More than 600 of Galashiels’ menfolk – one in 14 of the town’s male population – gave up their lives to help the allies win the First World War, andnow a series of events is being organised to ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.

A programme of entertainment and educational events is being lined up as part of the Gala Remembers 2018 project, an initiative marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the 1914-18 conflict.

A series of community organisations have come together, led by regeneration trust Energise Galashiels, to host exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, live music, light displays, street art and acts of remembrance expected to attract a turnout of thousands in October and November.

The Pavilion Cinema, in Market Street, is holding a First World War season with films such as 2011’s Steven Spielberg-directed War Horse and 1969’s Oh! What a Lovely War, starring Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud, being screened.

A First World War-themed afternoon tea and dance will be hosted by Livingstone Place’s Focus Centre, and the town’s Park Street Royal British Legion club will stage a period cabaret.

At the centre of proceedings will be a festival of remembrance at Galashiels Volunteer Hall on Friday, November 9, and two remembrance services at the town’s Cornmill Square war memorial on Sunday, November 11, at 11am and 7.30pm.

There will also be several educational opportunities, with four lectures looking at the role of animals, hospitals, Canadians and Scotland rugby internationals during the war.

Genealogy research will take place too, and primary school pupils will be offered opportunities to learn more about the war and the 10m lives it claimed.

Energise Galashiels chairman Mike Gray said: “The First World War had a devastating impact on towns such as Galashiels, which lost 7% of its male population as a result of the conflict.

“However, it also provided a number of fascinating stories which have inspired films, books, research and exhibitions.”

Bill White, chairman of the Gala Remembers 2018 partnership, added: “As part of a respectful commemoration of the First World War, Gala Remembers 2018 has a wide variety of events being offered by the various community organisations involved, with the aim that a legacy will be created to continue this project in the future as Galashiels undergoes a major regeneration.”

For further details, go to www.energisegalashiels.co.uk

Community groups involved in the project include Borders Family History Society, the Boys’ Brigade, Langlee Community Choir, Galashiels Ex-Braw Lads and Lasses’ Association, Galashiels Academy and the town’s primary schools, camera club and community council.

New life has been breathed into an abandoned building in the Craik Forest which was officially opened on Saturday following months of work to bring it back to its former glory.

Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale Deputy Lieutenant Kirsty Dunlop cut the ribbon at the revamped Craikhope Outdoor Centre amid a day of celebrations.

Andre Santos, a trust director for the centre, said: “The day went really well. Everyone enjoyed the food and the archery, and we’ve had some booking enquiries off the back of it.”

Owned by the Forestry Commission, the centre had laid empty for three years before Craikhope Community Interest Company, the trading arm of outdoors charity In2Venture, took on the lease last year.

Volunteers have spent months refurbishing the building as well as adding new storage and an archery facility to the centre, which is available now for group bookings.

Field trips will also be arranged, with a rock climbing day at Headend Quarry in Carlisle scheduled for on October 7.

“We have 12 places available and it is open for anyone between the ages of eight and 16,” Mr Santos said.

For more information email enquiries@craikhope.co.uk or call 01750 707007.

Peebles is the only town in the Borders to notch up a hat-trick of entries in the Campaign for Real Ale’s latest Good Beer Guide.

Melrose is home to the only bar in the region to manage the winning double of being given a thumbs-up in the 2019 Camra book and also a main-section entry in the Good Pub Guide, however.

Peebles accounts for three of the region’s 18 entries in the Camra guide – the County Inn, Cross Keys and Bridge Inn.

Two other towns managed to do the double – Galashiels with the Hunters Hall and Ladhope Inn and Kelso with Rutherfords and the Cobbles.

The Borders’ other entries include Auchencrow’s Craw Inn, the Clovenfords Hotel, the Black Bull Hotel at Duns, Earlston’s Red Lion, Hawick’s Exchange Bar, Leitholm’s Plough Inn, Burt’s Hotel in Melrose, Yetholm’s Plough Hotel and the Gordon Arms Hotel at West Linton.

There is one newcomer among the seven breweries here listed, Campbell’s at Peebles. It joins Born in the Borders near Jedburgh, Freewheelin’ at Peebles, Tempest at Tweedbank, Traquair House near Innerleithen, Broughton Brewery and Old Worthy, also at Broughton.

Rutherfords, in the Square, was named as the Edinburgh and south east Scotland branch of Camra’s Borders pub of the year in February, with the Bridge Inn coming second and the Plough Inn third.

Burt’s Hotel, in Market Square, is the only pub to feature in the Good Beer Guide and also secure a main-section entry in the Good Pub Guide, produced by Ebury Press.

It’s also been named as the latter’s Scottish dining pub of the year for the fifth year running and sixth time overall, much to the joy of its boss, Nick Henderson.

