Consultation is now under way over plans to close St Margaret’s RC Primary School in Hawick.

Agreement to carry out that statutory consultation was given at a meeting of Scottish Borders Council’s executive this month, and it started this week.

It will run until Monday, January 22.

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 5, at 7pm at the Buccleuch Terrace school to give people the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.

An online questionnaire and details will be available at www.scotborders.gov.uk/stmargarets

Paper copies will also be provided at the meeting or by calling 01835 825080.

East Berwickshire councillor Carol Hamilton, the council’s executive member for children and young people, said: “St Margaret’s has sustained a significant fall in the school roll over the past 20 years. There are currently only 14 pupils attending, with only three admitted into primary one over the last three years and none for 2017-18.”

“There are also concerns that such a small school roll limits our ability to offer the pupils a full range of curricular and learning opportunities, particularly in relation to requirements within the Scottish Government’s Curriculum for Excellence and for the development of team skills and group work with children of a similar age.

“The decision to close a school permanently is not one that is taken lightly and is only considered after a wide range of factors are taken into account, with our priority being always to make sure that we are doing all we can to increase educational opportunities and improve outcomes for our children and young people.

“As the consultation gets under way, we would ask that anyone with an interest in the school considers the proposals carefully and provides their feedback so that we can take everyone’s views into account before making our final decision.”

The outcome of the statutory consultation will be presented to councillors in March next year.

A man has been fined £200 at Selkirk Sheriff Court after admitting a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner aggravated by sexual prejudice.

Alan Keddie, 44, pleaded guilty to making homophobic comments during a bust-up over a dog bite at a field at the end of Princes Street, Innerleithen, last month.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said there had been a previous issue between him and his victim regarding a black labrador when the pair came across each other while out walking near the River Tweed.

He said: “The accused approached the complainer, who told him to stay away, but the accused started shouting and pointing his finger at the man saying ‘what are you going to do about it, you p***?’

“This was witnessed by a nearby householder, and the man was alarmed and distressed at what had taken place.”

The court was told the complainer was gay.

Keddie, of Buccleuch Street, Innerleithen, made no reply when cautioned and charged.

Keddie’s lawyer said there had been a previous argument between the two men about an alleged dog bite.

The lawyer continued: “Both parties became agitated.

“He had no knowledge of the complainer’s sexual orientation.

“It was said to annoy him rather than cause any offence.”

A man has been banned from a Kelso pub house until the outcome of a trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Joshua Watson, 24, is accused of shouting and swearing and threatening others with violence at the White Swan, now renamed the Tipsy Ghillie, on October 6.

He also denies a second charge of assaulting a man by repeatedly punching him in the face to his injury.

Watson, of Kelso, pleaded not guilty to both charges, and a trial date was set for February 6, with an intermediate hearing on January 8.

He was released on bail on condition that he doesn’t approach or contact four named people or enter the Tipsy Ghillie.

Background reports have been ordered on a man after he admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner towards a former partner.

Corrie Stanners, 23, of Cherry Park, Tweedbank, appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to causing a disturbance at the property in Gala Park, Galashiels, on Monday.

He turned up at the woman’s address under the influence of alcohol despite being told by her to stay away.

Stanners repeatedly knocked on the door and then entered without permission.

He was shouting and swearing and making offensive comments, threatened to kill himself, cut himself with a knife and persisently refused to leave the address.

Sentence was deferred until December 18 at Selkirk Sheriff Court for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction-of-liberty order assessment.

A Galashiels man accused of threatening to burn down a house has been remanded in custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court pending his trial next month.

Paul Turnbull, 39, appeared from custody and denied a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour on Saturday.

He is alleged to have thrown eggs at the property in Church Square, Galashiels, as well as threatening to burn it down.

Turnbull, of Church Street, also pleaded not guilty to breaching a bail order.

A trial date was set for December 19 at Selkirk Sheriff Court, with an intermediate hearing on November 20.

A Selkirk man has appeared in private at Jedburgh Sheriff Court accused of possessing indecent images of children.

David Keddie, 36, faces a second charge of permitting to be taken indecent photographs of children.

Keddie made no plea, and the case was continued for further examination. He was released on bail.

Four East Lothian men will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court accused of causing damage at a Galashiels guest house.

Ben Cowan and Dale McCallum, both 23, and Lewis McCallum, 24, all of Prestonpans, and Cameron Cunningham, 23, of Port Seton, deny maliciously damaging numerous items of furniture and fittings at Watson Lodge Guest House in Bridge Street, Galashiels, on February 19.

