Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 17-year-old woman whose body was found in Innerleithen on Saturday morning.

A section of the Caddon Court area was taped off as forensics personnel carried out their investigations.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Borders police are investigating following the death of a 17-year-old woman at an address in Innerleithen.

“The woman’s body was discovered on Saturday, November 18.

“The death is being treated as unexplained, however the circumstances are not believed to be suspicious.

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

A 69-year-old man from Melrose who was charged earlier this year with murdering his wife, has been found dead in Edinburgh.

Retired firefighter David Thomson, was charged with the murder of his 70-year-old wife Eileen after she died nine days after an incident at their home in Priorwood Court, a sheltered housing complex in Melrose, in April.

He was out on bail when he was discovered dead at a house in Edinburgh last week.

He was due to stand trial for his wife’s murder next year.

A police spokesman told us: “Police were called to an address in Shandon Place in Edinburgh at about 7am on Monday [November 13] following the sudden death of a man in his 60s.

“The death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

Ancrum Biodiversity Group was awarded an advancing award by Keep Scotland Beautiful, the charity behind the campaign which rewards community participation and environmental responsibility.

The informal group, affiliated to the community council, was formed three years ago and works closely with the primary school.

Group member Ilona McDowell said: “It is sometimes difficult engaging people widely in biodiversity projects so I think something like this helps us feel that what we are doing is worthwhile.”

Ilona added: “We started off with just a few patches of wild flowers in the village but now have a number of projects over the whole village and do a lot of work alongside the primary school too.

“The children are keen on being wildlife friendly and have transformed parts of their playground into a wildlife garden.”

Dr Lindsay Montgomery from Keep Scotland Beautiful commented: “I would like to congratulate all of the 2017 It’s Your Neighbourhood participants. Their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment has helped to improve local environments Scotland-wide, and for which I thank them on behalf of the charity.

Wasting not and wanting not earned a prize for Borders College at this year’s Green Gown Awards.

Its installation of Sharc Energy Systems’ pioneering heat recovery system at its Galashiels campus won it the accolade for best newcomer.

In December 2015, the college became the first organisation in the UK to install a waste water heat recovery system.

Funded by Equitix and the UK Green Investment Bank, the system intercepts waste water from a sewer line operated by Scottish Water, extracts the natural warmth within it and transfers its heat, after amplifying it, to the college’s heating system.

The heat produced is being sold to the college under a 20-year purchase agreement, yielding savings in energy, costs and carbon emissions.

The system now provides about 95% of the heat needed by the campus.

Russ Burton, chief operating officer of Sharc Energy Systems, a UK subsidiary of Canadian firm Sharc International Systems, said: “We are delighted to have won this award alongside Borders College and Scottish Water Horizons.

“This is a great example of how strong relationships, shared vision and great working partnerships can come together to make a significant impact for all of the parties involved.

“We are really looking forward to helping the college achieve their next level in carbon reduction activity over the next two years.”

Pete Smith, vice-principal for finance and resources at the college, said: “We were absolutely delighted to be recognised as a finalist in the Green Gown Awards, but to win the best newcomer award for our Sharc project is absolutely fabulous.

“It shows what a small institution can achieve when working in partnership with like-minded organisations, benefiting not only the institution itself but society more widely.” 

Scottish Water Horizons business development manager Donald MacBrayne said: “We are delighted to have played a part in this winning project, contributing to significant cost and carbon savings for the college and bringing with it wider environmental benefits. 

“The Borders College installation is just the beginning for heat from waste water schemes in Scotland and, working alongside Sharc Energy Systems, we are actively rolling out more of these innovative projects, with several scheduled for completion next year.”

First held in 2004, the Green Gown Awards recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges.

A mother broke down in tears in the dock at Selkirk Sheriff Court yesterday, November 20, after it was explained that her teenage daughter had died suddenly at the weekend.

Katrina Boyle, 35, sobbed as she awaited sentence for assaulting a 16-year-old boy in a supermarket.

The crown offered to adjourn the case following the death of her daughter Meighan Reid, 17, on Saturday, November 18.

It is suspected that her death was drug-related.

But defence lawyer Ross Dow said that despite her recent loss, Boyle, of Cademuir Drive, Peebles, wanted the case dealt with now so it was not hanging over her.

He added: “Unfortunately, there was a development over the weekend, and her daughter died.”

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the confrontation with the boy occurred while Boyle and Meighan were in the Tesco store in Peebles on the evening of April 22.

Boyle punched him in the face, causing his lip to bleed, the court heard.

No details were given as to why she assaulted the teenager.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told Boyle: “I am very sorry to hear about your daughter.”

He gave her a 12-month community payback order with supervision and a drug treatment requirement.

