Bowden

Coffee morning

A coffee morning will be held in the village hall on Saturday, July 2, from 10am-noon in aid of the Marie Curie charity.

clovenfords

Children’s theatre

Caddonfoot Hall committee’s next children’s interactive theatre is on Friday, July 1, at 2pm when the Grinagog Children’s Theatre company launches “Row Your Boat”, based on a much-loved nursery rhyme. Come along with one or more children aged 3-7 years, for puppets, live music, audience participation and lots of bubbles. Tickets from Clovenfords shop, phone 07527 800301, email jfoth@btinternet.com or pay at the door. Further events, including live music, talks, adult theatre and a ceilidh, are being arranged.

EARLSTON

Civic week

Earlston Civic Week kicks off with an event which has returned for the first time in a decade – the darts, dominoes and pool championships, to be held in the Red Lion. The darts are on Thursday, June 30, at 7pm (registration) for a 7.30pm start; pool and dominoes at 1pm on Saturday, July 2, for a 2pm start. There is silverware to be won for each of the events – the annual Red Lion Cup, which will be given pride of place in the pub trophy cabinet. There’s also a runners-up award. Pre-registration is recommended by phoning Craig Roberston on 07999 963295 or the Red Lion (848994). Entry £2 for one event, £5 for all three, and all cash goes to Civic Week funds. Robert T. Leonard tops the bill in the Friday, July 8, cabaret, supported by Chain Gang and Rebel Rouser. Tickets are on sale in the Black Bull.

Strawberry teas

The strawberry tea party for Breast Cancer held in Earlston Rugby Club raised £726. Organisers are grateful to everyone who donated food, raffle prizes and the rugby club for allowing the use of its facilities.

Parish church

The civic week service is on Sunday, July 3, at 10.15am. It will be held in the church and conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods.

ETTRICKBRIDGE

Coffee morning

The next coffee morning and sale in aid of hall funds will be held on Saturday, July 2, between 10am-noon in the hall. Anyone with anything to sell should just turn up, take a table and give a small donation to hall funds.

galashiels

St Peter’s Church

Thursday, June 30 – 10am, communion service, followed by soup/lunch; Saturday, July 2 – Braw Lad’s Breakfast; Sunday, July 3 – 10.30am, family communion, followed by coffee and chat.

Rotary

Maximising ambition and thinking big are the philosophies of Galashiels Academy in achieving the best outcomes for all students, head teacher Kevin Ryalls told Rotarians. The school is using the Growth Mindsets method which has been successful in business and sports, and is now being used in schools. An example of use of this method in sport is Gala man Gregor Townsend’s success with Glasgow Warriors. The theory is to embrace challenges, persist and see effort as a path to success. In the Academy, effort is praised and technique is seen as being more important than ability. Success in the school is shown by rugby and hockey tours, fashion show and other events which focus on individual skills rather than only academic achievement.

Trinity Church

There was a joint service last Sunday with Caddonfoot Church, and the congregation welcomed Braw Lad Mark Hood, Braw Lass Alex Mundell and their attendants for the Kirkin’ o’ the Braw Lad. The church was full and Elspeth Harley conducted proceedings. The Braw Lad and Lass read lessons, while music was provided by Dorothy Howden. Mark and Alex presented children with books as it was the last day of Sunday School at both churches. At Trinity, Katie and Eve received Bibles as they will be moving on to the Academy after the summer break, and Olivia was also given a Bible. The youngsters from Caddonfoot Youth received books. In return, the children gave the principals ‘good luck’ cards which they had designed and made. The minister then presented the Braw Lad and Lass with Bibles from the Gala Fellowship of Churches. Presentations were also made to the leaders of both Sunday Schools as they are all retiring after many years service. After the service, tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes were served in the church hall. Thanks go to the ladies who prepared the sandwiches, traybakes etc., and who served teas and coffees.

Glendouglas

SWI

Members and visitors enjoyed an ‘Evening with the Callant’ last Wednesday. It was well attended and the Callant and his Right and Left-Hand Men, along with the new Herald, proved popular. Members provided supper.

Hawick

Bridge club

June 21 – 1, Mary Millar and Patsy Gilligan; 2, George Graham and Bob Francombe; 3, Valerie Johnstone and Marion Miller.

Rotary

President Mairhi Trickett welcomed members to the latest meeting when Charlotte Young gave an illustrated talk on the project she is putting in place to help cancer victims. In the past the solution to serious illnesses like cancer was to take to bed for a few weeks. This has now been found to be counter-productive and the new thinking is that movement can actually help recovery and make the patient feel better. Charlotte, herself a cancer survivor, has undertaken to put “Move More Borders”, in association with Macmillan Cancer Support, into operation, initially in Galashiels and Hawick, with the intention of rolling it out across the Borders. She is looking to recruit volunteers and cancer survivors to assist in running classes. There is no intention to run marathons, but doing something, no matter how little, is better than doing nothing and helps improve patients’ expectations and well-being. All the activites are free of charge and patients will meet others in various locations. Past president Andrew Suddon proposed a vote of thanks.

Innerleithen

Church open

Innerleithen Parish Church will be open on Sunday, July 3, from 2-4pm for visitors to see the refurbished church and Runic Shaft.

Service

There will be breakfast at 8.30am, followed by a short service at 9am in the Hall of Friendship on Sunday, July 3.

Race entries

Local entries for the American Cup (800 metres handicap) and New Zealand Trophy (200 metres handicap) must be made to Lesley Gillon (07828 476940) no later than Saturday, July 9). No entries for these events will be accepted on the field on Games Saturday (July 16). Both races are for youths aged nine to under-18 years, are confined to Innerleithen, Walkerburn and Traquair.

Football Fives

Entries for the annual Games Week Football Fives (Saturday, July 9) are now being accepted. To enter, contact Steven Notman on 07792 092118.

Collectors

Volunteers are required to carry blankets for the collections during the fancy dress parade on Thursday, July 14, and the flower parade on Saturday, July 16. Those willing to help are asked to contact Games committee treasurer Norman Scott on 07514 337659.

