Borderers are being urged to share their family’s First World War experiences as part of a two-year project being run by Live Borders’ museums, archives and library services team.

Subsidised by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Armed Forces community covenant, the project, called Saving and Sharing Scottish Borders Stories of the Great War, aims to document the region’s social and family heritage of this momentous period in history by recording material in various formats so that it can be made widely available and preserved for future generations.

This Saturday, a free event will take place between 10am and 2.30pm, at Selkirk Parish Church Hall.

People are invited to take along their families’ First World War letters, diaries, photographs and more to share their predecessors’ stories.

Members of the public can also contact the Heritage Hub, in Kirkstile, Hawick, on 01450 360699 or email archives@liveborders1.org.uk to take part in the project.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Live Borders, said: “This is an opportunity for us all to recognise the contribution to the war effort made by individuals and families across the Borders.”

As part of the Selkirk event, John Nichol and Hilary Bell will perform extracts from War and Glaur at 11.30am, and at 1.30pm Alan Cumming presents a talk on Scottish women’s hospitals during the period.

The Selkirk and Ettrick Forest branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland will be providing refreshments, with all proceeds going to the Poppy Scotland appeal.

They will also be asking for help to reunite war items from their collection with family members.

For many, both at home and on the front line, poetry provided a means of expressing the extreme experiences of war.

The project will also be exhibiting a selection of Borders First World War poetry in libraries in early 2017 and is looking to complement it with three contemporary pieces.

For the past two months, members of the public have been submitting poems inspired by the Borders’ experience of the 1914-18 war and, with a closing date of Thursday, December 1, there is still time to send entries in.

Project officer Morag Cockburn said: “Throughout the project, we have been struck by the prevalence of poetry in a range of sources, from newspapers and publications to private letters home from the front.

“Poetry, in a range of styles, seems to have been a tool to help Borderers make sense of the conflict. 100 years on, this competition will encourage people to reflect on the impact of the war on the Borders.”

Entry forms can be collected from libraries or downloaded from www.liveborders.org.uk/libraries_and_ archives

A 66-year-old man was punched in the face and had his car vandalised during a road-rage row in the Borders this week.

The attack took place at about 6pm on Wednesday, November 9, on the southbound carriageway of the A7 between Stow and Galashiels, close to its junction for the B710 heading for Clovenfords.

The 66-year-old, driving a silver Hyundai iLoad pick-up truck pulled over to the side of the road there after another male driver, in a white and green van, signalled for him to do so.

The pair then became involved in a verbal dispute culminating in the other man punching the 66-year-old in the face and smashing one of his pick-up’s wing mirrors before driving off.

The victim is said to have sustained minor facial injuries but did not require medical attention.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Constable Sarah Younger, of Galashiels police station, said: “This dispute and subsequent assault seems to have been over a relatively minor issue, but it resulted in the victim being assaulted and his vehicle being damaged.

“I would ask that anyone who was on the A7 on Wednesday evening and witnessed this exchange, or who has information that can help us identify the suspect, contacts police immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A full ban on the culling of mountain hares could lead to serious damage to habitats and the species, a national organisation has warned.

Figures obtained under freedom of information laws by the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) from Scottish National Heritage (SNH) show that growing numbers of mountain hares are being culled outside of the agreed seasons to prevent them causing serious damage to new trees.

Although mountain hares have conservation status and are protected by law at vulnerable times of the year, culls out of season can be sanctioned by SNH when it is deemed necessary to protect against disease and damage.

The SGA has found that since 2012 all licences for year-round culls in Scotland have been to prevent hares causing serious damage to young trees..

On top of those culled during open season, applications for a further 575 hares to be culled in the close season were approved in 2014 with an additional 700 in 2015. Up to the end of March 2016, SNH had granted licences for 638 hares to be controlled outside of the legal season on five sites to protect new saplings.

Animal rights campaigners, however, are calling for a complete ban on the killing of mountain hares and are set to protest outside Holyrood next week. They blame grouse estates for heavy culls to prevent disease and to minimise the spread of tick. The SGA has pointed out that of the 26 applications made to SNH for out of season licences up to March 2016, only two were related to aspects of grouse moor management and both licences were refused.

SGA committee member Ronnie Kippen, a gamekeeper for 45 years, said: “In the 80s there were two consecutive years where we couldn’t control the hare numbers because of heavy snow. In the spring of year three, they died in their thousands from intestinal parasites and it took five or six years for their numbers to come back again.

“If you don’t manage the population, you are looking at serious damage to habitats and dead hares lying everywhere rather than going back into the food chain.”

Robbie Kernahan, SNH’s head of national operations, said: “We’re asking estates for restraint on large-scale culls of mountain hares which could jeopardise the conservation status of mountain hares. We can’t know what every shooting estate is doing in this respect, but we’re working with the key interest groups to encourage good practice.”

Broken Records, Ballboy, and Meursault are among the bands contributing original seasonal music to a Christmas songbook in support of homeless charity Shelter Scotland.

‘Home for the Holidays: A Christmas Songbook’ will be launched at a mini festival at Edinburgh’s Summerhall on December 16 and 17 with live music across two stages. Withered Hand, Broken Records, Ballboy, Meursault and Spook School are among those on the bill with acoustic sets from artists including Savage Mansion, the Little Kicks and Book Group.

Supported by live music night Nothing Ever Happens Here, the charity has persuaded top acts to donate their talents to the songbook which will comprise lyrics and chords to a set of original songs, which comes with access to an exclusive download of all the tracks.

The collection is also the first time that Frightened Rabbit’s track ‘Cheap Gold’ will be available for fans to buy.

Keith Bartholomew, Shelter Scotland’s senior digital officer, said: “The songbook provides a great opportunity for bands to help support our work – and the perfect Christmas gift for music fans that also helps raise vital funds to ensure no-one faces bad housing or homelessness alone.

