A Borders school is the first in the country to test out a reverse vending machine for the return of used plastic drinks bottles.

Stow Primary School, recently awarded a £1,000 grant to educate its community on the importance of recycling and change attitudes towards single-use plastic, was the first school in Scotland to test out the machine last week.

The machine, created by East Kilbride-based Excel Vending, has a 360-degree recognition system, so it can pick up the barcode, material, size and dimensions of bottles before crushing, compacting and dropping them into a bag at the bottom capable of collecting 400 bottles.

Last Wednesday’s visit follows months of hard work by the 78-pupil school on projects aimed at encouraging villagers to make small changes to how they deal with their recyclables as part of the Hunter Foundation’s 100 Disrupters scheme.

Primary 4/5 successfully secured funding from the parent council to buy litter pickers and re-usable water bottles and to swap the canteen’s plastic spoons for metal ones.

Primary 6/7 meanwhile is lobbying NHS Borders to provide recyclable bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ones, primary 2/3 spoke to Stow councillors Sandy Aitchison encouraging him to share their progress with other schools in the region and primary one has been learning about the dangers of plastic straws and bags.

Headteacher Debbie Matthewson said: “One of the classes applied for a grant from the Hunter Foundation on the basis that if we were succesful, we would hold an event in Stow that would education and disrupt the locals with what they do with their recyclables.

“By sharing the small steps we have recently introduced at school, we believe we can get people on board to actively reduce their use of plastic.

“Our whole school has been looking at sustainability, and collectively we have been working to make small changes that will make a big difference to all.”

The Scottish Government announced in September last year that it would bring in a deposit return scheme for drinks containers and has launched a consultation on the issue.

“This was just a demo, but if the country agrees, these machines will be in supermakets across the country,” Debbie added. “It was quite an exciting day for the kids as when the machine was opened and the bottles gone, they thought it was like magic.”

The school’s forthcoming event, aimed at showcasing what pupils have learnt, will take place in Stow Town Hall on Thursday, September 13, from 6pm to 7.30pm and Friday, September 14, from 10am to noon.

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Pipers and drummers from Selkirk Pipe Band travelled to Floors Castle in Kelso at the weekend to represent the town at the stately home’s annual massed bands event.

Under the command of pipe major Kevin Turnbull, leading drummer Alan Baird and drum major Jimmy Gibb, the band performed to the hundreds of spectators who turned out to enjoy the spectacle on Sunday despite dreary weather.

They joined ranks with fellow musicians from Hawick Scouts, Melrose, Jedburgh, Edinburgh and Penicuik to form a massed band of more than 200 members and perform with commentary from the voice of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Kelso’s Alasdair Hutton.

And among them, for the first time, were three young drummers Hamish Scott, 11, Cameron Taylor, eight, and Cameron Smith. 10.

They made their drumming debut with the band back in June at the common riding’s Thursday night festivities, but this was their first time fully kitted out and on parade at Floors.

The youngest of the trio, Cameron, had his kilt made especially so that it can be lengthened as he grows.

Selkirk’s drum major, Jimmy Gibb, who has been teaching the three youngsters, said: “The boys did not all join at the same time, but collectively they have been learning from one to two years, the problem being that up until now they couldn’t carry the snare drums because of the weight.

“I have three groups at different stages on a Thursday night, with this group being the most advanced so far.

“I am really impressed with the effort these three guys are making, and with some more hard work over the winter months, I think they’ll have an interesting time next summer.”

Selkirk Pipe Band play at a number of community events throughout the year, with their busiest time of the year by far being the town’s annual common riding in June.

Its pipers and drummers also guest with Melrose Pipe Band and Stow Pipe Band from time to time.

The band is holding an open evening next week in a bid to attract new members and learners.

Any budding young pipers, side drummers or tenor drummers, aged eight or over and interested in finding out more or having a go are invited to head along to the band hall at the Argus 0Centre next Thursday, September 6, between 6pm and 7pm for an open information evening.

A Borders woman who had sex with a 14-year-old boy in the US while working as a prostitute has been designated a sex offender and deported from the country this week.

Orange County court ordered the immediate return of 28-year-old Sarah McGill’s passport after she was found guilty of lewd or lascivious battery, known as statutory rape in the UK.

Sarah McGill from Galashiels was arrested at a hotel in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, April 7 after arranging to meet the teenager for sex via the website quora.com.

The former Edinburgh-based hypnotherapist originally pleaded not guilty at Orange County Court in Orlando to the charge, which carries a jail sentence of up to 15 years.

She was released from Orange County Jail after surrendering her passport and paying a $1,000 bond, and was waiting to be tried by jurors

However on Tuesday, August 29 McGill changed her plea to guilty in front of judge Marc Lubet at a pre-trial conference.

It was ordered she receive five years sex offender probation and be deported immediately.

Julio Semino, court support manager for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, said: “Ms McGill received five years sex offender probation.

“She was adjudicated guilty as a sex offender.

“Her passport was ordered to be returned to her and she was directed to immediately leave the country.

“Her probation is to terminate upon her leaving the US.”

Prosecutors said McGill, originally from Selkirk but latterly of Church Square in Galashiels, was paid $480, around £365, by the boy for the liaison.

