A Hawick man found with controlled drugs valued at £13,500 will be sentenced next month.

Richard McIntyre, 53, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of ecstasy and cannabis at a property in Sandbed, Hawick, on June 2.

He also admitted a charge of possession of cocaine.

Jedburgh Sheriff Court was told that that the ecstasy found had a value of £8,000 and the cannabis was worth £5,000.

Around £500 worth of cocaine was also recovered.

Sentence was deferred until February 19 for background reports. A proceeds-of-crime action was also continued until that date.

An innovative multi-agency initiative which helps children, young people and mothers in the Borders who are experiencing difficulties through domestic abuse, is now accepting referrals.

Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery (CEDAR) is a is a group model inspired by, and adapted from, an innovative Canadian model for children who have experienced domestic abuse.

It provides a therapeutic psycho-educational programme that takes place over 12 weeks, with groups for children and young people (aged 4-16) and their mothers running in parallel.

These provide an opportunity to explore the experiences, understanding and feelings associated with domestic abuse, with an emphasis on providing fun and creative activities that keep children engaged and interacting with each other, creating a safe place for children and their mothers to help each other to find the best strategies to deal with their experiences and rebuild their lives.

This includes helping mothers to support their children in their recovery.

Councillor Tom Weatherston, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for adult social care, said: “The impact of domestic abuse is unimaginably profound and life-changing, and no less so when it affects the youngest members of our community.

“A programme like CEDAR is a vitally important way of providing them with the support that they need to try and make sense of what has happened to them and find a way to move forward with their lives.

“The way in which support is also provided for their mothers is an integral and powerful part of the programme and provides a tangible way for the impact on the whole family to be explored.

“Feedback received from families who have previously gone through the programme has been extremely positive with many reporting significant benefits from taking part and I would encourage anyone who also feels they could benefit to get in touch and find out more.”

Groups take place twice a year, with the first session due to start in February. Another one will begin in September.

People can refer themselves directly, but referrals are also received from schools, health workers, social workers or support agencies such as Children 1st or the Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support Service.

For more information, contact the CEDAR co-ordinator at: cedar@scotborders.gov.uk or on 01835 824000 ext. 5494.

After the storm comes normality, as Scottish Borders Council is looking to conduct business as usual tomorrow (Friday).

Based on the current information available, including latest weather forecast, it is anticipated that schools will reopen on Friday.

All schools were closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to the heavy snow forecast, including a period covered by an amber weather warning.

SBC chief executive Tracey Logan said: “As we have seen, the weather can be unpredictable, however following a significant effort by staff today we have been able to clear routes to schools and check the buildings, and should be in a position where all schools can open tomorrow.

“We are continuing to liaise with the Met Office regarding the forecast for tomorrow.

“More snow is expected and a yellow (be aware) weather warning is in place. The advice we have received is that is unlikely to be as heavy here as other areas covered by that warning, but we cannot be certain.

“Therefore, a teleconference with key partners will take place at 6.30am tomorrow morning, when a decision on schools and school transport will be taken.”

Parents are asked to listen to Radio Borders for updates in the morning. Information will also be provided through the council’s social media channels and website.

A man is accused of obtaining lodgings from two Borders establishments and running up a bill of almost £4,000 without paying.

William Moffat, 50, of Alice Hamilton Way, West Linton, denies obtaining board and lodgings at the Lodge at Carfraemill between September and October 2014 to the value of £3,175 without paying or intending to pay.

He faces a second charge of obtaining food, drink, board and lodgings to the value of £630 without paying or intending to pay at the North Bridge Street Bed and Breakfast in Hawick on November 4 last year.

A trial date has been fixed for Selkirk Sheriff Court on January 30, and Moffat was remanded in custody.

Royal Bank of Scotland bosses have been accused of being ungrateful and intransigent over their refusal to reconsider their plans to close scores of branches, including six in the Borders.

RBS’s managing director for personal banking, Jane Howard, and chief executive for personal and business banking, Les Matheson, gave evidence to an inquiry by the UK Government’s Scottish affairs committee yesterday, January 17, confirming that the closures are a done deal and refusing to rule out shutting even more branches.

MPs were unimpressed by that stance, and committee chairman Pete Wishart said afterwards: “The whole committee has been left disappointed and frustrated with the unsatisfactory appearance of RBS executives.

“They seem to not be listening to the deep concerns from communities right across Scotland over their branch closure programme.

“It is abundantly clear that RBS did not consult with anyone over their plan to close a third of their branches.