“We’re delighted,” said the 50-year-old. “There’s a lot of competition out there, so we can never be complacent.

“The bar for food in Scotland is raised year on year, but we’ve got a really good, solid team here to thank for our success.

“What we are trying to aim for now is consistency.”

Like last year, it’s one of only three Borders establishments to merit entries in the main section of the Good Pub Guide, the Cross Keys at Ancrum and the Wheatsheaf at Swinton being the others.

The Craw Inn and the Cobbles are the only boozers in the region besides Burt’s Hotel to do the double and be included in both the Good Beer Guide and the Good Pub Guide.

They are given a mention in a round-up of nine other pubs worth a visit, alongside the Allanton Inn, Lauder’s Black Bull, Ayton’s Hemelvaart Bier Cafe, the Traquair Arms near Innerleithen, the Border Hotel at Kirk Yetholm, the Gordon Arms in the Yarrow Valleyand the Buccleuch Arms at St Boswells.

This year’s Good Beer Guide, the 46th, and Good Pub Guide, the 37th, are both out now, and both cost £15.99.

For details of the former – edited by Ione Brown, Simon Tuite and Tim Hampson – go to gbgshop.camra.org.uk

To find out more about the latter, edited by Fiona Stapley, go to www.thegoodpubguide.co.uk

No action is to be taken against two farmers for trying to disrupt a major cycling event held on closed roads in the Borders just over a year ago.

Police charged two men, aged 71 and 60, after participants in last September’s Tour o’ the Borders claimed they were confronted by protesters waving sticks.

Cyclists alleged they were hit on their heads by the pair as they passed them, causing at least one to fall off his bike.

There had been complaints from some landowners over the closure of public roads in Peeblesshire for the 74-mile challenge involving 2,000 cyclists while harvesting was under way.

The procurator fiscal’s office at Selkirk has confirmed that, following a review of evidence, there will be no legal proceedings in connection with the incident.

The incident was captured on a video showing two men dressed in tweed and flat caps waving sticks and attempting to block the path of the cyclists on the A701 Edinburgh-Dumfries road near Broughton.

One cyclist said: “I came around the corner behind the first group of cyclists, and I noticed they had all slowed down.

“I could see some weaving around, with other cyclists ahead, and noticed two older guys around 70 to 80 years old walking on the road.

“I cycled up towards them and noticed they were both holding out big sticks. I asked them what has happened and was there a problem ahead?

“One of them said ‘you are the problem’. I had to stop my bike and then I pushed with my foot to get past them.”

Following the incident, 60-year-old Broughton farmer John Marshall put his hand up as the ‘ringleader’ of the demonstration.

He had denied hitting any cyclist, saying that he only wanted to open up dialogue with the competitors, and that if any violence was dealt out, it came from the cyclists, who, he claimes, barged the duo out of the way.

The farmers’ behaviour was branded “disgusting” by event organisers at the time and it was claimed one cyclist had to be taken to hospital after falling off his bike.

However, this year’s Tour o’ the Borders three weeks ago passed off peacefully, with no further incidents reported.

Event organiser Neil Dalgleish said: “The decision [not to prosecute] has angered some in the cycling community, while others believe the outcome to be in the best interests of better relations in future.

“There are many who think it’s unacceptable that there’s no prosecution here, that no-one was brought to justice for an alleged act of violence towards people who were innocently riding their bikes.

“I can certainly see their point, but I don’t think this is a green light for violence towards cyclists, nor a sign that it’s OK to bully us.

“My take is that those responsible have learned their lesson – I bet they got a fright with the police at their doors and legal charges against them

“This may well be the case, as despite local rumours that one of the charged individuals had made plans to cause disruption at the event again this year, the tour went ahead a few weeks ago without any protest or incident.

“It was a huge relief that we had no repeat of last year’s incident, and we’re extremely keen to minimise any problems or conflicts – of course we understand that the road closures can cause inconvenience.

“It’s great to see more support and acceptance for the event and for the importance of cycle tourism in this area. The riders got a fantastic reception all the way around the route – no-one was made to feel unwelcome this year.”

Entries have already opened for next year’s event which will take place on Sunday, September 1, 2019.

○We were unable to contact Mr Marshall for comment.

Firefighters fought for almost two days to completely extinguish a large farm fire near Kelso last week.

Crews from across the Borders were called to Eastfield of Lempitlaw, just south of Kelso, last Wednesday afternoon, in the midst of Storm Ali.

And the last fire engine did not leave until almost 48 hours later at 1pm on Friday, September 21.

A spokesman from Duns Community Fire station said: “This was a farm building with bales alight. “It escalated and additional resources were requested.

“This was largely due to the fire being spread across the farm and the high winds fuelling the fire.