McGill, who was posing under the alias Sophia Belle, was said to have been approached by the 14-year-old who made contact with her while searching online for prostitutes on Quora.com – a website known to carry escort ads.

McGill and the boy started texting each other before they arranged to meet in a Marriott hotel room in Orlando.

He later told police his life was boring and that he was looking for a way to “spice things up”.

Hundreds of Borderers have taken to social media to share their disbelief over a vicious assault on a lone middle-aged man by a group of youths in Kelso at the weekend.

The victim of the attack is believed to be Kelso Rugby Club sports therapist Doug Whitson, 47.

The assault, carried out outside the Poynder Park club rooms at around 8.15pm on Saturday, has triggered widespread revulsion and condemnation since footage of it was posted online.

Comedian and anti-bullying campaigner Robin Armstrong shared a short clip of the assault on his Facebook page on Monday with the caption: “This will haunt that man forever. A group of teens attack a 47-year-old man in Kelso in the Borders of Scotland for asking them to move away from his car.

“They knock him unconscious, screaming like a bunch animals, surrounding him.

“Sickeningly, you hear a girl say he’s ‘down dead’ before laughing.

“They continue to kick him as he lies helpless half under a car. He’s now in hospital getting brain scans.

“Get them off the streets and on the front of every newspaper.”

Mr Whitson was released from hospital after the attack, but the video has since been shared on Facebook by more than 11,000 people and viewed in excess of 624,000 times, sparking hundreds of comments and shares from shocked Borderers.

Among them are town councillors Simon Mountford and Tom Weatherston.

Mr Weatherston said: “I was shocked when I heard of last week’s incident and hope sincerely the culprits are caught and face justice.

“This is not the type of thing we are used to having in Kelso, and it must stop.

“There is also the issue of where are these youths getting alcohol. Speaking to residents in a housing estate who had problems with the same group earlier in the evening, these issues were alcohol-related.

“I would urge anyone who has information to contact the police.”

Mr Mountford added: “We can’t say too much at the moment as police investigations are ongoing. However, I can say that violent behaviour of this kind is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Anyone with any information about the weekend incident should speak to the police as soon as possible.”

Robin, 27, of Newcastle, told us: “I share these videos to help the victims of these attacks. I have made my following over the last four years originally for my comedy posts, but after seeing an attack on a local man I used my following to quickly find the attacker.

“Since then, I’ve posted hundreds of attacks to make them viral which ends in them being dealt with.

“It protects the victim as everyone who sees the video local to them stands up and gets behind them.

“The response to this video has been the same as always – ‘get these scumbags off our streets’.”

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A police spokesman said: “The incident happened around 8.15pm on Saturday, August 25.

“A 47-year-old man was attacked by a group of youths outside the ground and was taken to the Borders General Hospital before later being released.

“Inquiries to identify those responsible are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately, quoting incident number 4,585 of August 25.”

The video can be seen online by searching for @robinarmstongcomedy on Facebook.

Imagine the entire population of a Scottish town like Fort William or Stranraer being wiped out in just ten years.

Consider the toll that would take on the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and grandparents left behind.

It may sound like the plot of a disaster movie but, in reality, it has already happened here in Scotland.

And many of us will not have even batted an eyelid ... for those 10,000 people who died in the last ten years did not succumb to cancer or meet their untimely end on our country road network.

Their deaths were drug-related. Self-inflicted, then, you may think.

But with 61,500 people now experiencing a drug problem in our country – many of whom have other underlying health issues – it’s an issue we can no longer afford to ignore.

The National Records of Scotland recently revealed there were 934 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2017.

David Liddell, the chief executive officer of the Scottish Drugs Forum, said: “Just over 10,000 people have now died since these figures were first issued in 1996.

“Last year was a record high – and so was the year before, and the year before that. In the last 10 years the annual figures have more than doubled.

“In 2017, almost 1000 people died resulting in possibly around 10,000 people losing someone close to them ... in just one year.

“That is an immeasurable loss which lasts a lifetime for those left behind.

“Scots are five times more likely to die from drugs than in a road traffic accident.

“Yet these deaths are entirely preventable.

“We know how to prevent them and yet we don’t do all that we could to do so.

“For the cost of providing a dual carriageway on a few hundred metres of the A9, we could substantially prevent these deaths among some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland and prevent families suffering this loss.

“That means making sure there is accessible, high quality healthcare and support – like the rest of us are afforded when we are ill.”

The Scottish Government is expected to announce a new drugs strategy before the end of the year.

It is hoped this will help reduce drug deaths here, which are the highest rate of anywhere else in the EU.

Joe FitzPatrick, Public Health Minister, said: “Each of these untimely deaths is a tragedy and I offer my deepest condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones over the last year.

“We will continue to do all we can to prevent others from experiencing similar heartbreak.

“We are developing a refreshed substance use strategy in direct response to the changing drugs landscape, the continued rise in drug-related deaths and the recognition that current services do not meet the needs of all the people who need support.

“The new strategy will take a person-centred approach so that treatment and support services address people’s wider health and social needs, such as mental health, employability and homelessness.”

