Resurfacing works will be carried out on the A7 at the south end of Hawick next week.

The works, around The Dunk corner, are required to improve the existing surface and represents a £95,000 investment by Transport Scotland.

They are due to begin on Monday and will be carried out each night between 8pm and 7am the following morning, during which time the road will be closed.

Commenting on the works Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s operating company representative in the south east, said: “It is essential to close this section of the A7 trunk road to ensure that these works can be carried out safely, and works have been carried out overnight to ensure that any delays to motorists are minimised.”

Signed diversion routes will be in place for the duration of the works. Motorists travelling northbound will be diverted onto the B7201 near Canonbie, B6357, A6088 and A698 into Hawick where traffic will rejoin the A7 trunk road. The diversion will be the same for southbound traffic, in reverse, and will add around 30 minutes to journey times.

The 95/95A/X95 First Bus rail link service will continue as timetabled. However, additional time will be required for these journeys as the buses will require to be escorted through the works at a suitable time.

Operations that will generate the most noise will be restricted to between 8pm and 1am each night to minimise any disturbance.

In addition, due to the narrow road width within the extents of the works, temporary traffic lights will be in place between 7am and 8pm from Tuesday for four days.

“Some delays are expected and we advise all members of the travelling public to plan their journeys ahead, and take cognisance of the signed diversion routes and the extended bus times,” added Mr Stewart.

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Stow postmaster who helped capture child killer Robert Black, writes Kenny Paterson.

David Herkes died last month at the age of 75. He spotted Black as he snatched a six-year-old girl in Stow in 1990, culminating in his conviction for four murders, kidnap, sexual abuse and attempted abduction.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, a Stow resident, told Galashiels Community Council: “Mr Herkes acted very swiftly, leading to Black’s arrest.

“We don’t know how many young lives were saved by Mr Herkes’ actions.”

Pubs, clubs and hotels echoed to the sound of music at the weekend during the annual Selkirk Sessions traditional music festival.

The weather was kind, which delighted visitors who elected to camp at The Haugh.

The first arrivals hit the town on Thursday, with the main sessions taking place on Friday and Saturday.

However, for reasons the organisers are trying to fathom, Sunday was a great deal quieter musicwise than normal.

Venues this year were the Town Arms, O’Malley’s, The Fleece, the Conservative Club, the Heatherlie House Hotel and Selkirk Bowling Club.

A percussion workshop on Saturday morning embraced the spoons, tea-chest bass and washboard.

In the competitions, inscribed quaichs were presented to winners David Rogers (16-and-over song); Scott Brown (16-and-over instrument) and Cacic Rogers (under-16 instrument). The Chorus Cup – for the singer who generates the best chorus from the audience – went to Shiela Knox.

Sessions chairman Davie Scott hailed the weekend a success. He told us: “Attendances at a lot of festivals have been down this year, probably because of the economic climate and the poor weather over the summer months.

“We have been busier in the past, but most of our regulars were here and there were also some new faces. Townsfolk joined in and I believe everyone had a great weekend.

“The structure of the festival is tried and tested, but each year there are some changes and nothing is set in stone – although the concept of musical sessions open to all will remain at the forefront of future festivals.”

A drunken man who threw a knife while rampaging about his home, striking internal walls, had sentence deferred for six months to be of good behaviour.

Fifty-year-old James Blair of Eildon Road, Hawick, admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at his home on August 5.

Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard how Blair and his wife had been at home drinking with two others, when an argument developed.

He began shouting and swearing, punching the walls, and throwing a knife.

Depute fiscal Kate McGarvey said the accused’s wife was very concerned by his behaviour, and police found her “distraught” when they arrived.

Solicitor Iain Burke, defending, said his client has never left the house with the knife.

He said his client had argued with a man “not unknown to the court, and who can be aggressive with drink”.

“There was no physical confrontation, but the red mist descended, and things got out of hand,” said Mr Burke.

“The accused was rampaging about his house, being foolish, and saying stupid things,” he continued.

“His wife was not in any fear for her own safety, but was upset by what was going on.

“Drink was a significant contributory factor,” added Mr Burke.

“I appreciate that a knife being involved would cause concern, but there was no threat of injury with the knife, and he never left his home with it,” concluded Mr Burke.

Sheriff Donald Corke told Blair: “Obviously if you are rampaging like this, it can frighten people, but I take account that you were not directing this to anyone present.”

Sentence was deferred until April 5, for Blair to be of good behaviour.

