As a nation of pet lovers, it’s not uncommon to come across pets who look just like their owners, but what about their homes?

Sofa and carpet specialist ScS searched the country for the nation’s most camouflaged pets via a photo competition, and can reveal the ten best pictures of furry friends disappearing into the furniture.

Residents have vowed to fight plans for a major windfarm in a designated regional scenic area near Teviothead.

Community Windpower revealed plans last year for a 45-turbine wind farm to straddle the Borders-Dumfries and Galloway border at Faw Side.

The Cheshire-based developer wants to build the UK’s tallest onshore windfarm at the site, six miles north of Langholm and 15 miles south west of Hawick.

The company says the scheme, capable of generating up to 315mw of green electricity, would bring investment of around £256m into the region.

However, residents have baulked at the scale of the project, consisting of 40 200m-high turbines – four times the height of the Waterloo Monument at Peniel Heugh near Jedburgh – with the remaining five engines to stand at 178m.

Following public exhibitions held in Teviothead, Bentpath, Langholm and Ewes over the last fortnight, residents have formed the Faw Side Community Group to fight the scheme.

Their concerns include the cumulative landscape impact that the tallest onshore turbines in the country would have on the Langholm Hills regional scenic area, including the upland glen and other landscapes of Eskdale and the Ewes Water Valley and the heather moorland of the Southern Uplands.

Fears have also been raised about aviation lighting on top of the turbines, water running off the hills, noise and flicker.

Group member Jan Little said: “The turbines will be on five properties – Westerhall Estate, Bush of Ewes, Meikledale Lymieckeuch at Teviothead and Stennieswater Forest.

“The exhibitions the developer held gave no visuals of what it would look like, so locals could not get a feel for the actual height and the impact they are going to have on the local landscape.

“When asked at the meeting, their representative was unable to supply these.

“The proposals for these turbines also include a substation and entrance to allow construction. When asked, the Community Windpower representative said that the location of this had not yet been decided but that it looked like it would be at the Teviothead end.”

Representatives of Community Windpower attended meetings of Langholm, Ewes and Westerkirk and Upper Teviotdale and Borthwickwater community councils earlier this week, but members said the detail they were seeking was still not forthcoming.

Bob Francombe, chairman of Upper Teviotdale and Borthwickwater Community Council, said: “The public exhibitions on Faw Side wind farm by the developer were disappointing as the only new information available was the reduction in the number of turbines from 49 to 45.

“The scoping report, which had been submitted over 12 months ago, was also available at those exhibitions.

“At Monday night’s community council meeting, which was well attended by members of the public, representatives from Community Windpower gave a brief explanation of what stage they are at, but again no new information was forthcoming.

“They took questions from the room and one of the main concerns was what would happen to people’s private water supply when the work started on top of the hills around Teviothead and Ewes.

“The representatives were unable to answer this, referring to the independent company tasked with looking at the ecology of the area.

“Another area of concern was the traffic management plan and how the site would be accessed by the large loads that a wind farm of this size would require.

“They stated that they were in talks with the Forestry Commission to use the forestry roads from Eskdalemuir, so the majority of public roads in our area would not be used.However, these talks are only at a very early stage and nothing has been agreed as yet.

“It was pointed out to them that the road had not been completed through the forestry as it had become a logistical nightmare with all the different landowners involved.”

Nearby neighbours are also worried that the aviation lighting will impact their homes at night.

They believe that, as the site is on a transatlantic flight path, the developer has underestimated the frequency of air traffic over it.

“The lighting of the masts was not addressed at the meeting although they had been at the presentations with Community Windpower, who stated that the lights would be controlled by radar and switched on when aircraft were approaching,” Mr Francombe said. “However, it is more likely that they will be permanently lit as the masts are all over 149.5m high.”

Community Windpower expects to formally submit its proposals to the energy consent unit of the Scottish Government in May.

A video made to highlight the role Oxnam Kirk plays within its rural community has won a national award and commendation from the moderator of the Church of Scotland.

The three-minute film, shot entirely on an iPad as part of a group effort by the congregation, highlights all the activities linking the church with the community.

It was created for the annual Church of Scotland Show and Tell video competition and its makers are now celebrating taking first place and going one better than last year’s second place effort.

“The theme this year was ‘Walking with the Community’ so our video was about how Oxnam Church and the community work together and all of the things we are involved with – from the choir and walking groups to children’s parties and film evenings,” elder Ann Fraser said. “It was a snapshot of all the things that happen in our parish.

“Moira Land was instrumental in pulling the film together, and we worked closely with the community.

“Most of us had the iPad thrust into our hands at some point during the project.”

“Monday was the first time, I think, that a moderator for the Church of Scotland will ever have visited Oxnam, so it was quite a special day for us.”

The Rt Rev Susan Brown, met around 50 church members and locum minister Marion Dodd on Monday when she viewed the video and presented the group with a voucher.

“Oxnam Kirk is fantastic,” she said. “Thanks to the film that they have made for the competition, people can see everything that’s going on in the church.

“I don’t think that our congregations across Scotland have ever been as busy as they are now.

“Whether it’s getting folk out walking, whether it’s doing things for children like pantomime or plays, our churches are busy and active and that’s what God calls us to be.

“Our vision is to share God’s love for the community around us and that’s exactly what’s happening at Oxnam – in so many different ways.”

Primary pupils were asked to channel their energy when a travelling science show visited Hawick last week.

