Police have appealed for information after an elderly woman died in a road collision near West Linton yesterday (Wednesday, October 11).

The incident took place on the A701, Broughton to Leadburn, around a quarter of a mile south of the A72 at Blyth Bridge around 11.50am.

A silver-coloured Honda Jazz, travelling northbound, left the road and overturned before coming to a stop in a field.

The 86-year-old female driver was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger in the car, an 84-year-old woman, was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with non life-threatening injuries.

The A701 was closed between the A72 at Blyth Bridge and the A721 at Kirkdean, and reopened around 4.20pm yesterday.

PC Paul Gibson of the Road Policing Unit said: “Our condolences go to woman’s family and our thoughts remain with them, as well as her friend and passenger, at this sad time.

“As part of our investigation into this, we’d urge anyone who may have witnessed the car leave the road or who saw the car travelling in the area beforehand to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1276 of October 11.

The company which operates Millfield Care Home in Jedburgh has announced that the facility, which provides residential care for up to 23 elderly people, will close by next year.

While Scottish Borders Council has reassured residents that their continuity of care is “receiving our highest priority”, it is a very uncertain time for them, as well as the care home’s 28 staff.

Edinburgh-based operator Bield revealed the upcoming closure of all its care homes in Scotland this week, stating it was to consolidate its services to ensure the long-term future of the company.

The statement went on: “As a result of this new strategy, we have made the very difficult decision to withdraw from the residential care home market.

“This is a fundamental step and one which we do not take lightly, but it is in the best interests of the long-term future and sustainability of our organisation.”

Bield also runs retirement homes in Melrose, Selkirk and Greenlaw, which The Southern believes will not be affected by this reshuffle, however, 11 other care homes across Scotland will close over the next 12-18 months, affecting 160 elderly people.

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: “It was with regret that we received notification from Bield Housing Association that they had taken the decision nationally to withdraw from providing residential care. Here in the Borders, this will impact on residents of Millfield Care Home in Jedburgh.

“We would like to reassure residents and their families that ensuring their continuity of care is receiving our highest priority and we have been working closely with Bield to make sure that the future needs of everyone living in the care home continue to be met.

“We are in close dialogue with them and are supportive of their efforts to find an alternative provider if at all possible for this high quality and popular home.

“However, contingency plans will be put in place should this not be possible.

“This includes making preparations to reassess the needs of each resident and discuss with them and their families the options available to them in terms of potential relocation to alternative accommodation.

“We appreciate that this is an extremely unsettling time for everyone concerned and intend meeting with residents and their families as a matter of priority to provide them with as much information and reassurance as we can.”

John Gallacher, Scottish organiser of the Unison union – the largest union representing staff at Bield – has called for the first minister to step in.

He said: “Nicola Sturgeon must intervene and ask how Bield Housing’s management team got themselves into this position.

“This is a disaster for families across Scotland and it questions the role of government, integrated joint boards, NHS and local authorities.

“The task of making alternative arrangements will fall back on public authorities, the tax payer and individual families at a few months’ notice.

“This is at a time when demand for care services can only increase. As a charity, using public funds, Bield Housing must be held accountable.

“First we need to protect the elderly residents and staff affected by this decision. Unison will be doing everything we can to ensure that happens.

“We need urgent action by Scottish Government, COSLA and other agencies to save vital services and jobs.

“In the long term we need to accept that such crucial services cannot be left to the market. We need to question whether the sector can deliver in the face of increasing demand and how local authorities, who have lost over 30,000 jobs and taken the brunt of austerity cuts, can possibly cope over the long term.

“Putting so many families at risk, goes to the heart of what kind of society Scotland is.”

Crimestoppers is urging people to report incidents of hate crime across Scotland.

Hate crime is thought to be massively under-reported, which is why the charity is urging the public to come forward.

Many people accept some incidents as ‘part of life’ and do not realise that the abuse they are suffering or witnessing is a crime. They may also mistakenly believe that nothing will be done about it.

Incidents can be motivated by race, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. Victims may be subjected to physical assaults or suffer damage to their property. They may also experience the threat of an attack or verbal abuse.

Over the period May-September 2017 compared to December-April 2017, Crimestoppers experienced an 88 per cent increase in calls and contacts relating to hate crime in Scotland which included: a 50 per cent increase in information on Islamophobia and a 40 per cent increase in information on Racism.

Angela Parker, national manager for the charity Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “Together we can help to ensure Scotland is a tolerant nation for all. Hate crime has a terrible impact on victims. It is totally unacceptable to attack or threaten someone because they identify as a particular race, religion, sexual orientation, or have a disability.

“We urge anyone who has information about the perpetrators of this crime to contact us anonymously. We understand it’s not easy to step up and report someone, especially if they’re a close friend or family member, but we do not take personal details and we can’t trace information given to us by phone or online.

“We’re a charity that gives people the power to speak up to stop crime. We won’t ask for any personal details including your name. When you hang up the phone (0800 555 111) you’re done.”

Tributes have been paid to a Borders motorcyclist killed in a collision with a car in Northumberland.

Retired police officer Ian Whillans, 60, of Galashiels, died in a crash on the A697 Morpeth-Oxton road near Cornhill-on-Tweed at around 2.22pm yesterday, October 11.