“They do not seem to appreciate just how devastating the loss of a bank can be to a local community and quite how important easy access to banking services is to individuals and businesses.

“Nor do they appear to have any intention to reconsider their position despite the views expressed by local people or by Scottish Rural Action, Unite Scotland and Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

“Instead, they could not rule out further branch closures.

“We should not forget that this is a company whose very survival was assured by £45bn from the tax payer, who still own a 70% stake, yet we were told that, due to changes in ‘customer behaviour’, branches will close, creating savings of £9.5m.

“Instead people will have to rely on internet banking in areas where connections are poor or a mobile branch which will be available for perhaps an hour a week.

“At a minimum, RBS needs to show greater care for their customers and show more openness in how they reach decisions that have such serious consequences for so many people.”

Fellow committee member John Lamont, MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, was also disappointed by the RBS pair’s determination to stick to their guns and by the bank’s refusal to attend meetings about the closures he and Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton are currently organising.

“By abandoning rural Scotland, RBS are breaking their promise that their customers are in control of how they do their banking,” said Mr Lamont.

“Many people in the Borders do not want to bank online or over the phone, and some are unable to because of problems with connectivity.

“I put it to RBS that they were effectively abandoning customers in rural areas and thinking only in terms of the central belt where branch closures have less of an impact.

“I remain far from convinced that the bank have properly considered the impact on customers, businesses and high streets of these closures or even conformed to their own social responsibility measures.

“I’m also disappointed that the bank is refusing to face customers in the Borders and attend the public meetings I’ll be hosting with Rachael Hamilton in Duns, Hawick and Melrose next month.

“The committee was also told that the bank did not carry out any meaningful consultation with communities before the closures were announced.

“Worryingly, it was revealed that post ffice managers will be financially liable if they accept any forged money by accident, putting even greater pressure on local post offices.

“I shall be fighting tooth and nail to keep these branches.”

Mr Matheson said: “We are very clear about our responsibility to our customers, customers that we have had for many years, and we take that responsibility very seriously – we have 1.7 million customers across Scotland – but we have to look carefully at our business and our business model and how things are changing.

“We understand the support that the bank has had, and clearly we appreciate that, but again, we have to take account of changes that are happening.”

Less than 1% of RBS customers go into a branch on a weekly basis, with a 42% reduction in branch transactions in Scotland having been seen since 2014, he said.

“We understand that customers are concerned about the change, that customers find change difficult, and we are committed to helping them through that process, and we have lots of ways of doing that,” he said.

Ms Howard added: “We are both personally committed, as are all of our colleagues, to helping every individual customer.”

RBS is shutting 62 of its branches in Scotland, with almost 160 job losses.

Six of its nine branches in the Borders are due to close in May and June this year, leaving only those in Kelso, Galashiels and Peebles.

The six branches facing the axe are those at Jedburgh, Melrose, Hawick, Selkirk, Duns and Eyemouth.

The widow of a Hawick motorist killed by a lorry driver with a history of blackouts is planning to pursue a six-figure civil claim now the crown has ruled out prosecuting him.

James Miller, 64, was killed in December 2015 after trucker John Power crashed into the side of his car on the A7 near Teviothead.

This week, a fatal accident inquiry determination criticised a medical expert for letting Power stay on the road despite knowing about his episodes of feeling dizzy at the wheel.

Widow Helen Miller, 65, now hopes to get justice in the civil courts following the fatal crash, likening it to the Glasgow bin lorry tragedy of 2014.

Six people were killed and 15 others injured after that refuse wagon careered out of control, but driver Harry Clarke, also with a history of blackouts, was not prosecuted either.

Mrs Miller, of Hawick, plans to sue Power’s employer, and she said: “I’m glad the inquiry found fault with those involved.

“This man Power reported blackouts to his GP, so why was he allowed to keep driving?

“He shouldn’t have been allowed on the road at all, not just have had restrictions put in place on the kind of vehicle he drove.

“What makes it worse is these exact same issues were highlighted a year before James died because of the Glasgow bin lorry incident, and just like Harry Clarke, this man Power, his doctor and employer have all dodged prosecution.

“Our family has been devastated by this incident.

“It should never have been allowed to happen, and however you dress it up, those responsible are literally getting away with killing someone.”

The four-day inquiry at Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard that Mr Power had been advised by his doctor “not to drive a heavy goods vehicle” after suffering two “disabling attacks” in June and October 2015.

