Borders MP John Lamont says he is backing prime minister Boris Johnson’s newly-negotiated Brexit withdrawal deal.

The new deal between the UK and the EU was announced this morning.

Local MP John Lamont has said he is backing the newly renegotiated Brexit Deal as the best way to get Brexit sorted and avoid a no deal scenario.

The controversial Northern Ireland backstop has been replaced with a special arrangement which is subject to approval by the Northern Irish Assembly, and it’s claimed the UK would have an unqualified right to strike its own trade deals.

The deal has been endorsed by the Federation of Small Businesses and the Food and Drinks Federation.

Mr Lamont, who also supported former prime minister Theresa May’s old withdrawal agreement two out of three times, said: “I was elected in 2017 on a manifesto committed to delivering Brexit and the majority of the Borders backed me.

“Most Borderers are democrats and whether they voted leave or remain, just want Brexit sorted.

“This is a good deal, which until recently many said was impossible to achieve. It will mean the UK leaves the EU, is no longer subject to EU law or the European Courts and importantly for Berwickshire, we regain control of our territorial waters. We will be able to negotiate our own free trade agreements and decide who we want to come to live and work in the UK. The Northern Ireland backstop has been removed and there will be no hard border in Ireland.

“The deal has the backing of the Food and Drinks Federation and the Federation of Small Businesses.”

“Liberal Democrat and SNP MPs who say they will vote against any deal are backing chaos and uncertainty. And worse still, they have become the real champions of a No Deal Brexit.

“This is our best opportunity to get Brexit sorted and move on to the things that matter to the people of the Borders, which is why I am backing this deal.”

Hands may have been shaken with the EU, but it’s certainly not a done deal in the UK as yet.

With the DUP saying it would not countenance the deal, it does look unlikely that it will get passed in the House of Commons when it is put to parliament on Saturday.

There has been a bit of extra pressure put on MPs this afternoon, with European Commission president Jean-Claude Junker saying there would be no prolongation of Brexit ... in other words the EU would block any attempt to extend the deadline for Brexit beyond October 31.

If you are having a baby in 2020 and are in need of some inspiration, baby naming website Nameberry has compiled a list of the most popular monikers for newborn girls next year – and the meaning behind them. Would you choose any of these?

Recently-promoted Biggar came to town, having made a good start to the season and were sitting well in the league.

Gareth Walker scored a Kelso try to reduce the leeway but the visitors scored another converted try to take the game to 19-5 with only five minutes to play.

At that point, there was total implosion in the Kelso side and, after a difference of opinion among the players, referee John Shaw sin- binned Kevin Dryden and Frankie Robson.

Gareth Clark quickly followed and the culmination was a red card to replacement Dwain Patterson, for tackling his opponent while off the ground.

In the meantime, Biggar scored another two tries to take the final score to 29-5.

So Kelso finished the game with only 11 players and, to add to their problems, Cammy Brown was yellow-carded after the final whistle.

A man convicted of being abusive towards a former partner has been ordered to carry out 140 hours’ unpaid work at Jedburgh Sheriff Court as an alternative to custody.

Jay Gallagher also breached court orders by contacting the woman despite being barred from doing so.

The 28-year-old, of Ruberslaw Road in Hawick, pleaded guilty to sending threatening messages to his ex on January 17 and breaching bail conditions by contacting her in July and September.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Gallagher had been in a relationship with the woman for four or five years, but they had broken up in April 2018.

He explained the couple had been exchanging text messages about child maintenance and Gallagher became abusive, accusing her of “money-grabbing” and calling her a “scrounger”.

When interviewed by police, he accepted that he possibly had called her a money-grabber, further claiming: “She always has been”.

Sheriff Murdo MacLeod imposed 80 hours of unpaid work as part of a community payback order for sending threatening and abusive comments and 60 hours for breaching bail by contacting his former partner.

