Freezing air direct from the Arctic is set to descend over most of the country this week bringing with it the threat of snow.

The Arctic blast will start to hit the UK on Wednesday bringing with it snowstorms and chilly winds which will reach the whole of the country by the weekend, the Met Office warned.

From Friday the whole of the country could see freezing storms bring two to four inches (5 to 10cm) of snow as temperatures dip “well below” freezing.

Temperatures could drop as low as minus two degrees Celsius - 28 Fahrenheit on Friday night with daytime temperatures not much higher - but the Arctic blast will make it feel a lot colder.

The Met Office has warned commuters to expect heavy traffic problems as thick ice and snow are likely to disrupt services across the country on Friday.

Forecaster Marco Petagna said: “We could see the coldest day of winter on Friday.

“A cold front moving in from the Atlantic will bring heavy frost and frequent snowstorms.

“It is likely that five to ten centimetres of snow will come in from the north and fall as far as the south of the country on Friday, and there could be even thicker snow in the hills.

“Daytime temperatures on Wednesday will be around four to six degrees C (39 to 43 F) but harsh winds will make it feel as if temperatures are well below freezing.

“Temperatures will become increasingly colder throughout the week and by Friday it is likely that nighttime temperatures will be as low as minus 2C (28F).”

Marco warned that thick ice and snow could cause widespread travel disruptions on Friday.

He said: “The frost is likely to harden which could give rise to a number of hazards.”

The freezing Arctic blast will first hit Scotland on Wednesday before gradually moving all the way down to the south.

Police in Berwickshire have arrested and charged a 26-year-old man in relation to an attempted handbag snatch in Eyemouth.

The incident happened at around 1.35pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, in the town’s Renton Terrace.

A 58-year-old woman was walking when a man approached her and tried to grab her bag.

A 26-year-old man is due to appear at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on January 23.

Police are appealing for witnesses to trace an 87-year-old man who has been reported as missing in Tweedbank.

James Douglas was last seen leaving his home address in Stobshaw Place at around 4am this morning (Tuesday, January 10) and has not yet returned.

Concern is now growing for his welfare any anyone who knows his current whereabouts is asked to come forward.

James is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall with a slim build and short greying hair.

He is believed to be wearing a brown fleece, cord trousers, brown shoes and carrying a walking stick.

Inspector Stephen Ross said: “James lives with dementia and so we are keen to find him as soon as possible and ensure he is alright.

“I would ask anyone who believes they have seen him since 4am on Tuesday morning to contact police immediately.

“In addition, anyone with any further information that can assist with our inquiries should also get in touch.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101.

John Campbell, founder of Glenrath Farms, has been knighted in the New Year Honours List for his services to farming and charitable service to entrepreneurship.

This week, John spoke of his surprise at being told of the award, which follows his OBE recognition in 2000.

He said: “It is absolutely marvellous.

“I was very surprised at this news, but I am highly delighted not only for myself, but for my wife and family, and for the company and staff.”

John, 82, is still the chairman of the company, and he says the award will not change his life in the least.

He said: “I am 83 in a month’s time and I can’t afford to retire.”

Scotland’s top egg producer Glenrath ships one million eggs daily to supermarkets across the country, and is run by the Campbell family – 18 family members are employed at the farms.

John said: “We celebrated the news with the staff after the festive season as we were too busy beforehand.

“Everybody wants eggs for Christmas.”

Glenrath, based at Lamancha, near West Linton, has led the industry charge away from battery production and into welfare-friendly free range and barn systems.

John is not one to rest on his laurels, as he has continued to invest and expand – and keeps at the forefront of technology, with a cutting-edge egg processing plant, including robotic grading and packing machines.

John’s roots in traditional livestock farming still shine through, as he takes greatpride in breeding and showing his pedigree Blackface sheep.

As you make (or break) your New Year’s resolutions, spare a thought for Rio. As an animal rescue charity, our resolution is to ensure Rio finds a loving new ‘forever’ home.

Rio is classic example of the dilemma facing animal rescue charities throughout the UK. He is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and we think he is five-years-old. He has already been at our Rescue Centre for over a year.

Poor Rio did not have a very good start in life. He was not allowed in the house and spent much of his time living in a cage with virtually no stimulation or contact with other dogs or humans. As a result he finds the world both exciting and challenging; he is desperate for attention and is eager to please..... but this exuberance makes him something of a handful.

Several prospective owners have come forward over the past year – but for various reasons things have not worked out.

Our staff and volunteers have spent the past year working with Rio on his issues – he has a problem with other male dogs and it takes a long time to build trust with humans. He has shown improvement but a Rescue Centre is far from being the ideal environment for Rio’s ultimate rehabilitation.

What Rio needs is a loving home with experienced, patient and determined owners to continue his training and to help provide a stable base to build his confidence and improve his behaviour.

‘Staffies’ and other bull breeds often end up in Rescue Centres for reasons that are many and varied. Sadly, a great many of them are bought for the wrong reasons by people who are not equipped to own a dog. They are extremely intelligent and need constant stimulation and plenty of exercise. The lack of either or both of these is when the problems begin.

Add to this the reluctance of many owners to have their ‘macho’ dogs neutered and it explains why the problem is perpetuated with unwanted cross-breed puppies being born every day.

Over the years we have successfully re-homed dozens if not hundreds of ‘Staffies’, Staffie-cross and other bull breeds. Can you help us keep our New Year’s resolution and provide Rio his ‘forever’ home?

Three birds of prey are regular visitors to my garden at Lamberton over the winter months, each with a quite different hunting strategy, therefore they do not directly compete with each other and have different prey items as their food.

The sparrowhawk is by far the most regular visitor and frequently we just catch a glimpse of one as it dashes through the garden trying to surprise some unfortunate small bird. Occasionally one will alight on a convenient lookout post to survey the scene and will take off and dive into a shrub or hedge trying to flush out its prey. They are remarkably fast and agile when they turn corners and can fly at high speed through small gaps in a hedge.

The male sparrowhawk is much smaller than the female and this broadens the range of birds that they can take without competing with each other, as the larger female will take birds the size of a wood pigeon which the male will leave alone and the male will specialise in the smaller ones.

If there is a good healthy population of garden birds most species can stand this cull by the sparrowhawks and they are more likely to catch any bird that is slow due to ill health or injury before the fit and healthy ones are taken.