He was heading north from Newcastle, apparently after having had his motorbike serviced, towards the Gose Law roundabout when he was involved in a collision with a Mercedes car travelling south.

Mr Whillans died at the scene, about a mile and a half south of the roundabout.

The road was closed for three-and-a-half hours while medics tried to save him and also to allow the wreckage to be cleared and the accident site examined.

It is not known whether the car driver was injured.

Officers have issued an appeal for witnesses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police’s motor patrols unit on 101, quoting ref No 641 of 11/10/17.

Friends of Mr Whillans have been paying tributes to him via socia media.

One pal, Michael Shevills, wrote: “Thoughts go out to his wife Kate and daughter Louise. Rest in peace, big man.”

Another, Paul Wright, said: “Gutted to hear this news.”

A third friend, Alan McMillan, asked: “Why is always the good guys?”

Borderers are being warned about a phone scam in which the caller claims to be from the Inland Revenue.

At the end of September, a 48-year-old man attended Hawick Police Station after receiving a call that day from a male claiming to be from HMRC.

The caller requested various personal details from the man to establish if he was paying the correct amount of tax, however, no information was provided and the suspect hung up.

Officers are now urging anyone else who has had a similar phone call to come forward and are reminding people never to give out their personal information to a cold caller.

Constable Claire White from Hawick Police Station said: “Fortunately the man who received this call was alert to the suspicious nature of the request and refused to provide any details.

“We have spoken to Inland Revenue as part of this inquiry and they have confirmed they will never phone members of the public to request information, but would send a letter instead.”

“With this in mind, we would remind the public that should you receive a call from anyone claiming to be from Inland Revenue, or any other company, requesting bank details or other personal information, do not comply.

“Hang up and report the matter to police immediately.”

Anyone who has received one of these calls can contact Hawick Police Station via 101 or make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Following the vandal attack on Galashiels Swimming Pool last week, staff are pulling out all the stops to get the facility up and running as soon as possible.

The first two stages of the process to reopen the pool have been completed, the pool water has been drained and a comprehensive clean-up has been conducted to remove all glass that entered the pool.

The refill of the pool has now started.

The pool will remain closed over the weekend as the refill progresses and an update on the reopening date will be issued as soon as possible.

Once the pool was emptied, Live Borders staff were able to carry out a comprehensive clean-up of the pool to ensure all glass was removed. The refill process involves filling the pool with water, filtering the pool water, ensuring the water has the correct properties before heating the water.

Ben Lamb, Live Borders facilities manager, said: “We’d like to thank the local community for all their messages of support.

“We’ve had so many people offering their help ... the support of the local community has been overwhelming.

“Not only have our customers been visiting and phoning the pool, but one member even assisted by providing joinery services to board up the vandalised window.

“We had six members of staff in the emptied pool to conduct a comprehensive clean-up. A substantial amount of glass was removed by the team.

“The refill has now commenced, once the water in the pool reaches a certain level the filtration can begin, additional water sources can be utilised to increase the water level and then heating can commence. Unfortunately, an exact time-scale can’t be provided at the moment as there are a number of factors involved in this process. We hope to be able to provide an update on re-opening as soon as possible.”

Selkirk Swimming Pool has extended its opening hours to help accommodate swimmers. Users with a swim membership can still use other public pools as part of their membership.

The facility at Selkirk will open on the following extra times: Tuesday, 7.15-8am for early morning swimming and 7-8.30pm for late lane night swimming; Wednesday from 7.15-10.30am for early morning swimming /public/lane swimming and 7.30-8.30pm for the Triathlon Club; and Friday from 7.15am-1pm for early morning swimming/public/lane swimming.

Enforcement of dog fouling rules in the region has been labelled a shambles since a pilot scheme came to an end earlier this year.

A new strategy is desperately needed to address the problem as neighbourhoods across the Borders are becoming “soiled by dog mess”, according to Hawick and Denholm councillor Stuart Marshall.

He believes the problem has now reached epidemic proportions following the withdrawal of the council’s nine-strong community warden service in 2013.

Last week’s full council meeting was told that a report on a pilot project launched in May last year to tackle dog fouling will be presented soon.

The one-year enforcement initiative saw Scottish Borders Council commission private firm GLS to issue £80 fines to offending dog owners.

The arrangement was aimed at plugging a gap which emerged after the warden service was withdrawn.

Council chiefs acknowledge there is a real problem to be addressed and have pledged to come up with a strategy to address it before the end of the year.

Mr Marshall said: “I really look forward to see what they come up with because the situation is a shambles. Our neighborhoods are absolutely soiled with mess. The pilot scheme ended in May, up to which point there was one warden covering the whole of the Borders. Now, as I understand it, there are no wardens at all.

“There just isn’t a strategy in place to tackle this and there was no enforcement of the tickets which were handed out. People given tickets just ignored them and there was no enforcement of the fine.

“Council officers have admitted in an email that enforcement had ‘not been as successful as anticipated’ and have promised to come back with a new strategy before the end of the year. I look forward to that.”

The issue of dog fouling – the number one source of complaint from members of the public to their ward councillors – was raised at the last full council meeting by Councillor Kris Chapman (Lib Dem, Tweeddale West).

“How much taxpayers’ money is being used to clean up after dog fouling?” he asked. “What action is being taken by this council to identify and prosecute the small number of irresponsible dog owners who regularly ignore the rules?

