FORMER Scottish Borders Council chief executive David Hume, who walked away with more than £300,000 in pay, severance and pension entitlements after he controversially quit his job in August last year, has been revealed as once of the first members of the new unitary Scottish Police Authority (SPA), writes Mark Entwistle.

Mr Hume’s name was among the 12 announced yesterday by Scottish Government Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.

The SPA, which will go live on April 1, 2013, will support the solitary chief constable and the new Police Service of Scotland, as well as holding them to account.

All members have been appointed for four years and take up their new posts this month. There is an expected time commitment of 10-15 days per month up to April 1, 2013, after which it will be no more than 10 days per month for the first full year and Mr Hume and his SPA colleagues will take home £300 each for every day worked.

The appointments are regulated by the Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland.

Mr Hume’s pay-off deal was shrouded in secrecy, with full details of the amounts involved not made public until July this year with the publication of council accounts.

SBC officials said Mr Hume had retired from his £123,000-a-year job after nine years because of what the local authority termed “a change in his personal circumstances”.

With more than 30 years’ experience in local government, Mr Hume also has a long-standing interest and commitment in the fields of child and adult protection, as well as community safety.

POLICE are hunting vandals who attacked a home in Galashiels, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

The incident took place at around 9.40pm last Friday when the perpetrators attacked the home in Dean Street in the Balmoral area of the town.

They threw stones at a living room window of the house which smashed the glass.

It is believed the bill for the attack stands at around £300.

Police are now appealing for information from anyone who may have seen or heard the incident to get in touch.

more action is needed to protect the Borders’ most vandalised school says its local councillor, writes Kenny Paterson.

Stuart Marshall was reacting to news of another attack on Burnfoot Cmmunity School.

Two double-glazed windows were smashed during the incident which is believed to have taken place on Friday evening, with police appealing for information.

It is the latest in a string of attacks on the Kenilworth Avenue school, which had a vandalism bill of £4,382 for 22 incidents during 2010/11.

And Councillor Marshall believes more has to be done by the police to ensure the facility no longer becomes a target.

He told TheSouthern: “It’s really quite sad that the Community School has found itself once more on the radar for vandals.

“What really annoys me is that this school is the pride and joy of the vast majority within Burnfoot and so much good is being done within it.

“I can only appeal to anyone who sees any suspicious goings-on in the school grounds to get in touch with the police or any member of staff.”

He added: “I would certainly like to see the police pay a greater deal of attention to this area during the darker nights.

“I have no doubt that the matter will get raised at next week’s meeting of Burnfoot Community Council as a matter for concern.”

A statement from Scottish Borders Council said: “The school and police are working closely together, and the school has provided the police with the relevant CCTV footage so that they can identify the offenders and deal with them appropriately.

“In terms of prevention, local police officers are working with the school to implement crime prevention measures to deter such mindless attacks.”

A freedom of information request in August revealed SBC’s bill for repairing vandalism incidents at its schools totalled nearly £30,000.

One of the worst cases was in July when 27 wall panels on the new extension at Tweedbank Primary were scratched at a cost of £1,500.

The other targeted schools were Hawick High (£3,935), Peebles High (£1,724), and Philiphaugh Primary (£1,696) in Selkirk.

SCOTTISH Borders Council has apologised after IT problems saw a delay to the introduction of chip and pin technology.

The system was due to come into force yesterday (Wednesday) for its contact centres and registration offices across the region, as well as the Jim Clark Room in Duns.

But the issue means chip and pin – which offers a more secure means of taking face-to-face card payments and reduces the risk of card fraud – will not be available before the end of the month.

The local authority has yet to set a date for the new device to be up and running, but says its previous payment system will be retained until the problem is solved.

A spokesman said: “SBC apologises for any inconvenience.”

Councillor Michael Cook, executive member for HR and corporate improvement, previously said chip and pin was part of SBC’s modernisation 
objectives.

THE decision by Scottish Borders Council to hire a youth voice co-ordinator has been vigorously defended by the local authority.

The post – which carries an annual salary of up to £29,250 – has been advertised by SBC to lead its new unit Scottish Borders Youth Voice, aimed at enabling young people’s views to be heard.

