An investigation is under way into the death of a cyclist near Tweedsmuir during this year’s Tour o’ the Borders yesterday, September 1.

The 49-year-old man died of injuries he sustained after coming off his bike near Megget Reservoir, between Tweedsmuir and Selkirk, at around 9.40am.

A spokeswoman for the event said: “It is with the deepest regret that we announce the death of a participant at Tour o’ the Borders closed road cycling sportive.

“Next of kin have been informed.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the rider at this tragic time.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We responded to a road near Megget Reservoir at around 9.40am on Sunday.

“A 49-year-old male cyclist was involved in a collision during the Tour o’ the Borders event.

“As a result, the man came off of his bike and sustained serious injuries.

“No other persons were involved.

“He was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Inquires are continuing.”

Scottish rally driving champion Euan Thorburn has been banned from the road after admitting speeding.

The 32-year-old has been disqualified from driving for 28 days after being clocked doing 81mph on a road with a 60mph limit.

Thorburn was crowned Scottish champion after triumphing at the Grampian Forest Rally at Banchory earlier this month despite there being one more stage still to take place.

However, due to losing his licence for the next month, he will be unable to take part in the Galloway Hills Rally, based at Castle Douglas and scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 14.

Thorburn was already on nine penalty points when he was caught in a police mobile camera speed trap on the A68 at Soutra Hill, near Oxton, on November 7 last year.

Selkirk Justice of the Peace Court was told the loss of his licence would prove extremely costly for Thorburn as he will miss two rallies, as well as affecting his business routine.

He is a director of his family’s construction engineering business John Thorburn and AET Installations, a supplier of harvest installation drying systems, both based in his home town of Duns.

Thorburn was visiting sites connected with his business when he was clocked driving at 21mph above the maximum speed limit.

He already had nine points on his licence so, under the totting-up procedure, another three points would have taken him to 12 penalty points and led to a six-month driving ban.

However, justice of the peace Rosamund Williams imposed a discretionary 28-day disqualification instead to allow Thorburn to get back on the road sooner and enable him to take part in rallying events.

In addition to that ban, the Berwickshire business boss was given a fine of £360 which he has 28 days to pay.

Thorburn was Scottish rally champion in 2014, 2017 and also this year with regular co-driver Paul Beaton.

He also won the British Trial and Rally Drivers’ Association title this year, a prize he won previously in 2013.

A Borders GP surgery has been closed with next to no prior warning.

Kelso Medical Group Practice only announced it would be closing its Town Yetholm surgery by pinning a letter to the front door of the Deanfield Place building last week. 

Patients in Yetholm now face a 16-mile round trip to Kelso’s Inch Road to health centre for doctors’ appointment.

The closure, said to be due to a drop in demand, comes over a decade after health bosses last proposed shutting the Yetholm surgery.

Back in 2008, however, they were forced to think again by a public backlash led by the village’s community council.

This time round, though, the community council wasn’t given the chance to launch any such campaign to save the surgery as it was taken unawares.

Its chairperson, Susan Stewart, said: “Yetholm Community Council was only informed in writing two days before the closure by the practice that this was going to happen.

“There was no consultation or discussion about it, and it has come as quite a surprise to the community as a whole.

“We feel that the practice should have, at the very least, given us a chance to comment and meet with them to discuss their plans before the surgery was closed.

“This opportunity has been denied us, and we will be writing to NHS Borders and the practice to ask why there was no prior warning of this closure.”

Kelso councillors Simon Mountford and Euan Robson are also unimpressed by the abruptness with which the surgery was shut down.

Mr Mountford said: “I appreciate that circumstances have, to some extent, changed since 2008, when Kelso Medical Group Practice last tried to close Yetholm surgery.  

“However, the surgery is a vital local facility, given that Yetholm has an above-average proportion of elderly people. 

“It is, therefore, totally unacceptable that there has been absolutely no consultation with the local community before this decision was taken.  

“I will be writing to Kelso Medical Group Practice to invite them to meet the community council to explain this step and what actions they propose to mitigate the serious impact it will have on residents.”