If small bird numbers are low in your garden the sparrowhawks will move away to hunt elsewhere or visit less frequently as it is then not worth their effort when there are few birds around, if you often get a visit then you must have a good population of birds in your garden.

Most birds have a good alarm system which they all recognise and it only takes one keen eyed blackbird to give its alarm call when it spots an approaching sparrowhawk to send all the other birds scurrying out of sight and into safety.

We are fortunate that kestrels are frequent visitors as their numbers are on the decline over much of Berwickshire.

Most days, either over the garden or the surrounding fields we have the pleasure of watching one hover, almost stationary in the air, as it scans the ground for mice and voles running around in the grass. It is easier for them when there is a light wind and much more effort is required when it is dead calm. They will hover at one spot for a few minutes then if nothing has been spotted will move on to a new site and start again.

They sometimes sit on the electric wires or on the bough of a tree where they can study the ground below for a mouse or vole. I am sure a kestrel will take a small bird if it is on the ground but they will not chase and catch a bird in flight like a sparrowhawk.

Buzzards are now much more frequent visitors and will occasionally fly over the garden, slowly gliding in wide circles as the scan the ground below. Woe betide any rabbit that is not alert but the buzzards are equally happy to gather up dead rabbits and pheasants on the roads and sometimes a buzzard comes a cropper to fast cars when they have been clearing up a road kill. It is always a pleasure to see them at close range sitting on a roadside fence or hedge waiting on some stupid pheasant crossing the road.

Scotland’s native woods will miss Biodiversity targets for 2020 unless urgent action is taken to address non-native tree species.

That is the lesson of new analysis claiming a multi million pound study into Scotland’s native woods downplayed the threat of non-native trees, focusing chiefly on deer damage.

The Native Woodland Survey of Scotland, undertaken by Forestry Commission Scotland and heavily analysed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), was hailed Scotland’s most authoritative stock-take of native forests.

It concluded 54 per cent were in unsatisfactory condition, the principal cause being ‘excessive browsing and grazing’, mainly by deer, which impacted 33 per cent of the total.

The announcement led to environmental groups angrily rounding on sporting estates for keeping deer numbers high for deerstalking, damaging the environment as a result.

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham will now decide in 2017 whether tougher laws are required to force deer managers to meet strict cull plans, with 2020 Biodiversity targets pivotal.

However, new analysis, published in the Scottish Forestry journal, claims thousands of hectares of ancient woodlands, classed unsatisfactory due to exotic tree planting, were omitted from the survey, despite being assessed.

Had 39 000 hectares of Planted Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) been included in the final draft, the percentage of woods impacted by non-native trees would have outnumbered those damaged by deer and livestock.

That has led to the Scottish Gamekeepers Association to call for an end to ‘tunnel vision’, claiming all factors affecting woodland condition should be considered – not just deer.

The author of the new analysis, Victor Clements, also an executive member of the Association of Deer Management Groups, noticed discrepancies whilst preparing deer plans and had his figures independently verified.

He says: “An initial draft revealed an important sub-set of our native woodlands were not actually included in the main report though available for mapping purposes.

“When the PAWS area is added, it becomes apparent the greatest threat (to native woodlands) in terms of area, is actually non-native tree species, not herbivore impacts, although the order of magnitude is broadly the same. This means the narrative surrounding the launch of the report is not actually correct.

“Herbivore impacts are not the most significant issue affecting native woodlands at all, although their effects are not denied in many cases. A more appropriate narrative would be that we have a number of issues impacting on native woodlands in Scotland, with non-native species and herbivore impacts being the most important, in almost equal measure.”

Adding the excluded woodlands to the survey would have meant the area impacted by exotic trees would have been 117,342 hectares compared to 112,383 grazed by sheep and deer.

Scottish Gamekeepers Association Chairman Alex Hogg said: “This won’t go away because it is one of the key criteria determining whether woodlands are satisfactory or not. If native woodlands are to meet 2020 Biodiversity targets, focusing on one issue, deer, won’t work in isolation. Something has to be done about the amount of exotic species such as Sitka Spruce and other conifers on these sites, although this seems to be of little concern.”

The six candidates who are contesting for the top roles within NFU Scotland are embarking on a nine-date tour of regional hustings that will see them travel the length and breadth of the country.

Over the next few days those seeking election as either president or vice-president of NFUS will address members at a packed programme of regional meetings in a bid to secure the necessary votes. The Borders meeting will be held at The Lodge, Carfraemill, on Tuesday, January 17, at 7pm.

Voting for the positions of president and its two vice-presidential posts will take place at the Union’s council meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on Tuesday, February 7. The Union’s AGM, conference and annual dinner will be staged at the same venue the day before.

Current president Allan Bowie and sitting vice-presidents Rob Livesey and Andrew McCornick will all contest the presidential position. The two vice-presidential roles will be decided between Forth and Clyde regional chairman Tom French, Less Favoured Areas Committee chairman Martin Kennedy and Dumfries and Galloway regional chairman Gary Mitchell.

Ahead of the hustings commencing, all candidates have outlined their priorities for the Union and Scottish agriculture with the document available on the Union’s website at: http://www.nfus.org.uk/node/17758

NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker said: “It is hugely encouraging for the future of NFU Scotland and the sign of a healthy and vibrant Union that we have so many excellent candidates standing for election. Six people have put the interests of the industry ahead of the interests of their own businesses and are standing for the positions. I wish each one of them the very best and urge them to make the most of this fantastic round of meetings.

“With Brexit decisions looming and future agricultural policy up for debate, we need the right people in place to drive forward policies that are in the very best interests of our farmers and crofters.”

Snow storms amid winds gusting up to 75mph are forecast to batter Scotland from tomorrow until Friday.

The Met Office warned of “significant” transport disruption being likely.

Three days of yellow - “be aware” - severe weather warnings will be in force for most of the country from midnight tonight.

Up to 20cm of snow is possible above 300m in the north and west, and 10cm in the south east of Scotland, with 2-5cm at lower levels.

The agency said winds up to 70mph would hit northern and western Scotland tomorrow, with several centimetres of snow accumulating inland by evening.

A spokeswoman warned: “Travel conditions will start to turn very tricky, resulting in longer travel times.