“In addition, what action is being taken by the council to better promote responsible dog ownership?”

He was told by Councillor Sandy Aitchison (Ind, Galashiels and District), executive member for neighbourhoods and localities, that the council’s street cleaning budget was currently £1.4m a year.

“Contained within this budget are the costs incurred for the cleaning of dog fouling,” he said. “The ledger does not separately record the costs associated with this activity.”

On the GLS contract, Mr Aitchison said: “A report on the pilot, including recommendations for next steps will be brought to the council in the near future.

“Elected members will understand that a balanced approach to the scourge of dog fouling is required, whereby individuals take personal responsibility for their actions, while enabling responsible dog owners, who are the vast majority, to support the council in its efforts.

“This approach, when harnessed with increased public awareness and improved access to facilities, are likely to be the building blocks of our approach to dog fouling in the future.”

Mr Chapman asked what role the council would take in extending the best practice deployed in other Borders towns. Specifically, he cited the success of Newtown and Eildon Community Council is organising a scheme which saw all dog owners in the area signing a pledge to stamp out dog fouling.

Mr Aitchison told him: “Consideration always needs to be given to how best we spend our budget and I am happy to meet with any community which wants to get involved.”

Scotland’s public spending watchdog has ruled out taking any action over Scottish Borders Council’s costly and abortive attempt to have a £23m advanced thermal treatment waste plant built at Easter Langlee in Galashiels.

Audit Scotland was asked to intervene by retired Borders journalist Bill Chisholm after he completed a 43-page report on the debacle last month.

Compiled after an investigation spanning two-and-a-half years, his dossier focused on the 2012 contract between the council and Dorset-based New Earth Solutions, now in liquidation, for the provision of the station.

That deal was finally scrapped in February 2015 at a cost to the public purse of £2.4m, with the council citing “technological and financial issues” for its abandonment.

Mr Chisholm claimed evidence he has gathered indicates council officers were aware of shortcomings both with the untested technology involved and issues over how it would be paid for, via an offshore investment fund, but failed to pass on their concerns to elected members.

However, having considered his report, Audit Scotland has now confirmed it will take no action.

In its response to Mr Chisholm, of Jedburgh, the watchdog, claiming on its website to “give independent assurance to the people of Scotland that public money is spent properly, efficiently and effectively”, states: “We remain content that audit work previously completed by the external auditor of the council showed that the council had followed a reasonable process in the procurement of the waste management contract.

“We feel our assessment of this matter has been concluded.

“Unless there are significant new areas of concern, we will not respond to any further communication regarding the waste management contract at the council.”

Mr Chisholm said he was “disappointed, but not surprised” that Audit Scotland had rejected his calls.

“I believe Audit Scotland has made a gross misjudgement in refusing to look at what went wrong,” he told the Southern.

“A significant number of people who have read my report, including an eminent procurement expert, have expressed the view that there are many issues I have uncovered which would justify an investigation.

“Audit Scotland may have closed the file on this most blatant example of maladministration and mismanagement of public funds, but I have not.”

The council has declined to comment on Mr Chisholm’s report.

Scottish Borders Council has pledged to review how it records reports of bullying in its school after doubts were voiced about the effectiveness of the current system.

Council leader Shona Haslam has vowed to take responsibility for ensuring school staff know how to use an IT system on which all incidents of bullying should be logged and monitored,

Concerns over the effectiveness locally of the National Information System for Schools (SEEMiS) were expressed at the latest full council meeting by Tweeddale West member Kris Chapman.

He claimed councillors had recently been told that there had been no reports of bullying against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender pupils in any schools here.

“We all know that this is simply not the case,” said Mr Chapman, and he asked what advice had been given to schools on using the system.

“At present, we are getting mixed messages over the level and nature of bullying in our schools.”

He was told by Tweeddale East councillor Mrs Haslam that schools had been advised to record incidents of bullying on SEEMiS under a policy introduced in 2012.

The system has a bullying and equalities function, enabling schools to enter and keep details of any alleged incident reported to them.

“Within the new business support structure for schools, our business managers now have a responsibility and an opportunity to streamline all key information-recording processes,” said Mrs Haslam.

“As part of their role, they are looking at the use of SEEMiS by all schools and will be providing support to ensure all schools are following advice and guidance.

“The safeguarding of children in our schools is of primary importance, and I will take responsibility to make sure teachers are properly advised.”

Clackmae Bridge, near Earlston, is to be closed for 10 weeks to allow major refurbishment and strengthening works to be carried out.

The single-arch bridge, on the C76 back road between Earlston and Lauder, will be shut from Monday, October 16, to Friday, December 22.

Its deck is to be replaced during that time, as well as strengthening works being carried out.

Diversions will be in place, with the signed alternative route being via the A68 through Earlston, the D4/4 at South Blainslie and the C76.

The £690,000 works are part of a £2m programme of bridge repairs also including improvements to Lowood Bridge, between Galashiels and Melrose; Bowanhill Bridge, near Teviothead; and Bowden Church Bridge, west of Newtown.

Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar, said: “The C76 road is an important route for the local community, which is why the council is carrying out these works to Clackmae Bridge.

“It is part of a significant bridge repairs programme by the council in 2017-18 which will ensure Clackmae Bridge, alongside a number of other important bridges in the Borders, can continue to be used for years to come.”

