A former Borders councillor has claimed that some members are mainly in the job for the money, not to help their communities.

John Paton-Day, who recently lost out in the Melrose and Leaderdale by-election, has vowed to keep up the pressure on councillors.

He said: “I think it is wrong for a councillor to have a part-time or full -time job and yet still receive a full councillor’s salary, especially when the average wage in the Borders is not a lot more than £14,000 a year for a full week’s work in one job.

“We live in difficult times and those that represent us both on a local level and nationally should be aware of life on the ground. It is unacceptable that they should consider themselves a special case or feel they do not need to answer to the community.”

He added: “For a councillor to receive their salary they only have to attend two council meetings a year, this is plainly grossly unfair to any working person, and must be tightened up.

“I am not suggesting that every councillor is there for reasons other than the community, but there are some.”

Mr Paton-Day has called for the remuneration of councillors to be examined, with the public allowed to have their say on the matter.

“There needs to be more transparency about how much work councillors are doing,” he added.

This week, members’ expenses were published by the council in a report to be discussed by the full council this week.

It revealed that there was no change in the members’ salary in 2012/13, remaining at £16,234.

On a like-for-like basis, there was a £2,682 reduction in the total salary and expenses cost to the taxpayer compared to 2011/12. In total it was almost £750,000.

Outside the two councillors with the highest salaries, leader David Parker and convenor Graham Garvie, Councillor Donald Moffat took home the most money.

In 2012/13 he was paid £21,335, as well as £5,500 of expenses, mainly from travel costs. He also received £4,350 as vice convenor of the Lothian and Borders Police Board.

Mr Moffat told TheSouther: “I was put in the unusual position after the election of being on the police, fire and community justice authority boards, which meant a lot of meetings in Edinburgh.”

Mr Moffat added that where possible he tried to take the train to avoid high parking costs, and did not claim for short journeys in his ward.

He said he expected this year’s expenses to show a significant drop in his claims.

Mr Moffat also said he and “most councillors” now paid for their lunches at council headquarters, rather than claiming expenses for them.

Overall, there was a £4,000 drop in travel costs incurred by councillors last year.

An SBC spokesperson said: “We always encourage both staff and elected members to consider measures that can help reduce their carbon footprint and save money, such as car sharing and reducing travel where possible.”

Borders MSP Jim Hume launched his consultation on a proposal to ban smoking in vehicles while children are present at Holyrood on Tuesday.

The Lib-Dem has support from a number of health and child welfare charities.

More than 50 people gathered in Galashiels last week to find out more about Scotland’s Yes campaign.

Tasmina Ahmed Sheikh, a member of the Yes advisory board, said it is local people who will win independence for Scotland, telling the audience: “It is up to us to make sure that our future is a better place than our past.”

BEDRULE

WRI

Members had a Body Shop open night when ladies from other rurals were welcomed.Competitions – visitors – best perfume bottle – 1, Shona Morrison (Cogsmill); Bedrule – best bud vase – 1, Liz Ramsay; 2, Sarah Ramsay; 3, Janice Palmer. Olive Hogg won the best Gypsy Creams contest.

BROOMLANDS

WRI

President Margaret Mills gave her report for the year, followed by the treasurer, Joan Turnbull. The committee for next year was elected – president, Margaret Mills; vice-president, Janet Greif; secretary, Mary Cron; treasurer, Joan Turnbull; Jeanette Farquhar; Moira Nicholson (press secretary); Cathy Simpson; Janet Small; Mary Thomson (publications/magazines); Hazel Woodsell. In addition Moira Paterson will deal with flowers and cards. Margaret then went on to present the prizes for the cup and fun competitions which are competed for throughout the year. Cup (Rose Bowl) – 1, Moira Paterson (14pts); 2, Margaret Jack (12); 3, Helen Cavers (11). Fun – 1 (equal), Helen Cavers and Hazel Woodsell.

