A woman has been admonished for assaulting a former partner.
Kirsty Renwick, 34, admitted carrying out that assault at his home in Scott Crescent in Hawick on June 13 last year and was given an admonition at Jedburgh Sheriff Court after being of good behaviour for the last six months.
Renwick, of Chay Blyth Place in Hawick, also admitted a second charge of threatening or abusive behaviour and making offensive comments.
A 43-year-old man involved in a disturbance in a Coldstream pub has been given a 12-month community payback order.
John Turnbull, of Tweed Street, Berwick, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in the Newcastle Arms Hotel on June 24.
He admitted shouting and swearing, brandishing a bar stool and making offensive, threatening and racial comments.
Turnbull pleaded guilty to a second charge of assaulting a barman by striking him with a bar stool and punching him to the body.
Fiona Hamilton, prosecuting, told Jedburgh Sheriff Court that Turnbull entered the pub at around 8pm with another man and they were described as being “loud and brash”.
She said: “He tried to order a couple of drinks and was refused service.
“He became irate and began to shout. He said to the man comments such as ‘go home, you are not welcome in this country’ and ‘what do you know, you’re from f****** Spain?’”
The fiscal said that Turnbull threw a bar stool at him and punched him to the body but did not cause him any injuries.
When cautioned and charged, Turnbull told police he was not a racist, adding: “I am sorry. It is not like me.”
Turnbull’s court order involves 12 months’ supervision with alcohol treatment.
A serial conman has been warned he faces jail after admitting three offences of fraud involving more than £8,500.
Sentence was deferred as Ross Butler turned up at Selkirk Sheriff Court without a lawyer representing him.
Butler said he hadn’t wanted to pay his lawyer to travel down from Perth to speak on his behalf, but sheriff Peter Paterson explained that custody was uppermost in his mind so he gave the 40-year-old until this Friday, September 6, to apply for legal aid so that he can have the benefit of representation in court.
Butler, formerly of Galashiels and St Boswells but now giving an address in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, had previously pleaded guilty to three offences of theft by appropriation.
He admitted that at a farmhouse near Selkirk between September and December 2016 he was paid £6,055 to rent or buy equipment, building materials and documents for work to be carried out but failed to do so and stole the money instead.
He also owned up to committing similar offences at two houses in Galashiels between July and November 2016 – one in Ellwyn Terrace involving the sum of £2,349 and the other in Abbotsford Terrace involving £210.
A carer has been fined £200 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court for struggling violently with five police constables.
James Hamilton, 21, reacted angrily after claiming one of the officers barged into his mother after they turned up to arrest him on a warrant for not appearing in court.
He pleaded guilty to obstructing police at a house in Burns Road in Burnfoot in Hawick on July 29 last year.
Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said two officers had turned up at his home to execute a warrant for Hamilton’s arrest after he had failed to turn up in court as a witness.
He said: “It was midday on a Sunday. The mother answered the door and said to the officers to come in.
“She said she would get him to come downstairs, but the accused and his mother began shouting at each other.
“He was standing at the top of the stairs, and one of the officers went up the stairs to try to speak to him to explain why they were there.”
Hamilton then became unruly, leading to concern among the officers that the argument was getting out of hand, the court heard.
A struggle developed and Hamilton became so violent that help was summoned from another three officers.
Mr Fraser said Hamilton continued struggling with the officers in the downstairs hall but eventually calmed down and walked out of the house when arrested.
Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said his client was supposed to be a crown witness but had not turned up for a trial .
He explained that Hamilton had been concerned about his mother not being well and currently acts as her carer, receiving £64 a week in carer’s allowance.
Mr Patrick continued: “Mr Hamilton took the view that his mother had been barged by one of the police officers.
“That upset him, and he reacted the way he did, but if everyone had calmed down, including himself, this would not have happened.”
Hamilton, giving an address in Glasgow, was also fined another £100 for failing to appear in court.
There are now less than two months to go until Britain is due to bid au revoir, auf wiedersehen, arivederci, adios and so on to the European Union, but many businesses in the Borders are still in the dark about what impact that upheaval will have on them.
Business Gateway is hoping to help shed some light on what the future holds for firms here after the end of next month at at a free advice session being lined up for next week, however.
It’s staging a Brexit seminar on Tuesday, September 10, at the Heart of Hawick from 2pm to 5pm.
It will set out a checklist of issues that businesses need to be planning for ahead of the EU exit date of Thursday, October 31, committed to by UK Government prime minister Boris Johnson.
