A community cafe set up in Hawick to help young people find jobs and training opportunities has been given a double cash windfall of £22,000.

The Almond Tree, opened in High Street in June 2014, offers work placements and life-coaching, with any profits made reinvested in youth work across the Borders.

Now the cafe, employing four members of staff, is one of five charities to benefit from a share of almost £38,000 being handed out by the Bank of Scotland Foundation.

The Almond Tree’s £9,000 grant comes hot on the heels of a £13,000-a-year funding boost given to the charity by the Robertson Trust.

Much of the funding is to be used to create a new quiet cafe kitchen area on the first floor of the building.

Jenni Green, chairwoman of the board of trustees running the Almond Tree, said the charity takes on 20 placements a year, leading them to a “positive destination”, into work or on to college.

She said: “Some of those on placements can’t cope with the hustle and bustle of the existing cafe, which does get very busy, so we are going to refurbish the first floor to create a quiet training kitchen area.

“Many of our placements come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are vulnerable, and this will be a place they can learn in peace and quiet. If they are under too much pressure, they are unable to do that.”

The charity is also expanding its services to elderly people in the local community.

Jenni added: “We take food to elderly people to meet an unseen need, so we are benefiting another group of people.

“Our ultimate aim is to provide food on a daily basis.

“Despite the pressures on many charities, we are in a very positive place. It feels like a new beginning.”

Philip Grant, chairman of the Bank of Scotland Foundation’s board of trustees, said: “Finding the funding to continue operating is a pressure charities regularly face, so we’re delighted to have been able to provide grants to five Borders charities.

“The work these charities do is invaluable, and the Bank of Scotland Foundation is proud to support them making a tangible difference to the local communities in which they operate.”

Another opportunity to bid for small and medium grants from the foundation is open until Friday, April 17.

For details, visit www.bankofscotlandfoundation.org

Plans are being drawn up to build 28 affordable homes in Jedburgh.

Houses offering two, three and four bedrooms, plus a block of flats, are being proposed by Kelso-based building firm M&J Ballantyne for a site to the east of Howden Drive and rear of Howdenburn Court.

The plans, submitted by Galashiels-based Aitken Turnbull Architects on behalf of Eildon Homes, also include pedestrian and road links to potential future phases of the housing development.

The houses would be arranged to promote pedestrian and bike access, with shared parking areas providing 56 spaces for vehicles.

Access to the development would be off Howdenburn Drive.

The 28-home estate proposed is part of a larger potential site identified within Scottish Borders Council’s current local development plan.

The 28 homes proposed would be made up of 17 with three bedrooms, eight with two bedrooms, one with four bedrooms and two flats with two bedrooms.

Jedburgh Community Council has already expressed its support for the development.

Its secretary, Susan Elliot, said: “We have no objections to this application and indeed welcome the new development.”

In a report to councillors, council landscape architect Jim Knight added: “The site is the northern part of a larger paddock of grassland on the south east side of Jedburgh.

“It is gently to moderately sloping, with the south eastern site boundary roughly coinciding with the top of an existing ridge.

“The principle of development is already established, and the proposed layout seems appropriate.”

The planning application will be considered by the council over the coming weeks.

A hearing into circumstances of the death of a Heiton man at Bowmont Saw Mill will take place at 9.45am on Monday, February 6, at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Andrew Marshall, who was 71, died on June 11, 2015.

The inquiry will begin on March 14, 2017, also at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

The preliminary hearing of the fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of three people at the James Clark Rally in 2014 will take place at 10am on Tuesday, February 7, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Elizabeth Allan and Iain John Provan, both of Barrhead, Glasgow, and John Leonard Stern of Bearsden, Glasgow, all died on May 31, 2014, at a grassy area near the B6461 Kelso to Swinton Road, when a car participating in the rally left the road.

The inquiry is also investigating the circumstances of the death of Joy Paula Robson, of Portree, Isle of Skye, who died during the previous year’s Snowman Rally.

She died on February 16, 2013, at Glenurquhart Forest.

The inquiry into both incidents will be held at 10am on July 17, 2017, also at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

A Borders housing associatio has been recognised through the award of Investors in Young People accreditation (IIYP).

Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) has become an “employer of choice” for young adults, with 32 apprenticeships, 65 work placements and three internships offered since 2013.

Investors in Young People recognises organisations which “demonstrate excellence in recruiting and retaining young people, while encouraging others to begin working with young people.”

