Pupils from all over the Borders receiving their exam results this week – and the region performed really well against the national average.

Here’s how some of them took their news.

Euan Clarke, from Earlston High, received his S4 exam results.

He said: “I am absolutely over the moon with my results. I’m so pleased that the hard work has actually paid off and it has been great to hear the good news of my pals as well.”

Galashiels Academy’s Tricia Catto told us: “I opened my results in school and I was really pleased with my five highers.

“Even though I am dyslexic, the teachers really helped me through, and it shows that it didn’t hold me back.

“I am really proud of this. I tried to do my best, it was very challenging, and I am looking forward to the future.”

Also from Galashiels Academy, Erin Turnbull was delighted with her fantastic six straight-As in her S4 biology, drama, English, French, history and mathematics.

She said: “I’m over the moon with the results that I received this morning. I was hopeful, but didn’t expect to gain As in all of my subjects.

“I would like to thank my family, friends and teachers who encouraged and supported me throughout the exam period!

“Next year, I am studying five highers – maths, English, biology, French and history, and hope to be successful in my exams. I currently do not know exactly what I want to do in the future, but these results have set me up well for the next few years of studying.”

Also recording half-a-dozen As at Galashiels was Julia Corcoran, who commented: “I feel really pleased about my National 5 results.

“All the hard work has been worth it.

“This sets me up for my highers next year. I am really grateful to all my teachers who helped me so much by offering things like extra sessions throughout the year.”

And the academy’s Alistair Crooks told us: “I came in and opened my results at school.

“I was really pleased with my five highers, especially maths, which I had to work very hard for.

“I am really glad this has paid off. My parents have been really encouraging and thanks to all teachers, especially the extra sessions.”

Some 18 miles down the A7, Hawick High School pupils were just as pleased.

Emma Grieve, heading into S5, said: “I was really chuffed with my results. I was surprised as some were unexpected.

“It now means I can go on to study the five subjects I want at higher in the coming year.”

Murray Cockburn, who will be a new sixth-former next week, said: “I am over the moon with my results, as I wasn’t expecting to get the grades that I did. It now means that I can apply to study civil engineering at the university I want to.”

Classmate Ewan Chelley had another reason to celebrate. He told us: “I was really pleased with my results and achieving five highers in S5.

“It keeps my options open as I am still deciding what I would like to study at university. I am now really looking forward to S6 and taking on the role of head boy at Hawick High School.”

And Katie Campion commented: “I am so pleased with the grades I obtained. It is such a relief that this past year has been worth it.

“Thank you to all the staff who supported me and helped me succeed over the last year.”

A charity campaigner has been recognised for a lifetime of raising awareness of multiple sclerosis by being given a British Empire Medal.

Anne Campbell was presented with her BEM, announced in January, by the Lord-Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, Gerald Maitland-Carew, at Scottish Borders Council’s headquarters in Newton last Friday.

Mrs Campbell, 74, has worked for the Multiple Sclerosis Society for over 60 years, first in Northern Ireland and now in the Borders, as a committee member, chairman and president.

She said: “Borderers are very good at rallying around for people, and I think that the thing they like about the MS Society is that all of the funds we raise are spent in the area.”

Mrs Campbell is the branch’s leading fundraiser, raising thousands of pounds by making and selling tablet to an old family recipe.

Captain Maitland-Carew said: “Mrs Campbell richly deserves the British Empire Medal, not only for her important work with the local Multiple Sclerosis Society in raising substantial sums of money but also for the way in which her commitment, hard work and dedication has been an inspiration to everyone with whom she has come into contact.

“She leads by example and has inspired those with and without MS to be the best they can.”

Defiant Innerleithen shopkeeper Martha Gibson is set to take her fight against Scottish Borders Council planners to Scotland’s highest civil court.

Mrs Gibson, 53, has been formally notified by the council that she has until the end of this month to challenge the validity of July’s decision to refuse her retrospective planning consent for the external decoration of her premises.

The council’s local review body determined that the purple colour she had chosen was incongruous and breached local planning policy.

Although she says she painted the frontage a year ago, Mrs Gibson required permission for that facelift months later because her shop, Treasure Island, in Leithen Road, lies within Innerleithen’s conservation area.

She has now been told that if she wants to test the validity of the board’s decision, she must apply to the Court of Session by Monday, August 29, and she intends to do just that.

“I have taken advice and believe I have a strong case,” Mrs Gibson told the Southern.

“If it was down to public opinion, I reckon I would win hands down because the local backing I’ve received has been fantastic.

“The petition set up last week to support me has already got 266 signatures, and I’ve had goodwill letters from, at the last count, seven fellow retailers in the town.

“However, I appreciate this is a planning matter, so I will be stressing the way policy has been applied in my case when there are glaring examples of other external upgrades in Innerleithen where applicants either received consent or did not even apply for it.

“This particular shop, for instance, which is not a listed building, has been painted cream, green and black in the past, so it’s a very subjective call to say that my Victorian purple should not be allowed on my Victorian shop. It’s little wonder I feel victimised.”

A council spokesperson said: “If the Court of Session finds in favour of the applicant, they would send the case back to the local review body to consider again.

“They would not quash the local review body’s decision.”

A body found by police near Jedburgh last Friday has been confirmed as that of missing Hawick man Bob Cantle.

The 45-year-old’s remains were discovered in outbuildings at Crailing after a missing person investigation lasting almost two weeks.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

Concerns had been escalating for the wellbeing of Mr Cantle, and police searching for him had put up posters and released closed-circuit TV footage of his last known movements in the hope of turning up clues as to his whereabouts.

He was last seen alive near his Howgate home at 6.08am on Sunday, July 24, driving off in his silver-grey Fiat Punto.

Searches had been carried out at properties in Hawick and Jedburgh linked to him.

, and the force helicopter was also used to try to track him down.

It was believed that Mr Cantle, a diabetic, travelled to Jedburgh on the Sunday morning he went missing.

Inspector Tony Hodges said last weekend: “Our inquiries lead us to believe that he has left Hawick and travelled to the Jedburgh area, but so far we have not located Robert or his vehicle.

“We are extremely concerned for his welfare due to the length of time he has now been missing for without any sightings, his apparent lack of medication and not having made any known contact with friends and family.”

Borders MSP John Lamont is calling for the UK to seek to build closer ties with Israel.

The Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP made that plea in Jerusalem last week after leading the first-ever official delegation of Scottish Conservatives to the Middle East state.

Mr Lamont, the party’s chief whip at Holyrood, was one of nine Tories hosted by the Conservative Friends of Israel.

He said: “The UK-Israel relationship is stronger than ever, and Scotland is playing an increasingly central role in this.

“We’re keen to use the Brexit result as an opportunity to build closer ties with Israel and to ensure people know that Scotland and the UK are still looking for business.”

During the trip, the delegation met UK ambassador David Quarrey in Tel Aviv and visited the controversial West Bank Wall in Jerusalem built by the Israeli government in 2007 and since declared a violation of international law by the International Court of Justice.