Background reports have been ordered on a man convicted of three offences including threatening police officers.

Stuart Moffett, 28, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis at his Church Square home in Galashiels on June 30.

He also admitted possession of a razor blade at Asda in Galashiels on Saturday, October 12, and making threats to officers at Hawick police station.

Sentence was deferred until November 18 for the production of a criminal justice social work report and restriction-of-liberty order assessment.

A woman will be sentenced next month for drugs offences.

Tasha White, 27, pleaded guilty to being in possession of cannabis and diazepam at her home in Torwoodlee Road in Galashiels on November 13 last year.

Jedburgh Sheriff Court was told that police obtained a search warrant for the property and seized £625 in cash as well as drugs.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said White took responsibility for what was discovered but would not say where the drugs had come from.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said the drugs found were for his client’s use, adding that she was a regular cannabis user.

Sentence was deferred until November 18 for the production of background reports.

Borders County arrowman Ryan Hogarth is warming up nicely for a couple of leading darts tournaments.

Ryan has had a fine season and finished 15th in the BDO rankings – making him a seeded player at the World Championships in January at London’s O2.

Before that, however, he’s heading to the Circus Tavern from October 24-27 for the World Masters where, again, he is seeded.

Ex-Kelso High School pupil Ryan, whose parents Graham and Irene are also well-known Borders Country players, took up darts at the age of 18, after a varied sporting life which included tennis, curling, basketball and cricket.

He has played in Scotland’s Euro Cup team and the Six Nations, while earlier this year, he got to the final of the Bauhaus Dutch Open, in Assen, which had an entry of around 3500 players.

Ryan took out several notable names from the European circuit on his path to the final, including Dutchman Rick Hofstra, former BDO world champion Scott Mitchell, Michael Unterbuchner of Germany and, in the semi-final, Dave Parletti (England), before he went down 3-2 to Richard Veenstra of Holland.

A man has been remanded in custody after being accused of three sex offences.

John Tunnicliffe, 54, is charged with rape, sexual assault by penetration and other sexual offences.

His alleged victims are a woman and a man.

Tunnicliffe, of Galashiels, made no plea during a private hearing at Selkirk Sheriff Court, and the case was continued for further examination.

Following their successful rugby tour to South Africa, Scotland Women return home to Scotstoun Stadium next month for two Autumn Tests.

The ladies are due to play Wales on Sunday, November 17 at 3.10pm and Japan on Sunday, November 24 at 1pm.

This week, it was also confirmed that Scotland will travel to Spain for a Test match, ahead of the 2020 Six Nations.

The game is in Almeria on Sunday, January 19, at noon local time and 11am GMT.

It’s hoped the current Borders contingent – Lana Skeldon (Hawick), Chloe Rollie (Jedburgh), Mhairi Grieve (Selkirk) and Lisa Thomson (Hawick) – who have been regular squad choices in recent seasons, will be in contention for places in the squad once again.

Head of Girls’ and Women’s Rugby, Gemma Fay, said: “This year is all about us trying to put ourselves in the best position possible ahead of the World Cup qualifiers next year.

“This includes continuing to focus on getting our ranking points higher, as well as developing ourselves both on and off the pitch as a squad.”

Scotland have already had a positive start to a crucial season for the squad, with two wins over South Africa in Capet Town on their first tour, and first matches under new head coach Philip Doyle.

All four Borders women played in the first test, which Scotland won 5-47, with Chloe Rollie bagging two tries and Lisa Thomson one.

Mhairi Grieve was on the bench for the second test against a Springboks side which, Lisa said afterwards, took a totally different approach in terms of physicality, but Scotland won 15-38, with Lisa again among the try scorers.

Packages and match tickets are on sale now for this season’s fixtures at Scotstoun Stadium.

A housing relic from the 1960s is poised to undergo a £21.6m transformation if plans for 100 new homes in Galashiels are given the go-ahead.