Police Scotland have not divulged any more details of Saturday’s tragedy or even officially confirmed Meighan’s identity.

Meighan’s body was found at a flat in Caddon Court in Innerleithen.

A nearby telephone box was cordoned off, although it is unknown whether that was connected to her death.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police are investigating following the death of a 17-year-old woman at an address in Innerleithen.

“The woman’s body was discovered on Saturday, November 18.

“The death is being treated as unexplained. However, the circumstances are not believed to be suspicious.

“A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Part of Caddon Court area was taped off as forensics personnel carried out investigations.

Friends of tragic teenager Meighan Reid have been telling of their shock and grief on social media.

Jordan Harrison said: “Rest in peace to one of my close friends, Meighan Reid.

“I grew up with you since we were little. I’m going to miss all your chats, you telling me all your problems, encouraging me to do better things growing up. You will be greatly missed.”

Amanda-Louise Kerr said: “I don’t want to believe what I’m hearing. You were on of the most beautiful girls I knew, with the biggest heart.

“So many people are going to miss you.

“I’m glad that you always felt you could talk to me about anything, regardless of how long we hadn’t seen each other for, and I’m really going to miss our little chats.

“The angels will look after you.”

Caitlin Murray wrote: “Rest in peace, Meighan Reid.

“You were taken too early but will never be forgotten.”

Nicola Forrest added: “It’s such a shame. 17 is no age at all. Rest in peace.”

Meighan, 17, was found dead at Caddon Court in Innerleithen on Saturday, November 18.

To many people in the agricultural sector, Ron Wilson has been, for the past 20 years, quite simply Mr Border Union Show.

While the 69-year-old may not be that well known in wider circles, his effortless style of calm leadership is one of the main reasons the numerous events at the Border Union Agricultural Society’s base of Springwood Park in Kelso goes without a hitch.

Whether it’s sorting out missing animals, keeping faultless records of entries and category winners or, as in the 2017 show, ensuring the toilets remained functional, Ron was at the heart of it.

So, when he finally leaves his post at the end of next month, his shoes will be tough ones to fill.

After taking over from Donald McLaren – who had himself been the society’s secretary for 13 years – Ron has overseen a lot of change at Springwood Park – home not only to the annual Border Union Show, but also the Ram Sales, a dog show, a children’s education day and the hub site for several group’s pilgrimages – such as Honda Goldwing owners and country and western enthusiasts – as well as serving as the region’s vote counting venue during national and local elections.

For Ron, becoming secretary in February 1998 was the next logical step for a man who had worked with his father’s pedigree Hereford stock at Cowbog Farm near Morebattle since 1965.

He said: “The first time my father showed here with pedigrees was 1959, and the first time I was in charge of an animal here was in 1968, and we were used to going to shows – I just loved the environment.

“When the job came up for secretary, I just thought I would apply for it and see what happens.”

The interview was a fairly intimidating affair ... with the society’s current chairman and five previous chairmen sitting on the panel.

He said: “Thankfully, I was offered the job and I took it. I was helped a great deal by my predecessor Donald McLaren, who truly was a fantastic man, very fair, and he had time for everybody. He was a fantastic help when I started.

“This is not a job you learn overnight – and it is even more the case now.

“It just takes time to learn the people and the contacts.”

One of his first tasks in the job was being part of a development committee which would look at changing Springwood Park forever, by planning to build a brand new exhibition hall – a multipurpose building with offices, conference rooms and a balcony, as well as two new toilet blocks and a shower block, a new entrance, and a tarred access road.

With the total cost estimated to be around £800,000, funding needed to be found.

Ron said: “What we had was a dozen grazing lets, an old shed and 300 sheep, so it was an exciting challenge. We went to see the convener of the council, who at that time was Drew Tulley. We half expected him to throw us out. But he had a look at our plans and said: ‘I think we should do a feasibility study on this.’

“We got fantastic support from the council and Scottish Enterprise Borders, in kind and in cash.”

However, the outbreak of Foot and Mouth in 2001 – and the subsequent cancellation of that year’s show due to the banning of movement of livestock – couldn’t have come at a worse time, since many of the grants the society had garnered were on a matched-funding basis and the society had to rework its plans for the hall.

Ron said: “We built the exhibition hall into a glorified shed that dressed well, by which I mean it is totally adaptable to do anything.

“But while you can judge a restuarant by its red wine and cheeseboard, you can often judge a showground by its loos. And the showerblock was also so important.”

While the main event of the year has changed much over the years – the first Border Union Show was in 1813, held in the Knowes carpark in Kelso – 
Ron said it still provides much the same basic need for farmers.

He said: “The show is much the same for farmers now, it’s a place for them to meet, compete and socialise.”