Issues covered will include rules on the economic origins of goods, VAT and regulations that businesses need to consider.
For firms currently trading with EU countries, the Brexit seminar will also take into account emerging threats and opportunities, customs and inventory issues and HM Revenue and Customs simplification options.
The seminar will be led by Murdo Beaton, billed as an expert in international trade issues.
It will include a question-and-answer session to address any specific concerns raised by businesses in attendance.
Business Gateway boss Phil McCreadie said: “In light of the increasing likelihood of the UK leaving the EU on October 31, it is critical that business owners are able to consider and plan for the implications on their business over the next few months.
“Business Gateway is working with enterprise and skills agencies across the country to urge all Scottish businesses to actively prepare for Brexit.
“Events and support, including our Brexit seminar, help to ensure that business owners have the right contingency plans in place to protect their business, supply chain and customers.
“Despite ongoing uncertainty, events such as the Brexit seminar that bring together local business owners and industry experts, like Murdo Beaton, are a great way to help companies overcome challenges and continue to grow.”
To sign up for the seminar being held in Hawick next week, visit www.bgateway.com/events
Borders rower Maddie Arlett has experienced the exhilaration of standing on the winners’ rostrum for the first time at world championship standard in her chosen sport.
The 25-year-old water sports ace, from Selkirk, also had the distinction of collecting Great Britain’s first medal last week at the World Rowing Champioships in Linz Ottensheim, Austria.
Maddie’s success came on day six of the tournament, when she finished third in the lightweight women’s single sculls. It was also her first time racing in single sculls at world level, so she was thrilled with her accomplishment, having performed consistently well in her heat, semi-final and final.
Maddie, coached by Darren Whiter, scooped the bronze medal in a time of 7:49.82, a shade over two seconds behind Chiaki Tomita of Japan and less than six seconds behind gold medallist Marie-Louise Draeger of Germany.
Back home after around six weeks of training and preparation for the championships, Maddie also hopes her chances of a place in the GB squad for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 will have improved.
“That’s the first time I’ve stepped on the medal podium at world championship level,” she said. “That, in itself, for me, is huge. Taking that step up and being able to perform when it counts, and to get the GB squad’s first medal.”
Maddie knew she’d been going well in training but didn’t know what was going to come at her, as she’d not raced single scull at that level before. She realised it would be tough to get to the standard others were bringing and get a result to her name.
Her first race was the scariest, she added, but the nerves were kept at bay.
There will be a number of trials and testing of combinations in the coming months before Maddie knows if she’s made the Olympic squad but her hopes are high.
Having recently graduated from Edinburgh University with a masters degree in strength and conditioning, she’s taking a nice, relaxing break – a three-week tour by camper van of Canada’s national parks. “I’m very active,” she explained.”
This year’s Holm Show, hosted by Liddesdale Agricultural Society at Newcastleton on Saturday, was a soaring success in spite of adverse weather.
Click here to see all Brian Sutherland’s photos.
Livestock secretary Jenny Nixon told us: “Despite the weather – and the weather warnings – the day itself went absolutely brilliantly.
“We had to run some safety checks on the marquees after the wind, and the gate was slightly down, as was the industrial entries, but the livestock entries were actually up on last year.
“We all had a pretty good night in the marquee afterwards as well.”
Results (livestock)
Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Cup for champion overall Sheep: G Wilson, Hawthornside, Bonchester Bridge.
Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser Trophy for reserve champion Overall Sheep: Bridgewater and Wood, Potholm, Langholm.
Charlie Wilson Memorial Cup for champion 25 yrs and under in sheep section: C. Goddard, Frankstown, Longtown.
Wattie Robertson Memorial Cup for champion overall Cheviot or blackface: C. Weir, Mainside Farm, Hownam, Kelso.
Liddesdale Junior Agricultural Challenge Cup for champion South Country Cheviot: T. Elliot, Hindhope, Jedburgh.
Cumberland and Westmorland Farmers Challenge Cup for champion Hired Shepherd – South Country Cheviot: C. Weir.
Solway Agriculture Cup for champion Hill North Country: Bridgewater and Wood.
Larriston Perpetual Challenge Cup for champion blackface: G. Jackson, Newcastleton.
John Charlton Challenge Cup for champion hired shepherd, blackface section: G. Jackson.
Rickerby Tankard for best greyface ewe lamb: D & M Hope, Canonbie.