Caddonfoot

Church

The Reverend Marion Dodd returned to the pulpit on Sunday when Eddie Brydon read the lessons. It was announced that the annual Caddonfoot Youth prizegiving day would be held on June 16, and the following Sunday the kirkin’ of Galashiels Braw Lad is to take place at a joint service in Trinity Church at 10.30am. After a week’s absence due to the General Assembly, Bible study resumes in Trinity on Thursday (5-6pm).

EARLSTON

Church

The June 2 service will be conducted at 10.15am by the Reverend Julie Woods. The congregational board meets on June 11 at 7.30pm and communion is on June 16.

EDGERSTON

Welcome, Callant

Callant Gary Ramsay will be welcomed in the village hall at a buffet supper/social evening on June 5 (7 for 7.30pm).

Galashiels

Probus

Member Iain MacKenzie gave a talk about the First World War, featuring little-known facts and details of the conflict from both sides, with some comparisons with the Second World War. The vote of thanks was given by Donald Cameron. The next meeting is on September 12 at 10am after the summer recess.

Talk

On June 4 a talk entitled “China, Past and Present”, by Dr Oliver and Mrs Eade, will be held in the library at 7.15pm.

Ex-Braw Lads

The Ex-Braw Lads’ and Lasses’ Association is grateful to everyone who supported its coffee morning. A presentation night was held on May 18, and during this function the Braw Lad and Lass, plus their Attendants, were presented with their stocks and gloves by the Braw Lad and Lass from 2003 – Craig Whitehead and Helen Berry. Association chairman, Ex-Braw Lad Sandy Blacklock, presented the chairman of the Braw Lads’ Executive Council, David Houston, with a cheque for £1,000. Mr Blacklock also presented the Braw Lad and Lass with waterproof riding coats from the Ex Braw Lads’ and Lasses’ Association. A presentation was also made to two new association life members – Ex-Braw Lad Gordon Keddie and Ex-Braw Lass Claire Howden. The association is holding a number of events during the Braw Lads’ Week. These start with the riders’ social in Quins Restaurant after the Lindean rideout on June 24. Lindean badges will be on sale at this function for all those who participate in the rideout for the first time. The association’s annual dinner will be held next day in the Volunteer Hall at 7.30pm. All former principals are invited to come along and sing in the choir at the Braw Lads’ Investiture Concert in the Volunteer Hall on June 28. Meet in the upstairs lounge at 6.45pm.

The annual march to the war memorial will take place on June 29 and any ex-principles who wish to participate should meet at Bank Street Brae at 7.45pm. The Final Fling in the Volunteer Hall on June 29 starts at 9pm. Entry by ticket only. Tickets for the annual dinner and Final Fling will be on sale upstairs in the Salmon Inn on June 5 at 7pm.

Hawick

Rotary

Last week’s meeting saw president Tommy Mulvee welcome Teyl de Bordes, Whitmuir estate factor, Selkirk, who gave a presentation entitled “Farming in harmony with nature”. The estate is 435 acres in size and comprises of the farm, 20 per cent woodland, 25 per cent arable and 55 per cent grazing and since 1999 has received 250,000 euros of EU funding. The money is used for diversification and among the projects has been providing self-catering holiday cottages to let. At the latest survey there were 89 species of birds, 23 types of animals, 208 species of moths/butterflies and 370 types of fungii. 260 species of wild flowers were also spotted and 1,600 birds were ringed for future observation. A count was also made of the hedgehogs. A decline in the number of songbirds has been found, but this coincided with an increase of raptor birds of prey, namely buzzards and red kite, but the most likely culprit is the hooded crow and its nest-robbing activities. School pupils visited the farm to learn about country life. Last Saturday’s coffee morning raised around £500 for local charities

Innerleithen

Church

There will be a communion service in Innerleithen Church on June 2 at 10.30am.

Fun day

A Family Fun Day will be held on June 2 in Victoria Park from 1-5pm. There will also be a cricket match on the Vale Park starting at 10am, with sports taster sessions throughout the day.

Coffee morning

Innerleithen Horticultural Society is holding a coffee morning on June 1 in Vale of Leithen Social Club (10am-noon).

Folk group

Tweeddale Folk Group has organised a concert and club night on June 1 in the Union Club from 7.30pm. The concert will feature Tweeddale Folk Group and St Ronan’s School choir. Tickets are available from the Thrift Shop.