“Crews were tasked with saving the sheds in between the two fires by cooling with main jets and protecting the straw, grain and crop within.”

The majority of appliances stood down from the blaze, visible from as far as Duns, at around 10pm.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokeswoman added: “We were alerted at 3.19pm on Wednesday, September 19 to reports of a fire that had taken hold of a quantity of hay bales.

“Operations control immediately mobilised a number of appliances to Eastfield of Lempitlaw, near Kelso.

“Firefighters extinguished the fire and the last fire engine left the scene at 1pm on Friday, September 21 after ensuring the area was made safe.”

“There were no casualties.”

A new £342.000 playpark is on its way to a park near Jedburgh.

The public park at Harestanes visitor centre, just outside Ancrum, is to be the next in line for investment.

It comes after Scottish Border council pledged to invest £3m over the next four years in new playparks, skate parks, pump tracks and other outdoor community facilities, in May this year.

A council spokesman said: “An upgraded play park for Harestanes visitor centre was included in the investment, with a £342,000 facility to be created which will enhance the experience for families.

“The contract for the new park is currently out to tender but it is expected that the facility will open in Spring 2019.

“Some engagement is expected to take place once a design has been created for the park.”

Jedburgh councillor Sandy Scott welcomed the news when sharing it with the town’s community council last week, while some members present indicated they would be keen for a full community consultation on the proposals.

New playparks at Oxton and Galashiels both opened earlier this year as part of the investment.

One man is being treated in hospital following a three-vehicle crash on the A7, near Stow, this morning.

The road was closed in both directions following the accident between Stow and Heriot at 7.40am,

A 30-year-old man was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Other casualties were treated by ambulance crews at the scene.

While the road reopened to drivers just before midday, police advised drivers to avoid the area where possible due to there being oil on the carriageway, which could not be cleared up until a specialist team arrived on the scene around an hour later.

Diversions were in place during the closure.

The 20th annual Borders Change Foundation Charity Dinner, held at the Carfraemill Hotel earlier this month, raised more than £25,700, covering the cost of a new Marie Curie nurse for more than a year solely in the Borders.

The dinner, enjoyed by almost 200 people, was organised by James and Elaine Marjoribanks, and also raised £825 for Doddie Weir’s MND charity.

Over its 20-year stretch, the dinner has raised nearly £440,000 for all sorts of health-related causes in the region.

Mr Marjoribanks said: “The generosity of those at the dinner was unbelievable and they all helped by buying fantastic auction prizes, that were once again very kindly donated, and contributing to the raffle.

“Elaine and I would like to personally thank all those that all those who, through their continued generosity, make this charity dinner the success that it really is. To be able to provide an extra Marie Curie nurse in the Borders will make such a difference to many people’s lives.”

Angela Davidson, the Marie Curie community fundraiser for the Borders, said: “Last year in the Borders, our local Marie Curie Nurses, provided care to 71 patients, over 429 visits.

“A visit is normally an overnight nine-hour shift, starting at 10pm and working through the night, finishing at 8am.

This equates to 4,290 hours of nursing care at a cost to the charity of £20 per hour. This means that it cost Marie Curie £85,800 to provide our service in the Borders alone. That is why this fantastic donation from the Borders Change Foundation means such a lot and will make a tremendous difference in the region.”

For more information on Marie Curie, please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk or call 0800 090 2309.

The region’s final agricultural show of the season comes to the Haugh at Yetholm next month.

The 155th annual Border Shepherds’ Show will take place on Saturday, October 6.

It will boast a display of vintage machinery, along with a tractor parade through the main ring.

The industrial tent, featuring plenty of children’s, baking and handycraft classes will also host a champion of champions crook competition for stickmakers.

There’ll also be a pipe band performance in the main ring, various charity and community stalls, a hill race, children’s entertainment and a beer tent.

For information, contact show secretary Angela Walker on 07515 693288.

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Recorded crime has risen by 12% in the Borders, figures released by Police Scotland this week reveal.

The increase, the third largest recorded by the country’s 32 local authorities, saw the region’s recorded crime total hit 3,448 for the 2017-18 period.

That’s the second consecutive year that crime rates have risen in the Borders.

The largest increase was seen in sexual crimes, up 26%, followed by crimes of dishonesty, up 10%, and wilful fire-raising and vandalism, up 7%.

Non-sexual crimes of violence were down, but there was a marked increase in the number of car thefts, housebreaking and fraud over the last year.

Scottish Borders Council’s safer communities board chairman, hawick and Hermitage councillor George Turnbull, said an increase in historical sex crimes being reported could have had a bearing on this year’s figures.

“We have been working hard with partners to enhance confidence of victims in the police and the support organisations that we work in partnership to report crimes, and this is translating into a lot of historical crimes being reported to us, which is a real positive for the work that has been done to encourage reporting,” he said.

