On the first day of his week-long constituency campervan tour, Borders MP Calum Kerr met Burnfoot Community Hub project manager Jan Pringle and other local people in order to find out more about the project.

The MP was delighted to learn that the Hub’s cafe – he is pictured sampling a portion of its cheescake – has exceeded its initial estimate for visitor numbers by a substantial margin since it opened last year.

Mr Kerr commented: “I think this is an inspiring project and was very impressed to hear that it’s doing so well. I was also delighted to learn that the Hub is drawing people in from other parts of Hawick too.”

The MP’s day was also taken up by visits to Bonchester Bridge, Newcastleton, Whithaugh Park and Hermitage. He then stopped off at Burnfoot before visiting Ashkirk.

He said: “I understand people in Hawick and Liddesdale sometimes feel that other parts of our region take priority, so it was very important for me to start the first day of my tour in this area.”

Rural areas like the Borders must be adequately and effectively policed and must not lose out to more urban parts of Scotland.

That was the message sent to Holyrood this week by the executive committee of Scottish Borders Council.

Councillors were responding to the Scottish Government’s consultation on draft strategic priorities which will set the direction for Police Scotland over the next three to five years.

These revised priorities are based on the six broad themes of localism, prevention, response, collaborative working, accountability and adaptability.

However, when asked if these aims summed up their ambitions for the police service or reflected the needs of local communities in this region, councillors emphatically answered in the negative.

“The detail of the implementation of these priorities is important ... and they need to be accompanied with an equitable distribution of resources to allow effective and responsive frontline policing to address the different priorities within each police division and ensure rural areas do not lose out to urban areas,” stated the council’s response.

“The priorities should also take account of the priorities of the police on the English side of the national border to ensure close cross-border working.

“There is a need to empower local police to operate much more flexibly to deal with local priorities focusing on early intervention and prevention.”

Questions have been raised over the quality and quantity of information made available to elected members of Scottish Borders Council when they consider major capital projects.

The issue is highlighted in the findings of a small working group of councillors who have been probing the decision-making process which saw the local authority in 2014 commit £3.5million to a new visitor centre for the Great Tapestry of Scotland at Tweedbank.

Their report will be presented today (Thursday) to SBC’s watchdog scrutiny committee, which ordered the investigation last October.

Significantly, that was before the Scottish Government announced in February this year that it was subjecting the business case for Tweedbank to a process of “due diligence” before releasing its funding share of £2.5m, and June’s announcement that a site in central Galashiels had now emerged as a likely alternative.

The report casts light on what happened before councillors sat down for the first time to consider the project on May 29, 2014.

It had all begun in “late 2013” when SBC convener Councillor Graham Garvie, after informal discussions with the tapestry trustees, asked council officers to follow up the possibility of the Borders permanently hosting the artwork.

This work was duly carried out between February and April 2014 involving senior officers across a range of departments.

An initial feasibility study was prepared and, from a desktop exercise “in respect of possible sites” Tweedbank emerged as the most viable option.

That work formed the basis of a report to councillors on May 29 when it was agreed, by 21 votes to 7, to commission Jura Consultants to draw up a detailed business case, concentrating solely on Tweedbank.

When that £40,000 report came back with upbeat predictions on viability to the full council on December 18, 2014, councillors voted 21-10 to allocate £3.5m from its capital programme to the venture at Tweedbank.

Focusing of these key decision-making meetings, today’s report states: “The working group has concluded that the details provided to elected members in reports – based on the information that was available at the time – were sufficient to allow members to make their decisions.”

However, it notes: “With hindsight, it is possible to identify areas which could have enhanced the information in reports [to councillors].

“Where potential projects, such as the tapestry, are at the stage of evolving from a conversation into a concept/idea, before proceeding to the project stage and into the capital plan, it would be helpful if all material conversations between officers and elected members could be summarised and noted. This would aid transparency.

“When officers are producing the first formal report to be considered by members on a major project, they should include sufficient and appropriate information on the origin of all the [location] options which have been considered and any which have been subsequently dismissed.”

Union talks with IT staff at Scottish Borders Council are continuing this week in a bid to address “major issues” over their impending transfer to a private company.

The 49 employees are due to switch to Canadian-owned business process service provider CGI on October 1.

But a “comparison matrix” obtained by The Southern shows significant differences in the terms and conditions offered by the two organisations.

According to the document, council staff currently work a 35-hour week, but under CGI the standard contractual hours are 37.5 hours a week.

With regard to holiday entitlement, SBC staff with more than five years’ service get 33 days per annum, while those with less service get 28 days.

The annual holiday entitlement for all CGI employees is 25 days.

On sickness absence, council staff are entitled to six months on full pay and six months on half-pay, whereas CGI will only pay a maximum of three months full pay in any 12-month period for both short and long-term sicknesses.

And while salaries are reviewed every year by both organisations, CGI offers no guaranteed pay or cost of living increases.

“Increases are based on individual performance and take into consideration demands of the market, retention/motivation of employees and affordability to the business,” states the matrix.

Responding to these variations, Tony Trench, regional organiser of the trade union Unite, presenting the council staff, said: “Understandably, these are major issues for our members.

“The feedback we have been given is that to lose out to such an extent on terms and conditions is totally unacceptable, so we will be doing our best in the short time available to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

“Our talks with the affected staff will continue this week. We appreciate that there may be some relative advantages in the transfer with CGI operating a discretionary profit participation scheme which the council does not, but, overall, our members will clearly be losing out.”

The transfer is part of a 13-year contract announced earlier this year between the council and CGI which, as part of the deal, has chosen the Borders as the base for a new delivery centre with the potential to create up to 200 IT jobs, with Tweedbank the likely location.

The outsourcing has its roots in a report in April last year which claimed SBC’s IT department was not fit for purpose. The talks with CGI began in earnest last August when the company was awarded the City of Edinburgh Council’s IT contract, worth £186million over seven years.

A total of 684 complaints were lodged with Scottish Borders Council about its performance in the year to March 31, 2016 – down by 10 on the previous year.

Although 120 of the gripes were deemed invalid, 251 of the remainder were upheld, councillors heard this week.

A report from customer services officer Claire Tracy, noted at Tuesday’s meeting of SBC’s executive committee, stated of the 684 complaints received, 49 were voiced in person at council offices or library/contact centres, 268 were made by telephone, 209 were lodged online, 72 were conveyed by letter and 86 by email.

