A man has been given a night-time home curfew for the next seven months for an assault outside a Galashiels pub.

Barry Wood, 29, admitted throwing a glass and striking his victim on the head to his injury outside Reivers Sports Bar, in High Street, on January 28 last year.

A not-guilty plea to striking a man in the face to his injury in the Ship Inn, Melrose, on April 23 was accepted by the crown at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

The court heard that Wood had followed a man leaving Reivers Sports Bar and an argument developed.

When the other man tried to leave, Wood threw a pint glass, hitting him in the face, then falling to the ground and smashing.

Wood was given a restriction-of-liberty order keeping him in his Island Street home in Galashiels between 8pm and 6am for the next seven months.

A teenager has admitted assaulting a male to his severe injury.

Declan MacFarlane, 19, of Forthill Terrace, Jedburgh, pleaded guilty at the town’s sheriff court to punching the man to the head at the Golden River Chinese takeaway in Jedburgh on October 14.

He also admitted a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in the town’s Howdenburn Drive.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser explained that the victim of the assault had suffered cuts to the inside and outside of his lip requiring three stitches and one of his teeth had been knocked out.

Sentence was deferred until February 19 for reports.

Councillors have approved an ambitious “masterplan” which has been drawn up to change the fortunes of Galashiels and Tweedbank.

As part of the Borders Railway Blueprint programme, the plans – commissioned from independent consultants Stallan Brand Architects – present a variety of proposals to encourage people to live, learn, visit and work in the area, as well as attract inward investment through public and private sector funding.

The documents presented to councillors – which included more than 400 pages of ideas, drawings and artist’s representations –showed plans to regenerate the established urban centre of Galashiels and significantly expand residential areas of Tweedbank and repositioning the current industrial estate as a new “Borders Innovation Park”.

The Galashiels plan ties in with the current plans for the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre and in future phases, looks at opening up the Market Square and overhalking Overhaugh St.

The prospectus also highlights an opportunity to create a new arrival square at Tweedbank station with complementary commercial space, cafes and apartments alongside the development of the Borders Innovation Park, which already has £15m of capital funding committed to it from the City Deal.

Councillor Mark Rowley, the council’s executive member for business and economic development, said: “These masterplans are two of the most exciting projects the council has developed.

“These great prospectuses will be used to encourage more businesses, visitors, homeowners and workers to come to the area.

“Galashiels has proud historical links to the textiles industry which the masterplan recognises should play a role in the regeneration of the town, with the Great Tapestry of Scotland Visitor Centre set to be the catalyst for this transformation by creating significant economic, social and educational benefits.

“A different approach is being taken forward for Tweedbank with the aim of making it an attractive place to live and work through ambitious new residential and business plans closely connected to the railway. While the council cannot delivery all the proposals, the masterplans will aim to encourage the market to invest in both communities, and the Borders as a whole.”

Tom Miers, executive member for planning and environment, added: “The Galashiels and Tweedbank masterplans provide options for the future of both communities. They include ideas for creating jobs, encouraging inward investment and informing the next stage of the Local Development Plan.

“The next step is for the council to draw on these and other ideas to develop formal plans for Tweedbank in close consultation with the public.”

However, the plans were not universally welcomed.

Hawick and Hermitage Councillor David Paterson told us: “I don’t want to sound parochial in any way, shape or form, but I feel that the people of the Borders will be getting a pig in a poke with this.

“There is a lot of detail that has not been discusses fully, and until such time as we get more detail, then I can’t really be 100% for this, and I think other councillors will be of the same opinion.

“I want to see development in the Borders, but at the right price, and I have a lot of deep concerns about this as we could be putting ourselves in hock for many years to come.”

He added: “Talk about putting all your eggs into the one basket.”

Mr Rowley told Mr Paterson: “It is important we do look at the whole of the Borders, but the stronger we can make Galashiels and Tweedbank, the stronger we can make the case for phase two of the railway through Hawick.”

And Jedburgh Councillor Jim Brown said: “I’m pleased to see the plans for Galashiels and Tweedbank, but sadly, I was in an industrial estate in Jedburgh this week and it was under a metre of water.

“We need to have a really long look at theissue of flooding in Jedburgh, and I hope not all the council’s money will be tied up in these schemes and we can still look at what is happening in Jedburgh.”

Mr Rowley countered: “This document is a great template of what we should be looking at rolling out across the Borders.”

The owners of Tweedside Tackle in Kelso have made the “difficult decision” to close up shop after almost 35 years of trading.