During an on-site review, IIYP assessed SBHA against a number of criteria, including how effectively their young employees are mentored and supported, the extent to which their career path is clearly structured, and whether or not they are able to realise their aspirations.

Kyle Brunton, Rachel Morgan and Rian Taylor are three of the young people currently working with SBHA, who have benefited from the association’s strategy to support young people into employment.

IT intern Rian, from Hawick, said: “It’s a great opportunity. What I like is that my opinion matters – I’m making a direct impact on decisions within the IT department.

“It’s going to make a huge difference to my future career.”

Peter Russian, chief executive of Investors in People Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Scottish Borders Housing Association.

“I would like to congratulate the organisation and its people on their commitment to continuous improvement.

“I hope that more organisations in the area will be encouraged to sharpen their competitive edge by choosing to work with us.”

SBHA chief executive Julia Mulloy added: “We are very pleased to have been awarded IIYP Accreditation. This is a great achievement, reflecting our work to support young people within SBHA and the wider community.

“Young people bring fresh thinking and new ideas, and their contribution is greatly valued.

“We will go on developing our People Strategy to ensure that we continue to be viewed as an employer of choice by young people, and that we support and generate training and employment opportunities.”

Selkirk ex-standard bearers are to abseil from Edinburgh’s Forth Road Bridge to raise money for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance to thank it for helping out at the town’s annual common riding.

The group hopes to raise more than £2,000 for the charity at the abseil on Sunday, May 21, one of two a year organised by Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.

The Royal Burgh of Selkirk Ex-Standard Bearers’ Association’s chairman, Douglas Gunn, 42, said: “We first heard about this event following one of our rideouts last year when we handed over a donation to the charity.

“I have never done anything like this before, but to be honest, I think my wife is more nervous about it than I am.

“I know it will be a fantastic day, and it will be great for the air ambulance especially.

“We rely on these guys who are an integral part of ensuring that people can get to the Borders General Hospital.”

The association handed over a £400 cheque to the air ambulance back in August as part of the £2,500 raised from the success of the previous year’s charities and good causes rideout.

2016 standard bearer Rory Monks said he “jumped at the chance” to take part.

The 29-year-old, a banker with Lloyds Banking Group, said: “I’ve abseiled off Leaderfoot Bridge on the road to Earlston, but that was years ago. I am not even sure if I have a stomach for heights anymore. Right now, I’m fine, but on the day, I expect to have some shaky legs.

“However, I won’t let that stand in the way of me completing the challenge.

“We should all be getting a lot of support from each other as none of us will want to let the others down.

“The air ambulance gives vital support to our common ridings throughout the summer, and it’s the least we can do to give something back.”

They will be joined by fellow ex-standard bearers Scott Tomlison, Gary Guthrie, James Cheyne and Gavin Henderson.

This is the fourth year that the charity has had cash raised for it at the event, and so far the team has raised more than £310 .

Fiona Dennis, community fundraiser with Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, said:“We are delighted that our friends in Selkirk are continuing their support with this exciting challenge.

“We have already received a £400 donation as one of the chosen charities to benefit from a previous Selkirk rideout, and it’s wonderful that those involved in the equestrian world in the Borders appreciate the work we do and the help we often bring to riders who are ill or injured in remote and rural areas.

“We’re really appreciative of the fact that they are not only raising money for us, but also facing a huge challenge on our behalf.

“We can’t thank the team from Selkirk enough for backing us. Without support such as this from the public, we simply wouldn’t be there for everyone in Scotland, and the funds they raise will help to keep us flying into the future.”

Donations can be made online at acefrb-may2017.everydayhero.com/uk/help-ex-standard-bearers-charity-abseil-scaa

On Wednesday, February 8, ex-standard bearers will hand over money to charities at Selkirk Conservative Club at 7pm following the success of last September’s rideout.

Members of the public are invited. Tickets, priced £8, are available from Colin Turnbull Shoe Repairs in High Street.

Scottish Borders Council is to be given a £3.8m handout to help cover the cost of damage caused by last winter’s storms.

The emergency funding, being paid out by the Scottish Government via the Bellwin scheme, will pay for work required in the aftermath of the flooding that hit Hawick and other parts of the region in December 2015 and January 2016.

This latest payout follows the £2.39m given to the council last year ensure that every household, business or charity directly affected by flooding could be helped out.

More than 200 households and businesses were given £1,500 grants, and a further 38 businesses received payments of £3,000 apiece.

Scottish Government funding is also helping pay for flood protection works in Hawick.