Decorated

Organisers are hoping as many people as possible will decorate their homes to help brighten the town for its most important week of the year. Anyone who wishes to have their house judged for the fancy dress parade must give their name to Stewart Wilson (07912 848009) no later than 8pm on Wednesday, July 13. Shops and businesses will also be judged, with prizes on offer.

Games committee

The final meeting of St Ronan’s Border Games committee before the festival will take place on Wednesday, July 6, at 7pm in the council chambers, Memorial Hall.

Social

St Ronan’s Games Senior Citizens’ Social is open to all retired folk in the district. It will be held on Thursday, July 7, in the Memorial Hall, with doors open at 7pm. Tickets are free of charge and can be collected from the Thrift Shop. Entertainment will be provided by Bill Harvey and Stuart Henry, with dancing to Graham Halliday. A super will be provided and a bar is available.

Jedburgh

Bridge club

June 20: N/S – 1, M. Weightman and H. Long; 2, V. Johnstone and M. Miller; 3, J. Urquhart and J. Kyle; E/W – 1, M. Land and D. Canby; 2, R.Oates and S. West; 3, K. Jackson and P. Nichol.

kelso

Bridge club

June 22 match-pointed pairs: N/S – 1, Rena Stewart and Annie Mitchell; 2, Lesley Dick and Lynda Douglas; 3, Alex Jeffrey and Vanessa Wilson; E/W – 1, Ian and Eliz Ross; 2, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger; 3, Alison Darling and Mary Logan. June 23 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Dorothy Graham and Lynda Douglas; 2, Rena Stewart and Maureen Weightman; 3, John Urquhart and Janet Kyle; E/W – 1, Alison Ireland and Michael Horwood 2, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger; 3, Stuart Graham and John Loudon.

Langholm

Probus

President Harry Aitken welcomed 24 members to the latest meeting in the Eskdale Hotel. After club business had been discussed, the president introduced guest speaker David McVittie, who gave an illustrated talk on Old Langholm. He showed a daguerreotype photograph of the town hall, dated 1840, the oldest-known photo of the town, following with old views of streets and buildings that demonstrated Langholm’s development during the latter part of the 19th, early 20th century. The guest finished with a ‘Then and Now’ series of images, describing the changes some club members remember from their early years, even to the people and families who worked in those changes. A vote of thanks was given on behalf of the members by John Scott. Eight members of the club visited the Eskdalemuir seismology and meteorology stations. The first trip was to the seismology station where the hosts, all locals, explained that the station was originally built in the 1960s during the early years of the Cold War for the primary purpose of monitoring for nuclear tests within the Soviet bloc. The detection devices comprise seismic monitors

Turn to page 54

From page 53

and are arranged as two lines of 10 detectors spaced out over 10km. By combining data with other seismographical sites, it was possible to triangulate the exact location of any nuclear tests. The site continues to monitor on behalf of the non-proliferation treaty, but also provides information in relation to earthquake events anywhere on the globe. A vote of thanks to the seismology team was given by the president. The group then retired to the Eskdale Hub where they enjoyed lunch, before proceeding to the meteorological observatory station for what was anticipated would be a presentation on weather reporting. First impressions was amazement at the size and complexity of the station. Originally built in 1904 as a magnetic variation monitoring station, virtually all of the original building facilities still remain in use in their original roles. The host, who had travelled down from the British Geological Institute in Edinburgh, explained that the original station had been located at Kew in London, but the advent of electrical trams caused problems with detection equipment and it was essential to relocate to a location as remote from industrial civilisation as possible – and some 112 years later the observatory location still meets this requirement. The original manning levels had been around 20 employees, along with family members, so a lively community had built up, complete with recreational club and tennis court. With the advent of superior technical equipment, manning levels had now reduced to only two permanent personnel. The host’s father had been based there and he recalled living and playing in the grounds as a small child. The station serves numerous functions, including measurement of geomagnetic field variation, weather parameters, solar radiation, atmospheric pollution and seismological activity. The group were shown into the bunkers where various magnetic sensors were located. It was explained that these detectors were so sensitive that the physical presence within the bunkers was sufficient to produce substantial errors in variation readings. Monitoring of solar radiation provides data for the safe operation of communication and power generation as abnormal sun activity can seriously affect the performance of such systems, both terrestrial and satellite. From there members visited the seismic vault, another bunker, where seismometers were located to monitor earth tremors. Example printouts of recorder readings were shown, including those produced by the crashing of debris from the PanAm-103 disaster. A vote of thanks was given by member George Turner, who had organised the visit.

Hotel award

The Eskdale Hotel has been awarded an Eat Safe Award for its standards of hygiene, cleanliness and food safety. The award promotes excellence in food hygiene in catering businesses and is administered by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s environmental health department, in conjunction with Food Standards Scotland. The hotel is owned by John Galloway and John Noonan.

Melrose

Border Flower Club

Demonstrator for the June meeting was Mark Crawford and his chosen title was ‘Every Day’s A School Day’. He covered history, biology, English, geography, modern studies and drama with an interesting choice of containers – from an art deco vase to goldfish bowls – used by three members co-opted to make their own designs with foliage flowers, water crystals and lights. Mark’s flowers and foliage were varied and colourful, and his wry sense of humour provided an interesting demonstration. The club’s AGM is on Wednesday, July 6, in the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm.