However, the role has been criticised by lobby groups and Borders MSP John Lamont, who described the job as “trendy nonsense” and “a complete waste of money”.

They argued the funding for the post would be better spent on services which had faced cuts in the current financial year.

But an SBC spokeswoman replied: “We refute that the establishment of a more efficient process in which to engage with children and young people is either ‘trendy nonsense’ or ‘a complete waste of money’.

“Scottish Borders Council, as an active partner in local community planning structures, has been committed to children and young people’s active participation in service planning and delivery for some years.

“This is currently being taken forward through the recently endorsed Involved strategy document which sets out how the council and others will engage with children and young people.”

The council says the strategy will create opportunities for children and young people to get involved in decision making which affect their lives.

The spokeswoman continued: “The council and its partners have recently reviewed the systems that have been in place for some time to support such engagement and have developed a new streamlined structure.

“This in effect replaces five locally-based youth participation workers, totalling 50 hours per week, with one 25-hour per week post with some administrative support.

“We are currently in the process of recruiting to this post, thus establishing a streamlined and more efficient service.

“Young people, particularly the most vulnerable, are often ignored in local planning and this relatively modest programme seeks to address this issue.

“We are sure members of the Borders public appreciate the crucial role these projects play locally and nationally in the development of our young people.

“The new co-ordinator will play an important part in supporting these initiatives, and giving young people a voice in the council decision making.”

But Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP John Lamont said the creation of the post was evidence that SBC was not spending money in the right places.

He told us: “When budgets in education are having to be stretched further and further, many people will consider the decision to hire a youth voice co-ordinator as a complete waste of money.

“We must ensure the best possible future for our children and this can be better achieved by hiring more teachers and improving facilities rather than hiring for frivolous roles such as this.” His comments were echoed by Nick Seaton of the Campaign For Real Education, who added: “Taxpayers will be incensed that their money is being wasted on trendy nonsense like this while seriously-needed services are being cut.”

The job description for the co-ordinator post reads: “You will work as part of a small staff team to lead, design and deliver the aims of this new unit Scottish Borders Voice which incorporates Youth Chex and members of the Scottish Youth Parliament.”

Langholm’s ‘20’s Plenty For Us’ campaign to reduce the speed limit on the A7 through the town’s high street from 30mph to 20mph, believe Transport Scotland has admitted its own mistake, as it announces a fresh consultation to improve the road’s safety.

The last consultation carried out by Scotland’s national transport agency concluded that stopping cars parking and loading with double yellow lines would make the high street safer and ease local fears. But the Muckle Toon’s ‘20’s Plenty For Us’ campaigners disagreed.

“Up until now Transport Scotland (TS) has refused to accept our points,” said Langholm resident Bill Telfer. “We argue that there is a need to civilise this street, and it should be based on a reduction of the speed limit to 20mph.”

Explaining the campaign’s background, Mr Telfer said: “TS held a consultation as far back as 2008, and put out a Draft Traffic Order in December 2011, consisting only of proposals to further restrict parking and loading.

“This would have the effect of increasing the speed of traffic: parked cars contribute towards traffic calming, and encourage drivers to moderate their speed. The police have always made it clear to TS that removing parking increase speeds. Objectors realised if the parking is eliminated, cars and lorries could go bombing straight through the town. Traffic would become more aggressive than ever.”

Via a Freedom of Information request, Mr Telfer discovered the contents of TS’s consultation, and began questioning and criticising its reasoning – just in time for the deadline for public objections in January.

“The draft order was no more than a notice on a lamp post, and we were only given a month to respond,” he told us.

“For 10 months TS has been considering the objections. Finally (and we believe due to pressure from 20’s Plenty For Us and other objectors), they said last week in a letter: ‘Having considered these objections we now consider it is appropriate to undertake further consultation within the community with a view to further refining our proposals. It is anticipated that a revised Draft Order to regulate the prohibition of waiting and loading/unloading on the A7 High Street in Langholm, shall be published.’”

Mr Telfer added: “But we don’t know what form the consultation will take: a small display of plans, or a public meeting, or correspondence in the press? The definition is vague.”

NOMINATIONS to the Scottish Youth Parliament have now opened.