“Be aware of the potential for disruption to transport due to lying and blowing snow.”

Lightning could also cause power cuts.

On Thursday, ice and hail threaten further problems, and trains could be affected.

In the east, winds could reach 75mph over high ground across Fife, the Lothians and Borders tomorrow.

That will be followed by the risk of snow showers from noon on Thursday to noon on Friday.

Travel disruption is likely to include traffic restrictions on major bridges.

The spokeswoman said: The strongest winds will affect some of the higher-level roads.

“However, the north-westerly winds will also be very strong and gusty at lower levels too, including in areas to the east of high ground.

“A deepening depression will pass northern Scotland on Wednesday, accompanied by strong and gusty winds.

“It will also start to pull in much colder air, which will lead to the showers turning to snow, sleet and hail in many areas later in the day.

“Lightning may accompany the heavier showers, with potential disruption to power supplies.”

Only the southern Borders and eastern Dumfries and Galloway are excluded from the warning areas.

West coast ferry operator CalMac warned of possible disruption because of the strong winds.

Operations director Drew Collier said: “Weather forecasts for across the west of Scotland are predicting a windy and cold run up to the weekend.

“We will review sailings on a case by case basis, but would advise anyone planning to travel by ferry to take this into account when planning journeys in the next few days.”

There will be no Jim Clark Memorial Rally in 2017 and the very future of the popular motorsport event is now in serious jeopardy.

In the week that Scottish Borders Council had given hope that a decision could be made within the next fortnight, these hopes were dashed by the sport’s own ruling body, which stated that its insurers believed it inappropriate to run the event until the outcome of the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI), launched by Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC, into the deaths of three people at the rally in 2014 and another at the Snowman Rally in Inverness in 2013.

In an email earlier this week to Jim Clark Rally (JCR) chairman Dan Wright, the chief executive of the Motor Sports Association (MSA), Rob Jones, stated: “Following extensive consultation with our insurance brokers and our insurers, I am able to confirm the position of the MSA regarding any proposal for the JCR to be run in 2017. It would not be appropriate for MSA to issue a permit for the JCR until the FAI has been completed and the sheriff has issued his findings.”

Given this decision, a long tradition of motor sports events in Berwickshire, which launched the careers of Jim Clark and Sir Jackie Stewart, Andrew Cowan and Louise Aitken Walker MBE, and which stretch back to motor racing just after the second World War at Charterhall and Winfield, is at risk of coming to an end.

The rally organisers say they are at a loss to understand the decision.

Mr Wright said: “In any other workplace or sporting endeavour, routine carries on while FAIs are under way, so we don’t understand the insurer’s reasoning behind this decision. They may well have consulted extensively with their insurance partners, but the rally organisers were not consulted.”

In other fields where FAIs have taken place, whether in the workplace or in other sports, there has been no suspension of activity.

In such cases, new procedures and practices have been implemented following such accidents to allow it to carry on.

That was also the case following the tragedy on the Jim Clark Rally in 2014, as new rules have been introduced nationwide, limiting the actions of media personnel attending rallies and also regulating those who can apply for media accreditation.

A further ruling has been made advising media personnel against taking family members and friends with them when they attend events on work-related duties.

Much work has also been done in creating improved spectator facilities at all rally events.

Rally manager, Russel Blood, added: “We understand that the inquest process under English law differs from Fatal Accident Inquiries under Scots Law, so to take this decision without wider consultation, is not what should be expected from a sport’s UK national governing body.

“This outcome has thoroughly demoralised the whole team behind the running of this major event.”

Local MSP John Lamont, who has been a long-time supporter of bringing the rally back, said: “The Jim Clark Rally has been a major contributor to the Borders economy and the loss of the event for yet another year is a big blow to the organisers, local businesses and motorsport enthusiasts.

“With the MSA now saying the rally can’t take place while the Fatal Accident Inquiry is ongoing, there is a real risk the event will be lost forever.

“FAIs are notoriously slow processes and if this decision stands, there is little chance that the rally will take place in the next few years, meaning its slot in the motor sports calendar may be lost.

“The organisers rightly feel that not enough has been done to try to save this important sporting event. When the FAI was announced, I asked the Crown Office to make it clear that the holding of an FAI did not in itself prevent the rally taking place.

“That did not happen and the future of the event has now been put in jeopardy. I urge the Lord Advocate and the Scottish Government to now make it clear that there are no legal reasons why the rally cannot continue in an attempt to change the decision of the MSA.”

It is the rally organising team’s fervent hope that rallying can return to the Berwickshire roads in 2018 to continue a sporting tradition which the Jim Clark Rally instigated in 1970 to commemorate the achievements of the Borders farmer, rally driver and world champion racing driver.

Last month, Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC stated that a single fatal accident inquiry (FAI) is to be held into the deaths of Joy Robson – who died after being hit by a competing car in the Snowman Rally in Inverness in February 2013 – and the three people Iain Provan, Elizabeth Allan and Len Stern – who lost their lives in a similar incident in the Jim Clark Rally in May 2014.

The inquiry will be held in the Lothian and Borders area.

While the Crown Office has confirmed no criminal proceedings will be brought in relation to either event, this could be reconsidered if additional evidence comes to light during the FAI.

The announcement comes less than two weeks after organisers slammed the “delay” by the Crown Office in publishing its report into the crash in 2014.

The introduction of a law designed to force local and national newspapers into a system of statutory press regulation could cost the industry £100 million a year just for telling the truth, the News Media Association has said today.

Submitting its response to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s consultation on press regulation, the NMA said Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 was an unfair and undemocratic attack on free speech which would have a chilling effect on newspapers’ ability to report on matters of public interest.

If enacted, the legislation - which has been condemned by global free speech organisations, campaigners, as well as local, national and regional newspaper editors - would mean that newspapers outside of the state-recognised system of regulation would be forced to pay the costs of claimants in legal actions even if the newspaper was found by a court to have told the truth.

Although the legislation would not cover Scottish civil courts, the dangers of litigation tourism are greater in the digital age than ever before and there is every possibility that Scottish news titles could be pursued in English courts as it would not be difficult for claimants to show that online versions of the report could be accessed by readers in England or Wales and that the case should be dealt with under English law.