Run-down blocks of flats in Beech Avenue and Laurel Grove in Upper Langlee are to be either knocked down or transformed as part of proposals now submitted to Scottish Borders Council by Hawick-based Waverley Housing.

The landmark structures are deemed to be past their sell-by date and have become increasingly difficult to let in recent years.

As part of the proposals now lodged with council planners, almost 160 of the homes will be demolished, dozens more will be refurbished and about 100 new homes built.

An extensive consultation process was carried out with residents before the plans were submitted last week.

That consultation revealed that residents are generally supportive of the proposals and want to remain living in Upper Langlee, with most backing the retention of the Beech Avenue name once the project, if rubber-stamped, is completed.

It was also found that residents have no desire to see four new playparks and a community room provided, as was originally proposed.

A further public consultation event is provisionally set to take place at Langlee Primary School on Friday, November 29, from 1pm to 7pm.

As well as being welcomed by residents, the plans have received enthusiastic support from the town’s three regional councillors.

Andy Anderson, a member of the council’s planning committee, said he welcomed in general terms the massive investment to replace the ageing buildings.

He said: “These buildings are no longer fit for purpose in the 21st century.

“Modern, efficient housing will have a positive impact on Langlee.

“Waverley Housing have been proactive in discussing their plans with the public, and local residents in particular, and have run a number of events, several of which I have attended.

“I have seen the proposals and a number of plans as they have developed over the last year or so through consultation with residents.

“I have noted a great deal of interest from many residents, and reactions have generally been positive.”

Harry Scott agreed, saying: “I have been to several presentations and I am in favour of the scheme.

“Other homes in that area which are not being demolished are being renovated and modernised by the housing association.

“The feeling I have from most residents is that they are very much in favour of the scheme.”

Euan Jardine, another of the town’s four councillors, added: “Langlee has a great community, and this development will go a long way in ensuring that the area remains a place to call home for future generations.

“The work will really enhance the area and the fact the residents want to keep the name Beech Avenue goes to show the passion the residents in the area have for Langlee.”

The project being lined up will see almost 230 properties in Beech Avenue and Laurel Grove, along with Larch Grove and Hawthorn Road, either replaced or revamped.

As things stand, demolition is proposed for 158 of them. They will be replaced by 115 new homes for rent, comprising 30 flats, 59 terraced houses and 26 townhouses.

A further 66 properties are set to be refurbished.

Designs for the new homes have been drawn up by Galashiels firm Camerons Architects and Birmingham-based Ark Consultancy.

Camerons director Gavin Yuill said: “The masterplan that we have been developing in collaboration with Waverley Housing and Ark Consultancy centres on the transformation of Upper Langlee.

“It responds to the community’s negative feelings towards the site’s northern edge, Beech Avenue, whilst retaining all the positive aspects of the site, in terms of aspect and green spaces.

“The plan allows for a mix of new-build and retained properties, with the house-type balance favouring houses rather than flats, again reflecting the community’s desires for the regenerated estate.”

A 50-year-old man will appear in court today after being arrested and charged in connection with two break-ins at a the Johnstons of Elgin shop on Mansfield Road, Hawick.

The first incident took place around 12.50am on Monday, October 14, and the second around 9.45pm on Wednesday, 16 October, where a number of goods with an approximate collective value of £5,000 were stolen.

The man is due to appear in Selkirk Sheriff Court later today.

Detective Constable Sandy Blacklock, of Galashiels CID, said: “I would like to thank the public for their support during our investigation following the two break-ins at Johnstons of Elgin.

“The shop is steeped in history and the support from the local community has been vital.

“A number of stolen goods have been recovered, but we would urge members of the public to contact police if they are being approached to buy any items illegally.”

Just four years after taking over a Gattonside restaurant, self-taught chef Hamish Carruthers and his American husband Kyle Tidd are celebrating their entry in the Good Food Guide 2020.

