The council and police have proposed to extend the 30mph speed limits in Cardrona and West Linton following a review last year.

A 40mph limit for Yarrow Feus is also planned.

Selkirk is going medieval as the Royal Burgh gets set to witness ‘tilting’ for the first time in hundreds of years at the Haining later this month.

The gallows are prepared and local joiner Falconer Grieve is creating lances for the demonstration of horseriders aiming at the ring on May 24.

Trainers from Denmark will parade on horseback from the town to the Georgian mansion grounds that evening where they will give a demonstration and invite locals on their own horses to have a go.

The sport sees riders canter or gallop towards a ring suspended from a gallows, attempting to catch it with a steel-tipped lance.

Tilting was reintroduced to Scotland for the first time in over four centuries near Jedburgh last year.

Gordon 4 Hawick Legion Rovers 1

Gordon player/manager Craig Livingston had a big smile on his face at the end of this Sanderson Cup final at Yarrow Park on Friday evening.

The former Gala Fairydean and Selkirk ace had every reason to be smiling, for not only had his side won the Sanderson Cup for the first time in their history, he had also became a dad for the first time. Just days earlier his wife Gemma had presented him with a baby daughter, Cara. Livingston was a happy man and quite rightly so.

Gordon more than deserved their triumph at the end. However, recently promoted Gordon had a real battle on their hands in the first half, for Rovers, who were reduced to ten men just past the half hour mark, due to the dismissal of Stuart Marshall for hand ball, gave as good as they got.

Expressing his thoughts on matters Livingston said: “We were very nervous to begin with and it took us time to settle down. It ended up being a good win for us though and it was achieved by a great team effort.

“That’s the way it has been all season for us as everyone has been working for each other. Hawick will feel hard done by in having had a man sent off in the first half but they never gave up and battled hard to the finish.”

Rovers began in an enterprising manner and Liam Lawrence came near to scoring in the opening minutes in hitting a Chris Dunne cross just past the post.

Gordon then showed what they had to offer and Hawick keeper Kevan Miller pulled off the first of many excellent saves when spreading himself to block a Stuart Ramsay effort.

With 16 minutes gone the Berwickshire men broke the deadlock. Ramsay floated over a cross from the right which was bulleted into the net by the head of Steven Kinghorn.

After Miller had saved well from Gavin Brown and Kevin Utterson in rapid succession, Rovers equalised in the 26th minute. On being fed by a Jordan Caldwell pass, Chris Graham sprayed the ball to the feet of Stefan Laidlaw who fired home.

Within minutes of this Gordon regained their lead. Running onto a long ball from the back, Livingston rounded Miller and shot goalwards. There was to be no goal though for Rovers defender Stuart Marshall kept out Livingston’s net bound effort with his hand. Indeed he made a save that any goalkeeper would have been proud of.

Marshall was red carded and Alan Jackson slotted away the resultant penalty.

Ten men Hawick came rallying back and following a long Caldwell throw in, Lawrence hit in a shot that appeared goal bound until cannoning off the legs of Gavin Brown.

With both sides showing plenty of endeavour and commitment the action continued thick and fast and in the 60th minute Gordon added to their tally. Jackson notching his second goal of the match in beating Miller with a sweetly struck drive on meeting a Livingston cut back.

In the 66th minute Gordon struck again. Taking a corner kick after Miller had thwarted Utterson in diving to tip a Gordon front runner round the post, Gavin Brown swung over a ball that curled and sailed over the line. Caldwell ended up heading the ball into the net in attempting to clear but a goal had already been scored.

A lot of the sting came out of the game after this. Hawick finished with a late flurry though during which the Gordon keeper, Leighton Henderson, who was playing his last game before hanging up his boots, pulled off an absolutely cracking save when twisting himself in mid-air to push away a Luke Cooper shot.

Rover’s goal scorer Stefan Laidlaw said of the final: “I thought we were the better side for the first half, even after going down to ten men. In the second half however being a player short, we started to tire and began to chase the game. We gave our all though and you can’t ask for any more than that.”

Gordon: L. Henderson, G. Redpath, R. Purves, G. Brown, E. Brown, N. Burrows, S. Ramsay (C. Connor), A. Jackson (R. Chapman), K. Utterson, C. Livinsgton, S. Kinghorn (J. Bell).

Hawick Legion Rovers: K. Miller, S. Marshall, J. Caldwell, J. Dalgleish, C. Dunne (G. Marshall), R. Cairns, P. Cooper, C. Graham (L. Cooper), L. Lawrence, S. Laidlaw (C. Caldwell), J. Shankie (D Hope).

