynie centre half Ciaran McKenzie.

Then, incredibly, a minute later Hutchie were 3-2 up. Rose was bundled over in the box and the referee didn’t hesitate to award a Hutchie penalty. Ryan Borthwick took a deep breath before rattled the ball down the middle past Macpherson to clinch the silverware.

Tynecastle 16s: Jamie Macpherson, Todd Teviotdale, Andrew Lickley, Lewis Gill, Ciaran McKenzie, Callum Bremner, Jordan Purves, Daniel Purves, Owen Winnick, Martin Maughan, Matthew Johnston, Russell Cairns, Matthew Brown, Dale Skinner, Gregor Lamb.

Hutchie Vale 16s: Bryan Cairns, Sean Mcfarlane, Ryan Batchelor, Steven Mackay, Ryan Moffat, Jack Temple, Cameron Watson, Grant Rose, Ryan Borthwick, Samuel Walker, Shaun Farrow, Kieran Jack, Max Gordon-Tennant.

Retired complimentary therapist Val Petrie changed her life with her local Slimming World group, and is about to start her own group in Jedburgh.

Val had always been one of these lucky people who didn’t have to watch what they ate, but things changed when she got to menopause and she developed a sweet tooth.

Although she put on a few pounds she had an active job, so with a bit of effort managed to remain reasonably slim.

She said: “In October 2006, me and my retired husband moved to Spain, and that’s when the weight started to pile on.

“Finding it too hot in Spain in the summer months, we moved to France, and the indulgences increased.

“Tempting shops and markets selling fresh bread cheese, gateaux and patisseries, the lovely wine and the relaxed way of life was enjoyed to the full.”

Sadly, Val was getting a lot ‘fuller’ too.

The couple moved back to Scotland in 2011. Although Val tried to lose weight it wasn’t until she had a health scare in 2015 that she decided to join Slimming World, where she found to her surprise those luxuries were permissible and she could still enjoy a glass of wine (or two).

She said: “Food optimising with Slimming World fits the bill, with gorgeous ‘free’ foods that can be eaten so you are never hungry, any time, day or night.

“Also there is an online service where you can read about other members’ experiences and search for amazing recipes such as chocolate pavlova, of which I am a little partial, but what is so striking is that I was immediately made to feel welcome by all the members who are keen to share their recipes and tips in our group meetings under the guidance of consultant Becky Scott. I can genuinely say that these members are now my friends and we all give each other help and support.”

Val is now two stones lighter and feeling fitter.

She said: “The icing on the metaphoric cake is that the last blood pressure reading and cholesterol tests were normal.

“I feel at least 20 years younger and my grandchildren love having an energetic granny who can play tennis, ride a bike, go karting and generally have a happy healthy time with them.

“I love being a role model for my daughters, believing passionately that we must educate our children and grandchildren to eat healthily”.

Val will be the new consultant for Jedburgh as of Thursday, June 23 at 7.30pm, at the Royal British Legion, 57 High Street.

The Borders drinks industry is brewing up a storm as its beers look set to have a breakout this summer.

Local tipples are set to make appearances at beer festivals, in supermarkets and on the shortlists for national awards.

Three local breweries were named among the finalists in the first Scottish Beer Awards this week.

Belhaven Brewery, based near Dunbar, is on the shortlist for the exporter of the year award, and their Twisted Thistle has been nominated for best IPA.

Jedburgh’s Born in the Borders have their Dark Horse on the shortlist for best dark ale, as well as Foxy Blonde competing in the Pale Ale category.

And Tweedbank’s Tempest Brewery is up for two of the main awards, being shortlisted for Growth Business of the Year and Scottish Brewery of the Year.

The awards cover both taste and business performance and were judged last week by a highly experienced judging panel consisting of some of Scotland’s foremost brewing and beer experts.

Meanwhile, Born in the Borders’ Heavy Nettle has been signed up to feature in Aldi’s ninth in-store Beer Festival as part of the retailer’s celebration of the best up and coming beers from Scotland.

The festival is expected to be worth in excess of £106,000 to the breweries involved, with the retailer stocking 88,000 bottles of craft ales.