The Scottish Drugs Forum is advocating for far quicker, more flexible access to joined-up services and retaining, rather than dismissing, patients.

It’s a method which has already shown dramatic results in Norway.

David explained: “The evidence is very strong that if people are in treatment and on opioid replacement therapy it protects them against fatal overdose death.

“We need to look at how people access services and how to gain swifter access.

“At the moment, the government target for access to services is three weeks but it can take much longer.

“For an individual presenting in crisis, having to wait up to three months is a lifetime for them.

“If we can ensure access is swifter, the focus then moves to trying to do more to retain people, particularly the most vulnerable group who are going in and out of services on a regular basis.

“NHS services can be quite rigid in terms of appointment times and treatment programmes.

“Norway is starting to reduce fatal overdose deaths by improving access to services and not declining people who do not comply with treatment regimes.”

David also believes the wider Scottish community has a role to play.

He explained: “As a society, we seem immune to these figures which come out every year. Why are we not paying more attention?

“The people we are talking about are mostly from poor, underprivileged backgrounds and I think that’s one of the factors.

“It’s a sad indictment of our society today that more compassion is not shown.

“Many people have had drug problems for a long time and there are often underlying reasons for that, such as childhood trauma or mental health issues.

“But it’s perceived that drug problems are self-inflicted and, therefore, these people are somehow not deserving of help and support, which makes matters considerably worse. For these attitudes only serve to reinforce the view that no-one cares about them and adds to the stigma people already feel.

“It’s a really sad message to send out and can result in people giving up hope.

“But there is hope. Many people do emerge from their drug problems. We just need to keep them alive until they have time to recover.”

As for the future, David also remains hopeful.

He added: “Imagine that we had a strategy to prevent drug deaths as we currently do for deaths by suicide.

“Imagine that we could save more than 10,000 Scots from suffering a bereavement next year.

“We imagine that Scotland is possible.”

The death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in August 1997 prompted RoadPeace to designate August as National Road Victim Month.

She was killed on August 31, the very same day the world’s first motor vehicle victim, Mary Ward, was killed in Ireland in 1869.

Britain’s first road death also occurred in August; Bridget Driscoll was killed in Crystal Palace on August 17, 1896, with the coroner pronouncing “this must never happen again”.

Sadly, it has continued to happen – more than 500,000 people have been killed on the roads in Great Britain since Bridget’s death.

In 2017, there were 9391 road casualties in Scotland, 1514 (14 per cent) fewer than 2016 and the lowest number of casualties since records began in 1950.

But one stark fact remains – 33 people are still killed or seriously injured on Scottish roads every week.

When the worst happens, there are two organisations in Scotland on hand to help – RoadPeace Scotland and Brake. Both offer a helpline for victims and their families, advice and information on the justice system and campaign for changes in the law.

And together their vision is a united one: a time when there are zero casualties on our roads.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, said: “Every road crash is preventable, tragic and causes devastation to the families of those affected.

“We owe it to them to ensure we learn from the lessons of the past and eliminate the tragedy of road death.

“The 2017 figures show encouraging progress in the safety of Scottish roads and this trend should hearten all road safety campaigners.

“Any reduction in casualties is to be welcomed.

“However, tragically 33 people are still killed or seriously injured on Scottish roads every week, so our work is far from done.

“Brake’s vision is a world of zero road deaths and serious injuries and this can only be delivered through strong and bold leadership.

“We urge the government to build on its momentum and implement policies which will trigger the next step-change in road safety.

“We need safer speeds in towns and rural areas, we need Graduated Driver Licensing to protect novice drivers and we need far greater investment in cycling and walking infrastructure.”

It would be fair to say Brake is the first point of contact for road victims and their families, as Police Scotland’s liaison officers provide the group’s details as a matter of course.

However, RoadPeace Scotland is hoping a similar arrangement can be reached with Police Scotland in the near future.

The UK charity was founded in 1992 by a mother whose son was killed by a red light offender.

But the Scottish arm of the charity was only founded in September last year.

Leading the charge here is Joan Strachan, who had her own personal reasons for championing the charity.

She explained: “My sister Moira Ward died in a road crash in Northumbria in June 2008.

“She was a children’s nanny and was only 43 when she died so the whole family was traumatised.

“At the time, we didn’t seek answers to the causes of the crash but, with the help and support of RoadPeace, we finally discovered that she had a heart attack.

“A lot had been said about Moira and her driving skills prior to that but after six long years we finally got the answers we were looking for.

“That is really what inspired me to help other people who may find themselves in a similar situation.

“The Scottish support group is still very much in its infancy but we meet every two months at the Watermans office at 9 The Shore in Leith.

“We’re also meeting with Police Scotland in the near future in a bid to ensure our information leaflet and helpline details are given out to victims and their families.

“But we are already working to help victims and families across Scotland.”

Joan is now organising the second RoadPeace Scotland Remembrance Service at St Andrews and St George’s West Church in George Street, Edinburgh, on November 18 at 2pm.

Families of fatal road crash victims and people who have been seriously injured on Scotland’s roads are invited to attend.