The foodies’ guide, published annually by Waitrose, reviews the best restaurants, pubs and cafés across the UK.

Hamish, who grew up in the village, began his restaurant career at the Hoebridge, washing pots.

He and Kyle, who is 32 and from Indiana and runs front of house, said they were delighted at their first-time inclusion in this guide, as well as the Michelin.

Hamish said: “We didn’t know anything about it, it’s not something we actively pursue, because we started out with no real experience, we wanted time to figure out how to run a restaurant, basically.”

So what’s their secret?

Hamish said: “It’s more about the old way restaurants were run. We have our regulars and Kyle knows what drink they want when they come in. It’s more personal, and it’s the same with the food.

“We do a monthly menu that changes based roughly on the seasons, so people know they can enjoy a different menu if they come in once a month ... it keeps things fresh for us as well.

“We also try to source as much as we can locally, as well, with meat coming from Hardiesmill and Shaw’s of Lauder. and our beer comes from Tempest Brewery in Tweedbank.

“It’s fantastic being included in both guides.”

The other Borders restaurants in the Good Food Guide are Osso in Peebles and the Caddy Mann near Jedburgh.

A Walkerburn plumber’s genious invention could save oil and gas companies billions, thanks to an £800,000 investment.

Ross Dickinson got the idea for the Kibosh pipe repair clamp after one too many call-outs for leaks when access to the stopcock was difficult.

He said: “It was on a job in Melrose in 2009, where the stopcock was behind kitchen cupboards, when I thought why was there not a clamp that would fix the leak at source.

“The Kibosh was born.”

The pipe repair clamp allows plumbers and DIY enthusiasts to mend the leaking pipes simply and quickly, and the pipe can continue to function at normal pressure and temperature.

“It has been a tough 10 years, bringing the Kibosh to market, and it’s almost broken me several times.”

Now, though, the kit, which is made in Selkirk by Cademuir Toolmakers, is widely available online and in plumbers’ merchants.

And now, after several calls from gas and oil companies asking if it could be reworked for industry applications.

Ross said: “Literally, these companies can lose billions of pounds a day if they have to stop the flow to fix a leak.

“So it makes sense that they are particularly excited about the concept as it would save huge costs on downtime and will limit or eliminate pollution through loss of containment.

“The money from Par Equity, an award-winning venture capital firm, which specialises in identifying and supporting rapid-growth businesses, will enable Kibosh to accelerate this.”

As a result of the funding, Kibosh has made two key appointments – John Breslin, an experienced interim CEO, joins as the new managing director and Keith Gibson, who has corporate finance experience and a private equity background, is now the company chairman, with Ross the technical director.

Aidan MacMillan, investment manager at Par Equity, said: “Investing in Kibosh at this stage in its development makes absolute sense for us.

“Their products are tried, tested and unique.

“Leaking pipes afflict more than just ordinary households. This is an issue for global industries, too.

“The need to get a fix in place as quickly as possible is vital in protecting assets, the environment and business reputations.”

Kibosh’s intellectual property is underpinned by registered trademarks and design protection, as well as internationally granted patents.

The firm, which has been generating revenue since 2012, first received funding support from Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise for business plans and marketing assistance, while the Oil and Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC) supported the up-scaled product development.

Gala 21, Watsonians 21

Gala met Watsonians on an overcast, showery Saturday at Netherdale.

The early part of the game found the hosts being dominated by the Edinburgh side, which resulted in a try by Myreside scrum half Donald Kennedy. This was converted by full back Ken Stoddart.

Six minutes later, with the pressure continuing, Watsonians’ number 8 scored their second try, again converted by the full back. This took the score to 0-14.

Gala saved face in the final minute of the half when, following a penalty to touch by Dean Keddie, which they won in the lineout. Scrum half Fergus Johnston passed to Rex Jeffrey, who used his strength to crash over the line. Keddie added the two-point goal extras, taking the half-time score to 7-14.