The hearing also heard that Power’s employer, J Dickinson Transport, of Longtown in Cumbria, felt it was safe to keep him behind the wheel as they received a letter from Paul Davies, a doctor with North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, saying a Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority technicality meant Power’s pre-1997 licence allowed him to stay on the road despite suffering dizzy turns so long as he switched from an HGV to light goods vehicle.

In his determination, sheriff Peter Paterson said Dr Davies should have more fully considered the DVLA guidance and advised Mr Power not to drive a vehicle of any type.

He then urged doctors to decide if a patient is fit to drive in any way and not just to consider what kind of licence they hold.

The sheriff also said Power and his employer should have sought clarification of the letter before driving again.

Simon Hammond, a partner at Digby Brown Solicitors, said: “We can confirm we are investigating a civil claim on behalf of the family of James Miller against his employer, J Dickinson Transport.”

Mr Miller, a bus driver, died after Mr Power suffered “a sudden loss of disorientation due to a medical event” and his 7.5-tonne lorry veered onto the opposite carriageway on the A7 road near Teviothead in December 2015.

The lorry struck Mr Miller’s Vauxhall Cavalier, inflicting fatal injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Despite that fatality, Power, 65, of Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, was not prosecuted by the crown.

Another amber warning for snow and ice in parts of the Borders has been issued by the Met Office.

Valid until 10pm today, January 19, for the north west of the region, it warns motorists to be wary of potentially treacherous conditions.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice for the western Borders and the Lothians remains in place until 10am tomorrow, January 20.

“Snow showers will become heavier and more frequent early on Friday and will continue on and off through the day,” said a Met Office spokesman.

“One or two spells of more persistent, heavy snow seem quite likely, although amounts will vary from place to place.

“A gradual improvement seems likely during the late evening.

“Travel delays on roads are likely, as are public transport cancellations.

“In some places, vehicles may become stranded.

“There is a chance of power cuts, while services such as mobile phone coverage may be affected. Some rural communities may be cut off.

“A further 10-15cm of snow is likely to build up above 150m, with 20-30 cm possible over the highest routes, although, as is the nature with showers, some areas will see less.

“At low levels, 2cm-6cm of snow, perhaps locally 10cm, would be more likely.

“Showers may well be accompanied by hail and lightning at times, increasing the potential for disruption to power supplies.

“Winds will strengthen at times, bringing the potential for temporary blizzard conditions and drifting over hills.”

Superintendent Louise Blakelock, of Police Scotland’s road policing team, added: “Due to the upgraded warning from the Met Office, it has been necessary to update our travel advice.

“We’ve been working closely with our colleagues at Transport Scotland, the Met Office and local councils to assess the conditions.

“For the duration of this updated warning, there is a high risk of disruption for road journeys, and there is a high likelihood of the conditions for travel being very poor.

“Those heading out on the roads should be aware of these risks. Ensure you have a fully charged phone, warm clothing, and leave extra time for your journey.

“Drive to the road conditions and make sure you check the most up-to-date information from Traffic Scotland and the Met Office before heading out.

“Our priority is to ensure the public are safe.”

A lone man was attacked and robbed by three men wearing dark hoodies in broad daylight on the Black Path in Galashiels on Monday, January 15.

The incident happened at approximately 12.30pm, when a 25-year-old man was walking along the Black Path, near ASDA.

He was approached by three unknown men, one of whom assaulted him.

The attack caused a number of items to drop from the 25-year-old’s pockets, which were then picked up and taken by the three men, who were last seen walking away from the town centre, towards Langlee.

The 25-year-old sustained a head injury, but he did not require medical attention.

Police were contacted and CID officers are now investigating.

The suspects are described as being in their mid-20s and wearing dark clothing, including hooded tops. Two of the men were wearing hats and all three spoke with local accents.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Halls of Galashiels CID said: “This was a frightening attack on a lone man, who subsequently had a number of items stolen from him.

“We are eager to trace the three men responsible as soon as possible. I would ask anyone who was in the Black Path area around lunchtime on Monday, January 15, and saw anything suspicious, to get in touch with us at their earliest convenience.”

Those with information can contact officers Galashiels CID on 101, quoting incident number 1347 of January 15, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Souters are being tasked to find a hero capable of protecting Selkirk from a mythical creature.

The artist who has been commissioned to create a large mosaic feature on the town’s flood wall is asking townsfolk to nominate a “living local hero” who will be depicted taming a kelpie as part of a large mosaic mural stretching between the new crossing gate and the Bridge Street footbridge.