South of Scotland SNP list MSP and business, innovation and energy minister Paul Wheelhouse announced the funding during a tour of the town last Friday.

He said: “There’s no doubt that the Scottish Borders was among the areas hit the hardest by last year’s flooding, which is why this £3.8m of funding will be welcome news to the council and communities affected by the storms.

“I witnessed the effect of the flooding in Hawick during Storm Desmond, and I know how traumatic it was for many here and in communities elsewhere in the Borders affected by the floods.

“This support through the Bellwin scheme will help Scottish Borders Council meet the majority of the immediate and unforeseen costs of the flood damage and it supplements the help given to 200 households and many local businesses.

“The Scottish Government is committed to working to reduce flood risk across Scotland and has committed £420m over the next 10 years to protect homes in many of our most flood-prone areas, including the future Hawick flood protection scheme.”

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar, the council’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has supported this council by releasing the full funding we applied for through the Bellwin scheme for the eligible costs we incurred during and following last winter’s storms.

“The scale of the damage to the region’s roads, buildings, parks, open spaces, footpaths and bridges was quite simply the biggest challenge we have ever had to date.

“Many of the repair works were challenging and time-consuming, and I would like to thank our staff for their efforts, and the public for their patience and understanding during what was an extremely difficult and challenging time for the Borders and the council.

“In the 12 months since Storm Desmond, two flood schemes have been completed in the Scottish Borders, and the Hawick scheme is getting closer to entering its next phase before construction.

“We welcome continued support from the Scottish Government on these projects too.”

Borders MP Calum Kerr has hit out at new US president Donald Trump’s decision to turn away refugees and visitors from northern Africa and the Gulf.

Mr Kerr has also criticised UK Prime Minister Theresa May for not initially speaking out against the controversial policy.

“I’ve been contacted by a large number of constituents concerned about the actions of Donald Trump’s government over the weekend,” said the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP.

“I condemn the ban on refugees and citizens of certain countries and was dismayed to see the Prime Minister’s failure to speak truth to power in the wake of it.

“This failure diminishes the UK’s standing in the world and shows the folly of the Government’s rush to cosy-up to a world leader who has already come into conflict with his own judiciary.

“However, it was inspiring to see the response from governors and members of Congress from across the US who protested against this ill-judged measure.

“Of course, we will need to have a dialogue with the new president, but we must also have clear red lines in any diplomatic relationship.

“There are certain core principles that we should never hesitate to defend.

“The UK Government has also refused to cancel, or downgrade, a state visit from Mr Trump this year.

“In my view, this should be taken off the table until the president’s executive order is rescinded.”

Mr Kerr has co-sponsored an early-day motion by fellow Scottish National Party MP Tasmina Ahmed Sheikh today condemning Mr Trump’s decision to close America’s borders to all refugees and to all people born in Iran, Iraq, Syria , Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Libya.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also slammed the travel ban and urged Mrs May to take more of a stand against it, saying: “I think we all have a duty in these instances to speak up when we consider values that we all hold dear to be under threat.”

“I think many people would like to hear a stronger view from the UK Government about the immigrant and refugee ban that was announced towards the end of last week.

“I don’t think it would be appropriate in these circumstances for a state visit to go ahead while these bans are in place, given the understandable concern that people have about them and the messages they send and the impact on people.

“I made both of those points clear to her.”

Asked if she would be prepared to meet Mr Trump herself, Ms Sturgeon said: “The relationship between Scotland and America is an important one.

“I’m not going to start getting into refusing to meet people, but, equally, nor am I going to maintain diplomatic silences over things that are really important in a values and principles sense.”

Traffic signals and a lower speed limit look to be on the way in an effort to cut the number of accidents at the road entrance to the Borders General Hospital at Melrose.

Transport Scotland this week confirmed that new signals and a speed limit reduction on the stretch of the A6091 that passes the hospital would be its prefeered way of tackling problems there.

That decision follows a feasibility study by road management company Amey into ways of easing the difficulties being experienced by motorists at the junction.

Investigations are now taking place to try to determine whether such signals would have the desired effect and if the necessary changes to the junction and the A6091 would be viable.

Transport Scotland hopes to start consultation about its preferred design this month, with final agreement on the confirmed layout, and any changes to be made, by the end of next month.

If agreed, work on improvements to the junction could get under way within months.

NHS Borders would also carry out improvements to the hospital entrance, and Scottish Borders Council would do likewise to the road near the junction.