Immediately after the restart, Watsonians increased their lead through a try by their captain Chris Bell at fly half, converted by Ken Stoddart.

Gala fired up following this try when winger Ross Cooke employed his skill and speed to score near the posts.

Four minutes later, young Fergus Johnston took the ball following a penalty to touch and, assisted by the weight of the forwards, scored a try. Fly half Dean Keddie converted both tries to level the scores.

Despite an attempted drop goal failure and a missed penalty by Gala in the closing minutes, the game finished at 21-21.

It was an entertaining game for the spectators, although the rugby was marred by poor handling and missed tackles.

Among the spectators were about 60 senior citizens from the Gala membership, who had enjoyed a lunch arranged by the Gala ladies’ section. This group not only organises and assists at the event but finances it, so all the guests receive a free day out.

This Saturday features a Scottish Cup tie at Netherdale, with Gala meeting Kelso for a 3pm kick-off.

Following Kelso’s win against Heriot’s, an exciting Borders clash is anticipated, so it’s hoped there will be a large crowd in attendance.

Selkirk 60, Musselburgh 26

Selkirk’s 10-try demolition of Musselburgh at Philiphaugh on Saturday catapulted the Souters to fourth spot in the Tennent’s Premiership table.

No-one was happier with the win than home head coach Scott Wight, who said: “We played an attacking brand of rugby, scoring some really good tries and taking our opportunities.

“I don’t think we’ve performed to our true potential since the Glasgow Hawks game and that’s been frustrating.

“Yes, we’ve ground out some results but we haven’t played the rugby I know we’re capable of. Today, we backed ourselves to play a wee bit of rugby and the scoreline reflected that.

“I thought Josh Mackay coming back into the side added energy and he was really strong around the contact area. Ryan Cottrell scored three good tries off the wing, while credit has to go to Lewis Martin, who stepped in for his first start of the season and performed really well.”

Also making his first start for Selkirk was Kiwi tighthead prop Sean Rankin, who proved a solid scrummager and powerful ball carrier, while the pinpoint line-out throwing of James Bett ensured a reliable source of possession throughout the contest.

Selkirk reaped the rewards of sticking to a game plan based around secure ball retention, minimal kicking from hand and utilising the width of the pitch.

Although the visitors managed to rally after the interval (winning the second half 26-22), they were powerless in the face of Selkirk’s opening try blitz, which saw Ewan MacDougall’s men race to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter.

In fact, one of the busiest individuals in the ground was Selkirk committee man George Welsh, whose match day duty was to man the Philiphaugh scoreboard.

Selkirk’s tries were scored by Ryan Cottrell (3), Henry Bithray (2), Josh Welsh (2), James Bett, Sean Rankin and Scott McClymont, with Bithray adding five conversions.

Musselburgh’s four tries came from Cameron Pryde, Paul Cunningham, Robert Stott and Euan Bonthron, while skipper Danny Owenson kicked three conversions.

The only cloud on the horizon for the home side came when Luca Merolle had to leave the field after over-extending his knee, having gathered a high ball and landing awkwardly, while Josh Welsh required attention for a calf strain.

The Four Seasons ‘Selkirk Man of the Match’ award went to Lewis Martin.

Selkirk: H. Bithray, F. Anderson, J. Welsh, L. Martin, R. Cottrell, C. Anderson, L. Merolle, L. Pettie, J. Bett, S. Rankin, P. Forrest, D. Nichol, J. Mackay, S. McClymont, E. MacDougall. Replacements: L. Berte, B. Riddell, J. Houston, R. Purves.

Referee – Ruairidh Campbell (SRU).

Teries will be offered the chance to put politicians on the spot when the new BBC Scotland discussion programme Debate Night is filmed in Hawick next month.

The show is to be staged at the Heart of Hawick on Wednesday, November 6, and applications are being sought now from anyone wanting to be in the audience, free of charge, on the evening.