The winner will be depicted as ‘protector of the town’ by showing them taming the kelpie, which will represent floods threatening the area.

The mosaic is being created by artist Svetlana Kondakova, who was awarded this community art project by the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme following an open call for designs.

Her project entitled ‘A Selkirk Legacy’ has already seen involvement from the local community who have designed leaping salmon mosaics in workshops.

Svetlana is encouraging Souters to nominate those who have had a positive impact on the town and its people, whether it be through community work, remarkable acts, special achievements or simply by having an extraordinary personality.

The nominations are open to everyone. Nominees must have strong ties to Selkirk and be living in the area so they are able to model for the mosaic.

All those wishing to submit a nomination must do so before noon on February 7, by visiting www.svetlanakondakova.com and following the online instructions. A shortlist will then be drawn up and put to a public vote from February 15 to March 4.

Svetlana said: “It is very important to me to provide everyone who cares about the town with an opportunity to make an input, so it is only natural to ask people who they would like to see immortalised in this part of the mural.”

“I am hoping that the mosaic portrait will act as a contemporary monument to the winner and the achievements that led them to be voted for, inspiring visitors for decades to come.”

As well as the mythological scene, the mosaic will include other portraits of notable locals from the past and present taking part in the common riding, along with many leaping salmon mosaics, representing the local wildlife, made by the people of Selkirk themselves.

Police have warned drivers to return home as soon as possible this evening due to the forecast snow - and have asked employers to think carefully about allowing staff home early.

An amber warning remains in place until 10pm this evening for snow showers and ice in certain areas of Scotland.

While the areas most likely to be affected by the snow is Dumfries & Galloway and Strathclyde, information supplied to police by the Met Office suggests the widers Borders area could also be hit badly.

The latest advice from Police Scotland is that if possible the public should try to make their return journey home earlier as the indications from the Met Office are that the worst of the weather is likely to impact from around 3pm this afternoon.

Police are advising not to travel within the amber warning area, unless absolutely necessary. Whilst there is no certainty where within that area the snow will fall, where it does significant disruption may result.

Falkirk and West Lothian will also be affected.

Superintendent Louise Blakelock, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing said: ‘As we progress into this afternoon and evening, I would like to remind the public of the ongoing risk of disruption due to the forecast.

“If you travel on the road network in the warning area, you will be disrupted and you will face significant delays.

“With that in mind I would urge the public to think and plan ahead for their return journey home this afternoon.

“If you are able to, please make your homeward journey earlier.

“If you are an employer, please think carefully about allowing your staff to return home early if possible.

‘I would like to make it clear that there is a high risk of disruption for road journeys and with that comes a high likelihood of the conditions being very poor, therefore I would ask people whether their journey is really necessary?

‘Please ensure you are checking the most up to date information from Traffic Scotland and the Met Office.’

Check @PoliceScotland, @TrafficScotland, @MetOffice for the latest information.

Preliminary moves are now being made towards delivering the UK Government-funded growth deal for the Borders promised by Prime Minister Theresa May ahead of last year’s general election.

No indication is being given yet of how much money the Borderlands growth deal is likely to yield for the region, but it is now another step closer to taking shape following a meeting held in Cumbria this week.

Borders MP David Mundell, UK Government northern powerhouse minister Jake Berry and representatives of Scottish Borders Council and the other four local authorities involved took part in talks in Carlisle in an effort to get the initiative up and running.

Last week’s negotiations were the first at ministerial level to be held to try to make progress on putting together the deal since Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammondcommitted to setting aside an unspecified amont of cash to fund it in his November budget.

Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP Mr Mundell, also Scottish Secretary, said: “We are continuing to make good progress towards a Borderlands growth deal, which has the potential to transform the economy of the whole region, creating jobs and increasing prosperity.

“We had a productive meeting with the five Borderlands local authority partners.

“I was impressed with their enthusiasm for, and the energy behind, creating a transformative deal.

“We will continue to work closely with the Borderlands partners to work up the detail of their proposals.

Mr Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen in Lancashire, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve fired the starting gun on this hugely exciting coast-to-coast Borderlands growth deal–something that will be unique in the UK.

“I am looking forward to us continuing progress working with the Borderlands councils and the Scottish Government in the coming months on developing an ambitious sector-led deal that will encourage growth and productivity to create thriving local economies both sides of the border.

The other local authorities involved are Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Northumberland County Council.