Mr Robson echoed those sentiments, saying: “The loss of the surgery in Yetholm will be a setback for the local community, but patient numbers have dropped quite significantly. 

“I fully appreciate the concerns of Kelso Medical Group Practice, especially as doctors are under such pressure, with two vacancies and an increasing workload.

“I do feel that the health board could have been more helpful in promoting a wider and more meaningful consultation, though.  

“Also, what precisely is the health board doing generally to assist in GP recruitment?

“My main concern is, however, that the needs of the patients who are still using the surgery are fully met. 

“Although I would prefer that the surgery remains open, if it has to close I will be asking the practice manager to clarify whether assessments have taken place to ensure issues such as mobility, chronic conditions and mothers and toddlers’ needs will be fully addressed.”

A spokesperson for NHS Borders said: “The decision on the need to close the Yetholm branch surgery was made by Kelso Medical Group Practice recognising the changing demand on the practice and relative activity in Yetholm and at the main health centre in Kelso. 

“NHS Borders was notified of its intention to close in line with the practice’s contract with us and agreed with the proposal as an appropriate response to the overall needs of the practice population.”

Scottish Borders Police is appealing for witnesses following a suspicious fire on a farm in the Greenlaw area, Scottish Borders.

The incident happened around 9pm on Saturday, August 31 in a field, where several bales of straw were found alight by a local farmer.

The Scottish Fire Service attended and extinguished the fire, which ultimately resulted in the destruction of over 50 bales valued in excess of £750. It is supected that the fire may have been started intentionally.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Constable Ian Porter from Duns Community Policing Team said: “This is suspected to be a malicious fire raising that has resulted in financial loss to a farmer within a rural community. In addition, this kind of incident causes significant risk to the safety of the public and our colleagues at the Scottish Fire Service. We are keen to hear from anybody who saw any suspicious activity within Greenlaw and the surrounding area during the evening of 31st August. If you believe you can help us identify those responsible then please get in touch.”

Those with information can contact Duns Community Policing Team via 101 and quote incident number 4938 of the 31st August. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Controversial plans to open a Premier Inn at Tweedbank have been approved.

The chain is now set to open its first hotel in the region after being give the thumbs-up today, September 2, by Scottish Borders Council’s planning and building standards committee.

The 71-bed Premier Inn now approved by councillors is part of a £10m development off Tweedbank Drive also including a BP fuel station, Marks and Spencer food kiosk and drive-through Costa cafe.

Called the Borders Gateway, it will be built by Edinburgh-based developer New Land Assets and is expected to create about 80 jobs.

Duncan Hamilton, managing director of New Land Assets, has welcomed the council’s decision, saying: “We are, of course, delighted at the decision taken by the committee today.

“The team have worked hard to ensure that the scheme reflects the feedback we received through our consultations with the local community and working closely with officers at Scottish Borders Council.

“The team are keen to get started, and the decision today means that we can move to the construction phase and really get things going.

“I want to thank the local community for their support. We had nearly 200 letters of support, and I am sure this played a major factor in the decision taken today.”

Nick Johnston, acquisition manager for Scotland at Premier Inn, added: “We’re delighted with the council’s decision and can’t wait to bring a new Premier Inn to Tweedbank.

“The hotel will operate year round, helping to support the local economy by encouraging visitors to Tweedbank across all four seasons.

“Local businesses will benefit from our presence as many of our guests visit local attractions and eat and drink out when they stay with us, and we’re confident the Border Gateway scheme can be the catalyst for encouraging more businesses to invest in the Borders and its exciting future.”

New Land Assets says it will announce a more detailed timescale for the construction of the development soon.

Melrose Rugby today (Monday) announced the captain and co-vice captains who will lead the Southern Knights in the Super6 semi-professional league. 

Centre, Craig Jackson, will head the team in the competition, which commences in November. 

He’ll be joined in the leadership group by co-vice captains, Grant Shiells and Fraser Thomson.

On his appointment, Jackson said: “I feel privileged to captain the Southern Knights in the Super6 competition. 

“I’m very excited about being involved in the leadership group in this exciting new competition.

“The new league structure will bring a new challenge, and one we are looking forward to. Our player and coaching groups are looking strong, with a good mix of experience and youth. The boys are raring to get into training in September.”