Back home now, Mr Lamont will this week hold his 1,000th advice surgery since being as MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire in 2007.

Tomorrow, he will host his 999th surgery at Glen Douglas Community Hall, near Jedburgh, before travelling to Foulden in East Berwickshire for his 1,000th one.

He said: “It’s really important for me to make myself available to everyone I represent and make it as easy as I can for people to ask for help.

“Particularly for elderly residents who might find it difficult to travel to Edinburgh or Hawick, I like to make the effort to visit them in their own communities.”

“I also think it’s really important to do this all year round and not just as one offs which is why since becoming an MSP, I hold over 100 surgeries a year at around 75 locations in the Borders.”

John added: “I am extremely grateful to all of the village hall committees, churches and other organisations that allowed me to use their premises to host my surgeries. I know that each one of them requires a lot of work from local volunteers to keep them up and running, and the effort is greatly appreciated.”

Borders MP Calum Kerr is hitting the road and travelling far and wide to give voters the chance to raise any issues of concern.

The SNP MP is lining up a week-long tour of his Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk constituency, starting in Hawick on Monday, August 15.

His road trip will cover the length and breadth of his patch, from Newcastleton to Cockburnspath and from Eyemouth to Ettrickbridge and all points in between.

The MP will be hiring a campervan to make the maximum use of his time on the tour and will meet a variety of businesses and groups at all his stop-offs.

“My office is constantly trying to find new ways to allow us to make the most of my time in the Borders, and we appreciate that our base in Galashiels is not necessarily accessible to many of the people I represent,” said the 44-year-old.

“We can’t expect every constituent to come to us. I am always prepared to go to them.

“Making myself available for meetings in each of these locations is a reminder of one of the most important aspects of an MP’s work, which is listening to, and acting upon, constituents’ concerns.

“In such a large constituency, it’s very important to ensure that all communities are able to engage with their MP.

“I have no doubt that taking to the road with this schedule will allow me to develop a clearer picture of the issues that many parts of the Borders face.

“Modern politics requires politicians to be as responsive as possible.

“I always do everything I can to engage with those who get in touch and will always encourage them to do so.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity to meet fellow Borderers while travelling around our beautiful region.”

Mr Kerr will be at Hawick, Bonchester Bridge, Chesters, Newcastleton, Hermitage, Teviothead and Ashkirk on Monday.

On Tuesday, he will visit Earlston, St Boswells, Maxton, Ancrum, Crailing, Eckford, Cessford, Oxnam, Jedburgh, Denholm and Morebattle.

Wednesday will see him take in Duns, Burnmouth, Eyemouth, Coldingham, St Abbs, Reston, Ayton and Cockburnspath.

Next Thursday, August 18, he will be at Stow, Lauder, Heriot, Oxton, Weststruther, Gordon, Greenlaw, Coldstream, Kelso and Smailholm.

Mr Kerr’s tour winds up next Friday, August 19, with visits to Montbenger, Yarrow, Ettrickbridge, Selkirk, Midlem, Lilliesleaf, Charlesfield and Newtown.

Anyone wishing to arrange a meeting with Mr Kerr at any of the locations he is visiting should call his office on 01896 750820 or email calum.kerr.mp@parliament.uk

The deterioration in the condition of the Borders road network has been faster over three recent years than in any of Scotland’s other 31 local authority areas.

That is one of the stark findings of a new report – called Monitoring Scotland’s Roads – published by spending watchdog Audit Scotland.

According to the document, which focuses on the period between 2011/12 and 2014/15, there is a significant variation among councils in how the condition of local roads has changed over that time.

And Scottish Borders Council is at the bottom of the pile.

Survey results show that for 18 councils the proportion of their local roads in acceptable condition increased, while for 14 councils , including ours, service levels deteriorated.

“The extent of variation ranged from an improvement in acceptable conditions of 11% in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in the Western Isles to a deterioration of 9% in Scottish Borders Council,” states the report.

That represents a full 20% differential between the councils at each end of the road maintenance spectrum.

Across Scotland, the condition of council maintained roads has remained stable with around 63% in “acceptable condition” over the three years. 

In the Borders, that figure stands at 54.5%.

Audit Scotland reports that the council has committed funding from 2015 to slow down the rate of decline in road conditions.

“The council selected to invest an additional £67.3m in roads maintenance over 20 years,” states the report. “This is projected to slow down the rate of decline and achieve a target of 55% of roads in acceptable condition.”

Responding to the data, a council spokesperson told the Southern: “While the council continues to be faced with ongoing financial challenges, our current budgets still outline considerable investment across a wide range of key services, including roads.

“The 2016-17 capital plan announced in February includes a commitment over the next 10 years to invest £69.6m in roads and bridges – an increase of £36.3m since 2012-13.

“The 2016-17 budget also included increased revenue spending on roads of £500,000 a year over the next five years – a 14% increase per annum on the previous revenue budget.

“This represents an additional £2.5m investment over the five years of the budget plan.

“The council continues to adopt an asset management approach to its road network and, wherever possible, maximises budgets by identifying alternative road treatment options which prolong the life of the road.”

Borders MSP John Lamont said: “For motorists in the Borders, this report will merely confirm what most already know – that our local roads are in a terrible condition.

“What is particularly concerning to see is that in the past few years, the condition of our roads has plummeted, and they are set to get worse.

“Scottish Borders Council is currently spending less than half the amount required just to keep the roads in their current state, meaning that without radical changes we are going to have to put up with even more potholes.

“Our roads are fast becoming an embarrassment, putting motorists at risk.

“The current approach of cheaply patching up the worst potholes is simply not sustainable. It is time the Scottish Government ended its piecemeal approach to road maintenance and came up with a longer-term strategy.

“A pothole fund would be a major step forward in helping councils to finally get our roads up to an acceptable standard.”

A Galashiels nursery is to close at the end of this month with the loss of 11 jobs.

Owner Lesley Anderson blamed increasing difficulties in making ends meet for her decision to shut Limelight Childcare, in Wilderhaugh.

She claimed the business she started in 2011 – offering 32 places a day for theunder-fives – is currently losing £2,000 a month and is no longer sustainable.

“This has been one of the most difficult and distressing decisions I’ve ever had to make,” said Mrs Anderson, a former nurse and healthcare lecturer.

“I’ve tried everything to keep us afloat, even personally working 60 hours a week and not taking a wage for the past six months, but, sadly, it’s not been enough.

“Over the past five years, we’ve been consumed by negative economic factors.

“First, there is the matter of our business rates, which are now higher than our rent. It means I have to find £1,000 a month just to open the doors.

“Then there is the Scottish Government’s funding of pre-school places at private nurseries, which is much less than that paid to local authority providers.

“We were told our hourly rate for pre-school children would rise by 5% each year, but this has not materialised for the past two years.

“While the amount we are paid has stayed at £3.65 per child per hour, the costs of providing the service have continued to spiral.

“Despite our commitment, it’s heartbreaking that we’ve simply been overwhelmed by increasing financial burdens initiated at central government level without the means of supporting small businesses like ours which are required to implement them.