The aim of the deal is to encourage economic growth and attract more investors and visitors to towns and villages on both sides of the England-Scotland border.

Mid Berwickshire councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for business and economic development, said: “We, along with our partners, were delighted to meet both ministers to discuss the Borderlands growth deal.

“The opportunities and ambitions are extensive and the challenges huge, but the commitment of local authorities and both UK and Scottish governments to the deal is clear and very welcome.

“Clearly, we have a lot of work to do, but alongside the south of Scotland economic partnership, our area has the fantastic prospect of transforming our economy through enterprise, skills and innovation.

“Discussions will continue with the UK and Scottish governments to ensure we seize the opportunity available, and we expect to see some significant progress made during 2018.”

The forthcoming Borderlands growth deal is one of two government-funded investment packages set to yield multi-million-pound payouts for the Borders, the other being the Edinburgh and south of Scotland city region deal signed off last year.

That £1.1bn deal is expected to see £15m spent on the Borders, mostly to develop a business park at Tweedbank.

A spokesman for the team working on the Borderlands deal added: “Our shared ambition is to play our full part in the regional and wider UK economy and unlock the potential of the south of Scotland and north of England.

“We welcomed the opportunity to discuss the Borderlands growth deal direct with ministers.

“Discussions were positive, and although they remain at a relatively early stage, we look forward to more collaboration and discussion with both the UK and Scottish governments.”

A man of 27 has been jailed for assaulting a 17-year-old boy in McDonald’s in Galashiels.

Daniel Stewart admitted punching the youth to the head in the Wilderhaugh fast-food restaurant on September 1 last year.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told Selkirk Sheriff Court that the restaurant was busy serving customers of all ages at around 7pm when Stewart entered and asked the 17-year-old if he could charge his mobile phone using a socket at his table.

The youngster agreed to that request but soon became concerned about some of the comments Stewart was making and took a photo of him and put it on the Snapchat image-sharing app asking if anyone knew who he was.

Stewart left the restaurant but returned shortly afterwards and struck the youngster on the nose.

Mr Fraser said Stewart had appeared to be under the influence of something and the youngster suffered a swollen, bloody nose.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said his client’s recollection of the incident was not good, but he said that the photo that had appeared on Snapchat of him was accompanied by abusive comments and he had reacted to that after seeing it.

Mr Patrick added: “He took umbrage at that and reacted in the wrong manner.

“It happened just after he had a dispute with his partner and the mother of his children, aged three and one.

“He went on a bender, as such, and got himself into bother.”

Mr Patrick told the court that Stewart, of Galashiels, is already in prison in connection with another matter and his earliest release date is March 5.

He was given a further 120-day jail sentence for the assault in McDonald’s.

There’s more to childcare than just building sandcastles, making dens, or doing some glitter painting…

Early learning professionals are responsible for giving Scotland’s children the best start in life using ideas and activities that help their little personalities grow.

Jake Stefanovic (21) is an early years support worker.

He grew up surrounded by children in a nursery that his parents owned, and once he was old enough he helped out when he could.

The only male member of staff at the time, Keith, became a role model for Jake and ultimately was an inspiration for him to take up a career in early learning and childcare.

Jake said: “The best thing about the job is the children; you get to build relationships, see them develop and grow, and you can make a real difference.

“What surprised me is the knowledge base you need to do the job well. It is a highly skilled job and you have to know about child development from a theoretical perspective and how this relates to practice.

“You need to know the children really well and be able to understand their needs and how you can support them.

“There is a lot of responsibility in the role, you have a duty of care to keep the children safe as well as motivated and engaged, so it can be demanding at times, but if it is the right job for you then the rewards outweigh the challenges.”

Lindsey McKinnon (23) is an early years practitioner and works for Early Years Scotland.

In her current role, she is able to support many families in different ways and loves being able to interact with children every day.

Lindsey said: “Many of the families whom we work with tell us they enjoy coming along to our groups because it gets them out of the house and gives their children opportunities to interact with other children.

“It feels really special to be supporting those families and it is amazing to see the children develop and achieve different things as they grow.

“Giving parents or carers someone to talk to about what’s happening with their child or helping them with different aspects of parenting is very rewarding.

“It’s not until the parents leave and say ‘thanks so much for all your help today’, or they recommend our groups to their friends, that I realise how much of an impact we have made.”

Career opportunities

There are a variety of careers in early learning and childcare, and opportunities to get on the job training and qualifications.

The qualifications vary depending on the different roles.