Taking up one of the co-vice captaincy roles is fullback, Fraser Thomson, who said: “It’s an exciting time for rugby in the Borders. I am honoured to be part of the Southern Knights’ leadership group.

“What we’ve built at Melrose is special. The new branding looks great and there’s a terrific buzz around the club. I can’t wait to see both familiar and new faces when we start training in September.”

Loosehead prop Grant Shiells completes the leadership group as the second co-vice captain.

The Scotland ‘A’ cap explained how the changes at the club had made the players more excited to get started.

“The coming season has brought lots of changes to the club, both on and off the pitch,” he said. “The branding is looking on point and it’s great to see the progress in the 3G pitch.

“It’s an exciting time to be involved in the leadership group at the Southern Knights. With a few new recruits adding to an already very strong group, the squad is looking in great shape.”

Head coach Rob Chrystie said the club was happy to have Jackson as skipper for 2019-20, adding: “As well as being an outstanding player, Craig has

been an influential leader both on and off the park since returning from his time down

south. 

“Fraser and Grant, as co-vice captains, have years of experience behind them. Along with Craig, they will form an inspirational leadership group that will set the highest standards for all Southern Knights’ players.”

Jackson began his rugby career at Melrose, as a rugby-mad five-year-old, progressing through the youth rugby set up to lift the Ladies Cup at Melrose Sevens at the age of 18 in 2011, before earning Scotland U20s caps in the age grade 6 Nations and World Cup.

Although he left the area for further education, his rugby career blossomed at Hartpury College and London Scottish before returning to his home town club and has now played over 100 games for Melrose, while earning three Scotland Club International caps and a call-up to the Scotland 7s

2018 World Cup squad in San Francisco, eight years after his first cap in 2010.

Thomson, who came through Gala’s youth system, has played over 200 games for the club, scoring over 115 tries in the process. Known for his lethal step and attacking flair, he earned a professional contract with Glasgow Warriors in 2012 and scored the winning try against Newport Gwent Dragons, to seal the league record for the Warriors.

Thomson returned to club rugby, cementing himself as part of the squad at Melrose and earned himself 15 Club International caps, as well as

captaining the squad to win the Dalriada Cup over their Irish counterparts in 2018.

After an illustrious career in the front row. Shiells’ rugby talent was spotted at his home town club of Kelso, which earned him the opportunity to play for Newcastle Falcons, Edinburgh and Bath before making the move back to the Borders for his young family, in 2017, to play for Melrose.

Controversial plans for a multi-million-pound hotel, garage and drive-through cafe in Tweedbank have been given the green light by councillors.

The £10m Borders Gateway development will be made up of a 71-bed Premier Inn, BP petrol station, Marks and Spencer food kiosk and drive-through Costa cafe.

Developer New Land Assets’ original proposals for the site included a larger discount food retail unit, but, due to concerns over the impact it might have on town centres nearby, that part of the plans was scrapped, leading to the number of jobs expected to be created being revised down from 100 to 80. 

The Edinburgh-based developer also predicts that 95 jobs will be created during the construction of the development. 

At a meeting of Scottish Borders Council’s planning and building standards committee on Monday, September 2, council convener David Parker spoke out in support of the application. 

The Leaderdale and Melrose councillor said: “This application has been with us for about 10 months, and in that time the applicant has worked very hard in the local community on engagement. 

“The application has changed in its scope as the applicant has been very careful about the views of the community.

“Attracting a Premier Inn to the Borders has long been an ambition of this council.

“Tweedbank will become the beating economic heart of the Borders due to the railway, and this will also benefit the communities of Melrose and Galashiels because the people who stay in the hotel will visit these communities.”

Appearing on behalf of New Land Assets, Edinburgh planning consultant Phil Pritchett said: “This is a very important and positive development for the Borders as it will create a long-lasting benefit for the economy.

“Premier Inn are very careful in their choice of sites as they expect to operate from these sites for many years to come.

“In addition to the long-term creation of full-time employment, the construction phase will also generate new jobs.”

No representations were made by objectors, but committee members still had to weigh up objections to the development submitted by residents and businesses.