Believing his friend could be over the alcohol limit after a party the previous night, Ahmad Awad offered to drive home the following morning.

But when police stopped the 27-year-old, during a routine check, he was almost twice the legal limit.

Awad of Hillend Drive, Hawick, was fined £500 and banned from driving for 12 months.

He was fined £400 after he admitted driving a car on the A7 Galashiels to Selkirk road, at Lindean, on September 9, with a breath/alcohol reading of 60 mcgs – the legal limit is 35.

Awad was fined a further £100 when he admitted driving without insurance. The provisional licence holder was admonished for not displaying “L” plates.

Depute fiscal Tessa Bradley said police had been on mobile patrol in a marked car at the Kingsknowes roundabout when they noted a silver car, which they signaled to stop a short distance after as part of a routine check.

“The vehicle mounted the kerb as it pulled up and as police approached they saw the passenger get out and the accused slide over to the passenger seat,” said Ms Bradley.

She revealed: “They could smell alcohol on his breath and he gave a positive roadside test.

“A check on the national computer revealed that he only had a provisional driving licence.”

Defence solicitor Matt Patrick said his client had been at a party in Galashiels the night before.

He told the court: “Ironically, he had offered to drive, as he felt his friend, who owned the car, had had too much to drink to drive. He was weeks away from obtaining a full licence and was stopped as he was driving back to Hawick.”

After being put out of the home they shared, Jade Hart assaulted her former housemate, leaving her unconscious after repeatedly kicking and stamping on her head.

At Jedburgh Sheriff Court last Friday, the 21-year-old of Fraser Avenue, Hawick, escaped custody with an alternative sentence of a two-year Community Payback Order.

Hart, whose behaviour was described by Sheriff Donald Corke as “absolutely disgraceful” was also ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.

Sheriff Corke warned Hart that any non-compliance would see her jailed.

He told her: “Your behaviour has been absolutely disgraceful and anyone engaging in this kind of violence should expect a custodial sentence.

“Were it not for the submissions of your solicitor, a period of custody would have been imposed.”

Hart appeared on indictment and admitted assaulting a woman at a house at the Loan, Hawick, on September 19 last year, punching her on the face, whereby she fell to the ground, and repeatedly kicking and stamping on her head, face, and body, whereby she was rendered unconscious, all to her injury.

Depute fiscal Kate McGarvey told how the offence happened at the woman’s home address, where she had spent the afternoon with another girl, having a chat and a drink.

At about 8pm, the accused and a man arrived at the door, and the victim allowed the man inside, but left Hart sitting outside on the stairs.

“The accused had previously lived with the complainer, but was asked to leave after they fell out,” explained Ms McGarvey.

“After about 10 minutes she decided to let her in, and during the evening they began to argue,” she added.

The argument continued as Hart went towards the door to leave, and she punched her former flatmate, who fell against the sofa and on to the ground.

“She then stamped on her head and kicked her stomach and body,” said Ms McGarvey.

Throughout the attack, Hart was shouting: “Do you want more of this?”

Ms McGarvey said the victim was lying on the floor and made no attempt to fight back.

“She thinks she may have lost consciousness, as she remembers waking up behind the sofa,” added Ms McGarvey.

Hart then slapped her on the face, before leaving.

The woman, who was bleeding from her left ear, and had bruising around her ribs and arms, was taken to Borders General Hospital by ambulance.

She was found to have soft tissue injuries, but no fractures, and spent two days in hospital.

Solicitor Iain Burke, defending, said his client’s “explosion of bad behaviour” began that evening.

He explained: “She had moved from Glasgow two years ago and was staying with the complainer.

“All went well for a year, until they fell out, and she was put out.

“She was then living an itinerant and fairly homeless lifestyle, and was out of control, drinking, and consuming illegal substances.”

Mr Burke urged Sheriff Corke not to jail Hart.

“She says she has no intention of getting involved in this kind of behaviour again, and is very frightened by the prospect of a custodial sentence,” he added.

Hart had sentence deferred until January 11 on three further complaints.

On May 21, she admitted assaulting a 15-year-old girl at Baker Street, Hawick, by striking her on the body with a belt, causing her to fall to the ground, and kicking her on the head and body, to her injury.

The 15-year-old had been walking with friends around 8pm when she became aware of a group, including the accused, following close behind. “They decided to run away, but the 15-year-old became separated, and realised the accused was chasing her, holding a belt,” said Ms McGarvey.

When she caught up, Hart swung the belt towards the girl.