However, unlike the show’s early days, it now provides a fantastic link between the agriculture sector and the public, and has become a leader in educating adults and kids alike in how food gets from field to plate.

Ron said: “Nowadays, the show is part of agriculture’s shop window. The environmental and rural education side has evolved through the years and will continue to do so after me.”

Ron finds it difficult to pick out one highlight of his 20 years in charge – but says the Schools Day – which takes every Borders P5 pupil to the showground – is one he is most proud of.

He said: “It was supposed to be a one-off in 2013 for the show’s bicentenary. Next year, will be our sixth schools day.”

Ron hands over the reins to new executive director Mags Clark at the end of December, and he says he is sure she will do brilliantly.

Ron added: “You have got to be a people’s person in this job, and having known her for several years, I think Mags is an excellent choice.”

Ron will continue to farm at Cowbog, and will be helping his son Robert out in his “Fluffy Moos” diversification business, which trains groups of people how best to prepare their animals for competition and sale.

He said: “They learn how to prep wash, blowdry, clip and titivate the cattle ... they smell wonderful!”

Ron has worked with many colleagues throughout his tenure – but there is one who stands out.

He said: “The one person I genuinely could not have done this without is my wife Joan. She has been an absolute brick.”

A festive fundraising feature is returning to the Borders General Hospital next month after yielding more than £1,000 to spend on patient care last Christmas.

NHS Borders put up its first-ever so-called tree of light at the Melrose hospital last December to add Christmas spirit as well as raising money, and it proved so popular it’s about to make a comeback.

“Having raised over £1000 to enhance patient care, the special tree is back for 2017 and ready for people to dedicate Christmas lights to their loved ones or to commemorate a special occasion,” said an NHS Borders spokesperson.

“Christmas is a time of celebration but also a time of reflection. We are inviting the people of the Borders to dedicate a light on the tree of light either to honour those treasured people who have helped to light up your life or to mark a joyful event such as a wedding or a birth.

“Dedications can be made to anyone regardless of whether you, or they, have had a connection with NHS Borders services.

“Last year, we had a fantastic response with lights dedicated to celebrate birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and even honouring beloved pets.

“It is a simple yet moving way of remembering those you love or have loved, and seeing the tree in situ we hope will also bring joy to people visiting the hospital this festive season.”

In return for dedicating a light, a donation to the NHS Borders charity the Difference, is requested.

Those who dedicate a light will receive an e-card to be forwarded on to loved ones, and a list of dedications will appear on the NHS Borders website.

A light switch-on ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December5, at 7pm outside the hospital’s chaplaincy centre.

Visit www.thedifference.org.uk/treeoflight or call 01896 825542 for details.

The deaths of three motorsport fans near Swinton in Berwickshire during 2014’s Jim Clark Rally could have been avoided if better safety precautions had been in place, a sheriff has ruled.

Sheriff Kenneth Maciver slammed the rally’s system for identifying and overseeing safe viewing spots for spectators as “weak, ambiguous and ultimately inadequate”.

In his fatal accident inquiry report, published today following weeks of hearings earlier this year, Mr Maciver added that it was down to good luck rather than good planning that the car responsible for the three deaths had been stopped from going any further, and potentially knocking over even more onlookers, by a post and hedgerow.

The three people killed were photographer Iain Provan, 64, his partner Betty Allan, 63, both of Barrhead in East Renfrewshire, and spectator Len Stern, 71, of Bearsden in East Dunbartonshire.

They died of multiple injuries caused by rally driver David Carney losing control of his car, careering off the road and crashing into them in May that year, Mr Maciver found.

The report follows a joint inquiry at Edinburgh Sheriff Court into the three deaths at the 2014 Jim Clark Rally and that of spectator Joy Robson, 51, at the Snowman Rally near Inverness in 2013.

Mr Maciver ruled that there were no reasonable precautions by which Mrs Robson’s death could have been avoided, but he found that the three deaths at the Borders rally could have been averted if people had not been allowed to watch it from an unsafe vantage point.

He writes: “In respect of the Jim Clark Rally 2014, I find that there was a weak, ambiguous, and ultimately inadequate verification system for checking the proper performance of the work of stage commanders or stage set-up crews in delineating and clearly identifying areas which, for safety reasons, were prohibited for spectators.”

He has issued 12 recommendations for rally organisers and other authorities and suggested a further 11 matters for consideration.

Saying that it was lucky Mr Carney’s car had not careered further off the road, potentially putting more people in danger, Mr Maciver writes: “The car which crashed at the Jim Clark Rally in 2014 came to rest just within what would and should have been the 3m prohibition area, but, in fact, that was good fortune linked to the fact that it hit a large solid strainer post and a substantial hedgerow.