Children at Wilton Primary School learned about energy consumption and renewable resources when Generation Science, a touring programme of shows, came to town on Thursday.

Through the theatrical show Smart Grid, delivered by Edinburgh Science, primary six and seven pupils discovered how smart grids allow energy consumption to be switched on and off and looked at renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

They also carried out experiments to discover the implications excessive energy consumption can have on the environment.

Acting headteacher Martin Wilson said: “We were very excited to welcome the Generation Science tour to our school.

“Smart Grid is a brilliant and informative way of engaging children with science and teaching them about energy consumption and renewable energy resources.“

Generation Science manager Joan Davidson added: “We aim to improve the provision of science education in Scottish primary schools, to bring science to life in the classroom and to educate and inspire young learners in science.”

Launched 27 years ago, the scheme, designed to make science fun, exciting and easy to understand, has reached over a million children in Scotland.

An impressive weekend of junior tennis saw the Borders take on Hatton Tennis Club and Prestwick Tennis Centre in two successive team friendly matches.

The Borders team made the long journey to the west coast on Sunday to experience some indoor tennis at Prestwick, after welcoming Hatton to the Borders Tennis Centre in Gala the previous day.

There were 20 local players representing the region in both matches, aged from eight to 17.

The players train all year round as part of the Tennis Borders District programme, which runs alongside their club programmes.

The matches follow the recent trip to Gleneagles in January and to the Meadows in November, highlighting the strength of the district programme in creating competitive team opportunities.

Coach Jonny Adamson said: ‘We are establishing fantastic connections with other clubs and centres around the country.

“As well as benefiting our players in many ways, it also demonstrates how other areas view the Borders as a strong region for junior tennis.

“But it is still incredible to think we still lack the facilities to be on a par with other districts. In fact, we’re not even close.

“Our juniors are competing with players who have easy access to indoor courts, like we saw and experienced first-hand at Prestwick on Sunday.

“If we are to maintain and build on our current momentum, then an indoor facility is essential. Then it really would be advantage to the Borders.”

A Borders florist was named as best of the bunch at this year’s Scottish Wedding Awards.

Christine Hannay, owner of Scent Flowers in Galashiels, took the prize for the south of the country’s florist of the year at a ceremony in Glasgow last week.

She was the only winner from the Borders at the black-tie event, attended by 550 members of Scotland’s wedding industry.

The 41-year-old has watched her business, based at her home, bloom over the last five years, but she says winning an industry award was an unexpected bonus.

“I was delighted just to be nominated. I certainly wasn’t expecting to win it,” Christine admitted.

“The ceremony was at the Hilton hotel in Glasgow, and I just went up on my own.

“I was sitting with some other ladies, and it took me a couple of minutes to realise it was my business they were announcing.

“There were a few companies there from the Borders, but I was the only one to win, so I was really pleased to be able to bring something back for the area.”

Christine trained in floristry at Telford College in Shropshire and has worked in shops including Garlands in Edinburgh

She set up on her own five years ago after having a son and now works out of a shed at the back of her house.

“The business seems to be going from strength to strength,” she said.

“I have an 8ft-by-10ft shed out the back, and I can meet people at the venue or in their homes, so it’s a bit more comfortable for them.

“The last couple of years it has just really grown. Two years ago, I only had six weddings, last year I had 19 and I have 17 already this year.”

Last year, Christine provided floral decorations for the Galashiels Braw Lads’ Gathering, and she has been asked to do so again this summer.

“This is the second year I have got the contract for the braw lads’ gathering and it’s a huge privilege to do that,” she said.

“I absolutely love what I do. Last year, I had my first ever bride that cried on me, and it was quite a moment to see how the flowers can really move people.

“Seeing people’s faces when you go and deliver flowers is definitely the best bit.”

Hosted by STV and BBC Radio Scotland broadcaster Josie Smith, the awards celebrate professionals who have dedicated their careers to the wedding industry and aim to deliver elegant, unique and memorable weddings at a budget.

Melrose make-up artist Anna Millington was a finalist in the freelance wedding hair and makeup category, and Dryburgh Abbey Hotel in Melrose, the Kingsnowes Hotel in Galashiels and Cringletie House Hotel in Peebles were all shortlisted in the class for venues.

Lousie Murray at Cringletie House Hotel was a finalist for wedding co-ordinator of the year, and the Orde Food Company in Kelso was named among the country’s top 10 caterers.

A spokesperson for the awards said: “The awards showcased once again the gold standard of the wedding sector who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional weddings that will make the happy couple and their guests experience great and emotional moments.”

A woman has been ordered to be of good behaviour for the next six months after she admitted assaulting a former partner at his Hawick home.

Kirsty Renwick, 33, of Chay Blyth Place in Hawick, also admitted threatening or abusive behaviour and making offensive comments.

Those offences were committed in Hawick’s Scott Crescent on June 13 last year.

Sentence was deferred at Jedburgh Sheriff Court until September 2.

An exciting new temporary exhibition is coming to the Waterfall Gallery at Hawick Museum.

It will showcase the work of local craftsman, Robin Runciman, whose Wildwood collection features a selection of wall art, sculpture and furniture made from Scottish hardwoods. And, best of all, these stunning pieces are all available for purchase. practical and beautiful heirlooms.

Having lived and worked in the Borders all his life, Robin gravitated toward creating art that reflects this beautiful part of the world. It was through working the land as a farmer that his interest slowly grew. His Wildwood Scotland workshop is located just a few miles from Lauder.