The fiscal added: “She struck her with it on the back of the head, causing her to fall to the ground, and she then kicked her once to the back and once to the stomach, before taking hold of her hair and pulling her to her feet.”

On the same date, Hart admitted assaulting a 14-year-old girl at Teviot Crescent, Hawick, pursuing her, and striking her on the nose. The offence happened an hour earlier, about 7pm.

“A combination of drink and drugs has left her with very little recollection of these offences,” said Mr Burke,

Hart also admitted breaking a bail curfew to remain at her home between 7pm and 7am at McLagan Drive, Hawick, on May 23.

A 20-year-old appeared in private, charged on petition with an alleged knife offence, assault, and threatening behaviour in Kelso at the weekend.

Daniel Murdoch of Inchmyre, Kelso, made no plea or declaration, and was released on bail.

Two thieves who stole more than £2,000 worth of electrical appliances from a Galashiels store, were each jailed for nine months.

The pair, who had travelled from Lanarkshire to commit the offence, were stopped by police some 17 miles north of Galashiels with their haul.

A vigilant member of the public was suspicious of a white van parked outside Curry’s store around 8.30pm and alerted police.

Thirty-six-year-old Jason Robertson of Forgewood Road, and William Irwin, 54, of Jerviston Court, both Motherwell, appeared from custody and admitted stealing from the Comely Bank store last Thursday. Their haul of washing machines and tumble driers, worth £2,390, was fully recovered.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley told how the store had been locked and secured at 8.20pm.

She explained: “There is a large storage container at the rear of the premises, secured by a large padlock.

“At 8.40pm a witness saw people removing items from the container and putting them into a large transit van.

“Concerned that these were being stolen, he reported matters to the police.

“The alarm at the premises had already been activated and although police attended immediately, the van had left.

“A description was circulated and at 9.25pm police spotted a van matching the description on the A7 about 17 miles north of Galashiels.”

The vehicle, driven by Robertson, was stopped, with Irwin in the passenger seat.

When the van was searched, the stolen washing machines and tumble driers were recovered.

Both men were arrested, and made no reply to caution. Defence solicitor Matt Patrick conceded Robertson’s record showed a number of offences of dishonesty.

“His last analogous conviction was in 2007,” said Mr Patrick, “and there has been a significant reduction in his offending recently.”

Mr Patrick said his client’s previous offending was to fund a gambling problem.

Irwin’s solicitor said her client, like his co-accused, was no longer working and the crime was committed “due to low finances”.

Sheriff Jamie Gilmour told both men: “This was an organised trip to the Borders to commit theft and to return to Lanarkshire with stolen items.

“Had it not been for the diligence of a witness, you may not have been stopped.

“There is no alternative to custody for this offence.”

A drunken man, who re-offended a day after appearing in court, was jailed for seven months.

Paul Cessford had been in court the previous day, when he was found in a drunken state near Asda and Tesco’s Galashiels stores.

The 31-year-old of Queen’s Croft, Kelso, admitted breaching a bail condition not to enter licensed premises or consume alcohol, on October 2.

A till receipt showed he had purchased four bottles of vodka from Asda at 11.10am and was later seen staggering towards Tesco, keeping himself upright by holding on to parked cars.

Cessford admitted failing to comply with a bail condition imposed on May 25, not to enter any licensed premises and to refrain from consuming alcohol, at Currie Road, Galashiels, on October 2.

He also admitted breaching an ASBO prohibiting him from behaving in a drunken or disorderly manner, at Asda and Tesco in Galashiels, on the same date.

Depute fiscal Tessa Bradley said Cessford was seen at about 2pm “very drunk” near Asda.

“He tried to go into the store and was stopped by a member of staff,” explained Ms Bradley. “He was plainly very drunk, and staggered off.”

He was then seen by police “staggering towards Tesco, keeping himself upright by holding on to parked cars. A till receipt was found, showing that he had purchased four bottles of vodka at 11.10am, in Asda,” continued Ms Bradley.

“He had only appeared in court the previous day, and was released on bail,” she added.

On January 23, Cessford admitted breaching an ASBO when he was found drunk and unconscious at Inch Park, Kelso.

“At 3.30pm, he was seen lying unconscious and in a drunken state, against a garden wall,” said Ms Bradley.

“A lady, concerned for his well-being, called an ambulance, and he was taken to Borders General Hospital very drunk and semi-conscious”, she added.

Cessford also admitted breaching an ASBO when heavily intoxicated and unconscious at Channel Street, Galahsiels, on May 1.

He was again taken to Borders General Hospital by ambulance, and later released.