Their trial was set for February 13, with an intermediate hearing on January 29.

Cameron King, 22, of George Street, Peebles, will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court on February 13 accused of assaulting a man to his severe injury.

The offence is alleged to have been committed at a house in Dalatho Crescent, Peebles, on October 15.

An intermediate hearing will be held on January 29.

A motorist has been accused of dangerous driving by colliding with police warning signs and cones at an accident scene on the A1.

Leigh Patterson is charged with driving at excessive speed for the road conditions to the danger of police officers and other workers attending the emergency callout.

The offence is alleged to have been committed on the A1 near Tranent on November 21 last year.

Patterson, 44, of Dean Drive, Tweedmouth, faces a separate complaint of dangerous driving in Shedden Park Road, Kelso, on February 11.

He has pleaded not guilty to both charges and will stand trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on December 12.

His bail conditions include not driving another vehicle until after the trial.

When ​Duns mini rugby player Max Martin ran out as a mascot with the Scottish team at Murrayfield on Saturday he was living out his dad Hayden’s dream.

Eight-year-old Max was lucky enough to win a ballot at Duns RFC’s Minis section to be one of the mascots at Saturday’s Autumn Test against the mighty All Blacks.

And there was no-one more delighted than dad Hayden who hails from New Zealand and is a fanatical supporter of the All Blacks - he has even named his house in Duns Eden Park after their national stadium.

Hayden explained that his childhood dream was to one day walk out onto the pitch with his beloved All Blacks. He got very close - he was once a mascot for a provincial side.

Max walked out onto the hallowed Murrayfield turf with Scotland’s Johnny Gray to the roar of a capacity 67,000 crowd and was seen on TV by all his family and friends.

Dad Hayden said: “Big thanks to Duns Minis, it was an awesome day, not just for Max but for the whole family. And all credit to the SRU, they laid everything on for Max.

“The players from both teams dedicated so much time to us after the match, it was a day we will never forget.

“Max is half New Zealander and half Scottish and here he was, getting to walk out with the Scotland team and stand on the same pitch as the mighty All Blacks, how close to your childhood dream can you get?

“When Max walked out with Johnny Gray and the Scotland team, I don’t know who was smiling more, him or his dad! Max said he was a bit nervous when he was waiting in the tunnel with all the noise and firworks etc, but he was fine when he was out on the pitch - and he even sang BOTH national anthems!

“Our whole family is grateful to Duns RFC Minis and the SRU for this great opportunity. It was an unforgettable day. And the All Blacks won - just!”

Youngsters in Hawick will soon be able to go around in circles again, courtesy of almost £5,500 in grant support.

The roundabout in the town’s Moat Park was removed some time ago amid concerns over its safety.

At a meeting of Scottish Borders Council’s Teviot and Liddesdale area locality committee last week, members were invited to dip into the authority’s quality of life fund to pay for a replacement.

They agreed a spending of £5,456.

The move had been proposed by Hawick and Hermitage councillor Davie Paterson, and he said he was delighted that committee members had backed it.

He added: “The committee went for the roundabout that cost over £5,000. I was actually delighted with that, and several of my young constituents will be over the moon.

“I have been asked by several folk to try and get a new roundabout ever since the last one had to be taken away because of health and safety reasons. They reckoned that if action hadn’t been taken to remove it some poor child would get injured.

“Since then, I have been asking to get a new roundabout for the kids of the West End.”

Members also approved funding for two benches opposite Hermitage Village Hall and Hermitage Castle lay-by, the installation of road gullies at Langraw Cottage and the relocation of the Burnfoot sign to the grassed area opposite Wilton Cemetery’s main entrance.

The Met Office has warned that most of Scotland, save for a few patches on the East coast, will be hit by ice later this evening, leading to a risk of slippery surfaces and travel problems.

The Yellow warning now means there are two weather warnings in place in Scotland, as the modified Yellow warning for snow that was due to hit overnight is still in place.

A snow assessment from the Chief Forecaster read: “Showers across northern and western Scotland are expected to bring further snowfall with 1-2 cm possible to low levels, and 2-5 cm above around 200 m.”

The icy patches are expected to form underfoot between 6pm this evening, and 10am tomorrow morning, with slippery walking conditions causing difficulty for pedestrians and cyclists.

Travel problems could also hit commuters at rush hour tonight and tomorrow, with difficult driving conditions also reckoned by the Met Office to be a distinct possibility.