NMA chairman Ashley Highfield said: “Section 40 is designed to force newspapers into a system of state-backed regulation which the industry views as entirely unacceptable and incompatible with the principles of free speech.

“Not a single significant publication has signed up to Impress, the state-recognised regulator funded by one wealthy donor, with the vast majority of the industry choosing instead the new tough self-regulatory regime under IPSO which is independent of the industry and completely free from state control.

“Section 40 would have a hugely negative impact upon the press industry both here in the UK and overseas. Newspaper titles would be forced to close and our democracy would be poorer for it. This harmful legislation must be repealed immediately.”

The Leveson Report recommended a system of “voluntary independent self-regulation,” envisaging “a body, established and organised by the industry” which “must be funded by its members”. Lord Justice Leveson said it should include all the major players in the industry – national newspapers and as many regional and local newspaper and magazine publishers as possible - “although I am very anxious that it remain voluntary”.

As part of its submission, the NMA said Impress was “not a genuine regulator” and appeared to have been set up purely as a device to trigger the Section 40 costs sanctions against the press.

The Impress chief executive, a number of its Board members, the chair of its code committee, and even members of the appointment panel which selected the Impress Board, had made clear their profound dislike of some of Britain’s most popular newspapers, with repeated public attacks – some of them personally abusive – supporting advertising boycotts on these titles, and even calling for them to be banned from sale or closed down, the NMA added.

As part of its response, the NMA also said that the Leveson Inquiry should not be reopened because of the changes that have occurred within the press industry and the numerous police and press reviews since the publication of the report over four years ago and the huge cost to the public purse of reopening the inquiry.

In 2012, Lord Justice Leveson himself released a statement questioning the value to be gained from a Part 2, given the “enormous cost,” the fact that material would be years out of date by then, and that it could take even longer than the first inquiry.

A recent YouGov poll found that there is no public appetite for the second part of the Leveson Inquiry with just one per cent of people believing press regulation should be among the Government’s priorities at the current time.

A Duns piper has been made a Member of the British Empire in the Queen’s latest new year honours list, a month after retiring from the Army.

Steven Small, 51, learned to play bagpipes with Duns Pipe Band, and he has now been honoured for his services to piping and traditional music.

The retired major’s 35-year military career began with the Black Watch regiment in 1981 and culminated with serving as director of the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming in Edinburgh.

Settling into a new job helping organise piping at the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Steven told of his surprise at the unexpected honour.

He said: “It is not something you ever think about or expect much, if at all. It is very exciting.

“My kids are all delighted. It’s all down to them, of course. It’s a very nice touch.”

Steven began piping at the age of eight, learning from the late Tim Ainslie.

“Tim taught me from scratch through Duns Pipe Band as a youngster,” Steven said.

“He also taught me all the other things that go with it – marching, discipline and stories of the war. It taught me a lot about regimental piping and drumming before I ever joined the army.”

Steven followed in Mr Ainslie’s footsteps in more ways than one, with both men choosing to serve with the Black Watch and both being honoured by the Queen, Mr Ainslie having been awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to Duns Pipe Band in 1984.

Steven and his family have lived in Bonnyrigg since 2005.

His three children Steven, 23; Harvey, 10; and Eva, seven, are all musical, but so far they have not ventured into the world of piping.

His wife Jacqueline, meanwhile, is a Highland dancer and kilt-maker.

His new role with the Edinburgh tattoo will see him head up its Pipers’ Trail project.

He explained: “We are trying to form a capability for piping, drumming, Highland dancing and fiddling for doing the show in August but also for other engagements throughout the year.”

From 2008 until his retirment in November, Steven ran the Army’s bagpiping school at Inchdewar House in Edinburgh, teaching students, inspecting bands and selecting the music for the annual tattoo.

As well as being a regular fixture at the tattoo, Steven has piped at other high-profile events including the handing over of Hong Kong to China and the Queen Mother’s Funeral. During his time with the Black Watch, he travelled the world and learned different styles of piping in New Zealand, Australia, Germany and the US.

In the past, Steven has also competed with various top civilian bands including those of the Vale of Atholl, Scottish Power, Drambuie (world champions in 2005), Tayside Police (champion of champions in 2006) and Lothian and Borders Police.

He has already received congratulations from the College of Piping in Glasgow, and last week, UK Government Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “It is right that we honour the dedication and commitment displayed by the men and woman in our armed forces whose service goes above and beyond.

“Their work will help ensure that Britain stands ready to face any threat as we continue to step up our commitments in Europe and across the world.”

Stefan Home has been appointed as Coldstream’s right-hand man in waiting for 2017.

He will take his place beside Coldstreamer Andrew Guthrie and left-hand man Jamie Nicolson at the 2017 Coldstream Civic Week rideouts and ceremonies and throughout the Borders common riding season.

Stefan, 26, has lived in Coldstream all his life and has worked at Uplift Forklifts in the town for the past nine years.

He was educated at Coldstream Primary School and Berwickshire High School,

An ex-player for Coldstream Amateurs Football Club, Stefan still enjoys the sport, alongside other hobbies including being a member of Coldstream Bowling Club and a keen golfer.

He grew up, like most young men in the town, enjoying civic week events each summer, and although he has followed it intently for most of his life, Stefan is yet to follow on horseback and only began taking riding lessons last year.

Stefan will be supported by his parents Marion and Kevin, brothers Christopher and Cameron and sister Kayleigh.

The first in his family to take up a position within the civic week, he is ready to get back in the saddle shortly in preparation for the coming months.

He explained: “I started lessons last year, and it’s going not too bad. I’ll be getting more lessons soon. I’ve not come off yet, although to be honest, it’s the sooner the better, just to get the first fall out of the way.”

Looking forward to a busy summer ahead, Stefan says the appointment is “very exciting” and comes despite his fears that he was maybe too old for the role. “To be fair, I have always wanted to be asked to be it, and I was getting on a bit, so I was pleased to be asked,” he explained.

“My family are all really excited.”

He will be ably supported in his debut year by Andrew and Jamie, both of whom Stefan says he is delighted to have beside him. “I have grown up with them both, so it’s ideal really – spot on,” he said.

In keeping with tradition, potential names were put forward by ex-Coldstreamers to the association last year before a vote by the members.

Stefan was selected and approached, immediately accepting their offer of the position.