“I am genuinely devastated for my brilliant team of staff who will now be out of work – individuals who been loyal and committed to providing an excellent level of care for each child and family using our service.”

A new wind farm proposal for eight 126.5m-high turbines on Fala Moor, between the A68 and A7 trunk roads, is being put forward by Greenock-based company Gilston Hill Farm.

The land in question lies north-west of Gilston Farm, near Heriot, and is in an area much favoured by renewable energy companies. The Dun Law Wind Farm lies 1.5km to the east and Toddleburn Wind Farm is 2km to the south.

However, the proposed site is also next to Fala Flow Loch, a site of special scientific interest also designated as a special protection area.

A similar application at the same site – for only seven turbines measuring 115m to blade tip – was refused planning permission by Scottish Borders Council in 2013, and an appeal was dismissed by a reporter appointed by Scottish ministers.

In his decision, reporter Richard Bowden said: “I conclude that the proposal would give rise to an unacceptable number of significant adverse landscape and visual amenity impacts, including cumulative impacts.

“In my view, these have tended to be understated by the appellant in the assessments made when categorising them overall as being acceptable.

“Furthermore, the appellant, while seeking to demonstrate that the case in favour of the proposal was based on a balanced assessment, has unreasonably diminished the significance of even the adverse impacts that are acknowledged.

“In doing so, the appellant has unfairly dismissed the issues of concern raised by the council, Scottish Natural Heritage and others.”

Mr Bowden also concluded that “the economic case and related sustainability benefits put forward in support of the appeal proposal do not provide sufficient justification to override the outstanding concerns regarding likely adverse impacts”.

That application was launched by RidgeWindd, via SLR Consulting. The latter is also dealing with Gilston Hill Farm’s scoping report, which asks for guidance from the council on an environmental impact assessment in respect of ornithology and landscape.

The company said that once that had been processed, a planning application would be submitted.

While 57.7% of Scotland’s electricity came from renewables in 2015, the Scottish Government has set a target of 100% of energy to be sourced from renewables by 2020, and most of this would have to be gererated by wind.

With that deadline less than four years away, pressure may be on to look more favourably on sites that have been dismissed in the past.

Scottish Borders Council has again confirmed it is against a wind farm application for a 14-turbine installation near Tweedsmuir.

The application for 14 133.5m turbines at Whitelaw Brae, just west of the Fruid Reservoir, was launched last year by 2020 Renewables for Velocita Energy Developments.

Council lead planning officer Craig Miller said, in a letter maintaining the council’s objections to the scheme: “The proposed development would be contrary to policies PMD2, ED9 and EP5 of the Scottish Borders local development plan 2016 and policy 10 of the South-East Scotland strategic development plan 2013 in that, taking into consideration the following factors, it would unacceptably harm the Borders landscape.”

He went on to add: “The development would give rise to unacceptable visual and amenity effects,” which included “significant detrimental impacts to two archaeological sites of national significance, asset HA5 and the scheduled Hawkshaw Castle.”

He added an advisory note to Scottish government ministers: “Should the development be considered for approval, then conditions and the need for a legal agreement have been identified covering a number of different aspects including noise limits, roads matters, ecology and archaeology.”

Fancy frocks, flowers and fizz were the order of the day at a very special garden party held last Friday in celebration of Peebles Nursing Home resident Betty Morris’s 100th birthday.

Dozens of guests gathered at Craw Wood care home in Tweedbank to raise a glass to Betty on her milestone day.

Gerald Maitland-Carew, Lord-Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale also attended the afternoon celebrations to present Betty with her majesty’s birthday message.

Speaking of her milestone achievement, Betty said that she “still felt like a teenager” and attributed living 100 years to having an ever-positive outlook on life, lots of sport and a glass of sherry every day.

She added: “The secret, really, is just enjoying life.”

A number of trees have been marked to be felled at Langlee Community Centre, to make way for an extension to the exisiting car park.

The trees, which run adjacent to the drive at the centre, were marked with yellow crosses last week.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said replacement trees will be planted.

The spokesperson told us: “The trees are being removed in order for improvements to the car park to be made.

“A number of replacement trees will be added as part of the scheme.”

But not everyone is happy about the felling.

Ian Childs informed us the trees were about to be felled. He told us: “Surely they could have kept the trees and made an overflow car park behind them.

“It’s not very environmental responsible.”

There is no record of the felling on the council’s planning portal.

The spokesperson said: “Certain works by a council do not require planning permission, depending on a series of factors including cost.

“The council’s planning department was consulted as part of the process and was satisfied that planning permission was not required.”

Earlier this year, the council was criticised for felling 150 protected trees opposite to the entrance to the Tweedbank terminus of the Borders Railway, in preparation for the proposed building to house the Great Tapestry of Scotland.

However, a new site in the centre of Galashiels now appears to be the preferred site.

It was later claimed that the trees were felled due to their poor health, as they had not been maintained since planting.

Movie magic is set to boost fundraising efforts for next year’s Hawick Common Riding.

The 2014 film What We Did on Our Holiday, starring David Tennant and Billy Connolly, will be screened at the Heart of Hawick on Saturday, September 3.

Tickets are £10 each, including a glass of wine, and proceeds will go to the Bright-Eyed Daughters’ Association, a not-for-profit voluntary association set up to promote knowledge of the history of the town’s common riding.

Founded originally to cover the ongoing costs of The Kids’ Guide to Hawick Common Riding, a book given to every P6 pupil in Hawick and nearby, the association now has more than 250 members and has also published My First Common Riding Book, a companion guide for p1 pupils and an Illustrated Guide to the Common Riding for Adults, as well as 2014’s illustrated translation of James Hogg’s Teribus Ye Teri Odin.

The association is responsible for the landscaping and maintenance of Hornshole too.

Call 07576 182308 for information on the film screening.

The head teacher of Hawick High School remains suspended as pupils returned after the summer break on Tuesday.

Kevin McClory was suspended six weeks ago after complaints about his handling of staff issues.

Scottish Borders Council has refused to discuss the seasons why the 43-year-old has been suspended, but have put in place temporary arrangements to ensure the school is managed while the disciplinary procedure takes its course.

Parents at the 1,000 pupil school were only informed something was amiss on Friday afternoon when the local authority sent a brief text message on their groupcall system saying John Clarke, the current headteacher of Berwickshire High School, would be temporarily leading Hawick as from Monday.

There was no mention of Mr McClory’s suspension, but added letters with more details would be sent out next week.

This week, the council stated that Mr Clarke will be supported by existing depute headteachers, Alison Ratcliffe and Peter Beaton, along with the current depute headteacher at Galashiels Academy, Pauline Anderson.

A native of Stranraer, Mr McClory started his career as a physical education teacher at Dunbar Grammar School in East Lothian.

He took over at Hawick High School at the start of 2014 after moving from his position as depute headteacher at St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesman said:”We are unable to comment on individual employees.”

Mr McClory, who lives in Edinburgh, was unavailable for comment.