Chief among their concerns is the potential impact on traders in Melrose, particularly hoteliers. 

The plans garnered 177 supporting comments and 15 objections in total.

Speaking in favour of the development, Kelso councillor Simon Mountford said: “I think that the principle of having a hotel in Tweedbank is acceptable, and this particular site is only two to three hundred yards south of where we originally envisioned a hotel.

“This is actually a better site as this is right next to the trunk road.

“We’ve been wanting a Premier Inn to come to the Borders for a great many years.

“They have decided that this is the place for them, and if they’re turned away they are likely to find somewhere else in the UK for a new hotel.

“It is also catering for a different market to the hotels in Melrose.”

East Berwickshire councillor Jim Fullarton agreed, saying: “Competition is a good thing. We shouldn’t be afraid of it. This is a private development that will be a boost for economic development in the Borders.”

However, committee chairman Tom Miers spoke out against the proposals. 

Mr Miers, a councillor for Leaderdale and Melrose, said: “Potential office space will be lost due to this application. 

“There is, of course, a market for a hotel of this nature, but our policy states that this site is not suitable for this type of development.

“We need to look at what our planning policy intentions are here. While we are very pro-business, pro-tourism and pro-leisure, this particular application goes against our planning policy here. 

“If we’re thinking of this as the gateway to the Borders, we wouldn’t accept a design of this low quality.”

His motion to reject the application was voted down by five votes to three in favour of Mr Mountford’s motion to approve the development, however.

As part of the conditions for the development, the road at the Melrose roundabout will have its speed limit reduced from 40mph to 30mph.

Calls for the UK Government to consider drawing up laws to make it harder for banks to shut branches are being backed by Borders MP John Lamont.

That recommendation is being made by Westminster’s Scottish affairs committee, and Mr Lamont, a member of the committee, is hoping it will be taken on board by ministers.

A report published by the committee last week, entitled Access to Cash, urges the UK Government to seek assurances from banks that they will not close any branches that are the last ones left in their towns.

It also recommends that if banks refuse to make such a commitment, legislation should be considered to prevent such branches being closed.

On top of that, it advises that meaningful public consultation should take place before any bank closes and that steps should be taken to prevent further loss of cashpoints.

The report follows an inquiry by the committee and also comes after the closures by the Royal Bank of Scotland of six of its nine branches in the Borders last year – at Melrose, Jedburgh, Hawick, Eyemouth, Duns and Selkirk.

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP Mr Lamont said: “During our inquiry, the evidence we received from bank bosses was far from reassuring.

“Just as we saw with the cavalier attitude of RBS last year, banks appear unable to understand how important branches are to many rural communities.

“That is why I back these calls to force banks to keep the last branch in town.

“Many communities in the Borders have already lost their banks, but this move would help protect places like Selkirk and Kelso.

“A number of these banks have been bailed out with taxpayers’ money, so it’s disgraceful that they think they can abandon rural communities with so little thought.

“We also need to look at how we can better protect rural ATMs.

“While habits are changing, rural communities still need access to cash and the loss of ATMs can have a big blow on local businesses.”

Last year’s closures mean there are now just 21 banks left in the Borders.

Besides the RBS branches in Galashiels, Kelso and Peebles, they are the Bank of Scotland’s outlets in Selkirk, Jedburgh, Hawick, Galashiels, Kelso, Peebles, Eyemouth, Duns, Innerleithen and Newcastleton; TSBs in Peebles, Kelso, Hawick, Jedburgh and Galashiels; Santanders in Hawick and Galashiels; and a Clydesdale in Galashiels.

The committee’s report, launched last Thursday at Cambuslang in South Lanarkshire, can be read online at publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmscotaf/1996/1996.pdf

Committe chairman Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said: “It is disgraceful that banks think they can abandon Scottish towns with no access to essential financial services.

“Last year, my committee demanded that RBS halt their march of bank branch closures, but since then the picture seems to have just deteriorated further.

“In 2018 in Scotland, 355 ATMs were shut down, and bank branches continue to close at an alarming rate.

Scottish communities are becoming cash-free against their will, and it is time the UK Government stepped in to intervene.