Trimontium

Apologies to sharp-eyed readers for getting our dates in a muddle last week. The next Old Melrose first-Monday-in-the-month Walk is on July 4. Then its into July and August Sunday afternoons, beginning on July 3 when Ian Brown takes participants round the Trimontium Roman site from 2-4.30pm from the Newstead Millennium Milestone – adults £2.50, pupils/students £1, dogs welcome – contributions go to the Trimontium Trust. Bring your own refreshments. The longer guided every-Thursday Trimontium Walk doubles up in July and August to operate on two days during the week – every Tuesday and Thursday, starting at 1.30pm from the heritage centre/museum in Melrose Square, coming back to the town by about 5.15pm after tea and biscuits in Newstead Village Hall, which is included in the ticket – £4 adults, £1 pupils/students, dogs welcome. The family ticket charge (two adults with however many children) is limited to £10, which also goes to support the trust. Melrose Festival Week saw St Mary’s School on the Route March from Leaderfoot and then into the working tour of the museum. The walkers on referendum day noticed trust members from Manchester had done gardening at the Milestone and Trimontium Stone, where, on the concluding Saturday, the Roman soldier, in his museum kit, shook hands with the Melrosian over the centuries – recognition of the historic link with Europe.

Parish church

After the hurly-burly of last week’s Kirkin’ of the Melrosian, it was back to business at Bowden and Melrose. Activities – Christian Aid fundraising totalled £4,593.71; Trimontium Walk on Thursday, June 30 (1.30-5.30pm), with tea, from the heritage centre; Sunday, July 3 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); 2.30-4.30pm, Melrose in Bloom garden party, Priorwood Orchard; 2-4.30pm, Trimontium Walk from Newstead Milestone.

morebattle

Poem trophy

The Robert Davidson Cup is presented annually for the best poem written by a Morebattle school pupil. The trophy is in memory of the man commonly known as the Morebattle Poet. This year youngsters were taken on walks in the surrounding countryside and then asked to write a poem about their experiences. Winner was Jasmin Davies McDonald with “Dear Little Creature”, Florrie Abrams and Kym Cessford finishing second and third respectively. All three received book tokens and Kate Paterson, one of the judges, presented the prizes.

Fishing

The fishing pairs competition was held on Saturday when Jean McNulty and Drew Gibson were the winners.

School sports

School sports winners – senior boys’ champion, Archie Barbour; senior girls’ champion – Iona Bourne; junior boys’ champion, John Tweedie; junior girls’ champion, Jessie Norris.

Newcastleton

Council

Scott Wilson has been re-elected chairman of the community council, with Laura Paterson vice-chairman. The new treasurer is Barbara Elborn.

Traquair

Service

The service on Sunday, July 3, will be at 10.30am.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on Sunday, July 17, at 10.30am.

yetholm

Shepherds’ Show

There will be a committee meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 30, in the Wauchope Hall.

Cheviot Churches

Services during July will be in Morebattle only, at 11.15am, with the exception of Sunday, July 3, which will be held at Linton at 11.15am.

Concert

Tickets are on sale in the village shop and from Susan Stewart(01573 420231) for the Robyn Stapleton Concert on Saturday, July 16, at 7.30pm. This concert was a sell-out last year – so book early to avoid disappointment.

Gardens

An open gardens event takes place on Sunday, July 10, from 1-5.30pm in and around Yetholm. Cream teas are available at £2 and gardens entry is £4.

Tractors

A tractor run leaves Kirk Yetholm Haugh on Sunday, July 10, at 11am and returns at 2pm – strawberry teas and raffle – proceeds to the Great North Air Ambulance.

A Kelso man has been jailed for six months after making abusive remarks towards his former partner and then going into her car parked outside her house and playing loud music.

Neil Ford, 28, of Inchmyre, appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, pictured, on Monday and pleaded guilty to the offence which happened in Abbotseat, Kelso, on Sunday.

Graham Fraser, proseucting, told the hearing the couple separated two years ago, but at 3am the woman received a text message from the accused saying, “You’re a bitch”, but did not respond.

Mr Fraser continued: “At 12.40pm she was in the house with the children, aged 11 and five, when he sent another text message which she did not reply to at first, but eventually told him she did not want to communicate with him because he seemed to be on drugs.

“He said to phone him and he would prove he was not on drugs, and she did and it was obvious that he was high on drugs. He then texted to say he was coming to get his belongings and if she did not answer the door he would cause a scene.”

The prosecutor went on: “She put some of his belongings on the doorstep and locked the front door. She texted him to go away as she was concerned about his demeanour.

“He then went into her car which was unlocked – one of the children saw this. He was sounding the horn and playing music loud. She told him to get out of the car and he replied, ‘I will stay here all day until you let me in’. The noise from the radio lasted about 10 minutes and then he began to throw some CDs at her front door.”

Mr Fraser said Ford swore and walked away.

Later the woman received another message saying: “Every time I see you without the kids I will spit on you, slag.”

He sent another: “You’re just fat. You’re going to keep getting fatter the older you get. I probably had your best years.”

The police were eventually called and Ford was traced to an address in Morebattle and arrested.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said his client was adamant he was not under the influence of drugs.

He admitted Ford was frustrated and regretted sending the text messages.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said that due to Ford’s record there was no alternative to a prison sentence.

Sex offender avoids prison

A Hawick man who was found to have more than 1,300 indecent images of children on his computer has escaped being jailed.

Andrew Bell, 42, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened at his Ruberslaw Road home between May 2014 and July 29 last year.

Greg McDonell, defending, said: “He is deeply ashamed of his conduct. Since he appeared in court he has been subjected to a torrent of abuse. His house windows have been smashed by individuals unknown to him.”

Bell was given a three-year community payback order with supervision monitoring his internet use and also told to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

His name was also placed on the sex offenders register for three years.

Remanded in custody

A Berwickshire man has been remanded in custody following a private hearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Barry Smart, 31, is accused of improper use of the public electronic communication network and possession of a controlled drug.

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

Smart was remanded in custody and is due to appear in court again next Tuesday.

Accused of hunting crime

Three men will stand trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court accused of deliberately hunting a brown hare with three dogs.

Stoke-on-Trent pair Jason Ellis, who is 27, and 31-year-old Anthony Bassford, along with 23-year-old John Wilson from Bedlington, Northumberland, all deny the offence.

It is alleged to have happened at Killpallet Hill near Longformacus, Berwickshire, on April 6. A trial date has been fixed for July 14.