The report states that 480 complaints (85%) were “closed”, with a response sent and no further action required, at the first stage of the new procedure – where resolution is normally an on-the-spot apology or an explanation that something has clearly gone wrong.

Of these stage one complaints, 213 were upheld and 267 were not upheld.

Stage two, which requires a detailed investigation, a discussion with the complainer and a full response within 20 working days, was required for 80 complaints of which 31 were upheld. Another 17 complaints were upheld during the “escalation” period between stages one and two.

This week’s report gave case study examples of how council services can be improved as a result of complaints from the public.

In one instance, a customer telephoned to book an appointment to register the death of a family member and was left hanging on in a long queue.

“This was not acceptable at such a difficult time for them and, as a result of the complaint, we have worked closely with two local funeral directors to develop an online booking system,” stated the report.”

Residents living close to landfill operations at Easter Langlee are to be consulted over plans to build a £5.5million waste transfer station on the site.

A “public event”, at a time and place still to be arranged, will be held in September before Scottish Borders Council submits a detailed planning bid for the 2,000m2 facility from which 40,000 tonnes of household rubbish will eventually be transported annually out of the region for treatment.

Meanwhile, a so-called proposal of application notice (PAN) regarding the new plant has been distributed for discussion to the community councils of Galashiels and Melrose and the Coopersknowe and Easter Langlee Residents Association.

It follows last year’s decision by the council to cease dumping at the site next year and to phase in the waste transfer station by 2021 when the Scottish Government imposes a band on all untreated biodegradable waste going to landfill.

Councillors heard it would cost £5.5m to develop the station over that period and, once operational, £5.1m a year to run.

The transfer option became inevitable when plans for a heat-generating waste treatment plant at Easter Langlee were abandoned in February last year, at a write-off cost to the council of £2.4m.

The PAN paperwork reveals that the waste transfer building – measuring 57m x 34m (1,995m2) – will be designed so it can be adapted in the future to deal with all the waste generated in the Borders.

Around 6,800m2 of roads and hardstanding will also be created on the former landfill site to service the operations.

The facility is described in the PAN as a “medium-term solution to deal with central Borders waste until the council completes the review of the current Waste Management Strategy … to meet current and future legislative targets and aspirations”.

Next month’s public event, which will be advertised in The Southern Reporter and on the SBC website at least seven days in advance, will not preclude members of the public making representations once the detailed planning application is submitted later this year.

Ever fancied performing on stage? Singing, acting or dancing your heart out? Or maybe you’d prefer a vital role behind the scenes?

Well, now is your opportunity. Following the outstanding success of this year’s show, The Producers (pictured), KAOS Musical Theatre Company’s 2017 production will be the Tony Award-winning production of Monty Python’s musical Spamalot – book and lyrics by Eric Idle, music by John du Prez and Idle.

The KAOS committee has invited anyone interested to come along and meet current company members on August 22 at 7.30pm in the Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso, where they have the chance to learn about the show and all that’s involved in. Young people who are aged 14 years before March 22, 2017, are also invited to attend.

KAOS is also interested in recruiting a wardrobe manager. It would suit someone who has had experience as a theatrical costumier or fashion production, and who is quite creative and nifty with a sewing machine.

For further details, contact Heather Coupek at kelso.opera@hotmail.co.uk.

Youngsters turned into eco investigators as they got up close and personal with a host of creepy crawlies recently.

The kids were able to hold many exotic beasts during a series of exhilarating Zoolab workshops which took place at Bowhill House and Country Estate.

Zoolab sessions allow kids to see, touch and handle an array of creatures while learning about their ecosystems and habitat.

The mini petting zoos include animals such as an African land snail, Madagascar hissing cockroach, corn snake, cane toad, emperor scorpion, Caribbean hermit crab or a Chilean rose tarantula.

Bowhill welcomed a trained Zoolab ranger to host a unique sensory workshop for kids between the ages of two and seven.

Rory Powell, learning and engagement ranger at Bowhill, said: “We offer an array of ranger activities at Bowhill throughout the year and we were delighted to welcome the UK’s number one animal handling experience company to offer unique workshops for our young visitors during the summer.

“Zoolabs are such an innovative and exciting way to help children learn more about creatures and wildlife – some of which can be spotted around the grounds at Bowhill.

“All the children were very enthusiastic and engaged with all aspects of the workshop, with many of them being brave enough to handle some of the exotic animals.”

For more information on Bowhill this season, visit www.bowhillhouse.co.uk.

The Transport Interchange building in Galashiels has been open for 12 months – and has recorded more than 72,000 bus departures in its first year of operation.

The landmark building was opened to the public in August 2015 and now sees up to 3,000 people per day using the facility to access bus and rail services.

Almost 1,400 bus departures take place every week across all operators, while four commercial tenants currently operate in the building.

And while there is office space remaining, interest has been shown in the prime location.

In addition, 110 events have been hosted in the conference facilities since it opened – from major business events to children’s birthday parties.

The building also won a Scottish Property Award in the Town Centre Regeneration Project of the Year category in March.

Open 21 hours a day to allow access to bus and train services, other facilities in the TI include a café, tourist information, bus and train real-time information and a railway ticket machine.

There are also showers, toilets and bike lockers to promote cycling and walking.

Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, Councillor Gordon Edgar, said: “The aim of the Transport Interchange when it opened one year ago was to provide a gateway to Galashiels and the Borders.

“With the number of people now using the facility to travel on the Borders Railway or on one of the various bus services, it is clear that the award-winning building is fulfilling this role.

“Staff in the TI have welcomed visitors from the across the world, with one employee even lending a bike to a visitor from New Zealand who wanted to cycle around the region.

“In addition, there is growing interest in the office space on offer, with four companies having so far chosen to set up in the building.

“We want to build on this initial success and ensure the Transport Interchange achieves its long term aim of promoting better connections between all means of sustainable transport.”

Andy Drane, partner at Davidson Chalmers which is one of the tenants in the Transport Interchange, added: “Being based in the Interchange has been a game-changer for how we deliver our services in the central Borders.

“Before that, if I wanted to visit a client in the Borders, it took half a day or sometimes a day out of the office.

“Now, our lawyers can get on the train at Waverley station, do some work on the train and come off at the Interchange to meet clients a couple of minutes afterwards. It is a complete transformation.”

The computer system at Borders College was hit by a ransomware virus last week, which meant enrolment of new students had to be completed manually.