On May 24, Cessford admitted stealing alcohol at Tesco, Paton Street, Galashiels, while on bail and an ASBO.

“The alcohol, worth £12, was fully recovered,” said Ms Bradley.

“At 8.30pm, he went into the supermarket and lifted a bottle of alcohol, with a security tag on, and was stopped on his way out of the shop,” she explained.

Cessford also admitted stealing two bottles of spirits at Sainsbury’s, Pinnacle Hill Industrial Estate, Kelso, on June 30, and breaching a condition not to enter licensed premises.

“The alcohol, worth £19.72, was recovered,” said Ms Bradley.

“At 3.20pm, he walked into the store and took two bottles of spirits, put one in his pocket, and tried to leave,” she explained.

Defence solicitor Iain Burke said his client’s “chronic problem with alcohol” had led to a “litany of disasters”.

“Since last October, he had been doing quite well, and had abstained for about three months,” explained Mr Burke.

He continued: “On January 27 he met up with an old drinking buddy and started back on a downward spiral.

“He has gone through a forced detox while in custody.

“He is more of a nuisance to the public, than a danger but is a danger to himself because of his chronic alcohol problem.

“All this offending relates to the chronic problem he has.”

Sheriff Jamie Gilmour warned Cessford: “It appears to me that you are effectively drinking yourself to death.

“The court has no alternative, but to impose a custodial sentence.”

The seven-month jail term was back-dated to October 3 when Cessford was held in custody.

A holidaymaker arrested at Newcastle airport was unlawfully detained by police, according to her solicitor.

Natasha Murray was arrested as she waited with family for a holiday flight abroad.

When she appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday, solicitor Iain Burke claimed his client had been unlawfully detained, as the warrant had already been executed.

He said the 22-year-old’s grandmother had informed Jedburgh Sheriff Court staff about the holiday, and Murray never received an invitation to appear at court.

A warrant was issued for Murray of Havelock Bank, Hawick, in August after she failed to appear on a charge of police assault in April.

“She had checked into the airport and was arrested when the warrant showed up,” said Mr Burke.

“It is my submission that she was detained unlawfully,” he continued.

The solicitor added: “She failed to appear in August, but never received any invitation to appear at court.

“Her grandmother contacted Jedburgh Court and informed them about their holiday and showed them tickets.

“They were then awaiting someone getting in touch.

“The warrant had already been executed and she was released, but has been arrested on it again.”

The solicitor said the week-long holiday abroad was part of her rehabilitation process.

He went on: “She has been doing well and everything is on a positive curve and this was all outwith her control.

“Apart from the embarrassment of her arrest, there have also been financial costs.”

Murray was released to appear on November 16 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court and a fresh background report was ordered.

It was a long time coming, but after years of to-ing and fro-ing it finally looked like the Scottish Ambulance Service was to be given a new home at Borders General Hospital, with a long-awaited £1.8million health centre being built on the service’s current site in Roxburgh Street, Galashiels.

But the move has again stalled after Scottish Borders Council’s landscape architect has called for the application on land north west of the hospital to be refused due to concerns about the effect on the nearby Eildon Hills National Scenic Area (NSA).

It appears that paramedics have also raised concerns in connection with the notorious BGH junction with the A6091 and the increase in the number of ambulances emerging onto the bypass.

While the fears of the ambulance service are understandable, the call from SBC’s landscape architect will no doubt leave many people, particularly in and around Melrose, speechless, considering the council appeared to pay scant regard to the Eildon Hills and their NSA status when the planning application came in for the Borders crematorium.

There is no doubt the crematorium was needed, but if planners in their wisdom permitted a private business to be built at the foot of the Eildons, despite public opposition, you have to question their thinking in this instance.

Of course any new build should work in harmony with both the BGH building and the landscape, but isn’t it a bit late to use the NSA excuse?

The danger to drivers’ safety is more pressing, but a rethink on the layout of this junction seems more appropriate, considering it continues to be a problem, even without the extra traffic.

The public are going to benefit both from a more centrally based ambulance service, and a new health centre. Instead of throwing everything out, planners should help find a workable solution to the problem. Then everyone wins.

MELROSE has taken gold in the prestigious Britain in Bloom awards for the first time.

The town lifted the top accolade in the large village category of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) competition.

Melrose in Bloom fundraiser Val Miller said: “We are absolutely delighted!”

Mrs Miller, plus other group members Pam Rowlands and Vivien Chisholm, attended the prizegiving ceremony on Guernsey at the weekend when BBC’s The One Show’s Matt Baker presented them with the gold award.