“We have had reports of offences dating back nearly 20 years at times.

“There was an increase in housebreakings created by a travelling criminal group, but you will note the increase in detections which came from the interventions we made to detect these crimes.

“We have also seen an increase in thefts by shoplifting, but we have continued to maintain a significant detection rate for these crimes.”

Superintendent Craig Smith, of the Lothians and Borders division team, also highlighted the effect of successful campaigns to encourage reporting of crime and an increased confidence in the police, suggesting things are looking up for next year.

He said: “Our stats so far for 2018-19 suggest nearly a 7% reduction in recorded crime compared to the same period last year.

“Furthermore, almost 50% of these offences have been detected, and inquiries will still be ongoing into many of these incidents.

“The period 2017-18 saw a 17% reduction violent crime in the Scottish Borders, and we welcomed the 26% rise in sexual crimes as, with many of these being historic offences, it shows that victims are increasingly confident in reporting these crimes to police and support services.

“An increase in reported crimes can be a result of increased awareness or concern regarding certain types of criminality, campaigns to encourage reporting of crimes which may typically be under-reported, more confidence in the police or a change in how these are recorded.

“However, in response to reports of crimes of dishonesty, fire-raising and vandalism increasing last year, we ensured that further steps were taken with partners in Scottish Borders Council, other blue light services, the crown office, procurator fiscal service and support organisations to prioritise and tackle such offences.”

Scotland as a whole saw a 1% rise, with 244,504 crimes having been reported in 2017-18.

Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton blamed the Scottish Nationalist Party’s “soft touch approach” for the increase.

She added: “We know the true picture is much worse given that most crime is never reported to the police.

“Clear-up rates have fallen, meaning more criminals are getting away with it than before.

“The SNP must ensure we have enough police officers on our streets to prevent and detect criminal behaviour, and reassure the public that they will be protected.

“Their soft touch approach to crime abandons victims, undermines the police and doesn’t deter people from committing these crimes in the first place.”

Michelle Ballantyne MSP for South Scotland, meanwhile, has called on the Scottish Government to rethink its approach to justice.

“The crime figures published this week are a clear indictment of the soft-touch approach to justice taken by this SNP Government,” she said. “There has been a significant rise in crime in the Borders and across Scotland.

“It’s particularly concerning to note the areas where crime has risen most, such as in instances of rape, attempted rape and sexual assault.

“People in the Borders need to know that the SNP will commit to tackling these issues. Under the SNP over the last ten years we have seen sexual assault rise by over 50% and rape and attempted rape have more than doubled.

“The SNP’s track record on these issues has been appalling and this should be food for thought for the Justice Secretary.

“I will be writing to him to ask what action his Government will take to fix this issue.”

A bid to build 30 new houses in Selkirk first launched eight years ago is finally set to become a reality.

An application was originally made for the development in Linglie Road, on the outskirts of the town, back in September 2010, and it was recommended for approval at the time.

However, problems over compensation payments from the developer for use of the land meant the project failed to get off the ground.

In particular, it remained unresolved due to failure by the applicant to enter a legal agreement over financial contributions towards the council’s education and lifelong learning funds and for what was then the imminent the reinstatement of the Waverley rail line.

Selkirk Community Council objected to the original application, describing it as “unsatisfactory and inadequate” and branding its layout “weak and disappointing”.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency also raised concerns over the potential risk of the site being flooded by the nearby Ettrick Water, though those fears have been allayed by the completion of works on £31m flood defences alongside the river in February last year.

Almost a decade on, however, the housing plans are back on the table, with the applicant, Doncaster-based Berand Homes, having been granted approval to go ahead.

The application site is next to the Bannerfield Estate and Cannon Street, and the development will be made up of eight apartments, 12 townhouses and 10 semi-detached homes.

A council report says: “The principle of the proposed development is considered to be acceptable as this site is located within an area allocated for housing development.”

The report also states that as a condition of the development going ahead, Berand Homes needs to ensure it does not cause any additional flood risk.

Take That fans in Kelso have been hoping that today will be their Greatest Day amid rumours that the band are filming a Christmas advert in the town square.

The trio have reportedly teamed up with Marks and Spencer to provide the soundtrack for this year’s Christmas campaign television ad, part of which is due to be shot in the Tweedside town’s square last night.

The retail giant is keeping the concept of its Christmas campaign under wraps, but it has confirmed that Kelso will play a part.

A spokesperson for the company told us: “We are doing some filming in Kelso this week.

“We can’t give any details at this stage, so watch this space.”

And while there is no sign of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald as yet, the town is gripped by festive fever, with Christmas trees stood in the square, fairy lights twinkling in shop windows and fake snow swirling.