“It should be recognised that on many occasions a car going off the road at speed in such a location would travel much further, and I therefore suggest that consideration be given by rally organisers, that for open locations such as entrances, the safety zone or box should be many yards deep, as was the general pre-2014 policy at that rally.”

A designated prohibited area north of the Leet Bridge should have been created, delineated and identified so that it clearly banned spectators or photographers from standing there, he said.

He recommends that all rallies should have clear plans for setting up areas off limits to spectators and those plans be given to marshals and the crews of all safety cars.

In addition, he advises, at least one safety car should be given the job of ensuring that any such banned areas are properly marked out, adding: “A patent omission was missed time and again by several different cars.”

A spokesman for the rally’s organisers said: “Those involved in the organisation of the rally have received a copy of the sheriff’s determination.

“This is quite a lengthy and detailed report which will have to be read and digested, after which senior officials will meet up to discuss it and its findings.”

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont said he hopes that lessons can now be learned, allowing the Jim Clark Rally to make a comeback.

“This inquiry will go some way to provide clarity to those who lost their loved ones in the tragic events of 2013 and 2014,” he said.

“Clearly, lessons need to be learned and the Motor Sports Association and the Jim Clark Rally’s organisers must now look to implement the recommendations, in full, as soon as possible.

“Many of these recommendations are already being implemented by the Motor Sports Association, and I would therefore expect this work to be completed quickly.

“It is my hope that now we have this judgement, the organisers, the association and Scottish Borders Council can move forward to ensure a safe Jim Clark Rally can be held again as soon as possible.”

The rally, held in tribute to Berwickshire motor-racing champion Jim Clark since 1970, has not been staged since 2014’s triple tragedy.

First run as a closed-road event in 1997, the rally can trace its roots back to 1970, two years after the death at the age of 32 of the Berwickshire farmer it is named after.

That first event used a variety of farm, forest and military roads, but it went on to become one of the UK’s premier forest stage rallies in the 1980s and was estimated to generate £3.5m annually for the Borders economy in recent years.

A variant event starting in Kelso and heading around Kielder Forest was held in 2015, but a follow-up forest rally in 2016 but had to be cancelled due to insufficient entries.

In his report, Mr Maciver also calls for rally organisers to appoint a spectator safety officer at the early stages of planning and for all marshals to wear coloured vests to make sure there is no confusion about their role.

Rally organisers are also recommended to have a system for recording crashes, accidents, cars leaving the track or near misses to help them identify possible accident blackspots.

Mr Maciver also wants to see the introduction of a warning light system within rally cars to make sure they can be stopped as quickly as possible in the event of further accidents.

Hawick motorcyclist Steven Quintus was hailed a true biker hero at the weekend, taking third place at a national award ceremony.

Steven was nominated in the Biking Hero awards – sponsored by motorbike insurance broker Carole Nash and held during the Motorcycle Live Show at the NEC in Birmingham – by his daughter Kimberley, for his voluntary work with Blood Bikes, the free courier service for the NHS which transports blood samples, tissue samples and breast milk.

Blood Bikes is responsible for saving lives by rushing the samples between hospitals when needed. There were two rounds of voting at the event, and a panel of judges whittled down the nominees, at the end of which Steven was in third place, winning a cheque for £400.

The hosiery worker, who travelled to Birmingham with Kimberly, told The Southern: “On the first voting for the top 10 I realised that i was in the running, but did not expect to come anywhere on the second voting. To finish in third place in the UK was quite a surprise and a shock.”

Steven also met some heroes of his own at the event, with Leon Haslam (2017 British Superbike champion), Jonathan Rea (World Superbike champion) and Ron Haslam (winner of three world titles and four British championships) taking part.

Rebecca Donohue, head of marketing at organisers Carole Nash said, “We are thrilled with the brilliant entries we received for our Biking Hero awards for 2017 – over 60 in total. The guest judges certainly had a tough time choosing a top three but Steven’s entry particularly stood out for us for his work with Blood Bikes helping to save hundreds of lives each year.

“The whole team at Carole Nash would like to pay tribute to Steven and congratulate him on his outstanding work.

“Carole Nash has supported Blood Bikes for many years and in fact in 2015, we gave £30,000 to Blood Bike causes around the UK.”

After a great start working with Selkirk pupils, artist Svetlana Kondakova is once again inviting the town’s residents to participate in her community art project where they can leave their mark on a large-scale mosaic installation.

She will host a free workshop at the County Hotel on Saturday, November 25, from 10am-5pm.

Svetlana told us: “I am very grateful to the schools for the opportunity to work with their pupils and impressed with the resulting creations.”

Residents are asked to bring small weatherproof and durable objects to be used in the artwork and to make their own mosaics, which will brighten up the flood defence wall.