Claire Nairn, head of student services, said: “Over the past few days, the college experienced some ICT difficulties as a result of a virus which affected a number of stored files in some of our staff working directories. Working with our anti-virus software provider, the college’s ICT staff have been able to isolate and remove the virus and restore files.

“It is important to note that the virus did not affect the data in the college’s management information systems and no student details or files were compromised.”

Deaf children and their families in the south of Scotland are being invited to a free family day at Bowhill House, near Selkirk.

The event, on Saturday, September 10, from 10am-3pm, will be open to any deaf children up to 16 years old and their immediate family living in Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders, Midlothian and East Lothian.

Heather Gray, director of the National Deaf Children’s Society in Scotland, said: “Families of deaf children in the south of Scotland can experience geographical isolation, with numbers spread across a wide rural area.

“This event is crucial in bringing them together to meet other families of deaf children and to give them a chance to find out about all the support available in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.”

The charity’s new deaf awareness roadshow bus, pictured, will be featured.

Guests will meet other deaf children and families, share a barbeque lunch and find out about local services, technology and support. They can also enjoy fun activities such as pond dipping and face painting, and explore the adventure playground, nature trails and beautiful scenery up for grabs at Bowhill.

The event is free, but places must be booked online at southofscotday.eventbrite.co.uk

A visit to Borders General Hospital by Healthcare Improvement Scotland inspectors revealed elderly patients being treated with compassion, dignity and respect.

It was a very different picture from that outlined in a previous inspection report when the care of older people caused concern among inspectors.

After making a raft of changes, NHS Borders chief executive, Jane Davidson asked Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) to assess the care of older people in Borders General Hospital. Her actions were also prompted by a report which followed an investigation of a complaint about the care of older people in Borders General Hospital, published by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman in December 2015.

Revealing the findings of their latest inspection, HIS said that NHS Borders’ culture is changing to become more focused on learning and ensuring that the care it provides is increasingly person-centred.

Speaking of the report, Claire Sweeney, interim director of quality assurance for Healthcare Improvement said: “During this review we saw clear evidence of changes to the leadership and culture in NHS Borders. We are pleased to see that staff and patient representatives have reported a positive shift in culture that is increasingly focused on the patient.

“This change has been led by the leadership team and board members, and filtered throughout the organisation. These changes will help NHS Borders to continue to improve.

“We have highlighted a number of areas of good practice and some areas for further improvement. We will continue to engage with the NHS board.”

NHS Borders chief executive Jane Davidson, explained: “I took this step because as an organisation we are committed to providing good quality care, and as a direct result of the complaint reported on by the Scottish Public Sector Ombudsman”, explained Jane.

“The observations of the inspectors provide us with an independent, robust view of the quality of care we provide.”

The report identifies eight areas of good practice, commends the person-centred, learning culture, enthusiasm for change and improvement, and identifies 12 areas for improvement.

NHS Borders chairman, John Raine said; “This report is encouraging, constructive and helpfully identifies the areas in which there is scope for improvement.

“The recognition of our ongoing work around leadership and governance as an area of good practice, and the change to an increasingly person centred culture is endorsed by the positive feedback gathered by the inspectors from patients, families and carers.”

Borders police are appealing for information following a road traffic incident near Eddleston on Sunday.

The incident happened on the Meldons Road, at the Eddleston to Linwater Road, at around 1pm on Sunday, August 21.

A male rider fell from a Vespa scooter and was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries.

Sergeant Neil Inglis, of Galashiels Road Policing, said: “We’re appealing for witnesses who might’ve seen the scooter at the time of the incident.

“It’s possible a black car was involved, and we’re trying to establish the full circumstances.”

Those with any information should contact Police Scotland on 101.

The proof of the pudding will be in the eating when it comes to the care of elderly patients in the Borders.

That is the view of Ann Todd whose 91-year-old mother Mary Anderson’s poor treatment triggered a major review and inspection by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) of how older people are cared for at the Borders General Hospital.

The resultant report by the national body, published at the weekend, acknowledges eight areas of good practice, but also make 12 recommendations to NHS Borders on how things can be improved.

In December last year, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) issued a damning report in the case of dementia sufferer Mrs Anderson from Kelso who was admitted to the BGH from her care home with a blood infection on March 9, 2014.

At that time she could walk with a stick and feed herself independently.

But when she was discharged a month later she could neither stand nor eat without assistance and, within two days of being readmitted to the BGH for “end of life care” on June 13, she was dead.

The litany of failures uncovered in the SPSO probe saw NHS Borders chief executive Jane Davidson issue a public apology to Mrs Todd and her family – and ask for the HIS review which involved a four-day inspection in April.

“The observations of the inspectors provide us with an independent robust view of the quality of care we provide and that is why I requested the review,” said Ms Davidson.

“They help us understand where our improvement work should be focused so we can do more and better for our patients.”

While recognising the good practice which exists and an action plan to deliver the required improvements, the HIS wishlist is underpinned by the need for lessons learned from past complaints and investigations to be shared across the organisation.

“NHS Borders must ensure current legislation protecting the rights of patients who lack capacity is fully and appropriately implemented,” states the report. “It must ensure capacity assessments are carried out for all patients where cognitive impairment or dementia has been identified.

“Mealtimes must be managed in a co-ordinated way with maximum staff input and encouragement and assistance with eating and drinking provided. Patients must have person-centred care plans for all their identified care needs.”

Commenting this week, Mrs Todd said: “I commend Ms Davidson for requesting this review and I welcome the results which give a bench mark so that areas of improvement can be targeted, although we all know that change takes time and the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

“The most important change since December is the change in culture resulting from corporate objectives which always put patient safety first, but also reflect the values of dignity, respect, care and compassion.

“This must now become embedded in the ethos at the BGH at all levels to ensure what happened to my mother can never happen again.”

There are only a few days left for budding photographers to give themselves a chance of winning the 2016 Alastair Watson Memorial Award and a £50 cash prize.

The trophy, for a photograph by a primary school pupil, was launched in Alastair’s memory by colleagues of the Borders photographer, who died in 2013.

Alastair, who was 60 and lived in Coldstream, worked for the Tweeddale Press Group - publishers of the Berwickshire News, Southern Reporter, Selkirk Weekend Advertiser and Hawick News - for almost four decades. Entries (one photograph per entrant), including caption, should be of a 2016 common riding or festival activity and emailed, in Jpeg format, to watsonaward@jpress.co.uk no later than September 1. The entrant’s name, full address, contact telephone number and date of birth must also be submitted.