After setting the decision in stone late last year, the Ex-Coldstreamers’ Association announced Stefan as this year’s right-hand man at their latest fundraising coffee morning.

As the newest Coldstream principal he will carry out a three-year term of office – starting as right-hand man, moving to Coldstreamer in his second year, and left-hand man in his third and final year.

Coldstream Civic Week this year will run from Sunday, August 6, to Sunday, August 13.

The Norham rideout will take place on August 7, followed by Birgham on August 9, Flodden on August 10 and Leitholm on August 11.

As well as the traditional rideouts, there will be the usual fancy-dress parade and fireworks display.

A spokesman for the Coldstream Riders’ Association said: “Congratulations to Stefan Home on being selected as the right-hand man for Coldstream Civic Week 2017.

“We wish you and your family a memorable three years in office.”

A Borders pharmaceutical plant believes it could be about to make a breakthrough in treating rickets as it seeks authorisation for a new drug for sufferers of the most common heritable form of the condition.

Galashiels-based Kyowa Kirin International (KKI) has developed an antibody for the genetic condition X-linked hypophosphatemia.

The condition it hopes to treat, a deforming and painful form of rickets affecting the bones and growth of children, does not respond to vitamin D treatment, so new medication is required.

The drug, KRN23, is the first in a series produced by KKI’s parent company, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, to reach the stage of seeking European approval.

The firm says the European Medicines Agency has accepted its marketing authorisation application for the drug for review, and an opinion from the committee for medicinal products for human use is expected in the second half of this year.

The company says the new drug is part of its efforts to “contribute to the health and wellbeing of people around the world”.

Tom Stratford, president and chief executive officer of KKI, said: “X-linked hypophosphatemia is a debilitating condition which causes long-term pain and distress among sufferers and for which there are no currently approved treatments that target the underlying cause.”

He added: “As part of Kyowa Hakko Kirin, we strive to contribute to the health and wellbeing of people around the world through advances in life sciences and technologies.

“The acceptance of this filing brings us one step closer to addressing the unmet medical needs of patients who suffer from X-linked hypophosphatemia.”

Rickets is caused by vitamin D deficiency, resulting in weakened bones.

Though the strain of the condition the drug is aimed at tackling is the most common heritable form of rickets, it is still rare in that it currently only affects around 16,000 people across Europe.

The strain XLH is a disorder of phosphate metabolism caused by phosphate-wasting in urine, leading to severe hypophosphatemia, which can be inherited as an X-linked dominant trait affecting both males and females. Currently, most sufferers are managed using oral phosphate replacement and active vitamin D therapy, requiring multiple doses daily and continual monitoring of potentially serious side-effects.

The new drug being developed in Galashiels, however, could change the way the illness is treated in the near future and cut down on the amount of time spent treating it.

Formerly known as ProStrakan, a firm founded by Dr Stratford’s father Harry in Melrose nearly 22 years ago, KKI now employs almost 150 staff at its Galashiels base.

ProStrakan was taken over by the Japanese firm KHK in 2011 and rebranded as part of a move to become a global speciality pharmaceutical company.

KHK’s western pharmaceutical subsidiaries, including specialist divisions employing another 350 people outwith the Borders, also came under the Kyowa Kirin name, and since the takeover 20 new staff, including several qualified medics, have joined its Galashiels workforce.

The company, a subsidiary of Kyowa Hakko Kirin, has previously developed a number of new products which have been licensed and trialed across Europe and in the United States of America.

KKI is headquartered in Scotland.

People are being encouraged to take some time for themselves to help beat the post-Christmas winter blues.

Many people feel down after the busy festive period when the weather is bad, debt and money worries are high and mood is low.

But NHS 24 is offering a number of suggestions to help improve mental well-being. From healthy eating to cutting down on alcohol and beginning a new fitness class, certain activities can help in improving a low mood.

If things are too much, however, there is also Breathing Space, a phoneline where people who are feeling down or anxious can talk in confidence to a trained adviser.

Professor George Crooks, NHS 24’s medical director, said: “A range of things can make someone feel down, especially at this time of the year.

“There are lots of things people can do to improve their mood but sometimes thoughts and feelings can overwhelm us. It’s always better to talk about your anxieties or stresses sooner rather than later. So don’t let problems get out of hand, phone Breathing Space where experienced advisers will listen and offer advice. We’d encourage anyone who is feeling down to pick up the phone and help banish those January blues.”

The Breathing Space helpline can be contacted on 0800 83 85 87 and is open Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2am, and at the weekends from Friday 6pm to Monday 6am.

Further information and tips can be found at www.nhsinform.scot

A Jedburgh motorist drove to a petrol station for cigarettes while almost five times the legal alcohol limit, a court heard this week.

Graham Slorance, 25, of Howden Drive, pleaded guilty to drink-driving on the A68 in Jedburgh during the early hours of November 20.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told the town’s sheriff court: “At 2.20am, the accused went to the Shell petrol station to buy cigarettes. It was noted by the counter assistant that he was smelling strongly of alcohol and had difficulty putting in his PIN number.

“The police were aware of this and when he was stopped he was found to have a reading of 102 – the limit being 22.

“It was a very foolish piece of behaviour.”

Defence lawyer Maureen Sinclair said her client, a supervisor for an excavation firm, accepted he had been “particularly stupid” and that he would need to perform other functions to keep his job.

She added: “This will have serious consequences for his employment.

“He had been on a night out and went to buy cigarettes.”

In addition to being disqualified from driving for 20 months, Slorance was fined £350 by Sheriff Peter Paterson.

The sheriff refused a motion for Slorance to be put on a drink-drivers’ rehabilitation scheme which would entitle him to a 25% discount on the length of the ban if he completed it at his own expense, saying he knew exactly what he was doing.

JED ACCUSED DENIES FRAUD

A Jedburgh man will stand trial at the town’s sheriff court on March 7 facing a benefits fraud charge involving more than £12,000.

Colin Holness, 55, of Grieve Avenue, is accused of claiming Employment and Support Allowance of £6,368.98 and housing benefit of £6,801.56 to which he was not entitled.

It is claimed he failed to tell officials that his wife had started employment. The offence is alleged to have been committed between February 2014 and January 2016.