Clackmae Bridge is one of more than 1,100 crossings region-wide that the council is responsible for maintaining.

Children are being let down by a lack of investment in Hawick High School, according to a councillor for the town.

Hawick and Denholm councillor Clair Ramage, an art and design teacher at the Buccleuch Road school for 34 years but now retired, this week voiced her anger over the poor condition of its buildings.

She told members of Hawick Community Council on Monday: “I’m really quite angry at what has been happening in the school.

“I worked at the school for many, many years, and we were promised new builds twice, but all that’s really been happening is that Band Aids have been put across it.

“I met with the new headteacher, Vicky Porteous, last week and I talked to the pupils. They were not impressed with the new renovations.

“I really have concerns because the buildings were only intended for 25 years and here they are 50 years later.

“Other towns are getting new schools, but we are not, so we really have to push for this.

“Education is really important in all of our towns, but money is being spent on a new Jedburgh campus, and it makes me question where we are then, and I just fear we are letting our kids down.”

The school was awarded £400,000 in March, part of £40m identified by Scottish Borders Council’s executive committee to be spent on the region’s schools over the next three financial years.

That money is to be used to revamp windows and classrooms at the school.

Further funding might be harder to come by, though, she fears because of the recent confirmation of Scottish Government funding for a new Jedburgh inter-generational campus.

A council spokesperson denied that, however, saying: “Hawick High School has been a priority for investment over the summer, including a window replacement programme, a new entrance, internal redecoration, including in key social areas, and general upgrades. This programme of work is substantial and could not all be completed in the summer, so further works are planned.

“A complete refurbishment of the school library is also being planned.

“The council is committed to the ongoing school estate review and has already carried out consultation with parents, pupils, teachers and the wider community regarding all our school properties.

“This has informed a number of decisions already, including seeking the funding for a new inter-generational campus in Jedburgh, and will continue to influence decisions going forward on improvements to our school estate across the Scottish Borders.”

The current Hawick High, a replacement for an older school built in 1860 and renovated in 1908 but burned down in 1925, dates back to 1928.

An extension was added in the 1970s, further modernisation work followed in the 1990s and its canteen was revamped in 2003.

Kelso’s VisitScotland tourist information centre is one of almost 40 being closed nationwide.

The centre, within Kelso Town Hall, is to be shut at the end of the month as part of a move by the tourism agency to offer more information online rather than face to face.

VisitScotland cites a 58% drop in footfall to at its information centres over the past 12 years and the fact that two-thirds of visitors now access information online as its reason for that shift, said to be part of a two-year restructuring strategy.

Peebles and Jedburgh’s tourist information centres have escaped that cull, and one of them is now in line to become one of 26 regional hubs for the organisation.

A VisitScotland spokesperson said: “For the Scottish Borders, the decision regarding the location of the regional hub in the area will be made in consultation with the local tourism industry and stakeholders over the coming months.

“In the meantime, iCentres in Jedburgh and Peebles will continue to operate as normal.

“The two centres will be supported by over 81 VisitScotland information partners in the region, including Abbotsford, the home of Walter Scott; Floors Castle at Kelso; Melrose Abbey; and Johnstons of Elgin in Hawick, providing inspirational local knowledge to the 297,000 people that visit the Scottish Borders every year.

“The VisitScotland iCentre at Kelso will close permanently at the end of October 2017.

“Information provision will continue through partnership arrangements with local visitor attractions, businesses, tourism groups and local tourism groups.”

Hawick’s tourist information centre, in Kirkstile, is also remaining open, but it will change hands and will be run by Live Borders in future.

Further takeovers of VisitScotland tourist information centres by Live Borders are expected to follow.

“In Hawick, the current iCentre at Heart of Hawick will change hands from VisitScotland to Live Borders, who will continue to provide information and inspiration for visitors,” said the tourist board spokesperson.

“This is the first announcement of what could prove to be a key partnership between VisitScotland and Live Borders.

“Discussions are ongoing to identify other locations where information provision is sought out by visitors in public buildings such as libraries and museums.

“Additional announcements with more locations across the Live Borders estate will follow in the near future.”

Voluntary redundancy packages or redeployment will be offered to staff affected by the changes.

The VisitSoctland spokesperson added: “The new information strategy allows the national tourism organisation to deliver information in the right way at the right time to the 15 million visitors Scotland welcomes every year.

“Around £10m is being invested by VisitScotland each year in digital activity and enhanced information services for visitors including investment in the 26 high-impact regional travel hubs.

“The remaining high-impact 26 travel hubs will operate in locations of greatest visitor demand, providing a cutting-edge experience and information about attractions and accommodation to not only the immediate locale but the wider region as a whole.

“In addition, VisitScotland has recruited over 1500 VisitScotland information partners nationally to ensure there is an information touchpoint in every single corner of the country.

“From distilleries to bed-and-breakfasts, social enterprises to bakeries, local businesses will be working with the tourism organisation to guarantee that visitors are equipped with the best local knowledge about things to experience in every region.”

VisitScotland regional director Paula Ward said: “The way visitors access information has changed significantly over the past decade.

“It’s time to switch our focus and investment into new and diverse initiatives to ensure we are reaching as many visitors to the Scottish Borders as possible with the information they want, in the way they want it, when they want it.

“With three in four adults now owning a smartphone, a key focus is ensuring our digital communications provide succinct inspirational and informational advice to visitors at every stage of their journey.