Work will start next week on building four new industrial units at Hawick’s Galalaw Business Park.

They’re being constructed by Earlston-based contractor Rodger as part of Scottish Borders Council’s Hawick action plan to provide extra business development and expansion opportunities.

The four units are being paid for out of a £3.6m funding package announced by the Scottish Government in September last year.

The rest of that money will be spent on a business incubator centre created in part of the former Almstrong’s department store in Oliver Crescent and upgrading business facilities at the town’s Tower Mill, in Kirkstile.

Feasibility studies will also be undertaken by the council to assess the potential of other premises in Hawick for possible redevelopment.

Designed by the council’s in-house architects’ team, the single industrial building at Galalaw will be divided into four units but is flexible, enabling businesses to expand into next-door units if required.

Mid Berwickshire councillor Mark Rowley, the authority’s executive member for business and economic development, said: “Thanks to the Scottish Government’s support for the Hawick action plan, created by a partnership including businesspeople, the council and Scottish Enterprise, we are able to develop new and upgraded business infrastructure in the town.

“This will provide the opportunity for existing businesses to expand and create new jobs, encourage new businesses into Hawick and generally act as a catalyst for further inward investment and property redevelopment in Hawick, boosting the local economy.”

The Scottish Government’s money for Hawick is part of a £10m local economic development capital grant fund also supporting businesses in North Ayrshire, Clackmannanshire and Fife.

A man breached bail conditions within hours of being released from Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Piotr Laczynski, 36, appeared from custody on Monday and denied a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour involving his wife.

He was granted bail on condition that he did not contact his wife and stayed away from her home in Duns, but at 8.30pm that day he knocked on the door of her property seeking his possessions including a bank card.

The police were informed and Laczynski, originally from Poland, was found walking on the main road just outside Duns in darkness, putting himself in danger.

He appeared back at Jedburgh Sheriff Court last Tuesday afternoon and admitted the breach of bail.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said his client should have made arrangements with a third party to collect his personal possessions.

Laczynski, now living at West End Place in Berwick, was fined £400.

The food-processing plant worker is due to stand trial on the alleged domestic offence involving his wife on February 8, with an intermediate hearing on January 8.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 33-year-old man accused of “doing his best” to avoid appearing for trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

James Harding was due to stand trial in relation to two fraud offences and a theft, but he asked for an adjournment through his lawyer due to mental health problems caused by the breakdown of his marriage although no medical vouching could be produced.

However, that submission was opposed by the crown.

It pointed out a warrant had been issued for the 33-year-old’s arrest after he failed to appear for a trial date in September.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said in the past Harding had claimed he was unable to get away from work as he was calving and on another occasion said an abattoir he worked at would have to close down if he was not there.

The fiscal added: “Now he is saying he is unfit to appear in court. It appears he is doing his best to avoid coming to court.”

Harding, formerly of Selkirk but now living in Lowestoft in Suffolk, maintained his not-guilty plea in relation to two fraud offences and a theft.

He is alleged to have pretended to the owner of Armstrong’s Garage in Mansfield Road, Hawick, that he had permission to have four tyres, other parts and labour costs invoiced to the account of Hoscote Estate and obtained goods and services by fraud on August 1.

Harding is also charged with the theft of a fridge, cement mixer, two firearms cabinets and an extension hose from the estate, near Hawick, on September 29.

He is facing a third charge of obtaining goods to the value of £107 by fraud at a shop in Sandbed, Hawick, on December 24, by using a cheque he knew would not be honoured.

Sheriff Kevin Duffy refused the motion to adjourn the trial and granted a warrant for Harding’s arrest.

Borders police are appealing for witnesses following the audacious theft of a huge scissor lift access platform machine from a fish factory in Duns.

The incident happened between 8pm and midnight on Sunday, November 5, from Farne Salmon and Trout Ltd in Duns Industrial Park.

The machinery was situated at the back of the unit when it is believed to have been removed and loaded onto a HGV lorry that was seen parked in the Station Road area.

The machinery is a MEWP Scissor Lift 6RS JLG, yellow and orange in colour, and has the serial number B200015536, which has an estimated value of approximately £34,000.

Inquiries are continuing to trace those responsible and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Inspector John Scott from Kelso Police Station said: “This is a brazen theft of high value machinery and we are eager to trace those responsible.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw a HGV in the Station Road area on Sunday, November 5, or who has seen the scissor lift since, to contact police.

“Equally, anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the Duns Industrial Park area in the days prior are asked to come forward with any information.”