Melrose is a regular winner of the large village category in Scottish Borders Council’s annual Floral Gateway competition. In 2005 it won a silver gilt in the national Britain in Bloom competition and last year the town scooped Beautiful Scotland’s best large village.

Mrs Miller continued: “We were invited to take part in Britain in Bloom and because it’s Melrose in Bloom’s 10th anniversary this year we decided to give it a go – and that’s why we are so especially delighted that in our 10th anniversary year we have struck gold.

“A great deal of work goes into it all year round. We have meetings with Scottish Borders Council, because we want to co-ordinate with them, and with Borders College as the students give us a great deal of very useful hands-on work.

“And we have regular work parties and, of course, we have Rosie, our watering vehicle – we couldn’t do anything without Rosie.”

The volunteer group organises up to 40 “waterers” and Mrs Miller explained: “There is a great deal more to it than flowers. It’s very much a team effort and we have got community involvement at all levels, from nursery to the older people in Priorwood Court, all involved doing their bit.”

She said the group had spoken to some of the judges on Sunday morning, adding: “Overall, they had thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Melrose and one of the judges said they would certainly be back to visit.”

But Melrose was assessed by judges following heavy rain, the weekend Jedburgh town centre was closed because of flooding.

Mrs Miller said: “We were in despair, but then the sun came out and we bought them welly boots because if they left here with soaking shoes and muddy trousers they were not going to be very happy.”

More than 1,200 UK communities, from villages to cities, take part annually in the RHS campaign to green-up and clean-up Britain. Of these, 72 finalists were chosen to represent their region or nation in the finals, with Melrose representing Scotland.

RHS judge Jim Goodwin said of Melrose: “This lovely town was a pleasure to visit.

“On first entering there is no doubt the impact which the local ‘Bloom’ campaign is achieving – an extremely clean and colourful community. A good balance between traditional floral displays and more permanent sustainable planting is being achieved.

“The wonderful treescape is a real asset.”

Judging panel chairman Roger Burnett and 14 other volunteer judges toured the UK in July and August visiting finalists and marking against three key criteria – horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility.

DOUBTS have been cast over plans for a new ambulance station at Borders General Hospital.

Scottish Borders Council’s landscape architect has called for the refusal of the application on its present location at land north west of the hospital due to concerns about the effect on the nearby Eildon Hills.

However, the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) say it is “absolutely critical” that its plans at the BGH go ahead.

And NHS Borders say any delay to the planning process would push back the building of its new £1.8million health centre at Roxburgh Street in Galashiels, which is set to be expanded onto the current ambulance station site in 2013/14.

In his submission, SBC’s landscape architect Jim Knight was critical of SAS.

He wrote: “I have serious concerns that this proposal could damage the integrity of the Eildon Hills National Scenic Area by exposing both the development site and the larger BGH campus to public view directly in front of the hills which are the focal point of the NSA.

“I do accept that a site for the ambulance depot needs to be found, but suspect that the applicant is reluctant to give the alternative locations proper consideration.”

Mr Knight believes a field west of the BGH beside Huntlyburn House is a more suitable location, but SAS say the narrow access road and loss of a green space make it unsuitable.

Mr Knight replied: “The two reasons given for ‘unsuitableness’ seem to be invalid.

“In terms of access/egress to the A6091, surely it is possible to widen a short section of road?

“With reference to the ‘loss of existing open green field land’ this is far less important than the potential damage to the qualities of the National Scenic Area which I expect from this application.”

In an appraisal report to SBC, SAS says its current Galashiels station is not fit for purpose, overcrowded and inefficient in terms of infection control.

The depot’s current location in the middle of the town also means its paramedics only respond to 62 per cent of life-threatening calls from rural areas within eight minutes, well below the national target of 75 per cent.

The report warns: “The proposed ambulance station and workshop on the site within the grounds of Borders General Hospital is absolutely critical to the wellbeing and indeed the lives of Galashiels’ expanding community and its surrounding rural area.

“Should the council be minded to refuse the planning application, there is a clear possibility that a site for the proposed ambulance station will be found outwith Galashiels, as there are no viable alternative sites within hospital grounds.

“This would be to the detriment of the residents of the area.”

An NHS Borders spokeswoman added: “The SAS ambulance station at the BGH needs to be built before the redevelopment of the Roxburgh Street site can commence.

“Any delay in the planning process will push this back.

“Following dialogue with SBC planners, the SAS project team are in the process of providing additional information in relation to landscaping and, as such, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage.”

