As a regular bus user on the A7 I write to applaud Isobel Hutchison’s continuing efforts and Councillor Aitchison’s recent plea to the Scottish Government’s Transport Minister for improved safety to prevent further loss of life on this dangerous road (How many lives must be lost before A7 safety is improved? Southern Reporter Thurs, October 18).

Whilst car drivers and their passengers can at least belt up to lessen the chance of injury, the lack of seatbelts on buses puts passengers at untold risk.

The risk of an accident involving a bus travelling at speed on the A7 must be high – the consequences for unrestrained passengers could be unimaginable.

I know from experience of a school coach crash in France earlier this year in which my granddaughter was involved that the fatality and serious injuries were to those not wearing seatbelts and thrown from the coach.

Passengers using public transport are entitled to expect the highest levels of safety and I suggest that the non-provision of seatbelts on these buses is quite unacceptable.

Rosie Jones,

Abbotsford Road, Darnick

Scottish Borders Council has appealed against its £250,000 data breach penalty - one of the biggest ever handed out to a Scottish local authority by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The ICO issued the six figure fine to SBC last month after files relating to the council were discovered in a recycling bank in the Lothians.

The fine has been paid early in order to achieve a discount of £50,000 but this was done so with the caveat that SBC still reserved the right to appeal.

The appeal has been lodged in a written submission to the Information Tribunal.

An SBC spokesman said: “The ICO has until November 2 to file a reply to the appeal.

“The case will then go to a three-judge panel for a decision, which is expected by the end of January.”

CALLOUS thieves stole a child’s BMX bike from a home in Tweedbank on Sunday.

The green coloured Raleigh bicycle was stolen from a garden at Stobshaw Terrace between 10.30am and 1.30pm, and police are appealing for information.

POLICE have put the brakes on young drivers travelling along a busy Galashiels road.

Road policing officers carried out checks last Saturday on Melrose Road between 8pm and 9pm, following complaints from members of the public.

In total, 37 vehicles were stopped, with one car being seized because the driver had no insurance.

Police also issued four vehicles were tickets for construction and use defects, while one other driver was stopped and warned for having an excessively noisy exhaust.

A NEW group aimed at helping Bipolar sufferers has been launched in the Borders.

The Galashiels Bipolar Self Help Group is open to everyone living in the region with bipolar disorder, and their families, friends and carers.

All subjects related to bipolar disorder are up for discussion and a very warm welcome awaits you.

Come and meet like-minded people, give and receive support.

The group meets every second Monday of the month, from 5.30-7pm at New Horizons Borders, Unit 10b Galabank Mill, Galashiels TD1 1PR. No need for a referral, just come along on the night.

For more information contact Aileen at Bipolar Scotland 0141 560 2050 or aileenb@bipolarscotland.org.uk

POLICE are investigating the death of a 16-year-old Kelso boy today (Tuesday).

The teenager died in Borders General Hospital this morning after being admitted along with a small group of other youths.

He has been named locally as Billy Robson.

All the youngsters have been connected to an incident which took place in Newtown St Boswells.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said the death was unexplained, with a post mortem to take place over the coming days.

She added: “We are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.”

News of Mr Robson’s death spread across social networking websites this afternoon, with messages of condolence from friends being posted on Twitter.

Police are hunting spray-painting vandals who went on a spree of destruction in Hawick early this morning.

Ten vehicles, fencing and walls along Burnhead Road, Eildon Road and Ruberslaw Road were targeted with green and white paint.

Police are urgently appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

A FREE new mobile phone app has been launched by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) to ensure farmers have easy access to the latest industry news and market prices at the touch of a button.

The easy-to-use QMS app is now live on iTunes and Google Play and is available to download for android and iPhones and iPads.

The app – believed to be an industry first – also includes the PGI Status Checker function which is a simple way to check the current assurance status of farms.

Among the first to download the app was Perthshire farmer, Robert McOuat (39), who runs 550 Texel and Scotch Mule ewes and 60 suckler cows.