Shona Henderson, of sandwich shop Central Baguette in the Square, said: “The crew approached us and asked us to put fairy lights in the window.

“There has been a lot of people asking what’s happening. There’s rumours that Take That and Gary Barlow are going to be in town, but I haven’t got a clue whether that’s right.

“There’s a real buzz about the place, though. It’s nice for the town.”

Staff at A Hume Country Clothing and Outfitters said a film crew had begun setting lights and cameras up outside the shop this morning.

A retro silver van and large illuminated M&S letters are among the props adorning the cobbles.

Dozens of curious onlookers – and hopeful ‘Thatters’ – gathered throughout the afternoon, and filming is set to begin after darkness falls.

Pamela Thomson, of the Cream Chimneys cafe, said: “It’s surreal that they have come to Kelso to do this.

“We’re just a wee Borders town, so it’s all very exciting.”

Along with John Lewis and Coca-Cola, the Marks and Spencer Christmas advert is one of the most eagerly anticipated by TV viewers.

A section featuring one-time Doctor Who actress Jill Winternitz, was filmed in London’s Bond Street earlier this month.

Last year’s 90-second M&S festive ad featured the film character Paddington Bear, voiced by Ben Whishaw.

This year’s ad will be the second to feature Take That, a decade after the veteran boy-band, formed in Manchester and together from 1990 to 1996 and since 2005, first appeared in a seasonal ad for the retailer in 2008 alongside Lily Cole, Myleene Klass, Twiggy, Erin O’Connor and Noemie Lenoir.

Barlow, 47, also performed a cover of the Beatles song Here Comes the Sun for the chain’s summer 2012 campaign.

Roads staff at Scottish Borders Council announced last week that the east end of the Square, and Dardanelles car park in Bowmont Street, would be closed from yesterday afternoon for “a special event”.

A young farmer is sowing the seeds of a health and fitness revolution in the Borders after winning approval to open a 24-hour gym.

Daniel Cowe is taking a sabbatical from his family’s farm near Chirnside to put all his efforts – and a £100,000 in investment – into Titan 365, a gym he’s setting up in a former warehouse at Wheatlands Mill in Galashiels.

A self-confessed fitness fanatic, Daniel, 25, was delighted after Scottish Borders Council approved his conversion plans last week and hopes to open the new facility before the end of the year.

In his report to councillors, council planning officer Carlos Clarke says: “The alternative land use is considered to offer significant benefits to the surrounding area and community that outweigh the need to retain the site in business and industrial use.”

Daniel said the unmanned gym will be open to all, from professional athletes and weightlifters to “Joe Bloggs around the corner who just wants to stay fit and healthy”.

It will feature a large free weights section and an extensive array of pin-loaded machines, as well as stretching areas, cardio machines and an artificial turf space.

Daniel said: “It’s something many of the cities have that we don’t have down here. I want to bring the modern aspect of the fitness world to the Borders.

“I have been working on this for over a year, and to get the go-ahead to crack on and get the job done is massively exciting.

“I’ve got nothing against other gyms in Galashiels and the Borders. I just feel that because we are so sparse and rural, we are always the last to get things.

“In the major cities, we have got these 24-hour gyms, and in this modern day and age people need that.

“It’s not feasible when people are working all kinds of shift patterns to be expected to make it to a gym at a certain time before the doors shut.

“It just gives people that freedom that they don’t have to rush. They can do things at their own pace.”

Daniel is eager to move away from the stereotypical image of gyms as “dank and gritty”.

He said: “I want this place to cater for everybody. We’ll not be dank and gritty.

“I know girls in particular are put off by a hardcore vibe.

“People will have the freedom to come and go as they please as many times in the day as they want.

“We are considering whether to use a fingerprint scanner or a key card system for entry.”

Daniel has the full support of his family as he takes on the challenge, explaining: “I’m in a very lucky position that I’m able to take a step away from the farm right now.”

“My dad Rob did it when he was my age, and I’m chasing this huge passion of mine, which is health and fitness.

“I’m in a very lucky position that dad is allowing me to do that.”

Borders farmer Hamish Dykes is set to make an appearance in the new Scotch Lamb TV advert which will be launched by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) next week.

Hamish and his handsome working dog, Doug, were filmed on the family farm, South Slipperfield, near West Linton, for the advert which will make its debut on Monday.

Scots consume only around half of the average UK consumption of lamb per head and the TV campaign forms part of a major ongoing drive to inspire those north of the border about this natural ingredient.

The majority of the 30-second commercial focuses on a selection of simple Scotch Lamb PGI dishes highlighting how quick and easy this meat can be.

Hamish appears near the start of the advert and communicates a sense of the pride farmers who produce Scotch Lamb have.