AGM

St Ronan’s youth and community centre management committee’s annual general meeting will be held in the centre (behind St Ronan’s School) on June 3 at 7.30pm, followed by an ordinary meeting. Members of the public are welcome to attend. More committee members are needed to ensure the future of the centre as a democratically-run facility.

Council

Innerleithen and District Community Council will hold its monthly meeting on June 3 in the council chamber, Leithen Road, at 7.15pm.

Duck race

St Ronan’s Silver Band will hold a duck race on June 4 from Cuddy Brig to the top of the Batty at 6.30pm. There is a first prize of £100 plus various others. Ducks can be purchased from the Thrift Shop, any band member or at the Family Fun Day on June 2.

Games committee

The next meeting of St Ronan’s Border Games committee will take place on June 5 at 7pm in the council chamber, Memorial Hall.

Pipe band

Innerleithen Pipe Band will hold a coffee morning on June 8 in Vale of Leithen Social Club from 10am-noon.

Ball

Standard Bearer’s Ball tickets are still available – email stronansgames@googlemail.com or ring 01896 870316.

JEDBURGH

Lunch club

The lunch club next meets on June 6. Call 01835 862565 for more information.

Rotary

The latest gathering was a partners’ evening held at Teviot Smokery. The meal was followed by a talk from Geoff Banks of Border Meringues in Jedburgh. He gave an outline of the company’s development during the past few years and how it is operating at the moment. From a beginning which was entirely concerned with the production of meringues for the likes of Asda, Baxter’s and Dobbies, the operation has have moved into a situation of part-supply to outlets and part-coffee shop. It has now expanded into a second shop – in Kelso.

kelso

AGM

Kelso Amateur Dramatic Society held its AGM when the 2013/2014 committee was elected. The society had approached Mary Easson with a view to act as president for the following two years – and she had accepted. Chairperson Susan Stewart said the society wished to acknowledge the continued hard work and support given over many years by Anne Underwood, and Isobel and George Amos by making them honorary life members. John Weierter had been appointed producer for the November production, but no play had yet been chosen. Readings for the November show were to be held in the Abbey Row Community Centre at 7.30pm on June 4, 6, 11 and 13. Anyone interested is welcome.

Bridge club

May 22 – Tom Peel Quaich – 1, John Hayton and Ian Watson; 2, Elinor Green and Lesley Dick; 3, Rena Stewart and Brian Saywood; 4, Alex Jeffrey and Mary Stone; 5, Val Fairbairn and Myra Thomson; 6, Dominic Alkin and Jeanette Chalmers. May 23 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Pauline Smart and Helenor Pratt; 2, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 3, Jim Stone and Annie Mitchell; E/W – 1, John and Marian Miller; 2, Reg Drysdale and Penny Davidson; 3, Miles Browne and Richard Oates.

Quilters

The next meeting of Abbey Quilters will take place on June 11 at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre – the AGM followed by a “show and tell”. Members should bring a wrapped fat quarter for the game, as well as their clown-themed piece of work for the competition to gain the Margaret Fletcher trophy. For further information. contact Rineke Sangster on 229414.

CBAH

Charity Begins At Home (CBAH) distributed almost £50,000 to 49 organisations in the TD5 postcode area on Sunday. Since its inception 13 years ago, the Kelso charity’s Bridge Street shop, run by volunteers, has distributed nearly £400,000. This year funding again covers all ages, from playgroups to pensioner groups, sports clubs and horticultural societies, Christmas lights and support groups, all seven schools in the Kelso catchment area, local village halls and events that run in Kelso. CBAH also supported the recent schools day at the Border Union showground when 1,200 S5 pupils attended. Chair of the charity’s trustees, Margaret Riddell, announced that more money had been set aside to enhance sporting facilities at the proposed new Kelso High School and discussions are taking place with the school management staff to see how it can best be used. The Honourable Gerald Maitland-Carew presented the cheques in the Cross Keys Hotel and expressed his admiration for the charity’s work. The criteria for funding is that an organisation within the TD5 postcode can ask for help, but individuals and salaries are not supported. Further information is available from Colin Henderson (07854 333901).