Borderers aged between 14 and 25 can stand for the region’s three members, with candidates expected to be passionate about democracy.

Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker said: “With the up-and-coming Scottish Referendum platform that will, for the first time, allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote, it is extremely important that all young people take part in the democratic process.”

More information about the elections and an expression of interest form can be found at syp.org.uk/elections, or email SRobb@scotborders.gov.uk

GALASHIELS and Tweedbank young children are having an autumn art drop-in next Thursday, November 1.

Organised by the Tweedbank and District Childminding Group, the seasonal crafts session costing £1.50 for materials and refreshments will run from 10am to 11am at Tweedbank Community Centre.

Group chair Annmarie Robertson said: “We’ve run several of these events and everyone seems to have a great time.”

Heriot’s FP 19 Gala 34

RBS PREMIER LEAGUE

Fiona Scott reports from Goldenacre

For all but seven minutes of this Premier League tie these teams proved a good match for each other.

It was Gala however that showed their mettle in the middle section of the second half to run in a rapid try tally which effectively sealed the game.

Gala made their intentions clear from the word go and after forcing their hosts back into their own 22 Lee Millar went on a jinky run to the line to open the scoring in the fourth minute with an impressive try which he converted himself.

Graham Wilson missed a penalty attempt for Heriot’s shortly afterwards but got his name on the scoreboard in the 12th minute when he converted a try from Max Learmonth.

Gala were obviously going for it as at the next penalty opportunity Millar kicked for touch. The move broke down but from the resulting scrum the Gala forwards drove hard to reach the line with Euan Dods grounding the ball.

Again Heriot’s responded in kind. This time Struan Cessford running in with Wilson making the conversion to edge the hosts in front.

The battle raged on at an alarming rate and Gala encamped themselves in the Heriot’s 22. Perseverance paid off and eventually the visitors were rewarded with a penalty which Millar banged over on the stroke of half time to edge Gala in front 15-14.

A spell of stalemate ensued for the first 15 minutes of the second half with neither side willing to give an inch. Gala were first to show a chink and Heriot’s were awarded a penalty which Wilson missed. Straight away George Graham’s men looked to make amends and did so with a flourish. Three tries in the space of seven minutes from George Graham, Gav Young and Craig Robertson, two converted by Millar put the game out of sight.

Gala: A. McLean; G. Somerville, C. Auld, B. Turner, C. Robertson; L. Millar, George Graham; L. Pettie, R. Anderson, E. McQuillin. Gary Graham, O. Palepoi, C. Keddie, E. Dods, K. Mein. Subs: C. MacKintosh, T. Weir, S. Cairns, J. King, G. Young.

A SPATE of motorbike and quad thefts in the Borders – costing over £11,000 – have led the police to warn those living in remote locations to be on their guard, writes Kenny Paterson.

The warning has come after three incidents earlier this month in the Peeblesshire area where a total of six vehicles were stolen in the space of six days.

In the early hours of Thursday, October 11, three off-road motorbikes worth £5,000 were taken from a secure garage along the B709, five-and-half miles north of Innerleithen.

The next morning saw one road and one off-road bike worth mroe than £1,000 stolen from outside a home in Peebles.

And between Tuesday, October 16, and Wednesday, October 17, a quad bike worth £5,000 was taken from farm buildings on the Haystoun estate, again near Peebles.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: “We would ask that owners to take a moment to ensure that their property is secure, never leave keys in vehicles or in open display, use quality locking devices, store bikes and quad bikes in secure sheds or buildings where possible, install security lights.

“It is worth taking five minutes to walk around your property and ensure that you leave nothing of value lying out.”

“We would also ask that members of the public report all suspicious activity to the police right away.

“If you live in an isolated position and are woken by a vehicle nearby then please do not hesitate to phone for the police.”

The spokesman said security guidance can be obtained by contacting a Borders police station.

The thefts are the latest in a line of rural crimes in the Borders this year, with leading insurers NFU Mutual telling the region’s farmers in July that they are now working in one of the most vulnerable areas for rustling.

The cost of rustling to the Scottish farming industry was estimated at more than £250,000 in 2011. However, it appears crooks are still targeting motor and quad bikes.