NOT-GUILTY PLEA TO ASSAULT

Ashley Gallagher, 27, has denied assaulting her former partner at her home in Queens Drive, Hawick, on November 25 by striking him twice on the face. She will stand trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on February 9.

MARCH TRIAL DATE

A Hawick woman will stand trial accused of assaulting two women.

Elizabeth Port, 36, of Roxburghe Drive, denies the offences which are alleged to have been committed at Wellogate Stables in Hawick on November 30.

The trial was fixed for March 7 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, with an intermediate hearing on February 6.

Appeared from custody

A Hawick woman has appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court accused of assaulting a male and a female.

Danielle Reilly, 21, of Kenilworth Avenue, pleaded not guilty to the offences which are alleged to have been committed in Hawick last Wednesday.

A trial date was set for Jedburgh Sheriff Court on March 9, with an intermediate hearing on February 6.

HAMESUCKEN ALLEGATION

A Galashiels man has appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court accused of breaking into a house and assaulting the female occupier.

Jordan Cunningham, 21, faces the old-fashioned Scots law charge of hamesucken, as well as threatening or abusive behaviour. The offences are alleged to have been committed in Galashiels last month.

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

He was already remanded in custody after pleading guilty to engaging in a course of conduct likely to cause a named female fear and alarm at a house in Wood Street, Galashiels, between August 12 and October 1.

Background reports have been ordered and Cunningham will be sentenced on January 19.

PRIVATE HEARING

A Hawick man appeared in private at Jedburgh Sheriff Court charged with possession of indecent photographs of children.

Sean Ward is accused of committing the offence at a house in Hawick last May.

He made no plea or declaration during a brief hearing and the case was continued for further examination. Ward, 20, was bailed.

TEENAGER BAILED

A Selkirk teenager appeared in private at Jedburgh Sherifff Court accused of assaulting two males last weekend.

James Dawson, 18, is also charged with possession of a knife and threatening or abusive behaviour. The offences are alleged to have been committed in Selkirk on Sunday.

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

Dawson was bailed.

BENEFITS CASE TRIAL

A Hawick man will stand trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on February 21 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 of failing to notify a change in his circumstances when claiming Employment and 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.

CARELESS DRIVING

A motorist who caused a collision with a lorry on a remote Borders road had seven penalty points placed on his licence and was fined £300.

Peter Ellis, 56, of Mountfield Gardens, Newcastle, pleaded guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to careless driving on the B6088 near the hamlet of Kirkton on June 30.

The court was told he was driving too fast for the conditions of the road, lost control of the vehicle and collided with a lorry coming in the opposite direction.

Prosecutor Graham Fraser said: “Basically he was going too fast on a twisty country road.”

CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

Andrew Dale, 30, of Melrose Court, Hawick, denies assaulting a man by punching and kicking him on the head, and stamping on his body, to his injury, in Mill Port, Hawick, on March 3 or 4.

The case will recall at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on January 26.

MOTORIST TO STAND TRIAL

A Jedburgh motorist has been accused of careless driving following an accident in which a 76-year-old woman was injured.

Leslie Cramond, 43, of Bountrees, denies the offence which is said to have happened on the A68 between St Boswells and Jedburgh on July 15.

A trial date has been set for Jedburgh Sheriff Court on January 26.

ACCUSED OF SEX ACT REQUESTS

Two Jedburgh men are due to stand trial at the town’s sheriff court on a charge of repeatedly asking two females to perform sexual acts during the course of a car journey.

Stuart Spence, 25, of Hartrigge Crescent, and Craig Hall, 19, of Howden Road, deny a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person fear and alarm.

The offence is alleged to have been committed in a vehicle on the Jedburgh-Oxnam road on October 23.

A trial date has been set for January 26.

HIGH STREET ASSAULT CASE

Gayle Beatson, 26, of Weensland Road, Hawick, will stand trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on March 7 on a charge of assaulting a woman in High Street, Hawick, on March 6.

An intermediate hearing will be held on March 6.

INTERMEDIATE HEARING

Anthony Brown, 29, appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court and denied assaulting a woman and a child in Eyemouth on Saturday.

A trial date was set for March 9, with an intermediate hearing on February 6.

REPORTS ORDERED

A Kelso man who assaulted a police officer will be sentenced on February 6.

Mark Sharrard, 20, of Coalmarket, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened in Inchmyre, Kelso, on September 30.

He also admitted struggling violently with officers, as well as damaging property at Kelso police station a fortnight earlier.

Sheriff Peter Paterson called for background reports and a restriction of liberty order assessment.

DANGEROUS DRIVING CHARGE

William Whyte has been accused of driving dangerously on the A703 Peebles-Edinburgh road near Leadburn on August 16 by overtaking on the approach to a blind bend.

The 29-year-old, of South Chester Gardens, Bonnyrigg, had his case continued at Selkirk Sheriff Court until January 16 for a personal appearance.

TEENAGER IN COURT

A 16-year-old appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court accused of break-ins to houses and vehicles in the Borders and East Lothian.

The teenager from Edinburgh – who cannot be named for legal reasons – faces a total of eight charges relating to alleged offences committed in Selkirk, Lilliesleaf and Dunbar between New Year’s Day and Tuesday last week.

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

YOUTH PLEADS NOT GUILTY

A 17-year-old Selkirk male has been accused of being involved in a domestic disturbance with his then partner on Boxing Day at a house in Hawick.

The teenager – who cannot be named for legal reasons – pleaded not guilty to shouting and swearing and acting in an aggressive manner at the property in McLagan Drive.

A trial date was fixed for March 9 at Selkirk Sheriff Court with an intermediate hearing on February 9.

He was released on bail on condition he does not contact the female or enter Prestonpans.

HOME CURFEW FOR OFFENDER

A Kelso man who admitted assaulting his former partner will be sentenced next month.

Robert Yule, 40, of Inchmead Drive, repeatedly struck her on the head at a house in Inchmyre on December 3.

Five days later, he threateend her with violence and demanded money from her.

Sentence was deferred until February 6 for background reports.

The accused was granted bail, subject to a 7pm-7am home curfew.

FACEBOOK ROW LED TO STABBING

A Hawick man stabbed a former friend with a knife after a fall-out on social media networking site Facebook.