An SAS spokesman said: “We looked at all the options available and the site chosen in the planning application was the preferred choice.”

Leaderdale and Melrose councillor Jim Torrance believes the need for a new ambulance station outweighs any concerns surrounding impact on the iconic Eildon Hills.

He said: “We need a new ambulance station with the new Roxburgh Street surgery being built on the current Galashiels station site.

“It makes sense to put the new station at the BGH and I don’t see the effect it would have on the view of the Eildons.

“This station is badly needed because of the problems for ambulances getting through Galashiels at present. Surely reaching people in an emergency outweighs any scenic arguments.”

TheSouthern also understands that paramedics are concerned that the notorious BGH junction with the A68 could become an accident blackspot with increased number of ambulances using the road.

Councillor Torrance added: “I do think there are issues with the junction that need to be considered.”

As part of the Roxburgh Street surgery plans, an ambulance would be retained at the health centre to serve the western side of Galashiels and Clovenfords.

THERE has been plenty of drama in West Linton over the past couple of weeks as BBC cast and production crews rolled into town, writes Fiona Scott.

The Peebleshire village has landed itself a starring role in the second of three 90-minute episodes of the acclaimed Case Histories series, which stars Harry Potter actor Jason Isaacs in the role of the complex and compulsive private investigator Jackson Brodie, who attempts to unravel disparate case histories in modern-day Edinburgh.

Usually set amidst the iconic landscapes of the capital, the series will move, for a 20-minute spell at least, to the more rural setting of West Linton, which will feature as the home of two of the main characters in the feature-length episode.

The three-part drama, adapted from Kate Atkinson’s compelling novels, is being produced by Eric Coulter (Taggart, Rebus, High Times) and is likely to appear on our screens in the spring.

Mr Coulter told TheSouthern: “We have absolutely loved working in the Borders and West Linton in particular, where everyone has been friendly and helpful to our cast and crew.”

In the next series, West Linton will portray exactly what it is, a rural village quite close to Edinburgh, and although Coulter was careful not to give away any of the plot, he spoke of his delight that his team had got the location spot on.

“Everything worked very well both in the village and in some scenes shot on a nearby farm. It suited our characters perfectly and everyone is very happy with what we have shot.”

Filming in the area was wrapped up last Thursday after a seven-day spell during which Isaacs, known for his performance as the villain Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films and the brutal Colonel William Tavington in The Patriot, attracted much attention from local children and adults alike.

Speaking before he started filming for this current series Isaacs commented: “I can’t wait to put on the crumpled, witty, self-destructive, noble and naughty skin of Jackson Brodie again and dive into the unique flavour of Kate Atkinson’s worlds.

“Nobody connects the past with the present and the absurd with the heart-wrenching like she does, and we all feel excited and lucky to bring another bunch of stories of damage and delight to the screen.”

Scheduling has not yet been confirmed for the new series which will be aired on BBC 1 next year.

FRESH safety concerns have been raised about a popular Borders walkway, writes Kenny Paterson.

Fears surrounding the Black Path, which runs along the former Waverley rail line now used by dog walkers and cyclists between Galashiels and Tweedbank, were heard at the town’s community council.

Both community council chairman Ian Purvis and fellow councillor John McLaren reported hearing of an anti-social behaviour incident involving a group of youths on the path in recent weeks.

The route has previously been the scene of a number of police inquiries, including an indecent assault on a teenage girl in 2010.

While Sergeant Duncan Marker admitted members of the public had previously shared fears about the route, he now believes it is safe.

He told the community council meeting: “If there are issues we need to know about it, especially with the darker nights coming in.

“I don’t think there is a major problem on the Black Path and it is an area we regularly patrol.

“We did a perception survey around a year and a half ago and there was a lot of concern surrounding the Black Path, and a lot of rumours.

“But since then the council has trimmed back the hedges and a lot of work has been done as part of the railway project to clear the area, which has helped the situation.”

A section of the Black Path will be be required for the new Borders Railway project, but Transport Scotland has promised to work with Scottish Borders Council to compensate for any loss with similar facilities elsewhere.

TO COMPLEMENT the opening of its state-of-the-art visitor centre and restaurant in Hawick, a seven-ton sculpture of a family of cashmere goats has been placed in the forecourt of the Johnstons of Elgin centre at Eastfield Mill.