“For the launch gig we’re working with Nothing Ever Happens Here at Summerhall, and Graeme Anderson of the band Book Group – building on the success of the Gimme Shelter festival shows that he organised a few years ago.”

Graeme Brown, Shelter Scotland director, added that celebrating Christmas can be difficult when many people in Scotland are suffering the misery of homelessness and bad housing.

He continued: “However it does make me optimistic when we ask people to share their talents to help and they deliver. I want to thank the musicians who have contributed to the songbook and wish them all the best for the launch.”

Tickets for the launch are on sale now from Summerhall at summerhall.co.uk and the songbook will go on sale on the night and be available from the Shelter Scotland shop from thereafter.

Profits from the event and the sale of the book will go to the charity which provides advice and support to people affected by bad housing and homelessness through its website, free, national helpline and community hubs in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Calls for the Borders Railway to be extended to Hawick are building up a fresh head of steam following the line’s first anniversary in September.

At the latest annual meeting of the Campaign for Borders Rail group, its chairman, Allan McLean, renewed his calls for an extension of the former Waverley Route to Hawick and beyond.

And that rallying cry has been boosted by last month’s announcement that the Scottish Government is to create a new enterprise agency for the south of the country.

Hopes are high that the new body will be supportive of moves to extend the 30-mile Edinburgh-Tweedbank line to Hawick and south to England.

Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP John Lamont said: “I would expect this organisation to play a key role in promoting the views of local businesses on key infrastructure projects like the extension of the Borders Railway to Hawick and Carlisle.”

Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP Christine Grahame agrees, saying: “I have always supported the full reinstatement of the Borders Railway and set up a cross-party group in Parliament in 1999 for that purpose.

“I know there is to be a study of all transport modes across the Borders for the future which will include the option of extending the line, and that should report by the end of 2017.

“The resounding success of the current line, with passenger journeys well over expectations, I am sure will help support that case.

“It is also my understanding that the former track is now protected from development which would encroach on the line being extended.”

Among those at the campaign group’s meeting was Hawick and Denholm councillor Watson McAteer, and he spoke in support of the recent Scottish Government announcement of a potential feasibility study for extension of the line to Hawick and beyond.

He said: “Many, including myself, have welcomed this announcement, although it is important to realise that this is anything but a done deal.

“It is essential that the Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Council are lobbied hard and persistently to seek a guaranteed commitment, particularly from those that will be elected in May 2017, to have this matter firmly lodged at the top of the new council’s strategic agenda.

“The south east Scotland strategic development plan is very weak in reassuring that strategic development opportunities will be created by extending the railway.

“At the same time, there is a very clear reference to continuing opportunities at Galashiels and Tweedbank, and while this is logical given the current railway footprint, it must not become an easy way of pushing Hawick to the end of a long queue.

“Hawick businesses are feeling the impact of a one-way ticket that is seeing local shoppers travel from Tweedbank to all points north without any reciprocal arrangements.

“Opening the line to both the north and south is a sure-fire way of reversing the current trend.

“It is essential that we seize the opportunity to extend the line, with all its economic benefits.

“People travel from Hawick to join the train, and we want the railway to go there and other places.”

Mr McLean, re-elected as chairman for a second year, told the rail group’s annual meeting in Galashiels: “Hawick deserves trains, and other places can be served too.

“I welcome the fact that politicians from several political parties have put other differences aside to unite in support of a better railway.

“I believe that our future will see the railway enhanced to deliver a reliable service on the existing route and extended to serve more communities directly.”

Another councillor supporting calls for an extension of the £294m line was Galashiels representative Sandy Aitchison, as well as for an extra station at Heriot.

He said: “We must be serious about it and promote getting the railway to Hawick.”

More than half of Borders Railway services from Tweedbank to Edinburgh have been late every single week since the line’s launch in September last year, according to a report by rail campaigners Bill Jamieson and David Spaven.

Their report, based on a year’s monitoring of punctuality and cancellations starting in late October 2015, also reveals that no more than two-thirds of trains heading in the other direction have been arriving in Tweedbank within a minute of their scheduled time. in any given week.

Even judged against the definition of lateness as being over five minutes behind schedule, only in 12 weeks out of 52 have Edinburgh-Tweedbank services achieved the ScotRail contractual public performance measure target of 92.5% of services arriving on time.

Going the other way, the line fared even worse, hitting that target on just seven weeks out of 52.

Trains were cancelled during all but five weeks of the year, figures also reveal.

It concludes: “By any measure, it is clear that the Borders Railway has seriously under-performed operationally over most of the year monitored.

“In September, Scotland’s transport minister, Humza Yousaf, instructed ScotRail to deliver a recovery plan, but it is too early to conclude whether this is having a significant impact. Overall, the evidence to date suggests that it is extremely difficult to consistently operate the Borders Railway to timetable.

“The main underlying problems of the Borders Railway can, however, only be addressed by Transport Scotland, in its role as funder of infrastructure enhancements on the ScotRail network.”

A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “There have been some challenges, and we’re determined to find the solutions that overcome them and see even more customers travelling on the line in year two and beyond.”

Transport Scotland is optimistic that the improvements demanded by Mr Yousaf will lead to better performance, with a spokesman saying: “Within the plan, and the actions around it, there is a focus on the Borders route’s performance.

“Our officials will monitor and review progress with the planned initiatives very closely to see that they do, in fact, support and deliver better performance.

“The ScotRail 158 fleet is currently undergoing a £14m refurbishment programme delivering significant upgrades to on-train facilities.

“As more refurbished trains are completed, they will be rolled out onto routes including the Borders next year, increasing capacity and reliability for passengers.”

A Polish painter and decorator has been jailed for 10 months for setting up a cannabis farm made up of 244 plants estimated to be worth £24,000 altogether.

A police raid also discovered that the electricity meter at Jacek Kedziora’s flat in Walkerburn’s Tweedholm Avenue East had been bypassed.