Debate Night is hosted by Stephen Jardine, and it allows members of the public to put their questions directly to politicians and other prominent people in public life.

Because of the fluid nature of the current political scene, the panel for the hour-long show has yet to be finalised but will be revealed closer to the date.

Dumfries-born Jardine, 56, formerly a Scottish and European correspondent for GMTV and later a presenter for Scotland Today on STV, said: “It has never been a more important time to have a programme that lets you speak directly to those in power, so whether you have a question about the UK leaving the European Union, a second referendum on Scottish independence, our National Health Service, schools, climate change or other issues affecting your family, we want you to apply and be part of the show.

“We want to make sure we hear from as many different perspectives as possible to have a well-rounded debate.”

To find out more. go to bbc.co.uk/debatenight and click the link inviting you to join the audience that night.

Debate Night is produced for BBC Scotland by Mentorn Scotland, maker of Question Time for BBC One.

A robber has been jailed for three and a half years for attacking a woman in her seventies in Hawick High Street and snatching her handbag and also stealing money from a taxi driver.

Martin Charlotte followed the pensioner into the close she lived in late at night, then pushed her over and robbed her of her handbag and its contents.

Three weeks earlier, the 37-year-old had robbed a taxi driver of his £89 takings while threatening to stab him with a screwdriver.

Selkirk Sheriff Court heard that both victims told police their attacker spoke with an English accent, helping them identify Charlotte, originally from Doncaster in South Yorkshire, as the culprit.

Jailing him for 42 months, sheriff Peter Paterson told Charlotte those robberies were “disgraceful behaviour”, adding: “It is crystal clear to everyone how serious these offences are and how despicable your conduct was.”

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said his client was living a “chaotic lifestyle” at the time due to his consumption of alcohol and drugs and had no recollection of committing either offence.

Charlotte, of Allars Crescent in Hawick, pleaded guilty on indictment to attacking and robbing the pensioner while his face was masked on May 23, pushing her to the floor to her injury in the process.

He also admitted assaulting a taxi driver during the course of his employment at Robson Court in Hawick on May 4.

He jumped on the cabbie, pressed a screwdriver to his chest, threatened to stab him and robbed him of almost £90.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Charlotte told police on both occasions they had got the wrong man or denied being responsible but he now accepted his guilt.

His 42-month jail sentence was backdated to May 31, that being when he was first remanded in custody.

A couple hoping to build a modern-looking house in the Ettrick Valley have had their hopes dashed after councillors ruled that it would look out of place.

Darin Strutt and Jennifer Ettienne were granted planning permission in principle in February for a house and detached garage on land to the south east of Honey Cottage Caravan Park, near Hopehouse, west of Roberton. 

However, that approval was subject to several conditions relating to architectural and building material choices.

The couple, of Simpson Loan in Edinburgh, submitted design proposals for a three-bedroom house there, but those were rejected in July by councillor planners concerned they “would not relate sympathetically to the character of the surrounding area and neighbouring built form”.

The couple appealed against that thumbs-down, but members of Scottish Borders Council’s local review body, though divided in opinion, upheld that decision at their meeting on Monday.

Galashiels councillor Sandy Aitchison said: “I am all for innovative architecture.

“This home could be used to generate its own energy and so on. Normal architecture doesn’t lend itself to that, but it has to be in the context of where it sits, and that is a challenge in this particular place.”

His Jedburgh counterpart Scott Hamilton added: “It’s a very modern design and I don’t find the scale overwhelming – it’s the design causing the issue for me.

“It’s a rural and unique area, and we don’t want to detract from that.

“I’m mindful of what they have done in terms of shielding, but I feel the design here is not going to be appropriate for this location.

“If this was a building elsewhere, I would take my hat off to it, but this rural area needs to be protected.”

However, Jim Fullarton and Simon Mountford disagreed and called on fellow committee members to approach the application with open minds.