For the last decade, Robin has been sourcing and storing beautiful Scottish hardwoods to make original sculpture and furniture.

Each piece of wood has been through a curing process of up to six years and every piece of furniture or sculpture is made to last a lifetime.

The trees Robin uses are felled due to age or have fallen naturally in order to ensure a minimum impact on the environment.

Depending on the species and characteristics, Robin decides whether they will make the collection.

After felling (or collection), the tree is taken to sawmills where it is sliced into the appropriate thickness for furniture.

Robin is currently working with elm, his favoured wood, from a large consignment secured from the centre of Edinburgh. This timber is around 200 years old and Robin can, therefore, combine a little bit of the history of Edinburgh with his fine craftsmanship.

Robin has developed his own style, with each piece finished to an impressive quality.

He ensures each piece is unique, usually incorporating the live edge of the wood in order to bring a little of the outdoors into a client’s home.

His meticulous attention to detail enables Robin to create beautiful objects which are synonymous with Wildwood Scotland.

The exhibition, Wildwood Scotland, runs from March 10 to 5 May 5 at the Waterfall Gallery, first floor, Hawick Museum, Wilton Lodge Park.

Entry to the gallery is free.

For more information about Robin’s beautiful creations visit www.wildwoodscotland.co.uk.

The old adage that behind every great man is a great woman could have been coined for Bette McLaren, who died last Friday aged 93.

Many tributes have been paid this week to the woman behind the voice of rugby, Bill McLaren, a couple who together have helped put the town of Hawick on the world stage.

Born and brought up in the town where she spent her whole life, Bette Jane Gordon Hill first lived in Fisher Avenue before moving to Burnfoot, where she set up the McLaren family home.

Their daughter, Linda Lawson, said: “Dad loved to talk of their first meeting at a dance in the town hall on St Patrick’s Day 1947.

“He talked of seeing a vision in white across the room.

“They danced the night away and fell in love, that love lasting over 60 years until his death in 2010.”

Linda added: “Seeing the love, affection and devotion of mum and dad over so many years, they were an example to us all. Mum has passed on to me and our family a love of the outdoors and of keeping active, something she was known for right through to her late 80s.

“She has always been elegant, glamorous and beautiful, with the warmest of smiles and a wonderful twinkle in her eyes.

“She loved music and dancing and liked nothing more than having a wee dance with dad whenever the music of Glen Miller or Frank Sinatra was played – which was often!”

Bette set out her stall in the early days of their relationship when she helped nurse Bill back to health after he caught tuberculosis, from which many died in those days.

He was laid low in the Fortune Sanatorium in Edinburgh for 19 months.

In an interview with a national newspaper before his death, Bill said: “At one stage, I told her not to bother with me anymore and to find herself a proper man, though I cried for a week after that until her next visit. She just ignored me – bit of a trend that, by the way – and just kept coming back week after week to breathe life into me.”

The couple were blessed with two daughters, Janie and Linda.

But there was heartache to come when in 2000, eldest daughter Janie, married to TV racing commentator Derek Thompson, died of cancer.

After Bill died in 2010, Bette had no shortage of wellwishers in her frequent walks along Hawick’s High Street.

Watson McAteer, the town’s honorary provost said: “I was very shocked to hear of the death of Bette McLaren at the weekend, acknowledging the end of an important piece of local history.

“The McLaren family have given so much for Hawick, with Bill and Bette a perfect couple who lived quietly but took every opportunity to praise our town on the world stage.

“The family name lives on through daughter Linda and the McLaren Foundation, and I would express my sympathy to her and the extended family on behalf of the townsfolk of Hawick.”

And a man who followed his granddad into rugby commentating, Linda’s son Rory Lawson, posted a heartwarming message on social media on Saturday.

It read: “A special commentary today, having lost our incredible nana last night. Counting our blessings that she was such a huge part of our lives for so long. 93 years. Missed already.

“She’ll be dancing in the streets of heaven with papa tonight, though, reunited.

“I’m off for a bowl of ketchup with a side of chips in your honour, nana.

“You’re the best.”

Darcy Graham, former Hawick player, makes his first start for Scotland on Saturday in the Guinness Six Nations match with Wales at BT Murrayfield (kick-off 2.15pm) – live on BBC television.

Injuries have led head coach, former Gala ace Gregor Townsend, to reshuffle the squad, with another ex-Mansfield Park star, Stuart Hogg, still absent because of the shoulder injury he suffered against Ireland.

Sean Maitland is also out of contention after a foot injury – which means Edinburgh winger Graham will line up alongside Tommy Seymour and Blair Kinghorn in the back three.

The 21-year-old played for the final 25 minutes or so last time out against France, where the commentators made much of his speed and ability.

However, Graham only had a couple of opportunities to show his pace, as the Scots went down 27-10, so a first full start for his country may yield better fortunes.

Tommy Seymour and Glasgow Warriors colleague Jonny Gray will make their 50th appearance in a Scotland side , while the revamping among the half-backs will hopefuly boost the hosts’ efforts to secure the Doddie Weir Cup.

Racing 92 stand-off Finn Russell returns from a head injury to start alongside Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Ali Price. Russell’s return sees Pete Horne move one place outfield to inside-centre – in place of Sam Johnson – to partner fellow Glasgow Warriors centre Nick Grigg.