The 47-year-old pleaded guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to charges of cultivating cannabis and bypassing the electricity supply between April 30 and July 9 last year.

A not-guilty plea to being concerned in the supply of cannabis was accepted by the crown after Kedziora insisted the drugs were for his own personal use.

Sheriff Valerie Johnston told the first-time offender: “This cultivation seems to have been a very professional one.

“I have come to the view that a custodial sentence is appropriate in the circumstances.”

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told the court: “In June 2015, one of the accused’s neighbours contacted the local council’s anti-social behaviour unit to complain about the constant fan noise coming from the property.

“The officers got involved, and the accused contacted the lady and said he had a noisy fridge and it would be sorted.

“However, it was not sorted, and she suspected something was not right and contacted the police.

“In July 2015, the police obtained a search warrant, and police officers went into the property, where they found one of the bedrooms had been turned into an area of cultivation and a second bedroom was a storage area.

“The rest of the flat appeared normal and lived in.

“A total of 244 healthy plants were found in the premises. All of these were a foot to 18 inches high.

“There were lights suspended from the ceiling, and the windows were blacked out.

“There was a filter system in operation, with the smell from the plants going into a sealed cupboard.

“The electricity meter had been bypassed with bare wiring coming out of the meter.

“Scottish Power had to attend to make the power safe.

“It is impossible to say how much electricity had been diverted in this way, but given the size of the cultivation, it would not have been a trivial amount.”

Mr Fraser said other drug-growing equipment was recovered too.

He continued: “The accused, when interviewed, accepted responsibility.”

Mr Fraser estimated that the plants would have yielded 6.8kg of cannabis with a total value “not far short of £24,000.”

Defence lawyer Fiona Hamilton said Kedziora had made an impulsive decision to grow his own cannabis and had been given the equipment by friends who had since left the country.

She said: “At no point did he intend to sell the cannabis. He genuinely never thought it through how much it would produce.”

Ms Hamilton said Kedziora lived in the flat himself but sends money home to his two children in Poland.

Since his arrest, he had been living with his sister in Measham, Leicestershire, and had been unable to visit his family as he’d had to surrender his passport and identity card, the court heard.

Ms Hamilton urged the sheriff to impose an alternative to a custodial sentence.

Sheriff Johnston also ordered that the drugs equipment and cannabis plants be forfeited.

A plaque celebrating the official opening of the Borders Railway is finally set to return after 14 months’ absence.

The plaque was unveiled by the Queen in September 2015 at Tweedbank at a ceremony also attended by the Duke of Edinburgh and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

It has been out of the public eye since then but is now about to be incorporated into a commemorative stone quarried at Hutton in Berwickshire and designed by Borders artist Michelle du Bruin.

Gerald Maitland-Carew, the lord-lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, will unveil the stone upon its return to Tweedbank next Friday, November 18, at 12.45pm.

Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker will also be there, and he said: “It was always intended that the Queen’s plaque would be displayed at the station in a suitable way, given its historical significance. The Queen opened the railway the day she became the longest-serving British monarch, which is an important piece of history to recognise.

“The Borders Railway is the largest domestic railway to be constructed in 100 years and a very significant campaign led by the community was crucial in the railway’s return.

“Given what has been achieved by a great many people it was only right that something fitting should be done to recognise the achievements of so many.”

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “It has taken longer than originally anticipated, but for all the right reasons.

“Everyone was involved in carefully considering a number of locations for the sculpture and took care to select a locally-sourced stone that would perfectly complement the station plaza area.”

“It was also important to appoint a skilled stonemason and ensure that everyone was happy with the wording which was hard-carved into the stone.”

The people of Burnfoot are being given one last chance to revive their community council.

The estate has been left without a community council for three months because not enough nominations were received for a proposed election in August.

A minimum of six nominations for seats are required for a new council to be established, but that threshold was not reached.

As a result, a three-month abeyance period was required before an election could be called again, and during that time, a petition calling for another vote, containing more than 20 signatures, was collected.

Members of the proposed new community council would be expected to get involved in organising events such as the Burnfoot Carnival held earlier this year.

Nominations reopen today, and returning officer Stuart Marshall, a councillor for Hawick and Denholm and also the town’s honorary provost, is urging members of the public to step into the breach.

He said: “It is absolutely vital that we get enough people to come forward.

“I see this as a last attempt to rescue this body.

“Burnfoot is such a great place to represent, and at the moment I have nine expressions of interest, and one can only hope that all of these people submit their application forms.

“If anyone would like an informal chat about community council life, or would like a nomination form, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

“I am quietly confident and would urge the people of Burnfoot to seriously consider coming on board.

“In the past, the community council has done such a great deal for the community, and I would be extremely disappointed to see it being out of action for a year.”

Residents have until noon on Thursday, November 24, to put their names forward.

Nominations are available from Burnfoot Community Hub, in Burnfoot Road, or by emailing Mr Marshall at smarshall@scotborders.gov.uk or calling 077673 23189.

Papers are also available from Judith Turnbull, democratic services officer at Scottish Borders Council, on 01835 826556.

The number of children and young people being tormented and bullied online has increased by 88 per cent in five years, according to a leading children’s charity.

The worrying figures, released by the NSPCC at the start of Anti-Bullying Week, which starts today (Monday), show the charity’s helpline service, Childline counselled 4,541 children across the UK about online bullying in 2015/16 compared to 2,410 in 2011/12.

In a quarter of counselling sessions children and young people were also counselled for mental health and well-being issues including low self-esteem, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and depression.

Childline figures for Scotland over the last year show that 201 counselling sessions took place with children as young as seven contacting the service with concerns about online bullying. Comments posted on their social media profiles, blogs and online pictures ranged from bullying and abusive words about how a young person looked to death threats and in the most extreme cases directly telling them to go and kill themselves.

In the same period, 873 counselling sessions took place with children from Scotland about all forms of bullying. In nearly a third of counselling sessions for online bullying children and young people talked about a gaming or social networking site as the platform for abuse and humiliation.