Ban for breath test refusal

A Galashiels man refused to give breath samples when suspected of drink-driving on the A7 near Hawick.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said, as a result, the level of Jaroslaw Strawczynski’s intoxication could not be established.

Strawczynski, 53, also admitted threatening or abusive behaviour involving a neighbour in Gala Park Gardens.

For refusing to give a breath test, he was banned from the road for 16 months and fined £200. The neighbour dispute cost him £100 compensation and he was told to carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work.

Sentence deferred

Sentence has been deferred for a year on a Hawick man for good behaviour after he admitted his third domestic-related offence.

Glen Wilcox, 32, of Trinity Street, pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing and kicking a door which struck his partner, to her injury, on September 20.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Wilcox had previous convictions for domestic incidents in 2005 and 2013.

He said: “He had been in touch with his partner by phone, but she realised he was drunk and told him not to come to her home address.

“He lives across from her flat. It was about 3pm and he did in fact make a move from his home to her address, but it was clear he was under the influence and covered in blood. He was also shouting in the street. The accused had an argument with his partner and he repeatedly hit her front door. It resulted in it flying open and striking her on the head.

“He left the flat, but was so intoxicated he could not stand on his feet and fell over.”

The court heard she was taken to hospital to be treated for a cut above her eyebrow.

Defence lawyer Rory Bannerman said his client had undergone a change in lifestyle in the past nine months and had been alcohol free for 2016.

Unpaid work for under-age sex

An Earlston man who had intercourse with a 14-year-old girl in his car at a Borders beauty spot has avoided a prison sentence.

Kieran Austin, 22, pleaded guilty on indictment to having under-age sex with the girl at Scott’s View in April, 2014. But a denial to committing a similar crime with the girl’s 13-year-old friend at his home at Fansloanend was accepted by the Crown.

Austin was 19 at the time of the offence.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Austin befriended the two schoolgirls and they would be driven in his car to Edinburgh to visit fast-food outlets.

He explained: “Both girls spent most of the Easter holidays travelling around in his car before dropping them off home. On the day of the offence they met up with the accused on a Thursday evening and they travelled around in his car.

“The other friend went home at 9pm, leaving the accused with the girl. They went to Scott’s View when it would be dark and they began to kiss. They then had consensual sex after she removed her clothing and he lay on top of her.”

Austin’s lawyer said: “It is his position that he was aware that she was younger than him and was aware she was at school, but did not bother to find out what age she was. He fully accepts she was 14.”

She added there was no suggestion of force or persuasion, and the sex had been entirely consensual with the girl.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said it was a serious matter, but added that Austin had taken responsibility for his offending.

He imposed a community payback order with 30 months’ supervision and told him to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work. Austin was also placed on the sex offenders register for 30 months.

Threatening behaviour

A Hawick man admitted being involved in two domestic-related incidents within the space of two months.

Alan Gillie, 22, of Fairhurst Drive, pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour at a house in Fraser Avenue, Hawick, on January 4 and wilfully or recklessly damaging property.

He also admitted threatening or abusive behaviour on February 28 during which he sent his ex-partner 58 text messages and a number of phone calls in the space of six hours.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick described it as “immature behaviour”.

Sentence was deferred for a year for good behaviour.

Passenger unconscious

A Selkirk motorcyclist admitted causing a crash by careless driving in which his pillion passenger was knocked unconscious.

Alastair Dahill, 30, also had no insurance during the incident in Riverside Road, Selkirk, on August 29 last year.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley explained Dahill was given the chance of riding the motorcycle and Kyle Christensen was given a lift on the back of it. She continued: “He lost control of it and collided with barriers. Mr Christensen fell from the bike and was knocked out.”

She said he suffered bleeding to the brain and spent a week in the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

Sheriff Peter Paterson ordered Dahill to carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work and imposed seven penalty points on his licence.

Cannabis trial date

A Galashiels man will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court on a drug-dealing charge.

David Stephen, 51, denies being concerned in the supply of cannabis to another or others at his home in Forest Hill between July and December 2014.

A trial date was fixed for August 30, with an intermediate hearing on August 1.

Private appearance

A Selkirk man appeared in private at the town’s sheriff court charged with assault and threatening or abusive behaviour.

Paul Reynolds, 23, made no plea or declaration and his case was continued for further examination.

He was bailed and the date of his next court appearance has still to be confirmed.

Facing four charges

A Galashiels man has been remanded in custody after being accused of four offences.

Kevin Wilkinson, 40, faces charges of assault to injury, theft, possession of a blade in a public place and threatening or abusive behaviour. He made no plea or declaration and his case was continued for further examination.

Wilkinson was due to appear at Jedburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday).

Accused bailed

A 58-year-old man appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court accused of a sexual offence.

George Alban Scott – whose address was given as the Peebles area – is charged with lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour.

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

Five-year-old Galashiels lad Arthur Grabowski went to a barber’s for the first time in his life at the weekend, setting up the Little Princess Trust for a donation of two braids of hair 52cm long.

Proud mum Daria told us: “Arthur didn’t want his hair cut until he was five. It was very long.

“We told him about the Little Princess Trust, and he made the decision to do it this way.

“I sort of prefer my wee angel with long hair, but he is more happy with short hair.”

The cut was performed by Luigi Caterino of the Italian Job salon, and he put up a live video of the event on his Facebook page.

Daria said Arthur has also raised more than £100 for the charity.

He’s pictured, above left, being prepared by Luigi for the cut and, right, with his new look.

Police are appealing to potential witnesses to a spate of recent road traffic accidents to come forward.

The most recent accident left a motorcyclist dead after a collision with a tractor on the A72 near Clovenfords on Monday, June 27.

Shortly after 7.20pm, road traffic officers were called out to the A72 Cliff Road after receiving a report of a collision between a tractor, towing a trailer, and a dark-coloured Kawasaki motorbike near the entrance for Caddonlee Farm.

The motorcyclist, a 45-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are appealing for witnesses and are keen to hear from anyone who saw either vehicle beforehand.