Raeburn Perpetual Challenge Cup for champion blueface Leicester: D & M Hope.
Thomas Watson Memorial Shield for sheep opposite sex to champion blueface Leicester: I. Copeland, Newcastleton.
G. McGimpsey and G. Rae for champion Continental other than Texel: C. Goddard.
Carrs Billington Challenge Trophy for champion Texel: G. Wilson.
Jobson Animal Health Challenge Trophy for champion any other breed: C. Goddard.
Titheburn Challenge Cup for best prime lambs: A. Little, Penton.
Bedda Cup for champion young handler: Will Beattie, Smithfield.
Nova Brodie Cup for champion goat: J. Thomson, Newcastleton.
Armstrong - Wilson Trophy, overall horse/pony: H. Robinson, Royal Oak House, Ganitsgill, Dalston. ‘Sally’.
Liddesdale Agricultural Society Challenge Cup, class 100 Pony Club pony: A Stelmach, Carlisle. ‘Geronimo’.
Hawick News Challenge Cup, class 101 Pony Club pony: H. Robinson ‘Sally’.
Waldie Griffiths Perpetual Challenge Cup, class 102 hill cobs: N. O’Connor, Newcastleton. ‘Millie’
Copshaw Cup, class 103/104 small native: Mr & Mrs Mallinson, Hethersgill. ‘Coednor Harris’ rider G. Mallinson.
Coffee Johnny Perpetual Challenge Cup, class 105 show pony: P. Robinson, Dalston. ‘Sapphire’
Smokey’s Sovereign, class 106 ridden horse: Z. Green, Lockhills, Armathwaite, ‘Capricorn Vinnie’ rider B. Green.
Liddesdale Agricultural Society Challenge Cup, class 107 registered Mountain & Moorland Large: Mr & Mrs Mallinson. ‘Coednor Harris’ Rider – Georgina Mallinson.
Lingards Wood Willow Trophy, class 108 registered Mountain & Moorland Small: G. Story, Canonbie. ‘Liddesdale Easter Daisy’.
Westerkirk Saddlery Perpetual Trophy, best Welsh Pony from classes 107 and 108: Mr & Mrs Mallinson.
Poldark Trophy, class 109 coloured horse or pony: C. Allison, Alton Cottage West, Hawick. ‘Dakota’.
Ruaridh Trophy, class 110 veteran horse/pony : Z. Green.
Graham Murray Memorial Trophy, class 111 utility horse/pony: N. O’Connor, ‘Whiskey’.
Gambler Stakes Cup, class 115 Gambler Stakes jumping: M. Richardson, Newcastleton. ‘Summer’.
Colin Telford Salver, class 118 /119 horse sports: H. Robinson ‘Sally’.
Liddesdale Welsh Pony Stud Trophy for five-mile radius: M. Richardson ‘Summer’.
Craven Cup for overall champion: W. Ewart, Newcastleton.
Peel Fell Cup for champion dog/bitch: W. Ewart, Newcastleton
Caldcleuch Cup for champion collie: B. Mackay, Langholm.
Tarn of Glendhu Memorial Trophy for champion veteran: K. Duncan, Hawick.
Capontree Vets Trophy for champion pet: M. Grierson, Newcastleton.
R. L. Parkin shield for best in show (poultry section): L. Salkeld, Penton.
Elliot Cup for champion junior poultry: N. & M. Grierson, Penton.
Sam’s Shield for reserve champion poultry: L. Page, Newcastleton.
George Waddell Trophy for best eggs: J. W. Hetherington, Lockerbie.
Agroweld Cup for best exhibit in vintage section: W. Lockerby, Newcastleton.
Classis Car Challenge Cup: W. Lockerby, Newcastleton.
Results (industrial)
Flower section: Bell Cup, Centenary Cup, Jean and Ell Little Quaich and Cochranes Nursery Trophy – Mr P. Hutton. Floral art: Newcastleton SWRI Cup and £10 prize for best arrangement – Mrs A. Orr.
Vegetable section: Tinnis Cup, Liddesdale Cup, most points in section and best exhibit – Mr W. Wilson.
Home produce: Jean Mitchison Shield – Mrs K. Ireland. Alison Mitchison Holm Show Trophy – Miss I. Elliot.
Home baking: Anderson Cup – Mrs K. Ireland. Children’s section: Martin Mitchell Cup – Miss I. Bethune.