Michael Whiteford, Buying Director at Aldi in Scotland, said: “Scotland continues to produce some of the best craft beer on the market and the Beer Festival allows our customers the opportunity to try a wide array of beers that are not all readily available. We are sure this Beer Festival will be a great success for Aldi and the brewers involved.”

If you prefer your ale from a pub rather than a supermarket, then the return of the Allanton Inn’s weekend beer festival is for you.

The pub will be offering local brews over the weekend of June 18 and 19, accompanied by local produce including Holy Island oysters and Eyemouth fish and chips, with a hog roast on the Sunday.

There will also be live music over the weekend from local duo Summertime and Eyemouth’s Mr T.

When it comes to a choice of being tucked up in a cosy bed or being out in a drizzly, midge-infested forest, staring at a dazzling mercury vapour bulb, I’m sure most sensible souls would select the former. Not me!

Last Friday was National Moth Night and I had to get involved, being a bit of an amateur moth-er. The venue for a special demonstration was the forest car park at Glenkinnon near Caddonfoot and organiser Malcolm Lindsay of Galashiels, arranged for a 10pm start.

On arrival, it started to rain and the midges were meaning business, but at least it wasn’t, cold as the two light traps were set up - one in the car park and the other in a nearby meadow.

Soon the rain eased and the midges retired, fully fed for the night, and the first moths started to arrive.

The site is only a few miles from where I do my trapping in the back garden, so I wasn’t, expecting a lot of new ones to add to my personal list of almost 200 species, but I was wrong. Within the first hour we had caught Welsh Wave, Scorched Wing and Coronet - all new to me!

By way of a diversion from staring at the light, one of the assembled night people announced she had a bat detector, so we wandered off to the nearby road, where a row of street lights would help illuminate any flying bats picked up on the detector. Soon the machine was chattering away, converting the bats’ sonar location signals, which are normally too high pitched for our ears, into audible sounds which can be attributed to different species, according to frequency. We reckoned we had pipistrelle, Daubenton’s and possibly long-eared flying around. Fascinating stuff!

It was obvious it wasn’t going to be a spectacular night, with none of the big crowd pleasing hawkmoths putting in an appearance, so at around 1am, it was decided to pack up and see what may have flown into the traps unseen by the watchers. Several new ones were released and Malcolm reckoned that the evening’s tally would probably be 30-40 species – not bad for a relatively poor night.

If you would like to get involved with this fascinating group of creatures (all of which have descriptive English names) drop me an e-mail to corbie@homecall.co.uk and I will put you in touch with your local moth recorder.

A motorist appeared in private at Jedburgh Sheriff Court this week, charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Gregor Whipps, who is 25, is also charged with driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

It follows a road accident on the A68 north of Jedburgh on Thursday morning (June 9) when a 69-year-old female was seriously injured and had to be cut free from the wreckage of a Toyota Avensis.

The A68 road at Bonjedward was closed for several hours while a police accident investigation took place.

Whipps also faces two charges of failing to give breath tests.

He made no plea or declaration and his case was continued for further examination.

Whipps, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, was released on bail by Sheriff Derrick McIntyre.

There were two other road accidents on Borders roads this week.

A woman in her seventies had a lucky escape after her car turned on its side at the weekend.

The accident, which featured no other vehicles, occurred at around 9.30am on Sunday on the A6105, about half a mile outside Earlston, heading towards Gordon.

The fire service were called to the scene, and the car, a Suzuki Swift, was removed, with the road reopening just after 12 noon.

The driver was uninjured.

Earlier that morning, a nineteen-year-old woman was involved in an accident on the A698 near Nisbet, at the junction with the B6400.

The fire service attended the scene after it was called in at around 5.10am, and helped remove the driver from her car. She was taken to Borders General Hospital, with injuries that were described as “not life-threatening”. There are no police charges associated with this incident.

The latest road traffic acccidents on Borders roads came during Police Scotland’s annual crackdown on drink and drug driving.

The two week campaign combined high visibility patrols and roadside checks to catch those driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, Head of Road Policing, said: “Even if you are just over the limit, you are still a drink driver in the eyes of the law – there is no grey area.”

He added:“This may affect your current and future employment and can have wider implications for other areas of your life including overseas travel.

“If you drink and drive, you won’t just spoil summer, the effects can last a lifetime.

“Our message is simple,” he concluded, “the best approach is none.”