Sergeant Neil Inglis, of Police Scotland’s divisional road policing unit at Galashiels, said: “Tragically, another life has been lost in a collision on our roads.

“The next of kin have been informed, and we are providing them with support at this difficult time.

“As a result of this incident, a stretch of road between Clovenfords and Walkerburn was closed for around 10 hours to allow for collision investigation work to be carried out.

“We’re still looking into the full set of circumstances that led up to this incident, and I urge anyone who saw either vehicle prior to the collision itself to come forward if not already done so.”

Information is also being sought on a fatal accident on the B6350 between Carham and Sprouston.

On Friday, June 17, a Suzuki Ignis came off the road and overturned.

Michelle Bennett, 47, of Berwick, a passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another passenger remains in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

Last Friday, June 24, a Nissan Micra was involved in a collision with a Blue Mercedes van on the A708 Selkirk to Yarrowford road, near Philiphaugh, at around 12.45pm.

The occupants of the van were uninjured, but the 82-year-old female driver of the Nissan was taken to the Borders General Hospital at Melrose, where she later died.

And on Saturday, June 25, the 34-year-old driver of a Fiat Seicento involved in a collision with a Land Rover Defender on the A7 near Hawick was left with what police describe as life-changing injuries.

Anyone with information on any of these crashescan contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The A7 Action Group has met Scottish transport minister Humza Yousaf at Holyrood to put its case for improvements to the road.

The group – which has been fighting for the upgrading of the A7 trunk road between Carlisle and Edinburgh since 1990 – consisted of joint vice-chairmen Dennis Male, of Dumfries and Galloway Council, and Gordon Edgar, of Scottish Borders Council, secretary Marjorie McCreadie and Borders MP Calum Kerr.

The group launched its route action plan in October last year, with a Selkirk bypass beingone of the priorities, and that was discussed by the group.

However, there were other issues along the route that Mrs McCreadie said she hoped would be addressed.

The action group believes that improved transport infrastructure would give the region a significant economic boost.

Mrs McCreadie said: “We have waited to meet the transport minister for a long time, so it is wonderful that it has finally happened.

“It was a very successful meeting in which many points were raised.”

Following on from a successful transport drop-in event at the Galashiels travel interchange, Hawick bus users will get their chance to give their views at a similar meeting next month.

As part of Scottish Borders Council’s ongoing consultation on bus services in the Borders, the Galashiels event was well attended, with lots of bus passengers giving their views.

The council’s strategic transport services manager, Timothy Stephenson, said: “We are holding another drop-in event in Hawick to chat about transport issues. Greig Mackay from Bus Users Scotland is hosting the event along with John Dellow, our team leader for transport services, at Hawick Town Hallk on Friday, July 22, from 10am to 1pm.”

An invite has also been sent to Andy Maybury, of Hawick Community Council, who presented a petition about the 120 bus service between Hawick and Jedburgh to the council in December.

A man has been fined £400 for allowing his bank account details to be used by fraudsters trying to con two pensioners out of their savings.

Isaiah Symonds, 24, admitted being part of a fraudulent scheme resulting in persons unknown telephoning the elderly women and telling them to change their bank accounts as they claimed to have noticed suspicious activity.

Selkirk Sheriff Court heard that the first customer, a Borders woman, was 83 years old and was suspicious of the call, made in November 2012, and declined to give details of her account and passwords.

However, when the OAP was asked to phone Santander Bank back, the caller kept the line open and convinced the elderly lady she was a genuine bank employee.

The customer phoned the bank back later in the day, though, and was told that no one there had been in contact with her, enabling the caller’s attempt to take £2,276.84 out of her account and put it into Symonds’ to be thwarted.

A similar scam was attempted a few days later involving a 66-year-old woman’s Bank of Scotland account. Some £380 of her cash was paid into Symonds’ account, and he later withdrew it.

Bank of Scotland staff noticed that Symonds’ account details had been used in the previous fraud attempt, however, and the police were informed.

A not guilty plea to attempting to defraud the Royal Bank of Scotland out of £29,999.99 was accepted by the crown.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow claimed his client had displayed “wilful blindness” in providing his bank account details to a man he claimed to have been introduced to by a friend in return for the promise of being paid.

He said: “He did not ask any questions and is terribly sorry.”

Symonds of Kittlegairy Road, Peebles, was fined £400 and ordered to pay £380 compensation to the Bank of Scotland.

There can be few more idyllic setting for a common riding or festival ceremony than the sunlit grounds of Melrose Abbey.

And so it was on Thursday night when this year’s Melrose Festival staged its crowning and installation ceremonies.

The ruins of the once-mighty abbey were bathed in welcome summer sunshine for the events.

A total of 29 ex-Melrosians were on parade for the ceremonies, the first of which was the installation of the 2016 Melrosian, Struan Hutchison, by festival chairman Michael Crawford, with the presentation of his official sash.

Melrosian Hutchison said it was with “enormous pride” that he stood on the stage.

“I remember sitting on the same spot as a boy where these youngsters are tonight thinking how special it must be to be Melrosian,” he added, before pledging to carry out his duties for the rest of the week to the best of his ability.

The chairman’s wife, Debbie Crawford, presented both the silver jubilee Melrosian Max Robbie and golden jubilee Melrosian James Boyd with their medals.

Diamond jubilee Melrosian George Bunyan, who also received a gift from Mrs Crawford, told the crowd: “Little did I know when I first stood here back in 1956 as Melrosian that I’d be back again 60 years later.

“The festival has always been a very important part of my life,” said Mr Bunyan, a past chairman and current honorary president of the event.

“This is quite an historic situation as this week sees the 80th anniversary of the festival, the 50 th anniversary of the first Melrosian’s rideout and the first time all six jubilee principals have been able to all attend together.”

Festival queen Nicole Ferguson was crowned by Kathy Weir, wife of guest speaker Doddie Weir, the former Scotland and Melrose rugby player.