Tim and Caroline Pilcher – who bought the shop in 2006 – began trading in the fishing tackle industry before diversifying into all other country pursuits.

The couple – and the shop – featured on the BBC TV documentary series The River, in which they moved shop to their present premises in Bridge Street. They have a wealth of experience, having fished extensively around the globe and have chalked up numerous international fishing world records between them.

However, as the number of catches in the Tweed diminished in recent years, trading has become more difficult, and the couple have decided to cease trading.

Tim told us: “It is very sad. If anything, the new location has been better than the old one, but with less fish in the water, there are less people who want to fish in it.

“Following extremely challenging trading and river conditions, as well as unfortunate personal circumstances, we have taken the difficult decision to cease trading.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal customers for their support and custom over the years. We will miss them – some of them have become dear friends.

“We will therefore, be selling off everything within the shop, including ex-hire equipment and shop fittings.

“Please do come in and find yourself a bargain.”

The shop will close on Saturday, February, 24.

A car parked in Selkirk had one of its windows smashed by vandals either yesterday, January 25, or early today.

The grey Ford Focus was targeted between 3.30pm yesterday and 7.30am today while parked to the rear of West Port.

Its rear window was smashed, and police are now appealing for any witnesses able to help them catch the culprit to come forward.

Constable Charlie Doyle said: “This was a needless act of destruction that will either leave the car owner out of pocket or result in a claim on their insurance.

“Anyone who saw any suspicious activity around the West Port car park on Thursday evening, or Friday morning, is asked to get in touch.”

Potential witnesses are asked to contact Selkirk police station via 101, quoting incident number 591 of January 26.

Shopkeepers in the Borders are being warned to be on the alert for fake Bank of Ireland £50 notes after several were given to traders in Galashiels this week.

All the incidents of counterfeit notes being tendered on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 23 and 24, are believed by police to be linked.

Officers investigating the incidents want to trace three women for questioning.

One is described as white, in her late twenties or early thirties and of large build, with blonde hair worn in a ponytail and an Irish accent. She was wearing a fur-lined jacket with a white top underneath, dark jeans and dark boots.

Another is said to be white, in her late teens to mid-twenties and of slim build, also with blonde hair in a ponytail and an Irish accent, She too was wearing a fur-lined jacket but with faded blue jeans ripped at the front and white trainers.

The third woman is described as being tanned, with mid-length dark hair, aged 30 to 40, of average build and around 5ft 2in tall.

Constable Claire White, of Galashiels police station, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who has information about these individuals or who can otherwise assist us with our investigation.

“We would also advise retail workers to remain vigilant when provided with a £50 note and have a colleague or manager also check the note for authenticity. If you’re unsure, do not accept a note.”

Anyone able to help police catch the culprits is asked to call them on 101, quoting incident number 2,434 of January 24.

A ball at Kelso’s Springwood Park last night, January 26, in aid of two charities set up by Borders rugby legend Doddie Weir last year attracted a turnout of almost 600.

Among the capacity attendance were other big names from Scottish rugby, fellow members of the Borders farming community, friends, family and assorted well-wishers.

Titled the Tartan Giraffe Ball, referring to Doddie’s fondness for often-gaudy tartan suits and late Hawick rugby commentator Bill McLaren’s description of him as being “like a mad giraffe”, it featured an auction of 175 lots, both online and on the night,

Proceeds will go to the charities the 47-year-old, of Blainslie, set up after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease just over a year ago, 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.”

Look out for a full report in next week’s Southern, out next Thursday.

University student Harry Fletcher has been announced as Melrosian elect for 2018.

The 21-year-old will take on the role as Melrose’s representative across the common riding circuit, and was introduced at the Ex-Melrosians’ Association’s annual Burns Supper at the Greenyards on Saturday evening.

Currently in his final term studying petroleum geology at the University of Aberdeen, the keen sportsman is looking forward to a busy summer ahead before he hopes return to studies next autumn for a masters course.

“I have always watched the festival and thought it a very good thing to be involved in, but never thought I’d be in the running at all,” he said.

“Its a very big honour to be asked and to represent the town. I never thought it would be me, but here I am.”

His parents Jonathan and Catherine and younger siblings Rosie and Jamie are equally excited, having been involved in the festival before when Rosie was a train bearer.

Harry said: “This is a big shock for all of us at the moment, but they are all excited.

“My sister was train bearer when I was in primary seven. That was the first time I was properly involved and I’ve have been to watch the rideouts and bike rides since.