A Hawick man has claimed going to prison is like a holiday and jailing him is no punishment.

Twenty-three-year-old Craig Robson made the outburst in the dock at Jedburgh Sheriff Court after receiving an eight-month prison term.

Robson started remonstrating about the sentence as he was led away by a security officer.

But Sheriff Peter Paterson called him back and warned him that his behaviour could lead to an increased sentence.

Robson, of Hillend Drive, then shouted: “Go on then. It is like a holiday. It is no punishment.”

Sheriff Paterson then told security staff: “Take him away.”

Robson had admitted breaching his community payback order by not carrying out unpaid work.

It had been imposed for a series of offences, including spitting at his pregnant partner and threatening to break her jaw in April, attempting to steal a car in Havelock Street in Hawick on December 21, making threats to police that he would petrol bomb an officer’s car and making abusive sexual comments to a female police officer.

Hannah Short, defending, said Robson had a long-standing drug problem. He was currently serving a five-month prison sentence with a release date of October 21, and urged the sheriff not to affect that as he had a one-year-old child at home.

But Sheriff Paterson imposed three jail sentences for the offences, which totalled eight months.

NIGHTCLUB ASSAULT CHARGE

A Galashiels woman accused of assaulting another female in a nightclub will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Tamara Turnbull, 21, of High Buckholmside, pleaded not guilty to pushing Amber Blair on the body, causing her to fall to the ground, and then repeatedly punching her on the head.

The alleged assault is said to have taken place in The Warehouse, Overhaugh Street, Galashiels, on December 13.

A trial date has been set for November 8.

BB VOLUNTEER CAN CARRY ON

A 51-year-old Boys’ Brigade helper who admitted being involved in a domestic incident will be able to continue his voluntary work after being given an absolute discharge.

It means Brian Boardman will not have a criminal record and is able to meet disclosure requirements.

He pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at a house in Ferniehurst Drive, Hawick, on May 30. Boardman shouted and swore, made abusive comments, struggled with others and threw items around, resulting in his wife and father-in-law being injured.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: “He does have certain problems with learning difficulties. The plan was to move to Greenlaw and they were packing bags and boxes.

“It appears that the accused did not want to move to Greenlaw and he became belligerent. He started to throw bags of household items about the place and he struggled with his 72-year-old father-in-law and his wife.

“He was swearing all the time and when he left the house was abusive to a lady in the street as well.”

Natalie Patterson, defending, told the hearing her client was getting his own tenancy in Kelso and had separated from his wife.

She said he was a volunteer helper with the Boys’ Brigade in Hawick, but was told by the captain he would not be able to continue if he got a criminal record.

ROWING NEIGHBOUR

Police were called to the home of Jane Bolton three times on the same night as she rowed with her partner.

The 38-year-old admitted a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour by shouting, screaming and arguing with John Charles at a house in Acredale Road, Eyemouth, on March 9.

The court heard that fed-up neighbours phoned the police three times between 8pm and 11pm as the noise had woken their children. Bolton has since been evicted from the Acredale Road property.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said Bolton, now of Hinkar Way, Eyemouth, had a background of mental health and addiction issues.

She was fined £175 and ordered to pay £50 each to her two neighbours.

DRIVE BAN FOR BUSINESSMAN

A self-employed businessman who was almost four times the legal alcohol limit has been banned from the road for 12 months.

Gordon Fox, 41, of Lempitlaw Farm Cottages, near Kelso, pleaded guilty to driving with a breath/alcohol count of 80 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22 – on the B6396 on March 20.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, said the vehicle had been involved in a collision shortly before 4pm and it was found abandoned, partially-blocking the roadway.

When police visited his home Fox confirmed he had been driving. He was initially charged with having a breath/alcohol count of 102 microgrammes – almost five times the limit – but said he had been drinking after he got home and police noticed a glass of wine on the coffee table.

Mr Fraser said: “He took a chance in driving while doing an errand in Kelso. He said he should not have driven and got a lift back after the accident from a neighbour.”

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said his client had been drinking till around 5am the previous morning. Fox had tried to report the accident, but Kelso police station was being renovated at the time.

In addition to the year’s disqualification, he was fined £200.

DISQUALIFIED FOR THREE YEARS

A motorist has been banned from the road for three years.

Russell Fowler, 47, from Coalburn, Lanarkshire, pleaded guilty to drink-driving in Eyemouth and various other roads in Berwickshire earlier this month. He admitted driving with a breath/alcohol count of 58 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22. Fowler also pleaded guilty to failing to appear in court.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: “The vehicle was involved in a collision in Eyemouth town centre at around 11.30pm. The number plate had been left behind and the police went looking for the Rover car.

“Around about a quarter past midnight the police spotted the car in a lay-by with extensive front end damage. The accused was sleeping in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition.

“At first he said he had not had a drink for three or four hours. But after giving a positive reading he said he had been drinking when the car had come to a stop.

“But he now accepts he had been drinking and driving.”

Defending, Ross Dow said his client had fallen out with his partner and the relationship had been under strain at the time of the offence.

Fowler had a previous conviction, which led to the three-year ban. In addition, he was fined £340.

Social media message threat

A Galashiels man who sent abusive and threatening messages on social media to his former partner and her friends has been remanded in custody.

Jamie West, 31, pleaded guilty to nine counts of sending the messages in June and July from his Beech Avenue home on Face, Instagram and Plenty Of Fish as he was upset at the breakdown of his three-and-a-half year relationship. West also admitted throwing paint over a car parked in Tweed Terrace, Galashiels, on July 14.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the messages contained threats against his ex-partner and her friends which were very concerning. Ross Dow, defending, admitted they were at the “upper end of the scale”, but his client accepted the relationship was now over.

Sheriff Peter Paterson refused a motion for bail and West was remanded in custody until September 5 to allow background reports to be prepared.

HARE-COURSING MAN FINED

A third member of a hare-coursing gang has been banned from keeping animals for two years.

Anthony Bassford, 31, from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, admitted hunting a brown hare and a mountain hare with three dogs, along with two others, at Killpallethill, Mayshiel Estate, near Longformacus, Berwickshire, on April 6.

At Jedburgh Sheriff Court, Bassford produced evidence that the two dogs he owns – a lurcher and a spaniel – were now micro-chipped.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said the ban would apply to all animals, apart from the two dogs he already has. Bassford was also fined £400.