Results (wrestling)
Winners – Under-13s: Myles Stainton. Under-15s: Max Bates. Under-18s: Toby Stalker. Ladies: Connie Hodgson. 12-stone: Gerald Brundu. All weight: Thomas Gibson.
Results (Vintage)
Agroweld Cup: W. Lockerby, Newcastleton. Classic Car Challenge Cup: W. Lockerby. 501 traction engines and stationary engines: G. Threiplend, Hawick. Tractors: W. Lockerby. Commercial vehicles and cars: W. Lockerby. Collection of bygones, tools & implements: Mr J. Pattinson.
ScotRail is promising to add extra carriages to as many Borders Railway services as it can tomorrow in a bid to avert another calamity like the one that hit train travellers the weekend before last.
Services from Edinburgh to Tweedbank went into meltdown on Saturday, August 24, as hundreds of sports fans heading home after seeing the national side beat France 17-14 in a Rugby World Cup warm-up game at Murrayfield were either crammed into overcrowded carriages or turned away and forced to try to hire taxis instead.
ScotRail is pledging to be better prepared as Gregor Townsend fields a side including fellow Borderer Darcy Graham for Scotland’s last preparatory game before heading to Japan for the world cup, against Georgia at 7.30pm tomorrow, September 6, though.
The company’s head of customer operations, Phil Campbell, said: “It’s the last big weekend of sport for a while, and it’s going to be a busy few days.
“To help the events run smoothly, we’ll be adding extra seats to as many trains as possible, and although we can’t make every train longer, we will be using every train we can.”
“I encourage anyone travelling to the games to allow extra time for travel, and to minimise the need to queue, buy your tickets to Haymarket in advance on the ScotRail app or website.”
Transport difficulties for Borders rugby fans returning from 67,000-capacity Murrayfield last time round were compounded by it being the last night of 2019’s Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Festival fringe events still being staged, and there will also be a complicating factor tomorrow in the form of the Scottish national football team’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Russia 45 miles west at Hampden Park in Glasgow, kicking off at 7.45pm.
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Weary but elated, Selkirk rugby sevens convener David Nichol and fellow fund-raisers recently trudged into the town’s Woll clubhouse, having successfully completed an epic 12-hour golf marathon.
With Matthew Mackay, John Ritchie, Ally Purves and Craig Thorburn, the golfers played 72 holes in a day and managed to raise over £2500 for Cancer Research UK – an incredible feat.
All the players who took part had lost relations or close friends to the illness.
“We played the first two rounds in two teams of three and two, but for the final two rounds we all joined forces and that certainly helped us get to the finish,” David told the Selkirk RFC website.
Anyone wishing to find out more about their venture can find more information on their Just Giving page.
Pictured (by Grant Kinghorn) are Ally Purves, Craig Thorburn, John Ritchie, Matthew Mackay and David Nichol.
On a dreich, autumnal night, Selkirk’s golfing ladies battled it out for the Captain’s Prizes.
Although the skies were dark, the golfers made up for it.
With the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles soon, it was decided to dress in the famous blue and/or yellow of the European colours, which the ladies took extremely seriously!
Alison Rutherford mastered the conditions best, carding 80 (9) nett 71 to win the overall contest.
Moira Wilson continued her recent good form with 94 (21) nett 73 to win the Bronze Division and Martine Pow rounded things off nicely with 73 to take the scratch honours.
Congratulations were extended to Taylor Johnston after he became the new Gents Club Champion 2019 at Gala Bowling Club.
Taylor defeated new member Colin Stewart 21-8 in the final last Friday and is seen (left) receiving the trophy from club president Sean Fraser.
The following Sunday, the club held its Sponsors’ Day, where over 40 sponsors were invited along. The club expressed its thanks to all the sponsors who came along and club nembers who helped out on the day.
Gala Fairydean Rovers Amateurs football squad is fully equipped for the forthcoming season, thanks to the generosity of local firm WSZ Joiners.
The company has provided the playing squad with a complete set of training and track suit tops.
WSZ Joiners proprietor Bill Zawadeckyj said:”We are delighted to be helping out the Amateurs and are hoping they go on to have a successful season.”
Our photograph shows Bill handing over the training tops to GFR Amateurs captain Martin Gibson and player Sean Curran.
The new jump racing season at Kelso Racecourse gets under way this Tuesday, September 10 with the first of 16 race fixtures – the most which have ever been programmed for one season at the racecourse. The season is set to be boosted by prize money exceeding £1.4 million.