Council leader David Parker and NHS Borders chairman John Raine have welcomed the proposals put forward by Transport Scotland in response to a joint letter they wrote to then Scottish Government transport minister Derek Mackay in 2015 expressing concern about the junction’s accident record.

Leaderdale and Melrose councillor Mr Parker said: “I am delighted that Transport Scotland has carried out such a comprehensive feasibility study looking at all available options to address concerns at the junction.

“From the draft layouts I have seen, if all the investigations reach a positive conclusion, a very significant scheme will be put in place that will hopefully prevent the accidents and many near misses that take place.

“Although traffic signals are the preferred option, other solutions, such as a roundabout, were carefully considered but have all been deemed unworkable for very sound reasons.

“The scheme which is being developed would be a major investment in accident prevention.”

Mr Raine added: “It is clear that the difficulties at the Borders General Hospital junction have been taken seriously, and the proposals which are emerging are a very welcome step forward in the right direction.

“It is an unwelcome irony that there is a perceived accident blackspot outside the region’s main hospital, and NHS Borders has worked in partnership with the council to try to find a permanent solution to the difficulties experienced at the general hospital, and I am very hopeful that the work is about to come to fruition.

“Staff and visitors to the hospital have consistently raised concerns about the junction’s safety over many years, and I am sure that many people will welcome proposed improvements.”

A public consultation on whether or not to allow unconventional oil and gas extraction (UOG) has been launched by the Scottish Government.

A moratorium on UOG, which includes hydraulic fracking, has been in place since January 2015 with a decision expected to be taken this year on whether or not a full ban should be applied.

The consultation, which will continue until May 31, includes a dedicated website - www.talkingfracking.scot - to provide information about UOG as well as the findings of research commissioned by the Scottish Government.

Energy minister Paul Wheelhouse said the Scottish Government has “sought to present impartial, independent information on unconventional oil and gas in order to encourage informed dialogue and debate.”

He continued: “As most of Scotland’s unconventional oil and gas deposits occur in and around former coalfields and oil shale fields in Scotland’s Central Belt, which contains some of the most densely populated areas of the country, as well as in the area around Canonbie, Dumfriesshire, it is vitally important that communities, businesses and interest groups from across Scotland have an opportunity to put their views across.

Mr Wheelhouse said the responses would be independently analysed before the government makes its final recommendation.

He added: “We will then ask members of the Scottish Parliament to vote on our recommendation, and we will come to a final decision by the end of 2017 on whether or not unconventional oil and gas has a role in Scotland’s energy mix.”

Anti-fracking campaigners, however, argue that the process is bad for climate, public health and is a threat to communities.

Mary Church, from Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “Nation-wide resistance led the Scottish Government to call a halt to onshore gas drilling and fracking two years ago. If we don’t turn the current moratorium into a ban, communities across the central belt of Scotland will continue to be at risk from this dirty industry.

“It’s clear there is no place for fracked gas in Scotland’s energy future.”

The consultation Talking “fracking” can be viewed on the Scottish Government’s consultation website http://consult.scotland.gov.uk

Borders MSP Christine Grahame took outgoing Scotrail managing director Phil Verster to task over skip-stopping, after she spent two hours getting back to her car.

At a recent meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee at Holyrood, Mr Verster was giving evidence of Scotrail’s performance.

Ms Grahame commended Scotrail and Network Rail on “the delivery and the way that the Borders railway is operated,” saying it was “superb and has been very successful”.

However, she asked about the practice of skipping stops, which, she said, “has caused a lot of concern”.

She addressed Mr Verster, saying: “I understand that you have stopped doing that at peak times so that people can get off where they want. Has that been held to 100 per cent? Also, what about off-peak times?

“The issue has affected me and my constituents. One day, I spent two hours going to and from a station that you had skipped to pick up my car. I know that you did not do that to me deliberately, but it was not a good experience.”

Mr Verster replied: “On running trains express – or skipping stations – we have implemented a clear policy that trains that are travelling into big city centres and conurbations at particular times in the peak period will not skip-stop. Similarly, trains that travel out from big city centres in the evening at particular times in the peak period will not skip-stop.

“I clarify that we do not skip-stop in the off-peak period because we want the train that is running to get to its end destination in time ... the moment we skip a train past a station, it is counted as having failed its punctuality.

“We skip stations because the network is interconnected and a train that is running late in one place can hold up 10, 12, 17 or 20 other trains.

“Very often, people do not understand that. The practice of skip-stopping is used in all railways throughout the world.