At previous hearings, Jason Ellis, 27, from Stoke-on Trent, was fined £300 and John Wilson, 23, of Bedlington, Northumberland, was given a six-month community pay back order involving 70 hours unpaid work for their part in the crime.

DOCTOR IN

THE DOCK

A research doctor appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court and admitted failing to give two samples of breath after being suspected of drink-driving.

Claire Leiper, 38, of Woodville Terrace, Edinburgh, committed the offence at Kelso police station on Saturday. A not-guilty plea to failing to give a sample of breath when requested to do by police on an unclassified road south of Heiton, near Kelso, on the same day was accepted by the Crown. She had a drink-driving conviction in 2012.

Sentence was deferred until September 20 for the production of background reports and an interim driving ban was imposed.

REMANDED IN CUSTODY

A 43-year-old man was remanded in custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court after being accused of causing fear or alarm to his former partner.

Ian Ramsay is charged with sending messages to her at a house in Fisher Avenue, Hawick, repeatedly attempting to reconcile with her and threatening to expose her on social media between Thursday, August 11, and Sunday, August 14.

Ramsay, of Lady Rig View, Heiton, pleaded not guilty to the charge and a trial date was set for September 22 .

CANNABIS FOUND IN RAID

Police recovered 19 grammes of cannabis, worth around £30, during a raid on a Galashiels flat.

Wojtek Imbiorkiewitz, 26, was initially charged with being concerned in the supply of the drug at his Croft Street home on March 6. But he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of possession of cannabis. Defence lawyer Greg McDonnel insisted the drug was for his personal use. He was fined £125.

POLICE OFFICER HOSPITALISED

Two teenagers who admitted assaulting police officers during a disturbance in Galashiels will be sentenced next month.

David Scougall, 18, of Gala Park Court, Galashiels, pleaded guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to a total of five offences – committed at his home on July 5 – including kicking two officers.

A 16-year-old female – who cannot be named for legal reasons – admitted charges of struggling violently with two police officers and assaulting a female constable which resulted in the officer being hospitalised. Sentence was deferred until September 12 for reports, including a restriction-of-liberty assessment, to be prepared.

Nearly six times the limit

A Galashiels woman has admitted driving while almost six times the legal alcohol limit.

Martha Eckel, 38, of Tulley Court, pleaded guilty to driving on the Melrose bypass, A68 and in Coldingham on July 28 with a breath/alcohol count of 124 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22.

She was given a 16-month disqualification, reduced from 24 months due to the guilty plea, and placed on supervision for two years. But a Crown motion for forfeiture of the car was rejected.

JAILED FOR DRUG POSSESSION

A Hawick man found in possession of a class A drug has been given a four-month custodial sentence.

Terry Bradshaw, 37, of North Bridge Street, pleaded guilty to having £20 worth of heroin in Hawick’s Dovecote Street on January 3.

Defending, Mat Patrick told Jedburgh Sheriff Court: “He has a very long-standing issue with that particular drug dating back to when he was 15.”

The court heard he was already in custody in connection with another matter.

CONFRONTATION OVER COMPUTER

A bust-up over the use of a tablet computer resulted in a 47-year-old man threatening a teenage girl and struggling violently with his wife, Selkirk Sheriff Court has been told.

David Greenhill pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at a house in Galashiels on May 1.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Greenhill and his wife had issues over alcohol abuse. He explained that the accused asked the girl if he could use the tablet, but she said she needed it as she was studying for exams.

Mr Fraser said Greenhill took it from her bag, but she demanded it back before a struggle developed between the pair, during which the teenager sustained bruising to her arms and legs. At one point the girl fell on the bed and Greenhill threatened to kill her, as well as shouting and swearing.

Greenhill’s wife tried to split them up, but ended up struggling violently with him.

The prosecutor said: “He was clearly intoxicated at this time and was found by the police lying in the bedroom.”

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said it had been a difficult time for his client since the offence as he had been living in Chirnside due to bail conditions. He said the former Rolls Royce engineer was bipolar and suffered a number of difficulties.

Sheriff Peter Paterson called for background reports and deferred sentence until September 12.

KELSO WOMAN FACES TRIAL

A 41-year-old woman will stand trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court accused of being involved in a disturbance at a house in Hawick.

Andrea Lyons, of The Linn, Kelso, denies behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at the property in Cheviot Road on July 25. She is charged with repeatedly shouting, throwing a cup of hot liquid over fixtures and fittings, refusing to leave the premises when asked to do so, uttering offensive remarks, brandishing a pair of scissors and causing damage to a settee.

A trial date was set for November 1, with an intermediate hearing on October 3.

She was released on bail with special conditions not to enter Cheviot Road or contact two named people.

ARREST

REQUEST

A Kelso man turned up at his local police station and told officers he wanted to be arrested.

Mark Sharrard, 20, eventually got his wish after getting involved in a confrontation with officers, including seizing a female by the fingers and threatening to break them.

He pleaded guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to committing three offences at Kelso police station on May 28.

Sharrard, of Coalmarket, admitted shouting and swearing, and punching a window at the police station, attempting to butt an officer on the head and kicking him on the body, and assaulting a female police officer.

Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed a community payback order, with 18 months supervision. He also ordered Sharrard to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

NEWCASTLETON ACCUSED

A Newcastleton man will go to trial on an alleged neighbour bust-up.

John Campbell, 53, of Whisgills, pleaded not guilty to conducting himself in a disorderly manner, shouting and swearing, using abusive language, cutting down hedging without the owner’s consent and brandishing a strimmer. He denies committing a breach of the peace at a house in the Whisgills area on July 18.

A trial date was fixed for November 1, with an intermediate hearing on October 3.

Campbell was bailed on condition he stays away from the house in Whisgills and not to contact two named people.

DRIVING BAN FOR TEENAGER

A Lauder teenager who fell out with his girlfriend ended up driving a car while more than three times the legal alcohol limit.

Eighteen-year-old Cuillin Melrose, of Maitland Road, pleaded guilty to driving on the A68 on April 10 with a breath/alcohol count of 79 microgrammes - the legal limit being 22. He also didn’t have any insurance or an appropriate licence.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the administration assistant apprentice had been out earlier at Melrose Sevens when there had been a falling out with his girlfriend. He drove off in the family car, unsupervised and uninsured, as well as being over the drink-drive limit.