Those with information are asked to contact Kelso Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 0647 of November 22. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Latest statistics from Scotrail are encouraging for Borders Rail, although with the train provider still not putting on extra carriages for major event, there is room for improvement.

Scotrail reports that trains arriving at Tweedbank between the period October 15 and November 11 narrowly missed the national performance target.

According to the Public Performance Measure, the percentage of booked services which arrive within five minutes of their booked arrival time, having called at all booked stations on the route, was at 89.2%. The Moving Annual Average Public Performance Measure was 91.4%.

However, during that time period, only 51.9% of trains rolled into Tweedbank on time.

And anecdotal accounts have reported overcrowded trains on the weekends that coincide with Scotland international Rugby Union matches. Passengers took to social media at the weekend, when Scotland hosted the All Blacks at Murrayfield, saying the trains were “absolutely packed”.

Last December, Rachael Hamilton MSP raised the issue of over overcrowding on trains when major sporting events take place with the Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf MSP.

The Minister assured Mrs Hamilton the Scottish Government was doing its best to increase capacity, saying: “The member can be assured that we are doing what we can to increase capacity.

“We will always look for opportunities to increase capacity and add more rolling stock. I am more than happy for the ScotRail team that does the planning and co-ordination for major events to give the member a briefing if she would find that helpful.”

Mrs Hamilton, now MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, said: “The latest statistics are encouraging from Borders Rail, although it did narrowly miss the performance target. So there is definitely room for improvement.

“However, anecdotal accounts from constituents highlight that Borders Rail did not put extra carriages on for the Scotland vs Samoa rugby match, which resulted in overcrowding and unhappy passengers.

“I have again written to the Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf MSP, asking for assurances that capacity will be increased when such events take place.”

Seven of the best from the Borders picked up almost half the accolades on offer at a regional tourism award ceremony.

Businesses in the region took home seven of the 15 prizes up for grabs at the Scottish Thistle Awards’ regional final for the Lothians and Borders, held last night at Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh.

Our winners at the awards, launched 25 years ago to celebrate best practice in the tourism and hospitality industry, included the Airhouses self-catering lodges near Oxton, Windlestraw at Walkerburn and Kingsmuir House in Peebles, named as best accommodation provider, most hospitable hotel and most hospitable bed-and-breakfast or guesthouse respectively.

Among the Borders’ other success stories were Gattonside restaurant Seasons and Lauder’s Firebrick Brasserie, winners of the prizes for best informal eating experience and best restaurant experience respectively.

Our other winners were Robert Smail’s Printing Works in Innerleithen, given the trophy for best heritage tourism experience category, and Peter Gilchrist, of Galashiels tourism consultancy Peter Co and Associates, named as a rising star of the region’s tourist industry.

VisitScotland regional director Paula Ward said: “I would like to say huge congratulations to all of the winners from the Scottish Borders at the regional final of the Scottish Thistle Awards.

“These awards recognise the drive and passion the industry has for creating an unforgettable experience for visitors, and I’m delighted that so many of our local heroes have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the region.

“The fact that seven out of the 15 categories for the Lothian and Borders regional final have been awarded to businesses in the Scottish Borders is testament to the great variety and range of quality accommodation, visitor attractions and experiences.

“With so many brilliant things to see and do, it is little wonder that we continue to see the number of visitors to the Scottish Borders rise as the region’s reputation as one of the must-visit destinations in the UK grows.”

Martin Houghton, of Airhouses, said: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award, which is a great addition to our year of celebrating 10 years in business.

“We have an amazing team working with us who provide the attention to detail, which is so important.”

Rachel Mays, of the National Trust Scotland-run Robert Smail’s Printing Works, said: “Our staff and volunteers are absolutely delighted to receive this award.

“We are totally committed to ensuring our visitors continue to enjoy a unique and hands-on experience, and we are thrilled to be recognised for this.”

Roger McKie, of Seasons, said: “Bea and I are delighted to win this award not just for us and the team at Seasons but also for the wonderful local producers and suppliers who allow us to use the very best of the wonderful larder that is the Scottish Borders.”

David Haetzman, of the Firebrick Brasserie, said: “We were delighted just to be nominated as regional finalists, so to have won is beyond our expectations, and we are absolutely thrilled.

“When we opened Firebrick in August of 2015, we wanted to offer guests a great all-round dining experience and fantastic food made, as far as possible, with local Borders-sourced produce, combined with warm, welcoming and knowledgeable customer service.

“It’s empowering to have our efforts acknowledged by this award.”