“My committee is calling on the Government to stop banks from closing the last remaining bank branch in town.

“It is essential that towns are left with at least one bank, so if the banks won’t make this commitment themselves, the Government should consider legislating.”

Police have confirmed the identity of the 49-year-old cyclist who died during the Tour o’ the Borders cycle sportive on Sunday as Jason Brand from Edinburgh.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, Mr Brand’s family said: “We are absolutely devastated at the loss of our beloved Jason; husband, son, brother, uncle and father of two.

“He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

“We would like to ask for privacy to grieve at this difficult time.”

Emergency services were called to a road near Megget Reservoir at around 9.40am after Mr Brand came off his bicycle and sustained serious injuries.

No other persons or competitors were involved and, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokesperson for event organiser Hillside Outside said: “We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the rider at this tragic time.”

An investigation by Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision is under way.

Anyone who witnessed what happened, or who has information which may be relevant, and has not yet contacted police is urged to call 101 and quote incident number 1168 of September 1.

Head Coach Gregor Townsend will announce the 31-man squad who will represent Scotland at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan today.

The draw will be broadcast live on the BBC Website.

The SRU confirmed on their website that: "More than 1500 supporters have signed up to attend the public announcement hosted by TV presenter, Lee McKenzie, at Linlithgow Palace.

"The wider event will begin at 12.30pm with a Tartan Touch rugby festival on ‘the Peel’ grounds surrounding the Palace for hundreds of young rugby players from local clubs and schools, before attention turns to the live squad announcement.

"Tune in from 1.50pm as McKenzie is joined by former Scotland captains Chris Paterson and Al Kellock, ahead of Head Coach Gregor Townsend naming the squad captain and introducing the 31-man group heading to Japan, one by one."

Borders favourites and Scotland stalwarts Stuart Hogg and Greig Laidlaw are widely expected to be named in the squad with the latter amongst the candidates to be named as captain.

Meanwhile, Hogg's fellow Hawick native Darcy Graham looks to have done enough to earn a spot amongst the 31 having burst on to the international scene and impressed over the past year.

Former Melrose prop Jamie Bhatti is also in with a chance of making it on to the plane but faces stiff competition for front row places.

Craptravel.com is a website dedicated to analysing Twitter to find the most complained about tour operators in the UK, and has inspected over 20,000 tweets about nine of the biggest tour operators. These are the worst and best holiday providers ranked according to Twitter reviews.

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont has stated he will not support an opposition attempt to take a no-deal Brexit off the table.

A crunch vote is expected this evening on a bill, sponsored by opposition MPs, which is designed to stop the UK leaving the EU on October 31 without an agreement.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that if MPs support this bill, he would call a snap General Election.

Mr Johnson had also earlier threatened his own MPs that they would be deselected if they rebelled against the government by supporting the bill.

Mr Lamont has slammed SNP and Lib Dem MPs who “claim to want to avoid no deal, but are refusing to back any deal negotiated”.

He said: “The majority of Borderers are democrats, who respect the result of the UK-wide referendum in 2016 and just want Brexit done.

“This bill is simply an attempt by [Jeremy] Corbyn and [Nicola] Sturgeon to take control by the back door and to frustrate our departure from the EU.

“I want the UK to leave the EU with a sensible deal, which is why I twice voted in favour of the only deal on the table.”

Mr Lamont had originally voted against the withdrawal agreement deal struck by then PM Theresa May, saying he had “significant misgivings” about the agreement, citing the lack of clarity about fishing after Brexit among other things.

Now, he says, a no-deal scenario has to stay on the table to allow any other negotiations of the withdrawal agreement to take place.

He added: “This legislation will kill the negotiations stone dead and make achieving a better deal impossible.

“There will be no reason for the EU to agree to any changes to the current deal.

“And there is no guarantee that the EU will agree to an extension, meaning negotiations end and we leave on October 31 with no deal.

“I am increasingly astonished with SNP and Labour MPs who claim to want to avoid no deal at any cost, saying that they will not support any deal negotiated with the EU.

“I will be standing up for democracy and for the majority of my constituents who are sick and tired of Brexit and want the country to move on.”