The NSPCC, which is working with the Royal Foundation Cyber-bullying Taskforce to develop new tools and technology for children and young people, has also created a dedicated area about online bullying on the Childline website at www.childline.org.uk where young people can share their experiences and offer peer support.

Matt Forde, national head of service for NSPCC Scotland, said: “Online bullying is one of the biggest child protections challenges of this generation. It is a problem intensified by the ever-increasing presence of the internet.

“Years ago a child could escape their bullies when they left the playground and get some respite in the safety of their home, now the 24/7 nature of the internet means that a child can be targeted around the clock.

“Bullying, regardless of whether it occurs online or in person can have a devastating impact on a young person, affecting their self-worth, leave them feeling isolated and potentially being a trigger for depression. In the worst case scenarios, bullying has driven children and young people to self-harm and even suicide.”

Children and young people can contact Childline for free confidential support and advice, 24 hours-a-day on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk

Parents can contact O2/NSPCC for free advice on 0808 8005002.

The NHS in Scotland is preparing to be on the “front foot” this winter and the public and local communities are being encourage to do the same to do the same.

NHS boards across the country are now putting their final plans in place to prepare for the extra pressures winter presents.

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell visited the NHS National Distribution Centre recently to hear how the health service’s central logistics team will manage the delivery of essential supplies over winter, and she also called on the public to play its pare in the smooth delivery of services.

Each year NHS National Services Scotland Logistics (NSS Logistics) delivers 47 million domestic and medical items to hospital wards, departments and community health centres across Scotland.

Deliveries can increase by as much as 20 per cent during peak winter periods, with severe weather also impacting on the service.

All frontline health boards are required to have their final winter plans in place by November and the Scottish Government published guidance in August for the NHS on how to prepare. These plans must also take in to account the impact of severe weather.

Ms Campbell said: “We are working hard to ensure the NHS is as prepared as it can be for the extra demands on our services over the winter. Our winter guidance for health boards published in the summer and we have invested £9 million in emergency and unscheduled care this year, as well as £30 million in reducing delayed discharge - which will support boards to manage winter pressures.

“Winter weather can also pose additional challenges for the NHS and social care and detailed preparations are in place to ensure our services remain resilient – even in the most severe conditions.

“While it is important that our health service is resilient, it is also incumbent upon all of us to ensure we are doing what we can to prepare ourselves for winter. Whether that is getting your flu jab if you are eligible, ensuring you are have sufficient stocks of medicines at home or knowing which local health services to turn to if you fall ill, we can all play our part in being resilient over winter.”

Jim Miller, NSS director, said: “Through collaboration with health boards, careful forward planning, strategic investment and, not least, the hard work and commitment of our staff, NSS Logistics maintains the highest levels of resilience to ensure vital supplies reach hospital wards, departments and community health centres throughout Scotland.”

Councillors went against officers’ recommendations this week and opted to oppose plans to expand and extend the life of a controversial wind farm.

Plans to add an extra 12 turbines to the Fallago Rig wind farm, near Longformacus, and to extend the site’s lifespan by five years went before Scottish Borders Council planning committee on Tuesday.

Operators EDF Energy Renewables hope to add a further 12 turbines to the exising 48 turbine development and to extend the life of the first phase by five years to allow the whole site to be decomossioned together.

Planning officers had advised Scottish Borders Council to make no objection to the scheme to the Scottish government.

However, having taken part in a site visit, and following this week’s indepth debate they went against that recommendation citing, in particular, the cumulative effects on the landscape.

The first phase of the project in the Lammermuir Hills was opposed by a high-profile campaign but eventually gained approval following a Court of Session ruling in 2013.

The authority’s executive member for planning and environment, councillor Ron Smith stressed to the committee that this was an entirely different application and situation to that which had previously come before councillors in 2005.

“I am satisfied that the report we have before us is thorough and detailed,” he said. “The officers have come to a reasoned and robust recommendation for us to consider.”

However, concerns were raised by councillor Donald Moffat on the proporsed transport plans which would see over 6.000 loads, which would include 126 in one day at the busiest time, brought through the region’s road.

He said: “The biggest thing that concerns me is the plans to bring the stone in through Smailholm and Crialing. I don’t see how that route can be a viable option at all and I think it would be a definite no in my mind.”

East Berwickshire councillor Joan Campbell echoed this concern and added her own about the culmulative impact of the additional turbines, saying: “It is becoming a little worrying that it is becoming a bit compacted.”

The authority’s executive member for planning and environment, councillor Ron Smith reflected “It worries me that by adding more to the bulk and extending the sides, there could by further inexorable creep of wind turbines across that area.”

“It think it is dangerous for us to accept further turbines on the basis that they will not be too damaging.”

The committee chose to object to the recommendations on the grounds of culmulitive impact, the detriment to the landscape, the impact for recrational users of nearby viewpoints, as well as their view that points relating to the wider economic benefit and noise impact had not been proven.

Councillor Ballantyne raised the movements to oppose the applications, both of which were seconded by councillor Jim Fullerton and approved unanimously by all the voting members.

The Scottish government will have the final say on whether the applications are given the go-ahead.

Asda has announced it is capping its petrol prices at 110.7p per litre, with diesel at 112.7p from today (Tuesday).

These cuts were swiftly followed by its ‘big four’ rivals - Tesco cutting petrol and diesel prices by up to 3p per litre on Monday afternoon, and Morrisons and Sainsbury’s making similar announcements.

The cost of fuel had already fallen slightly last week, bringing to a halt the recent steep rises.

Before the supermarket announcements, Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures showed that unleaded petrol stood at 116.5 pence per litre - 0.1 pence per litre more than the previous week - with the cost of diesel similarly having dropped - by 0.1 pence per litre to 118.9 pence per litre.