The largest number of entries, at 16, has been made for the first race of the evening – the Warm Welcome Novices Hurdle Race at 4.25pm.
There is a welcome entry for trainer Rose Dobbin, whose Northumberland stables endured a long period without runners last virus-hit season, in the shape of Ardglass Star.
Arizona Bound looks likely to run for the Lowflyers Syndicate, a group of owners who all belong as annual members at the Borders track, in the second of six races on the programme.
Bargain basement buy Ardera Cross could be hard to beat in the Kelso’s first feature race of the autumn campaign. Trained in the Clyde Valley near Carluke, by William Young, the likely top-weight has won four times since costing a mere £1000 at Doncaster Sales in May.
The eight-year-old, formerly under the care of Dan Skelton, has far exceeded his purchase tag by scoring twice at Cartmel and twice at Perth already this summer.
Also among the 12 entries are Constancio, trained by Donald McCain and Trapper Peak, whose handler, Justin Landy, is now operating with a full training licence.
Roll Of Thunder, trained by Jimmy Walton, was an impressive winner at Hexham on Monday night and could make a quick reappearance under Conor O’Farrell in the P&G Allan Catering Handicap Chase over two miles.
Jennie Candlish has already booked Tommy Dowson for the ride on Outcrop, a narrow winner at Bangor in early August for his Cheshire connections in the final race of the evening. The gates open at 3pm.
Kelso town centre will be buzzing with activity and entertainment for all ages throughout this Sunday, September 8, as the Scottish Borders welcomes the OVO Energy Tour of Britain.
Stage two of the UK’s biggest professional cycle race will start and finish in Kelso, with the whole 166km route within the Scottish Borders.
Local stallholders will share space within the Tour Village area in Kelso town centre, while Scottish Borders Council, Visit Kelso and charity Live Borders are arranging a variety of entertainment and fun activities which will be run throughout the day and are accessible to all.
Two big screens will broadcast the race live and there will be a cycle pump track/skills area, drop-in spinning fitness sessions, a disability bike demonstration and live music from up and coming local performers.
Many local businesses will also open especially for the day, with thousands of spectators set to head to the town for the race action. Town centre businesses are also set to get into the cycling spirit with a window dressing competition.
Free parking will be available at Border Events Centre, Springwood Park.
Councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for business and economic development, said: “We have worked closely with our partners including the event organisers, Visit Kelso and Live Borders, to ensure there is lots for visitors to do and see in Kelso throughout the day.
“This is the first time we’ve hosted both a stage start and finish and we hope to build on the success of the event in 2017, which was a fantastic occasion with an estimated 10,000 spectators in Kelso.”
Visit Kelso will take over much of the town’s Woodmarket during the day and there will also be entertainment on the podium in front of the Cross Keys Hotel as well as activities in the Tour Village located on the Horsemarket side of The Square.
Tina Newton, chairman of Visit Kelso, said: “Thanks to our members and some funding from Scottish Borders Council, we are delighted to have been able to put on lots of events and competitions to encourage businesses and residents to make the most of this opportunity to promote our town to a huge audience.
“There are not many events in the town that can boast a global television audience, so we’re going to make sure that Kelso is looking at its very best.”
The world’s top professional cycling teams and riders are expected to arrive in Kelso from 9am on Sunday, with the team buses parking up in The Knowes car park.
The Tour Village will open at 10am, where the riders will sign on at the podium until 10.50am, before the race start at 11am.
Setting the atmosphere ahead of the professional racers, junior and adult riders from Kelso Wheelers, Kelso Breezers, Live Borders Advanced Rider Development squad and current regional cycling champions along with this representatives of the hosts for this year’s championship event, Galashiels Academy Cycling Club, will ride along the start/finish straight.
The Scottish Borders stage will start in Kelso town centre, travel along the A698 to Coldstream before passing through Lennel en-route to Paxton. From there it will take the riders west, taking in Chirnside and Preston. Cutting across from Ellemford to Longformacus, the race will then drop down into Duns and pass through Gavinton and Westruther.
Gordon, Smailholm and then Clintmains all feature on the route before the climb to Scott’s View and descent to the foot of Leaderfoot viaduct. After passing through Gattonside, the riders will turn in to Melrose and climb Dingleton Hill before a fast run through Maxton to the finish line back in Kelso. The finish is estimated to be at around 3.15pm.