Nicole was accompanied by attendants Molly Neville and Felicity Walls, courtiers Euan Bond and Joe Foulkes, heralds Callum Ferrando and Fraser Rout, and train-bearers Isla Gillespie and Belle Douglas.

Silver jubilee queen Abigail Armstrong (now Lucas), golden jubilee queen Evelyn Mathison (now Oliver) and diamond jubilee festival queen Sara Graham (now Lowrie) all received bouquets.

Doddie recounted stories from his rugby-playing days and also reminded those present of how wonderful Melrose is as a place to live and grow up in.

“What a great town surrounds us here,” said the 45-year-old.

“This is a very proud year for Struan, and I offer him and Nicole my congratulations.

“They have been so well behaved and dedicated to making this a wonderful experience. They are all a credit to their friends and families.

“Melrose is a beautiful town, steeped in history, with its abbey, the Greenyards, book festival and its warm and generous locals, and nowhere will you get a setting in the world so beautiful as this. Long may this tradition continue.”

The choir of Melrose Primary School and St Boswells Concert Band supplied the musical background for the ceremonies.

Kailyn Shaw, 12, of Kelso High School, is a winner in Rotary International’s annual RIBI Young Writer competition.

The theme this year was the Queen and her birthday.

Young people between the ages of seven and 17 were asked to submit a poem or piece of prose to celebrate the monarch’s 90th year.

Kailyn won the district competition – District 1020, an area which boasts 59 Rotary clubs spread across southern Scotland – from the Forth to the English border, and Newton Stewart to Eyemouth. She was presented with her certificate by Jim Mackie, chair of Kelso Rotarians’ community service committee.

The photograph shows Jill Lothian (Kelso High School headteacher), Kailyn and Jim.

On the last Sunday in June, local MP Calum Kerr was carried off a Kale Valley hillside by a specialised search and rescue team.

The SNP member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk was enveloped tightly in a spine-protecting vacuum-mattress, strapped to a stretcher, and carried safely off the Cheviot foothills.

But, thankfully, he was not injured. He was taking up the invitation from the Border Search and Rescue Unit to see their work during a routine monthly training exercise, and it was a rare chance for the outdoors-loving Borders politician to get out of the office.

“I have a passion for the outdoors that my work as a politician usually restricts,” said Calum, “so it was fantastic to be able to combine the two and get hands-on experience of the vital work this team carries out.”

Three scenarios had been laid on for the day, giving old hands the chance to hone current skills and the team’s newer members and probationers an opportunity to learn from more experienced colleagues.

Throughout the course of the day, Calum joined in as the team treated a casualty with simulated leg and shoulder injuries after a fall, recovered a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning (a consequence of using a gas stove in a tent) and retrieved a casualty from steep and difficult terrain using a stretcher and a system of ropes.

To cap the day off, and to give him a sense of what it’s like to be on the receiving end of the team’s efforts, your slightly startled MP was packaged in the vacuum-mattress used for victims of spinal injuries, strapped to a stretcher and given a “suprisingly comfortable” ride across the rough tussocks and peat-hags that characterise this remote corner of the Cheviot foothills.

“As you can see, it was a quite an experience,” remarked Calum.

“I was really struck by the professionalism of this team (all of whom are volunteers) and how well they prepare for the many different scenarios that they might encounter.”

BSARU are currently on a fundraising drive to replace their special customised 4x4 ambulance and, in the longer term, to build or buy a new base.

More information can be found at www.bordersar.org.uk (where you can make an online donation).

Look out for them at the various rideouts and outdoor events in the Borders for which provide essential first-aid cover.

Pupils from Morebattle Primary School made the great outdoors their classroom recently as they took to the St Cuthberts Way.

Primary 6 and 7 pupils walked just over half of the famous trail, from Melrose to Kirk Yetholm, spending four days walking the route, which has led to them being awarded a John Muir Trust Discovery Award.

Teacher Nicola Cowe organised the trip, which featured team building exercises and orienteering, as well as chances to try wall climbing and journeying challenges.

Nicola told The Southern Reporter this week: “The school are extremely proud of all of the class who have been awarded a John Muir Trust Discovery Award for completing 40 hours of outdoor learning.

“This involved keeping a scrap book of wilderness challenges, walking, camping and following the John Muir tasks of discovering, 
exploring, conserving and sharing a wild place in their local area.”

A conversation with Anna Craigen of the Woodland Trust - who helped the school create a maths and fitness trail ready for the August term - inspired Nicola to get in touch with the John muir Trust.

She explained: “The John Muir Discovery award is awarded to individuals who accumulate at least 40 hours of outdoor learning whilst also keeping a log on ‘discovering a wild place...’

“Living in the foothills of the Cheviots and having the St Cuthberts Way on our doorstep meant we were really up for the challenge!”

The class had to discover, explore, conserve their area and share their experiences. We filled in a proposal form outlining what we intended to do and how we would achieve the criteria. The trust then accepted and registered us.”

Nicola is rightly proud of her young charges: “At the end of term, after our log books were completed and the evaluation forms filled in and sent, we were informed by the trust that we had achieved the award, and the children were presented with their certificates and badges.

“This was a massive personal achievement for all of the children and for a small country school.”

Three people were arrested following drink-driving incidents in Galashiels over the weekend.

The first incident occurred on Saturday, July 2, at around 7.15pm, when police stopped a Vauxhall Zafira in the Livingstone Place area, before charging a 45-year-old woman under Section 5 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act.

Less than two hours later, shortly after 9pm, a Vauxhall Corsa collided with a parked car on Ladhope Drive, which led to a 55-year-old woman being charged.

Finally, at around 1.40am on Sunday, July 3, officers stopped a Renault Laguna on St Andrews Street.

A 26-year-old man was subsequently charged and was expected to appear at Selkirk Sheriff Court today (Monday, July 4).

Inspector John Reid of Melrose said of the incidents: “There is just no excuse to drive over the legal alcohol limit.

“If you’re planning on going out for drinks, leave the car at home and make alternative arrangements.