The inclusion of Price means Greig Laidlaw, from Jedburgh, moves to the bench, with Edinburgh hooker and club captain Stuart McInally taking on the national team responsibility for the third time.

The other players with Border links who have figured recently in the squad – Gary Graham and Jamie Bhatti – are out of contention for a place this time around.

The only change to the pack is at tighthead, where Edinburgh prop Willem Nel returns from a calf injury to form an all-Edinburgh front-row with McInally and loosehead Allan Dell.

They pack down in front of an unchanged back-five where lock Grant Gilchrist partners Gray in the second-row and Magnus Bradbury, Jamie Ritchie and Josh Strauss return to the back-row.

There are three further changes to the bench, which could see recent squad additions Hamish Watson (back-row), Gordon Reid (loosehead prop) and Byron McGuigan (back three) feature for the first time this campaign.

Gregor Townsend explained: “While there have been some strong moments in our games this campaign, we have yet to deliver that quality and focus for 80 minutes and play to our potential.

“We have had a couple of weeks since our defeat in Paris to look at ways we can improve our performances, through what we do in training, our tactical approach and through selection.

“First and foremost, we select a team we believe gives us the best chance of winning at the weekend, while we also have an opportunity to reward players who have been in very good form and have been knocking at the door of the team in recent weeks – Darcy Graham and Ali Price especially.

“Greig Laidlaw, having started in our last six games is a key member of our squad, although this week we have decided to utilise his leadership and experience off the bench.

“He is driven by a desire to win for his country and he should have an important role to play in the latter stages of the match at the weekend.”

Wales – the world’s third-ranked side – arrive in Edinburgh as the only unbeaten team remaining in the championship and have won 10 in their last 11 Tests against their hosts, with Scotland’s success coming in their last meeting at BT Murrayfield two years ago.

Townsend added: “Wales have a very good record against us and are in excellent form. It’s a similar challenge to the one we faced last year against England, who had also been on a very good run of results in their preceding games.

“We rose to the challenge that day and found a way to win and I firmly believe we can reach that level of performance once again on Saturday.”

Scotland team to play Wales at BT Murrayfield:

15 Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh), 14 Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), 13 Nick Grigg (Glasgow Warriors), 12 Pete Horne (Glasgow Warriors), 11 Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), 10 Finn Russell (Racing 92, vice-captain), 9 Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors); 1 Allan Dell (Edinburgh), 2 Stuart McInally (Edinburgh, captain), 3 Willem Nel (Edinburgh), 4 Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh, vice-captain), 5 Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors), 6 Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh), 7 Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh), 8 Josh Strauss (Sale Sharks) 20 caps. Subs: 16 Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors), 17 Gordon Reid (London Irish), 18 Simon Berghan (Edinburgh), 19 Ben Toolis (Edinburgh), 20 Hamish Watson (Edinburgh), 21 Greig Laidlaw (Clermont Auvergne), 22 Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors), 23 Byron McGuigan (Sale Sharks).

In January and February 2019, Action on Salt surveyed the salt content of children’s meals which are available at out of home outlets in England. This includes restaurants, fast food and pub chains.

Data was collected from company websites or by emailing customer service departments. In total, 357 children’s meals were surveyed from 26 outlets across the UK. Of these, 42% had more than 1.8g of salt per portion - the maximum salt target for children’s meals in the out of home sector. This is the salt content of popular kids’ meals.

New streets in housing estate Melrose Gait are set to be named after Langlee legends Adam Kelly and John Collins.

And another will be named after a long-serving Galashiels councillor, Bill Lamb.

Galashiels Community Council met last night and one of the most important jobs of the evening was the naming of the three streets, something the committee had been chewing over for a couple of months.

A shortlist of three – John Collins Crescent, Bill Lamb Crescent and Charles Lapworth Way – had been put on the table due to suggestions made by committee members.

Hibs, Celtic, Everton, Monaco and Scotland footballer Collins, one of the town’s most famous sons, was a popular choice around the table.

However, the fact that he was still alive could have put paid to his inclusion.

Community councillor Rick Kenney said: “A lot of towns normally name streets after people who have passed away.

“The reason why many don’t pick living people is because of the risk of them letting the town down.”

Scottish Borders councillor Sandy Aitchison gave away his own footballing loyalties, saying: “Well, John was a proud player in Scotland’s premier footballing team, before letting himself down by turning to the dark side to join Celtic.”

However, he was kept in the list when treasurer Tom Ingoldsby said: “I fully support a street to be named after John Collins. He came from Langlee and made a big name for himself, I think it would be good to recognise him.”

And non-football fan Mrs Cleghorn said: “Oh, well, if he’s from Langlee, that puts an entirely different slant on it ... of course he should be included.”

Mr Lamb, who died last year, was a long-standing councillor who held a number of portfolio posts in the then Lib-Dem held council.

He was another popular choice and Mrs Cleghorn said: “Bill Lamb served the town well and was a very good friend of mine.”

However, the third name on the shortlist, Charles Lapworth Way – after the famous geologist who moved to the town in 1869 – was called into question as he was not born there.

In his place, Adam Kelly Place – after the man who served ice cream to the town’s children for more than 50 years, before retiring as Britain’s oldest ice cream vendor in 1996 – was the favourite suggestion.

As Melrose Gait continues to grow, other street names will become available, and it was agreed to keep the longlist of various worthies until the next tranche.