“However, we know that speaking to locals is also important to our visitors, and with our 26 high-impact travel hubs located throughout the country, more than 80 local information partners locally and our team of outreach staff travelling around the region throughout the year, it means that there is always advice on what to see and do and where to go wherever people are.

“The information revolution is upon us, and we look forward to telling more and more visitors all about the Scottish Borders across all our different channels for many years to come.

Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell has welcomed the news that VisitScotland’s Peebles iCentre, in High Street, is to remain open.

“It is extremely welcome news that Visit Scotland has decided to keep the Peebles centre open,” said Mr Mundell, also Scottish Secretary.

“This will help protect jobs and continue to boost tourism, which is so vital for this region.

“With areas like Tweeddale, including Peebles, still having many issues surrounding connectivity, it is absolutely crucial, centres like this remain open.

“Many people still like face-to-face contact upon arriving in an area, and they will be getting a first-class service in Peebles from those who work there.

“I hope that the Peebles site can be considered going forward in the consultation for a new Borders regional hub, which would be a major boost for the local economy.”

Fellow Conservative politicians Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire and shadow secretary for culture and tourism at Holyrood, and John Lamont, MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, have voiced concerns, however.

Mrs Hamilton said: “The proposed closure of local offices will cause uncertainty amongst VisitScotland employees right across Scotland.

“Cutting the number of visitor information hubs comes at a risk.

“There’s nothing better than gaining local knowledge from a local person.

‘Tourists will need to be assured of an efficient rollout and an alternative signposting method to ensure visitors know where the Borders’ hidden gems and attractions are.

“Relying on digital technology for visitor information is not reliable, particularly in rural not-spots like the Borders, and this remains a huge issue.

“There is now real pressure on the Scottish Government to get broadband up to speed in the Borders so the local tourism industry isn’t adversely impacted on.

“I hope VisitScotland has carefully considered the impact on tourists and local businesses.”

Mr Lamont said: “People are accessing information differently these days, so it’s quite right that VisitScotland are looking to modernise their information provision.

“However, it’s disappointing to hear that the centre in Kelso looks set to close.

“Having a physical presence and someone with local knowledge to speak to directly is still worthwhile and adds to the visitors’ experience.

“To lose so many centres at once risks setting our tourism sector back.
“I’ll be looking closely at the details of this proposal.

“We need to be doing more, not less, to promote the Borders as the fantastic destination it is.”

Mid Berwickshire councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for business and economic development, added: “I am keen to see that the new approach by VisitScotland will bring more partners on board across the Scottish Borders so that more information than before is available to more visitors at an increasing number of outlets.

“I welcome the investment and particularly look forward to seeing VisitScotland create more partnerships with Live Borders, Historic Environment Scotland and more of the many fine attractions and tourism operators that we have in the Borders.

“With an increased number of partnerships, I’m confident that the new approach will ensure that visitors will continue to be able to access high-quality visitor information on the Borders’ many fabulous attractions, scenery and businesses.”

Six of the best from Tweedbank’s Tempest Brewing Co picked up prizes at this year’s Scottish Beer Awards.

The Borders brewery followed up its haul of seven trophies at last year’s inaugural awards with a further half-dozen second time round.

It took home three golds from the ceremony at Edinburgh Corn Exchange, sponsored by supermarket chain Aldi and organised by Edinburgh event management firm KD Media – for Modern Helles for best lager class, for In the Dark We Live: Dark Fruits Edit in the amplified beer category and for Soma India Pale Ale, named as best IPA – plus three silvers.

Its silver accolades were for Brave New World in the IPA class, Marmalade on Rye in the amplified beer section and Rhubarb and Citrus Sour, a collaboration with three other breweries, in the sour category.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have done so well a second year in a row at the Scottish Beer Awards,” said Shannon McFarlane, brand and marketing manager for the brewery, founded in Kelso in 2010 but based at Tweedbank Industrial Estate since 2015.

“We strongly believe in our approach to brewing and making beer, and to win awards for the resulting beers is the best validation we could ask for.

“Blind tastings can be a little nerve-wracking, but ultimately the results speak for themselves, and we had every confidence our beer would stand its ground against some very tough competition.

“One we’re especially proud of is Modern Helles winning best lager. It’s a style that can often go overlooked, and we were determined to create a lager that was well made and flavourful. We couldn’t possibly ask for more than for it to be crowned the best lager in Scotland.

“What the awards are great for is showing just how much brewing talent there is in Scotland, and we were delighted to even be nominated alongside some of the best beers currently on the market.

“We hope to see the Scottish brewing industry continue its growth, and we can’t wait to see how we fare in the 2018 awards.”

The top award of the night, for brewery of the year, was presented to Brewdog, based at Ellon in Aberdeenshire.

Judging panel chairwoman Hilary Jones said: “Whether breweries are large, small, independently owned or have attracted investment from elsewhere, the Scottish Beer Awards is for everyone brewing in Scotland.

“We unite in our congratulations of our winners and celebrate the success of the whole of Scottish brewing.

“I hope all our winners find future success with their medals and show the world how brilliant we are in Scotland at making great beer.”

Graham Nicolson, group buying director for Aldi in Scotland, added: “The quality of beer produced in Scotland is exceptional, and we would like to congratulate everyone involved in this celebration of Scotland’s amazing brewing industry.