Farmers’ market

Broomlands Primary School is hosting a farmers’ market on June 7 (6-8pm) as part of its sustainable food and farming topic.

Langholm

Probus

President Jim Thomson welcomed a turnout of 31 members to the meeting in the Eskdale Hotel. After business was looked into, and correspondence from Age Scotland, the president introduced speaker Gavin Graham whose subject was Mormons of Utah. He gave an insight into the modern State of Utah, its history, geography, people, community, sport, politics and religious influences. The 500 inches of snow, Winter Olympics, rapid high-tech development, high standards of education and the salt flats of Lake Bonneville, and the speed records attempted there, were all covered. Jim Thomson proposed a vote of thanks.

Neil Armstrong

Preparations are well under way to celebrate the life of the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, with events in the town next month. The astronaut was made a freeman of the town with a special service in the parish church in 1972 – three years after his moon walk. An exhibition highlighting Armstrong’s moon landing and visit to the town opens on June 3 in the town hall gallery and runs until June 15. A number of science-related events are to be held over the two weeks. Professor Martin Hendry of Glasgow University will give a lecture for secondary school pupils and the public in the Buccleuch Centre on June 13 in which he will debunk moon hoax conspiracy theories. The following day Glasgow University’s astronomy and astrophysics department has a mobile planetarium for primary pupils. There will be a commemorative service in the parish church at 6.30pm. On June 15, Dr Stuart Clark, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, explains what the astronauts left behind on the moon in a public lecture in the Buccleuch Centre at 2pm. At 4pm the film Apollo 13 will be shown free in the centre. Dumfries Astronomy Group is hosting a night sky tour at the rugby club (9.30pm).

Langshaw

WRI

Members welcomed Leanne Haining to the May meeting and were treated to a cookery demonstration – and an even better tasting session. She gave tips and recipe sheets to take away. Competitions – Gypsy Creams – 1, Jennifer Dun; 2, Kath Runciman; 3, Sheila Forsyth; holiday souvenir – 1, Lesley Fitchett; 2, Kath Runciman; 3, Anne Runciman.

The rural is having a celebration dinner on June 19 for its 90th birthday year at Herges on the Loch, Tweedbank. The session then resumes on September 18.

LAUDER

Charity haircut

Co-op shop assistant George Steven, 24, raised more than £800 for the Carers’ Trust when he shaved off his beard and hair which he had been growing for two years. He said: “The reason I raised the money was because I have been brought up to give money, and my family and I have always done things and raised money for different charities, and I enjoy helping the lesser-known charities.”

MELROSE

Trimontium

The highlight of the Trimontium Trustees’ quarterly meeting last Thursday was the sample of representative coins from the Synton Hill hoard shown by Mrs Colton, of Scottish Borders Council’s museums and galleries service. Each coin lay in a little white envelope with its details written on the front. All were of emperors, except one, and that the latest in date of the Empress Crispina, wife of Commodus, the villain who figures in the film Gladiator and comes to a sticky end. The little local Lockie Collection, which has lacked display for many years, is in the hands of the conservator and it is hoped to bring both together this summer when the best method of display is worked out for both.

Church

Arran Bergius, Molly Gordon and Soren Shepherd were christened amid family and friends on Sunday morning and each received a baptismal candle lit from the church’s Easter candle, signifying new life. Arran received another from his grandmother in Germany. The Christian Aid Week total so far, and counting, is £3,720. The church magazine should be available for collectors midweek. Services on June 2 and 9 – 9.30am, Bowden; 11am, Melrose.

Walk

An Old Melrose walk will be hel on June 3 from 1.30pm.