They included: John Hope Tait Drive, Doddie Weir Drive, Gregor Townsend Way, Tait Drive, Knox Drive, Knoll Way, Fairydean Parade and Fairydean Crescent.

Howe of Fife 3

Peebles 24

Peebles crept into a top five berth in the National League Division Two table with this win over fading Howe of Fife.

The corresponding home fixture at The Gytes had been fraught with incidents and injuries, and a hefty scoreline in the hosts’ favour. But Howe were hopeful after recent improvements.

The early exchanges, for both sides, were evident of the heavy rain and mucky conditions, with handling and control of the ball proving extremely difficult.

It was Howe who struck the first points, however, with a penalty from Dylan Suttie.

For the remainder of the match, it was Peebles who adapted better to the conditions, with number 10 Donald Anderson orchestrating their moves.

Once again, Howe created good field position but were unable to exert the final execution, with too many dropped balls and knock-ons.

Peebles took the lead from prop Neil Hogarth, converted by Anderson.

A second try from Rohan Maciver went unconverted.

Towards the end of the first 40 minutes, there was a concerted effort from Howe, very close to Peebles try line, but no score materialised.

The half-time tally, at 3-14 in Peebles’ favour, was a fair reflection of their more accurate handling and field kicking. Howe remained dogged throughout, their defence working overtime in sapping wet conditions.

Despite injuries, they refused to lie back and they continued to grind away at Peebles.

Howe were too often static in taking the ball, generating very little momentum.

In wet conditions, a little depth and running angles can generate go-forward ball.

It was in this aspect of the game that Peebles displayed a keener sense of what was necessary.

Howe persisted with the scrum half kick and chase, which the visitors handled well, and counter-attacked effectively.

Peebles stretched the score with a further two unconverted tries, from Kieran Brown and Ryan Stewart.

Young rugby players from Selkirk were in action against players from the north east of England during a weekend in which the wet and windy weather dominated many sporting occasions.

Selkirk Youth Club was in action against Morpeth Colts and won the game 24-10.

Our picture, by Grant Kinghorn, shows BLair Shiell in possession for the Borders side.

There were wildly contrasting fortunes for the Borders athletes among the UK team in Glasgow for the European Indoor Championships last weekend.

Chris O’Hare, of West Linton, scooped a silver medal in the 3000 metres, which his supporters felt was ample reward for years of patience, persistence and perseverance.

Berwickshire’s Guy Learmonth, however, the UK team captain, suffered a bleak end to his hopes in the 800 metres, as he endured a fall in the semi-final, then the ignominy of disqualification.

The well-known runner was already competing with a broken hand, having had another fall recently while competing in Birmingham.

O’Hare, whose time was 7:57.19, said : “I’m happy I split up the (Norwegian) Ingebrigtsens (fellow competitors Jakob, who won gold, and older brother Henrik, who was three thousandths of a second behind O’Hare in a photo finish).

“I’m happy being back on the medal podium – it’s been four years since I’ve been on the podium and its been a hell of a four years, so I wouldn’t change it.

“It’s made me the person I am today and, hopefully, this is another step forward.

“With 200m to go, I thought ‘I’ve got bronze’ and tried to give it everything I had to be on Henrik’s shoulder.

“It took me a lot to get on his shoulder but then, round the bend, the crowd just erupted and it does kind of pick you up an chuck you towards the line.

“Obviously, every medal is different by way of what it took to get there – I got my first two as a rookie on the scene.

“Now (at 28) I’m kind of the old boy, so it’s good to kind of get back on medal standing and be rewarded for four years of hard work.”

Learmonth tumbled in his semi-final and was disqualified for obstruction, after Irishman Mark English lodged an appeal to remain in the race.

Ironically, after finishing second in his heat in 1:48.98, he had spoken of the need to be careful when manoeuvring to try and win, as he was aware there had been lots of disqualifications at indoor events.

But he had been feeling confident and “ready to go”, while his injured hand didn’t appear to be a concern.

After the ill-fated race, he said: “It’s all a bit of a blur to me, I need to watch it and see exactly what happened.

“I knew there was a gap on the inside; it was slow through 400m and then we wound it up a bit. I saw the gap, I believe I got through, but I think I got nudged either from behind or inside from me and went down.

“I don’t think it was an illegal move but I need to see it again. The guy moved into the outside lane and I just went for it. I don’t know whether it’s my fault or someone else’s fault – but it isn’t meant to be.

“I’m going to be here now to support the team and I’ll take inspiration from the guys. We’ve got an incredible team.”

Fjordhus Reivers 3s 6, Boroughmuir 1s 0

Fjordhus took to the pitch focused and determined against Boroughmuir, who were third in the East Premier League, reports Erin Lawrence.

Playing with a new formation, Reivers stuck to their task, and after two minutes, opened the scoring. Janet Jack played a long ball into the circle, on to Blythe Duff’s stick, and she deflected the ball into the goal.

The home team continued to apply the pressure and, 10 minutes later, were rewarded with their second goal when Hannah McNair put the rebound past the goalkeeper.

Boroughmuir started to link their passes together but the Reivers defence was solid and Helen Montgomery made some fine saves to prevent the visitors scoring any goals.

In the second half, the Borders team stepped up the pace, playing fast, accurate passing from defence to create lots of opportunities for the midfield and strikers to go forward at pace.

Kady Hulme scored goal number three, following a well-worked penalty corner which she put past the ‘keeper from the penalty spot. Boroughmuir continued to attack, when they had the chance to do so, but were unable to capitalise on their efforts.