Hamish, who farms with his wife Susie, starred with his family in the BBC series Lambing Live a few years ago. The couple, and their children, are among a network of Scotch Lamb champions around the country who are supporting the QMS campaign to inspire Scots about the natural product which they have on their doorsteps.

The TV advertising will be complemented by a radio campaign in October and forms part of QMS’s ‘Scotch Lamb, Naturally’ campaign to inspire and encourage consumers in Scotland to seek out lamb as a tasty, quick, simple meal. The nine-week long drive also includes billboard, press, digital, social and radio advertising.

It will run for the entire month of October as part of a major push behind Scotch Lamb PGI, partly-financed by £200,000 of support from the Scottish Government announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at Turriff Show. The new campaign highlights what sets Scotch Lamb PGI apart, as well as its versatility and simplicity as a cooking ingredient, and is set to reach 4.2m consumers (94% of the adult population) during September and October.

“We are delighted with the new TV advert which communicates the care and pride those working in our industry share in the Scotch Lamb they produce, as well as just how simple and quick lamb is to share as a meal for any day of the week,” said Carol McLaren, director of marketing with QMS.

“Scotch Lamb is a gem in Scotland’s fantastic larder and we are looking forward to the new TV campaign playing a key part in helping to inspire people to take a fresh look at lamb.”

Butchers and chefs will also be joining in the campaign activity. Scotch Butchers’ Club members who serve lamb have received point-of-sale kits featuring recipes from six ‘hero’ lamb dishes.

Scottish Borders Council’s proposals for a merger with the region’s health board have been dismissed as just talk – for now, at least – by NHS chiefs.

“There is no planned merger,” NHS Borders staff have been told by their bosses.

At a meeting of Scottish Borders Council on Tuesday, councillors agreed to alert the Scottish Government’s local governance review that they are open to the idea of a potential merger with NHS Borders.

The proposals would see the combined council and health trust take charge of 9,000 staff and a budget of more than £400m of public money.  

However, NHS Borders chair John Raine and chief executive Jane Davidson have written to staff members assuring them that the merger is speculative and the health board has not considered the proposals yet.

The letter reads: “We recognise and understand the anxiety some staff are feeling as a result of the current media coverage of Scottish Borders Council response to a Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities local governance review.

“The council’s submission suggests an approach to the future delivery of public services in Scottish Borders which would have as its ultimate long term aim the creation of a single public authority.

“The board of NHS Borders has not considered the council’s submission, and if invited to have a view will do so in consultation with Scottish Government and with our own staff.

“We wish to assure staff there is no planned merger.

“The council’s report is available to be viewed on their website and we will keep staff updated.”

However, council chief executive Tracey Logan has said that Borders residents can expect “significant change within two to three years”, saying after the crucial vote on Tuesday: “Now we formally submit the proposal to Scottish Government as a response to the local governance consultation.

“We hope this is the very first steps on a journey towards an end which we really don’t know. We’re hoping for closer working and more collaboration between partner agencies towards better outcomes.

“To do that, we need to work with those partner agencies to explore different methods and models of delivery and different governance arrangements.

“Equally essential, if not more so, is the engagement with the communities in the Borders. We have a whole plan to go out and meet with different sectors, different people and different communities to see what they think about merging services.

“Ultimately, we are talking about a long-term proposal. This isn’t something that’s going to be delivered in the next six months or 12 months.

“I think we could see some significant changes within two to three years, bringing areas of collaboration forward and working together to develop that proposal, but I do think that this is a long-term vision of the future.”

The two respective chief executives have been in contact since the vote, and in an e-mail exchange between Ms Davidson and Ms Logan, the NHS Borders chief said that they will need to “test the appetite” of the health board before moving forward.

She wrote: “I read this paper as a long-term project that considers moving away from community planning and  establishing a brand new single public authority in the Borders.

“It is a bold idea and it acknowledges that there are differential governance issues, and a need to retain a national health service.  

“There is certainly no firm proposal that we have been able to discuss at our joint executive management team or our board.

“I also think it is important to remain open to exploring other avenues for more joint working, possibly the integrated joint board could be enhanced for example like Dumfries and Galloway, or a new model may be beneficial e.g. lead agency – and also to take account and acknowledge existing accountabilities.

“I would also draw attention to the good work that is progressing with our regional NHS partners in a drive to ensure acute health services in the Borders is sustainable in the longer term, as well as good work beginning on improvements in primary care.

“I saw a draft of a paper going to council last week and fed back that we would have to test the board’s appetite or perspective on a full-blown proposal for a single public authority.

“I also suggested that, rather than a proposal, it should be the beginning of a conversation with our board and all the other public-sector partners in the Borders.  

“The recommendations need consideration. Public-sector partners in the Borders could not begin to work up a proposal without first having considered it and made a judgement on any degree of interest or support.