Hawick Royal Albert 1 Burntisland Shipyard 1

IT was Hawick Royal Albert’s final home game of the season as well as their last opportunity to record their first league win of the term at Albert Park.

However it was an opportunity that Hawick were unable to take in a game that had little or nothing going for it.

Hence the Albert have went an entire term without having tasted victory on their own turf.

The opening quarter hour of the match conjured up absolutely nothing. In the 17th minute however Burntisland soared into the lead.

Taking advantage of some slack play, Gavin Bridges broke forward to skip round Hawick keeper, Steven West, and stroke a shot into an empty net.

West in turn pulled off a fine save from Kevin Masson, while Shipyard keeper Mikey Coles did not see his first piece of action until after the half hour mark when showing a safe pair of hands in clutching a Declan Hogg free kick from just under the bar.

In the 39th minute however the Albert equalised. From a David Heaver corner, Peter Keenan flicked the ball in the air and as it dropped drove a shot high into the net from close range.

The match failed to pick up after the break. With neither side making any impact, goalmouth incidents were few and far between.

Six minutes from the end, Hawick had a golden chance to take the lead. After jinking his way out of two challenges Hogg was upended in full flight by Bridges in the box. Keenan took the resultant penalty spot kick but the shot was saved by the diving Couser.

In the closing stages West thwarted Lee Henderson with a save while at the other end Couser kept out a Hogg effort.

Giving his views on the match, Hawick coach Davie Aitkin told TheSouthern: “It was very scrappy. Both sides just appeared to be going through the motions, we should have won as our build up moves were better but our finishing was not clinical enough.”

Hawick Royal Albert: S. West, K. Fettes, S. Russell (M. King), S. Loughlin, G. Johnston (S. Burrell), R. Fleming, (D Strathdee), I. Zenati, D. Heaver, P. Keenan, D. Hogg, A. Swailes.

Coldstream Amateurs 1 Hawick Legion 2

AIDED by a tip top show from manager Clinton Sharkey, who was playing in goal for the first time ever in what has been a long footballing career, Hawick Legion gained full points.

Legion took the lead near the quarter hour mark through a well taken goal from Jody Easdon who tucked a shot into the net after Jory Robertson had did the spade work.

After squandering several chances, Legion went further ahead in the second period. A long Sharkey clearance was touched on by Bryan Tait and Callum Hope did the rest by racing in to score.

Coldstream came bouncing back and stand in keeper Sharkey who had been forced to pull on the gloves as there was no other keeper available showed his mettle in tipping a well struck shot over the bar.

Within minutes of this Sharkey pulled out the stops with two other great saves.

The ‘Steamers’ then reduced the leeway but duly failed to add to their tally.

Gala Fairydean 0 Leith Athletic 5

GALA were under pressure right from the start of this match with the referee awarding a penalty to Leith in the first minute.

Elliot Turnbull saved Craig Hume’s spot kick and blocked the follow up shot with his legs but the ball deflected onto the inrushing Craig McBride and found the net for an own goal.

Midway through the half Jason Stevens extended the visitors lead when he picked his spot from the edge of the box. Stevens notched Leith’s third goal before half time when he rounded Turnbull and stroked the ball into the unguarded goal.

Gala were reduced to ten men early in the second half when Grant Gass picked up a second yellow card and on the hour Lewis Tracey squared the ball across the six yard box for Stevens to complete his hat trick. Late in the game Leith were gifted a second penalty that Lewis Cairns tucked away to move Leith up into the second promotion spot above Coldstream.

Gala Fairydean: Turnbull, Davidson, Brown, Lothian, Miller, Triallist, Gass, Rossi, Nightingale (Hewitson, 58 mins), Berry (Hointza, 75 mins).

MELROSE full-back, Fraser Thomson, has won the final RBS Try of the Month award for season 2012/13.

The award was given for his score against Ayr in the RBS Cup final on Saturday April 20 at Murrayfield. Thomson touched down in the 85th minute of the match to bring his side level in a very tense extra-time encounter. Melrose however, lost 28-25 in the end. He said: “It’s always good to play in a Cup final at Murrayfield. We went into the match wanting to win, but unfortunately after 104 brutal minutes of rugby it wasn’t meant to be.

“It’s nice to be acknowledged as Try of the Month winner for April, but it’s disappointing we didn’t get the winners’ medal as well. However, hopefully we’ll be back next year.”