“The popularity of Scottish beer shows no signs of slowing down, and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s next for the sector in Scotland.”

Their stories begin with hope and trust. Their stories begin with believing people who said they could help them find their way to a better life.

But, like so many, what they found was a nightmare with no escape.

Eva and Mike – not their real names – were bought and sold as commodoties and stripped of their human rights and dignity.

And the nightmare they were trapped in – being beaten, drugged and isolated in cramped conditions – was happening right here in Scotland.

A campaign, led by the Scottish Government with Police Scotland and several charities, aims to tell people in Scotland that it’s happening – and not just in our cities

And they want people to be more aware of the problem because it can be stopped.

Recent research has identified locations that include 27 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities.

The research busted another myth too – human trafficking is not just happening in brothels, it’s also found in nail bars, fishing boats and construction sites too, among others, where people are forced to work for little or no wages.

Eva’s story began with the promise of a new life with a man she loved.

Aged 28, from South Eastern Europe, she left home to go to university, then got engaged to a man called Alek.

When, soon after, he suggested they move to a neighbouring country where they could both have a better life, she didn’t hesitate.

But when they arrived, Eva was told she would need to stay with Alek’s friends as he had urgent business.

There she was told she would be expected to prostitute herself and when she refused, she was assaulted and drugged.

Eva was prostituted by several different people and moved around lots of times.

She said: “I was made to sleep with up to ten men a day and was also drugged, assaulted and kept in isolation for periods at a time.”

In October 2016 Eva was placed in a lorry which travelled for three days before arriving in Scotland.

She was kept in a flat with other women until one day she spotted a chance to escape through a first floor window.

“I got on the first train to Glasgow where a concerned taxi driver took me straight to the police station,” she said.

Police Scotland took her to the TARA (Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance) – one of the charities backing the campaign – which gave her safe accommodation and support.

“It was like being in a dream after so many months of hell,” she remembers.

While she’s now safe and rebuilding her life, the emotional scars will take longer to heal and she still needs psychological treatment. She has made friends and is now “living a fairly normal life”.

“However, it makes me sad that I don’t see my family as I’m too scared to contact them in case I put them in danger.”

No-one spoke directly to the newspaper for this article – even the members of the charities that helped them have no direct contact unless absolutely necessary.

But their words have been recorded and are shared to help people understand how extensive the problem is – and that it is happening right here in Scotland.

Giving this almost invisible, silent misery a voice is vital to stop this appalling abuse of human rights, say campaigners, led by the Scottish Government, which recently published its Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy.

Its aim is to identify and support victims, identify perpetrators and disrupt activity – and also to address the conditions which foster trafficking.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said: “Generating awareness that the exploitation of adults and children is happening in Scotland today is key to bringing it to an end.

“This important campaign is part of a series of measures being implemented to eliminate this terrible crime.

“No one should ever be bought or sold.”

The campaign wants to end suffering like Mike, from Ghana, who was a fisherman for seven years.

He saw an advert in his local paper for a fishing job in Scotland, with a salary advertised as much higher than the one he was gettingin Ghana.

He was engaged to be married and wanted to build a new house for his soon to be wife. So, he took the job, full of hope.

Mike said: “I have never been abroad and was excited with this new adventure!”

He travelled with another three Ghanaians to the UK where they were met at the airport by a man called Billie.

Mike recalls: “He drove us for three hours to our work place. We didn’t know where we were going and he hardly spoke to us. We arrived late at night to a house and were told to go inside.

“When we walked in, we saw bodies sleeping on the floor. Billie collected our passports – he said he would help us to organise our national insurance numbers. This was the last time I saw my passport for a year.”

The men worked seven days a week, 12 hours at a stretch, with no protective equipment. They slept on the vessel, with limited washing facilities and limited food.

“We were not allowed to go out – Billie and two other skippers were always with us watching us,” he said.

When Mike realised his monthly wage was only a fraction of what he had been promised, he angrily questioned Billie.

Mike was attacked, but despite having a black eye and bleeding he was not allowed to go to the hospital.

“Billie threatened me that my family would suffer and the police would jail me if I didn’t listen. I felt hopeless,” he said.

One day, the police came to Mike’s vessel and as they questioned him, he broke down and told them what was happening.

He was taken to safe accommodation where the charity Migrant Help helped him to rebuild his life.

But what he found hardest to deal with was the feeling of shame that he had allowed this to happen.

“I was able to talk to my family, but I found it extremely difficult to speak to them about what had happened to me and how deceived and mistreated I was because of shame and guilt.

He is now underoing counselling to help him deal with the guilt.

The figures show that Eva and Mike are not unusual: the latest figures show there were 1503 potential victims of trafficking identified in Scotland in 2016 – a 52 per cent increase since 2013.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston, who heads up Police Scotland’s National Human Trafficking Unit, says that it is a priority for Police Scotland.

He said: “We will target those who control, abuse and exploit others by working collaboratively with partners to ensure that Scotland is a hostile environment to this sickening trade.”

The Scottish Government and organisations backing the campaign – including Police Scotland, Migrant Help and (TARA) – would like the public’s help in ringing the largely hidden crime out into the open.

The charities offering help to victims believe that with the public’s support, the stories that began with hope can end with hope too and shattered lives can be rebuilt.