Before his move to Aberdeen, Harry was involved in the town’s rugby, tennis, basketball and crickets clubs as well as taking part in Earlston High School’s musical productions and Gala Opera.
Completely new to horse riding though, he is looking forward to getting into the saddle for some intense lessons ahead of his first time in the saddle in June.

“It’s going to be interesting,” he admitted. “I’ve had one lesson in the Borders and have a lot booked in for up here. It’s going to be intense but I am looking forward to leading my first rideout and meeting all the other principals over the course of the summer.”

Harry will be supported by his left and right hand men Struan Hutchison and Russell Mackay, both of whom he has known since his school days at both Melrose Primary and Earlston High School.

Their first official duty will be the picking night in May and this year’s festival runs from June 17 to 23.

The Burns supper was chaired by Bryn Thom, with Michael Crawford addressing the haggis and Don Ledingham providing the immortal memory. The toast to Melrose town and trade was delivered by Nigel Brown and Scott Marjoribanks gave the reply. Last year’s Melrosian, Russell Mackay, gave the toast to the lasses, replied to by Lesley Marr. The vote of thanks was given by Struan Hutchison. Donald Swanson piped in the haggis, Emma Archibald recited Tam O’Shanter and Drew Scott entertained with songs.

Borders MP John Lamont has added his voice to calls for UK Government Prime Minister Theresa May to rethink her refusal to intervene to try to avert the closure of 62 Royal Bank of Scotland branches nationwide later this year.

Six of the nine RBS branches in the Borders face the axe, and the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP believes more should be done in a bid to save them.

The Scottish National Party’s leader in the House of Commons, Ian Blackford, urged Mrs May to act to halt the closures in Parliament in December, albeit to no avail, and Mr Lamont is now following suit.

Following up his criticism of the bank following the refusal of two of its executives to reconsider their plans during a Scottish affairs committee hearing at Westminster last month, he said: “While this is a commercial decision for RBS to defend, I do think the UK Government needs to be firmer with the bank.

“It is time the Prime Minister dragged the boss of RBS into No 10 to make it clear these closures are the wrong decision and need to be reconsidered.

“I am strongly opposed to these plans by RBS and was less than impressed with the excuses they gave to the Scottish affairs committee.

“This is going to hugely impact on vulnerable customers and local community organisations who rely on the face-to-face service you get at a local bank branch.”

Mr Lamont and fellow Conservative Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, have organised a series of meetings next week to rally opposition to the closure plans.

They will all be held on Friday, February 9 – at Duns Volunteer Hall at 12.30pm, Hawick Town Hall at 4pm and Melrose Corn Exchange at 6pm.

Mrs Hamilton said: “I don’t believe RBS have fully thought through the impact on traders and businesses who transact in cash and cheques.

“Forcing local businesses to bank online is all very well, but digital connectivity is patchy and cannot be relied upon.”

“Post office replacement services are welcome, but most have relocated to convenience stores, which doesn’t exactly provide a professional and discreet environment for business banking.”

RBS plans to shut its branches in Hawick, Selkirk, Jedburgh, Duns, Eyemouth and Melrose, plus another 56 across Scotland, later this year.

That would leave only three branches in the Borders – at Peebles, Galashiels and Kelso.

The national bard was remembered in style at the annual supper of Galashiels Burns Club in the town’s Volunteer Hall on Friday evening.

New club president Alastair Christie had already set the scene earlier in the day by placing a wreath over the Burns statue in Lawyer’s Brae to mark the poet’s birthday after the town clock had played Braw Braw Lads at 2pm.

And at the event itself, members turned out in force to listen to Ian Fallas proposing the immortal memory of Robert Burns, which was followed by Roy Mack giving the Toast to the Lassies and former president David Sanderson providing the bagpipe entertainment, and Stuart Anderson on the accordion.

In keeping with tradition, the great chieftain of the pudding race was piped into the hall by Billy Easson.

Grant Lees provided an excellent address to the haggis, while Robert McGurn performed Burns poems Holy Willie’s Prayer and Tam O’Shanter.

Witnesses are being sought by police following a suspicious fire in a farm building near Galashiels.

Emergency services were called to the scene, on the road between Threepwood and Stow, at around 6pm on Sunday, January 28.

Hay bales contained within a shed had been set alight, with the blaze spreading to the remaining contents of the shed.

Significant damage was caused to the building and its contents, which included farm machinery.

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

Detective Sergeant Stevie Halls from Galashiels CID said: “This has been a reckless act that has caused a considerable amount of damage to property and goods.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were able to contain and put out the flames, and thankfully no-one was injured as a result.