A LEADING councillor has welcomed Scottish Borders Council’s appeal against its £250,000 data breach penalty.

Nearly 850 confidential files from the local authority were dumped in a West Lothian supermarket bin by a firm hired last year by SBC, which as a result received the six-figure fine from the Information Commissioner’s Office.

However, council officers have now taken legal advice and believe the fine is too steep.

Stuart Bell, executive member for economic development, agreed, and is delighted with the decision to appeal.

He told TheSouthern: “I was concerned that SBC had been honest and reported the data breach yet were still handed an unfair and hefty fine. SBC admitted its mistake, took immediate action to correct its procedures and then report itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office.”

The fine has already been paid in order to achieve a discount of £50,000 but SBC still reserved the right to appeal. A decision is expected from a three-judge panel at the end of January.

When asked about appeal costs, an SBC spokeswoman added: “The council would only incur further costs if the tribunal deems the losing party to have acted unreasonably, negligently or improperly. As the council has lodged a legitimate appeal, we hope that the costs to the council would be minimal.”

THE Scottish Minister for Children and Young People visited the Borders on Monday.

Biggar-based MSP Aileen Campbell was viewing the work of Borders befriending charity, Interest Link, in Hawick.

The charity’s Val Reilly said: “The minister was very chatty and interested in what was going on, and joined in very happily. Our aim is to make the group as much like a mainstream youth group as possible, and it very much felt like that last night”.

The minister joined the charity’s Hawick children’s group – which receives Scottish Government funding – at work on an art and drama project, with some from the charity’s older members. She spent an hour with the 10 to 26-year-olds who have learning difficulties and their peer mentors, and took part in activities.

Interest Link project coordinator Andrew Findlay said: “The aim is for the group to be as close as possible to a normal mainstream youth group. There would normally be no chance for our children and young people with learning disabilities to attend a youth or drama group, or socialise with non-disabled peers, so being in our groups has an enormous impact on their quality of life, confidence and self-esteem, as well as their social and communication skills.”

Groups organise activities, projects, and social outings which are fun and help develop communication and social skills said Mr Findlay.

The art and drama project Ms Campbell witnessed is running for 12 weeks, under the direction of Ms Reilly, art tutor Amy Neville and drama leader Lesley Parris, and the end results will be staged at the Heart of Hawick theatre on December 3.

Mr Findlay said: “The group has been working on songs and the script, and on the night of the minister’s visit were working on the art side of the project, making costumes, back drops, and props for the show.”

The eight peer mentors involved in Monday night’s project were recruited from Hawick, Jedburgh and Earlston High Schools, and Borders College.

The 2013 Michelin Guide has awarded Bib Gourmand status to two restaurants in the Borders.

Kailzie Gardens Restaurant near Peebles was added to the Bib Gourmand category, which recognises restaurants offering good value for money, alongside Osso restaurant in Peebles, which retained the Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade for the third year.

“The award represents excellent value for money, and recognises that we use all fresh ingredients sourced as locally as possible,” Osso’s co-owner Allan Bone said. “There were only four restaurants in Scotland with this accolade in 2011 and still onlyseven in Scotland in total.”

Kailzie Gardens Restaurant and The Hawthorn Restaurant at Benderloch, Oban, joined Scotland’s prestigious Bib Gourmand list, featuring alongside Osso, Stravaigin in Glasgow, The Dogs in Edinburgh, Kilberry Inn in Argyll, and the Sorn Inn in East Ayrshire.

The Michelin Guide, which operates the famous star rating for restaurants throughout the world, is considered the pinnacle of food awards, with inclusion in the guide gaining restaurants and their chefs celebrity status. Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles retained his two stars, while 15 other restaurants retained their one star. Five are in Edinburgh, and among the others are Glenapp Castle in South Ayrshire, Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond, the Peat Inn in Fife and Kinloch Lodge on Skye.

ABBOTSFORD, textiles and even mountain biking could be among images used in an effort to revamp existing signage at entry points into the Borders.

However, the estimated cost for replacing the signs across the region is £100,000 – money Scottish Borders Council does not have.

But councillors on SBC executive meeting last week, still approved proposals for a first phase, which involves agreeing the design specifications and ‘branding’ guidelines for the new signs.