The cancellation of a speaking engagement in Galashiels by a South African preacher who believes homosexuality can be “cured” by prayer, has been described as an “appalling overreaction” by a local gay rights activist.

Pastor Angus Buchan was due to address an audience in the Volunteer Hall next Monday evening as the guest of the Tweedbank-based evangelical Hope Church.

The £5-a-head event was to have been the 69-year-old’s only Scottish appearance on a tour of the UK and Ireland.

But last week, following a plea from the Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum, Live Borders, the trust which runs public halls on behalf of Scottish Borders Council, cancelled the booking.

“In line with council policy, we have a responsibility to support the wellbeing of the people in the Borders and not hire out any premises to events with the potential to cause public offence,” said a spokesperson for Live Borders.

“Our booking policy clearly states we have the right to cancel any booking at our discretion.”

The complaint had been lodged by the forum after a national newspaper ran a story in which gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell criticised the visit, claiming: “The idea that gay people need help and can be cured of homosexuality by prayer is lamentable and untrue.”

The article quoted comments made by Pastor Buchan in 2008 in which he reportedly stated: “I cannot ever agree that homosexuality is right ... I cannot bless it.

“I love them, though, but they need help. We have prayed for them and God can change their hearts.”

Welcoming the Live Borders decision to cancel the booking, Susan Hart, chair of the forum, said Pastor Buchan’s views “crossed the line between freedom of speech and hate speech”.

She added: “Our organisation encourages diversity and acceptance. Spreading messages of hate towards LGBT people, women and children can only harm rural communities like ours and cause division.”

But Alastair Lings, the co-ordinator of the Borders Bisexual, Lesbian and Gay Group (BBLGG), believes Pastor Buchan should have been allowed to speak.

“I think this is an appalling overreaction,” said Mr Lings. “I am unaware of any quote from Pastor Buchan that indicates he is any more homophobic than, for example, the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland.

“Speaking on behalf of my group, we do not believe he will incite hatred against LGBT people or otherwise cause distress to the people of the Borders.

“On this basis he should be allowed to speak. I would encourage LGBT people to listen to what he has to say then challenge him and demonstrate his ignorance of LGBT matters.

“Freedom of speech is vital to our democracy – without it we would never have achieved the LGBT equality we now enjoy.”

A Galashiels man who breached his curfew by being outwith his home more than three hours later has been ordered to carry out 60 hours unpaid work at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Kevin Wilkinson, 40, was supposed to be in his Balmoral Avenue home between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

But on the night of July 23 his partner contacted the police at 10.10pm, expressing concern about him as he had not returned and asked if he had been taken into custody.

Police officers went to check out the situation and spotted Wilkinson walking along a footpath near his home at about 10.45pm.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: “He appeared to be under the influence of drugs to the extent that he was taken to hospital.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed the unpaid work as an alternative to imprisonment.

A Hawick man who caused a lengthy disturbance in the accident and emergency department at Borders General Hospital has avoided a prison sentence at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Alexander Deans, 35, of Bright Street, pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, told a previous hearing the ambulance service received a call at about 7pm about a man who had cut his wrist and it was bleeding heavily.

The police said he had punched a picture frame in his home while apparently self-harming.

Mr Fraser continued: “He was reluctant to go to hospital, but there was concern about his state of mind and was taken to hospital, where he was put in a side room.

“He would not give personal details to doctors and he started picking at a dressing the ambulance crews had put on him.

“When he was briefly left alone he started smoking, which is not allowed in as hospital, particularly with a lot of oxygen, gases and chemicals in use.

“He was shouting and swearing and calling for for a different doctor.

“There were a lot of people being treated there, ranging from the young to the elderly, and they were distressed by the accused’s behaviour.”

Mr Fraser said Deans eventually had to be put in the caged section of a police van due to his unruly behaviour and eventually, after a period of time, co-operated.

He estimated the incident had been going on for six and a half hours.”

Defence lawyer Robert More said his client had lost control to the extent that he had “imperilled his liberty.”

He said he had suffered a breakdown at the time due to personal issues and had an alcohol problem.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said offences of this nature at the Borders General Hospital, even though the charge was not under the Emergency Workers Act, usually attracted a jail sentence.

However Deans was ordered to carry out 175 hours unpaid work over the next 12 months.

caddonfoot

Parish church

The Reverend Elspeth Harley conducted morning service on Sunday. Along with Anne Grieve, session clerk, she read “A Love Song for the Vineyard”, by F.J. Gaiser, with music to the tune of “Home on the Range”. The Bible reading was delivered by Catriona Bird, and music played by Andy and Catriona Bird. A church community event (games, music, picnic) was held at Glenkinnon on Sunday in fine conditions. There was a barbecue and children played in the burn. Gordon Hume and family organised the event. Bible study will resume on Wednesday, August 24, at 7.30pm in Trinity Church office. Members were saddened to hear of the death of Jessie Johnston, who was remembered in the prayers. Her funeral this week was private.

earlston

Parish church

The service on Sunday, August 21, will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Rennick. The following weekend is the wedding dress exhibition which is in the church and open on August 27, from 10am to 4pm, and August 28,from noon to 4pm. Entry is by donation for church funds and refreshments will be served. The Kirk Session meets in the church hall lounge on Monday, August 29, at 7.30pm.

Flower show

Earlston Horticultural Society will hold its annual flower show in the primary school hall on Saturday, August 27. The hall will be open to the public from 2pm, with the presentation of prizes by headteacher Susan Graham at 4.15pm. Entries are still open and show schedules are available from the post office and Donaldson (Butchers), Earlston.

galashiels

Depressed Cake Shop

The Depressed Cake Shop – a volunteer-led movement which seeks to break down the stigma around mental health issues and raise money for mental health charities by baking and selling grey cakes, signifying the depression that can cover up and dampen life – is planning to hold an event in the Volunteer Hall on Saturday, September 3 (11am-4pm). Funds raised will be donated to the Scottish Association for Mental Health and Inspiring Life: Evie Douglas Memorial Fund, a group who are raising money to climb Kilimanjaro in July 2018 as a tribute to Evie, who completed suicide in 2014 at the age of 21. This event will be joined by Walk A Mile (https://letswalkamile.org) to bring people together for a friendly conversation while strolling around Galashiels. The walk begins at 1.30pm. Contact Freda Douglas (01721 723244 or freda.douglas2@btinternet.com) for further information.

Rotary

Gala Rotarians’ Family Fun Day will be held on Sunday, August 21, in the Public Park (11am-4pm). This year’s event includes bands, inflatables, charity stalls and competitions. Gala Town Band and Ex-Service Pipe Band will be playing and will join forces for a musical finale. There will be fun activities such as welly-boot throwing and, new this year, a version of the French bowling game of petanque. The event is in aid of local charities, including the Rowan Boland Trust and guide dogs.