In the final 10 minutes, Reivers dominated the play. Lucy Bell scored the fourth goal from the top of the circle, while the fifth, from Lindsay Jack, came two minutes later from open play.

With two minutes left, Fjordhus scored their sixth goal when Erin Lawrence played the ball into the circle for Blythe Duff to grab her second. Reivers 3s moved back to the top of the East Premier League table, in joint first place with Fjordhus Reivers 2s.

Borders Fjordhus Reivers 3, Kelburne Ladies HC 2

Saturday saw Reivers face a well-experienced Kelburne Hockey Club side in some very wet and windy weather.

The conditions did not put Reivers off as they started the game well, applying a lot of pressure on Kelburne’s defence, reports Robyn Pick.

Kelburne retaliated with some fast breaks in the 23rd and 31st minutes leaving the score 2-0 going into half time.

Reivers pulled up their socks and went into the second half fighting for the win.

After seven minutes of high-paced passing, Chloe Richardson picked up the ball on the half way line, beating several players, before scooping the ball into the roof of the net.

This lifted Reivers’ spirits and some good team play from defence through to the midfield saw Megan Cambell pass to Ashley Robson, who scored a second goal for Reivers, making it 2-2.

A fantastic pass from centre-back Emma Jamieson to Chloe Richardson, who again beat several players, resulted in another fantastic Reivers goal.

With 10 minutes left, Reivers remained composed, playing a possession game to run down the clock for a well-deserved 3-2 win.

These days he’d probably fall foul of a crackdown on unhealthy foodstuffs being lined up by the Scottish Government, but because he’s long dead and no longer inciting children to risk getting double chins by eating his sweets, Galashiels confectioner Robert Coltart is off the hook.

Far from facing sanctions for encouraging obesity and tooth decay, Coltart is in fact being celebrated by Scottish Borders Council, one of the government’s prospective partners in its bid to encourage healthy eating.

It has commissioned a statue of the 19th century candy man, best known for writing the lullaby-cum-advertising ditty Coulter’s Candy, also known as Ally Bally Bee, and a design for it has now been agreed.

The statue of former weaver Coltart, alive from 1832 to 1880, will be accompanied by sculptures of two customers, a boy and a girl.

It’s being produced by sculptor Angela Hunter, originally from Galashiels but now living in Innerleithen, and is due to be completed by the end of the year.

It will be created in two stages, with the statue of Coltart expected to be in place in Market Square in Galashiels this summer, and the children’s sculptures following later in the year.

That’s near a former home of his in Overhaugh Street, and it’s also next to another tribute to a song with links to Galashiels, progressive rock band Marillion’s 1985 single Kayleigh.

Lyrics from the song, a No 2 hit, were carved into paving stones in the square in 2012 to mark the inspiration the town provided for it, it being about a former girlfriend of then singer Fish, alias Derek Dick, once a student at the Heriot-Watt University campus there.

The Coltart sculpture will form part of a new town trail being part-funded by a Scottish Government regeneration grant of £1.18m.

Mrs Hunter worked alongside local historians Mary Craig, of Stow, and Graeme McIver, of Galashiels, along with councillor Sandy Aitchison and the Energise Galashiels Trust, to come up with her design.

An appeal in January for information on Coltart, buried in an unmarked grave in Eastlands Cemetery in Galashiels following his death from a brain tumour at the age of 47, triggered responses from across Scotland and even Canada.

“I am delighted we now have an agreed design we are able to let the Borders public see,” said Mrs Hunter, 67.

“The agreed design of the Robert Coltart sculpture is based on newspaper cuttings, including an image we have of him.

“While we can never be 100% certain of his appearance, the research by Mary and Graeme and feedback to our appeal means I feel I can now portray his stature and personality.

“I will now press ahead with producing a lasting legacy for Robert Coltart that Galashiels can be proud of.”

Ms Craig said: “Robert Coltart’s story is one that many more people should know about, and I hope this sculpture will encourage people to find out how the famous song Coulter’s Candy came to be written by a weaver from Galashiels.”

The town trail will also take in the location of Robert Coltart’s one-bedroom flat in Overhaugh Street.

The council’s executive member for business and economic development, Mid Berwickshire councillor Mark Rowley, added: “In line with other regeneration works going on in Galashiels, the Coulter’s Candy project has been taken forward with a number of partners, and it was important they all had sight of the initial design before it was issued publicly.

“A real effort is being made to ensure visitors are attracted to Galashiels, and the wider Borders area, and it is worth noting that without the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor attraction, which helped secure the overall support from the Scottish Government regeneration grant fund, these improvement works would not have been possible.”

Mother-of-two Mrs Hunter’s other works include busts of West Linton nurse Margaret Kerr at the Borders General Hospital at Melrose and Hawick rugby commentator Bill McLaren at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, plus the £100,000 statue of William of Rule wrestling a bull outside Hawick Heritage Hub.

Jonathan Seddon, whose wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 aged 35, has spoken about what her surviving the disease has meant to him.

Jonathan (47) is the latest to tell his ‘My Survivor’ story as part of a campaign to help change the way cancer is viewed and encourage more people to act if they have concerns.

With research highlighting that fear of a potential cancer diagnosis continues to stop people acting, the Detect Cancer Early Survivors campaign aims to illustrate that more people are surviving cancer than ever before – and drive home the fact that getting checked early plays a big part.