“The issue is when we do it to cause the minimum customer impact. We are sticking to that practice, and any change to it must be signed off by me or the operations director.”

Ms Grahame also commented that she had been on several trains in which no-one was checking or selling tickets.

Mr Verster replied: “We always have a second person on the train. I am not sure about the issues with tickets not being sold, but I will gladly follow that up after the meeting.”

Ms Grahame asked her final question: “Does Abellio ScotRail have spare carriages when there are pressures throughout Scotland—for example, at hogmanay, when there are common ridings ... or do we just have to pinch them from somebody else in order to deliver elsewhere?

The departing railway chief said: “We have squeezed another class 158 out of Angus Thom’s maintenance allowance, which allows us to put one extra two-car train on the Borders service, giving us more capacity on that route, which is a massive benefit. We have been running that since September.”

He added: “When there are big events for which we need extra rolling stock, we make decisions about what services we can run on other parts of the network, and we make compromises in terms of the level of capacity that we provide.”

It’s full steam ahead for Borders tourism businesses, who are celebrating the release of new figures which suggest that the arrival of the Borders Railway has been a huge boost.

The aptly-acronymed Scottish Tourism Economic Assessment Monitor (STEAM) statistics show a significant improvement in key tourism performance figures in the first half of 2016, compared to the first half of 2015 when the railway was still being built.

Councillor Stuart Bell, SBC’s executive member for economic development, added: “Tourism is absolutely vital to the Borders’ economy, and that is why this substantial rise in tourism activity in the first half of 2016 is so important.

“For the first time in a decade, the Borders have shown improved results in every STEAM category – the only area of mainland Scotland to do so for this period.

“The introduction of the railway has undoubtedly contributed to these figures.”

Mr Bell added: The 27% increase in the acccomodation sector shows we are moving away from simply being Scotland’s leading short break destination, and more and more people are staying overnight.”

The STEAM figures for the Borders also show:

● A 20 per cent rise in visitor spend on food and drink

● Visitor spend on accommodation is up 17 per cent

● A 16 per cent rise in overall visitor spend

● The number of days visitors stayed in the Borders has increased by almost 11 per cent

● Eight per cent increase in employment related to tourism.

The figures also show increased numbers in tourism-related businesses in Midlothian.

One of the businesses which has undoubtedly benefited from the railway is Abbotsford House.

Giles Ingram, chief executive of the Abbotsford Trust, told us: “Over the course of last year, we estimate that our visitor numbers were up about 10 %, which we directly attribute to the railway, because it has opened us up far more to the Edinburgh market, whether it be people who live in Edinburgh or have based their holiday there and come down for a visit.

“When the weather is good, the majority of people do choose to walk to Abbotsford from the station. The fastest route is through Tweedbank, but there is another route, which not many people are aware of, but it is far more scenic and it takes you there along the banks of the Tweed.”

And while the new Born in the Borders kiosk has been open for only a week, and is therefore not included in the STEAM statistics, its manager Nicola Duffy said that passengers seem to have welcomed the new facility, which also provides the station with its first public toilet.

Mrs Duffy said: “We were really delighted to be asked to tender for it.

“The official launch was just a week ago, so visitor numbers are difficult to gauge.

“These are the sort of facilities that people were crying out for, though, and we have had a lot of custom from daily commuters.”

Alasdair Smart, the ScotRail Alliance’s tourism manager, said: “We are proud to play our part in creating a positive Borders Railway experience, and it’s fantastic to see such significant growth in tourists and visitors to this beautiful part of Scotland.”

Long-time champion of the railway, Christine Grahame MSP, added: “These figures are great news for the Borders, with visitors staying longer and spending more on both accommodation and food and drink.

“We’re already seeing an increase in tourism employment as a result and it’s important we continue to capitalise on greater visitor numbers to create real regeneration and opportunities for our communities.

“The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s visitor centre is due to open in Galashiels in 2020 and I believe if we lay the groundwork now we can use it as further incentive to draw even more visitors down the railway and onwards to attractions such as the Borders Textile Trail, reinvigorating the local area.

“I campaigned for the railway for many years because I believed it offered both greater connectivity for residents and the chance to attract more tourists to come and explore all the Borders has to offer. I’m pleased to see this now starting to come to fruition.”

Annika Meiklejohn, director of Tweedbank’s Tempest Brewery said that the railway was a great way of attracting something they could not do without – talent.