St Peter’s Church

Las Sunday, the Reverend Tim Tunley, of Mission to Seafarers, preached. Thursday, August 18 – 10am, holy communion; Sunday, August 21 – 8.30am, holy communion; 9.30am, Sunday Squad, followed by juice and toast; 10.30am, sung eucharist, followed by coffee and a chat; Tuesday, August 23 – 5.30-7pm, Messy Church; Thursday, August 25 – 10am, holy communion.

Trinity Church

On Sunday morning, minister Elspeth Harley conducted the service and Dorothy Howden led praise. Friends and family of two-month-old Ava Rose Swatton were in attendance to see her being christened. Her sister, Sophie, was baptised last year. The minister presented her with a DVD of Bible stories. After the baptism, Annabelle Lugton said a prayer for Ava and her family. The children in the christening party left the service after the baptism and were entertained in the crèche by Gwen Croan and Cathy Thomson. Margaret Tancock read the lessons. Bible study resumes on Wednesday, August 24, in Trinity at 7.30pm.

hawick

Exhibition

To coincide with Wilton Parish Church annual fete in the church hall on September 3, an exhibition of hats and shoes will take place within the church. Anyone who has been to a garden party, wedding, colour bussing or other special event and would be prepared to lend items, they should contact the Reverend Lisa-Jane Rankin (email LRankin@churchofscotland.org.uk) with their name and contact details.

50+ Walk

Thirteen walkers last Sunday went for a tough climb in the Eildons and a riverside. Starting from the fishing loch on the Bowden road, they climbed the small “fourth” E ildon first, then the third one, missed out the biggest, and then on to the second highest. Fine views all around were enjoyed in a bright, but coolish breeze. Half-way down the last hill, a leisurely lunch was taken and a lively discussion took place on where certain areas of interest were. Nature’s fruits were enjoyed in the way of bluberries and raspberries on the way down. The party then made its way down to the Tweed by way of the bypass tunnel and Newstead. A herd of cows watched the walkers on the way upstream and soon they reached the ‘wall’, when some took the ‘adrenalin’ route and others the easier new path through the undergrowth. Melrose was reached in record time and ice cream was relished in the square, waiting on the cars returning. Next walk is in the Peebles area on Sunday, August 28. – I.C.

innerleithen

Church

The service on Sunday, August 21, will be at 11.30am, followed by one in St Ronan’s House at 4pm.

jedburgh

Bridge club

August 8 – N/S – 1, R.Oates & S. West; 2, V. Johnstone & M. Miller; 3, R. Stewart & D. Graham; E/W – 1, D. & P. Palmer 2. J. Urquhart & S. Graham; 3, K. Jackson & O. Whillans.

Rotary

Jedburgh Rotarians have decided to help with an initiative aimed at disabled passengers on the Borders Railway. A local woman – herself disabled – has created a guide for travellers to make it easier for them to access information they need about the help available for disabled people using the line to Edinburgh. The club will pay for 1,000 copies of the leaflet to be produced.

Badminton

At the grammar school sports hall – adults – Wednesdays, 7-10pm (starts September 7). For further information, contact Christine Wylie (p10caw@aol.com; 07989 584968 or 01835 840246). Juniors – Primary 2-4, Wednesdays, 6-7pm (starts September 7); Primary 5-7, Tuesdays, 7-8pm (starts September 6); secondary school, Tuesdays, 8-9pm (starts September 6). For further information, contact Myra Younger (01835 863160; myrayounger@aol.com).

kelso

Coffee morning

There will be a coffee morning in Kelso North Church Hall on Saturday, August 20, 10am-noon, to raise funds for cancer charity Marie Curie.

Bridge club

August 10 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Lesley Dick & Lynda Douglas; 2, Dominic & Diana Alkin; 3, Rena Stewart & Chris Anthony; E/W – 1, Gerry Eglington & Jon Bridger; 2, Brian Saywood & Ken Ross; 3, Christine McCreath & Kitty Home-Robertson. August 11 – teams – 1, Dominic & Diana Alkin and Gerry Eglington & Jon Bridger; 2, Bob Stevenson & Lee Leeson and Paul Brooks & Eilean Hogarth; 3, Michael Horwood & Alison Ireland and Helenor Pratt & Pauline Smart.

LANGHOLM

Bugsy Malone

The Centre Stage Theatre is bringing another production to the Buccleuch Centre – and Bugsy Malone should prove popular. The community group, mainly made up of young people, was co-founded by Chris Jones and Judith Johnson, and has always attracted appreciative audiences to productions over the years. The director of the show, which runs from Wednesday, August 24, to Saturday, August 27, is Hannah Cumming, who has appeared in past shows for Centre Stage and has now completed a degree in performing arts at Queen Margaret University.

Cheques

Eight projects have received cheques from the Minsca wind farm community benefit fund. The fund, worth around £2,000, is distributed to community groups by Langholm, Ewes and Westerkirk Community Council. The total amount applied for amounted to £4,799 and the main beneficiary was the Buccleuch Park playground project which received £500 towards getting a ground survey carried out. Ewes Hall landed £300 towards a new heating system and the New Town Bowling Club got £225 towards a flat roof for an extension. The town band received £300 which will be used to pay for tuition and sheet music, while the Youth Rugby Trust was awarded £300 for the junior sevens tournament and the information hub £150 to build a cupboard. The Christmas lights committee and A7 Action Group received £235 and £100 respectively.

Charity fundraiser

A charity event will take place in aid of Cancer Research UK in the Buccleuch Centre on Friday, November 11. The Grease charity movie will start at 7.30pm, with the showing of the film at 8pm. The centre will be open from 6.30pm. Tickets are priced at £10.

lauder

Historical society

One of the few remaining women who served at Bletchley Park codebreaking centre during the Second World War, Mary Sherrard, will share her memories with members at their meeting in the Youth Trust Hall, opposite the Lauderdale Hotel, on Wednesday, August 24, at 7pm for 7.30pm.

Church

At 6.30pm on September 4, a summer evening songs of praise will be held in Channelkirk Church, followed by refreshments. All welcome.

melrose

On song

Melrose Amateur Operatic Society went out in a blaze of glory some two years ago with a wonderfully-inventive performance of The Mikado. However, the singing spirit is still alive and a new group – The Phoenix Singers – has been formed to carry on and broaden the tradition. Rehearsals begin on Monday, October 17, in the Ormiston Lounge at 7.30pm for five consecutive weeks. It is hoped to have two concerts per year, the first being on Saturday, November 19, in the Corn Exchange. As many former members of the company as possible have been contacted – all are welcome. The programme is to be arranged by new musical director and group chairman J. Holmes Wilson.

Parish church

It was fair for worshippers at Bowden and Melrose where the interim moderator in the vacancy took the services. The Traidcraft stall did good business. The church fete at Bowden raised more than £300, an excellent result. Sunday, August 21 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); church magazine deadline; September 2 and 3 – Val Miller’s bookshop event; September 24 – Monksford Golf Day.