Following the unveiling of a TV advert for the campaign, people are being encouraged to join the movement by sharing what a loved one’s cancer survival has meant to them, using #MySurvivor in a bid to tell the other side of the story.

Jonathan’s wife Emma was diagnosed after finding a lump on her breast during a family holiday with their two young daughters in the summer of 2017.

Following surgery in September 2017, and then chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Emma has recovered well, and is enjoying life with daughters Jessica (4) and Sophie (6).

Jonathan, who has been married to Emma since 2010, said: “When Emma found the lump it was so tiny and hard that I really didn’t think anything of it. I just didn’t think it could possibly be a sign of anything more sinister.

“I went with her to the breast clinic after her initial GP appointment. We had to go back a week later to get the results and the whole time I was convinced it would be clear so when we were told it was cancer it was such a shock.

“My first reaction was that they had made a mistake – Emma’s a young, healthy woman with no family history of breast cancer. I was in total denial. Hearing those words was like a surreal out-of-body experience. I felt like my whole life just stood still.”

It was initially thought Emma would be able to get a lumpectomy, but after further tests showed there were other pre-cancerous cells throughout the breast, the surgeon decided it would be best to opt for a full mastectomy with reconstruction.

Jonathan continued: “When Emma was told she’d have to undergo a full mastectomy and reconstruction she obviously found it hard, but she’s very much a coper. She always manages to stay positive and just gets on with things.”

Emma had her operation in September 2017 and then underwent 18 weeks of chemotherapy, followed by four weeks of radiotherapy.

Jonathan said: “We were very honest with the kids from the start even though they were young. Now that they can see their mum is better and her hair has grown back I think they’re ok with it.

“And hopefully when the girls grow up there won’t be the same kind of fear around cancer that the older generations tend to have.”

He added: “I’ve always been appreciative of Emma and the girls, but I’m so much more so since her diagnosis. I appreciate absolutely everything now, even small things like going for a walk together as a family or dropping the kids at school in the morning.

“I find myself thinking how lucky we are to have a mundane day to day routine.”

Emma said: “I know people have busy lives and will put off going to their GP surgery, but I would advise them to just make the time and do it.

“The stress you’ll put yourself through from worrying about it for weeks is probably worse than the actual appointment itself, then once it’s done you can tick it off your list of things to worry about.

“Most of the time these things aren’t anything sinister, but it’s better to have peace of mind and find out either way.”

For more information visit Get Checked Early

Citizens Advice bureaux across Scotland have helped put more than £1 million back into clients’ pockets in the last four months.

And it’s all thanks to a new service, Financial Health Check, which launched in November with funding from the Scottish Government.

From November 2 to January 31, the service supported 1740 clients.

Some 432 clients called the free helpline and 1308 accessed face to face services in local bureaux.

In just four short months, more than £1 million has been claimed by 366 clients; each being better off, on average, by £2700.

But with around half a million Scots not claiming all they are entitled to, Citizens Advice and the Scottish Government are now keen for more people to take advantage of the Financial Health Check service.

Launched in a bid to tackle child poverty, the government is particularly keen for families to access it.

Aileen Campbell, cabinet secretary for communities and local government, said: “We launched our Every Child, Every Chance plan last year, outlining ways of tackling child poverty in the next five years.

“Poverty is fundamentally about a lack of income.

“And one of the best ways to tackle that is by trying to increase families’ household incomes.

“Working with Citizens Advice, we launched the Financial Health Check service in November in a bid to do just that.

“We know people are not claiming all that they are entitled to – be that benefits or grants such as Best Start.

“The impact of welfare reform has led to detrimental changes for many people and they often don’t know what is available to them.

“So this confidential and personal service takes a holistic look at the person’s finances – everything from energy usage to benefits.

“It is tailored to each individual’s needs, recommending a variety of ways they can increase their overall income.

“Not everyone is eligible for benefits and grants but the service can also work with people to reduce their outgoings by looking at the likes of energy providers, insurance policies and mobile phone providers.

“It’s amazing how much people can save, simply by tackling these areas.”

It certainly appears to be working and the minister is delighted with the results.

She added: “The fact that more than £1 million has been recovered for clients in just four months shows how important it is for people to have a financial health check.

“There’s a significant number of people out there who need help and support to ensure they are receiving all that they are entitled to.

“We want to make sure that everyone knows that this free service is available to them – anyone, wherever they are in Scotland, can access the service.”

There are three specialist centres in Scotland – in Inverness, Falkirk and Dumfries – with nine CAB advisers handling calls from all over the country.

Financial health checks can be done over the phone or people can arrange to pop into their local office.

Robert Cameron, the senior call handler in Falkirk, has little doubt that the service is making a huge difference to clients.

And he is hoping even more people will take advantage of it.

He said: “This is a free, confidential service and anyone can use it, no matter where they live in Scotland.

“When they call the free helpline, people will be directed to one of the nine specialists in Falkirk, Inverness and Dumfries.

“If they prefer, they can also arrange to visit their local bureau where an experienced adviser can talk them through their options.

“We want to hear from people who are not sure what they are entitled to.

“We have the same level of confidentiality that someone visiting their doctor has.

“We use the information provided to us to check whether that person is claiming all that they can.

“Very often, people forget to update changes in circumstance and are entitled to more money than they’ve been receiving.

“We had one elderly man who was living off his savings as he didn’t realise he was entitled to state pension.