Aarron Atkinson, 24, of Allars Bank, pleaded guilty to assaulting Stuart Ogilvie in Lothian Street, Hawick, on January 31 last year.

He punched him in the face and repeatedly struck him on the body with a knife, or similar instrument, to his injury and permanent disfigurement under provocation.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told Selkirk Sheriff Court that the complainer broke his wrist hitting the accused during a fight.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre deferred sentence until January 30 for background reports.

INNERLEITHEN RAID CHARGES

A 21-year-old man has been accused of thefts from properties in Innerleithen.

Brendan Watson, of Hawthornvale, Edinburgh, is charged with forcing open a garage in Miller Street and stealing a motorbike, and also four wheel trims from another property in the street on December 15 in 2015.

He is also said to have stolen power tools from a property in Tweedbank Lee, two mountain bikes from a shed in Peebles Road, and also a motorcycle and three mountain bikes from a shed at Waverley Mills on December 16, 2015.

Watson is also accused of breaking into business premises at Bristol Terrace in Galashiels on November 23, 2015. He pleaded not guilty to all six charges, and the first hearing was continued until January 19.

CASE IS CONTINUED

Michael Rouse is charged with three motoring offences.

The 63-year-old, of Rigside, near Lanark, is accused of driving while unfit through drink or drugs, speeding at 42mph and having a faulty handbrake in Ettrick Terrace, Selkirk, on June 20.

The Selkirk Sheriff Court case was continued until January 17.

DENIES SWORD ATTACK

A 54-year-old has been accused of striking another man with a sword during an incident in Hawick.

Edward Tams pleaded not guilty to brandishing a sword at David Adamson in Weensland Road on October 14. He is then alleged to have repeatedly struck him on the body with the sword to his injury and permanent disigurement.

Tams also faces a second charge of having a sharp-pointed article in a public place.

He has lodged a special defence of self-defence.

The case was continued until January 16, and Tams was remanded in custody.

DRIVER JAILED AND BANNED

A Hawick man found guilty of dangerous driving on various streets in the town has been jailed for 18 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Darrell Potts, 24, of Chay Blyth Place, was also banned from the road for five years.

Following a trial, he was convicted of driving at excessive speeds, forcing pedestrians to take evasive action, failing to observe a pelican crossing and having to brake sharply to narrowly avoid striking a pedestrian pushing a pram and crossing double white lines.

He was also found guilty of failing to stop when required to do so by a police officer.

The offences date back to August 2015.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told Potts he would need to re-sit an extended driving test at the end of the disqualification to get his licence back.

REMANDED IN CUSTODY

A Hawick man has been remanded in custody after being accused of breaching the terms of his interim sexual offences prevention order.

Thomas Hoare, 49, is alleged to have committed the offences in December and January in Hawick.

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

A motion for bail was refused, and Hoare was remanded in custody by Sheriff Derrick McIntyre.

BRANDISHED MEAT CLEAVER

A 58-year-old man involved in a stand-off with ambulance personnel and police officers at his home in Hawick has been jailed for a total of 350 days at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Remo Nardini pleaded guilty to brandishing a meat cleaver or similar instrument during the disturbance at the house in Minto Place on October 26. He also admitted saying he wanted to kill someone and refusing to allow ambulance personnel to leave his home.

Nardini appeared on a total of seven complaints involving charges mainly of abusive or threatening behaviour.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre backdated the jail sentences to October 27, when Nardini was remanded in custody.

YOUTH PLEADS NOT GUILTY

A 17-year-old Selkirk boy has been accused of being involved in a domestic disturbance with his then partner on Boxing Day at a house in Hawick.

The teenager – who cannot be named for legal reasons – pleaded not guilty to shouting and swearing and acting in an aggressive manner at the property in McLagan Drive.

A trial date was fixed for March 9 at Selkirk Sheriff Court with an intermediate hearing on February 9.

He was released on bail on condition he does not contact the female or enter Prestonpans.

SHOPLIFTING ALLEGATIONS

Three men have been accused of taking part in shoplifting raids on stores in the Borders.

Craig Meldrum, 36, William Muirhead, 45, and Alfred Muirhead, 43, all from Edinburgh, pleaded not guilty to stealing meat from Marks and Spencer in Galashiels on February 5 and 12, and also Sainsbury’s in Peebles on February 5, totalling more than £1,000.

Anne McAleavey, 62, of Captains Road, Edinburgh, is charged with the resale of the meat. A trial date has been set for March 14 at Selkirk Sheriff Court with an intermediate hearing on February 13.

SET HIS HOUSE ON FIRE

An Innerleithen man set fire to his own house during a disturbance.

Paul Hay, 51, pleaded guilty to breach of the peace at the property in Horsburgh Street on September 30. He admitted shouting and swearing, threatening others with violence, setting fire to the stairs, brandishing a crowbar, can of petrol and two blowtorches, as well as throwing items from the house and threatening to kill police officers.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre deferred sentence for background reports and remanded Hay in custody. The case will recall on January 19.

Ten of the most bizarre excuses used by unscrupulous bosses found to have underpaid workers the National Minimum Wage have today been revealed by the Government.

Excuses for not paying staff the minimum wage include only wanting to pay staff when there are customers to serve and believing it was acceptable to underpay workers until they had ‘proved’ themselves.

The list has been published today (January 11) to coincide with a new awareness campaign to encourage workers to check their pay to ensure they are receiving at least the statutory minimum ahead of the national minimum and national living wages rising on April 1.

The £1.7 million campaign aims to make sure workers are being paid at least the National Minimum Wage, or National Living Wage, depending on their age, and is part of the Government’s commitment to making sure the economy works for all.

Investigators from HMRC have revealed some of the worst excuses given to them by employers caught out for underpaying staff, which include:

The employee wasn’t a good worker so I didn’t think they deserved to be paid the National Minimum Wage.

It’s part of UK culture not to pay young workers for the first three months as they have to prove their ‘worth’ first.

I thought it was okay to pay foreign workers below the National Minimum Wage as they aren’t British and therefore don’t have the right to be paid it.

She doesn’t deserve the National Minimum Wage because she only makes the teas and sweeps the floors.

I’ve got an agreement with my workers that I won’t pay them the National Minimum Wage; they understand and they even signed a contract to this effect.