Kingsmuir House’s Malcolm Mullarkey said: “It is such a pleasure and privilege to be acknowledged by the Scottish Thistle Awards.

“This is an exceptional achievement, making me so proud of the quality, attention to detail and the customer service we provide to all of our guests.”

John and Sylvia Matthews, of Windlestraw, said: “We were delighted to be shortlisted for the second year in a row for this prestigious and respected award, especially as it is only our second year of operations.

“To go one step further this year is a real boost to us and the small team at Windlestraw and encourages us to continue our investment.

“The Borders is probably the most overlooked region in Scotland as a destination, and we welcome the opportunity to represent it in the finals’’

Mr Gilchrist added: “It’s incredibly fulfilling to be asked to bring your ideas to the table and validating to be given opportunities to lead.

“Getting this recognition as I am just getting my start is an amazing vote of confidence.

“I hope this leads the way for more young people to be invited to the table.”

The awards are staged by organisations including VisitScotland, Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Sportscotland and Wild Scotland.

Lowood Bridge, near Melrose, is to be closed for two weeks for emergency works

The closure will be 24 hours a day from Monday, December 4, until Monday, December 18, to allow repairs to the parapet walls of the B-listed structure to be carried out.

Diversions signs will be put up, the alternative route being via the A6091, A7 through Galashiels and B6374.

Pedestrian access will also be restricted during the closure, with the Chain Bridge at Gattonside offering an alternative route for walkers.

Bus services 60, 61, 67 and 68 will operate to and from Galashiels via the Kingsknowe Roundabout to the Borders General Hospital at Melrose.

Service 71 from Galashiels to Melrose will operate via Winston Road, Tweed Road and A6091 to the hospital, and Queen Elizabeth Square in Melrose Gait will be served in both directions. However, the 71 bus will not go via Paton Street and Bank Street for Galashiels transport interchange.

The bridge will close again in January, on a date yet to be confirmed, for 20 weeks for a major repair and strengthening programme costing £640,000.

Once next year’s works are completed, the 26-tonne weight limit in force on the bridge at the moment will be lifted.

Improvements to the nearby Galafoot Bridge on the A6091 by trunk road operator Amey will take place later in 2018 to avoid a clash with the Lowood Bridge works. However, Amey might need to carry out some short-term emergency works at the same time as the Lowood Bridge closure.

Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar, said: “In order to carry out these works to the parapet walls of the bridge safely, a full closure for two weeks is needed.

“It was felt important to reopen the bridge for the festive period, with the full repairs and strengthening works to follow in January 2018.”

“We understand these closures will cause disruption to the local community and commuters, but this investment will ensure this vital transport link can be used for many years to come.”

The works are part of a programme of bridge repairs also taking in Clackmae Bridge near Earlston, Bowanhill Bridge near Teviothead and Bowden Church Bridge.

An expatriate Teri now living in Texas in the US has created a hat-trick of tributes to a guitar legend still the pride of joy of his home city of Dallas almost three decades after his death.

Former Hawick High School and Burnfoot School pupil Steve Hunter, 44, moved to Dallas in 2005 after landing a job teaching art at Faith Family Academy in Oak Cliff.

He has built up a reputation since then for his large-scale murals, and several now take pride of place in the Deep Ellum area of the city.

The artist’s latest murals are three of a kind depicting Dallas-born musician Stevie Ray Vaughan, killed at the age of 35 in 1990 by a helicopter crash.

The most prominent is on the side of a restaurant at the junction of Crowdus Street and Main Street in Deep Ellum.

Steve, now living in the Cedars area of Dallas with wife Mischelle and stepson CJ, said: “While painting the mural, even early on, people recognised who it was and would stop to tell me their stories about Stevie Ray.

“The mural is one of three Stevie Ray murals I recently completed in Deep Ellum. The other two are on display at Dot’s Hop House in Commerce Street and at Deep Ellum Art Company.

“I had always wanted to paint a mural of Stevie Ray in Deep Ellum, so this was the chance to do just that.

“People seem to enjoy them and that gives me a great sense of satisfaction.”

Previous subjects of Steve’s murals in Dallas include city poet Rawlins Gilliland and ex-US president Barack Obama.

Vaughan and his backing band, Double Trouble, were one of the leading lights in the revival of the blues in the 1980s.

Possibly best known for their 1982 debut album, Texas Flood, featuring the singles Pride and Joy and Love Struck Baby, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

Vaughan also played guitar on David Bowie’s Let’s Dance album, released in 1983.