Here are some examples of the careers:

• Support Worker: You’ll spend your day looking after small children – playing, caring for them, and making sure they are learning lots.

• Practitioner: You’ll be responsible for meeting the care, support and learning needs of the children you look after. It will be your job to make sure the children are all constantly developing and learning – you’ll often work with other practitioners and families to do this.

• Manager: You’ll be tasked with the overall development, management and quality of the childcare provided. It will be your job to lead a group of staff, budgets, planning, and the bigger decision making in the nursery. You’ll also keep a close eye on each child’s development.

To find out more about a career in early learning and childcare, visit www.childcarecareersscotland.scot

A funeral will be held this Friday, January 26, for a Borders woman believed to have been murdered by her partner on Boxing Day.

Pauline Cockburn, 48, was found dead at Kevin Armstrong’s home in the village of Heiton, near Kelso.

The body of Mr Armstrong, 53, was also found in the house, leading to suspicions that the tragedy was a murder then suicide.

Mother-of-three Pauline was a carer for SB Cares.

Her funeral will take place at Kelso North Parish Church, in Bowmont Street, at noon before she is buried at nearby Ferneyhill Cemetery.

A funeral notice posted by her family says she was “tragically taken away from us at Christmas 2017”.

It adds: “Dearly loved mother of Paul, Zoe and Tegan, always full of fun and loving care for her family.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Pauline’s death is being treated as murder whilst Kevin’s death is not suspicious.

“The investigation into the incident is ongoing, but police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.”

Intrepid hunters may have found a new breed of haggis on Selkirk Hill during Sunday’s successful annual event.

The Great Selkirk Haggis Hunt 2018 attracted slightly fewer people (350 hunters in all and about 30 “sniffer” dogs) than last year, but given the snowy conditions, there were more than could reasonably have been expected.

The icy roads made the traditional haggis polka at the Argus Centre – with music brilliantly provided by Riddell Fiddles and Bannerfield Buskers – a tricky affair, but there were more dancers than ever.

Once on the hill, the deep snow proved to be no obstacle to the many children (and adults) intent on finding a haggis for their supper.

And after the hunt, the slope down to the “Chinese Hut” provided a new attraction, as the youngsters came down the easiest way – on their bottoms – before climbing back up for another go.

Organiser Davie Scott told us: “I think it’s been fantastic. Look at the people, lots of smiling faces.

“It’s started to snow again, and nobody’s greeting.

“It’s a great day, because all these people have made it great.”

As well as the common, vegetarian and ready meal varieties, a mutant strain of the haggis was also found this year, which coincidentally fits nicely in a morning roll.

Davie said: “There does seem to be a new mutation. Some of the kids have caught almost flat ones.

“I managed to secure one for myself, and I’m going to send it to the Royal Zoological Society in Edinburgh to see whether it is a mutation or a completely different breed we haven’t come across before.”

Davie also thanked the various establishments – butchers and supermarkets – who helped “rear” the day’s catch, as well as the many volunteers who ensured the hunt ran smoothly.

He said: “There are so many people without whom this day would not take place. I thank them all for their continued kindness.”

The event began 11 years ago, as a bit of a jolly jape between a few of the locals of the Town Arms pub in Selkirk’s West Port.

Over the years, it has continued to grow, and now hundreds of children and adults from all over the Borders attend the hunt, when they are given a badge of honour and a certificate.

A drop-in session on the forthcoming A6091 Melrose bypass road safety improvement scheme for the Borders General Hospital is taking place today.

Residents, businesses and other members of the community interested in the work taking place, can pop into the Ormiston Institute, Market Square, Melrose, at any time from noon to 8pm, where information about the scheme and the new traffic control system can be gained, and it provides an opportunity to speak to the engineers responsible for developing the scheme.

The works, which begin on Monday, February 5, and will be ongoing for six weeks, will improve road traffic safety on the A6091, at the junction with Borders General Hospital.

The route is used by around 11,400 vehicles each day, and this scheme has been developed to improve the safety of road users making left or right turns at the junction, by installing a new traffic light system.

In addition, a new ‘hurry on’ system will be installed, which will improve the flow of traffic and allow a faster entry/exit for ambulances.

Access to the BGH, Huntlyburn ward, ambulance station and the Busy Bees nursery will be maintained for the period of the works, with ambulance services operating as normal for the duration.

The scheme will be constructed using a temporary traffic light system, utilising single lane closures with no significant delays anticipated.

Advance notice signs are in place, and patients with appointments at the BGH scheduled for the period of the works have been informed in their appointment letters.