“I would ask anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area prior to the blaze to come forward to assist with our investigations.

“Equally, anyone who knows who is responsible or has information that can help with our inquiries is asked to get in touch.”

Those with information are asked to contact Galashiels Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 3029 of January 28.

Alternatively, a report can be submitted to the charity Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

Hawick and Denholm councillor Stuart Marshall has called for more money to be spent on repairing our region’s roads, after learning that more than £50,000 has been paid out in compensation claims over the last four years.

At the council meeting held at Newtown St Boswells last Thursday, Mr Marshall asked Councillor Gordon Edgar, the executive member responsible for roads and infrastructure, the number of recent claims with regard to damage caused to vehicles as a result of potholes.

He also asked how many were successful, how long it took for a claim to be processed and how many claims were made by pedestrians.

Mr Edgar said: “There have been 173 claims for vehicle damage in the Scottish Borders as a result of potholes/carriageway defects in the 12-month period since 22 January 2017 – a decrease on the previous 12 months when the comparable figure was 355 claims.

“At present 54 of these claims have been settled, but this figure may eventually change as not all claims received in the last 12 months have been closed.”

Mr Edgar couldn’t provide the information as to the average time of claims being processed, but said he would ask insurers. He added: “There were 17 claims received in the last 12 months, in regards to injury to pedestrians from trips related to carriageway/footway defects – a decrease on the previous 12 months when the figure was 24 claims.”

Mr Marshall told us: “I was raising the questions on behalf of many constituents who have suffered through alleged defects on our roads or on our footpaths and bridges.

“Some are motorists and some are pedestrians, and I needed to get a much better understanding of how much money is being shelled out on compensation.

“With over £50k having been paid out to claimants in the past four years, one has to ask themselves, would we not be better filling in these pot holes with the money that we are having to continually spend on compensation?

“I have in recent weeks seen some horrific pictures of constituents who have fallen as an alleged result of pot holes and defective footpaths.

“I have also had several motorists contact me regarding the huge repair bills that they have been faced with because of alleged defective roads.

“This is a very worrying trend. I also receive complaints regularly that people who suffer injury because of alleged defects on our roads and footpaths, but don’t actually pursue the matter further.”

Claims that Jedburgh is at a disadvantage when it comes to recycling its rubbish have been made by a town councillor.

Scott Hamilton is calling on Scottish Borders Council to provide a recycling facility in the town in a bid to boost recycling rates.

Residents currently have to travel to Hawick or Kelso to recycle waste, while Duns, Eyemouth, Galashiels, Peebles and Selkirk all have their own facilities.

Mr Hamilton said: “Jedburgh has suffered for a long time without adequate recycling facilities.

“During the council elections last year, there was a strong feeling of discontent with the nonexistent provision for the town.

“The budget cuts coming from the Scottish Government make it difficult to argue for further spending in the council, however I do think this makes sense. We all have a duty to protect the environment and making recycling as easy as possible is one part of this.

“I am having a look into what other councils do like the Highlands and Islands, as they face similar issues with a rural population.

“It may be the case that we can look at a different service for Jedburgh which could fill in the gap.”

Scottish Borders Council recycled 37% of its waste and sent 59% to landfill, both figures falling far from the Scottish averages of 45%, in 2016.

But Selkirk councillor Gordon Edgar, executive member for roads and infrastructure, said: “A recent review of the council’s community recycling provision has found it compares favourably with one facility per 8,000 households and 96% of households within a 20 minute drive of a facility.

“While it is understood that a new facility in Jedburgh would be well received, there is no business case to provide a new centre.”

John Lamont MP Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk has backed the calls, adding: “We all know the importance of recycling, but in order for residents to be encouraged to do so, we need to make it as easy as possible.

“Scottish Borders Council has struggled in the past to meet its recycling targets and so it needs to do more to make it easier for residents to recycle.

“While I appreciate budgets are tight, Jedburgh must not miss out on investment which has been provided elsewhere in the Borders.”

Major resurfacing works are scheduled for the A698 Cleikimin to Denholm road at Knowesouth next month.

A 30mph speeed limit will be in place from 9am on February, 12, until 4.30pm on February 27 near the Newton junction, with a complete closure from February, 19 to 23 and 26 to 27 between 9am and 4.30pm. Diversions are via the A698, Mart Street, A7, A699, A68 and A698. The restrictions are required by Scottish Borders Council so that they can carry out major resurfacing works at Knowesouth.