Director James Sugden said: “Twenty years ago on my travels in Inner Mongolia, I met a little-known sculptor in marble and we commissioned him to provide a tableaux of their wonderful animals for our visitor centre in Elgin. They always create a lot of interest with visitors, who often believe that cashmere comes from sheep – which it doesn’t.

“Two years ago I asked our friend, now quite famous, to make another piece, and we are delighted with the results which, in a rather typical Chinese way, is larger than life.”

Mr Sugden added that the new facility had just been given the five-star Scottish Visitor Centre award for all-round excellence.

A LETTER has been sent to Scottish Government transport minister Keith Brown demanding action be taken to improve a notorious stretch of the Borders’ busiest road.

Stow resident and Galashiels and District councillor Sandy Aitchison has written to Mr Brown calling for investment in the 20-mile section of the A7 from Galashiels to the Midlothian border at Middleton Moor.

His plea follows another accident last week, when a 23-year-old woman suffered spinal injuries after a crash one mile south of Stow.

And in February this year, 24-year-old Graham Milroy of Galashiels died following an accident on the route.

Mr Aitchison has asked Galashiels Community Council to back his call for the Scottish Government to complete major works on the road.

He told members: “The A7 has been closed yet again and I am sick of it.

“I am hoping Stow and Heriot community councils will put pressure on the Scottish Government to do something with this stretch of the A7.

“Jackie Stewart would struggle to get round the worst of the corners.

“We have been told it is not dangerous – tell that to the people who have been involved in a serious accident.”

The A7 from Kingsknowes roundabout south of Galashiels to the Edinburgh City Bypass used to be classed as a trunk road, but lost this status in 1996, reverting to Scottish Borders Council’s responsibility for the section south of the Midlothian boundary.

But Mr Aitchison believes it is the Scottish Government who must fund significant amendments. He told TheSouthern: “At the moment it is not realistic to expect the council to take on such a major task.

“I think more passing places have to be built. There is no safe passing place between the Fountainhall straight and the straight at Bow south of Stow, and the frustration builds up. It has happened to me as well. How many more serious injuries and deaths until something is done?

“People point to the investment in the railway but that won’t remove a lot of cars from the road.”

Fellow councillor Bill White believes the section north of Galashiels should be re-trunked, while community council chairman Ian Purvis added: “I remember the Beeching cuts of the Waverley Railway and we were told the A7 would be improved. I don’t think anything has happened since.”

But SBC’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, Gordon Edgar, called on Galashiels, Heriot and Stow’s community councils to get more involved in the A7 Action Group.

He added: “We have Michael Moore, the Secretary of State for Scotland, as our chairman, so we do have some leverage.

“David Mundell MP also attends some of the meetings. Selkirk has a strong voice, in particular on the need for a Selkirk bypass, due to our involvement in the action group.

“They will not get anything if they don’t get involved in the action group.

“The Scottish budget from Westminster is being slashed by 18 per cent until 2018, which is around £6billion. That means the council budgets will be cut.

“The first place the cuts are made are roads but all services need infrastructure. The budget is getting cut and cut but there has to come a point where it stops, otherwise lives will be at risk.”

An SBC spokesman said there were no plans for any improvements to the A7 this year or as part of its current capital financial plan.

He added: “However, there is a major realignment at Fallahill and two junction improvements, at Heriot and Fountainhall, that are associated with the Borders Railway Project.

“The council is aware of the accident concerns on the A7, and this is regularly discussed with Lothian and Borders Police. We understand that the police have committed additional resources to monitor traffic behaviour and enforce current speed restrictions.

“The council expects a reduction in the number of vehicles on the A7 after the opening of the railway.”

I had not really paid that much attention to the itinerary for our excursion, so going to Sineu was a pleasant surprise.

The tour buses stop by a road across from the train station. The town did not look very promising, but as soon as we turned up a sidestreet, the hustle and bustle of the market was getting under way. On top of a hill, we could see the spire of the Church of Santa Maria.

We stopped at a stall that had sweet and savoury foods laid out on white papery cloths.

We picked a large, round, soft pastry dusted with icing sugar to share. It was delicate and light, and the sweet powder floated into the air as we broke it in half. We ate it as we headed up a street that leads us to the steps below the church. I was shocked to find that the market continued on the courtyard in front of this religious house.

“My temple should be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves, get out, get out.” In Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, the character of Jesus’ lashes out at the stall holders because the temple has become a market, selling everything that people will buy.

For €1 we could leave the growing crowds and enter the church. As soon as the large doors closed behind us, quiet and the dim light of peace fell upon us. Slow movements take over the body when you enter a space that is so huge, so elegant, so calming to the spirit. As you walk, the first reaction is to look up; looking up towards the high-vaulted dome where the Gothic-style stained glass windows point towards the sky.