Trimontium

“A picture is worth a thousand words” never rang truer than on the museum corridor monitor. Last week’s report of the trust’s Antonine Wall outing tried to paint a word picture of an enjoyable and informative day out. The real thing, taken by chairman John Reid’s aerial drone, showed the mound of the wall and its straight-as-a-ruler ditch running away into the distance. Then come, in rapid succession, clips of the Eildons, the Trimontium Trust Trailer in Youtube, last summer’s dig at Burnswark and back to the impressive 14ft-wide stone base of the wall and Bar Hill fort well. The penultimate Sunday Trimontium site walk (2pm) is this weekend.

morebattle

Festival week

On the Monday night at the coffee evening, Marion Dumma won the box of sweets and £227 was realised. Bingo followed with caller Sarah Barbour being assisted by Grace Cessford. Tuesday saw a display of camera club members’ photographs when the public voted for the best group of pictures. Overall winner was Gloria Wilson. The sum of £227.50 was raised. This was f ollowed by the pool competition from which Andrew Scott emerged triumphant. Wednesday – whist and dominoes night when £188 was raised. Ladies – 1, Greta Middlemas; 2, Hannah Wilson; 3, E. McCreadie; 4, Lizzie Thomson; booby, Betty Fleming; longest sitter, Mary Tait. Gents – 1, Christine Gibson; 2, Jock Middlemas; 3, Scottie Wight; 4, Dorothy Currie; booby, Sheena; longest sitter, Mary McTaggart. Dominoes – 1, Lucy Thomson; 2, Dale Adams; 3, Brenda Burke; 4, Morag Thomson. All prizes were presented by Games Queen Lucy Thomson. On Thursday, the teddy bears’ picnic, along with beetle drive for the older children, was held in the institute, owing to wet weather. Teddy bears – 1, Ewan McIntosh; 2, Logan O’Mara; 3, Evie Anderson-Adams – entries judged by Helen Cessford and Mary Pringle. Beetle drive – 6-12yrs – 1, David Douglas; 2 (equal), Megan Douglas and Dale Adams; 3, Emily Anderson-Adams. The pet show was held at night in the school playfield – most gorgeous dog – 1, Wilma Soutar with Maddie; 2, Georgia Thomson with Callie; 3,Lucy Thomson with Robbie; best trickster – 1, Sarena Cook with Gunner; 2, Lucy Thomson with Robbie 3, Alfie Stevens with Suzie; waggiest tail – 1, Sarena Cook with Gunner; 2, Tamara Cook with Patch; 3, Archie Barbour with Freddie; dog

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most like its owner – 1, Beth Thomson with Callie; 2, Wilma Soutar with Maddie; 3, Ellie McBlain with Lola; most exciting small furry – 1, Matthew Little with Gingerbread the Hamster; 2, Emma Thomson with Tigger the cat. A vote of thanks was given to the judge, Sabine from Cheviot Vets. Games Queen Lucy Thomson presented the rosettes. Friday night saw the fancy dress – due to wet weather, judging took place in the village hall by Mr and Mrs Roger Henderson. Children 7 & under – 1, Morebattle in Bloom Scarecrow (Alfie Stevens); 2, Larry the Cat (Evie Leonard); 3, Anna from Frozen (Jessica Brown); Children 8-16yrs – 1, Zika virus (Sam Johnstone); 2, Vinicious the Rio Mascot (Sasha Jackson); 3, Avator (Paulina); Children’s Groups 0-16yrs – 1, Lion, Witch & Wardrobe (Emma, Lucy & Jenny Thomson); 2, Pringles (Ellie & Paige McBlain); 3, Tom & Jerry (Archie & Logan O’Mara); Individual adults – 1, Whittons Garden of the year (Tamara Cook); 2, Mr Blobby (Lizzie Thomson); Mixed groups – 1, Olympic Swimming Team Float (Barbour Family and Kym Cessford); 2, Morebattle 125yr Flower Show (Helen Cessford and Mary Pringle); 3, Three craws sat upon a wa’ (The Village Shop). A disco followed in the Templehall Lounge when the cup presentation took place. Best Overall Cup for fancy dress was won by Emma, Lucy and Jenny Thomson (Lion, Witch & Wardrobe). The pool cup was won by Andrew Scott; Kurling cup, Graeme Lang; shield for best scarecrow, Oyen (Main Street) which was Rapunzel; 2, Fiona Brownlee (Oor Wullie); 3, Helen Cessford (Rio).

Coffee morning

The coffee morning in aid of diabetics will be held in the village hall on Saturday, August 20, from 10.30am.

peebles

Exhibition

Moorbrook Textiles has announced a revised date for the second exhibition to update local residents and community groups in Peebles on proposals for the future development of March Street Mill. The event will now be held at the mill on Friday, September 2, from 1-7pm, a change from the initial date which had been planned for the afternoon of August 19. The September event follows the first public exhibition in June at which owners Moorbrook shared the findings of technical and environmental assessment work for the site, and received feedback from the local community. Moorbrook is proposing a mixed redevelopment of the site which would include primarily residential and retirement accommodation, some of which would be affordable housing, potential community/commercial uses, and the continued use of part of the site by local allotment-holders. Andrew Menzies, finance director of Moorbrook Textiles, said: “Our initial intention had been to hold the second exhibition in mid-August, but we believe the sensible approach is to set aside sufficient time to assimilate all the contributions we have received and, for that reason, the follow-up event will now be held on Friday, September 2. Our intention is to present updated proposals at the exhibition which will provide all parties with the opportunity to see refined options for the future of the March Street site. We have already had some discussions with the planning department at Scottish Borders Council and, following completion of the second exhibition and consideration of feedback, our intention is to lodge a formal planning application.” For anyone who was unable to attend the original exhibition, the presentation materials can be accessed at www.marchstmill.co.uk. The site also includes a facility to provide feedback on the proposals.

selkirk

Camera club

The first meeting of the new season will be on Wednesday, September 7. As well as members, anyone who is interested is welcome. The club meets on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the clubrooms at 64 High Street. There will be a short general meeting at the start of the first evening.

Holiday club

Light filled the city of Ancora as around 50 youngsters met daily in Connections, Back Row, for the annual Churches Together in Selkirk and the Valleys Holiday Club. Great fun was had in the playing of games, making of different crafts from get-well cards to the weaving of mats and in the discussion times when they munched healthy snacks.

st boswells

Whist drive

A whist drive to raise money for cancer sufferers is to be held in St Boswells Hall on Friday, August 26, at 7.30pm. Entry (£2) includes supper.

traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on Sunday, August 28, at 10am.

Walkerburn

Service

There will be a service in Walkerburn Public Hall at 10am on Sunday, August 21.

yetholm

Family fun

A family fun day – car boot sale, classic cars, seven-a-side football, children’s sports, music, barbecue – is on August 20, from 10am on the Playing Field. This event also includes an auction and raffle. Proceeds go to cancer charity, Great North Air Ambulance and pavilion upgrade funds. The community council is grateful to all who put time and energy into this event.

Gymkhana

Yetholm Gymkhana will take place on The Haugh on Sunday, August 21, from 9am. Check Yetholm Gymkhana page on Facebook for further updates and schedule.