“The local governance review has talked about an inclusive dialogue and the first place to start is with our board, and other public sector partners, to give a degree of careful thought and consideration to this paper.  

“From there, there may well be a need to take soundings from  one of our vital communities i.e. our staff, as well as the public and other bodies.”

Mr Raine has previously welcomed the plans, saying: “NHS Borders welcomes the local governance review as an opportunity to engage with partners on how to improve health and social care outcomes for the Borders’ population.

“There is certainly a big conversation to be had and, subject to discussion with the Scottish Government and the democracy matters team, it’s a starting point for dialogue with staff and local partners on possible options for the delivery of future public services in the Borders.”

Burglars, arsonists, domestic abusers, thieves, flashers and reckless drivers have all been granted taxi and private-hire licences by Scottish Borders Council, it can be revealed.

Nearly half of all licences handed out in 2017 were given to people with criminal convictions, with domestic abuse, drink driving, wilful fireraising and a litany of speeding offences listed as prior convictions on successful application forms.

One licence holder has even been convicted of indecent exposure twice, and another has a criminal record for carrying a pistol in public.

Figures released by Scottish Borders Council under freedom-of-information legislation show that in 2017, 155 out of the 385 taxi and private-hire licences granted in the Borders were given to people with prior convictions.

Speeding accounts for a large proportion of the convictions, but many are for more serious motoring offences such as drink-driving and getting behind the wheel without a licence or insurance or while disqualified.

One driver was convicted of driving over a golf course and causing criminal damage.

Several licence holders have also been convicted of offences of violence such as assault, domestic abuse and assaulting a police officer. One driver has even been convicted of assault four times.

When a person applies for a taxi or private hire licence, councillors have the option of reviewing the application at a civic government licensing committee meeting, and that option is used mostly if Police Scotland have made representations about previous convictions.

However, the council’s website lists just 17 applications that went before the committee in 2017, out of which only three were rejected. The council was unable to confirm that at time of publication, however.

Furthermore, the council refuses to hold suche committee meetings in public, meaning taxi licences are being granted to people with serious convictions behind closed doors and away from public scrutiny.

A spokesperson for the authority said that the need to protect the personal data of applicants outweighs the public interest of knowing if taxi licence holders have previous convictions.

The council spokesperson added: “As set out in the protocol and as required by the 1982 Civic Government Act, all applications are referred to Police Scotland.

“There are no set criteria, and each application is considered on its individual merits. This includes applications for renewal.

“The 155 taxi licences with convictions have at some point been considered by the licensing committee.

“The bulk of those licences issued are renewals where there have been no new convictions. For example, a licence is granted by the committee after they have considered an applicant’s previous convictions. If the same applicant has no further convictions, there is no basis for the committee to consider their renewal application.  

“For more serious offences, it is likely that the police would object to any application, which will then need to be considered by the licensing committee.

“The committee would look at the details of the circumstances of the offence and would take into account how long ago the conviction or convictions took place.

“Committee members will also consider other matters such as how they have addressed their offending behaviour, such as attending counselling, or whether the applicant has shown remorse.

“In all applications, it is open to the committee to grant a licence for a lesser period, while the police also have the ability to request a suspension or a withdrawal of a licence should the licence holder’s conduct cause them concern.”

Taking on a farming and forestry theme for 2018, the harvest festival at Bowhill will take place this Sunday, September 30, between 11am-4pm, celebrating the last day of its visitor season.

Throughout the day visitors can enjoy a fun-packed schedule, including woodturning with the on-site specialist and learn about horse-logging through demonstrations.

There will also be a Bowhill Bake Off competition split into two age categories, over 12 years and 12 years and under. Budding bakers can bring along their Bowhill-themed creations on the day alongside an entry form which can be found on the Bowhill website.

Winning entries will receive a 2019 family season pass for Bowhill.

And there’s lots of fun to be had before the harvest festival takes place, including live theatre performances, outdoor ranger fun and the last Nutty’s Little Squirrel Club today (September 28).

That’s not all as organised tree-climbing sessions will take place for adventurers over six years old at 10-11am.

Tickets are priced at £20 for the one-hour session which is one of a kind in the Borders. Visitors will have the chance to climb Scots pine and oak trees that are more than 200 years old.

And there was a mysterious event last night (Thursday), inspired by Sherlock Holmes. ‘Catch the Killer: Holmes and The Mystery of the Unseen Blade’ – a murder-mystery evening combined with first-class theatrical performance.

Guests are encouraged to work in groups to solve the mystery.

Helen Currie, house manager, said: “We have a lot of exciting events coming up this month, with the harvest festival making a return. This celebration is one not to be missed, and alongside the other events throughout September, we have something for visitors of all ages.”