To find out more about RoadPeace and its work in Scotland, call the RoadPeace helpline on 0845 4500 355, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm or visit http://www.roadpeace.org.

Brake’s accredited, expert helpline – operating Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm on 0808 8000 401 – supported 633 families last year alone. The team can also be contacted via email at helpline@brake.org.uk.

To find out more about Brake’s work, visit http://www.brake.org.uk.

Brian Lindsay will turn 65 on Saturday, September 8, but his family will be walking instead of partying.

They will be taking on the 6.5K Borders Memory Walk as a tribute to Brian, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia four years ago – when he was aged just 61.

His daughters Ann (38) and Emma (36) will be joined by their children, Charlie (12), Jamie (17) and Cerys (7).

Ann said: “I didn’t really notice the date when I first signed up for the walk.

“It later dawned on me that it was dad’s birthday.

“My sister and her daughters said they wanted to do it along with me and Charlie so we’ll be walking as a family.

“It’s our first ever Memory Walk and will be a special one because of the date.

“We can’t party with dad like the old days but we can take part in the walk to help raise awareness and money to help support other families living with dementia.”

Ann and Emma’s other three sisters, Jennifer, Sara-Jane and Mariette, and their brother Mark will be taking part in other memory walks across the UK.

It’s been a difficult road for the Lindsay siblings and their 11 children in the last four years as Brian’s health has deteriorated.

Ann explained: “Dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s when he was just 61.

“We had noticed something wasn’t quite right but he passed the test when he visited the GP and it was difficult to get a diagnosis.

“Dad’s health quickly deteriorated, though, and he had to be taken into hospital.

“Sadly, that was two days before Christmas 2015.

“I spent the whole of Christmas Day crying. 
I knew he was in the right place for specialist care but it was still so hard.

“There haven’t been many Christmas Days I’ve not seen my dad but that year was by far the toughest.

“Later on, dad transferred into the Lennel House Care Centre in Coldstream where he began a new life.

“Today, he is so much more happy and settled there. Before, he was really anxious but now he is just really settled and that’s a big comfort to us all.

“Like most, he has good and bad days but nothing is more fantastic than that twinkle in his eye when there’s a glimmer of hope that he’s recognised you.

“I reckon the whole family would agree that those days are the good ones.”

Ann is no stranger to charity events – last Saturday, she did the Tough Mudder in Edinburgh with several friends to raise funds for CHAS.

“I loved it,” she said. “I actually wanted to go again when we got to the end of it!

“We also raised around £700 for CHAS, which we were all delighted with.”

The Lindsay clan taking part in the Borders Memory Walk have also all taken part in Race for Life previously.

But the memory walk next Saturday will be their first for Alzheimer Scotland.

Ann, who lives in Duns and is an additional needs assistant at Berwickshire High School, hopes it will help raise both awareness of the condition and funds to help Alzheimer Scotland continue its good work.

She said: “This will be our first year taking part in a Memory Walk and we are all really looking forward to it.

“Because we’ve all done the Race for Life before, even seven-year-old Cerys has done the 5K, we’ve not done much training.

“But we’re pretty confident we’ll be able to reach the finish line.

“What we’re looking forward to most though is meeting other people who are going through the same experiences.

“We’ll be walking and thinking of dad and all those going through the pain of loving someone with the illness.”

The Lindsays are also hoping to raise as much as they possibly can for Alzheimer Scotland.

Ann added: “We’ve not set a target amount for the walk but we’re hoping that people who would, in the past, have bought dad presents for his birthday will consider sponsoring us instead.

“Dad was a bricklayer and then worked as a supervisor at the local Scottish Water sewer works.

“We’re hoping his friends and former colleagues will help celebrate his birthday by supporting the walk, either by sponsoring us or taking it on themselves.”

There is still time to make your mark for dementia by taking part in the Borders Memory Walk at Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre on Saturday, September 8.

Or you can support the Lindsays instead by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brian-lindsay65.

There’s still time to take part

Whether you stride, stroll or toddle, the Alzheimer Scotland Memory Walks are perfect for all ages and abilities.

The Borders event takes place at Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre in Jedburgh, on Saturday, September 8.

Registration for the 1.5K and 6.5K walks opens at noon, with walks kicking off at 1pm.

Online registration is available until Monday, September 3, priced £10 for adults, £5 for those aged 12 to 16 and free for under 12s. You can also register on the day for £15 for adults and £5 for 12 to 16 years.

The 1.5K route is wheelchair and buggy-friendly, while the 6.5km walk takes you further into the park and woodlands.

There are around 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland and it is now estimated that 20,000 people will be diagnosed with the condition every year by 2020. Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s chief executive, said: “Our Memory Walks are a great way for people in Scotland to come together to help us raise awareness about dementia and vital funds to support people living with the condition in our local communities.

“Every penny raised will go towards our goal – making sure that no-one faces dementia alone.

“Our local resource hubs are committed to providing the best possible care, support and information for everyone living with dementia.

“They also work to ensure people with dementia and their carers are valued in their local communities.

“Every step people in the Borders take at Harestanes will help us make a difference.”

So grab your boots and help Alzheimer Scotland make sure no-one faces dementia alone.

For more information and to sign up today visit memorywalksscotland.org.