Shepherds’ show

Catalogues are available from the village shop and online. Closing date for entries is Friday, September 16. The show committee will meet on Thursday, August 25, at 7.30pm in the Youth Hall.

Choir

The choir restarts after summer break on Wednesday, August 24, at 10.30am in the Youth Hall. New members always welcome.

Comedy night

Bowmont Theatre presents “An Evening of Comedy” on Friday and Saturday, August26 and 27, at 7.30pm in the Wauchope Hall. Tickets (£5, including refreshments) are available from the village shop or at the door on the night.

A banned motorist drove his partner’s car to rescue a female friend caught up in a disturbance at a party in Galashiels, Selkirk Sheriff Court was told this week.

Scott Cooper – who received a 15-year ban from the road in 2003 – pleaded guilty to charges of driving while disqualified and with no insurance in Kenilworth Avenue, Galashiels, on July 23.

The 36-year-old, of Wester Row, Greenlaw, was disquailfied from driving until 2018.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: “At round 6.30pm the police got a call about a disturbance in Kenilworth Avenue which included the registration details of a car. As they travelled en route, the officers carried out checks and discovered it had no insurance.”

Mr Fraser told the hearing: “As they arrived in Kenilworth Avenue they saw it being driven away by the accused and two ladies.

“On stopping the car they found the driver was banned till December 2018 and the vehicle belonged to the partner of the accused.”

Cooper’s lawyer said: “A friend of his partner had been at a party where there had been a disturbance.

“She was frantic. She is disabled and was being picked upon by other people she thought were her friends.

“There was no bus available and she phoned her friends for help.”

The lawyer explained that the only reason Cooper drove was to get her away from the scene and pointed out he had not been in trouble for the past two years.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentence for six weeks for background reports, including a restriction-of-liberty assessment.

The case will recall on September 26.

Driver five times limit

A motorist who crashed a car in Hawick while more than five times the legal alcohol limit appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Laurentiu Iordan, 35, of Northcote Street, Hawick, pleaded guilty to driving with a breath/alcohol count of 114 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22 – on Sunday. He also admitted having no insurance for the vehicle.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Iordan works as a farmer and sends money home to his wife and child in Romania.

He added: “He had just bought the car and went for a drive in it, but collided with two vehicles.”

The court heard Iordan apologised to one of the car owners, but had the keys taken from him.

Sheriff Peter Paterson banned Iordan for 14 months and imposed a £300 fine.

CLOCKED AT 90MPH

The director of a property repair firm was driving a van restricted to 50mph at a speed of 90mph on the A68 just outside Lauder, Selkirk Sheriff Court has been told.

Gordon Hill, 27, of West High Street, Lauder, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened on the evening of May 14.

The court was told Hill already had three live points on his licence which was essential for his business.

Sheriff Peter Paterson endorsed Hill’s licence with six penalty points and fined him £200.

ROAD CRASH JURY TRIAL

A 25-year-old woman has been accused of causing a motorist to be severely injured by culpably and recklessly seizing and pulling the steering wheel of the car while he was driving it, causing the vehicle to crash.

Portia Wilson, of Fern Dene Road, Gateshead, denies the offence which is alleged to have happened on the A1107 road near Eyemouth on September 21.

The charge states that the action caused Dale Robertson to lose control of the vehicle which ended up in the opposite carriageway, struck road furniture, left the roadway and overturned, and repeatedly rolled in a field. It adds that Mr Robertson suffered severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment, and the vehicle was extensively damaged.

The case is due to be the subject of a jury trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court next week and expected to last two or three days.

CARAVAN PARK DISTURBANCE

Background reports have been ordered into a 28-year-old man involved in a bust-up at a Coldingham caravan park.

Paul Gillies, from Bathgate, West Lothian, pleaded guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to a charge of using threatening or abusive behaviour earlier this year. The case will recall on September 12.

SEX ASSAULT ALLEGATION

A Galashiels man has appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court charged with sexually assaulting a child.

William Barry Ormiston, 38, faces an allegation under section 19 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.

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

Ormiston was released on bail by Sheriff Peter Paterson.

HEARING DATE FOR ACCUSED

Christopher Cameron, 33, of Glenburn Road, North Berwick, will stand trial on October 11, accused of driving a car while unfit through drink or drugs in Currie Road and Abbotsford Road, Galashiels, on November 21.

An intermediate hearing will be held on September 12.

TEENAGER DENIES CHARGES

An Ancrum teenager has been accused of recording a naked girl doing a private act in her bathroom with the intention of enabling himself or another to look at the image.

Robert Horne, 18, of Causewayend, also denies stealing ladies’ underwear.

The offences are said to have happened at a house near Lauder between September 1 and June 16.

A trial date was set for October 25 at Selkirk Sheriff Court with an intermediate hearing on September 26.

THIEF ‘UNDER THE INFLUENCE’

A man caught shoplifting claimed he was under the influence of alcohol at the time, Selkirk Sheriff Court was told.

Scott Chisholm, 25, of Beech Avenue, Galashiels, pleaded guilty to stealing earphones and toiletries, with a total value of £5.50, from the town’s Home Bargains store on March 16. The court heard there was no recovery of the items.

CCTV captured him putting the items down the front of his jacket.

Chisholm told police: “When it happened I was under the influence and it was a silly mistake.”

Robert More, defending, said Chisholm was under the influence of alcohol at the time. But he accepted it was his client’s third shoplifting conviction in recent times and said he had been attempting to combat his difficulty with drugs for the past eight or nine years.

Sentence was deferred until September 12 for a drug treatment and testing order assessment to be carried out.

BREACHED PAYBACK ORDER

A Galashiels woman who breached her community payback order by not carrying out unpaid work has been handed a £250 fine instead.

Charley Yule, 29, of Langlee Drive, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court and admitted the breach.

TRIAL FOR EARLSTON MAN

An Earlston man will go to trial next month on a charge of uttering racially-offensive comments in a St Boswells hot-food takeaway shop.

Andrew Wood, 37, of Summerfield, also pleaded not guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to being in possession of an offensive weapon and brandishing a screwdriver at a man in the Scott’s View takeaway on July 13.

The trial was set for September 15.

METHADONE CASE

A 31-year-old woman will stand trial next month accused of drug dealing at a residential addiction clinic in the Borders.

Emily Monaghan is charged with being concerned in the supply of methadone to Charlene Todd at the Castle Craig Hospital in Peeblesshire on October 20. She pleaded not guilty to the charge at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Monaghan, from Grantham, Norfiolk, had her trial date fixed for September 13.

Castle Craig is the largest private residential drugs and alcohol rehabilitation clinic in the UK.

FACING EIGHT ALLEGATIONS

A 33-year-old man is due to stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court next month accused of committing eight offences in Innerleithen.

Colin McLean, described as being of no fixed abode, is alleged to have thrown glass bottles at windows in High Street on July 1, damaging the windows and creating potential danger to the public as there were pedestrians around.