Interim Edinburgh Rugby head coach, Stevie Scott said: “Congratulations to Fraser for his award winning try.

“Scored during injury time in the Cup final at Murrayfield, this piece of individual brilliance showed good vision and accuracy under immense pressure. Combine that with winning the foot race to the ball so late in the game makes for a worthy winner of this month’s award.”

Fraser, who is an elite development player with Glasgow Warriors, will receive two tickets for an upcoming home international match and could be shortlisted for the Brigadier Frank Coutts Memorial Try of the Season award later this month.

The award will be presented at the annual Scottish Rugby Club Awards Dinner on Friday 31 May. Bookings are now being taken at £37 per head. Please note a table takes up to ten people.

Visit www.scottishrugby.org or www.youtube.com/scottishrugbyonline to watch the video.

WORK is set to take place on a slope adjacent to the A72 which suffered a landslip last month.

The council has been liaising with the landowner of the ground at Nutwood, Forestry Commission Scotland, to reduce the likelihood of future slips.

They have now agreed to trim or remove larger, potentially unstable trees from the slope.

However, as the area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the plan has to be approved by Scottish Natural Heritage.

It is anticipated that work on the trees will be carried out over the next few weeks.

Traffic lights will remain in place on the A72 at the scene until this is completed.

The landslip occurred on April 18.

A council spokesperson said: “Survey work suggests the likely cause of the slip was the effects of the weather as no physical work has been done in this area that could have caused the movement.”

Tilting-at-the-Ring arrives in Selkirk later this month, thanks to Judy Steel. The enthusiast first saw the sport, which dates back to the Middle Ages, in Denmark.

And last year she organised for local councillor Vicky Davidson, her daughter Rowan and a Smailholm artist to try the riding-at-the-ring competition in Sonderborg, Jutland.

Eight Danish trainers will arrive in Selkirk on Friday (May 17) to introduce the sport to the Borders with demonstrations, have-a-go sessions and Scotland’s first competition for hundreds of years on May 25.

Explained, Judy said: “It just seemed like a good idea. Tilting was quite common in Scotland, particularly in the 16th century. The cavalry (in Britain) use it for practice, but I don’t think it’s the same as the Danish way which is competitive, with this very small ring (from 22mm diameter to 5mm diameter in successive rounds) that has to be hooked.

“Now we have the gallows made, it could be brought into competitions at shows and gymkhanas. We’ll see how it goes.”

For more information visit www.bordersfestivalhorse.org

Residents in the Borders facing a court battle to save their homes can now access free help from a housing law advisor.

The service is being provided by Shelter Scotland, and will mean a legal advisor will cover the local courts to help people facing eviction or repossession.

Stuart Gillies will work as a ‘lay rep’ alongside the charity’s team of solicitors to help struggling tenants and homeowners.

Eleanor Hamilton, principal solicitor at Shelter Scotland, said: “Being able to offer this new service is a huge boost to our legal team and significantly increases our capacity and capability to support and represent our clients in court.

“There is a shortage of lay reps across Scotland and so this is great news for struggling tenants and homeowners.

“Where people in the past may have had to appear in court without legal representation, there is now a much better chance of getting the vital support and advice they need.”

Mr Gillies previously volunteered with In-Court Advice Service in Aberdeen.

Vale of Leithen 3 Heriot-Watt University 3

EOS PREMIER DIVISION

WITH both these sides safe from relegation, they still managed to serve up an entertaining goal feast on a cold and rainy Monday night in Galashiels.

Vale raced into an early lead as Scott Moffat robbed former Vale player Ricky Burke at the edge of the area to shoot home in the 12th minute. Five minutes later it was two when Chris Inglis headed home an Eddie Mearns corner.

Kerr Dodds could have even put the result beyond doubt on the half hour mark when he latched onto a poor clearance from keeper Blair Carswell, but as it was the Watt played their way back into the game, pulling a goal back 10 minutes into the second half as Chris Donnelly headed home a Sean Muhsin corner.

A deserved equaliser arrived in the 74th minute when a goalmouth melee saw substitute Jamie Forsyth get the final touch, but back came Vale to re-establish their lead five minutes later, Moffat knocking down a Mearns corner for John Ross Kerr to fire home.

However, the lead was short lived as the students immediately went upfield and drew level again, Ryan Stevenson getting on the end of a long ball to finish well.

Vale of Leithen: M. Wilson; J. Young (Kieran Dodds 64), D. McAleavy, R. McKenzie, J. Blaikie, C. McAleavy, E. Mearns (D. Thomson 81), Kerr Dodds (F. Ogilvie 81), S. Moffat, J. Ross Kerr, C. Inglis.

An exhibition of work by controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe goes on display on Saturday in Old Gala House.

The original pieces are on loan from the Tate Gallery and the National Galleries of Scotland.

The showcase is seen as a coup by Scottish Borders Council, which has secured the gallery in Old Gala House for the next three months.

SBC assistant curator, Phoebe Stewart, said: “We have been working with National Galleries Scotland and the Tate Galleries in London to get a final list of Mapplethorpe works together.

“It has not been an easy decision as his works are pretty powerful images and can easily overwhelm each other.

“However, we have a finalised list of works and think this is going to be a really strong and exciting show.”

One of the most provocative photographers of the 20th century, Mapplethorpe is renowned for his large-scale black and white photographs.

The exhibition will include iconic self-portraits and pictures of many influential artists, writers and musicians.

Statistics from the TaxPayers’ Alliance have revealed seven employees at Scottish Borders Council received over £100,000 in 2011-12.

Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP John Lamont has called for a review of the salary structure at Newtown.

He added: “In this tough financial climate council budgets across Scotland have been stretched further and further in order to keep providing key local services. As such it has become increasingly important that local authorities strive to give taxpayers’ the best value for money when it comes to all sections of spending.

“Many people in the Borders will look at these huge salaries and rightfully question whether they provide value for money. For some of these individuals to be getting paid more than the Prime Minister is astonishing, and there can be no doubt that something needs to be done to curb it.”

Full story in this week’s Southern.

KELSO racecourse is busy preparing itself for the final meeting of the season- Ladies Day on Sunday 26th May.

A chance for ladies, and gents, to get a group of friends together and start looking for the right outfit as this is the most popular race meeting at the Border track.

Louise Grey who heads the Marketing team for Kelso Racecourse commented: “Hospitality for Ladies Day has been sold out since March with advanced ticket sales well ahead of last year and entrance tickets still available, we are hopeful of a great day.

“As usual the Best Dressed competitions attract a great deal of interest and we are delighted to have local outfitters Archie Hume associated with the day, sponsoring the Best Dressed Couple.”

James Abbot Marketing Manager for A Hume Country Clothing added: “A Hume Country Clothing are delighted to be part of Ladies’ Day. It is a fantastic event to finish off the season and creates a great atmosphere both at the race course and around the town.” For the third year running, Ladies Day will play host the an Injured Jockeys Fund Ladies Only Charity Flat race- a fundraiser for the “House that Jack Built.”

This project, headed by Jack Berry, is designed to raise money for a Northern based rehabilitation centre for Injured Jockeys and the course is delighted to announce that Sir Alex Ferguson has kindly sponsored the charity race won last year by Jo Foster and trainer Jim Goldie.

Course Managing Director Richard Landale said: “We are delighted that Sir Alex has shown his support in sponsoring the charity race for this incredibly important cause, and hope to raise as much money as possible.”

With the first 200 Ladies through the gates receiving a Free luxury goody bag, Boutique Shopping Arcade, Champagne Lawn, and local band “The Taylor Brothers” playing in the Pavilion Marquee after racing the day promises to end the National Hunts season at Kelso Races on a high.

Tweeddale MP David Mundell is warning constituents to be extra vigilant following a police scam warning.

Police have warned Ofcom of a phone scam where fraudsters use courier firms to help defraud elderly and vulnerable victims of their life savings.

Over the past two years Courier Fraud has claimed 2,229 victims, most of whom were elderly. Police estimate that consumers have been defrauded out of millions of pounds, with one victim alone losing £155,000.

They are now asking friends and family of the elderly to make them aware of the scam, how it works and what to do if they’re targeted.

More detail on the scam can be found at http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/2013/03/police-warning-over-bank-card-ourier-scam/

Mr Mundell said: “Scammers are using the economic climate to prey on people who are struggling to find work or battling with money problems. Opportunistic con artists are targeting people who have fallen on hard times with offers of fake jobs, training and debt scams.

“It is important that people, especially the elderly, are made aware of these scams. It is always the most vulnerable people in our society who fall victims to these schemes and I would ask everyone to be vigilant and follow some of the simple steps Ofcom have suggested and remember that help is available. I would strongly encourage anyone affect to seek help either from my office or Citizens Advice.”

Ofcom have also published a consumer guide to scams with practical advice and contact details to report potential scams. It can be read at http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/files/2012/09/scams-logo.pdf

TRADITIONALLY rugby sevens were considered a bit of fun to wind down the season.

Nowadays however it is seen as an extension to the season with more and more sevens activities taking place. This year is no different.

On Saturday the gates will open at Caberston Haugh from 12 noon to the excitement of rugby players and fans alike as Walkerburn RFC host their annual event. Sevens Convenor, Colin Kerr, told us: “Playing in the sevens means there are fewer players on the pitch so there is plenty of space for individuals to show off their skills. It is a game that really exploits the basics of rugby – running, passing, tackling and decision-making. To be successful you need speed, skill and stamina.”

Colin knows what he is talking about as he started playing for Walkerburn at primary school and graduated on to play for Walkerburn Thirds at the tender age of 15 in 1981. Quickly moving from the Thirds into Walkerburn Colts, proving his prowess on the field in the process, Colin moved through the ranks and on to play in the 1st XV.

One of Colin’s proudest moments was when he was Captain of the Walkerburn Under 21s who beat Haddington in the Under 21 Sevens. This was the last trophy to be won by Walkerburn.

Colin has big hopes for the Walkerburn side this year who have been vigorously training on the run up to their home event.

Whilst the players have been training, the committee and members have been prepping for the day’s events. With a sponsors marquee, BBQ, and the Clubhouse open all day with free entry to evening music by ‘Lusky’, there should be something for everyone.

Colin added: “The Walkerburn Sevens is one of the most important revenue generating events of the year for the Club. A lot of effort goes into the day from players, committee, members and volunteers alike. So whether you are an avid rugby fan or not, it’s an enjoyable day out for everyone.”

Ancrum have been crowned Border Amateur League Division B champions for the first time in 20 years after beating Stow 4-3 tonight in a title decider.

Stow only needed a point to lift the title and looked well on course after going 2-0 up thanks to a Martin Gibson double at the Netherdale 3G Arena.

But Chris Johnston and Ashley Langford pullled Ancrum level before Grant Robinson’s free kick put his team ahead for the first time.

Daniel Gillie made it 4-2 to ensure James Runciman’s late goal for Stow was merely a consolation.

SKY TELEVISION are to screen the Premier League clash between north-eastern rivals Berwick Bandits (who are sponsored in 2013 by New Holland Agriculture) and Newcastle Sapphire Engineering Diamonds.

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.30pm (parade at 7.15pm) on Tuesday, May 21 – with the images beaming to over 20 counties worldwide, including leading speedway nations such as Australia, Poland, Denmark and Sweden.

The Bandits’ management have invited their supporters to fill the screen, and give viewers extra entertainment.

“We want to put on a big show,” said promoter John Anderson.

“Some folk, I know, are already planning to come in fancy dress – great.

“We will have a prize to award to the best fancy dress captured by the cameras, so don’t be shy.”

The border club’s promotion have emphasised that, with this being a, first time in 45 years, chance to be part of live speedway going around the world from Berwick, locals shouldn’t be tempted into sitting at home to watch it, that’s what your Sky-plus facility is for,” said club director George Hepburn.

“Come out to the meeting, bring the kids in free, pay your tenner, enjoy it all as it happens, and be able to say ‘I was there’. Then and only then, go home and watch it, and see yourself and the family, all over again.”

Amid the extra hullabaloo created by the arrival of the Sky Sports team, the fact of the actual meeting to be broadcast being a vital Premier League contest between the two Northumbrian speedway teams must not be overlooked.

Newcastle are as ever, aiming high and have clear intentions of picking up points home and away.

The home side have been revitalised by the stunning signing of Edward Kennett, whose debut for Berwick last Saturday began with a crash (while leading) into the track’s polyfoam fence barrier, but carried on with Kennett then racing unbeaten by an opponent for the rest of the evening.

The French Bandit, David Bellego, returns to the line-up after an unsuccessful attempt to reach the final stage of the World U-21 Championship, one round of which is to be staged at Berwick in August.

TEAMS

Berwick ‘New Holland’ Bandits: 1, Edward Kennett; 2, David Bellego; 3, Robin Aspegren; 4, Matty Wethers; 5, Kozza Smith (captain); 6, Paul Starke; 7, Nicki Barrett.