Jedforest Instrumental Band have come out on top ahead of other Borders bands, enjoying a double success at the recent Borders entertainment competition held at Heriot-Watt University’s Galashiels campus this month.

They claimed best Borders band and saw their percussionist pick up the prize for best instrumentalist at the 16th annual contest, which this year was hosted by Galashiels Town Band for the first time.

Twenty bands from around Scotland, including brass bands from Selkirk, Hawick, Innerleithen and Langholm, competed for prizes across different sections, each performing a mini concert programme before a large audience.

The Jedburgh band, performing under the baton of conductor Phil Rosier, impressed judges Michael Fowles and Mareika Gray the most of all the local bands.

And further credits followed when their percussionist Cameron McCreadie,16, was announced as the best instrumentalist of the day.

John Mabon from the Jedforest Instrumental Band said: “It is very unusual for this prize to be awarded to a drumkit player, you would normally expect it to go to a brass player since there are so many more of them represented.

“He was quite exceptional and we are really very pleased that Cameron was singled out.”

No strangers to the podium, the Jedburgh band were delighted to also place second in the overall competition, where they competed in the first division, only narrowly pipped at the post by the Bathgate band from West Lothian.

Allan Doyle, chairman of Galashiels Town Band, said: “Staging the Borders Entertainment Contest in Galashiels is a significant milestone in the rebuilding of our own band. We are proud to be taking part and we are also delighted to welcome so many bands and visitors to the town.”

The results from the contest were as follows:

Highest-placed Borders band: Jedforest Instrumental

Entertainment prize: Langholm Town

Best soloist: Bass Trombone, Penicuik Silver

Best instrumentalist: Kit Player, Jedforest Instrumental

Best 1st Section band: Bathgate

Best 2nd Section band: Shotts St Patrick’s

Best 3rd Section band: Langholm Town

Best 4th Section band: Penicuik Silver

Deportment prize: Bathgate

Best solo cornet: Shotts St Patrick’s

Best bass section: Bathgate

Best percussion: Bathgate

The impact on existing businesses were at the forefront of councillors’ discussions over the reorganisation of Tweedbank’s industrial parks last week.

The early draft plans for the new Central Borders Business Park were discussed at length by Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) planning committee, but worries over the possible inclusion of an old planning concept sparked concern with members.

The committee approved the draft documents for consideration in front of the full council next month, but raised questions about the simplified planning zone concept included in the report.

If the plans come to fruition, SBC would become only the second Scottish local authority to have put a simplified planning zone in place for more than 20 years.

Lead officer for plans and research Charles Johnston told the committee: “The main purpose of a simplified planning zone scheme is to enable development to take place without going through the planning process.

“This is all about speeding up and simplifying the planning system. While building warrants still stand, applications for development within the zone will be fast-tracked.”

Within a simplified planning zone the need to apply for planning permission for certain types of development is removed, so long as the development complies with the details and guidance set out in the scheme, the idea being that this cuts out the need for repetitive planning applications, saving time and money for the existing organisations and new businesses looking to invest in the park.

Committee chairman Hawick and Hermitage councillor Ron Smith said: “This is a novel approach. There is only one other example of this in Scotland as far as I am aware and that is in Renfrewshire Council.

“It will be interesting to see what the result of the consultation is.”

East Berwickshire councillor Jim Fullerton said: “The question of the viability of this project has to be recorded. Enthusiasm is one thing, but evidence of it being viable is the key.”

The Hillington Park simplified planning zone scheme, was adopted by Renfrewshire Council in August 2014, the first in Scotland for over 20 years. The project was hailed an award-winning success, and Renfrewshire Council then applied a similar approach in Renfrew town centre creating the first town centre simplified planning zone in Scotland last year.

However, this example aside, there is little evidence to suggest whether the introduction of a similar scheme at Tweedbank could work.

And exactly what changes the scheme could mean for existing businesses was a question the committee were quick to raise.

Selkirkshire councillor Michelle Ballantyne also called for more clarity over exactly what research had been done, adding: “I do find it uncomfortable to be presented with an idea that looks lovely on paper but to still ask how did we arrive at this? What is the evidence for taking this forward? What will this mean for businesses already in place?”

The report will go before the full council meeting on December 15, followed by a 12 week consultation period before findings are reported back to the committee.

The vision for the new business park at Tweedbank was first unveiled in 2014 by Alex Salmond, then First Minister, as part of a Blueprint for the Borders aimed at capitalising on the revival of the Borders Railway.

Kate Houghton, Scottish policy office for the Royal Town Planning Institute Scotland explained: “Simplified planning zones are quite an old concept, but have not been used during these last couple of decades. They are topical though, the Scottish Government is currently outlining a programme of planning reform, and within this they have sought applications for pilot housing simplified planning zones. The pilots will receive a small amount of funding from Government, and will help explore how they could be used more widely to support housing delivery. Clearly the Borders project is for industrial use, not housing, but it’s worth noting that the Scottish Government is enthusiastic about this approach.”

Tweedbank’s Tempest Brewery Company continued its run of prize success last Friday as it picked up two accolades at this year’s Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards.

Having already won plaudits including being named as the country’s best brewery at the Scottish Brewing Awards earlier this year, the business was recognised closer to home at the Borders awards at Springwood Park in Kelso.

The brewery was named as food producer of the year and exporter of the year at the ceremony, organised and sponsored by the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce.

Founded in 2010 in Kelso, the firm moved to its new base in Tweedbank last year.

Director Annika Meiklejohn said: “We’re proud to have won the awards for exporter and food producer of the year. Thanks to our amazing team for their hard work and dedication.”

She was among a turnout of 160 to attend the awards ceremony, hosted by television presenter Fiona Armstrong and chamber convener Jack Clark.

Tweeddale East councillor Stuart Bell, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for economic development, was also on hand to present the awards.

Mr Clark said: “With entries up 100% on last year, there is no doubt that these awards are a fine way to recognise and celebrate the success of the many innovative and high-quality businesses we have here in the Borders.