The 2019 OVO Energy Tour of Britain will finish in Greater Manchester on Saturday, September 14. Once again, ITV4 will screen three hours of live coverage of every stage, with broadcasters around the world also signed up to cover the event.
Kitting out councillors with both a laptop computer and an iPad is saving taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds, according to bosses at Scottish Borders Council.
That’s because it’s cutting the authority’s bills for paper and postage by £17,000 a year now agendas and other documents no longer need to be sent out to its 34 elected members, it latest full meeting was told.
That reassurance was offered in response to a query about the necessity of the council’s recent handout to members of more than £44,000 worth of new laptops capable of running Windows 10 and larger iPads to make viewing documents easier.
Galashiels councillor Harry Scott voiced concerns over that expenditure, asking: “During the recent upgrade of IT equipment, why was it necessary to issue a laptop computer and an iPad to elected members, and what was the total cost of the exercise?”
In response, Kelso councillor Simon Mountford, the authority’s executive member for transformation and human resources, told him: “Elected members were issued with a laptop and an iPad as part of a recent upgrade to replace equipment which had previously been issued.
“This equipment is provided to us to enable us to do our jobs, and the laptop and the iPad, as you will appreciate, provide different functions and that’s why you need them both.
“The replacement laptops contain new software capable of running Microsoft Office 365 and Windows 10, while the previous software installed on the old laptops was Windows 7, and that will no longer be supported by Microsoft after January 2020.
“This means that efficient use by members would no longer be available and they would no longer be compliant with the council’s network and therefore unable to connect to it.
“The iPads were upgraded to provide larger screens and more compatibility to help with the viewing of the often-large and complicated documents that constitute council reports.
“However, if any member wishes to only operate with one device, then they are free to do so. Any devices surplus to requirements can be returned and will be recycled to staff.
“The total cost of this exercise was £44,535, but, to put that into context, the move from paper to iPads has saved the council £17,000 a year in direct paper printing and postage costs, and that was at 2014 prices.
“Since the introduction of iPads for all councillors in 2014, more than £100,000 has been saved.”
Mr Scott replied: “In this day and age, I’m surprised we need two bits of kit to do the job.”
“It’s first-class equipment, but there’s an officer here with just a laptop, and it makes me wonder why we need two bits of kit when perhaps one would have done.”
A record number of teams has registered for this year’s Walking Football tournament, hosted by Gala Fairydean Rovers at Netherdale, which kicks off at 12.30pm on Sunday, September 15.
Twelve teams from throughout the Scottish Borders, East, West and Midlothian and Lanarkshire will take part in the annual event, including previous winners Gala Fairydean Rovers, Gretna 2008 and Hawick.
Gala will field two teams – the Reds, who won the recent tournament at Kelso, and the Whites, who finished in third place that day.
The teams have been separated into two groups of six and the draw was made on Monday in the Captain’s Lounge of the West Stand at Easter Road Stadium in Edinburgh.
Former Hibernian, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Scotland legend Alex Cropley conducted the draw, while Hibs’ historian, Tom Wright, formally witnessed the proceedings along with GFRWFC chairman John Hislop and treasurer Sandy Chalmers.
Group A is composed of Tranent Juniors, Linlithgow Rose, North Lanarkshire Leisure, Tweedvale, Gala Fairydean Rovers White and Hawick.
Group B comprises North Lanarkshire Leisure B, Midlothian, Gala Fairydean Rovers Red, Gretna 2008, Kelso and Lauder.
The top two from each group will meet in the semi-finals.
Games will last for 10 minutes with no break and will be played according to the national Walking Football Scotland rules, which involve a three-touch and head height rule.
Alex Cropley said: “Good luck to everyone taking part in this event. Hopefully, the weather will be kind and I’m sure the tournament will be a great success.”
John Hislop added: “I’d like to thank Alex for taking time from his busy schedule to make the draw. The groups look evenly matched and I am looking forward to another great tournament. Entry is free and refreshments will be available so I would urge people to come along and see what walking football is all about.
“I’m sure spectators will be pleasantly surprised by the quality on show.”
Meanwhile, Gala Fairydean Rovers walking footballers returned to action last week after the summer break and emerged unbeaten during round four of the national league at Ravenscraig.
The opening fixture was against Glasgow Sport East, who took an early lead before Jim Watters equalised with a superb first-time strike from John Dodds’ low cross.