Kelso residents claim that bollards installed to stop them from parking outside their homes are not only causing them inconvenience but could also put their lives at risk.

Four households at the Linn, have blasted Scottish Borders Housing Association’s decision to block off the entrance to their homes at the far end of the cul-de-sac last week.

The fixed bollards prevent cars driving up the pathway there, but the eight residents affected say they also block access to emergency vehicles, as well as disabled visitors and delivery lorries.

In a joint letter to the association, eight residents say: “You have accomplished your goal of railroading access to our properties, but we wonder if you have stopped to think about the terrible problems and hazards you have caused and how there are no solutions to them.”

The grass verge and pathway in question at the former council estate used to lead up to the old railway but it was blocked off when the ring road was built.

Resident Gill Usher added: “At the time, all the residents from 68-71 the Linn offered to pay to have the grass verge tarred over or similar, thus enabling it to be used for parking by effectively doubling the width of the pathway.

“This kind offer was refused.”

However, the Selkirk-based association has defended the move, adding that the residents were aware of the lack of direct vehicle access when they bought their homes.

A spokesperson said: “We meet with our tenants on local estate inspections to listen to their views and work together to improve the area.

“Bollards were erected on our land to prevent owner-occupiers from using a footpath for vehicle access to prevent churning up the grass and presenting a risk to pedestrians.

“Owners were informed of the reasons for this in writing.”

Selkirkshire councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol has expressed her concerns over plans to pull out of Newtown St Boswells’ only medical practice from the end of next year.

A joint statement made last week by Eildon Medical Practice and NHS Borders revealed that the facility’s partners were looking into withdrawing from the building following “partnership changes” – a move which could force its patients to travel the five miles to Melrose in order to see a doctor.

The statement read: “Due to partnership changes, the partners of the Eildon Medical Practice have notified NHS Borders of their intention to withdraw from owning the premises in Newtown St Boswells from the end of 2019.

“In light of these changes partners will be working with NHS Borders to consider the options for the future provision of primary care services to the patients registered with the Eildon Practice, in consultation with patients and the wider community.

“As a result NHS Borders Board members have agreed to pause the planned redevelopment of the Melrose Health Centre building whilst this process takes place.”

Mrs Thornton-Nicol, who is registered with the practice, said she would be campaigning to keep it open.

She told us: “I am very alarmed at the news release from NHS Borders last Friday.

“This announcement has, rightly, caused concern among the many patients of the practice, especially since some reports are saying that the practice is actually closing.

“NHS Borders have a duty of care for the residents and patients of Newtown and St Boswells. In my view, that means that NHS Borders must provide adequate medical facilities within the community and not five miles away in Melrose ... particularly since there is inadequate public transport, and elderly or infirm patients may find that to be an impossible journey.

“I could understand if the existing practice partners are vacating the premises and a new doctors’ organisation takes over. Whilst such a change would be disturbing, it would not be as bad as the practice closing.

“I have arranged to speak to the practice this week and have requested an urgent meeting with Dr Cliff Sharp, medical director, NHS Borders, to discuss the reasons behind the decision and his thoughts on the way forward to retain a practice in Newtown.

“We are fortunate to have Eildon Pharmacy supporting the practice, and on Monday, John McDougall, pharmacist, reassured me that he and his team would continue to provide services no matter the outcome, and he’s even prepared to expand and redistribute them to suit the needs of patients.”

Mrs Thornton-Nicol added: “As a patient of Eildon Medical Practice myself, I will be pushing hard to get the best outcome for us all.

“I think it is vital that we retain a doctor’s service in our community. I hope that NHS Borders agree ... if not I will do everything I can to make them see sense.”

Southdean residents have taken their fight for improved broadband all the way to Westminster.

Members of its community council have written to the UK Government’s Scottish affairs committee, currently conducting an inquiry into digital connectivity in Scotland, to call for action.

It comes after claims that their already poor service has deteriorated drastically over the past six months, leaving some residents needing to travel into town to pick up wifi.

Chesters resident and Southdean community councillor Caroline Smith, said: “In discussion with my neighbours, there is a real feeling of anger, and some houses are affected worse than others.

“Poor broadband has been on the community council agenda for many months, but things have seriously deteriorated recently.

“I fear that we are at the very end of the chain for improved broadband provision, and, in fact, we are experiencing a far worse service than we had even six months ago.”

Mrs Smith says the problem has left residents unable to use the internet for banking, shopping and taxing vehicles, and even their wireless printers have become “intermittently useless”.

