Parker admits to challenging times
SBC leader David Parker has warned that next year’s budget will be tough, but has pledged that key services won’t be lost, writes Bob Burgess. The cash-strapped local authority is having to make...
View ArticleHawick boss in footie row
A court clash between the former owner of Dunfermline Athletic and a Borders businessman was postponed at the last minute this week.Billy Hodgins of Hawick raised a Court of Session action after...
View ArticleNew owners have sights set high for Braidwood
The owners of Bisley at Braidwood have said the ‘passionate following’ for outdoor pursuits locally was a factor in their decision to buy Braidwood Sporting Clays.The Bisley Shooting Group owns...
View ArticleMarket Prices
woolerAt their weekly Prime Stock sale John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 895 lambs and 265 ewes.In conjunction with the weekly primestock sale the annual Christmas Show took place, kindly sponsored by...
View ArticleStriding towards the capital
Eildon Ramblers ready to start a walk from Kirk Yetholm’s Border Hotel – the first in a series which takes them along part of a new Scottish national trail (which finishes at Cape Wrath) from the...
View ArticleNature delights whatever the weather
It’s been a bit “tousy” in recent weeks, with yet another gale battering us into submission at the weekend.There’s one creature which seems to revel in these conditions and it never ceases to amaze me...
View ArticleWhen actions speak louder than words
Last week in Galashiels I met Delia Henry and Alan Dalziel from Action on Hearing Loss Scotland, which represents the 850,000 people who are deaf or have hearing loss in this country.At approximately...
View ArticleGagging for a joke at Christmas
Last year I bought a huge turkey for Christmas – it was late on Christmas Eve and the only one left.It weighed just under 20lb. I told my friends and one said it must have cost me a fortune. I smiled...
View ArticleAnd a Merry Christmas to one and all
Christmas comes but once a year... and thank goodness. For some reason this year, I feel there should be an extra week in December – Christmas Day is coming around far too early for my liking. I’ve...
View ArticleGlass attacker jailed for a year
A GLASS attack during a row over dog biscuits left the victim scarred for life.And the man who threw the pint glass during a drinking session in his home has now begun a prison sentence of 12...
View ArticleConsultation criticised
A parent council chairman has claimed consultation on the introduction of a four-and-a-half day school week in the Borders is too late.Last week councillors agreed to consult with parents, staff and...
View ArticleFat lady singing Defra’s and Scottish Government’s song
Farmers seem to have taken to heart the saying that “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings” as arguments continue about how EU subsidies are to be allocated over the next few years.In England, the...
View ArticleMonitor farm sheep to try silage and soya this spring
Prize-winning silage may mean Peeblesshire monitor farmers Ed and Kate Rowell will not have to feed concentrate to their in-bye sheep this winter.The couple farm the 1,800-acre Hundleshope, near...
View ArticleWhy turkey’s off the menu this Xmas
Like most folk, my thoughts this week turn to turkey. Gamford, the Young Master, the Young Mistress and I have just returned from watching “Free Birds”, the cartoon movie about two turkeys who travel...
View ArticleWalking With Dinosaurs 3d (U) Pavilion, Galashiels
To avoid confusion with the BBC series, presented by Kenneth Branagh in 1999, 20th Century Fox has added 3D to the title. Wow – not!By concentrating on a specific dino that roamed the Alaskan plains in...
View ArticleEnough Said (12A) Heart of Hawick
Titles are becoming instantly forgettable. About Time anyone? Now we have Enough Said. What’s that supposed to mean?If it is memorable, and that’s debatable, James Galdolfini takes the call. He died...
View ArticleLocal businesses to benefit from council procurement changes
CONTINUING efforts are being made by Scottish Borders Council to make it easier for local firms to bid for work.At last Thursday’s full council meeting members agreed to change the thresholds for goods...
View ArticleKelso pong problems remain, say residents
“Is Kelso Scotland’s smelliest Borders town? I’m sure that’s not a name the Kelso Chamber of Trade or tourism operators would want.”That was the question posed by a member of the public this...
View ArticleNational awards for local farmers
Berwickshire organic farm, Peelham, at Foulden is one of four finalists in the local food category of the annual national ‘Rural Oscars’.The section winner, other category winners and winner overall...
View ArticleFamily fun has an educational benefit says Holyrood
FAMILIES with young children in the Borders are being urged to get on board the Scottish Government’s Play Talk Read initiative.It’s a cheme that encourages parents and carers to incorporate playing,...
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