The project, titled ‘A Selkirk Legacy’ was commissioned by the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme and is midway to completion. It will depict three main themes when finished: the Common Riding community, a mythological kelpie to represent the Ettrick River, and local wildlife in the shape of leaping salmon.

The mosaics are produced by temporarily attaching pieces of tile and other materials onto mesh until they are

ready to be permanently adhered to the wall. While the first two parts are being constructed by Svetlana in her

Edinburgh studio, the fish will be made entirely by Selkirk residents.

Participants are encouraged to bring items with personal or local significance to be incorporated into the mosaic. Svetlana further elaborates, “Anyone can take part regardless of their age or art experience, this project is meant to truly capture the community spirit through participation. Contributions of objects and mosaics from the local residents will ensure that the artwork leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Svetlana has already involved local primary schools in making fish mosaics out of natural and recycled materials. St Joseph’s pupils made mosaics with river pebbles in September and Knowepark pupils recycled household materials into mosaic fish in October. Earlier in September Svetlana also ran a pop up workshop for individuals of all ages at the Haining, as part of the YES Arts Festival.

Installation of the artwork along the riverside walk between the Bridge Street footbridge and the new crossing gate is expected to take place in May. Svetlana’s mosaics will occupy about 65ft (20 metres) of the 650ft (200 metre) flood defence wall, while the salmon will be dotted along the remaining length of it.

The installation aims to have around one hundred salmon in total; each one will be unique and represent the person(s) who made it. For a chance to become a part of Selkirk history come to the workshop. There will be further opportunities to get involved in the new year, keep up to date by joining A Selkirk Legacy group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1471783709566985/) and view project progress on www.svetlanakondakova.com

A blocked drain in Kelso’s town centre this week saw dirty water seep up through the ancient cobbled streets – with one resident claiming it was raw sewage.

Jeff Slater, who lives nearby, says the Victorian sewer system in the town sees sewage and rainwater carried by the same pipes.

He told us: “The sewage system in Kelso town centre is in terribly bad shape ... there just shouldn’t be a way up to the surface from the sewers. It’s not acceptable in this day and age.”

Representatives of Scottish Borders Council’s neighborhood’s team and Scottish Water were both called out to the area on different days this week, but both insisted no sewage was visible on the street.

A spokesperson for Scottish Water told us on Tuesday: “Our operatives were called out to Kelso yesterday morning and cleared a small choke on Roxburgh Street, no sewage was found to be in the immediate vicinity.”

Mr Slater said he blamed the ongoing Eildon Housing development at Roxburgh Street for the blockage, adding: “The contractors are supposed to sweep the street at the end of the working day, but the mud is instead getting into the drains.

“The silt blocks the drains and it comes up through the cobbles in the square.”

Michael Ballantyne of contractors M&J Ballantyne said he saw no sign of sewage.

He told us yesterday, after checking the site: “The only “evidence” of building works going on were some dirty water puddles where mud had been washed out the site during the heavy showers yesterday morning.

“I did have the road cleaned yesterday afternoon prior to us finishing at 4pm. We are now in the final throes of completion and if the rain stops, will be laying the final pavior surface imminently.”

Scottish Water would not comment on the reason for the blocked drain, but added: “We would like to remind customers to only flush the 3P’s – toilet paper, pee and poo down the toilet to avoid blockages to our sewer network and keep the cycle running.”

Scottish Water did confirm that Kelso has a combined sewer, adding that this was “pretty common” in its infrastructure.

Meanwhile, nearby Union Street will be closed from its junction with Roxburgh Street to its junction with Crawford Street on December 4 for five days to allow builders to carry out sewer connections and external works for a new development. Drivers are asked to take an alternative route – via Roxburgh Street and Bowmont Street – during the closure.

The future of Kelso’s old high school will remain up in the air for at least six months.

The site, now redundant after the opening of a new £22.5m high school in Angraflat Road last week, was discussed by the town’s community council meeting last week.

There, Scottish Borders Council’s director of assets and infrastructure, Martin Joyce, and estate manager Neil Hastie explained that the Bowmont Street site and its buildings will be sold as a package, going on the open market for a minimum of six months to gauge potential interest.

It is designated for housing in the current local development plan and has been outlined for 50 potential new homes under the council’s recently approved five-year strategic housing investment plan.

However, a number of other potential uses have been bandied about, including calls for it to become Scotland’s first dedicated retirement village or a car park.

As well as questions over what would happen to the sports pitches on the site, members were particularly concerned about the knock-on effect that losing the car park there could have on the town.

Community councillor Harry Tomczyk said: “That car park is often used at evenings and weekends, and my concern is that if there isn’t one there, then it’s going to cause a horrendous parking problem.”