The teenager’s solicitor, Greg McDonnel, said his client reacted to a text conversation he was having with his girlfriend and “very stupidly” drove the car.

Melrose was fined £300 and disqualified from driving for 15 months.

KNIFEMAN IS LOCKED UP

A 23-year-old man who ran amok in Innerleithen with a knife was been remanded in custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court ahead of sentencing.

Dean O’Donnell admitted chasing members of the public with a knife and uttering threats of violence in Waverley Road, Innerleithen, on October 1 last year. He also admitted repeatedly lunging at two men with the knife and attempting to strike them, as well as assaulting a woman by pushing her to the ground to her injury. O’Donnell, of McNeil Terrace, Loanhead, also admitted possessing a knife.

Not guilty pleas to four other charges were accepted by the Crown.

Sentence was deferred until August 30 for background reports.

BONCHESTER

Quiz

On Saturday, August 27, there will be a quiz at the Horse and Hound at 7.30pm in aid of the over-60s club.

Parish church

The church was packed on Sunday for the baptism of Alfie William Warburton, son of Robert and Laura, of Clovenfords. The service was conducted by the Rev Elspeth Harley. Bible readings were delivered by Bill Birch and Adam Young. Hamish Tennant led a prayer for the child and family, and music was played by Andy Bird and Anne Grieve. Bible study resumed this week in Trinity Church office. Copies of the harvest newsletter are in the process of being distributed.

DENHOLM

Whist drive

A whist drive will be held in Denholm Village Hall on Monday, August 29, at 7.30pm. The event is in aid of Ruberslaw Church.

EARLSTON

Parish church

The wedding dress exhibition in the church on Saturday (August 27) will be open from 10am to 4pm, and the following day from noon-4pm. The service on Sunday (August 28) will be a Songs Of Praise at 10.15am and conducted by the Rev Julie Rennick. The kirk session meets in the church hall at 7.30pm on Monday (August 29). The church will have a stall at the Community Day on Sunday, September 4.

Women’s group

The opening meeting of the season is on Thursday, September 1, at 8pm in the church hall when The Bank House, Lauder, and Calico Interior Design will have a stall of various gifts for sale.

Wednesday club

Chairperson Kay Brownlie welcomed members to the first meeting of the new session. After the AGM, Kay presented Wilma Moffat with the quaich for most points in competitions 2015/2016. She then handed Agnes Penman a life membership award. Competition – perfume bottle – 1, Mrs C. Seaton; 2, Mrs L. Green; 3, Mrs A. Thompson. The next meeting is on August 31. Competition – a tea towel from abroad.

Thursday lunch club

Last Thursday members enjoyed a game of dominoes. After lunch, Sue Wilson played the piano – and it wasn’t long before feet were tapping and people singing.

ETTRICK

Fun cycle

To celebrate 30 years of the Macmillan Ettrick Valley Committee, there will be a family fun cycle and afternoon tea at the Boston Hall on Sunday, August 28, from 2-4pm. The cycle is about eight miles. For any other information, contact Marjory Tennant on 01750 62327.

ETTRICKBRIDGE

Coffee morning

The next coffee morning and sale in aid of village hall funds will take place on Saturday, September 3, from 10am-noon. Anyone with anything to sell should simply turn up, take a table and give a small donation. Around 11am, a presentation on behalf of the community will be made to Jean Beattie, local postperson for many years who retired recently.

GALASHIELS

Trinity Church

Sunday’s service was conducted by the Reverend Elspeth Harley. Music was led by Dorothy Howden and Gail Marshall read the Bible lessons. Advance notice was given of the gift day coffee morning on Saturday, September 3, with the gift day service and Holy Communion celebrated on Sunday, September 4.

St Peter’s Church

Last Sunday, Duncan McCosh returned to preach and lead the service. Today (Thursday) – 10am, holy communion; 11am, study group, followed by soup lunch. Sunday, August 28 – 9.30am, Sunday Squad, followed by juice and toast; 10.30am, sung eucharist and golden wedding renewal of vows, followed by coffee and chat. Thursday, September 1 – 10am, holy communion; 11am, study group. Messy Church and the Sunday Squad won the 2016 Gala Day fancy dress.

HAWICK

Rotary

At last week’s meeting, president Jim Walker welcomed members and past president Gus Neilson introduced the speaker, Lisa Bydon, volunteer co-ordinator of the Wilton Park project. In an illustrated talk, she described her role in the ongoing development. It has been funded over five years by a £3.5million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The bandstand has been refurbished and the new cafe, bridge and children’s play area will be in place in the near future. She explained the walled garden improvements and, with the help of the volunteers, the vegetable sections are in place, and produce is being harvested from it. The volunteers have contributed 3,073 hours at an estimated saving of £62,275. Lisa works in liaison with the events manager and various programmes have been held during the summer. After an excellent presentation which encoureaged many question, Gus Neilson gave the club’s vote of thanks.

INNERLEITHEN

Service

The service on Sunday, August 28, will be at 11.30am in Innerleithen Church.

Civic association

The next committee meeting of Innerleithen Civic Association will be held in the family room at St Ronan’s School at 7pm on Tuesday, August 30.

Games committee

The next two meetings of St Ronan’s Border Games committee will take place on Wednesday, August 31, and Wednesday, September 14. Both will be in the Burgh Chambers, Memorial Hall, Leithen Road at 7pm.

Flower show

Innerleithen Horticultural Society Open Show will take place on Sunday, September 4, in the Memorial Hall from 2pm. Entry is by silver collection. The hall will be open on Saturday, September 3, from 6.30-8.00pm and on show day (7-10am) for entries. The society is highlighting the new exhibitors’ section. Music will be provided during the afternoon by St Ronan’s Silver Band.

Community council

The next meeting of Innerleithen and District Community Council will take place on Monday, September 5, at 7.15pm in the council chamber, Memorial Hall,Leithen Road .

Jumble collection

St Ronan’s School is having a collection of unwanted clothing, shoes, soft toys and bedding. Items can be handed into the school in bin bags. This is then transferred into cash for the parent-teacher association which pays for many of the “extras” that enhance the experience of pupils at St Ronan’s. Jumble can be handed into the school anytime on or before next Wednesday, September 7.

Family 5k run

St Ronan’s Border Games annual family 5k fun run will take place on Saturday, September 17, on the Tweed Valley Railway Path, commencing 2pm. There willbe cash prizes for winners and medals for all participants. This will be a sponsored event with all funds raised going towards the organisation of Games Week 2017. Sponsor forms are available from the Thrift Shop or St Ronan’s School – ring 01896 490510 for more information.

