Pupils outperform peers and fewer left unemployed
The number of school leavers going into jobs has increased by almost two per cent since 2009/10, an education standards report has revealed.Over the same period the percentage of pupils going on to...
View ArticleIndigestable answer to my Loch of the Lowes jelly riddle
Further to last week’s puzzle created by the discovery of a strange jelly-like substance on a hillside near Loch of the Lowes, I think I have the answer. I illustrated my find with a picture of this...
View ArticleHere’s hoping Maxine is as Bonnie as Blue Belle
The sun has shone on Shoogly Towers for around two hours on two consecutive days, which constitutes spring in my book. I will ignore the sharp frosts, the fact that – even though there is some warmth...
View ArticleMelrose aiming to play fair when it comes to trade
Melrose Fairtrade Group got its campaign to seek Fairtrade Town status under way last Saturday.Councillor Iain Gillespie, performing the formal launch at the Trinity Centre, was pleased to see the town...
View ArticlePutting our pupils in the best position
It is good to see that our secondary schools across the Borders are continuing to turn out a very high percentage of pupils who go to ‘positive destinations’ on leaving school – be that further or...
View ArticleA public servant who contributed much
I want to start my column this week by paying tribute to Councillor Zandra Elliot who passed away recently. Having previously served as chair of Hawick’s community council and three terms as the town’s...
View ArticleRide Along (12A) Pavilion, Galashiels
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TRAILERIn the modern tradition of action comedies Ride Along is as funny as a wet afternoon in July with a plot that disintegrates on impact.There are times in an actor’s career...
View ArticleNon-Stop (12A) Pavilion, Galashiels
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TRAILERFrom the very first, you feel threatened. You’ve been on that airplane so many times. You know the drill – hijack/wisecrack, tough guy hero comes out of the belly of the...
View ArticleHawick’s Henry named chief guest at Common Riding
THIS year’s chief guest at Hawick Common Riding has been revealed as the hugely respected local man, Henry Douglas, writes Sarah Williamson.And the well-known former official singer of the Common...
View ArticleWelcoming victims with open arms
Borders MSP Christine Grahame was among the guests at the office of Victim Support Scottish Borders in Galashiels High Street at an open day to mark European Victims Week.The message to them was that...
View ArticleCouncil make move to help region’s construction sector
The council has taken steps to stimulate house building and remove a burden on small developers in the Scottish Borders.On Monday, councillors agreed to amend the developer contribution policy,...
View ArticleLaying down the law
Anyone reading this in the hope of an erudite explanation of the Scots law rule requiring corroboration of important evidence in legal proceedings is in for a disappointment. I am no legal scholar,...
View ArticleNew BGH pool options
Campaigners behind efforts to save Borders General Hospital hydrotherapy pool hope health chiefs will adopt some of their latest proposals.NHS Borders decided last May to close the pool and provide...
View ArticleConcern as Earlston history items vanish
A plea has been made for better care of items of historical interest in Earlston, after artefacts vanished recently from its local primary school.Former local councillor John Paton-Day says he is now...
View ArticleMorebattle pupils have the right answers
The team of pupils from Morebattle Primary School who won the Kelso Rotary Club-sponsored annual primary schools quiz at the Ednam House Hotel.Encouraged by their parents, grandparents and brothers and...
View ArticleScotsheep breeds area is biggest ever
The sheep breeds area will be the largest ever at this year’s Scotsheep in Berwickshire on June 4.A record number of 32 breeds will be on display at the National Sheep Association’s (NSA) Scotland...
View ArticleRailway community fund open again for applications
CHARITIES and community organisations based in towns and villages alongside the new railway line are being invited to apply for the next round of a community fund. Those applying can benefit from up to...
View ArticlePolice appeal after house raids in Galashiels and Hawick
Police are probing a break-in and theft at a house in Abbotsferry Road in Galashiels.The raid was discovered when the occupants returned from a night away at 3.30pm on Sunday. Police say it happened...
View ArticleMeet the buyer event in Galashiels
Local contractors and suppliers are being given the chance to meet the lead contractor for the Galashiels transport interchange project in the town on Wednesday, March 19.Morrison Construction is...
View ArticleAppeal for adults as cadet numbers rise
An adult volunteer with the Army Cadet Force has spoken of the pleasure she gains from the role in a bid to encourage more people to come forward.Donna Borthwick is Detachment Commander for No5...
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