Glasgow added a second, then Gala had a ‘goal’ disallowed when Gordon Rae’s effort was controversially ruled out after a high ball by a Glasgow defender. Justice was done, however, when Rae scored from the resultant free kick.
Oriam were the next opponents and the hard-fought encounter was decided by a Watters thunderbolt from his own half, which flew into the corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Oriam had a number of chances but Gala’s goalkeeper Glenn Milne was on top form and the team held on to secure the three points.
The final match of the day was against Ayr United and both teams had chances before Howard Edge opened the scoring with a tremendous first-time shot from Dodds’ cross.
United secured a share of the points with a late equaliser and continued to attack – but special mention was reserved for Gala’s veteran defender Jim Mclaren, who marshalled the opposition striker expertly.
Injured player-coach Mike Godsman said: “I was really pleased with the effort and commitment of the team in three very close-fought encounters. Goalkeeper Glenn Milne was outstanding and, as well as some super saves, showed great ‘judgement’ on at least six occasions when the ball struck our woodwork!
“I do feel our team shape still needs a bit of work and we also still need to continue to improve our on-field communications but it was pleasing to have an undefeated round of three matches.
“The boys showed a lot of fighting spirit, especially in our match against Oriam, where we were under the cosh for much of the game but toughed out a 1-0 victory, courtesy of another Jim Watters kick-off special goal.”
John Hislop added: “The standard among the teams taking part in this competition has improved considerably since it started three years ago.
“Gala Fairydean Rovers play twice a week at Netherdale and, apart from the fitness and health benefits, it’s great fun and a fantastic way to make new friends.”
A motorist has been banned from road after admitting two counts of dangerous driving and six other offences.
Kieran Borthwick pleaded guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to committing those offences in High Street in Coldstream on July 10 and on the A68 at Jedburgh on August 3.
The 24-year-old, of Bongate in Jedburgh, admitted having no driving licence or insurance, failing to stop when requested to by the police and dangerous driving on July 10.
He committed another dangerous driving offence, as well as again having no licence or insurance, on August 3.
He also pleaded guilty to another charge of failing to reveal the identity of a driver when requested by police at Edenside Court in Kelso on January 3.
Sheriff Valerie Johnston told Borthwick she would be postponing sentence for a criminal justice social work report to be prepared.
Sentence was deferred until September 30 and an interim driving ban was imposed.
A Borders war hero, who served as a DEMS gunner on Merchant Navy ships during the Second World War, has finally caught up with one of his comrades.
The Southern ran a story on Stephen Taylor Smith and his wartime exploits last year after he helped raise the Merchant Navy’s Red Ensign at Scottish Borders Council’s headquarters.
Then, he talked of his pride of being asked to do so, but would have gladly given up the honour to see another of his DEMS comrades perform the task, as he had lost touch with all of them.
Now, the 96-year-old has found not one, but two ex-DEMS personnel, and met up with them last week in Kirby Lonsdale.
He met Alan Derwent Day, a 93-year-old DEMS radar operator, and 94-year-old DEMS gunner Harry Day (no relation), who hails from Liverpool, after Alan had read Stephen’s story on our website.
Former Selkirk postie Stephen’s son Gordon took his dad down to the Lake District for the meeting last week.
He said: “Dad had already met up with Alan in Carlisle last November, but it was a really emotional moment to see all three men shake hands.
“It was incredible, a day I never thought I would see happen.
“We also found out that there are two medals which dad is entitled to, but has yet to receive, so it would be great if we can apply for these.
“We were invited again for the Merchant Navy event at the council again this year – which took place on Tuesday – but as dad has a chest infection and the trip south took a lot out of him, we had to respecfully decline.”
During the Second World War, the Merchant Navy provided an important service to the country, ensuring vital supplies made it through.
The DEMS (defensively equipped merchant ships) personnel aided them in that task by holding firm against heavy bombing raids, manning the guns against enemy aircraft and U-boats and helping to keep Britain’s fleet moving.
Last year, Stephen told us: “I had always wanted to go to sea, ever since I was a young lad, so I did. And being a part of the DEMS is something I am very proud of, and I was proud to be asked to help raise the flag at Newtown.
“But genuinely, one of my most dear wishes is to find others who served in the DEMS.”
Council chiefs are being urged to reconsider plans that could lead to the closure of Hawick’s Katherine Elliot Day Centre.
Scottish Borders Council’s executive committee voted in June to move its day care provision to what it calls a local area co-ordination model.