“The judges – to whom go our thanks – have done an excellent job in closely examining every submission and coming up with worthy winners in each tightly-contested category.

“The chamber is absolutely delighted to be sponsoring the event for the second time.”

Kelso businesses fared particularly well at the awards, with global online booking company Fish Pal named best for high growth and innovation, A Hume Country Clothing taking home the award for retailer of the year, Queen’s House being named healthcare and well-being business of the year and the entrepreneur of the year title going to Fin and Game’s Tom Leslie.

Stobo Castle Health Spa in Peebles was named tourism business of the year, and Hardiesmill beef butchery in Gordon was named most innovative business with under five employees.

Radio Borders Cash for Kids was named as social enterprise company of the year award, and a special award for a business of note was presented to the Grapevine restaurant in Galashiels.

An outstanding achievement award for contribution to Borders commerce went to Mike Wilson, a former chief executive of the Scottish Borders Exporters’ Association.

Mr Clark added: “These awards are all about recognising excellence and quality, surely two of the most vital ingredients in any company’s long-term success and growth.

“The diversity of the submissions we received, and the range of ambitious businesses they represent across many sectors, are testament to the fact that the Borders is a great location from which to do business and run a successful company.”

The partner of a woman robbed at knifepoint in a supermarket raid rose to the bait when the accused bragged on his Facebook page that he was released from custody and challenged people to come round to his home.

William Turnbull stormed round to the home of Marques Munro and ended up assaulting the 20-year-old.

The 57-year-old self-employed joiner pleaded guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to pulling him by the hair and striking him on the head and body at a house in Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, on May 17.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said: “His partner was the victim of an assault and robbery.

“He was waiting to hear if the man accused of the offence would be remanded in custody, but he heard from others that the accused was bragging on Facebook that he was out and had published his address offering to speak to anyone who wanted to speak about that.

“Things escalated and he admitted the offence.”

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: “The accused (Turnbull) went round to the house and he seemed to be trying to solve matters in an inappropriate way. What he did was entirely wrong.”

He explained that when Munro came to the door Turnbull assaulted him at the front door and it continued into the living room.

Munro suffered soreness and redness to the face and some of his hair had come out.

Mr Fraser added: “The accused fully accepts responsibility. He was emotionally upset which clouded his judgement.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson said: “The court cannot condone people taking the law into their own hands in any circumstances.”

However, he restricted the fine on Turnbull of Caberston Road, Walkerburn, to £100.

Munro, 20, who is from the Bulwell area of Nottingham, is currently awaiting trial on a charge of assault and robbery following an incident at the Caddon Court Mini Market in Innerleithen on Saturday, May 14.

His bail conditions say he is not allowed to enter Scotland apart from when he has to appear in court.

Private hearing

Two Hawick men have appeared in private at Jedburgh Sheriff Court accused of assaulting a man to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

John Scott and John Turnbull, who are both 28, are also charged with assaulting two other men to their injury.

It follows an incident in Hawick on Saturday.

They made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination. Both men were released on bail by Sheriff Peter Paterson.

Almost five times the limit

A Coldstream man has been banned from the road after admitting driving while almost five times the legal alcohol limit.

Sixty-year-old Paul Mather pleaded guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to the offence which happened in Kelso Road and Abbey Road in Coldstream on October 28.

He admitted driving with a breath/alcohol count of 100 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22.

After hearing that Mather of Abbey Road, Coldstream, had a previous conviction for drink driving, Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentence until next month for background reports. In the meantime, Mather was given an interim driving ban.

Motorbike dispute

A Hawick man assaulted a 17-year-old shop assistant in a dispute over a motorcycle purchase, Jedburgh Sheriff Court has been told.

Donal Kelleher, 44, of Silverbuthall Road, pleaded guilty to punching the teenager to the head in the TWS shop premises in Hawick on September 6.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the first offender had just bought a new motorcycle from the shop run by the victim’s father.

He said: “He was waiting for it to be registered and it was now about 4.30pm and he started to become agitated asking for a full refund.

“The 17-year-old asked him to wait for his father to return but the accused began remonstrating and finally lost the plot by punching the young man in the face.”

Mr Fraser said Kelleher made a full admission to the police.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said: “He was frustrated at the lack of progress and accepts he lashed out.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed a fine of £200 and ordered Kelleher to pay his victim £150 in compensation.

Naked pic threat denied

A Chirnside man has denied threatening to post naked images of his partner on the internet at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Andrew Frizzell, 30, of Lammerview, denies threatening or abusive behaviour at a house at Windram Road, Chirnisde, on September 2.

He will stand trial on December 15.

Frizzell was granted bail with a condition not to enter Windram Road or to approach his partner.

Benefits charge

A Hawick man will stand trial next month on charges of receiving benefits of more than £10,000 he was not entitled to.

Craig Kewin, 32, of Chay Blyth Place, pleaded not guilty to failing to notify a change in his circumstances when claiming Employment Support Allowance in that he was living with someone.

He denies receiving £231.43 he was not entitled to in October 2011.

Kewin also pleaded not guilty to receiving £4,545.09 between November 2011 and November 2013 and another £6,301.39 in benefits between October 2011 and January 2014.

A trial date has been set for November 29 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Neighbours in dispute

A Newcastleton man will go to trial over 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 December 13 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Duns man lied about ill father

A Duns man has admitted a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Thirty-three-year-old Mathew Calladine falsely told Jedburgh Justice of the Peace Court on September 21, he had been unable to carry out preparation work for a case against him because his father had suffered a heart attack and he remained unwell in hospital.

He admitted at Jedburgh Sheriff Court that the truth of the matter was his father’s time in hospital had been limited to an overnight stay on September 8 and that he had not been prevented or inhibited from carrying out prepatory work.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said: “He is under no illusions on how seriously the court treats this.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson said: “With considerable hesitation I am going to impose a restriction of liberty order as an alternative to custody.