“That was backdated, along with his pension credit so in the space of one morning that client received more than £10,000 he didn’t realise he was entitled to.

“We also had a mum who called us in tears, two weeks before Christmas, with just £20 left in her pocket and no way of buying presents for her children.

“The DWP had been taking payments off her benefits and we called them to challenge that.

“The following day, the DWP said it had made an error and that mum received just short of £7000 which was a brilliant Christmas present for her.”

Of course, not everyone is entitled to benefits but the Financial Health Check team works with all callers to increase their income.

Robert explained: “Fifty per cent of what we do is looking at what’s coming in.

“The other 50 per cent is looking at what’s going out.

“Our ethos is if we can’t help put extra money in a client’s pocket via benefits or grants, we’ll save them money by looking at their outgoings.

“Sometimes people earn too much to be able to claim benefits but they are by no means rich or well off.

“People are still surprised to find out that customer loyalty simply doesn’t pay.

“For example, we saved one man £20 a month simply by changing his breakdown cover. He was also paying over the odds for his boiler cover. In the space of 20 minutes, we’d saved him £30 a month.

“It might not sound a lot but it all adds up.”

While the advisers are on hand to help, it’s up to the clients to follow through.

Robert said: “We are here to help people who are struggling to get back on their feet again.

“In a typical month here in Falkirk alone, we help around 120 people.

“It’s up to each individual whether they take our advice or not but we’re happy to follow up with clients to find out how they get on and help them further, if needs be.

“A lot of the time, people don’t want to change their insurance or energy suppliers because they think it’s too much of a faff.

“But making the effort can save people hundreds of pounds every year. Surely that money is better in your pocket than theirs?”

On April 1, Citizens Advice is also launching a new service called Help to Claim, offering support and advice during the first five weeks of a benefits claim.

Robert added: “Universal Credit has had a lot of bad press but some people would be £150 better off on it.

“They won’t make the claim, though, because of the five week delay in receiving benefits. Help to Claim will help them through that.”

Working together to help low income households in Scotland

In Scotland, it is estimated there are around half a million cases of people not claiming all the support they are entitled to.

And that’s why the Scottish Government is urging low-income households to access Financial Health Check.

Offering free, impartial advice and support, it is a one-stop personalised service on money matters.

One call to the free helpline is all it takes for people to find out what they are entitled to.

Funded by the Scottish Government, the service is being delivered by the Citizens Advice Network in Scotland.

People can access it by calling the free helpline on 0800 085 7145 where they will be given advice on how best to access the financial support they need and are entitled to.

Hundreds have already been offered free financial advice since the service was launched last November.

Aileen Campbell, cabinet secretary for communities and local government, said: “The Financial Health Check is an invaluable source of support for people who are on a low income.

“Friendly, experienced advisers are on hand to talk them through all their options.

“Too many people are not accessing everything they could be and we want to ensure the right support is there to help people make the most of their financial situation.

“The service will cover issues such as access to free school meals, benefit uptake, council tax reduction and cheaper deals on energy and other utilities to reduce household costs.

“If you’re a parent struggling to make ends meet, you’re not alone. It doesn’t matter if you’re in work or out, one call to the free phoneline is all it takes get some advice that could make a real difference.

“We would urge people to pick up the phone for a free financial health check today.”

Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “We know from research large numbers of families in Scotland are still not claiming support they are entitled to.

“We are pleased to have this opportunity to reach those who need support the most.

“Through this service, and all the core work of the Citizens Advice network in Scotland, CAB teams can help alleviate financial worries, so people can access their basic rights to food and a warm home.”

The Financial Health Check is free to all, offering impartial advice and support.

Advisers can let people know exactly what they are entitled to, as well as providing a personalised service to help them save money and get the best deals.

For more information call the free helpline on 0800 085 7145 or visit parentclub.scot/money or facebook.com/parentclubscotland.

The spirit in the Scottish women’s rugby camp is high and the players are hopeful they can score their first win of the 2019 Six Nations campaign.

That was the declaration by fullback Chloe Rollie as the ladies prepare to take on Wales tonight (Friday) at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.

They have been working on various aspects of their game since the last outing against France and, although they were beaten 41-10, their performance gave them a lot of confidence.

All four of the Borders’ current international players will be lining up for this evening’s game, which is live on BBC ALBA with a 7.35pm kick-off.

Chloe, who now plays professionally in France but spent some time in Jedburgh, retains her number 15 jersey, while the squad is captained again by centre Lisa Thomson – an ex-Hawick High School pupil, along with hooker, lineout thrower and place kicker, Lana Skeldon, who also played for Melrose ladies. Returning at scrum half, after missing the French game, is Mhairi Grieve, formerly of Selkirk Rhinos and Selkirk High School.

Chloe said: “We know Wales will come out hard against us and we are looking to step up and beat that intensity they are going to bring.”

The Scots had shown a good understanding in attack last time out – however, their defence around the rucks sometimes fell away and they had been working to improve that, she added.

“The nomination was not there all the time, leaving us short on the outside, and France would exploit that,” said Chloe.

She continued: “We definitely know the Wales game will be a big battle and we’ll take it with both hands. We are very happy – there’s no doom and gloom in the squad.

“We know what our job is and we need to go and do it – there are no ifs, ands or buts. It needs to be done – simple as that.”

Elswehere tonight, at Meggetland, home of Boroughmuir, Scotland U20s play Wales in their own Six Nations tournament, kicking off at 7.30pm.