My favourite walk on the pink carpet
One of my favourite walks in the Borders is up the river Tweed from Peebles. A few weeks ago, I revisited it after a few years’ absence, hoping that it was still as good.I set off through the recently...
View ArticleRental relief for residential landlords
Landlords letting residential properties are able to reduce their tax bill by claiming expenses and allowances against their rental income. The treatment of relief for certain expenditure for...
View ArticleThe grass is greener at The Woll golf course
A major redevelopment of a Borders golf course has been completed, with the directors hoping it will help continue to drive growing membership.The Woll, on New Woll Estate at Ashkirk, has been...
View ArticleAnti-turbine body set up
More than a dozen landscape conservation groups have united in an effort to stem the march of wind turbines across the Borders countryside.The newly-constituted Borders Network of Conservation Groups...
View ArticleScotsheep event attracts thousands despite weather
Rain poured down on Scotsheep, but failed to deter an estimated 6,500 visitors to the biennial show at Quixwood, Grantshouse, last Wednesday.Organisers had to abandon host John and Ian Macfarlane’s...
View ArticleGala’s Andrew leads new cattle group
Galashiels farmer Andrew Elliot of Blackhaugh is the first chairman of the new Scottish Cattle Industry Group established by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).The livestock producer runs 220 cows, of which...
View ArticleNettles – if you can’t beat them, drink them
It is now, officially (in Shoogly Towers-land) Homebrew Season. The time of year when we rope in the YMs, Gamford and anyone else with wellies (to guard against nettle stings) and access to a plastic...
View ArticleSadness at the loss of feline companions
Over the years I have written of Newt (Newton) and Bossie (Boswell), my two wee Borders’ cats acquired just as I entered Parliament.I am saddened to tell you that this will be my last reference to...
View ArticleProjects benefit from lottery cash
Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery have raised £217,388 for projects in the area. Hearts & Minds are one of 48 to benefit, which will enable the Elderflowers scheme to continue.
View ArticleJed youth demand action at schools’ summit
Pupils from three Jedburgh schools came together recently to demand a youth club for the town.With a little help from Cheviot Youth and their adult helpers, the 25 young people from Howdenburn and...
View ArticleFrom Kelso to Kabul and back
Sitting in the Stichill home he shares with his wife and children, Ian Aitchison savours the view out across Kelso and the surrounding green hills.It’s a far cry from the sun-baked brown and dusty...
View ArticleBorders Queen’s Baton Relay runners named
The identities of the 120 Borderers who will carry the Queen’s Baton on its relay section round the region have now been revealed.They will run in Duns, Greenlaw, Earlston, Melrose, Tweedbank, Selkirk,...
View ArticleStichill residents set for fun day
Stichill is set to host an action-packed day on Saturday, June 21. Activities begin at noon with a 10km run, followed by children’s sports at 3pm. Adults can try welly-throwing and a tug-o’-war.In the...
View ArticleDate set for the opening of Selkirk’s Pringle Park
The long wait is almost over for younsters in Selkirk, with the opening of the new Pringle Park playpark set for Sunday, June 22 – just in time for the school summer holidays.Souters are being invited...
View ArticlePupils debate independence
On Monday, Michael Moore MP returned to his old school, Jedburgh Grammar, to take part in a debate on Scottish independence. Six panellists debated the issues and answered questions from the pupils for...
View ArticleDiesel and quad bikes stolen
Police are investigating the theft of 900 litres of Forestry Commission diesel in Wauchope Forest between June 6 and 9.Officers have also issued an appeal after two quad bikes were taken from a...
View ArticleReviews of Walter Scott Prize contenders
Reviews of Walter Scott Prize contenders In our final two reviews of contenders for this year’s Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, Texas and New Zealand are the backdrops.The Promise by Ann...
View ArticleVIDEO: 17,000 flock to book festival
Almost 17,000 visitors flocked through the gates of Harmony Garden in Melrose for the 2014 Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival.Organisers say tickets sales were up by over 10% on last year for the...
View ArticleBorders sheriff Derrick McIntyre retires from bench
Sheriff Derrick McIntyre officially retired on Friday after 18 months on the bench at Jedburgh and Duns.Solicitors, court staff and other legal representatives marked his departure with a presentation...
View ArticleMore support for ‘Take the Lead’
Local farmers and politicians are backing a national campaign to reduced dog attacks on livestock.Regional support comes in the wake of attacks earlier this year when sheep were drowned after being...
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