My accountant and I speak a different language – he doesn’t understand me and that’s why he doesn’t pay my workers the correct wages.

My workers like to think of themselves as being self-employed and the National Minimum Wage doesn’t apply to people who work for themselves.

My workers are often just on standby when there are no customers in the shop; I only pay them for when they’re actually serving someone.

My employee is still learning so they aren’t entitled to the National Minimum Wage.

The National Minimum Wage doesn’t apply to my business.

By law, all workers must be paid at least £7.20 an hour if they are aged 25 and over, or the National Minimum Wage rate relevant to their age if they are younger.

Business Minister Margot James said: “There are no excuses for underpaying staff what they are legally entitled to. This campaign will raise awareness among the lowest paid in society about what they must legally receive and I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be paid less to contact Acas as soon as possible.

“Every call is followed up by HMRC and we are determined to make sure everybody in work receives a fair wage.”

Workers are encouraged to regularly check their pay to ensure they are receiving at least the minimum or living wage, depending on their age.

For more information and to report underpayment this link or contact Acas for free and impartial advice.

Proposals to regulate the press in England and Wales would “pose a potential threat to press freedom” in Scotland, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has said.

Ms Hyslop has confirmed that the Scottish Government has not plans to introduce new measures to regulate the press north of the border.

The Culture Secretary’s comments follow the closure this week of the UK Government’s consultation on section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013.

If passed, this would that media organisations which were not signed up to an official regulator would generally have to pay the costs for both sides in libel or privacy claims, whatever the outcome of the case.

Press regulation and the court system are devolved in Scotland and the Culture Secretary has written to the UK Government previously stating that such measures would not apply in Scotland.

Ms Hyslop also said, however, that she believe the viability of independent media would be put at risk.

She said: “A diverse and independent media is vital to sustaining a flourishing democracy. Any movement by the UK Government to action Section 40 must carefully consider potential threats to the health of our democratic life and to the freedom of the press.

“We are committed to ensuring the practices which led to the Leveson Inquiry in the first place do not happen again and we believe that all individuals should have the ability to seek redress when they feel they have been the victim of press malpractice.

“However, the context of press regulation in Scotland is quite distinct from that in England and Wales and section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act does not apply under Scots Law. We have not introduced statutory measures to incentivise participation in the regulatory system, as has happened in Westminster, and I can confirm we have no plans to do so.

“Despite press regulation being devolved, Scottish local and national media could be impacted by any decision to enact section 40 in England and Wales, and it is my view that the measures consulted on by the UK government would put at risk the viability of much of our independent media, particularly local newspapers, and pose a potential threat to freedom of the press.”

The restoration of an 18th century waterwheel and pump at Paxton House is finally set to go ahead now the project has landed a windfall of more than £56,000.

The foundations of the waterwheel and an ancient stone cistern connected to natural springs were rediscovered near the Berwickshire stately home back in 2007 by trustee John Home Robertson and former Paxton House guide Andrew Fell.

They also found derelict machinery and another waterwheel nearby at Blackadder Mount.

These will now be restored and put in place at Paxton House, thanks to a grant of more than £56,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project also received a grant of £25,000 from Scottish Borders Council’s landfill communities fund in September.

The 4.5m diameter waterwheel, consisting of a single, central set of cast-iron arms supporting wooden buckets, will be the only working one of its kind in the UK.

It is hoped that its installation will provide information about social and engineering history as well as skills for volunteers tasked with maintaining the machinery.

The structure would have been the only way to provide clean water to the house during the 18th century.

The house, built between 1758 and 1766, was the family home of Mr Home Robertson, a former Labour MP for Berwick and East Lothian, and he opened it and its 80 acres of grounds to the public in 1993.

The 68-year-old said: “I was already aware of the waterwheel as I recall my mother telling me about it, but it was buried following the flooding in 1948.

“We went digging there through the silt and mud that had formed, and I had heard through the grapevine about the wheel at Blackadder.

“The beginning of the process is in place now, and the application for planning permission is also in just now.

“We are negotiating access, contracts with companies and all the machinery has to be sent away to be assessed.

“It’s going to be a very busy and exciting year.

“It will be great to see a waterwheel driving a beam pump here again, and we are very grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the other funders for supporting this initiative.”

The restoration is being led by James Mitchell, of Argyll and Bute-based Industrial Heritage Consultants.

Mr Mitchell said: “Many later pumps were fitted at Paxton as technology gradually moved forward, but what we are reinstating is, we believe, very close to the original.

“The installation will certainly be the only working one of its type in the UK.

“By proving its ability to deliver water up to the gardens level at Paxton, we will have saved and demonstrated a unique piece of early water-powered pumping machinery for the long term.

“This is a medium-sized project, and the cost will cover groundworks to the site, including the dam and pipe supplying the wheel, as well as access paths and interpretation. The site itself is actually very challenging.”

Schoolchildren will be given the chance to get involved by helping to record the year-long restoration process, expected to begin in March.

Pupils at Berwickshire High School in Duns and Eyemouth High will carry out their own projects coinciding with the restoration and hold an exhibition.

Paxton House education officer Hermione Hoffmann added: “We will be working with local schools to record the restoration work during 2017, and we are looking for volunteers to help to maintain and operate the waterwheel and pump for the benefit of our visitors.

“The project with the schools will provide pupils with a unique experience of documenting a restoration project and getting to see all the changes as they happen.”

“Their work will form an integral part of the celebration and launch of the waterwheel.

“We also hope they will develop their love of history, especially local history.”

Lucy Casot, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, added: “Thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Lottery Fund is able to support projects such as the restoration of the waterwheel and beam pump at Paxton House that produce tantalising clues about the past and provide volunteers with new skills.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund also issued grants to Borders Asperger and Autism Group Support and Yetholm Festival Committee.

Paxton House is open to the public for family days out, tours and as a wedding venue.

Road closures are currently in place as drifting snow causes traffic problems in the Borders.

The A699 Selkirk to St Boswells road was closed earlier this morning and remains closed while cars stuck in drifting snow are removed.

Work is also ongoing to clear the A708 Selkirk to Moffat road which is also closed to all traffic.

The A7 south of Hawick is passable with care after an earlier accident.

Scottish Borders Council are urging drivers not to ignore road closure signs and to use priority routes where possible.