Patients attending the BGH for appointments, as well as staff and visitors, should allow extra time for their journey and plan their travel in advance.

This scheme is taking place at the same time as essential maintenance by Scottish Borders Council on the B6374 Lowood Bridge, which will see the bridge closed for 20 weeks from Wednesday, January 31.

The council and Amey will be monitoring traffic flows carefully to ensure there are no significant traffic issues arising from these schemes and ask drivers in local area to be considerate to fellow road users during the works.

Members of the cuncil’s Lowood Bridge project team will also be present at the drop-in session to discuss their plans.

This work is weather-dependent, so road users should continue to check for updates on the Amey SE Trunk Roads network website at https://scottishtrunkroadsse.amey.co.uk/

Drivers can keep up to date with the Lowood Bridge project at www.scotborders.gov.uk/lowoodbridge

There’s a whole lot of love for rugby legend Doddie Weir in his native Borders, and that abundance of affection for the former Scottish international is proved by the lots of lots being put up for auction in aid of his two charities this week.

Among the 175 lots going under the hammer at Kelso’s Springwood Park are a beef encounter with the ex-second row forward at the Buccleuch Arms in St Boswells and a lengthier outing with the 47-year-old in Mallorca.

Almost 600 family, friends and well-wishers are set to turn out this Friday, January 26, for an event billed as the Tartan Giraffe Ball, a name referring to Doddie’s fondness for often-gaudy tartan suits and late Hawick rugby commentator’s description of him as being “like a mad giraffe”.

The sold-out event is being organised by a team of volunteers led by Borderers David Baird, Stewart Bennet and Douglas Stephen, all friends of the former Melrose and Newcastle Falcons lock.

It will be compered by former Southern Reporter journalist Jill Douglas and fellow TV sports presenter Dougie Vipond, and music will be provided by the latter’s band, Deacon Blue.

Auction lots on offer include a 32ft flat trailer supplied by Stewart Trailers of Inverurie in Aberdeenshire and a post-driver from Bryce Suma, of Linton Hill, near Morebattle.

More than 160 of the lots are being sold via an online auction, enabling those unable to secure a ticket for the event to join in its fundraising efforts.

Since its launch last week, it has attracted bids in excess of £69,000, and offers will be taken online up until 11pm on Friday. For details, go to www.tartangiraffeball.co.uk

All proceeds will go to the two charities set up by the former Scotland No 5, of Blainslie, following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease in late 2016, Doddie Weir’5 Trust and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

A spokesman for the event’s organisers said: “Everyone in the farming and sporting communities was shocked when they heard of Doddie’s diagnosis last year, but we have watched in admiration as he continues to demonstrate his determination to tackle this disease head on.

“We all want to play our part to help and are working hard to make sure the Tartan Giraffe Ball is one of the most memorable events that has been held here at Springwood Park, and we would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming generosity.

“It is all down to Doddie and his determination to fight this debilitating disease.”

The eight items being auctioned off on the night include a Scotland shirt from the national side’s test match against New Zealand in November, a day of cooking lessons with celebrity chef Nick Nairn at his cookery school in the village of Port of Menteith, near Stirling, and tickets to this year’s Calcutta Cup game against England at Murrayfield next month, plus a lavish hospitality package.

Also going under the hammer is a 50-litre cask of whisky from the Eden Mill distillery at St Andrews in Fife signed by tennis players Andy and Jamie Murray; golfers Stephen Gallacher, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood; and rugby stars Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell, as well as Doddie himself.

A day of pheasant-shooting in the Bowmont Valley, near Kelso, with former Scottish rugby captain Rob Wainwright and the 10th Duke of Roxburghe, Guy Innes-Ker.

Online lots include a four-course dinner for 10 in Edinburgh hosted by Scotland rugby coach Gregor Townsend; a game of golf at the capital’s Muirfield course with Scottish rugby legends Gavin Hastings and Roger Baird; and another game of golf in East Lothian, at Luffness, with fellow former rugby players Scott Hastings and Andy Nicol.

Eight members of the Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team (TVMRT) were called out to help hunt for two missing walkers on the Southern Upland Way early on Monday morning.

Joining forces with Moffat Mountain Rescue. the team were asked to join the search at 12.50am after the walkers had failed to reach their destination in Moffat and they were reported missing by family members.

The pair, from South Glasgow, had left Tibbie Shiels Inn at St Mary’s Loch earlier that day, but the heavy snowfall and deteriorating conditions made their walk more difficult than they had expected.