For information on the signs of human trafficking and to report concerns visitmodernslaveryhelpline.org/scotland.

Know the signs – and how you can help

Physical appearance: People may show signs of physical or psychological abuse, look malnourished or unkempt, anxious/ agitated or appear withdrawn and neglected. They may have untreated injuries.

Isolation: Rarely be allowed to travel on their own, seem under the control, influence of others.

Relationships which don’t seem right: For example a teenager appearing to be the boyfriend/ girlfriend of a much older adult.

Poor living conditions: Dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation, and /or living and working at the same address.

Restricted freedom: They’ll have have no ID documents, few personal possessions and wear the same clothes day in day out.

Unusual travel times: Regularly dropped off or collected for work either very early or late at night. Children being dropped off/ picked up at unusual times.

Reluctant to seek help: Avoid eye contact, appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers and fear law enforcers for many reasons, such as not knowing who to trust or where to get help, fear of deportation, fear of violence to them or their family.

Who should I contact?

Contact 999 in an emergency.

Or call Police Scotland on 101; Modern Slavery Helpline (confidential if you want) on 08000 121 700 or email Police Scotland’s National Human Trafficking Unit SCDNationalHumanTraffickingUnit@Scotland.pnn.police.uk.

Tropical Storm Ophelia is set to hit parts of Scotland today, with travel operators warning of disruption and cancellations to ferry and train services.

The huge weather system is now battering parts of the UK with winds up to 80 mph in some places.

When will it hit?

Ophelia is set to hit the UK between 3 pm and 10 pm today (Monday) and then travel further into Scotland and Northern England on Tuesday between 12.05 am and 3 pm. The storm will remain over Northern Ireland as it travels.

Where will it hit?

The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning for South West Scotland, Lothian and Borders and Strathclyde, as well as Northern Ireland and Wales, who will bear the brunt of the storm between noon and 11 pm on Monday.

Winds are expected to peak across Northern Ireland and west Wales this afternoon as well as south west Scotland this evening.

Between 12 pm and 11.55 pm, the Met Office has issued a Yellow weather warning for the following areas: Central, Tayside and Fife, Highlands and Eilean Siar, North East England, North West England, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber. Northern Ireland, South West Scotland, Lothian and Borders, Strathclyde, Wales will be downgraded to a Yellow also during this time.

On Tuesday between 12.05 am and 3 pm, Central, Tayside and Fife, North East England, North West England, Northern Ireland, South West Scotland, Lothian and Borders, Strathclyde and Yorkshire and Humber will continue to have a Yellow weather warning.

The Met Office says the worst of the winds should ease from eastern areas of Scotland and northern England by early afternoon on Tuesday.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious road collision near Clovenfords left a woman pedestrian seriously injured and temporarily closed the A72.

The incident happened around 11am this morning (Monday, October 16) on the A72, south of Walkerburn.

A 50-year-old female pedestrian has sustained serious injuries having been involved in a collision with a Mercedes A150 car.

She is currently being treated by emergency services at the scene.

The A72 between Clovenfords and the Nest Roundabout are currently closed, while road policing officers carry out their inquiries, and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes for the time being.

Inspector Calum Welsh said: “We are still trying to establish the full circumstances surrounding this collision and would urge anyone with information to contact us immediately.

“Anyone planning to travel via the A72 is urged to take a different route, while officers and other emergency services are in attendance.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 1087 of October 16.

Work could begin on the new multi-age school proposed for Jedburgh within a matter of months.

An application for planning consent for the town’s planned inter-generational campus has now been submitted, and, if approved, a start could be made on it as soon as next spring, ready for it to open in 2020.

The multi-million-pound school, for youngsters aged from two to 18, would replace the current Jedburgh Grammar and Howdenburn and Parkside primary schools.

If given the thumbs-up, it would be built on land at Hartrigge Park by Hertfordshire-based BAM Construction.

The campus would offer provision for nursery, primary and secondary school-age children, as well as hosting further education and community sessions.

Its facilities would include a multi-use games area, 2G hockey pitch, 3G sports pitch and running track.

The project is being led by Scottish Borders Council with development partner Hub South East Scotland.

The funding for the proposed campus was confirmed by Scottish Government Deputy First Minister John Swinney in August as one of four projects to share £28m from the latest phase of the £1.8bn Schools for the Future programme.

The announcement followed a major consultation exercise last year and earlier this year. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 98% of the local community and 99% of Jedburgh schoolchildren agreeing that such a campus would be a positive move.

Council leader Shona Haslam said: “This is an exciting milestone for Jedburgh.

“These plans recognise the opportunity for nursery, primary and secondary provision to be delivered simultaneously and also provide significant regeneration benefits in Jedburgh.

“If approved, the inter-generational community campus will not only deliver education but will aim to address broader priorities such as health and wellbeing, employment, lifelong learning, culture, tourism and collaboration space for local businesses with high-quality digital connectivity.

“This project aims to strengthen Jedburgh as a learning town where children and people of all ages can grow and learn together and where education is embedded within the character and quality of the place.”

Scott Brown, projects director for Hub South East Scotland, said: “We are excited to reach another key milestone in the project, allowing us to further progress the development, design and construction of this new campus for Jedburgh.

“We look forward to working with Scottish Borders Council and our contractor, BAM Construction, to deliver a facility which supports a modern learning experience fit for the needs of all generations.”