She has raised the issue with Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont.

“We visit people, or drive into town to access cafes with free wi-fi, just to do what other people take for granted, and yet we pay the same as everyone with a good service,” she added. “We get no warning that the signal will be interrupted.

“Recreational internet use is often more trouble than it’s worth.

“There is obviously a problem specific to our area at the moment which is being neither acknowledged nor dealt with. We do not know what else to do.”

Mr Lamont, co-chairman of a Parliamentary group put together to look at broadband and digital communications across the country, said: “I’ve had numerous letters about poor broadband in Southdean over the past few months, and the situation is not improving.

“BT are looking at expanding superfast broadband into parts of the area this year but have failed to provide any specific details or a firm timetable.

“Businesses and residents in Southdean are paying the same as everyone else for a very poor service.

“Borderers deserve better, and improving broadband in rural areas remains one of my priorities as an MP.

“I’ve written to BT to demand an update on the situation.”

Selkirk needs 500 new houses to attract incoming industry and workers.

Newtown St Boswells’ village regeneration was going to provide houses too, but since Swan’s sold the mart, these are on hold.

Plans revealed last week would see the doctors’ surgery closed in Newtown and patients going to Melrose to visit their GPs.

It’s another case of centralisation being rolled out to make it more difficult to live in a rural area like ours.

Knowepark School is the largest primary in Selkirk, yet after 20 years of talk, a replacement is no closer for this building, which opened in 1881.

Scottish Borders Council is replacing schools built in the 1960s, but Selkirk is still waiting.

A line for a motorway from Carlisle to Edinburgh was published in 1934, including a bypass for Selkirk on the A7, and land was protected at that time for the line of the bypass.

All political parties have promised that Selkirk folk would get that bypass, but again we are no closer than we were in the middle of last century.

In fact, we are worse off than we were, with a badly thought-out streetscape which takes the service buses out of our historic Market Place but leaves no site to park a tour coach.

We can wish for more visitors, but where do they park and where do they eat?

Selkirkshire needs investment in infrastructure, in jobs, in schools where our young people can be educated and in getting back to local control over local services with less centralisation.

I am delighted to be standing as your Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate in the upcoming Selkirkshire by-election.

I have been campaigning since December, which has given me the opportunity to visit every part of the ward.

Through knocking on doors and holding my regular street stalls, I have spoken to thousands of residents in Selkirkshire, and you have told me the local issues that are important to you.

Parking in Selkirk, road maintenance and potholes, the RBS branch closure in Selkirk and broadband connectivity have been the biggest issues raised so far.

Working alongside MP John Lamont and MSPs Rachael Hamilton and Michelle Ballantyne has allowed me to take forward some of your concerns already.

If elected, I promise to take forward all the issues that have been brought to my attention.

This by-election will be a close contest between myself and Nicola Sturgeon’s Scottish National Party candidate.

Despite a clear majority of people telling the SNP they want the threat of another independence referendum taken off the table, Nicola Sturgeon has refused to listen.

In her first interview of the year, she has already refused to rule out the prospect of holding another referendum in 2018.

The SNP will take any win as support for another referendum on Scottish independence.

Let us send a clear message to Nicola Sturgeon that people in Selkirkshire reject her divisive plans.

A vote for any other candidate will let the SNP win in Selkirkshire.

On February 22, please give me your first preference vote.

The Liberal Democrats have a long record of standing up for the Borders, from David Steel and Michael Moore serving as MPs, to many dedicated local councillors.

I want to carry on their work in standing for up for our communities.

That’s why I want to be the new councillor for the Selkirkshire ward – to make sure local people are heard and Selkirkshire communities get their fair share.

I am Borders through and through.

Much of my family is from the ward, with my grandparents from Selkirk and my mother growing up in St Boswells and other close family members living in the surrounding villages.

I understand the issues we face in Selkirkshire, from parking issues in Selkirk town centre, the impact of our RBS branch’s closure on business and communities, and the challenges many have travelling around our communities due to road conditions and poor public transport.

With the Scottish National Party being obsessed with centralisation and independence and the Conservative UK Government in London pulling us out of Europe, at any cost, our area needs a strong local champion.

I will be a pro-UK, pro-Europe councillor who will always put the needs of local people first.

I will fight for more investment in our communities – investment in tourism, which is vital to our economy, and investment in our roads and transport, as well as improvements to broadband across the Borders.

Please give me your first preference vote on Thursday February 22 and help me get the best deal for local people.