“This is an attempt to be bold and innovative,” East Berwickshire member Mr Fullarton said.

“I think we have to look at this in context of where it is. It’s in the country. It is subtly set and well below the ground level.

“The use of corrugated roofs and timber is common place in the country.

“We are aware of a pastiche being created with these design briefs for certain sites.

“We have to open our minds to materials and those that are sustainable.

“We must have an open mind and beware of pastiche.”

Kelso councillor Mr Mountford added: “It ticks all the boxes in terms of environmental impact and sustainability.

“It comes down to whether this conflicts with other traditional houses in the area of whether it complements them.

“I think it could be quite harmonious.

“The landscaping and visual intrusion is going to be minimal and the environmental and ecological aspects of it outweigh the concerns over traditional characteristics.”

A supporting statement submitted on the applicant’s behalf by Duns-based architect Keith Renton had described the house as contemporary but also “designed to mitigate against any concerns that could have arisen from the immediate neighbours and local community”.

Appealing to the review body this week, it added: “The siting and design of the proposed new house will provide a modest modern home which is sustainable thermally and energy-efficient.

“The planners state that they are not in keeping with the area. This is absurd as the metal roofing and timber walling materials are those being used and approved in a house to the north east of the site.”

Members voted against a motion by Mr Fullarton and Mr Mountford to overturn the decision and upheld the planners’ original ruling instead.

A drunken learner driver crashed into two houses and a police car after attempting to take a friend’s car out for a spin, Selkirk Sheriff Court has been told.

Louise Boughen struggled to control the vehicle and only managed to travel a few yards, revving its engine loudly, before she crashed.

The 39-year-old had been drinking vodka at a friend’s house on and off for two days before deciding to take his silver-coloured car without his permission after he fell asleep on Tuesday, September 10.

Neighbours in Teviot Court in Hawick were alerted by the loud revving of the engine prior to Boughen crashing into the side of one house, breaking a window, then careering into another house.

That prompted them to call the emergency services, but Boughen then proceeded to crash into a police car after it arrived in nearby Teviot Road.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said it was not possible to tell how much she was over the legal alcohol limit for driving as she refused to give samples of breath at Hawick police station after being arrested and taken into custody overnight.

After considering background reports, sheriff Peter Paterson banned Boughen from driving for 14 months and imposed a community payback order involving two years’ supervision.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said: “She has not had her troubles to seek.”

Boughen, of Roxburghe Drive in Hawick, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

She admitted failing to stop when required to do so by police officers and colliding with two houses, a lamp-post and a police car, as well as going at excessive speed with no regard to the road layout conditions, revving a car’s engine loudly and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Boughen also pleaded guilty to charges of driving away a car without the consent of its owner, displaying no L-plates despite being only a provisional licence holder, having no insurance and failing to give two samples of breath at Hawick police station.

Mr Paterson told Boughen he would have disqualified her from driving for 20 months but gave her credit for her early guilty plea, cutting her ban to 14 months.

An alleged burglar has appeared in court accused of stealing £5,000 worth of clothing during two break-ins at a cashmere mill in Hawick.

Robert Reilly, 50, faces two charges of breaking into the Johnstons of Elgin shop at the Eastfield Mills visitor centre in the town’s Mansfield Road on Monday, October 14, and again on Wednesday, October 16.

He is also charged with being found in circumstances inferring that he was going to commit theft.

Reilly, of Wilson Drive in Hawick, made no plea during a private hearing at Selkirk Sheriff Court yesterday, October 21, and the case was continued for further examination.

He was granted bail by sheriff Peter Paterson.

Jackets and jumpers altogether valued at £5,000 were taken from the factory shop during the break-ins.

Detective constable Sandy Blacklock, of the criminal investigation department at Galashiels police station, said: “A number of stolen goods have been recovered, but we would urge members of the public to contact police if they are being approached to buy any items illegally.”