If planning permission is granted, the campus would be expected to take two years to build.

The Border Union Agricultural Society (BUAS) has announced the appointment of Mags Clark as its new executive director.

Mags has extensive experience within the agriculture, events and banking industries, including more than 12 years at the Royal Highland Agricultural Society.

In her new role, Mags – who was born in Galashiels and grew up on farms in Blainslie, near Lauder, and Humbie, East Lothian – will be responsible for the day-to- day management of the 204-year-old Society, which has over 1,000 members and which operates from the 46-acre Springwood Park in Kelso.

She will also be responsible for the development of Springwood Park’s programme of over 100 events, and the organisation of the society’s flagship events – the two-day Border Union Show, the UK’s largest Ram Sales, and the annual Championship Dog Show.

Currently living in South Lanarkshire, she is making plans to move back to the Borders when she takes up her new position at the BUAS in January.

Mags takes over the running of the society from Ron Wilson, who has been secretary for 20 years.

Douglas Stephen, chairman of the BUAS, said: “We believe that in Mags, we have found an ideal person to build on the successes the society has enjoyed in recent years.

“She has a clear appreciation of, and empathy with the agricultural community as well as extensive experience in financial management, in the organisation of large events, and in the development of young people within the industry, and we’re looking forward to working with her in the coming years.

“She takes over from Ron Wilson, to whom we all owe a huge debt of gratitude for the work that he has undertaken on the society’s behalf over two decades. His dedication and contribution have been exemplary and we want to thank him sincerely for everything he, and his wife Joan, have done.”

Mags told us: “I’m delighted to be taking up such an important role. The society has achieved a huge amount in recent years, but we know that there is still enormous potential for further development that will benefit not just the agricultural community, but the Borders region as a whole.

“I’m greatly looking forward to taking up my role in the New Year.”

And the man known as Mr Border Union Show, Ron Wilson, said: “I’ve known Mags for over nine years and believe she is ideally suited to building on the firm foundations we’ve established over the last 20 years, in order to take the society, Springwood Park and its events programme to a new level.

“While I’m stepping down from my role here, I will still be involved in agriculture, farming our herd of Romany Herefords and assisting with my son’s new farm diversification business, Fluffy Moos.

“I’m looking forward to attending the Border Union Show, and many other Springwood Park events, as a visitor, and will look on with pride in the role I have played as the society moves on to the next chapter in its development.”

Home is where the heart is, it’s where you are meant to feel the most safe.

But, according to figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the average home holds a host of hidden dangers, especially for the young, the elderly and those who are the most vulnerable.

It may surprise you to know that hot bath water is responsible for the highest number of fatal and severe scalding injuries among young children.

RoSPA states: ‘Around 500 children, mainly under fives, are admitted to hospital and a further 2000 attend A&E departments every year as a result of bath water scalds.’ The elderly are also five times more at risk of a fatal burn or scald injury than the general population.

And it’s not just hot water causing problems, it’s all too easy for radiators, towel warmers and central heating pipes to reach temperatures high enough to cause a burn if touched.

This year’s annual Burn Awareness Day, this Wednesday, October 18, is aiming to drive home the burns awareness message.

Now in it’s fourth year, the event focuses attention onto the prickly subject of burns, especially those avoidable incidents that all too often occur in the home.

Kevin Wellman, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) said: “The saddest thing about many of these scalding incidents is that they can be avoided.

“We always recommend the installation of Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) to keep water temperatures within safe levels. TMVs blend hot and cold water to a controlled temperature at the shower, tap or bidet outlet, significantly reducing the risk of a burn.”

There are other tips too. Kevin continued: “I would also always recommend running the cold water first when running a bath. If you have vulnerable people in your home, it’s worth considering installing low-surface temperature radiators or using radiator covers, though this may impact on the overall efficiency of your heating system. You should also cover any low-level hot pipes with insulating material if possible.

“If you have an older home, you should consider having a plumbing health check carried out by a professional plumber to ensure it is working as efficiently and safely as possible. TMVs cost as little as £30 to buy, and while they do need servicing, it is little price to pay when you look at the life long physical, mental and emotional pain scalding can bring. After all Prevention is better than cure.”

Find out more on scalding and general water safety at www.ciphe.org.uk/safe-water

The Borders General Hospital has been hit by an outbreak of norovirus again.

Wards 4, 5, 9, 10 and the medical assessment unit at the Melrose hospital are all affected.

Health chiefs are asking prospective visitors to stay away from any wards if they or any relatives have suffered diarrhoea or vomiting in the past 48 hours and to steer clear of the affected wards altogether if possible.

Tim Patterson, joint director of public health for the region, said: “Norovirus is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea and vomiting illness. It is very infectious and spreads quickly between people.

“This is why outbreaks happen in hospitals where a number of people are sharing facilities. However, it doesn’t just occur in hospitals and can start abruptly and spread quickly through communities.

“Action by patients, visitors and staff can help us to deliver safe patient care and minimise the impact of a potential norovirus outbreak, and we are urging visitors to comply with any instructions you are given by staff or you see on signs at entrances to wards.”

“This is vital to protect yourselves and your loved ones from catching this unpleasant virus, particularly as your friends or family members currently in hospital may be more vulnerable to the virus than usual.”

For updates, visit www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk.