TWO promising Borders footballers have featured in Scotland’s under-15 side.

Robbie Renwick of Peebles and Newstead’s Mark Mathison were part of the 16-man squad which defeated travelling Australian team South Queensland Select 11-0 last month.

Mark and Robbie, both members of the Scottish FA/BSLT development squad in the Borders, were initially selected for a training session for under-15 boys at Toryglen in Glasgow.

Both Robbie, of Tynecastle FC in Edinburgh and Mark, who also plays in the capital with Cavalry Park FC, impressed selectors enough to be included in the side for the match with the Aussies. The pair played at the centre of defence for Scotland in the comfortable win, and both 14-year-olds hope to feature in the team in 2013.

The achievement is particularly impressive for Mark, who has suffered from Type 1 diabetes for the past four years.

Drew Kelly, SFA development officer, said: “I would like to congratulate Mark and Robbie for representing the Scottish Youth FA national squad at U15 age group.

“They were already selected for the SYFA south-east squad – along with Daniel Headspeath from Galashiels – but to reach national representative level is a great achievement and testament to their hard work, commitment and dedication.

“They played the whole match, anchoring the SYFA defence and did the Scottish Borders proud.”

JEAN Yule Cup: Group 1 – Hawick Burns A 5 Selkirk B 1; Jedburgh Legion 2 Hawick Con A 4.

Group 2 – Hawick Con B 2 Hawick Burns A 4; Selkirk A 3 Border Club 3.

GORDON’S promising wheelchair racer Samantha Kinghorn has been named in scottishathletics’ squad for the first time.

The 16-year-old is now aiming to get accustomed with the 1,500m T54 event ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.

She told TheSouthern: “I only began racing nine months ago, which meant I started off at short distances.

“Presently, my best distance is 200m, but I managed to make the qualifying time for the 1,500m, which meant I made the squad.

“It is a big thing to be included in the squad, as it means I will get extra support.”

Kinghorn broke her back in December 2010 after being crushed by snow at her home, leaving her paralysed below the waist.

However, she has since launched a successful wheelchair racing career, including a second place at the London Marathon in her first race in April.

She has progressed rapidly ever since, and has a busy 2013 ahead of her.

Kinghorn added: “I travel to Dubai in March for my international classification, which should position me number one in the UK in my discipline.

“I then head to Switzerland for an international event which includes 3,000 athletes.”

Newcastleton’s Paralympic silver medalist Libby Clegg has also been included in the squad, following her announcement that she plans to split her training between Loughborough and Edinburgh after buying a home in the Scottish capital with partner Michael Maltman.

And West Linton’s Chris O’Hare and Berwick’s Guy Learmonth are also on the Commonwealth Games list.

BORDERS soldiers were among troops from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS), who supported the Afghan National Army (ANA) as it planned and led a recent large operation to clear an area of Afghanistan of insurgents.

The men from the Royal Scots Borderers and their Afghan counterparts were taking part in the operation, codenamed Tuufan or ‘Storm’.

The mission involved many hundreds of troops from 3/215 Brigade of the ANA, as well as the Scottish soldiers who are part of 4th Mechanized Brigade.

The operation also involved Afghan engineers, logistics personnel, police, artillery units and IED experts.

With an objective to secure an area of central Helmand province, both sets of troops moved quickly into and through the desert or ‘dashte’ areas, getting ahead of schedule immediately on day one.

Although coming under sporadic fire from the insurgency their progress was reported as being impressive.

The operation ended with six insurgents killed, one ANA soldier killed, and a weapons find including some significant pieces.

Major Andy Lumley, the officer commanding Delta Company of 1 SCOTS, said: “The ANA have been really quick and they have had very little input from us as we moved behind. They have not really needed any help from us at all.”

Colonel Jhang Baz, a senior Afghan Commander in the ANA’s 3/215 Brigade, said the ANA is now in the front line of the operations and is followed by ISAF in support.

“The main job is run by the ANA and if necessary ISAF supports us with their air support,” added Colonel Baz.

The Royal Scots Borderers are operating as the Brigade Advisory Group (BAG) in the region, providing advice and support to the ANA as part of Operation HERRICK 17.

The BAG’s role is to increase the confidence of the ANA and reduce the reliance on ISAF troops, ready for the end of combat operations by British forces in 2014. Lance Corporal Steven Guest, who provides the force protection to the British adviser teams on the ground, explained:

“A lot of the time the ANA don’t really need us to do anything for them. They seem to be able to cope with it themselves. They do a lot of good work without us having to advise.

“When we go out to the checkpoints they are already doing patrols, fitness – some of them are really organised and switched-on guys.”

A GALASHIELS man appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday charged on petition with unlawful sex.

Twenty-two-year-old Liam Brown made no plea or declaration during a brief hearing.

The case was continued for further examination of the evidence and he was released on bail.

The December meeting of Galashiels Clef Club will take place on Saturday, December 15, at 7.30pm at the Lucy Sanderson Hall, off Tweed Crescent.

Members will be able to enjoy a selection of piano music, as well as a debut performance of music for flute, and some festive musical surprises. Also on the programme are a feast of festive nibbles, seasonal hot punch and a Christmas quiz.

The club wishes all its past and present members a very happy Christmas, and hopes to see many more regular, new and old faces in the New Year.

The Clef Club welcomes new members of any age who may wish to try their hand at performing a short concert piece of music or song to a small, friendly audience. If you are interested, please contact Elizabeth Fraser on 01896 752375 or visit the website: www.onlineborders.org.uk/community/galaclefclub

The Clef Club was founded in 1926, and holds eight monthly meetings each year, presenting programmes ‘by the members for the members’. The music swings from classical, folk song and show-stoppers, to jazz and members’ own compositions.

GALA Cycling Club held their end-of-season prize presentation dinner in the Kingknowes Hotel when racing members, family and friends met to congratulate the past season’s winners.

They also looked forward to the new campaign, which starts in March with the Gordon Arms mountain time trial.

The past 12 months saw the introduction of new races and awards, as well as some old favourites reintroduced.

During the year the club grew from strength to strength with new members joining – most encouraging is the youth side where the youngsters have tripled in number.

The evening started with a meal, followed by the presentation of awards, performed by Christine Johnstone.

Winners – BAR, Gary Robson; Vets 40+, Gary Robson (club champion); Vets 50+, Ian Pearson: Vets 60+, Bill Lowes; Time Trial League, David Johnston; Gordon Rout Hilly, David Johnston; 2up Series, Gary Robson and Jim Logan; Sporting Courses, Alistair Meikle; Continental Series, Bill Hamilton; Handicap Champion, Jeremy Weston; Hill Climb Champion, Jeremy Weston; Most Improved Rider, Jeremy Weston; Audax, Dick McTaggart; Lantern Rouge, Billy Watson; Youths, Toby Dawson and Gareth Murray.

Despite the dark winter nights, there is no rest for members.

Meeting on a Wednesday in the squash courts in Abbotsford Terrace, they bring along either their static turbo or rollers and follow training exercises.

There has been a turnout of around 12 members at every session. Anyone interested can take part for £1.

There are club turbos for use – contact the club for availability. Members also meet at the Old Town Cross on Sundays, with groups leaving at 10am.

The Braw Lads Ba’ Breaker Cycle Sportive returns on June 23, giving participants a choice of two challenging Borders rides.

Club news can be found at www.galacc.co.uk or on its Facebook page, where members post comments, pictures and organise meeting up for a ride.

Edgerston WRI’s 85th birthday party was held at the Pheasant, Jedburgh, last Wednesday when 18 members and guests – including Liz Jackson, Roxburghshire federation chairman – enjoyed a festive lunch.

Edgerston WRI began life on December 7, 1927, and on that occasion 19 ladies were present. In those days members had to walk to meetings and, consequently, they were often cancelled due to bad weather.

The points cup was won by Marion Anderson; 2, Evelyn Grierson; 3, Maggie Greenwood. The chocolate cake baked and decorated by Sue Vind was cut and enjoyed, and presents were exchanged.

Glendinning Primary School junior road safety officers Abbie Hogg and Glenn McCrum organised a “Be Safe Be Seen” assembly to inform pupils how important it is to wear bright clothes to make sure they are seen during dark winter months.

All the children and staff entered into the spirit of the day, coming to the Galashiels school in their brightest, eye-catching clothes. Abbie and Glenn presented reflector prizes to the winning pupils.

Back row, from left – Lee Macrae, Amy Train, Abbie Hogg, Glenn McCrum, Aaron Milburn, Laura Frizzel; front – Thomas Milburn, Erin Gray

John Elliot, Roxburgh Mains, Kelso completed a hat trick of championships at John Swan St Boswells inaugural Christmas Cracker show and sale of cattle and sheep. The event which was in association with Royal Bank of Scotland attracted an outstanding entry of sheep and cattle.

The champion bullock from Roxburgh Mains was an Aberdeen Angus cross bred by Messrs Ross, Wester Middleton, Gorebridge and was champion at the St Boswells native breed calf sale in September.

The bullock, Brawburn subsequently was champion native breed at the Winter Fair at Edinburgh and Smithfield Show at Peterborough last week, thus securing four championships in two months and subsequently sold for £5.20/kg (£3,068) to leading East Lothian Butcher, John Anderson, North Berwick.

The 65 cattle sold averaged 249.5p/kg.

An outstanding show of lambs were led by AHC Smith, Crumhaughhill, Hawick with a pair of Texel cross lambs which sold for £380 each to Malcolm Allan Ltd, Falkirk. Again the quality of the entry was reflected in an average price of 220.6p.

A new primary schools’ young auctioneers competition was incorporated in the event. The competition was open to all primary schools in the Earlston High School catchment area and the four finalists each auctioned a lamb. The proceeds, £620, were donated to Child Poverty in Scotland charity.

The ultimate winner was Toby Dawson from Channelkirk primary school, Lauder.

Christmas show and sale of prime sheep, judge: James Curle, Norwood, Bowsden, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Class 20, best pair of suffolk cross lambs, 1 Headshaw. L £145; 2 Huntington £128; 3 Brotherstone £94.

Class 21 best pair of Texel cross lambs

1 Crumhaghhill £380 Champion went to Malcolm Allan; 2 Crumhaghhill £125; 3 Crumhaghhill £108

Class 22 Best pair of Beltex cross lambs: 1 Crookston £300, Reserve Ms J Curle, 2 Sydenham £125, 3 Crookston £118.

Class 23 Best pair of lambs, any other breed: 1 Craiglea £90, 2 Springwood £90, 3 Springwood £94.

Overall champion : Crumhaghhill; reserve: Crookston

Class 24 Best pair of north country cheviot lambs: 1 Headshaw. L £100, 2 Whitchesters £90, 3 Whitchesters £74

Class 26 Best pair of blackface lambs: 1 Hartside £105, 2 Hartside £115, 3 Longcroft £76
Class 27 Best pair of scotch mule lambs: 1 Hartside £98, 2 Crookston £92, 3 Burncastle £78

Class 30 Best pair of lambs, any other breed, or cross exhibited by a member of the Border Federation of Young Farmer’s Clubs: 1 Craigsford Mains £100, 2 Hartside £105, 3 Inchkeith £95.

CHAMPION: Headshaw, Lauder; reserve: Hartside, Oxton.

Christmas show and sale of prime cattle: judge: John Anderson, High Street, North Berwick

Class 1 single bullock by AA sire: 1 Roxburgh Mains520p Champion went to John Anderson Butchers, North Berwick; 2 Falsidehill 290p, 3 Bee Edge 250p.

Class 2 Single heifer by AA sire: 1 Fowberry Moor 270p, 2 Falsidehill 250p, 3 Wester Middleton 228p.

Class 3 Singlbullcock by any other native sire: 1 Lurdenlaw 245p, 2 Hollybush 208p, 3 Faughhill 205p.

Judge: James Allen, Malcolm Allan & Sons, Falkirk

Class 5 Single bullock by Charolais sire: 1 Greenknowe 260p, 2 North Synton 242p, 3 New Channelkirk 235p.

Class 6 single heifer by Charolais sire: 1 Glenrath 285p, 2 Low Middleton 270p, 3 Wester Middleton 250p.

Class 7 single bullock by Limousin sire: 1 Bee Edge 330p, Reserve went to WTS Forsyth, Peebles, 2 Lennoxlove 260p, 3 Bee Edge 280p.

Class 8 Single heifer by Limousin sire: 1 Bee Edge 285p, 2 Longnewton 255p, 3 Holly Bush 215p.

Class 12 Single heifer by any other sire: 1 Ramrigg 225p

Champion: Roxburgh Mains

Reserve : Bee Edge

Border Federation of Young Farmer’s Clubs section, judge: George Deans, Shaws Fine Meats, Lauder

Class 13 Single bullock any breed or cross: 1 Bee Edge 300p, 2 Kaimflat 240p, 3 Kaimflat 218p.

Class 14 Single heifer any breed or cross: 1 Wanton Walls 265p, 2 Humbie Mill 240p, 3 Humbie Mill 245p.

Pairs, judge: James Allen, Malcolm Allan & Sons, Falkirk

Class15 Best pair native bred bullocks: 1 Brockholes 208/210p, 2 Willowford 270/240p.

Class 16 Best pair native bred heifers

1 Willowford 275/255p

Class 17 Best pair continental bred bullocks: 1 Longnewton 260/255p, 2 Saughland 235(2).

Class 18 Best pair continental bred heifers: 1 Longnewton 240/235, 2 Falsidehill 258/248p.

ALL organisations and sports club I’ve been involved with and the many others I’ve seen in operation have one thing in common – a small percentage of members do most of the work, probably confounding Pareto’s classic 80:20 principle.

Essentially about economics, Pareto’s principle states that in any business, 80 per cent of activity will produce only about 20 per cent of results, and 20 per cent of effort will produce 80 per cent of results.

It can be applied to most things in life; for example, 20 per cent of toddlers in a nursery will produce 80 per cent of the noise or 80 per cent of effort in the kitchen will produce only 20 per cent of the results.

Think it through about any farming or leisure activity and you’ll find that within a few percentage points either way Pareto’s 80:20 will apply. Except, possibly, as noted above for organisations such as local NFU committees, cricket and rugby clubs and agricultural discussion societies.

There the percentages might be closer to 5:95, with five per cent of those involved doing 95 per cent of the work while others confirm the old saying that any fool can criticise – and most do.

The hard fact that there are fewer farmers than there were 20 or 30 years ago is one reason for the decline in attendance at agricultural discussion society meetings.

Linked to that is the fact that many farmers still in business virtually run a one-man show or a contract-farming “empire.” Either way, free time is harder to come by and there are other options for its use on winter evenings, such as curling. Or TV.

There is also the amount of information available now on any given farming subject that can be gleaned quickly from specialist advisers, internet websites, mobile phone apps, emails and texts, with daily newspapers and farming magazines a last resort.

In the heyday of discussion societies in the 1950s and 1960s, the hunger for information about how to farm more efficiently meant top men on straightforward, immediately applicable, farm management methods, such as Mac Cooper on grassland, Bobby Boutflour on feeding dairy cows or Alan Fraser on sheep breeding, could draw crowds of several hundred.

In the 1980s and 1990s, controversial speakers such as Peter Hepworth and Oliver Walston or the solid good sense of Professor Dickson of Newcastle University could draw audiences of 150-plus to Kelso discussion society.

Now, an audience of one third that size would be good, in spite of the best efforts of secretary and committee to produce an interesting and varied programme for four winter meetings.

Smaller discussion societies, such as the Merse, would have settled for an attendance of 50 at any time and, in a way, I found that a smaller group often produced a more lively discussion because no one felt intimidated about taking part, as could happen to the shy and retiring in a big gathering.

The fact remains that in changed times all agricultural discussion societies face an uphill struggle to pull a crowd. So perhaps Merse chairman Hugh Veitch’s decision to provide light relief in a lousy farming year was the right one, with a turnout of almost 40 at Duns last week to quiz local panelists Jonathon Constable of Meikle Harelaw, Jim Fullarton of Lumsdaine and Tom Douglas of Glendarg.

Probably more heat than light was generated, especially by Mr Douglas – “I grew up with three sisters so learned to argue in triplicate” – and discussion shot from subject to subject, pinball-style. But coherence occasionally broke through, as with Mr Constable’s view when asked how new entrants could get a start in farming.

A self-made farmer himself – from a 15-year-old milking cows on a farm in the south of England to farming 900 acres in Berwickshire with substantial holiday cottage lets – he said, refreshingly, that no one had a right to farm.

That’s life, he suggested, so face it. New entrants will be outbid for a tenancy by existing farmers, likewise if they try to buy. And if they have financial backing, why try to start in Scotland? Go abroad, go to Eastern Europe. Don’t sit around and moan.

Harsh, but fair although I disagree to some extent as I still believe that the most determined can, and do, get a start and most of us can think of at least one example. They usually do it with single-minded, self-sacrificial, determination and that is true of any trade or profession – those who want it badly enough get there.

There was also some interesting discussion on organic farming, where Jim Fullarton said that intensive farming does not work “up the hill” while organic farming helped him cut costs. He agreed the system would not feed the world, but “it does teach us lessons”.

As for other subjects covered during an entertaining evening such as farming co-operatives, genetic modification, Scottish independence, beef exports, renewable energy versus nuclear power and meat processing, Mr Douglas had a conspiracy theory for each. His sisters must have had a hard time at the family supper table.

CUTTING red tape and duplication when dealing with authorities may have taken a step forward.

South of Scotland MSP Jim Hume called a meeting with top bureaucrats at the Scottish Parliament last week in a bid to reorganise accreditation.

“Sorting out red tape and reducing the amount of inspections farmers have to deal with would be welcomed by Borders’ farmers and free them to do the real job of producing food, ” the former Yarrow farmer told TheSouthern.

Mr Hume arranged the discussion after ameeting about the issue with Lord Jamie Lindsay, chairman of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the national body which assesses organisations that provide certification, testing and inspection services.

Mr Hume explained the problem: “There is a duplication of effort in Scotland where accredited farms (the vast majority) are inspected by their accreditation organisations such as Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). Those farms and businesses, can then also be inspected by local and/or national government inspectors who often check exactly the same criteria as the accreditation organisations – a doubling and sometimes trebling of red tape and inspection visits. Visits are not co-ordinated between government officials and others, therefore visits can sometimes be just a few days apart.”

Examples where officials check the same things include animal movement records, tagging of animals, medicine inspections, ensuring farmers are working in an environmentally friendly manner and health and safety.

Decision makers from QMS, the Scottish Government, the Food Standards Agency Scotland, Scottish Food Quality Certification, Doing Better (the Scottish Government working group set up to reduce red tape for farmers), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and UKAS were at the meeting last Wednesday.

They agreed to look at accreditation organisations doing some of the work of the government inspectors and so carrying out the local or national authority and accreditation inspections at the same time.

Mr Hume said: “This would save double or treble visits and cut costs to the public purse as there would be less man hours needed to do multi inspections.”

He conceded changes would not happen overnight but said: “The meeting concluded with parties agreeing to pursue the opportunity and a strong willingness to address the situation. It is a good first step.”

And he said the same idea could be applied to engineering businesses and other inspections throughout the food chain.

AS the debate over regulation of the press continues in the wake of the Leveson report, an MSP has jumped to the defence of local newspapers and the print industry at large, writes Bob Burgess.

Scot Nat Christine Grahame was speaking during a debate instigated by her at the Scottish Parliament.

And in making a plea to distinguish between the wrong doings of some of the national media and the rest of the newspaper industry, she cites the work of newspapers such as The Southern Reporter.

She told fellow MSPs: “The last thing that print media companies need, be they large or small, is heavy-handed statutory regulation. Here, I make the necessary distinction between statutory regulation and a statutory body such as the ombudsman in Ireland...Certainly, given the misgivings of some editors and proprietors, the Press Complaints Commission is well past its sell-by date, but the wrongs, which in some cases undoubtedly amount to criminal activity, must not blight the print media at large, which reports with integrity.”

And she told Holyrood: “I unashamedly quote from one of my local papers, The Southern Reporter, which got in touch with me about this debate. It states: ‘Our readers trust us and look to us not only to report on the great things happening in our region, but also to challenge those things that are wrong or where standards fall below what we should expect. No reporter from The Southern Reporter has ever hacked a mobile phone, nor have we paid the police – or anyone else – for a story’.”

Ms Grahame went on: “That is true of the vast majority of our print media. Whatever the remedy, we must defend – most of all, the political establishment must defend – robust reporting, because we all need media that are strong, combative, professional and testing of our politicians. The fourth estate, national and regional, did not earn its soubriquet without merit.”

And she told the chamber she wanted to see the establishment of a Scottish media panel, comprised of respected, experienced journalistic professionals to advise – and she stressed advise – on all matters pertaining to the media, both electronic and print.

Ms Grahame stressed: “The print media is devolved, so the Leveson report could be the first issue on the agenda of that advisory panel, because the last thing that we need is an off-someone-else’s-shelf, knee-jerk solution.”

She said that such a media panel would show that journalists and not just politicians, were seeking a solution.

Ms Grahame said the media panel should involve radio, community radio and television, as well as print journalism.

Earlier in the debate the MSP took a swipe the BBC. She complained that in News at Ten, the Scottish section was reduced to five minutes and Newsnight was often badly pruned to fit in with what she described as London-centric priorities.

But she maintained that it was not all about timings, adding: “Content is frequently skewed to the south-east of England, and a snowfall of a few inches on the London streets can displace international headlines.”

She also placed the 24-hour BBC News channel in the dock for churning out news items of a domestic nature without regard to the devolved parliaments.

SPartans’ Chris Anderson has ruled out an imminent return to Gala Fairydean – but believes promotion for his former club would be a good thing for the East of Scotland League, writes Kenny Paterson.

The 25-year-old striker from Peebles notched the first goal in the Ainslie Park team’s 3-1 Image Printers Cup win over Selkirk, another of his former sides.

However, Anderson, who is currently Spartans’ under-19s coach, could have ended up back at Netherdale after being linked with the manager’s job when Fraser Lothian resigned in August.

Instead, Garry Fraser took over and has led the side to second place in the First Division, as Gala aim to return to the East of Scotland League’s top flight for the first time in eight years.

Asked about the speculation linking him to the Gala job, Anderson told TheSouthern: “Obviously I played there and they needed a new manager, but Garry Fraser is there now, and he is a very good coach.

“They were a bit unlucky against Coldstream (lost 6-1) the previous week, but I think it is only a matter of time before they are back in the Premier Division.

“With their 3G facility, and the talent down in Galashiels, I expect them to be promoted sooner rather than later. I think the Premier Division needs them back up as well.

“I don’t know about returning to Gala.

“I am quite happy here and things are going well. But you never say never.”

Anderson’s first foray into coaching saw him take Gala Fairydean’s under-19 squad to a League Cup final in 2011, only to lose 3-2 to Edinburgh City.

His move to play with Spartans last season coincided with the frontman taking over the club’s under-19s team.

Still in the role, alongside another former Gala man, Keith Boyes, Anderson is also coaching with an SPL side.

And on the pitch he aims to help Spartans regain the Premier Division title, which Stirling University won in 2011/12, alongside team-mates Andy Martin, also of Peebles, and Kelso’s Jack Beesley.

Anderson added: “I know a few people at Hibs, so I have started working with their under-15s.

“It is giving me the chance to get some new ideas and continue to learn.

“Coaching is something I enjoy, particularly working on the training ground.

“I am enjoying my football at Spartans. We are getting the chance to train on superb facilities every week.

“We are doing well, and are undefeated in the league, so hopefully we can keep that going as long as possible.”

TRADITION was the winning recipe when Hawick butchers Robert Pringle were crowned 2012 south-east of Scotland champions at the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders’ sliced sausage competition.

James Pringle and his two sliced sausage makers – Paul Ferguson and Derek Scott – were at The Lodge, Carfraemill, to receive 
their title.

James speculated on the reasons for his firm’s success: “The recipe goes back to my great grandfather’s seasoning in 1902.”

The contest, sponsored by McAusland Crawford, attracted 70 entries from all over the country.

Pictured right is Bryan McAusland, of sponsors McAusland Crawford, presenting James Pringle – accompanied by Derek 
Scott and Paul Ferguson – with his firm’s 
award.

Peebles’ Eastgate Theatre travels from America to Arabia next week as, first, the annual Amerrycana Christmas kicks off with a Yee-haw! and a Ho-ho-ho-down on Saturday, December 15, at 7.30pm.

“Live from the Grand Old Eastgate Theatre, the Downright Homespun Radio Company brings you award-winning music from the DHRC House Band and razor-sharp comedy from our Radio Acting Company,” writes a spokesperson. “There’s the turkey queue, the Drunkwatch team, local sponsorship and the latest news, all interlaced with foot-stompin’ bluegrass Christmas music.”

Then, on Friday, December 21, at 7.30pm, the Christmas Hafla is back. “For a fun night out, Borders Arabic dance brings you their annual dance show, featuring Club Bellydance, our own Peebles dancers, and the famous and hilarious Neimah as your compere,” promises a promoter.

“Relax with wonderful music, from classical Arabic to Egyptian pop.”

Tickets for Amerrycana cost £11, and Christmas Hafla £10. 01721 725777, or www.eastgatearts.com

Community choir the Gala Water Singers are in concert on Sunday, December 16, at 7pm in Stow Church, with guests Syrinx Flutes and Fountainhall Children’s’ Choir.

The theme, An Island Christmas, features seasonal music around our isles – with exotic extras. Tickets (£6) from Stow PO, John on 01578 730289, or on the door. The event follows the Gala Water Singers’ concert in St Peter’s Church, Galashiels, on Saturday December 15, at 7.30pm (£5). Children enter free.

Riddell Fiddles are hosting a Christmas concert on Sunday, December 16, at 6.30pm in Lilliesleaf Church, to help raise funds for their trip to Cape Breton in Canada in July.

This weekend, the Selkirk fiddle group, which welcomes all ages, will be performing with the Bedlam Ceilidh Band, and a guitar duo composed of “the young Stuart Hendry and not-so-young Donald Knox”, jokes lead fiddler Sheila Sapkota.

“Come along and support this annual event,” she added, thanking the event’s host Reverend Frank Campbell for his support.

“Entry at the door is by donation, and after the concert there’s coffee and shortbread on offer, and a chance to see and buy our newly-made cards, created by Ian Oliver.

“The cards are being sold to supplement our fundraising – we need to raise a fortune to get to Cape Breton, so we need a big audience on Sunday!”

Riddell Fiddles aims to allow anybody to learn the fiddle, by providing inexpensive fun-filled lessons for young and old alike, explains the group’s website www.riddellfiddles.co.uk

Their two-week trip to Canada begins in mid-July, with one week spent learning at St Ann’s Gaelic College in Halifax, and the second playing sessions in Cape Breton at the Inverness Beach Village, overlooking the Gulf of St Lawrence.

“What do you get,” asks Trash Arts’ Bill Muir, “if you take a group of people aged seven-70, 15 big plastic drums, a bat phone, a scaffolding glockenspiel, a xylophone (all from Trash Arts), trombone, trumpets, saxophones (from the Other Orchestra), funneloniums (courtesy of Scottish National Funneloniums), and mix them together? You get Brash, of course.”

This is the second Brash concert to be organised by Trash Arts, a long-established Borders group specialising in creating music and mixed media from scrap and donated instruments.

“The first session was voted, a mildly hysterical success,” Mr Muir said: “now we are planning another session of this unique grouping and stress relief therapy.

“You are invited to join Trash Arts on our Trash percussion. Brass and wind players and would-be Funnelonium players are also welcome. Come and make up Brash Band 2 for the afternoon on Sunday, December 16, from 3-5pm, at the Church Hall, St Boswells.

“If you want to know more about Trash, contact billtrash@mac.com

“You will find us on Facebook under trash music projects, and the website is: www.trasharts.org”

Losing your job is devastating at the best of times, but to be laid off just before Christmas no doubt adds more stress at an already-stressful time in people’s lives.

But if that’s not bad enough, to then find yourself without the support offered to people in a similar position, but who worked for a larger company, must be hard to swallow.

This week, Galashiels community councillor John McLaren called on Scottish Borders Council to do more to support workers who are made redundant.

His plea comes just weeks after 14 people lost their jobs when the national electrical firm Comet closed in the town.

It transpired that due to the relatively small number of staff who found themselves out of work, no support was available to them. Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Government will only step in when it is a significant employer that is set to close.

The decision is difficult to understand considering the services are in existance, just not the means to access them. We all pay taxes, so why not?

If the services are there, how difficult would it be to ensure the information is available to everyone? Instead, people who are already shellshocked are left fretting over what to do next.

In the current climate, it is highly unlikely this will be the last instance of this happening and the current position surely discriminates against Borders employees compared to those who work in the city.

This region is full of small rural businesses employing small numbers of workers, and this must therefore put the majority of our workforce at risk of being left out in the cold if the worst happens and they lose their jobs.

We know finances are tight, but surely there must be someone out there who can come up with a relatively cheap and cost-effective plan to ensure that existing support is available to all.