Guys and Dolls

Innerleithen and District Amateur Operatic Society will present “Guys and Dolls” from March 27-April 1 next year. The first rehearsal is on Wednesday, September 21, in the Free Library Hall, Buccleuch Street, at 7.30pm. New and returning members are invited to attend. The first rehearsal will be an informal sing through the show, followed by a social evening. Ring 01896 830577 or email secretary@idaos.org.uk for more information.

Concert

St Ronan’s Band will present a concert featuring the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland in the Memorial Hall on Saturday, September 24, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 (£7 concession) and are on sale from KJBelleville@aol.com, Thrift Shop, Adam’s Bakery or Robb’s KeyStore (Peebles).

JEDBURGH

Rotary

Volunteers from the club, together with other local Rotarians, assisted at the Border Union Show to offer safety wristbands to younger children. The wristbands had parental mobile phone numbers written on them by accompanying parents and the children advised to seek help from an official or helper in the event of any of them becoming lost. The planters provided by the club in Jedburgh High Street have helped to make Jedburgh even more attractive and many of the hanging baskets have been sponsored by individual members. The pop-up shop run by the “Rotary Ladies” in Canongate continues to do well, all sales helping the charity funds for distribution to local causes. The club also organised its annual trip for senior citizens to Eyemouth on August 6. On Thursday, August 4, the governor of south of Scotland district 1020, Olive Geddes, visited the club with her husband, Ian. She was able to sit in on committee planning discussions and update the club on current developments within the Rotary movement. Olive was welcomed by President Tony Rae. On August 16, a number of members from the club travelled to Edinburgh for an evening at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Bazaar

Old and Trinity Parish Church’s annual bazaar is in the town hall on Monday, August 29, with all the usual stalls, but in the form of an afternoon tea event, beginning at 1pm through to 4pm.

Bridge club

August 15 – N/S – 1, M. Weightman and H. Long; 2, V. Johnstone and M, Miller; 3, D. and P. Palmer; E/W – 1, R. Oates and S. West; 2, J. Bridger and G. Eglinton; 3, S. Mclachan and J. Portch.

KELSO

Exhibition

Sunday, August 28, sees Kelso Horticultural Society’s annual summer exhibition – including f lowers, pot plants, vegetables, fruit, floral art, photography, industrial and junior sections – in the Tait Hall. Doors open at 1pm, with the presentation of prizes at 4pm.

Market

Kelso farmers’ market will be held on Saturday, August 27, in The Square from 9.30am-1.30pm.

Bridge club

August 17 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Joyce Thomson & Helenor Pratt; 2, Dominic & Diana Alkin; 3, Jean McLaren & Alison Ireland; E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell & Bob Stevenson; 2, Lynda Douglas & Lesley Dick; 3, Gerry Eglington & Jon Bridger. August 18 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, John Urquhart & Miles Browne; 2, Bob Stevenson & Lee Leeson; 3, Jean & Quentin McLaren; E/W – 1, Eilean Hogarth & Myra Thomson; 2, Shirley Armstrong & Moira Ayton; 3, Brian Saywood & Sheila Urquhart.

LANGHOLM

Armstrongs

Members of clan Armstrong recently met up in the town. They travelled from such places as United States, South Africa and Australia to join the gathering in the Eskdale Hotel. MSP Oliver Mundell attended the event and met up with clan chairman Fiona Armstrong and president Micheil Armstrong. Mr Mundell spoke about the vvisitors from abroad and said he was keen to promote clan tourism for Eskdale, and highlight what the area has to offer for visitors, not only in this country, but across the globe.

Playcare

The local Playcare Ltd is inviting members of the public to attend an open evening and the AGM on Tuesday, August 30. The meeting will take place in the community centre, starting at 6.30pm and gives parents the opportunity to meet the team and see the play room. There will be a demonstration and discussion in regard to the benefit of iConnect and ParentZone, and how parents can use it to their full potential.

Information

The information hub which opened just a few weeks ago is proving to be a great success, with many visitors using it. Although the hub has only moved a short distance from the old venue, it catches the eye when entering the Market Place from the south, and one can read the distinctive sign on the front saying “Welcome to Langholm”. There are numerous displays inside commemorating the town’s history.

LAUDER

Church

Worship this weekend will be celebrated on Sunday, August 28, at Channelkirk (10am), Lauder (11.30am) and South Gardens (2.30pm). Services will be led by the Reverend Rae Clark. The following Sunday, September 4, a Summer Evening Songs of Praise will be held at Channelkirk Church commencing at 6.30pm.

Quiz

An over-60s quiz will be held in Lauderdale Hotel on September 9, 7 for 7.30pm start – £12 entry for teams of four can be pre-booked in Millers Fruit Shop or on the night.

LINDEAN

SWI

The first meeting of the new session is on September 1 when there will be a speaker from the Stable Life charity. Competitions – four rock buns and a horse shoe (any craft).

MELROSE

Ex-Gladiator

Warren Furman, better known as Ace, one of the stars of the 1990s TV show Gladiators, will be appearing at the Corn Exchange on September 5, at 7.30pm. Warren, who became a Christian after leaving the show, will be interviewed by Roger Simpson, the Archbishop of York’s evangelist for the Northern Province. The event is being organised by The Filling Station.

Blood donors

At a blood-donor session held in the town on Tuesday, August 16, a total of 100 volunteers offered to give blood and 80 donations were given. Two new donors attended the session.

Flower show

Melrose Flower Show will take place in Melrose Parish Church hall, Weirhill, on Saturday, September 5, with classes for flowers, fruit and vegetables, floral art, baking and craftwork. There will also be a children’s section. Schedules are available in Melrose library and local shops. Enquiries to Alison (07766 811703), Carolyn (01835 823994) or email bowercarolyn@yahoo.co.uk.

Bookshop

The annual Melrose and District Community Council Bookshop event will be held in the Ormiston Institute on Friday and Saturday (September 2/3) from 10am till 4pm each day in aid of local projects.

Parish church

The church fete at Bowden raised £1,322; Sunday, August 28 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (family, 10am; morning worship, 11am); church magazine available for distribution; Saturday, September 24 – golf day (823339).

Trimontium

It is hoped to try out the return journey of the walk to Melrose now that repairs have been made to the route down the Eddy Road and along the river bank. A group of Japanese visitors were expected this week and next week, a north of England walking club. An American went round the display the other day before confessing that he was an archaeologist. Trust chairman John Reid has gone to Burnswark, near Ecclefechan, for the second part of his excavation of this hill, which has a Roman camp on the north and south sides. The BBC has issued cameras to various excavations (including Burnswark) for a daily diary to be kept and the results to be shown in a series of BBC4 programmes in November. This weekend sees the season’s final Newstead Milestone Sunday short site walk(2pm).

MOREBATTLE

Coffee morning

A coffee morning in aid of diabetics held last Saturday raised about £800. Competition winners – teddy bear, Eileen Todd; grocery box, Linda Henderson; fruit basket, Matilda Hall; bottle of whisky, Kenny Oliver.

Disco and raffle

A disco and raffle will be held in the Templehall on Saturday, August 27, at 8pm in aid of Breast Cancer/BGH Macmillan Centre. Raffle tickets will be on sale in the village shop and butchers. Raffle prizes gratefully received.

Fete

A Cheviot Churches fete will be held at Mainhouse on Sunday, September 4, from 11am to 4pm – worship at 11am, with barbecue and teas to follow, cake and bottle stalls, bric-a-brac etc. There will be a retirement presentation to the Reverend Robin McHaffie at 3pm.

NEWTOWN

SWI

At the last meeting before the summer break, members welcomed Joyce Luby who demonstrated fabric card making. Competition – miniature clock – 1, Lorna Dickson; 2, Margaret Luke; 3, Joan McCulloch. On August 10, four members enjoyed a quiz night hosted by Bowden SWI. The next meeting of Newtown SWI will be on Thursday, September 1, in the Community Wing at 7pm. New members welcome. The guest that evening will be John Henderson from Born in the Borders.

OXNAM

Library cafe

The next library cafe is on Wednesday, August 31, from 11am-noon in the hall.

PEEBLES

All write for open mic

Fans of the written word can enjoy a special free event in Peebles this weekend. Borders Writers’ Forum (BWF) is holding an open mic on Saturday (August 27) when writers – from age eight to adult – are being given the chance to showcase their work. They will be able to read a five-minute excerpt from published or unpublished material. The session runs from 1.30-4.30pm in the Museum Room at Chambers Institution and takes place during Peebles Arts Festival. Members of the public are welcome to attend the event, which will also offer book sales and have food and drink available. Writers wishing to book a slot should call 01896 850706 or 07923 129928, or email hayleyemberey@gmail.com. The open mic event is a prelude to the new BWF season of monthly talks and workshops. These will be held at the group’s new base, St Boswells Village Hall. The first session – on Thursday, September 15 (7.30pm) – features award-winning author Jonathan Falla who teaches arts for the Open University and is director of the Creative Writing Summer School at St Andrews University.

SELKIRK

Wellbeing fun day

The cricket club will – on Sunday, September 4 – host a wellbeing family fun day. As well as a variety of stalls, other attractions include an adults v children cricket match, raffle, face-painting and barbecue. There will also be information about a new wellbeing centre and bistro opening in Melrose, and treatments and alternate therapies available. The September 4 event is also a fundraiser for the centre and cricket club. It is also hoped to get a day club going for the elderly, with pool, cards and dominoes.

Riverside ramble

The Selkirk local committee of Cancer Research UK has organised ‘A Riverside Ramble’ which will take place on Sunday, October 2. It will see participants walking from Melrose to Selkirk rugby clubs along the rivers Tweed and Ettrick, a distance of approximately eight miles on a flat route. More information is available by contacting crukselkirk@gmail.com. The committee’s annual 20-mile sponsored walk via Yarrow, Traquair and Selkirk took place in April. This event, which started in 1989, has raised well over £140,000 for the charity to date. This year, a total of £7,099 was realised by the 80 walkers who took to the hills for this cause.

ST BOSWELLS

Writers’ forum

Borders Writers’ Forum’s new season of monthly talks and workshops will be held at the group’s new base, St Boswells Village Hall. The first session – to be held on Thursday, September 15 (7.30pm) – features award-winning author Jonathan Falla who teaches arts for the Open University and is director of the Creative Writing Summer School at St Andrews University.

TRAQUAIR

Presentation

Chris Bowles, Scottish Borders Council archaeologist, will give a presentation at 7pm today (Thursday) in Traquair Kirk on the history and archaeology of the Tweed Valley. All welcome. The event is being held as part of the celebrations of 900 years of recorded worship at Traquair. For more details, call 01896 833994.

Service

There will be a service at 10am in Traquair Kirk on Sunday, August 28.

WALKERBURN

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall is on Sunday, September 18, at 10am.

YETHOLM

Comedy night

Bowmont Theatre presents ‘An Evening of Comedy’ on Friday (August 26) and Saturday (August 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.

Show catalogues

Shepherds’ show catalogues are available from the village shop and online. The closing date for entries is Friday, September 16. The show committee will meet today (Thursday) at 7.30pm in the Youth Hall.

Council

Community councillors will next meet at 7pm in the Youth Hall on Tuesday, August 30.

Quiz

A quiz night in aid of the pavilion will take place in the Border Hotel at 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 31.

The Outside Track

The Outside Track will perform live in the Wauchope Hall on Friday, September 9, at 7.30pm. Tickets for the event are on sale at the village shop, or by contacting Susan Stewart on 420231. The Outside Track’s marriage of Celtic music, song and dance has been rapturously received around the world. Hailing from Scotland, Ireland and Cape Breton, the musicians blend fiddle, accordion, harp, guitar, whistle, step-dance and vocals.

Garden fete

Cheviot Churches will hold a garden fete at Mainhouse, Morebattle, on Sunday, September 4 – church service at 11am, followed by barbecue, games and stalls. There will be presentation to the Reverend Robin McHaffie at 3pm on his retirement.

A 28-year-old man has appeared in private at Jedburgh Sheriff Court accused of motoring offences.

Stuart McCutcheon from Galashiels is charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and with no insurance.

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

Sheriff Peter Paterson refused a motion for bail and remanded McCutcheon in custody.

A Hawick man has admitted a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

Christopher Rodger, 20, of Burns Road, pleaded guilty to shouting, acting in an aggressive manner, punching the pavement in Chay Blyth Place, Hawick, and threatening to self-harm.

The offence happened between May 6 and 7.

He was given a community pay back order involving 15 months’ supervision.