Mr McOuat’s farm runs to 600 feet above sea level and he said he finds the new app very easy to use on his mobile, describing it as a great way to stay up to date with news and market prices while away from the computer.

Stewart Ashworth of QMS, said the development of the new app added a great new tool to the communications mix.

He explained: “More and more farmers are now seeing the benefits of new technology to give them 24-7 access to the most up-to-date information and the development of our new app aims to increase the range of options already available,

“This app offers those in our industry a welcome new e.communications tool.”

The app can be found in the iTunes store and Google Play by searching for “Quality Meat Scotland”.

A RETIRED racehorse was dramatically rescue from a stream near Hawick yesterday afternoon.

The animal, known as Kit Carson while competing, got trapped in the water at the bottom of an embankment at Midburn Farm Cottage at 4.30pm.

Firefighters from Hawick used airbags and lines to free the horse from the stream and deliver him into the care of a vet.

It is believed the horse had been in the water for some time but it had not been noticed due to the foggy conditions. The animal was described as being poorly but stable.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters used specialist skills and equipment to free the horse from the stream. He was in a poor condition having spent some time in the water.

“A vet was standing by to advise and provide care once he was freed.”

Being an eternal optimist is a useful trait if you’re a farmer and following this year’s awful weather it now seems to be a prerequisite, writes Donald Dunbar.

Many of the general public have the perception that farming is an idyllic and financially rewarding way of life. For a few it may be, but for the vast majority it is hard graft for modest reward and that’s before you factor in Mother Nature.

This year she has truly put the boot in. After lulling us all into a false sense of security with the warmest March on record, it quickly went down hill in April and continued to go from bad to worse. Not that confirmation was needed, but the Met Office records for south east Scotland confirm what we all suspected, summer 2012 was the wettest since 1910.

For the livestock farmer the continual wet weather and lack of sunshine has reduced the nutrient quality of grass. This affects the performance of the grazing animal but also the forage that is conserved as hay or silage for winter feeding.

At SAC we offer clients a silage analysis service and current results show that many silages are lower in energy and protein content this year (see table, right). Whilst the silage may look and smell okay, animal performance during the winter will be adversely affected. Growing or finishing animals will not make the expected gains and animals on maintenance diets will lose condition.

Knowing the analysis of your silage allows targeted supplementation using home grown feeds such as barley and beans, or the purchase of a feed with the correct protein and energy levels to balance the shortcomings of the silage.

Doing a bit of forward planning on animal rations now will be time well spent and help ensure the legacy of 2012 does not does not continue into 2013.

Winter Feed Action Plan

z Get your silage analysed

z Add up your different animal groups and consider the daily gains you wish to achieve or body condition score to maintain.

z Estimate the quantity of feed you have available be it silage, straw, hay or barley.

z Identify the shortfalls – Identifying shortfalls now allow you to take early action to ensure animal performance is not compromised or your feed supplies run out before the spring.

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was first diagnosed in the UK early this year following tests carried out on deformed lambs.

Active infection has now been diagnosed on farms as far north as North Yorkshire. So far, one animal imported from Shropshire has tested positive for antibody to the virus in Orkney, showing that it had been infected on its farm of origin.

SBV affects cattle, sheep and goats and is transmitted by midges. Transmission occurs when a midge bites to feed on the blood of a ruminant.

Cattle acutely affected by SBV may develop signs such as a drop in milk yield, fever and diarrhoea. These signs are normally short lived and are not fatal.

Following infection, it is believed that animals become immune. Female animals that develop immunity before they become pregnant are unlikely to give birth to affected offspring. However the virus causes abortions and serious birth defects in calves and lambs when animals are infected for the first time when they are pregnant.

Animals are at most risk during the warmer months when midges are most active. There is likely to be at least another three weeks of midge activity left this year.

The SAC is keen for farmers to stay vigilant against any signs of SBV. Any suspicion of the virus, particularly in adult cattle at this time of year, should be raised with your vet and testing should be carried out for the virus if appropriate. Laboratory testing for any suspected cases is now subsidised as part of the SAC Veterinary Services and AHVLA enhanced surveillance scheme.