The car park was commonly used outside of school hours by church groups and sports teams, and while Mr Joyce assured that use of the car park to those groups will not cease straight away, he warned: “We are not anticipating there will be any retention of any of the facilities on that site.

“There will be no security, janitorial or lighting on the site, and we have just made a £22.5m investment in the new site, which includes 3G and 2G and grass pitches.

“The business case for the new high school is dependent on the sale of the old high school to create some capital receipts.

“We are aware that certain community groups and individuals are interested from a community point of view.”

He added that there is already competition for the sports facilities at the new school and that groups with access to the existing sports facilities will not automatically assume the same slots.

He also confirmed that plans are afoot to move the war memorial from the old school site up to the new one in the near future.

Councillors have backed potential changes to Scotland-wide concessionary travel schemes.

Scottish Borders Council had its say on proposals put forward by the Scottish Government in a consultation response this week.

Transport Scotland wants to introduce free travel for young modern apprentices, companion cards for disabled children under the age of five and to increase the age for free bus travel for women from 60 to 65.

Considering its response on Tuesday, the council’s executive committee agreed to support all three changes but opted to highlight in their response concerns over what use free travel passes would be to the region’s young apprentices.

“We are not against modern apprentices having a concession, but it is much more useful if you live in a big urban area” passenger transport manager Timothy Stephenson said.

“Here, we would be asking if there is something more targeted at our young people. We might be giving them a pass where there is not a service to suit them.”

However, Mid Berwickshire councillor Mark Rowley said he felt uncomfortable with the council saying it does not support free travel for modern apprentices, adding: “I think that’s a very tricky message to put out.”

The committee opted to amend its response in favour the apprentice scheme but to include an additional response to transport minister Humza Yousaf outlining the committee’s concerns about how modern apprentices could benefit more.

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar added: “If you give modern apprentices a bus pass, you would need to give them a bus as well or they’re not going to get far.

“Saying that ‘no, we don’t agree with giving them free travel’ would emphasise the fact that we have our concerns.

“It would make them read the explanation about lack of services that we have given.”

Two Borders sheep farmers have warned of catastrophic consequences if plans to release wild Eurasian lynx in Kielder Forest go ahead.

Ross McAulay, 27, says he will be directly affected by the plans as his family farm borders the forest in the frame to host the wildcats.

“We think it will be catastrophic for sheep farming in the Borders,” he said.

“Lynx have not been wild in the UK for over 1,300 years.

“They are about as native as the dinosaurs were, and they were hunted because they attacked livestock.”

Ross, the third generation of his family to run 550-acre Wauchope Farm, south of Bonchester Bridge, tends to a flock of more than 600 Scots mules and Cheviots alongside younger sister Jen and parents Alistair and Anne.

The Lynx Trust UK wants to release four females and two males into the wild for a five-year trial period, monitoring them by satellite collars over that time.

It says they could yield a massive boost for tourism on both sides of the border, but Ross argues there has been a lack of research to back up the plans and fears the wrong choice of woodland could encourage the wildcats to stray further afield than Kielder.

He said: “It’s the chosen habitat that’s concerning me.

“They say that lynx prefer the open woodland where there is open cover, but the Lynx Trust UK has done no studies specifically on Kielder Forest, which is a dense, man-made Sitka spruce forest.

“I would have thought their preferred habitat to be much more like the wood strips and farmland that surround Kielder Forest, which unfortunately leads them right to the sheep.

“This has the potential to be the Teviotdale sheep massacre. It’s just such an unnecessary risk to take.”

Plans for the trial release were submitted to Natural England in July, and his concerns were heightened after claims that an escaped lynx killed seven sheep in Wales in a matter of days before it was shot dead earlier this month.

“If they are introduced, I don’t know what we would do,” Ross added. “It would depend if they are going to attack and how often they are going to if so. If they do, it’s going to be unviable.

The trust has promised above-market-rate compensation for any attacks that do occur, grants for farmers to improve sheep welfare and research into reducing sheep predation by all species.

“Yes, they are offering compensation but it could be very difficult to prove it was them,” Ross added. “Pregnant ewes can lose their lambs through sheep-worrying and again this is even harder to prove.

“Hopefully, we won’t be put in the position that we have to prove anything.”

Neighbour Andrew Douglas, whose farm at Saughtree has been in his family since 1922, is also concerned about the plans.

His 4,000-acre farm, home to Cheviot sheep and Limousin cross cattle, tended by himself and four shepherds and stockmen, is separated from Kielder Forest only by a dyke.

The 68-year-old has accused the Lynx Trust UK of a lack of proper consultation with landowners on this side of the border.

“The consultation has not been good,” he said. “I have had no direct consultation from them.