Hawick High School is now a safe place for pupils and staff, according to Scottish Borders Council leader Shona Haslam.

That assurance was given after a question about the safety of the Buccleuch Road school led to a heated exchange at last Thursday’s full meeting of the council.

Hawick and Hermitage councillor Watson McAteer asked for reassurance from education chiefs that the high school is safe and secure for returning pupils, following a rise in unruly behaviour.

Last year, anti-social and threatening behaviour by some pupils worsened to the extent that the council was forced to call in the police to patrol the corridors of the school.

Education bosses also sent some unruly pupils to do work experience in primary schools and drafted in four new youth workers and a deputy headteacher to stem the tide of anti-social behaviour.

Mr McAteer called on Mrs Haslam to give reassure pupils and parents, saying: “In the months prior to this year’s summer holidays, Hawick High School suffered disruption from a small group of persistently unruly children.

“Their actions impacted on pupils and teachers and resulted in wide-scale public concern.

“Can the executive assure colleagues, parents and, most importantly, the children who have returned for the new school term that these problems are now resolved and that they will be able to study in a safe, secure and fully-staffed learning environment?”

Tweeddale East councillor Haslam responded angrily, accusing councillor Mr McAteer of exploiting the situation for political gain, saying: “None of us should be under any misapprehension about the nature and intent of this question.

“It is an unashamed attempt by the member to stoke fear in the school and the community for his own narrow political purposes.

“This is utterly reprehensible, and it is not a situation which we in the chamber should countenance again.

“If the member is truly concerned for the interests of the residents he represents, then let him approach me with issues directly and I and the service directors will work with him and others to develop a collective approach to issues which arise.

“If, on the other hand, the member persists in fear-mongering for petty political gain, then he shames not only himself but this chamber and does a gross disservice to the ward he is supposed to represent.

“Working with partners, Hawick High School has put in place a range of support to respond to the needs of a small group of students, as well as implementing an authoritative school ethos inclusive of all.

“This school has a range of new staff, both teaching and non-teaching, and both home economics and fashion and textiles have been reinstated.”

In response, Mr McAteer said he was echoing the concerns of the residents of Hawick and, as an independent, he had a duty to challenge the administration, telling her: “I am representing a community and that community has asked me to ask this chamber when will it be safe for pupils at Hawick High School?

“I only echo what these people have asked me to do and, as an independent councillor, I will continue to do that, so my question is quite simple – can you assure those people in Hawick that the school will be safe and secure for pupils and teachers?”

Mrs Haslam replied: “Councillor McAteer, you should know better and, quite frankly, you do know better.

“This school is a safe school, and that is the message that local members should be putting out to their wards.

“These are children, our most vulnerable children, who have gone through things that we could never even imagine.

“They are victims of their circumstances. They don’t just become troubled.

“We need to put in scaffolding around them. We need to work with the schools, their families, their communities, to build that scaffolding so that they can climb out of wherever they are.

“Stop stressing the negatives and pretending you’re actually addressing the issue. Be a leader and stand up and start telling people what a fantastic place Hawick is and how fantastic its young people are.”

A bar boss has been granted an alcohol licence after promising to put the past behind him following a “stupid” conviction for a breach of the peace.

David Corrie, owner of Square One in Drumlanrig Square, Hawick, applied to Scottish Borders Council for a personal licence and was called before the authority’s licensing board to explain a blemish on his police record.

In March 2017, he was fined at Jedburgh Sheriff Court for a breach of the peace.

Mr Corrie told the board: “What I did was wrong. I’ve said that before. It was just an issue that I’d been having with certain things happening outside of my premises that got a reaction out of me. I’m really sorry for the way I went on.”

A police representative added: “All we’re doing is clarifying a conviction the applicant received in 2017. He declared it in his application form, and after speaking to local officers, they confirmed that they have no concerns about this application.”

Councillors voted unanimously to grant the licence at their latest meeting, and Hawick and Hermitage councillor George Turnbull told Mr Corrie: “Let’s just hope there’s no more blots on the copybook, as they would say, and congratulations.”

A revised bid for an £8m wind farm development originally rejected because of fears it could interfere with Royal Air Force radar systems is now set for approval.

Scottish Borders Council threw out a bid by ABO Wind to site eight turbines at Barrel Law, north west of Roberton, in 2013, and an appeal was dismissed the year after.

That rejection followed concerns voiced by the Ministry of Defence over possible interference with radar at RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria and seismic monitoring at Eskdalemuir, near Langholm.

However, a revised plan for seven turbines on the site up to 132m tall has satisfied the MoD, and other concerns over the size and scale of the development have also been addressed.

Members of the council’s planning and building standards committee will be recommended to approve the scheme when they meet tomorrow, September 3, although a series of conditions will need to be met by the developer first.

A council report says 75 comments have been made about the project, all but one of them in opposition.

The firm says about 30 staff would be employed during the construction phase of the £8m wind farm, adding that there would be an ongoing community benefit fund set up to support projects in the area.

An MoD spokesperson said: “Following further discussions and consideration, we withdraw objections on the threat to radar and low flying impacts, provided the turbines are fitted with omni-directional or infrared lighting at the highest practicable point.”