Any calves and lambs born with abnormalities may be submitted to the SAC for a Schmallenberg investigation.

Scottish farmers importing animals from SBV-risk areas elsewhere in the UK are urged to submit animals to the voluntary screening regime set up by the NFU-S, the Scottish Government and SAC Veterinary Services. Laboratory fees are free for up to four animals under this scheme.

Alwyn Ll Jones

As we all know, we have had a lot of rain this summer which has left pastures wet and muddy. This has provided the perfect conditions for the mud snail, which is a key player in the life cycle of fluke.

Liver fluke, or Fasciola hepatica was largely a problem confined to the wetter western areas, but is now a growing problem on farms in the east and we see more cases confirmed in the Borders.

Farmers without previous experience of fluke may not be familiar with animal symptoms so can be caught out. It can present in a number of ways. Most dramatically it can cause sudden deaths particularly in weaned lambs. This occurs when a large number of immature fluke eaten off the pasture migrate through the liver causing acute damage. This is seen in the autumn and early winter.

More commonly however, fluke infection will present as weight loss and poor growth rates. This is due to the damage caused by adult fluke in the liver and is most often recognised in adult ewes and cows. 
A review of your approach to liver fluke should be carried out now: farms with previous experience of fluke are likely to have problems again this year while all other farms must consider whether treatment for fluke is required particularly if poor performance is seen in stock.

A quick and inexpensive way of checking for fluke is to send faecal samples from 10 cattle or sheep to your nearest SAC laboratory for a fluke egg count. Stock on the wettest pastures will be at most risk and so should be targeted for testing. The presence of eggs indicates the presence of adult fluke in the animal and the need to treat.

For producers selling prime stock, the abattoir can also be a useful source of information highlighting any liver damage due to fluke.

Prevention is better than cure so it may help to restrict stock access to particularly wet areas as these areas are likely to have a high population of mud snails and therefore be heavily 
contaminated by fluke. Bought in animals can also be a source of infection and a planned approach to bio-security and treatment should be in place. Several treatment options are available but it depends on the time of year as to which is most appropriate. Over treatment should be avoided. The best option would be to discuss treatment with your vet.

Alwyn Ll Jones

Today

SEX & GOD (THEATRE): Eastgate Theatre, Peebles. 7.30pm. £14. Tel: 01721 725777. www.eastgatearts.com

Tomorrow

A TALE OF TWO SHAKESPEARES (THEATRE): Walkerburn Public Hall. 7.30pm (doors open 7pm). £7/£4. Tel: 0789 662 0404

alchemy film & moving image festival: Runs until Sunday October 28 at the Heart of Hawick. Full programme at www.alchemyfilmfestival.org.uk. Tickets £4 for each event. Tel: 01450 360 688.

the frequent flyers (music): St Boswells Village Hall. 7.30pm. Tickets £10 (adult) / £5 (under 16) / £25 (family) from St Boswells Post Office, or www.stboswellslive.com

Saturday

string jam club - madge wildfire (music): The Salmon Inn, Galashiels. 7.30 pm. £8. Tel: 01896 752577, or tickets on the door.

ste mccabe (music): Station Bar, Hawick. 8pm. Tickets £3 on the door.

Open day – borders race to the reivers: Glebe Car Park, Jedburgh. Free entry.

Sunday

Peebles Food festival (event): Eastgate Theatre. 11am to 4.30pm. (Young Chef of the Year Finals at noon, and Masterchef and Butchery demonstration at 2pm).

Lauder Trading Post’s Halloween: Spooky crafting activities, Halloween games, face painting and a pumpkin carving competition. Lauder Public Hall. 1pm to 3pm. £5 child entry (adults free).

Tuesday

VOMO FILM FESTIVAL: Volunteer Hall, Galashiels. 7pm. Tickets are free but must be pre-booked by calling or texting 07825 831544.