She told us: “It’s been great. The railway was one of the main reasons we moved to Tweedbank Industrial Estate because we knew it would provide us with visitors, but it also allows us to attract the best brewers.

“We have staff who travel from Edinburgh and Glasgow, and without the railway we would not be able to employ those people.

“We can attract really talented staff here because of it.

“We have not done much in the way of brewery tours, but we hope to do more of that in the summer.

“And as we promote responsible drinking, it’s best they come on the train rather than drive.”

Annika also hopes the train will help drive ticket sales for their Springfest music festival on April 29, tickets for which are available on Tempest’s website – www.tempestbrewco.com

Annika said: “We released our early bird tickets on Saturday morning. Within half an hour, 50 had gone and by Sunday night they had all been sold.

“You can still buy tickets on our website, but you’ll have to be quick.”

A group of young Borderers are carrying out fundraising activities across the Borders to raise cash for a trip to Bolivia.

More than 20 youngsters will go on the trip next summer however, the team aged between 16 and 24 each need to raise a cash total of more than £2,000.

The visit will involve the venturers helping out and living in communities to experience different cultures.

The trip, organised by the Borders Exploration Group, was initially planned for Brazil, but following the outbreak of the Zika virus, organisers followed advice from health officials to move the location to somewhere above 2,200 feet. Bolivia was chosen to allow the expedition to remain in South America.

The group is made up of pupils from Peebles, Galashiels, Selkirk, Kelso and Eyemouth, and will include recent school leavers. The team will fly out to Bolivia on June 30, 2017, before returning on July 24.

David Hunter, chief leader Bolivia 2017, said: “The opportunity is to not only go out and visit another country, but to be part of its culture and community.

“What we do is we go out there and we have three different phases. There will be a community phase where we will identify communities that we can help where we might, for example, help to build a school. There will be a cultural phase where the venturers will learn about the country and then there will be an over-arching phase which is adventure. At the moment we are thinking this might be a trek through Bolivia, but we have not yet decided.

“Young Borderers, generally speaking, tend to have reasonably safe and comfortable lives, and so this way they get to experience how other people live and they will certainly find that out in Bolivia.

“We are still negotiating with which communities we will go to and we are looking into different project ideas at the moment but we hope to have come to a decision on that in January.

“With the political situation in Bolivia we really need to ensure that the project will be sustainable.”

Bolivia 2017 venturer Freya McIlwraith, who left Selkirk High School after her fifth year last summer, said: “Going on a trip like this has always been my dream. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to travel around the world and help the people there. I love to travel and I love to help people so this trip is ideal. I get to combine my two greatest loves which are learning about new cultures and languages, which is a huge passion of mine.

“I also think that there will be many challenges within the group, such as the fact that 3-4 weeks is a long time to be sleeping, eating and working with the same people and there will be times when people fall out and we get a bit fed up of one another.

“However, no matter the challenges, it will definitely be worth it.”

The 17-year-old currently volunteers at Cornerstone Connects, a centre for adults with complex needs in Galashiels.

She added: “Due to the differences in culture it will be challenging to try to fit in as no matter how much we try to learn before going it is impossible to know all of the traditions of each individual town.”

The venturers have been getting to know each other through training weekends which aim to develop observational skills, team skills, and knowledge of camping outdoors. The most recent one was held in October at Lilliesleaf which was aimed at helping the team cope with the challenges they may face abroad.

Fundraising will include a 10k run, car boot sales, selling homemade crafts and prints of commissioned artwork. So far the group have held a ceilidh, a quiz night and a Scalextric night.

16-year-old triathlete Zoe Pflug, also of Midlem and who currently attends Selkirk High School, said: “I hope to experience a different culture and make new friends. People in years above me at school had been on previous expeditions and have explained how life changing the experience had been.

“I can imagine people will suffer from altitude sickness regardless of how well we try to acclimatise. People maybe homesick or people may find the community phase difficult. However, I feel like the group of people going on the trip could get us through anything. The leaders are so genuine and the venturers all have a great sense of humour making for a very successful trip.”

The trip has also been supported by renowned chocolatier, Olivier Nicod, of Borders-based Cocoaecosse. The former head chocolatier at Hotel Chocolat donated a metre-high artisan chocolate Santa that weighs more than 3.5kg to a fundraising raffle held at The Flower Room in Kelso last month.

The chocolate consultant who moved to Scotland from France in 2004 said: “I heard about a young lady in Kelso doing this trip to help people and I think it is great to give young people this opportunity to go and see these other places. It’s a very good thing to let them experience other places and for countries to mix.