This will involve council officers and partners from VisitScotland, BEAR Scotland, and Transport Scotland, as well as SBC.

Phase one will also provide a full breakdown of estimated costs, and options for implementation and will focus on the interpretation/visitor information panels at the key border crossings on the Carter Bar, A1 and A7 to promote more focused visitor information – 
e.g. nearby towns, retail and visitor attractions, nearest place to eat, etc.

The second phase will involve identification of a budget, including research into alternative options such as sponsorship or external funding.

There are no financial implications in delivering phase one beyond use of existing staff and partners’ time.

Councillors also approved a recommendation that officers look at estimated costs and set these in the context of priorities for the budget process for 2013/14 – 2017/18.

It was in March this year that a survey of signs was carried out by council staff, who created a database and photographic record of all visitor signage, and recommendations for which signs should be retained, amended, or removed.

The audit report concluded that the boundary entry points on both the A1 and A7 were cluttered with damaged and non-relevant signage.

The signage on the A68 is in better condition, however, improvements could be made to the associated visitor information.

The existing boundary entry signage was erected in 2003 using the Scottish Borders brand developed by a partnership of SBC, Scottish Borders Tourist Board, and other public sector partners.

The message ‘Scotland’s leading short-break destination’ was originally included underneath the signs, but ditched in 2011 because it was no longer used by VisitScotland to promote the Borders.

Councillors were told an example of good practice was France, where each region has a strong eye-catching image that relays something of the unique flavour of that region to the motorist. Simple imagery is married to only the name of the area drivers are entering.

Council officials will now investigate what single image or multiple images could be used at each location, linked to national and regional branding.

Councillor Stuart Bell (Tweeddale East, SNP), SBC Executive Member for Economic Development, told TheSouthern that, currently, a variety of signs were used across the Borders.

“It is all about encouraging people to visit. Presently at some places there is some clutter and features of the area are not presented very well,” Mr Bell told us. “I think the Borders is an amazing place, but these signs need to be tidied up.

“However, we have no budget for replacing the signs at the moment, so we’re looking at what we can do without incurring any great cost.”

One possibility, says Mr Bell, is where the ‘Scotland’s leading short-break destination’ strapline once featured on existing signs, an alternative promotional message is used.

The Glendale Agriculture Society may be one of the smallest in the UK, however, now in its 120th year, it is a society that unlike so many has stood the test of time and has real vision for the future.

Following on from what was the wettest summer for at least 25 years, the Glendale Show like so many events across the UK was affected by rain but unlike many other events the show went ahead.

Despite ongoing difficulties in the economy, employment and bank lending, not to mention the weather, the team behind the show – that is its secretary, chairman, committee and a raft of volunteers worked tirelessly to secure support and sponsorship from businesses near and far.

Currently a not for profit organisation the society has felt its pockets pinched as a result of both the recession and the rain.

The Glendale Agricultural Society in not just about the Glendale Show however, it plays a vital role in the rural community of Glendale. The region, Glendale has built itself on agricultural roots. Both livestock and arable, the land in the valley is both fertile and exceptionally productive and the hills are renowned for producing some of the UK’s finest livestock. It is supported at every level by businesses amongst the community and it is these businesses that are crucial to the society’s success and development.

The society has evolved with the 21st century, once the show was home to horse and plough displays where the main ring acts now feature stunt motorbikes and sheep racing. It is a pillar of support for farmers throughout Glendale and further, whose vision is to encourage and preserve the special skills and pursuits of the countryside.

With this vision in mind the society started the Children’s Countryside Day, an annual event held at the showground which attracts over 1300 first school pupils from Northumberland and North Tyneside. This is an educational day with exhibitors from a cross-section of local and national businesses, organisations and individuals keen to teach children just how the milk makes it onto their cereal every morning. The now award winning day is one of the society’s greatest achievements and they look to develop it as the years go on.

Chairman, Nick Hargreaves said: “The Glendale Agricultural Society has always been seen as a very progressive society and the current economic climate is not going to stop the society going forward. In this farming community it is very important that the community spirit is maintained, this is where the agricultural society plays an integral role. Highlighting farmers and events and planning for the future as a community, not just an individual farm or property”.”