BAIN MöLLER MOLSKY (music): Eastgate Theatre, Peebles. 7.30pm. £15. Tel: 01721 725777. www.eastgatearts.com

Wednesday

iron (theatre): Runs until Friday November 2 at Heart of Hawick. 7.30pm. Tel: 01450 360688. www.heartofhawick.co.uk

Friday, November 2

Kelso Music Society Philip Higham (cello) & Alasdair Beatson (piano): Kelso High School. 7.30pm. £12. Tel: 01668 216550

Saturday, November 3

Bob, brandy & ballads (theatre & music): Newcastleton Village Hall. 7.30pm. £6. 
Tel: 01387 376771.

Bain Möller Molsky, a melodically and rhythmically exciting collaboration by three of the world’s leading folk musicians, makes a welcome return to Peebles’ Eastgate Theatre next Tuesday (October 30).

Sharing their Celtic, Nordic and Appalachian cultures are Scots fiddler Aly Bain, Swedish multi-instrumentalist Ale Möller, and American old-time fiddler, singer, guitarist and banjo player Bruce Molsky.

Aly Bain is described as Scotland’s supreme traditional style fiddler, with a “driving, impassioned and pure” playing style that has earned him a following of ardent fans throughout the world. His most recent collaboration with Möller created the album Fully Rigged: a celebration of shared Nordic heritage.

Ale Möller found his roots in Swedish folk music by way of first falling in love with the sounds of Greece. En route he became a master of the bouzouki and a multi-instrumentalist with a lot of different flutes in his belt.

While he still tours the world with the trio of Frifot, first and foremost he is just Ale: the multi-musician and performer who is a master at making people join him in joyful musical experiments.

Completing the line-up is Bruce Molsky who has also explored traditional music from an astonishingly broad range of cultures over the past two decades. Molsky is one of the most influential old-time fiddlers around, and is also a remarkable guitarist, banjoist and singer. His high-spirited music melds the archaic mountain sounds of Appalachia, the power of blues and the rhythmic intricacies of traditional African music.

The trio “are not only masters of their respective Shetland, Swedish and old-time US traditions,” writes a critic for the Scotsman, “they’re also long-time pals, who have worked together over many years.”

As a result, their performance shows “in addition to its exhilarating virtuosity, and dynamic yet seamless diversity, the extra warmth and zest of patent mutual ease, enjoyment and admiration”.

Tickets cost £15. Telephone 01721 725777, or visit www.eastgatearts.com

If you thought that Madge Wildfire was a demented old madwoman from a Sir Walter Scott novel, then think again.

The Heart of Midlothian character has been artfully reincarnated as an all-female trio of folk artists, whose combined talents create a show of eclectic music, humour and “madgic”.

Country singer-songwriter Kathy Stewart from New York joins forces with Patsy Seddon and Gerda Stevenson to perform new songs from blues to ballads to acapella – all sung in close, luscious harmony.

Described as “pure gold” by Maverick Magazine, Kathy’s distinctive songwriting and delightful voice is much loved throughout the UK, and Patsy Seddon has been at the forefront of the Scottish harp (clàrsach) revival for the last 40 years.

Gerda Stevenson is a poet, songwriter, actor and director who trained at Rada, and has worked in theatre, radio, television, opera and film.

Madge Wildfire is showing at the String Jam Club at the Salmon Inn in Galashiels at 7.30pm on Saturday. Tickets cost £8, and are available from the Salmon or on the door.

Peebles Development Silver Band has announced its delight that Jonathan Bates, the first tenor horn player with the world famous Black Dyke Band, will host a free workshop at Peebles Rugby Club from lunchtime on Sunday, November 4, followed by a concert at 4pm.

“The workshop is in preparation for the band’s participation at the Scottish Youth Championships in Perth on November 24,” said the silver band’s Cliff Balson. “This is a huge lift to the efforts of this talented group of youngsters in their quest to secure a Gold Award at the national championships.”

Bates, a finalist in the 2012 BBC Young musician of the year, currently studies at Leeds College of Music and dedicates a large amount of time to writing new music for brass bands. In 2010 he received his first real taste of success when a tenor horn solo he composed was premiered as part of the Black Dyke Brass Arts Festival.