In the EU referendum of June 2016, 58.47% of Borderers who voted, voted to remain in the EU.

So-called ‘dark tourism’ sites (for example, the sites of tragedies) are drawing in more and more visitors each year, with holidaymakers looking to learn more about the more mysterious or even harrowing parts of history.

For those looking for dark locations to visit, travel company My Late Deals has compiled a guide to some of the most popular destinations.

The Borders nursing community has lost one of its leading lights following the death of Helen Russell. She was 81.

Combining the roles of district nurse and midwife, Helen was a much loved and highly respected figure in Selkirk and the Ettrick & Yarrow Valleys from the late 1960s until her retiral in 1990.

Having been brought up in the village of Lindean, it often seemed there wasn’t a single family in the Selkirk community she didn’t know … and the arrival of her trusty blue Mini car at patients’ homes signalled that the cavalry had finally arrived.

The care Helen Russell provided was not confined to medical matters, however. She would think nothing of taking home patients’ pot plants to look after if they were going on holiday, and once arrived back at Lindean with a pair of dachshunds for the same reason.

Born in Troon, Ayrshire, on November 16, 1937, Helen was the daughter of John and Helen Baxter. At that time her father was employed as an English teacher at Marr College, later transferring to the village school of Scotlandwell in Perth.

The family moved to the Borders when Mr Baxter took up the post of schoolmaster at Bowden School, eventually rising to become director of education for Roxburghshire County Council.

The family set up home at Lindean, with Helen’s brother Sandy later taking over the running of Lindean Farm. Both siblings attended Lindean School, before moving to Selkirk High School.

Helen undertook her basic nursing training at Edinburgh’s Dean College, then studied for her midwifery qualification at Bellshill Maternity Hospital, Glasgow. From there she headed to Jersey to serve as a midwife on the island, before returning to the Borders in the early 1960s.

In November, 1965, she married Harry Russell, who earlier that year had been appointed Selkirk’s Royal Burgh Standard Bearer. The couple made their home in Lindean, with daughters Judith and Claire arriving in 1966 and 1969.

Helen continued her nursing career at Galashiels Cottage Hospital and Peel Hospital, before taking on the joint role of district nurse & midwife for Selkirk and the Valleys, firstly based in the Nurse’s Cottage at Ettrickbridge, and then at Selkirk Health Centre.

On call night and day, Helen Russell’s passion for the job – and her patients – knew no bounds. On one occasion an expectant mother’s husband roared down on his motorbike from the top of Ettrick to inform Helen his wife had gone into labour.

She quickly grabbed her medical bag and told him she’d follow him in her car. ‘No time for that,’ came the reply, and next thing Helen knew she was on the back of his motorbike, clinging on for dear life as the pair of them raced back up the valley.

It was said Helen Russell could spot a pregnant woman at 100 yards, and even in retirement she remained fiercely proud of her nursing background, maintaining close links with all her former medical colleagues.

An expert dress-maker, she would create beautiful ballgowns and outfits for friends and family. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting, embroidery and crocheting, last year completing a dozen poppies for the ‘Selkirk Remembers’ armistice cascade at Selkirk Parish Church.

Dr John Wilson, who worked as a GP at Selkirk Health Centre, remembers Helen Russell with particular affection.

“The whole team at Selkirk were absolutely fantastic,” he said, “and the support and help Helen gave me in my early days in the town was wonderful.

“She and her fellow district nurses had a lot of responsibility, and it was a great eye-opener for me to see just how professionally and selflessly they carried out all their varied duties. Helen understood exactly what was expected of her, always going out of her way to give patients the best possible care.”

Margaret Young, a fellow district nurse and midwife at Selkirk Health Centre, describes Helen as ‘a force of nature’ who was completely committed to the job.

“As well as working as a school nurse she also ran parent classes in the evening, and started up a slimming club at the health centre. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Helen – she was kindness itself.

“I remember when the district nurses’ office was moved from the Cottage Hospital to the back of the health centre, we all commented on how ghastly the curtains were.

On Monday morning Helen came in with a set of beautiful curtains she‘d made at the weekend, and I think they were still there when she retired.