TVMRT member Dave Wright told us that the duo were well-equipped and were experienced, but the weather made the journey just too difficult.

He said: “When we set out it became quickly apparent just how serious the situation could be for the two guys.

“Two of our team were equipped with skis, which turned out to be helpful, as it was they who found the two sets of footprints, the only prints for miles.

“It told us we were in the right area, and they eventually found them at 5.20am just south-west of the bothy at Over-Phawhope – roughly 17km into their 21km walk.

“They were very tired and very cold, despite being well-equipped for their walk. They just seem to have underestimated the conditions.”

It was a tiring end to a busy weekend for the team, who had been called out at 8.40pm the previous evening in Edinburgh after members of the public said that they had seen a light flashing on or near to the top of Caerketton Hill in the Pentland Hills.

Eighteen team members made themselves available and carried out searches around the base of the crags to the West of the Hillend Ski Centre and over the tops towards Allermuir Hill.

Nothing was found on this occasion and they were stood down at 1.10am on the basis this was a “false alarm with good intent”.

Most of the team were then involved most of Sunday with the ‘Feel the Burns’ early season hill run that includes Peat Law, the Three Brethren, Brown Knowe and Foulshiel Hill, the profits from which was going to the TVMRT.

The team is made up of volunteers, so they were back out on their day jobs on Monday, after catching half-an-hour’s sleep.

However, Dave told us this was an exceptional weekend for the team, driven by poor weather conditions.

Seven candidates have put themselves forward to contest the upcoming council by-election in the Selkirkshire ward, which will take place on Thursday, February 22.

The by-election is taking place following the resignation of Michelle Ballantyne, who was voted in last May, but was later elevated to the Scottish Parliament as a list MSP, following a short spell of holding a dual mandate.

The candidates who will be vying for your vote are: Trevor Adams (Scottish Conservative and Unionist); Jack Clark (Scottish Liberal Democrats); Kenneth Gunn (Independent); Barbara Harvie (Scottish Green Party); John Mitchell (Scottish National Party); Caroline Penman (Independent) and Scott Redpath (Scottish Labour Party).

One candidate will be elected using the single transferable vote system, so electors should vote by numbers, ranking candidates in order of preference.

Electors are asked to take their poll card to the polling station when casting their vote, and 16 and 17-year-olds on the register of electors can vote in this by-election.

Make sure you are registered by midnight on Tuesday, February 6. Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register online.

Those registered can apply to vote by post, but must do so by 5pm on Wednesday, February 7, with the closing date for proxy vote applications, enabling someone to vote on your behalf, closing at 5pm on Wednesday, February 14.

More information on registering to vote and postal and proxy applications can be found at www.scotborders.gov.uk/elections

See next week’s Southern Reporter for a feature on the candidates.

● Candidates: Please send us your 250-words campaign statements to – kevin.janiak@jpress.co.uk by noon on Tuesday, attaching a head and shoulders photograph.

Earlston High School has been named in a national glossy magazine’s list of the best state secondary schools in the UK.

Posh publication Tatler has made its annual list of schools that offer “world-beating education that doesn’t cost the earth” and Earlston is one of only two Scottish schools to make it – the other being North Berwick.

The modern 1,060-pupil facility caught the judges’ eye thanks to its extra curricular activities.

It raves about it’s “mega” art and drama classes run by teacher Jeff Thomson and lists Hollywood star Jack Lowden among his protégés. The star of recent movies Dunkirk and Tommy’s Honour got his big break starring in an Irn Bru commercial in 2009, following roles in school musicals and in the Galashiels Operatic society’s production of The Boy Friend.

Also given a mention are Paralympian Sammi Kinghorn, who “pops in to give inspiring workshops” at her old school and sports teacher, former international rugby referee Malcolm Changleng.

The piece also praised head teacher Justin Sinclair, who, it is claimed, “makes no apology for his ambition to make Earlston not just the best state school in the Borders but in the whole of Scotland.”

It also says the school is “jam-packed with the offspring of Edinburgh commuters (thanks to the newish train line), and applications from outside the catchment area are on the up”.

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: “We are delighted that the high standard of education being delivered at Earlston High has been recognised nationally in this way.

“Earlston is one of nine high schools in the Borders who all aspire to deliver the highest attainment and achievement levels they can and we are extremely proud of the work being carried out every day by pupils, staff and parents right across the region who are committed to providing the best possible educational opportunities.”