In 2012, Jonathan enjoyed more success with two premiers: the Flowers Band performed his Romani Fire Dance, which won the Butlins Mineworkers Championships, and the Royal North College of Music brass band played Tortuguero 6, a short, funk-based concert work.

It is a well-known fact that Sir Walter Scott was descended from Auld Wat of Harden, a notorious border Reiver, and was brought up with vivid tales of his ancestor’s daring exploits.

So when young Walter Scott decided at 21 that he, too, wanted a taste of adventure and hard-living, where else could he find it but Liddesdale?

This area, remote even now, was so much more so in the last decade of the 18th century. There were no roads, no public houses beyond Riccarton Mill and no significant settlements. Full of zeal for the unknown and romantic, Scott had as his guide his new friend, Robert Shortreed of Jedburgh, a fellow lawyer, who knew Liddesdale well.

In true Reiver tradition, Scott called his incursions into Liddesdale “raids” and made one each year for seven years between 1792 and 1799. Freed from the restrictions of his strict Presbyterian upbringing, his intensive study for law and the constraints of his family, this was a formative period in his life.

Scott had a lifelong interest in the tales and ballads of the Borders and one reason for his raids was to recover some of these for posterity – they were unwritten and had to be taken down from the singing or chanting of local folk, many of whom were illiterate.

The results of his work and that of his friends and assistants finally appeared in The Border Minstrelsy, first published in 1802. This made Scott’s name but more importantly, it is a seminal work in Scottish Literature.

Many of the ballads that appear in The Minstrelsy were collected in Liddesdale during these raids. In his novel, Guy Mannering, published in 1815, Scott introduced his own favourite male character to the world – the Liddesdale farmer, Dandie Dinmont. Now, Sir Walter Scott, played by well-known local actor John Nicol, is returning to Liddesdale to talk about his Liddesdale experiences and to read from some of his works that sprung from them.

Bob, Brandy and Ballads”, by local writer Mike Lyons, is to be performed at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 3 in Newcastleton Village Hall.

Sir Walter’s recollections and Mr Lyon’s narration will be illustrated by some dramatic views of the Liddesdale landscape and other images and hopefully spiced with one or two sung ballads.

Refreshments are available. Tickets are £6 and can be purchased at the Liddesdale Heritage Centre, (1.30-4.30pm daily except Tuesdays), or Holm Hardware in Newcastleton, or can be reserved on 01387 376771 (please leave a message) or m.lyons48@btinternet.com.

Two outstanding young musicians return to Kelso Music Society at the town’s high school on Friday, November 2.

Cellist Philip Higham, and Alasdair Beatson on the piano, play three of the greatest cello sonatas written in the 20th century by Eastern European composers – Richard Strauss, Prokofiev and Shostakovich.

Philip, who studied at St Marys Music School, Edinburgh, and then at the Northern School, has won two major cello awards – the Bach Leipzig and the Lutoslawski competitions – and is regarded as the finest cellist to have been through the hands of the Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT), an agency that picks the cream of young performers.

Alasdair, who was educated at Perth Academy, now plays with some of the most celebrated musicians in the UK, such as Natalie Clein, the Doric String Quartet and Alison Balsam, and collaborates with leading composers such as Harrison Birtwhistle, George Benjamin and Heinz Holliger.

The performance, at Kelso High School starts at 7.30pm, with tickets costing £12. To book, phone 01668 216550.

A stylish new production of Verdi’s beloved tearjerker La Traviata kicks off Scottish Opera’s unprecedented 50- date tour across Scotland, with a performance in Galashiels’ Volunteer Hall on Thursday, November 8.

Internationally renowned director Annilese Miskimmon promises a fresh take on the classic tale of a love denied, transporting the action from the 19th century to 1950s Paris – a stylish world on the cusp of modernity where a woman pushing the boundaries is still a step too far.