HAWICK provost, Ron Smith, has spoken this week about the relief in the town, after news that French luxury fashion label Chanel had bought local cashmere mill, Barrie Knitwear.

TheSouthern reported details of the deal last week, and the intervening seven days has seen the news sink in that the jobs of 176 workers and a 140-year-old famous Hawick company have been saved for the future.

There had been months of worry for the 176 workers at Barrie’s mill in Burnfoot Industrial Estate, after the cashmere firm’s parent company, Dawson International, went into administration in August because of pension problems.

Speaking this week, Provost Smith, also a Lib Dem councillor for the Hawick & Hermitage ward, said he very much welcomed the news that Barrie’s long-time Paris-based customer had taken over ownership of the factory.

“This is a tremendous relief to the workers and for the town as a whole. It is also a tremendous compliment to the workforce that such an internationally known leader in the fashion world has confidence in the ability of those workers to provide top-quality products,” said Mr Smith.

“And ‘relief’ is the appropriate word to use. Over recent years, several local knitwear mills have carried through development plans, and there has been evidence of fresh external investment. Mr Smith continued: “This has been recognition of the inherent quality of the workforce and of the products.

“The expectation therefore in the town was that a profitable business such as Barrie would quickly be snapped up. That took a little while to be confirmed, but has been worth the wait, and the town is happy to be now publicly associated with such a flagship brand.”

The deal heralds an exciting new chapter in the history of the Hawick mill.

Local Lib Dem MP Michael Moore, who met with senior representatives from Chanel and Barrie on Thursday, said it brought months of uncertainty to an end for the company, its employees and the people of Hawick.

“I was pleased to hear of Chanel’s commitment to maintain the traditional expertise and craftsmanship which make Barrie such a unique and valued brand,” said Mr Moore.

“I look forward to Barrie flourishing under Chanel’s ownership and I will continue to work with the management and employees in this exciting new chapter for the company.”

Mr Moore’s comments were echoed by Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker (Leaderdale & Melrose Ind), who added: “Barrie has a worldwide reputation for quality and it is great news for Hawick that this has been recognised and that one of the world’s iconic brands has chosen to make this important investment, which will safeguard these much needed jobs.”

A RETURN to public ownership of Scotland’s railways could lead to the reinstatement of trains along the former Waverley line from Carlisle to Edinburgh, writes Kenny Paterson.

Christine Grahame supported a motion at the Scottish National Party’s conference in Perth for such a move, which she believes would bring private profit out of what she says is a public service.

The Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale representative previously dismissed claims by fellow Borders MSP John Lamont that other transport initiatives in the region are being ignored in favour of the current Borders Railway project, which is due to run from Tweedbank to Edinburgh.

She added: “We need no lessons from Mr Lamont or his Conservative colleagues when it comes to financial prudence. He should be supporting this crucial infrastructure investment which will be important for the economic well-being of the Scottish Borders.”

Mr Lamont also claimed the completion date of the project will be put back from 2014 to 2015 in the next few weeks.

And he cited a freedom of information request which revealed £54million has been spent on the initiative without a piece of track being laid.

Mr Lamont added: “There is every possibility that with the Galashiels Railway we could see a repeat of the Edinburgh trams debacle. With every delay the cost of the project rises even further over budget.”

However, Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker retorted: “Mr Lamont’s press release is just mischief making and political posturing of the worst kind. It is inaccurate and draws incorrect parallel in relation to costs and quite honestly, no-one will be losing any sleep about what John Lamont is saying in this release.”

A Transport Scotland spokesman said the contract for the project with Network Rail is due to be signed later this month, which is likely to confirm the expected completion date.

A pioneering programme to help teenage parents is being rolled out across Scotland, although there are currently no plans to launch it in the Borders.

The £11million Family Nurse Partnership, for first-time parents aged 19 and under, will be operating by 2015.

The programme is already running in Lothian, Tayside, Fife and Glasgow, and is expanding to Ayrshire and Arran, Lanarkshire and Highland in 2013. But there is no date so far on when it will start in the region.