He denies wilfully or recklessly damaging the windows of the Allotment Shop and Tweeddale Thrift Shop before walking into the path of an ambulance and then entering the rear of the vehicle without permission and refusing to leave while rummaging through an equipment bag and being aggressive towards paramedics.

McLean further denies being in possession of an offensive weapon, namely a glass bottle, brandishing a broken bottle at a man and lunging at him and struggling violently with two police constables.

The trial is scheduled for September 13.

SENTENCING DELAYED

Sentencing has been delayed on a 35-year-old man who sat the driving test theory exam, pretending to be someone else.

Chung Fung Chung induced two staff members at the Driving Standards Agency offices in Galashiels to allow him to take the exam under the name of Qiao Hua Jiang, also 35.

Chung, of Colintraive Crescent, Glasgow, pleaded guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to a charge of attempting to obtain a pass in a car theory test by fraud on January 28.

The court heard background reports previously ordered were not available and the case was deferred until August 29.

SELKIRK MAN ADMONISHED

A 36-year-old Selkirk man has been admonished after being of good behaviour during a period of deferred sentence, the town’s sheriff court has been told.

Simon McIntosh had previously been convicted of assaulting a woman at his home in Linglie Road on December 7 by headbutting her on the face, pushing her into the bathroom, lifting her up and pushing her onto a bed, all to her injury.

DRUG ORDER FOR WOMAN

A 20-year-old woman is to be the subject of a two-year drug treatment and testing order.

Nacisha Jones, of Whitefield Crescent, Newtown St Boswells, pleaded guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to assaulting a woman by repeatedly seizing her by the hair and pulling her to the ground in Kenilworth Avenue, Galashiels, on February 5.

Later that day – in Winston Place, Galashiels – she obstructed two police officers by seizing an arrested male’s handcuffs and refusing to let go, assaulting a constable by seizing him by the arm and threatening violence at Hawick police station.

BEHAVED HERSELF

Lara Faris has been admonished at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

This comes after the 32-year-old’s good behaviour during a period of deferred sentence.

It follows her conviction for behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, and shouting and swearing at her home in Primrose Bank, Galashiels, on March 11.

PARTNER ‘PUT IN THE STREET’

A bust-up with his partner following a boozy barbecue resulted in a painter and decorator being fined £350 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Thomas Monaghan, 57, pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, shouting and swearing, and throwing items around a garden and at a window at a house in Eildon Terrace, Newtown St Boswells, on July 17.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, said: “The circumstances here are that the accused and his partner had been drinking quite a lot at a barbecue hosted by some friends.

“The partner felt he was being disrespectful and cheeky, and she decided to go home at 11pm.

“When the accused returned to his partner’s house he found she had put bags of his clothing outside the house.

“He lives in Edinburgh and she told him to go away. He threw an unknown object against the window and was shouting and swearing.”

Mr Fraser said police were called and Monaghan taken into custody.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said Monaghan had come back to see his belongings in the garden and started to throw things around the garden as he was searching for his keys and wallet.

Mr Dow added: “He was put in the street essentially. This is at the lower end of the scale.”

But noting he already had a previous domestic conviction involving the same woman, Sheriff Peter Paterson told Monaghan, of Boswell Parkway, Edinburgh: “If you are back in court for a third domestic matter it won’t be treated the same.”

The fine was reduced from £425 due to Monaghan’s guilty plea.

CANNABIS CRIMINAL

A Galashiels man has admitted a charge of drug dealing at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Forty-seven-year-old Bryan Dickson pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis after police found £400 worth of the class B drug in his Wood Street home on May 19. A total of £890 was found in cash and there was also evidence of drug dealing from messages contained on his mobile phone.

Dickson’s solicitor, Ross Dow, said his client used cannabis regularly and sold it to a close group of friends to make it cheaper for himself.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentence until September 12 for background reports and ordered that £500 of the cash recovered be forfeited under Proceeds of Crime legislation.

HAWICK BAR ASSAULT CASE

A Hawick man will stand trial by jury at Selkirk next week accused of severely injuring a man to his permanent disfigurement in a bar.

Garry Douglas, 34, of Paterson Gardens, is charged with assaulting George O’Rourke in the Exchange Bar, Hawick, on September 12.

It is alleged he acted in an aggressive manner towards him, left the premises before returning, put his head against Mr O’Rourke’s head, pulled him from his chair, held his head down and then forced his (Douglas) thumb or finger into his mouth.

He has pleaded not guilty and lodged a special defence of self-defence.

JAIL FOR ROWDY BGH PATIENT

A Galashiels man who swore at a doctor who was trying to treat him and threatened to throw a cup of water over him has been jailed for eight months at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

John Chapman, 25, of Kenilworth Avenue, was taken to Borders General Hospital by police officers last week because of concerns over a cut hand. But Chapman caused a disturbance in the accident and emergency department by shouting and swearing at the doctor.

He pleaded guilty to breaching the Emergency Workers Act when he appeared in court from custody.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said behaviour of this sort at the hospital could not be tolerated and he had no option but to impose a custodial sentence.

Chapman also admitted other offences, including stealing a mobile phone and four fishing rods from a property in Talisman Avenue, Galashiels, struggling violently with police officers, possession of cannabis and breaching a home night curfew.

REMANDED IN CUSTODY

A Selkirk man has been remanded in custody after being accused of breaking into three business premises with intent to steal.

Daniel Hamilton, who is 27, of Buccleuch Road, is also charged with entering a car parked in Tweedbank View, Tweedbank, and stealing two items.

The alleged break-ins at the end of last month were at Dalgleish’s garage in Melrose Road, Galashiels, and Herges by The Loch in Tweedbank, where he allegedly smashed glass doors to gain entry. The other break-in is said to have taken place at Bread Works Organic Bakery in Tweedbank.

Hamilton made no plea or declaration at Jedburgh Sheriff Court last week and his case was continued for further examination. A motion for bail was refused.

HEROIN OFFENDER FINED

Being found in possession of heroin in Melrose Road, Galashiels, cost Stephen Milliken £100.

The 33-year-old, of Abbotseat, Kelso, was initially given 70 hours’ unpaid work for the offence which happened in June 2014. But after not carrying out the work, the sentence was replaced with a fine of £100 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court last week.

KICKED OUT AT POLICE OFFICERS

A 23-year-old woman who was verbally abusive to police officers and kicked out at them appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Sarah Scott pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at her Woodstock Avenue home in Galashiels last Wednesday evening.

The court heard that Scott’s friend had alerted the emergency services over concerns she had mixed up her medication and had been feeling down. But when police and ambulance personnel turned up at her home, she refused treatment and tried to make off after grabbing a bag of medication, but was stopped by an officer.

Sentence was deferred until September 26 when Scott has other matters calling.

She was given a night curfew, keeping her in her home between the hours of 8pm and 7am.

DENIES DRUGS POSSESSION

A 22-year-old man will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court next month accused of being in charge of a car while unfit through drink or drugs on the A72 near Cardrona.

Ryan Fisher, of James Lean Avenue, Dalkeith, also denies being in possession of cannabis on May 28.