“Not only are you risking your own safety if you get behind the wheel over the limit, but you’re risking that of every other road user.

“Furthermore, you can face a significant fine, a driving ban, and even imprisonment for doing so.

“We’ll continue to have increased patrols in place on our roads over the summer months to deter and detect this kind of behaviour.

“If you have concerns about a driver, please call Police Scotland on 101 or report these anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A new conservation plan has been launched across southern Scotland aiming to arrest the decline in population of one its most iconic birds.

On July 1, the plan- titled Black grouse conservation in southern Scotland - was launched by Fergus Ewing, cabinet secretary for rural economy and connectivity, at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair in the grounds of Scone Palace, Perthshire.

It has been funded by project partners the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Lammermuirs Moorland Group, Scottish Borders Council and RSPB Scotland.

The decline in balck grouse numbers has accelerated in recent decades, with numbers falling by 49% and 69% in south west and south east Scotland respectively between 1995/6 and 2005.

That has left an estimated 807 birds, including 257 males.

Dr Philip Warren of the GWCT and author of the plan said this week: “This strategic plan provides an important platform for all parties to deliver black grouse conservation objectives in southern Scotland.

“In the short term we need to target resources to secure remaining populations whilst in the longer term putting in place a network of habitat corridors to enhance connectivity and facilitate future range colonisation.”

Black grouse are ‘red listed’ as a species of high conservation concern, and were a ‘priority species’ of the recent UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Two thirds of the remaining black grouse in the UK are now found in Scotland, with a stable population in the Scottish Highlands.

Southern Scotland, the area south of Glasgow, Edinburgh and the central belt, has now been identified as a high priority for future conservation of the species.

Locally, the Lammermuirs Moorland Group has helped with funding for the plan because of its members’ strong desire to see black grouse flourishing again in the Lammermuir Hills.

Cabinet secretary Fergus Ewing said at the plan’s launch: “Black grouse are among Scotland’s most iconic and impressive species but I am aware numbers in southern Scotland have fallen in recent decades.

“To halt this decline, it is therefore vital that we work together to take the right conservation action in the right places.

“That is what this plan aims to do. By collaborating across many sectors - on work such as enhancing habitats, restructuring forests and maintaining our heathland network – we can contribute to efforts to conserve this magnificent woodland bird.

“I am very pleased to launch this plan and that the Scottish Government is able to support it through the Scottish Rural Development Programme.”

The plan outlines short term aims for the plan, which builds on a 2014 project to conserve black grouse that looked at management of moorland areas.

These aims include an increase in the birds’ productivity as well as having more birds survive over the winter in the Tweedsmuir and Moorfoot Hills. It is hoped that this will then allow the birds to re-colonise neighbouring areas.

Such colonisation will require changes in land management, a feature welcomed by Duncan Orr-Ewing, head of species and land management at RSPB Scotland.

He said this week: “RSPB Scotland welcome this report and its focus on landscape scale conservation and active habitat management.

“We will work with partners to make sure this report is implemented on the ground.”

A hip injury sustained while playing football at university left Murray Thomson in chronic pain and barely able to walk.

Things were so bad that, aged just 24, he was forced to hang up his boots.

“That wasn’t a good state of affairs for someone with a sport and exercise degree and a passion for fitness,” recalled Murray.

It was at that low point in his life that Murray, now 27, saw a promotional video about a yoga programme developed by American professional wrestler Diamond Dallas Page to combat injuries suffered in high-impact sports.

Three months into the yoga programme, Murray’s pain was drastically reduced, and within six months, it had gone completely.

“I’d always been a bit sceptical about yoga, but the online programme was a real revelation, not only in helping with the injury but also in building my fitness levels” said Murray, of Cardrona, Innerleithen.

“Each session incorporates elements of physio, Pilates, sports therapy and calisthenics. The spiritual, meditative side of yoga is removed, and there are no weights, although every move is performed as a slow burn so that all your muscles get a workout.”

Murray was so impressed that he signed up to become a fully qualified DDP yoga instructor with a view to setting up his own business.

“I had to make up my own sessions and teach 20 hours of classes as well as completing written tests,” he explained.

The hard work paid off last year when he qualified and, in February this year, he hosted his first classes in Peebles.

Now he has launched Power Yoga Plus – offering private classes and one-to-one sessions. “I want to help others benefit from the DDP system that was integral to my recovery,” said Murray.

He was helped by the Scottish Borders Business Gateway advice service.

“The free workshops gave me the basic knowledge I needed about finance and bookkeeping,” said Murray.

“I was also signposted to the Prince’s Trust, which provided me with a £250 grant to help my launch.

“I’ve been greatly encouraged by the success of my classes, which are designed for people of all ages who want to stay in shape and increase their physical flexibility.

“My oldest client is aged 70, and I’ve just had an inquiry from a 14-year- old ballet dancer. DPP yoga has got me in the best shape I’ve ever been in and, without it, my life would have been very different.”

For further details, go online and visit www.facebook.com/PowerYogaPlus2016

A peregrine falcon’s nest near Jedburgh was emptied of eggs by thieves earlier this summer.

Police have confirmed that the nest was targeted between the end of April and the beginning of May.

Officers have been conducting enquiries in an effort to trace the perpetrator, and are now appealing for the public’s help.

PC Jamie Hood, wildlife liaison officer for the Lothians and Scottish Borders, said: “The impact that egg theft can have on our native species threatens the long term sustainability of these birds.

“We expect that these may have been stolen to be sold on the black market, and I would urge people who live and work in the countryside to be vigilant in reporting suspicious behaviour to us.

“I would also ask anyone who has information about this incident, or any other wildlife crime, to call Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

As the Borders navigates the aftermath of the recent European Union referendum, there is mixed news for projects reliant on funding from Brussels.

One such project is a pop-up shop scheme designed to make use of empty units in Selkirk.

The scheme recently received £15,000 in LEADER funding, an EU and Scottish Government programme to support innovative rural development projects. It is delivered here by a local action group with support from Scottish Borders Council.