Featuring some of opera’s most famous tunes, including the drinking song Brindisi and Violetta’s beautiful aria Sempre Libera, this is Verdi at the height of his powers. The story centres on Violetta, a famed escort, who has fallen desperately in love with the young photographer Alfredo. Giving up her career in the upper-class salons of the French capital, she escapes with him to the country to try to build a new life.

But as Violetta is driven to sacrifice their relationship for the sake of Alfredo’s family, she becomes caught in a downward spiral, as her health fails and her old life begins to catch up 
with her.

This extensive tour means that for the 50th anniversary season the company will be performing within 30 minutes’ drive of 90 per cent of Scotland’s population.

Scottish Opera’s general director, Alex Reedijk, said: “Touring is always an integral part of Scottish Opera’s year, and during our 50th anniversary season we are even more determined to bring high-quality opera to as many of Scotland’s communities as possible.

“A new La Traviata, a show packed full of passion, emotion and great tunes, seems the perfect way to start this momentous tour. We really hope audiences will come out and see the show and help us celebrate the big 5-0!”

The two and a half hour, piano-accompanied performance in Galashiels starts at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets costing £14 (£5 for under 26s) can be purchased at Guess What on the town’s High Street on 01896 759 655, or online at www.scottishopera.org.uk.

A dozen short films made by 100 young Borderers over the last 12 months, and shot in local towns such as Duns, Gala, Selkirk, Jeburgh, Kelso and Hawick, will be screened at this year’s Voice Of My Own film festival at Galashiels Volunteer Hall on Tuesday, October 30.

For six years the Voice of My Own (VOMO) project, based at St Mary’s Mill in Selkirk, has given young people the chance to express themselves through 
the medium of the moving image, from documentary to animation and drama – and the organisers promise this year’s film festival will be “the biggest and best yet”.

The project nurtures skills and talent among young people, providing a constructive outlet for those who may be at risk, and fosters a sense of self-reliance and team spirit in those who are in need of direction in their lives.

Project manager Robert Sproul-Cran said: “We have so many different types of story – from the slapstick loved by the younger groups through to deeply felt explorations of the serious challenges faced by older teens. Some of the subjects are dark but there’s a lot of humour too. And the common theme is that these are all tales devised by the young people on issues which they care deeply about.”

In addition to developing acting and filming skills this year, VOMO introduced a trainee producer scheme called VOMO Plus, giving five young people a chance to learn vital behind-the-scenes management skills.

The five trainees – Jenny Anderson from Darnick, Callum McColgan from Selkirk, Rachel Callaghan from Galashiels, Ewan Dunsmore from Gattonside and Bethany Moyes from near Denholm – worked incredibly hard and over 12 weeks became increasingly confident at project management and filmmaking.

“Film production is one of the hardest and most important jobs in the film industry,” says VOMO production co-ordinator Lisa Cowan. “Many of the skills our trainees gleaned in their quest to set-up and run film shoots are transferable to many other aspects of their lives. They took on the responsibility, demonstrating great results; we are very proud of their achievements.”

Bethany said: “I found it incredibly useful and interesting when we had Martin Smith in for the director’s workshop. I learned so much in just one day!”

Jenny added: “The whole experience of everything on the project was incredible – a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for culture, sport and community learning added: “In the course of 2011 to 2012 VOMO has produced more films than in any previous year, enabling young people to express themselves artistically, to learn technical and communications skills, to work as teams and to produce issues-based work, both documentary and drama, which impact on the community at large.”

The evening finishes with the premier of the drug advisory film Legally High, made by VOMO in partnership with the Rezz youth club in Kelso, the Galashiels-based agency face2face, and Lothian and Borders Police. This film was the idea of a group of young people in Kelso, and its potential was immediately recognised. It is now shaping up into a resource which could save lives over a far wider area. VOMO exists to give young people a chance to express themselves, but increasingly this has resulted in major projects with a big impact.

Doors open at 6.15pm, with refreshments before screening starts at 7pm. Tickets are free but must be pre-booked by calling or texting 07825 831544.