“When I heard, I wanted to do something to help her realise her dream.”

The charity began 25 years ago and every two years since it has taken young Borderers on a worldwide trip of a lifetime. Previous trips have included Malawi, Cuba and Vietnam, with the most recent being Austria in 2015.

Two Borders mothers whose children display symptoms of Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome (PDA) are campaigning for recogniton of the condition in the region.

In December, Mary Black from Chirnside and Patricia Hewitt from Sprouston presented a 514-signature petition to the Scottish Government, calling for wider awareness and recognition of the condition, the symptoms of which include: avoidance, excessive mood swings and impulsivity, and obsessive behaviour.

Mary claimed her 13-year-old daughter Hannah was handcuffed in an effort to restrain her following an outburst in primary school, and Pat says her two sons (now aged 19 and 20) were bullied from primary two to sixth year in secondary school, and were systematically excluded.

Pat said: “Organisations in the Scottish Borders have an endemic failure to recognise people on the spectrum. Even now, Scottish Borders Council does not accept it is a condition. It’s very much a postcode lottery as some regions accept it, some don’t.

“And the ironic thing is that we moved here from Newcastle because I had heard of this wonderful education system, but if we stayed where we were, there is now a unit which recognises PDA.”

PDA is increasingly accepted as a behaviour profile on the autism spectrum, but not all experts agree. The conditions is still not officially recognised across Scotland and without a formal diagnosis even organisations set up for parents with children on the autism spectrum can’t help.

In January, Mary and Patricia were accompanied by former Scottish Deputy Minister for Education and Young People Euan Robson when they attended a Petitions Committee meeting to give evidence about their experiences and the need for a better understanding by those in authority.

Scottish Borders Council has at last installed a dog waste bin at a popular dog walking route near Melrose after a volunteer-run bin had been removed after four years.

John Brown, of Rushbank, was compelled to build and install a wooden dog waste bin four years ago when the council refused to install one on Trimontium Road, Newstead. At the time a request to the council for a new bin on the route was turned down as there was already a bin at the other end of the walk at Leaderfoot.

However, John along with two other volunteers ran the now-defunct Newstead Youth Group over nine years during which they made and distributed posters highlighting the dog mess problem in the area.

He cleaned and maintained the bin and emptied an average of 15kg of dog poo every second week. Last November he ended his tireless assistance due to ill health.

The council has since put in a new bin which they regularly check and empty. It was installed in January this year.

John, 67, said: “I am pleased that the council has finally realised the need for the bin. It is ridiculous that it had to go to the paper first though.

“There is now one at either end of the Trimontium/Leaderfoot walk.

“Scottish Borders Council are constantly asking us to pick up and bin rubbish, especially to bin dog poo, yet when asked for bins they say no. Why? They cannot quote costings as they have regular bin wagons drive past almost every bin, surely these could be added to their pick up routes if required too.”

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “A permanent replacement litter and dog waste bin has been installed near the gate at the Newstead end of the road. There has always been a bin at the other end of the road, near the Leaderfoot bridges.

“These bins are checked and emptied weekly.”

John added: “Melrose and District Community Council have been at the council for over 14 months for bins. All they now ask for is one at end of Black path at Dean Road. We live in hope.”

Maliciously spraying white paint on road surfaces, street furniture, a bus stop and a wall cost Justin Deans a total of £260.

The 20-year-old from Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, was fined £130 and ordered to pay a similar amount in compensation to Scottish Borders Council for the offence which happened in Ettrick Terrace, Selkirk, on July 21, 2015.

Revised plans to build 26 new affordable homes in Galashiels have been submitted to Scottish Borders Council.

The proposals were put in by Persimmon Homes on behalf of Selkirk-based Eildon Housing Association.

They come as part of a large-scale new housing development previously approved by the council back in 2012.

Those plans are set to see the construction of more than 390 new houses and flats at Easter Langlee in eastern Galashiels.

The proposals for 26 new homes on a section of that development, originally earmarked for 15 four and five-bedroom houses, will now comprise 18 terraced houses and eight flats, accompanied by35 parking spaces.

A spokeswomen for Eildon Housing Association said: “We are delighted to be pressing ahead with plans for a further 26 new affordable homes at Easter Langlee.

“Over the next five years, we are planning to deliver more than 700 new, high-quality affordable homes across communities in the Borders.

“As well as addressing housing in the Scottish Borders, this investment, supported by the Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Council, will generate jobs, training and a range of community benefits.”

At the time the proposed development of 397 homes was initially submitted to the council, it attracted both supporters and objectors with concerns about the scale of the project and its impact on roads.

Those proposals were put to the council in June 2012 and were approved in November that year.

A council spokesperson said: “The application for 26 houses is an amendment to a relatively small part of the development first granted to Persimmon Homes in 2012.

“It comprises a change of layout and house types to meet the requirements of Eildon Housing Association.”

In December the council’s planning committee voted 5-3 to approve planning permission for 60 rented units owned by Eildon Housing Association for a neighbouring site at land south of Coopersknowe Crescent.

That development includes three blocks of flats and currently is home to 30 four and five-bedroom houses.

In June 2014 the Scottish Government announced funding of £800,000 for Eildon Housing Association to help it acquire the land at Coopersknowe situated on the opposite side of the road from the Easter Langlee site.

The team behind the new Kelso skate park is celebrating having secured £42,000 from a community grant scheme this week.

A year and a half after taking over the lease at the Shedden Park site, the Kelso Skate Park Project was given the cash boost by the Viridor Credits environmental company through the Scottish Landfill Communities fund.

Project chairman Ali Hay said: “Securing our first big grant has meant so much to the group as we can now see the project’s end-phase coming together after years of hard work.

“It’s great because it takes quite a bit of confidence in a project for a group to fund it on such a large scale, but they have jumped on board and hopefully now others will follow suit.

“It’s just superb news.”

The grant, accounting for 25% of the total build and design costs of the park, marks a milestone achievement for the group, formed in 2009 to update the existing park, built in 2001.

Due to limitations in funding and a desire to grow, the group took over the lease in May 2016 and raised £5,305 to cover insurance, a feasibility study, new designs and planning permission.

Ali, 28, has been hands-on in both improving the existing park over the years and the design of the new park.

He said: “It’s going to be a whole new development. That complete skate park will get taken away and within that footprint, a new, modern park will be built.

“It’s a really big park we have there, but we can’t do a lot with it. With the new concrete design, we can change shapes and include different areas.

“Currently, if we have more than 30 to 40 people at the park, it is just too busy.

“Now we are at the stage that it is so popular, we have to do it properly.”

The new park will offer more diversity, space and areas to suit all different abilities. It will also include planted areas, creative features and a Kelso cobbled wall.

“There are going to be so many good features relevant to linking the park with Kelso,” Ali added. “We have done the work and the research, and now it’s just about timing our applications. There’s really exciting times ahead.”

The group hopes building work can begin in May and finish within the year.

Calum Kerr, MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, added: “I’ve been glad to support this project over the past year.

“This funding success is a real credit to the energy and determination of everyone involved.”

“It’s a great example of the self-starting approach that you see all across our region.”

Gareth Williams, funded projects manager at Viridor Credits, added: “This is a wonderful example of a true community project that will have far-reaching benefits in the Borders. Skate parks are a fantastic way to bring people together and foster community spirit.”

An investigation is under way into the death of a forestry worker in an accident near Selkirk this week.

Kenny Scott, a self-employed woodcutter, died following an accident on a rural estate on Tuesday afternoon.

The 58-year-old, originally from Jedburgh but living in Minto, near Denholm, of late, was working on the Sunderland Hall estate, near Lindean when the accident happened.

Emergency services were called to the estate in the late afternoon following reports of a man being badly injured.

Despite efforts by paramedics to revive him and the call-out of an air ambulance team, Mr Scott was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in the Scottish Borders are investigating after a 58-year-old man died as a result of an accident in woodland near Selkirk.

“The incident happened around 2.30pm on Tuesday, January 31.

“The death is currently being treated as non-suspicious, and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal in due course.”

The Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team was also called out to help, and a spokesman for the Melrose-based operation said: “The team were called out to assist the Scottish Ambulance Service with the extraction of an injured forestry worker from difficult terrain.

“Unfortunately, the casualty’s injuries were severe, and despite a multi-agency response involving the mountain rescue team, paramedics and Helimed with an emergency medical retrieval service team on board, the casualty died of his injuries at the scene.

“All involved are deeply saddened by this tragic outcome, and our thoughts are with the family of the deceased.”

The Health and Safety Executive has been made aware of the accident, and an investigation into the circumstances is being carried out.

A spokesman said: “We have been made aware of an incident at Sunderland Hall, and we are liaising with Police Scotland to determine the circumstances.”