As part of the revised bid the turbines would now be further away from public view, Monday’s meeting will be told.

In his report, council planner Craig Miller says: “In comparison with the refused initial Barrel Law scheme, it is concluded that there are no reasons why lack of landscape containment would be a reason to oppose the current scheme.

“The revisions, whilst lifting blade tip heights, have conversely lowered base heights, removed one turbine, moved the siting north and reduced the spread of turbines from most viewpoints.”

Philip Kerr,chairman of Southdean Community Council, expressed his disappointment at the recommendation, saying it “renders community empowerment a concept in name only”.

He added: “It will be readily visible from Carter Bar and add to the cumulative impact from that location when added to Langhope Rig. That has been the basis of our concern in comments we have lodged regarding the application.

“The decision to recommend approval from the planning officer is clearly disappointing and increasingly confirms the perception expressed locally that our landscape is being accorded diminished value, as well as providing further fuel to those that feel that local concerns are being overridden.

“These perceptions have been magnified by the recent decisions taken at national level on a number of schemes, which seemingly render community empowerment a concept in name only.”

Clark Crosbie, head of development for ABO Wind UK, said: “We have worked hard to bring forward what we believe are well-considered plans for the Barrel Law wind farm, and we look forward to those plans being formally considered by the council.

“The site is located well outside the area being discussed for a proposed Borders national park.

“In addition, the site has good wind resource, a readily available electricity grid connection, a proven turbine delivery route and is relatively isolated.”

The planned wind farm, 2km south of the existing one at Langhope Rig, would have a total generation capacity of up to 24.5mw.

Fair Start Scotland is aiming to help thousands of unemployed people find their way into work.

Among those on the programme is Joe Boland (62), who has been unemployed for 24 years and has experienced several barriers on his journey to find work.

Due to past alcohol misuse, coupled with a previous conviction and mobility issues, he has found it difficult to get back in to employment.

Joe has been on Fair Start Scotland for six weeks. Through his vocational profiling talks with his adviser he identified his Job Goals and opportunities for finding work.

He has a previous experience in construction and contacts in the industry, so he felt he could secure work in this sector with some support.

In agreement with his adviser, Joe felt that getting a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and gaining skills in Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) would be the best start to his journey to find work.

With this combined training behind him, he could seek work which would involve inspection for minor defects or omissions in building works coupled with testing electrical equipment.

Joe has now passed his CSCS training and got his Site Operative card, completed Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) training and updated his employability skills.

Joe’s Fair Start Scotland advisor helped him in setting up his ‘Find A Job’ account and supported him with job searching. Going forward, Joe will continue his journey to find a job that suits his circumstances.

Joe said: “So far I have found Fair Start Scotland helpful and my adviser has been encouraging and supportive. I’ve done training I didn’t know about like basic IT skills, and updated my skills in construction and health and safety.”

Fair Start Scotland

Fair Start Scotland is Scotland’s new devolved employment support service. It is focused on supporting unemployed people who have challenges in accessing the labour market for whom work is a realistic prospect.

Launched in April this year, the service will run until 2023 and aims to provide tailored, flexible and person-centred support to at least 38,000 people across Scotland who want help to find work, and stay in work.

Fair Start Scotland is distinctive in that participation is voluntary. This means that people have everything to gain and nothing to lose – choosing to participate won’t affect existing benefits or be driven by fear of benefit sanctions.

The service is based on partnership and joint working between the Scottish Government, and the public, third and private sectors to deliver better outcomes for people seeking employment support.

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, said: “We are dedicated to delivering a high quality employment support service that will lead to real and sustained job outcomes and help people to achieve their full potential.

“As well as meeting the needs of unemployed people, Fair Start Scotland also seeks to help businesses find the skilled and committed employees they need to thrive.”

To find out more and check whether you are eligible, visit www.mygov.scot/fairstart

Time looks to have run out for a historic Galashiels church, and bulldozers are now poised to move in to flatten it.

St Aidan’s Church in Gala Park was originally set to be knocked down two years ago after the B-listed building was deemed to be beyond repair.

However, it was granted a stay of execution after Historic Environment Scotland objected to the demolition plans.

Cumbria-based Book Development has now concluded it is not economically viable, because of the worsening state of the former church and its church hall, to convert it into housing and is again seeking its demolition.

Members of Scottish Borders Council’s planning and building standards committee will be recommended to rubber-stamp the move when they meet this morning, September 3.

A report to the committee by planning officer Carlos Clark says: “The applicants have added an update on the projected development costs and projected income and included a potential grant income of £500,000 towards repair work at the church which is considered to be possible, although no formal application to Historic Environment Scotland has actually been submitted.

“Crucially, however, even with the inclusion of some grant support, the projected gap between income and expenditure has increased to a range of £637,000 to £712,000.

“They are, therefore, satisfied that the application has satisfactorily demonstrated that the retention and conversion of the former church and church hall is simply not economically viable.”

In response, Historic Environment Scotland has accepted that St Aidan’s can no longer be saved, but it has requested that the developer attempt to “salvage some of the more significant elements of the building”.

These could include retention of the tower and frontage gable and war memorials within a replacement structure.