The order will keep Calladine in his home at Woodend Farm Cottages, between the hours of 7pm and 7am for the next 10 months.

Careless driving

A motorist reversed onto a pavement and collided with a 66-year-old man who suffers from muscular dystrophy, Jedburgh Sheriff Court has been told.

The man was walking on crutches in Harbour Road, Eyemouth, on March 3 when the incident happened and he was struck on the left-hand side of his body.

Driver Hylton Burdon, 62, then struck a parked vehicle a short distance away, causing around £60 worth of damage.

He was later found by police, sleeping in the vehicle.

Burdon of Main Street, Cornhill-on-Tweed, pleaded guilty to charges of careless driving and not having the appropriate licence.

His lawyer Natalie Patterson said Burdon claimed the power steering was broken and the vehicle could not be controlled.

He was fined a total of £300 and had eight penalty points placed on his licence.

Social media threats to couple

A Hawick man who made threats against a couple on social media has been ordered to pay them compensation.

Twenty four-year-old Arran Atkinson of Allars Bank, pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour towards the couple – Mark Turnbull and Kelly Swan – by sending them text messages and messages through social media, threatening them with violence.

The offence took place at a house in Bourtree Place in Hawick on July 24.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told Jedburgh Sheriff Court that Atkinson had found out the couple were in a relationship, but was also keen on the young woman.

He continued: “He then subjected them to texts and Facebook abuse.

“He was talking about stabbing Turnbull and damaging his car.

“The accused was traced and interviewed by police and he admitted being a bit jealous when he heard he was seeing her.

“He told police it was three days after his birthday and he was steaming. He said if he hurt Kelly he would stab him.

“The accused later told police I am really sorry for being a dick.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson said: “I think you said it all when you made your reply to the police. I won’t repeat that.”

Atkinson was ordered to pay £75 compensation to each of the couple.

One-year ban for being twice the limit

A motorist who admitted being more than twice the legal alcohol limit has been banned from the road for 12 months at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Christopher Booth of Stobbs, near Hawick, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened on the A7 and in Henderson Road, Hawick, during the morning of October 31.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the 56-year-old had turned up for work at a superstore in Galashiels for his shift starting at 5.45am, but developed a migraine and was sent home from work.

He added that a telephone call suspecting him of being under the influence of alcohol was made to the police and his car was spotted entering Hawick.

Mr Fraser said he told police he had been drinking between 1pm and 10pm the previous day as it was his day off.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said his client had now resigned from his job as it was too difficult to get to work, given his remote location.

In addition to the one-year disqualification, Booth was fined £250.

Trial date

Jay Watson, 19, of West Myrescroft, Ancrum, will stand trial on a charge of stalking two people over a period of almost five months at various locations in the Borders.

He is also accused of driving dangerously on the A68.

A trial was fixed for a date in December at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Drugs trial

A Hawick man has been accused of drug dealing and producing cannabis in his own home.

Gerald Donaldson, 46, pleaded not guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis at his home in Burnfoot, Hawick, on March 18.

Along with his 44-year-old wife Nicola, he is charged with producing the class B drug at their home in Borthwick Road. The couple have denied that offence also.

A trial date was set for December 15 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Racial remarks

An Innerleithen man who made racially-offensive remarks towards a 10-year-old boy has been ordered to carry out 70 hours unpaid work at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Nikki Stark, who is 43, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened outside his home in Miller Street on August 8.

The court was told he reacted angrily to a group of youths who were “mucking around” with a washing line which affected his television aerial.

Stark shouted and swore at the youngsters including making racial remarks to a 10-year-old boy, who was of Italian descent, calling him a “black n*****r”

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick admitted it was a “brainless thing to say”, but said the youths had made some unsavoury comments towards him.

He said: “It was borne out of anger, but it is not something he is proud of.”

Sentence deferred

A Galashiels man who admitted breaking into a neighbour’s home and stealing items valued at £675 will be sentenced next month.

Alexander Watson, 33, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft by housebreaking which happened in Croft Street on October 9 last year.

Selkirk Sheriff Court was told he applied tape to a rear window of the property to stop it shattering and reduce the noise, but was spotted by a woman who recognised him.

However, he came back later with a stool and broke the window and entered the house where he made off with a laptop, hard drive and a tray.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said there was a full recovery of the items and Watson made a full admission to the police including the fact he hurt his ankle when jumping out the window.

Defence lawyer Robert More said it was a “hair-brained scheme”, especially as it was a neighbour.

He pointed out his client had not been convicted of any offence in 2016, although he had spent 11 days in custody for a crime he insisted he did not commit and there was DNA evidence implicating someone else.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentence until December 6 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court for background reports

Watson’s not guilty plea to the theft of alcohol from a shop in Gala Park, Galashiels, on July 25, was accepted by the Crown.

His co-accused Gillian Kennedy, 30, also of Croft Street, Galashiels, pleaded guilty to the stealing bottles of whisky, vodka and gin valued at £57.

She was ordered to pay the sum back in compensation to the shop and also fined £70.

Reports ordered

A Galashiels man admitted threatening behaviour towards a former partner on the day he was released from a prison sentence imposed for sending abusive messages towards another woman he had a relationship with.

Thirty-one-year-old Jamie West of Beech Avenue, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to the offence which happened in Galashiels town centre on October 27.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said West had just been released from a 170-day prison sentence for sending the social media messages to a former partner and her friends.

He said by coincidence he bumped into the mother of his six-year-old child in Bank Close and started laughing and sniggering at her.

Mr Fraser said it had been an abusive relationship and the woman was shaking with fear.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said that although the offence was at the low end of the scale, he could not ignore the fact it happened on the day West was released from prison.

He deferred sentence until December 19 for background reports to be prepared.

A bail condition was imposed, banning West from posting messages about domestic matters on social media.

Stole from mum

A man has appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court and admitted withdrawing £250 from his mother’s bank account without permission.