“We were sent a census form to fill in, but I don’t think many people bothered as we found out that the man from the private company which sent out the survey was a director of the Lynx Trust UK. It was meant to be an independent survey, but it clearly wasn’t.”

He also says two public meetings earlier this year were badly advertised and that Paul O’Donoghue, the trust’s chief scientific adviser, showed a lack of respect for farmers’ views.

Andrew said: “He treated the audience with little respect at the Kielder meeting.

“When he was challenged by anybody with any knowledge about lynx, he refused to take questions from them.

“He was slightly better at the Newcastleton meeting, but he dictated the meetings and talked down to the audience.”

Andrew is, however, placing more faith in the Scottish Government, being consulted about the plans by Natural England.

“I personally don’t think it will happen because the Scottish Government does not have an appetite for it, and their views are going to be listened to by Natural England, but, if it does happen, we know from past experience in Norway, that they will kill sheep.

“If you climb over the dyke from me, you are in Kielder Forest.

“The trust says they will stay in Kielder Forest, but Wauchope Farm is basically land in the middle of the forest, and my land is literally just over the wall.

“How can they say that they are not going to stray?

“People who have bred sheep for years do not want them to be killed by lynx.

“Foxes can be controlled, but lynx, if they are introduced, will be protected, and farmers will be powerless.”

Homeowners and developers wishing to register street and property names will be faced with a fee for doing so as of next month.

It comes after Scottish Borders Council’s executive committee unanimously backed proposals to put in place charges for naming streets and properties on Tuesday.

A report to the council said the move would help to cover the around £22,000 per year which the council spends in administrating such requests.

Members agreed to charge £150 to name a street and £75 to name, number or rename individual properties.

This brings the council in line with 12 other Scottish local authorities which already charge between £100 and £1,200 for providing the service.

Council leader Shona Haslam said the charges were “long overdue” and while Kelso councillor Tom Weatherston agreed, he asked for assurances that larger developments be considered for phased payments where required.

Last month the council backed a five-year plan expected to lead to almost 1,200 new affordable homes across the region before 2022.

Over the past four years the council has dealt with an average of 20 street-naming processes per year and looking forward planning applications are already 12% up on the same period of last year.

“This increase will, over time, manifest in more property registrations and consequently more work for democratic services,” the report states.

However, Leaderdale and Melrose councillor Tom Miers warned: “From the public’s point of view, they might look at these charges and think ‘they have got me over a barrel here and they are taking my money because I have no option’.

“I think it would be sensible to have a breakdown of the costs involved available so we can justify to the public where these charges have come from.

“We have to be transparent with this.”

Currently the council’s democratic services carry out, at no cost to applicants, the works associated with naming a street or home. This includes instigating the consultation process with councillors, community councils, and relevant service areas before contacting Royal Mail and issuing a postcode, which is then passed on to the applicant, emergency services, NHS and utility providers.

The council will look into providing a breakdown of costs on its website and the charging policy will be in place from December.

The Borders’ two MPs have welcomed this week’s UK Government autumn budget as offering potential to give the region’s economy a boost.

Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell pushed for a Borderlands growth deal to be included in the Conservatives’ summer election manifesto, and he said he was delighted to hear the Chancellor of Exchequer, Philip Hammond, vow that detailed negotiations are about to begin on the deal.

Mr Mundell, also Scottish secretary, said: “This is a budget that has delivered for the economy of the south of Scotland, and I particularly welcome the announcement from the Chancellor that detailed discussions are going to begin on a Borderlands growth deal.

“This has the potential to hugely boost the local economy, and it is vitally important we continue to strengthen our links with our neighbours across the border in the coming years.

“I am absolutely committed to delivering a significant Borderlands growth deal for my constituents and will do all I can to make it a reality as soon as possible.”

He added: “I also welcome the continuation of the fuel duty freeze, for the seventh year running, from the Chancellor, which is great news for the rural economy.

“This is welcome news for motorists and businesses across Tweeddale, and keeping fuel costs low has always been a priority for me as a rural MP.

“Bringing jobs and investment to my constituency will always be my top priority, and this is a budget that delivers on that front.

“From support for city deals and some of our finest charities to landmark tax measures on oil and gas and whisky, this budget backs Scotland’s great industries.

“This is in addition to the £2bn of extra spending power the Scottish Government will have as a result of this budget.”

Fellow Conservative John Lamont, MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, agrees, saying: “This is a budget full of good news for Scotland.

“I’m pleased the UK Government has decided to sort out the mess created by the SNP over the VAT bill for Police Scotland.

“The confirmation that the UK Treasury is backing a new Borderlands growth deal has enormous potential for the Scottish Borders. I look forward to working with colleagues from all parties to ensure that this delivers for local infrastructure, transport and tourism in particular.