Mr Clark adds: “The applicant has also responded to a question raised by Historic Environment Scotland in its initial response when it accepted that overall retention of the church looks to be not possible but raised the question of the potential retention of the facade and tower only and building a new development to the rear.

“The applicants have included in their revised supporting statement some figures within the text which appears to also show this not to be not economically viable.”

Architectural Heritage Society Scotland has lodged an objection to the demolition request, saying: “St Aidan’s Church is B-listed and makes a significant contribution to the Gala Park area, particularly its tower and fine north facade with an impressive rose window.

“It is misleading to use the proposed economics of the approved 2014 scheme, which is not to be developed, to justify complete demolition, when an alternative scheme taking into account the current condition of the church may present a viable means of preserving the most important elements of the structure.”

The 136-year-old building was originally named the South United Presbyterian Church, but in 1936 it merged with the former Trinity Church in High Street and changed its name to St Cuthbert’s.

Then, in 1974, St Cuthbert’s was united with Ladhope Parish Church, and it was renamed St Aidan’s in 1981.

St Aidan’s closed in 2005 due to low congregation numbers and high maintenance costs and has been unused ever since.

In 2007, Braedale Developments bought the plot and set out plans to create 26 flats, with planning permission being granted in 2009.

Following the dissolution of Braedale Developments, Book Developments took over the project in 2014 and submitted a new planning application for 16 flats, and that was approved in 2014.

Approval has been granted to rebuild a memorial stone in a former cemetery dedicated to German prisoners of war.

The work is to be carried out at Stobs Camp, near Hawick, to mark the centenary of the armistice that ended the First World War.

The camp housed more than 4,000 prisoners of war, the majority of them German, during the 1914-to-1918 conflict, and plans have been drawn up to pay tribute to those who died during their time there.

Few escapes were reported, but there were two suicides during that period, and a cemetery was created at the camp in 1915, providing a resting place for the bodies of 35 soldiers, four sailors and six interned German civilians by the time the last POWs left at the end of 1919.

Their bodies were disinterred over 50 years ago, but the remnants of a memorial created by German prisoners to their dead comrades remain on the site.

Now, Scottish Borders Council has approved an application from landowner James Anderson, of Penchrise Farm Cottage at Stobs, and Archaeology Scotland to reinstate the free-standing cairn erected at the old cemetery site in 1917.

In a report on the bid to councillors explaining his decision to grant it using delegated powers, planner Stuart Herkes says: “This application proposes the reinstatement of a reproduction of a monument which historically occupied this memorial site within a former cemetery.

“Given the context, and historical precedence, the proposal raises no concerns in its principle or in its specific form.

“Notwithstanding that the proposal would make use of an existing plinth, I am aware of the potential for impacts upon trees, but given that the proposal would inhabit a pre-existing landscaped context which adheres to an established layout and arrangement, I anticipate that any impacts on tree roots would be unlikely to be significant.

“I am ultimately content that the reinstatement of this relatively modest monument reasonably outweighs any and all such damage as might be caused to surrounding trees.”

Plans to build a major new housing complex on a central site in Peebles would create an eyesore, residents fear.

Selkirk-based Eildon Housing Association has submitted a planning application to Scottish Borders Council for an affordable housing development consisting of two blocks of 40 flats altogether in Tweedbridge Court on the site of former court buildings.

It’s a plan that has not gone down well with some locals, however.

Several objections to the four-storey buildings have been submitted to the council’s planning department, most of them centred on the development being too large and overbearing.

Concerns have also been expressed that, if agreed, the buildings would spoil one of the best views in the town.

Philip Ackerman, of Dukehaugh, Peebles, said he accepts there is a need for affordable homes in the town but believes the housing association has chosen the wrong location.

He added: “As a local resident, I have looked forward to the development of this key but sensitive site on the banks of the River Tweed, clearly visible from the historic and famous Tweed Bridge, forming a view looking north east along the River Tweed towards Neidpath Castle. This forms one of Peebles’ most famous views.

“I strongly support the need for the provision of affordable housing in Peebles, and this site provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance Peebles.

“However, I feel strongly that this particular application is sadly disappointing, with poor design unsympathetic to the surrounding area. It is a great missed opportunity.”

Mr Ackerman says the design of the flats is “completely at odds and out of keeping with the area” and the buildings are too high and would “overpower and dominate the skyline”.

Serious concerns over its impact on the locality have also been expressed by Michael Pearson, of Kingsmeadow Road, Peebles.

He said: “This is a particularly important site widely seen by visitors, surrounded by one of the most attractive and photographed parts of the town.

“A four-storey development of massive proportions is an overdevelopment on this site and will visually overwhelm its surroundings.”

A woman has died after becoming ill at a house in Stow over the weekend.

The 44-year-old was taken to hospital in Edinburgh, where she later died.

The woman has not yet been named, and inquiries are continuing into the death.

A police spokesman told us: “Police in the Borders are investigating after a 44-year-old woman took unwell at an address in Stow during the evening of Saturday, September 1, before passing away at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh later that night.

“The death is currently being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and inquiries are continuing.”