Newcastle ‘Sapphire Engineering’ Diamonds: 1, Stuart Robson (captain); 2, Andrew Tully (rider-replacement); 3, Christian Henry; 4, Ludvig Lindgren; 5, Richie Worrall; 6, Lewis Kerr; 7, Steve Worrall.

The Rolling Hills Folk Club are holding a free concert on Friday, May 17.

Guest performer is Roy Clinging from Chester.

A collector of folk songs from his native Cheshire, he has become deeply involved in songs which reflect history and heritage.

As well as singing he also plays the English concertina and guitar.

The concert will take place in the Scott Room of the George and Abbotsford Hotel at 8pm.

EVENTS over the past two weeks have seen Gala Harriers put through their paces at a variety of distances and terrains.

Not to mention launching a brand new open 10k race last Sunday.

The 20 mile Edinburgh to North Berwick road race is a traditional way to prepare for summer marathons and seven Harriers did just that – and did it in style. 210 finishers undertook the gruelling distance in sunny but cool conditions and the favourable tailwind helped everyone along to some great times.

Colin McCall (2 hours 13 minutes and 4 seconds) and Graham Manczak (2.13.32) finished less than half a minute apart after having been inseparable over the first half, with McCall just saving enough for the final push to catch up and overhaul his clubmate. Dave Nightingale, who just doesn’t seem to get any slower, was a bare 10 minutes adrift in 2.23.19 with Martin Clarke snapping at his heels in 2.24.05.

First Gala woman home was Carole Fortune in a mightily impressive 2.35.53, with Joeleen McKean (2.37.27) and Fiona Shepherd (2.43.39) putting in strong performances which will stand them in good stead for adding the final six miles of the marathon distance later this month.

Two Gala Harriers represented the club at the National junior hill running championships on the slopes of Ben Lomond on Saturday. Thomas Otton and James Mercer, both in the U17 age group, negotiated the tricky underfoot conditions made worse by an early morning downpour.

Otton held 4th place after the shorter first lap, with Mercer mid pack. James worked his way through to finish in a very good 7th place. Thomas maintaining his position on the longer second lap finishing in a comfortable 4th place.

With the upcoming return of trains to the Borders, work on and around the Black Path means that this was no longer an appropriate route for the annual Gala Harriers’ 10k race, staged in the town since the club’s centenary in 2002.

The committee took the decision to relocate the race to Tweedbank, and the residential streets, the Loch and the athletic track itself. On Sunday, a junior 3k race attracting 55 young runners started proceedings before the rain came down, with excellent and enthusiastic performances from all comers.

The host club took the honours with five out of six top places going to young Harriers with a clean sweep in the boy’s race - Joe Agnew coming through with a well-paced win over second placed Jamie Logan and Andrew Hogg in third.

Teviotdale Harriers’ Ishbel Inglis rained on Gala’s parade in the girl’s race, with a strong run to take top slot, just beating Cara Hogg and Rhiannon Fagan into second and third places. (All results for junior and senior races will be posted on the Harriers’ website.)

The senior race acquired the status of an East District Championship race, attracting well over 100, with some fine runners from the south of Scotland as well as throughout the Borders. An increasingly wet Tweedbank was the setting for a double loop of 6.1 miles and for the men, the top places in the District categories went to Bryan Mackie of Edinburgh Athletic Club in a superb time of 32 minutes and 55 seconds, with Stevie Cairns (33.41) and Stuart Johnston (34.31) following him in.

In the club race itself Colin Welsh (34.53) did well to hold on to fourth place for Gala, giving him the trophy for the first Gala Harrier home after top three placed Bryan Mackie, Stuart Johnston and Robert Watson (34.45).

Stevie Cairns took the first male vet 40+ trophy with Gala’s Dave Nightingale triumphant in the male vet 50+ class. New Harrier Broc Drury (36.03) scooped both the first junior male and first local.

The women also thrived along the new course with West Linton athlete Susan Ridley (39.27) taking first place in both East District and club races, but in the district category, Gala’s Jenni Forbes (40.08) and Fiona Dalgleish (40.12) stormed through into second and third positions. Jenni took second and Karen Dobie, Edinburgh, secured third place in the club race in a time of 41.21.

First female vet was club captain Rachel Fagan (40.16) with Fiona Dalgleish taking the supervet prize as well as the first local woman home. And in a run which delighted her and her dad Kevin, Gala’s 14-year-old Jenni Stevenson took the first female junior prize.

Gala Harriers wish to thank all who organised and assisted in the planning and delivery of this brand new race.