That consists of service users being paired with a local area co-ordinator tasked with advising them of services such as volunteer-led social centres or dementia cafes, rendering council-run day care centres surplus to requirements.
Those plans have been given a mixed reception, however, and at the latest full meeting of the council, Hawick and Hermitage councillor Watson McAteer asked: “I represent a specific group of mainly elderly vulnerable people who are alarmed, worried and anxious at the prospect of council-run day care services being withdrawn to be replaced by local area co-ordination.
“While there is evidence that some service users do benefit from using self-directed support, there is equally a large number, including family carers, who depend on regularly attending our day care centres.
“The threatened closure of the Katherine Elliot day care centre in Hawick has been met with disbelief and abhorrence.
“We have been told that this centre will continue to remain open if new care plans do not meet individual needs.
“Can the executive member give an assurance to those service users in Hawick and their dedicated carers that the Katherine Elliot day care centre will remain open in such circumstances?”
Kelso councillor Tom Weatherston, the local authority’s executive member for adult social care, told him: “The day centre consultation is predicated on the fact that no changes will happen until we’re confident that users and their carers are assessed and their needs met through alternatives.
“We are currently engaged with people, and their carers, to discuss what care will look like for each individual.
“The implementation plan allows for additional development time in Teviotdale. In addition to this phase, the executive report also make plans additional arrangements for people with more complex needs or those who have dementia.”
Officers initially claimed that decommissioning the council’s day services would save £208,000 this financial year and deliver a permanent £350,000 saving from next year.
However, a delay in recruiting new staff needed before the switch to the new model, has reduced the projected saving this year to just £50,000.
Following up his question in the hope of securing reassurance about the Howdenbank centre’s future from Mr Weatherston, Mr McAteer said: “I ask this question on behalf of the Teviotdale day centre support group, which has been created in order to combat the proposed threat .
“I know that you care a great deal about support and care in the Borders, but the question was very explicit.
“It was to reassure those that occupy the Katherine Elliot Day Centre in Hawick. I don’t think you’ve answered that question and I can understand why.
“Can I just ask again that you and your group reconsider this position?”
Mr Weatherston replied: “The position is clear. We will work with clients and relatives to ensure they get the best service available.
“I think it’s important to not get totally obsessed with the building. Obviously, in this case, the building is important and I respect there is a higher number in that building than in other places, but the important thing is that clients get the best service available.”
“This has worked in other places in the Borders.
“I’m quite happy to work with Hawick colleagues to get the best service possible for our clients, but I don’t think the building should be the obsession here.”
Scots rack up a bill of over £200 each year on items or activities they paid for just to be polite, with a huge 90% admitting to doing so, according to new research.
The study from leading savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk investigated where people spend money just to avoid awkwardness, confrontation or appearing impolite, to establish the true ‘cost of being British’.
The findings show that Scots admit to spending an additional £19.05 each month, hitting a yearly total of £228.60, while the UK average sits at £23.27 – amounting to a national total of £7.1 billion per year on average.
Activities such as getting a round of drinks in or splitting the bill, despite having a cheaper meal than others, are ranked among the most common examples of Scots forking out extra cash just to be polite.
The research also finds that 41% of Scots feel unable to say “no” to the extra spend in certain social situations.
Respondents also say they feel their friends often avoid paying their fair share in social situations, with tactics including leaving social events before it is their turn to buy a round of drinks (29%) or wanting to split the bill even though their proportion is consistently more than anyone else (25%).
However, just 5% of Scots have ever fallen out over money-related issues, with the majority choosing to bite their tongue and just pay the extra.
There is a limit to our generosity though when it comes to covering for a friend’s spending. The average Scot will happily forget about money owed to them until the debt reaches £10 – it’s at this point they consider asking for their money back.
Anita Naik, Lifestyle Editor at VoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Brits have a reputation for being especially polite and non-confrontational but, as the research shows, this quite literally comes at a cost.
“Buying an extra drink when out with friends might seem insignificant on its own, but each of these small costs can really add up – I’m sure most of us can think of many things we’d rather spend £228 on!”
Top things that Scots do just to be polite:
1. Buy an unplanned extra round of drinks - 52%
2. Stick around at an event for an extra drink - 47%
3. Split the bill in a restaurant, despite having a significantly cheaper meal than others - 45%
4. Not asking for money back which is owed - 39%
5. Donate money to charity or sponsored a friend or family member during a challenge - 38%