Thirty-five-year-old Michael Dodds pleaded guilty to stealing the bank card from his mother’s home in Gorse Lane, Galashiels, during the course of last Wednesday.

He then went to the Spar shop in Langlee and withdrew sums of £40 and £50 from the ATM before heading to the Asda store in the town centre at 3am and withdrawing another £160.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said his client claimed the reason why he committed the offence was because his mother owed him money.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentence on Dodds, who gave an address in Gun Road, Earlston, until December 5 for the production of background reports.

Indecent images charge

A Jedburgh man has appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court accused of possessing indecent images of children.

Fifty-five-year-old Terry Tinsley faces two charges under the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences Act.

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

Sheriff Peter Paterson released him on bail until the next court hearing on a date yet to be confirmed.

Peebles woman fined £100

A mother-of-six from Peebles who breached her community pay back order by failing to complete 35 hours of unpaid work has been fined £100 instead at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Thirty-one-year-old Barbara Williams of Dunwhinny Gardens, was given the alternative for a theft by shoplifting offence last year.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre revoked the order after being told Williams receives £900 a fortnight in benefits.

Private William Black and others were remembered at a rededication service on Armistice Day, at a service led by Rev Frank Campbell, at Eckford Parish Church War Memorial and attended by his family, former veterans of the Korean War, representatives of the Royal British Legion and a number of local residents.

William, a herd from Cessford, was just 19 years old when he signed up to join the Kings Own Scottish Borderers in 1952. A bout of illness meant that he was unable to join the rest of his platoon who were heading for Japan.

Instead, a cruel twist of fate found him assigned to the Black Watch and sent to Korea where he was killed just four days after he arrived.

His sister Helen Whitelaw (nee Black) and brother-in-law John Whitelaw from Musselburgh, along with William’s niece Evelyn Forbes and great nephew Gregor Forbes attended the service in his honour 64 years after he was killed.

It was a source of great pride for Helen to see her brother finally recognised on a war memorial in his home county.

Helen said “My brother is recognised on a UN memorial plaque in Pusan, Korea but our father James, who died in 1957, would have dearly loved to have seen his name on the War Memorial here in Eckford.”

Finding Private Black came about as a result of six other local men, who died during WW2, being recognised on the WW1 War Memorial at Eckford Parish Church on 11th November 2015.

A chance discussion between Margaret Jeary, Kalemouth and Neil Paterson, Morebattle at the 2015 rededication ceremony revealed that another local man had been killed in the service of his country. Margaret set about tracking down the details and with funding from Scottish Borders Council Quality of Life Fund, Private William Black has now been formally recognised for the ultimate sacrifice that he made.

Poppy wreaths were laid by Helen Whitelaw, on behalf of the family and John Campbell, Chairman of Crailing, Eckford and Nisbet Community Council on behalf of the residents of the community. Stories were shared over refreshments at Eckford Village Hall after the service.

As Borderers paid their respects to the country’s fallen on Sunday, one man hung up his Royal British Legion banner following 14 years of service.

Darnick resident Tom Jones, who turns 70 next month, dipped the flag in his home village for the last time ... but only after performing the same feat in Newstead, Gattonside and Melrose on the same day.

Tom, who served in the Parachute Regiment for six years, seeing action in Bahrain, Aden, Radfan, Singapore, Malaya and Northern Ireland, has been carrying the banner for his local British Legion branch on Remembrance Sunday for 14 years.

He said he was “very proud and honoured” to be given the role, which he said he kept on doing “because they couldn’t find anyone else!”

Tom, who retired from his Melrose hairdresser business Hetties 13 years ago, said: “I can now pass on the banner as I have found an ex-Guardsman who is willing to take it on.”

Tom’s wife Iris said: “Tom has more than done his bit, but we need some younger blood to take these jobs on.

“Tom has always been very proud to do it. People always remarked on his shoes on parade ... you could see your face in them.”

Iris added that it was pleasing to see Captain Gerald Maitland-Carew, Lord Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale attend the Melrose service, as Tom has cut his hair for years.

Across the Borders, people wore their poppies, attended services, observed silences and took part in and watched parades as the country remembered those who fell protecting our freedom in both world wars, as well as later conflicts.

In Jedburgh, the parade marched up the High Street, along Abbey Row and down to the War Memorial where there a Remembrance service was held. The parade marched on to the Jedburgh Old and Trinity Church for a service, before heading back to the British Legion Club for refreshments and entertainment.

A good turnout watched Rev Bob King give the service at the War Memorial in Kelso.

In Selkirk, the weather was kind to those who took part in the parade and service in the Parish Church. The readings and poems in the church were as follows: Provost Jake Wheelans read Isaiah 12: 1-6, while guides Molly MacFarlane and Chloe Crier read from Luke 1: 68-79. Scouts Ryan Borthwick and Shaun Macfarlane, along with Cadet Lewis Inglis, read In Flanders Field, while Graham Easton gave the Call to Remember.

At the War Memorial, the new rail which had been installed to hold the wreaths in place worked very well.

Following the parade, a lunch was held at Selkirk Conservative Club in aid of Poppy Scotland. A bottle draw for Selkirk Pipe Band raised £130 and Rowlands Dry Bar was announced the winner of the first Poppy Scotland window display competition in the town.

In Hawick, the service and parade are organised by the town’s ex-servicemen’s club. The parade, led by Sgt Major Ian McCloud, took in Common Haugh, Hawick Museum, Victoria Road, Albert Bridge, Sandbed, High Street and O’Connell Street.

Galashiels, which historically holds its service later than is traditional, also saw a good turnout as Channel St, Market St and Bank St were closed for the parade, led by the Ex-Servicemen’s Pipe Band, the service at the War Memorial, taken by Rev Dr Leon Keller, and the march past the gardens, before returning to the British Legion clubrooms for refreshments.

More pictures: Pages 20-21