“A freeze in whisky duty was one of my key asks from this budget, and it is great that the three new distilleries soon to open in the Borders will be receiving this boost.

“And with the Scottish Government receiving a £2bn boost to its budget, there is now no excuse to punish hard-working families with tax rises.”

Today’s budget has also been welcomed by the cross-border council chiefs hoping to benefit from the Borderlands growth deal.

Tweeddale East councillor Shona Haslam, leader of Scottish Borders Council, said after hearing the budget: “Sustainable economic growth and encouraging more people to visit, live and work are shared objectives for all the Borderlands partners, and today’s announcement is an important next step towards achieving potentially significant funding for the region.

“For the Scottish Borders, the Borderlands initiative, the Edinburgh and south east Scotland city region deal and the development of the south of Scotland enterprise agency can all help to support and drive inclusive growth, investment and improved infrastructure.”

Karen Betts, the Scotch Whisky Association’s chief executive, added: “The freeze in duty is a welcome first step in securing a more competitive tax for Scotch whisky in our home market.

“Looking ahead, the industry needs further support if it is to flourish at home and abroad.

“The tax burden on the average-priced bottle of Scotch whisky remains 80%, and we look forward to working with MPs to secure a fairer, more competitive tax system for strategically important domestic industries like Scotch whisky.”

The A7 road south of Skippers Bridge, Langholm has now re-opened, although the stretch of roadway is now single file traffic being controlled by traffic lights.

The road will close again at 3pm today (Thursday) for about two hours while temporary safety barriers are put in place.

On re-opening, single file operating will again be in place, controlled by traffic lights. This will be the case until full repairs are made to the roadside safety barriers.

The road was closed just south of Skipper’s Bridge earlier today to allow recovery of a 41-ton crane which partially left the road at 5.50pm yesterday evening, the driver was uninjured.

Sergeant Billy Broatch of the trunk roads policing unit said: “I would urge drivers to avoid this area where possible and to consider carefully their journey if it involves this part of the A7.

“Diversions will be in place, however, congestion is expected which will cause delays in journey times.”

A section of the road is also still closed in Selkirk town centre due to vital resurfacing works.

Dog dirt around a primary school in Hawick is endangering the health of pupils, warn staff there.

The problem in the streets around Trinity School, in Trinity Street, is now so bad that a designated member of staff or an adult helper is given the role of canine excrement lookout when pupils take the five-minute walk to the baths at Teviotdale Leisure Centre.

The situation has worsened in recent weeks, and deputy head Jamie Wilson contacted Hawick and Hermitage councillor Davie Paterson to ask for his support and advice.

The two men have now made a plea for dog owners to clean up their acts and pick up after their pets.

Mr Wilson said: “It really is unacceptable. I have been at the school for just over a year, and it has been a persistent problem throughout that time, but it seems to have got worse recently. We have a member of staff or adult helper leading the children to the baths and looking out for dog dirt, a problem that is particularly bad closest to the school.

“The children are very good and are aware that they need to be careful. You would think that dog owners would realise they should always pick up after their pet, particularly so close to the school, but sadly that is not the case.”

Mr Paterson, a long-time campaigner for responsible pet ownership, said children had been trailing dog dirt back into the school on their shoes.

He added: “Mr Wilson was saying that it has got so bad that when they have to take children out to the baths, they have to have someone in front to look out for dog mess.

“It seems to be getting out of hand. Some children have even trailed it into the school.

“This is being caused by some irresponsible dog owners in the streets adjacent to the school. This is a real health hazard, and I would appeal to dog owners just to use some common sense and pick up after their pets.”

A charity has been given a £3,000 boost in memory of Borders murder victim Alex Stuart.

Netball teammates of Alex, of Peebles, and her grieving family held a tournament as a tribute to her earlier this month and handed over the proceeds at the town’s Save the Children shop last Thursday.

Save the Children was chosen as the charity to benefit because it had always been close to the hearts of Alex, known as Wee Al, and her family, said pal Evanna Holland.

“Wee Al was there for all of us. Whether putting her body on the line in matches or supporting us from the bench, she was a team member through and through,” added Evanna.

More than 70 people took part in the tournament, held at Peebles High School.

“The tournament was proof of the love Peebles has for Wee Al,” said Jen Holmes, captain of the Peebles Hotshots, the team the tragic 22-year-old had played for since last year.

“The turnout was incredible, and the generosity of the businesses for the raffle was overwhelming. We’re still buzzing from the day.

“It was so much fun, and we just can’t thank everyone enough for showing up and showing how much they care.”

Alex, a postwoman, was killed in August in Cuddyside in Peebles.

As a further tribute to her, the Stuart Netball Club has been set up in her memory.