The stone looked pale and grey compared to the peachy hue of the external walls. Against this wan colour the elaborate altar pieces of this Catholic church were highlighted.

Santa Maria, canonised pre-congregation, is possibly the most revered of saints in Roman Catholicism for obvious reasons. In this church their reverence, or their love, for this woman is delicately shown by the strange homeliness of the white sheets embroidered in a bright blue that her statue lies on.

Angels stand by the head of the bed, their robes a dulled gold and their folded wings flowing down their backs with all the grace that the artist could muster, a grace that is echoed on their faces. At the end of the bed a cherub floats with wings out, like a child watching his mother. The scene is beguiling and it was difficult to move away from it, should one gorgeous detail be missed.

On the other side of the church the depiction of the crucifixion is unusual. The Christ figure has been covered from the waist to the knees with a strange makeshift skirt in a jacquard fabric. Set in its own gilded alcove at the top of some steps, you can walk up to it and stand close to it. When I stepped up to it tentatively, I was facing the crossed-over feet. The sculptor had included a huge nail, about two inches in diameter, with the painted blood running down the feet and in between the toes. The attempt to be highly emotive worked and I shuddered.

I hate to leave the silent noise of a Roman Catholic church; fingers of pain seem to reach out to my back. When my friend and I did return to the streets of Sineu they had filled uncomfortably with more crowds – jostling for scarce space at the market stalls. We found a stall selling traditional Spanish terracotta cookware and managed to purchase some before a claustrophobic return to our bus.

I hung at Chris’ back as she picked a route through the squeeze, she being considerably taller than me. It was the only moment in the holiday that I was unsure of my surroundings and direction.

Coming out at the edge of the crowd was a relief; seeing our multi-lingual guide, Jose, and our dashing driver Juan made me smile again. “My Scottish girls,” Jose smiled too.

The first frosts of the season have begun to give the trees their autumnal garb, triggering off a chain of events in the countryside from which there is no turning back. Soon, woodland fungi will begin to flourish and many creatures will start to prepare for the coming winter. Already I have heard my local dipper in full song, tunefully staking his claim to his breeding territory. Being very early nesters, they can’t afford to wait until spring.

Last week I featured a story about a wayward red squirrel found wandering on moorland high in the Ettrick Valley and it seems this phenomenon is not unique.

G.Y. contacted me by email to say: “Your article in today’s Southern Reporter reminded me of something similar I saw earlier in the year. On the track from Tollishill to Gifford, about halfway between Crib Law and Lammer Law, I saw a red squirrel. At the time, I thought it was a bit strange as there are no woods in the area. Like the Potburn squirrel it was not unduly bothered about me or my dog.”

So it seems that if disturbed far from the cover of trees, they seem to tolerate human presence more than when in woodland, where they have the option to escape into the canopy.

Now that most of the harvest is in, many stubble fields attract the attention of the wood pigeon, which is quick to capitalise on cereal spillages and leftovers, but is probably less of a problem at this time of year than when crops are young and tender.

Its stout, hooked beak allows the “cushie doo” to eat a variety of foods. In woodland it will eat nuts and acorns as well as weed, seeds and buds, and flowers off trees.

During hard winters, when it snows, they will turn to farmland and gardens, and attack tall brassicas, such as cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts, to supplement their diet.

To overcome the problem of short days and less food in winter, pigeons tend to feed very quickly during late afternoon and store food in their crops until it gets dark, when they return to their communal treetop roosts, to digest it.

This ability to eat a wide range of food has enabled the pigeon population to rocket to more than four million breeding pairs, posing quite a headache for arable farmers.

Scarecrows and bangers are effective for only a short period and chemical repellents do not work effectively because they also affect harmless species. Shooting has no long-term effect, but it probably gives vent to the farmer’s feelings.

To the walker and naturalist, the soft cooing of the wood pigeon in a leafy wood, during the breeding season, is one of nature’s most evocative spring sounds. However, to the farmer it is a serious pest and causes more damage to our agriculture than any other bird.

Like it or loathe it, however, the wily wood pigeon is here to stay.

A POLICE probe is under way after a man was assaulted as he walked home early on Saturday morning in Peebles.

The 24-year-old was attacked in Edinburgh Road around 2am. Police have appealed for assistance.

A spokesman said: “We are keen to speak to three persons who were in the area around that time and ask anyone with information to contact us.”