Lauderdale Library is to be given money from the town’s common good fund to help it keep on top of its running costs.

The library, housed in the old jail at Lauder, is staffed by a 10-strong team of volunteers and draws bookworms from Oxton, Lauder, Blainslie and the surrounding area.

The facility is funded primarily by Scottish Borders Council’s community enhancement trust, but due to the rising cost of water, electricity and insurance, its running costs have exceeded what the library receives.

Since October 2016, the library has been given £1,300 by the council, but it needs an extra £734 to keep its lights on.  

Speaking at a meeting of the Lauder common good fund committee last week, Leaderdale and Melrose councillor David Parker said: “The background behind this is there was a fund in Lauder for the library at one time. It was a fund for other cultural things, but ultimately, many years ago, the community agreed it should go towards a library and the school.

“The fund didn’t realise an awful lot of money for some time, and then when we were looking to shift the fund, in terms of moving council financial managers to increase the amount of money we made, the school dropped out of the fund voluntarily.

“The money, which includes an endowment of about £32,000 in capital, I think, was to be used solely to pay the running costs of the library, but no one has ever quite done that, so we make up the shortfall from the common good.

“It’s now changed slightly in that when the reorganisation happened, it went into the wider Lauderdale pot.

“The Lauder library fund trust was moved into the community enhancement fund and has been ring-fenced for that purpose.”

Following that discussion, councillors voted unanimously to grant the library funding of £734.

A woman accused of making racist comments towards her Romanian neighbours has walked free from Jedburgh Sheriff Court after they failed to turn up to give evidence against her.

Chelsea Gillon, 22, had denied behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in a public common stairwell in Beattie Court, Hawick, on April 2.

The court was told it was the second time her neighbours had not turned up for a trial, so the crown had decided not to offer any evidence.

As a result, she was found not guilty of the charge against her.

The same went for her co-accused, Ronald Brown, 25, who had pleaded not guilty to damaging the door of their neighbours’ home in Beattie Court with a hammer.

A man has been ordered to be of good behaviour for the next six months after threatening to kill a couple and their young child during a disturbance.

Selkirk Sheriff Court was told that a man was driving down Montrose Place in his Fiat when McCallum appeared and started kicking the car.

The child was screaming out of fear throughout the incident, the court heard.

Sentence was deferred until February 11 next year, and McCallum was warned of the consequences of any reoffending in the meanwhile.

A Hawick teenager who fell out with his partner after accusing her of cheating on him has been ordered to be of good behaviour for the next six months.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour at a house in Eden Road, Smailholm, on August 10.

He pleaded guilty to shouting, threatening to harm himself, making offensive and abusive comments, punching walls and acting in an aggressive manner.

Selkirk Sheriff Court heard that the girl had locked herself in a bathroom after the argument broke out.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the couple had been in a relationship for two months and had been at the Coldstream torchlight procession and alcohol had been taken.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said: “He found out about her cheating and acted in an inappropriate way.”

Scottish Borders Council is increasing the number of dog control orders it hands out following a critical report revealing it had only issued five in a year.

Figures revealed via a freedom-of-information request showed that in 2016-2017 the local authority received 100 complaints about out-of-control dogs but gave just six advisory notices and five control orders to irresponsible owners.

However, following a meeting with Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP Christine Grahame, the council has revealed it has handed out 15 dog control notices over the last 12 months, with two still pending.

Ms Grahame, responsible for introducing the 2010 Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act as a member’s bill, said: “I had a very useful discussion with representatives from Scottish Borders Council, and it was important to hear first-hand how this legislation is being used in practice.

“In the last year, there have been 15 dog control notices, with two pending, although there are some issues with obtaining owner details. Some owners just need to be spoken to and advised of their responsibilities.”

Dog control orders allow the council to impose certain conditions on owners. For example, a dog which frequently runs away might be required to be kept on a lead at all times or an aggressive dog might have to be muzzled when in public spaces.

The control orders can also be used to compel dog owners to seek training for themselves and their pet. Failure to adhere to a dog control order could lead to a ban from keeping animals or the dog being put down.

A council spokesperson said: “The council is currently reviewing its responsible dog ownership strategy, which will aim to remind owners of their social and legal responsibilities.

“As part of this strategy, the council works in partnership with local and national charities to promote responsible ownership and dog control by educating the public at various events across the Borders.

“The council responds to all complaints received concerning out-of-control dogs, but in order to assist us in investigating each complaint fully, we ideally require the dog owner’s details.

“Members of the public can contact 0300 100 1800 or visit www.scotborders.gov.uk if they have a concern about a dog’s behaviour.”

Ms Grahame added: “My main concern is that members of the public may not be aware that if a dog’s behaviour is causing concern – for example, being allowed to be out of control – they can report it to the council through this route.

“The police, of course, deal with the most serious incidents. However, I brought in my bill establishing dog control notices as a way of intervening before a dog bites or attacks and becomes dangerous.

“Once a dog control notice is issued, the council will regularly check up to ensure it’s being followed.

“I would encourage anyone concerned about a dog’s behaviour whether in public, in its garden or indeed any other private place to get in touch with the council. This is in the interests of the public, the owner and indeed the dog itself.”