Although the house and estate will officially close for 2018 tours on Sunday, September 30, the calendar of events continues at Bowhill with Halloween and Christmas activities in the coming months.

Visit www.bowhillhouse.co.uk for full details.

Selkirk-based Scottish Borders Housing Association has been awarded Investors in People silver accreditation.

The award recognises organisations that have a commitment to people development, with regular briefings, clear objectives and defined paths of development.

The association’s Julia Mulloy said: “We are delighted to have achieved Investors in People silver accreditation, building on our original accreditation in 2015. 

“We particularly welcome the positive feedback on our investment in learning and development, appraisal and communication and the positive impact of our Borders Without Barriers programme, which is transforming our services to customers. 

“At the heart of this is the community model, neighbourhood teams, with devolved budgets and the flexibility to respond to local needs and circumstances.

“We would like to thank all team members, whose hard work and dedication have been absolutely central to this great achievement.”

The review was carried out by Tom Hutchison, an independent assessor from Investors in People, who interviewed several employees to gauge their opinions on the social landlord as a place to work, from opportunities for development to pay and benefits.

The assessor commented on its positive focus on learning and development and objective-setting and noted that all the people interviewed had a clear idea of how their own work and team objectives contributed to the overall success of the organisation.

The report also highlighted positive developments in staff communications, as well as greater focus on motivating teams to produce the best results.

Peter Russian, chief executive of Remarkable, the organisation licensed to deliver the awards in Scotland, said, “This is a fantastic achievement for Scottish Borders Housing Association.

“We’re delighted to see their ongoing dedication recognised with this silver award.”

One of the first Scottish Heart at Risk Testing defibrillators to be installed in the Borders was put in place in Selkirk High Street around 12 years ago.

Based at Rogerson’s, the former newsagent’s, it served the town well, being deployed several times to save lives.

However, that machine has now been replaced by an automated external defibrillator as part of the public access defibrillation scheme, which is ever more popular in the drive to increase the survival rate from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Last Wednesday evening, one of the latest models, a Cardiac Science G5, was handed over by Scottish HART to the County Hotel in High Street.

Also on hand were members of the Rotary Club of Selkirk, who not only funded the first machine in 2002 but also have paid for the upgrade which is now live and ready for use at one of Selkirk’s oldest hostelries.

The County has recently changed hands, now being owned by the Breakspear-Smith/Philipps family.

Wilma Gunn, who started Scottish HART as a charity in 1997 after her son Cameron died on a sports field at the age of 19, handed the town’s latest defibrillator over to the president of the Rotary club, Jim McPherson, before he presented the cheque to pay for the unit.

Selkirk Remembers organiser David Deacon spoke of his disgust this week after the latest shocking incident of vandalism at the town’s war memorial.

Performing a litter-sweep as part of the centenary event’s preparations, Mr Deacon found that someone had defecated next to a bench behind the memorial in Ettrick Terrace.

He said: “It was certainly human faeces as there was some toilet paper next to it and flies everywhere.

“It appears that someone was caught short but failed to clean up after themselves.

“There is really no need. There are plenty of toilets around, and there are bins everywhere. I couldn’t really believe it, but I was more disappointed than anything else.”

He also had a pop at people for leaving rubbish at the memorial.

He said: “This is a place of quiet reflection, and if people want to take a few cans of beer to do this, then that’s fine as long as they tidy the place up.”

The incident follows two other incidents of vandalism at the memorial this year.

However, other preparations to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War are going well.

Last week, Mr Deacon made a presentation of a roll of honour to Ettrick Forest Bowling Club which had been lost for years.

He said: “It was found by the lady who runs the Border Studios stores.

“I asked if I could have it to frame and give to the club as part of Selkirk Remembers and they kindly said yes.

“It is a part of Selkirk’s history, showing those from the club who served and those who gave their lives in the conflict.”

Selkirk’s parish church will be the focal point for the town’s remembrance commemorations, and it will be hard to miss.

A cascade of poppies dropping from the belfry of the church is the main goal of Selkirk Remembers, with Souters knitting, crocheting or felting individual poppies.

If enough poppies are made, it’s hoped to do the same at the Pant Well in the Market Place.

Mr Deacon said: “This is going well, but a final push is needed. I have about 1,600 poppies in the house at the moment.

“This is becoming a real community project, with all ages and experience taking part, from the veteran knitter to the novice first-timer.

“Lochcarron has kindly donated wool, and patterns and wool are available at Selkirk Post Office, where completed poppies and donations of wool can be dropped off.”

The parish church is also putting on a floral tribute to the First World War next weekend, running alongside Scott’s Selkirk and Selkirk Sessions, which takes place next weekend.

Alongside the floral tribute will be several clear silhouettes of Tommys sitting on the pews, mirroring the one at the war memorial garden ... part of the poignant “There But Not There” movement.