An NHS Borders spokesperson said: “Within Borders we do have a very low teenage pregnancy rate and a very small number of these would be eligible for inclusion in the programme. This is why Borders, along with Dumfries and Galloway, and the island boards, are not included at this stage.

“The Scottish Government has assured us that they will take the lessons learned from the other (health) boards and adapt the programme for the more rural communities.”

The programme sees family nurses visit expectant mums every one or two weeks during pregnancy and throughout the first two years of their baby’s life. They offer guidance in child development, health, parenting skills, breastfeeding, nutrition, and on education and employment.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “The established Family Nurse Partnerships have already made a valuable difference to the lives of 450 young families since 2010, and the benefits of the family nurses are clear to anyone who has had the privilege of meeting them and the families they support.”

WE need more information before deciding on Scotland’s future.

That was the message of students at Selkirk High who discussed the impending referendum with TheSouthern.

We spoke to a fifth-year modern studies class at the school about the prospect of Scotland separating from its English neighbours and being an independent nation.

And we also discussed whether they agreed with the decision to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in 2014.

While the majority felt it was right to allow the previously excluded age bracket to take part in the referendum, many admitted they did not yet fully understand the debate about their country’s future.

Selkirk High rector Wilma Burgon agreed, telling TheSouthern: “The important thing is that the pupils are informed enough to make a decision.”

The issue of 16 and 17-year-olds voting proved a major sticking point with David Cameron during discussions with Alex Salmond, before the Prime Minister eventually agreed to the ground-breaking move last week.

Mr Salmond said: “What is absolutely vital is that all 16 and 17-year-olds are in a position to have their say if the Referendum Bill includes proposals to give them the vote.

“It would be totally unsatisfactory to be in a situation where some of those in that age bracket were able to vote but others were not because of the way the electoral roll is currently constructed.

“This bill will close that potential loophole and make sure that every single person in Scotland who is aged 16 or over on the day of the referendum will be in a position to vote.”

Borders MSP Christine Grahame, of the SNP party, added: “I am particularly delighted that 16 and 17-year-olds will have the right to vote in what will determine not just the future of Scotland but their futures.”

However, any thoughts that young people will flock to the Yes camp appear – at the moment at least – to be unfounded.

In a poll by a national Sunday newspaper, only 26 per cent of 14 and 15-year-old pupils in 24 schools across the country believed Scotland should be independent.

Selkirk High’s fourth year children took part in the survey – and the results make for grimmer reading for SNP supporters.

While 82.6 per cent of Souter students felt 16 and 17-year-olds should be allowed to vote, only 22.1 per cent believe Scotland should go it alone.

It appears there is plenty more work to be done to convince the Borders’ youngsters that Scotland should wave goodbye to its closest neighbour in two years time.

EARLSTON Primary School has been told to improve its curriculum following a visit by inspectors.

The HM Inspectorate of Education’s (HMIe) report outlined a number of strengths and weaknesses at the village school with a roll of 210 pupils, following a visit in September.

Scottish Borders Council says its education department will now work with the school to improve its curriculum.

Chief inspector Elaine Merrilees praised Earlston’s children, who she said were confident and well behaved.

And she also approved of pupils’ learning experiences in the nursery as well as the school relationship with community partners.

However, Ms Merrilees added: “Overall, the school has not yet made sufficient progress in introducing Curriculum for Excellence.

“Staff need to make better use of assessments and develop programmes which provide progressive, coherent and challenging learning across all subjects.

“Children have begun to develop and apply their literacy and numeracy skills in other areas of their learning, but need more opportunities to do so.”

The inspector also said Earlston had to ensure classes enjoyed consistently high-quality learning experiences, as well as better monitoring of children’s progress and increasing the impact of self-evaluation on learning.

Head teacher Lesley Munro said: “We are pleased that recognition has been given to the strengths of the school and that our recent developments in reading and writing are improving children’s learning experiences.

“The school was encouraged that the development needs we had identified for ourselves were endorsed by the inspectors.

“We are already taking steps to develop and implement our strategic plan to develop the curriculum as well as the other improvements.”

Chair of the parent council, Kelda Stewart, added: “We are confident that working with the head teacher and staff we can implement an action plan to address the recommendations outlined in the report.”

A total of 14 nursery and primary staff work at the school.