A council spokesperson said: “Applications for the next round of funding are open until August 31.

“Following community consultation, the Scottish Borders Leader local development strategy has been devised with the key objective of focusing on enterprising communities.

“The aim is to develop people and jobs, improve community networks, foster leadership and expand skills and training opportunities.”

Users of the town’s pop up shops such as Joyce Wright say they have been a great success, and she hopes their funding continues.

“There were a lot of empty units in the town, and they have been used for so many things, from events raising money for Christmas lights, youth hockey teams or cancer research, to celebrating the Queen’s birthday,” she said.

“The whole town makes use of them, and they are usually booked far ahead.”

Regarding future Leader funding, the council’s spokesperson added: “Following the result of the EU referendum at the end of last month, officers are continuing to liaise with partners to understand what the impact will be on European funding programmes, such as LEADER.

“In the meantime, the Leader team continues to work with business and community groups to develop projects and deliver the programme as planned.”

Meanwhile, a bid for EU funding to improve the River Tweed’s natural defences against extreme weather events and flooding is now unlikely to go ahead, it is feared.

Tweed Forum director Luke Comins voiced his concerns this week while considering the potential impact on the organisation, of last month’s referendum.

He revealed the forum had been preparing to submit a funding application to Horizon 2020, the EU’s biggest research and innovation programme.

“The bid, which was in its early stages, related to how we can build resilience against more extreme climatic events,” said Mr Comins. “Because the application has yet to be submitted, it will almost certainly not go ahead now.”

Borders women protesting about changes to their pension plans were to the fore at a protest outside Westminster Palace this week.

Lynne Craighead, of Burnmouth; Clair Ramage, of Hawick; and Gail Chandler, of Jedburgh, were joined by more than 2,500 other protesters.

The three women are part of the Borders branch of WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality), a group campaigning for government intervention over what it seesas unfair changes to the retirement ages and pension plans of women born in the 1950s.

“It was a great protest,” said Lynne. “Basically, we went down and just sang for a few hours. It was quite emotional as it was also the anniversary of a famous Suffragette march at Westminster from 1909.

“And the police accompanying us even said that we were the best-behaved protest of the week. What we are doing now is trying to make sure that the women affected in the area – more than 4,000 – are able to have their say.”

They were also met by many MPs, from all parties, including local SNP member Calum Kerr.

He outlined his stance on the pension changes: “No one is against equalising the state pension age, but the manner in which the UK Government has managed this transition has been appalling.

“The lack of communication and the limited notice provided to the women affected is disgraceful.”

The Carfraemill Hotel, near Lauder is offering one lucky bride and groom the chance to win a luxury wedding later this year, as they look to show off the rural beauty of the Borders.

The prize is worth over £13,000 and includes the use of a marquee, fully styled by local wedding stylist Lindsey Hunter of Get Knotted, table settings, a ceremony area and a chill-out area

The wedding also includes a three course meal for 80 guests and as many evening guests as the couple would like.

The lucky couple will also have invitations designed by local graphic designer Sarah Cowan of Lettica.

Carfraemill’s wedding planner Susan Thorburn will help the winning couple with everything else they need to arrange for their special day.

Carfraemill said this week: “The wedding has to be for a couple who are desperate to get married - their wedding day will be in mid October of this year!

The competition closes on Saturday, July 16.

To enter, all couples have to do is upload a photo of themselves in a rural or green space via the link available at www.carfraemill.co.uk/venue/wedding-scottish-borders. There is more information on the Carfraemill website.

Rising sea levels and increased pollution linked to global warming are posing a huge threat to the future of the world’s peatland areas, new research has concluded.

Geologists based their findings on a major study of Kentra Moss, in Lochaber, a blanket bog deemed a special conservation area. They found climate change is increasing salt levels in peatlands which makes it less able to store carbon.

Peat bogs cover 3 per cent of the Earth’s surface and play a crucial role in absorbing and storing carbon from the atmosphere.

Experts say that natural ecosystems are now under “considerable threat” around the world – and significantly in Scotland, where 20 per cent of the land is covered in peat, storing 1.6 billion tonnes of carbon.

Peatlands are also vital for providing natural filters for clean water, sustaining plants and wildlife, and providing some rural areas with fuel as well as the water used to give whisky its distinctive taste and colour.

Study leader Dr Angela Gallego-Salas, senior lecturer in physical geography at Exeter University, said: “The results were startling. Peatland areas are vital for our ecosystems. We need to act now to protect our peatlands. The effects of global warming are already being observed, but the longer we wait to act, the quicker changes to our environment, which would have a devastating impact on many regions around the world, will take place.”

Her team examined the impact salt found in seawater has on how successfully peatland ecosystems accumulate carbon from the atmosphere. They discovered that the rate at which peatland areas accumulated carbon was significantly impacted as the concentration of salt rose.

The results – which appeared in the scientific journal Scientific Reports – highlighted how sea levels linked to predicted climate change pose a serious threat to the future security of peatlands.

They found the levels would be high enough to inundate areas and deposit more salt further inland. The samples showed that as salt levels increased, the vegetation that colonise the bogs altered significantly, resulting in a sharp fall in carbon storage.

Gallego-Salas added: “Scotland is a peat-rich nation. Peatlands are of great importance in terms of their ecological value, their beauty and cultural value.”

She added: “Additionally, blanket bogs – like the peatland at Kentra Bay – are globally rare, even if they are very common in Scotland, so Scotland holds a lot of the global resource of blanket bogs. The sad news is that they have been extensively drained and damaged, 70 per cent of blanket bogs and 90 per cent of raised bogs in Scotland have been damaged.”

She said peatlands are vital to wildlife, notably moorland breeding birds and plants like insect-eating sundews. Animals such as deer, eagles, mountain hares are also dependent on peatlands.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) already has a National Peatland Plan which aims to make the peatlands more sustainable and encourage restoration and management of them.

Peat soils in Scotland contain almost 25 times as much carbon as all other plant life in the UK, SNH said.