“She was such a talented person, and I’m sure there are many people living in the local community today who will be very glad Helen Russell was there to look after them during her time as district nurse.”

Helen took special delight in following the progress of her two teenage grandchildren, Angus and Allie, both of whom had stayed with their grandparents at Lindean the week before Helen was admitted to hospital.

Helen Russell’s funeral service will be held at the Borders Crematorium on Thursday, September 12, at 2pm, to which all friends are respectively invited. J.D.R.S.

Jedburgh Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw was one of the first players announced by Head Coach Gregor Townsend at Linlithgow Palace today.

The 33-year old, who has 68 international caps and plays his club rugby in France for Clermont Auvergne, will not captain the side though with that honour going to Edinburgh Hooker Stuart McInally.

Hawick Fullback Stuart Hogg was out shortly after Laidlaw to the surprise of no one.

The 27-year old joined Exeter Chiefs from Glasgow Warriors in the summer and has been a part of two British & Irish Lions tours.

Since making his international debut in 2012 he has represented his country 67 times remaining a constant stand out performer and firm fan favourite.

Completing the trio of Borderers is fellow Hawick native Darcy Graham.

The Winger, like Hogg, is a former Hawick RFC player and now plays his club rugby with Edinburgh.

The 22-year old earned his first cap off the bench against Wales last November and scored a brace against England in the following years Six Nations in Scotland's famous 38-38 draw at Twickenham.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday, September 20 with Scotland's first match coming on Sunday, September 22 as they face Ireland at the International Stadium Yokohama.

That game kicks off at 16:45 in Japan, 8:45am local time.

A 24-year-old man has appeared in court in connection with the seizure of £30,000 worth of cannabis from a car stopped by police in the Borders at the weekend.

Oljan Bala has been accused of possessing a class-B drug with intent to supply.

The Albanian national was also charged with driving with no insurance or licence and using a mobile phone while driving after his Audi A4 was pulled over by police officers on patrol on the A1 near the Ayton bypass on Saturday afternoon.

Bala, of no fixed abode, appeared in private at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, making no plea.

The case was continued for further examination.

He was remanded in custody by sheriff Eric Brown and is expected to appear in court again next week.

A 25-year-old man has been given a community payback order over an incident at his home in Beattie Court in Hawick on April 16.

Steven Gorman was ordered to carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work at Jedburgh Sheriff Court after admitting acting in an aggressive manner towards his partner and another man and placing them in a state of fear and alarm.

A motorist has been banned from the road for a year for driving a car while almost four times the legal alcohol limit.

Stuart Storrie, 29, of Havelock Place in Hawick, pleaded guilty to driving with a breath-alcohol count of 82 microgrammes, the legal limit being 22.

That offence was committed at 2.20am on Sunday, August 18, at Wilton Hill in Hawick, depute fiscal Fiona Hamilton told Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said his client had been going through a difficult time and had just lost his job of nine years.

He described the offence as an error of judgement.

Sheriff Eric Brown reduced the length of Storrie’s ban from 18 months to 12 to reflect his guilty plea, also fining him £400.

The Langlee community in Galashiels is set to let its hair down on Saturday as the annual carnival takes place.

As ever, the fun starts with fancy dress judging at the new primary school at 10am.

The parade sets off at 10.30am, towards the community centre on Marigold Drive, where the Langlee Lad and Lass, Lewis Hudson and Chloe Noble, will officially open proceedings at 11am.

One of the organisers, Heidi Wilson, told us: “It’s all set to be another great carnival.

“There are two live bands performing in the hall in the afternoon – The Moonlands and Dylan Paterson and his band.

“We have an outside arena this year, full of activities and games for the kids, as well as pony rides, a zumba class, craft stalls and much more.”

There will also be trade stalls and three cooking demonstrations by Food Punks.

It has blamed staff shortages as a key reason for the delays, and has said government inaction is "crippling" the NHS. Public Health England said that around 115,000 people were diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 cancer in 2017, and the government has vowed to have three quarters of patients diagnosed at an earlier stage by 2028. Knowing the symptoms to look out for can be essential to an early diagnosis. Here are ten important signs to watch out for.