Flower club

The May meeting of Border Flower Club had a change of demonstrator as Valerie Guest had an accident and was unable to attend. Kath Gibson came to the rescue with the title, “Having Fun With Flowers”. Her first design was to recall a visit to Madeira where she encountered snow on the mountain, using white lilies for the snow and an orchid to remind her of the island sunshine. Dancing Waters was the next idea – fan-shaped with Marie Claire roses. Then it was the turn of artist Van Gogh and a picture made from sisal complemented the sun flowers. A contemporary design with Aspidistra leaves glued to white felt and aloe vera stems covered with white wool was mind provoking. Leaf manipulation was very relevant in the final design which had a green and white colour scheme. The club lunch was followed by a game to finish off the day. The next meeting is on June 5 in the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm when the demonstrator will be Linda Souter. Her title is “ Reflections”. Club past chairman Elizabeth Forster was one of the team to create the Scottish Association of Flower Arrangers’ Society exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show – the team won a gold medal.

MERTOUN

Garden fete

There will be a garden fete at Mertoun House on June 2 (2-5pm) in aid of Maxton and Mertoun Church.

MOREBATTLE

Coffee morning

A coffee morning in Morebattle Institute for hall funds will be held on June 8 from 10.30am.

WRI

Members are visiting Woodside Gardens, Ancrum, for their summer outing on June 12.

Guild

The guild summer rally will be held in Yetholm Church on June 5 at 7.30pm.

Debut gig

On June 1 the Templehall Hotel will be the venue for The Boyds’ debut gig. The new venture of Kelso musician Gus Boyd, the duo will perform a set of classic songs from 8pm.

Fishing club
The annual fishing club coffee morning was held on Saturday. The event realised the sum of £280.

Newcastleton

Tub

Four candidates put forward their names to be Tub at Copshaw Common Riding. After the votes were counted last Friday evening, Gillian McGimpsey of D’Mainholm Farm was elected. Gillian works on the farm with her parents, George and Gladys, and starts off her duties with the rideoot-bye on June 15. Copshaw Common Riding is on July 6.

OXNAM

Library cafe

The cafe held on May 22 raised £40 for the Marie Curie charity. The next meeting is on June 12.

Oxnam Owls

The next meeting is on June 4 at 7.15pm and will be the annual charity event which this year is a concert by Quintessence. Proceeds are in aid of the Borders Children’s Charity. Tickets from Dot Heard (01896 755690).

PEEBLES

Tea dance

A tea dance is held fortnightly in the Ex-Servicemen’s Club. Phone 01835 862565.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on June 9 at 10am.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on June 16 at 10am.

YETHOLM

Wine and Cheese

A wine and cheese party was held in Kirk Yetholm. Organised by the Macmillan cancer charity, further funds were raised via a raffle. The local committee was grateful to Mike and Susan Stewart for hosting the event.

Grass seeding

The village Floral Gateway group has undertaken a project to tidy up the verges surrounding the Greens. Areas have been cordoned off and reseeded. Notices have been erected urging the public to keep off and stop parking on the verges.

Wee Yett

The copy date for the summer edition of the Kirk magazine has now been fixed. Contributions should be sent to the Reverend Robin Mchaffie no later than June 16.

Radgie Gadgi

On a visit to Tyneside, a Yetholm resident was astonished to come across a bottle of beer labelled Radgie Gadgie. Radgie in the old Yetholm gypsy dialect meant daft and Gadgi is a young man now associated with the village festival celebrations. The beer comes from a micro brewery in Wallsend.

Mission hall

Further details have emerged of the plans to turn the former evangelical mission hall into a village heritage centre. The local history society is enthusiastic – provided all hurdles can be overcome. Matters to be clarified include running costs and how these are to be met. While a survey proved satisfactory, the property’s planning status has to be confirmed and Scottish Borders Council planning and museum departments are to be asked for advice. Representatives are to be invited to the village to meet history society members. Meanwhile, contact with the mission hall trustees in the United States will be maintained.

By far the worst to suffer after the 2003 flash flood were the householders of Bannerfield, Broadmeadows and Yarrowford.

Ethel Munro, a life-long Bannerfield resident and now chair of its residents’ association, remembered: “I’ll never forget that day. It was absolutely horrendous. I saw out the kitchen window this wall of brown water coming down the hill. I couldn’t believe it.

“It was unbelievable how a little burn could cause so much damage. People just had to watch cars floating away. It was frightening. It made me think if the Meggat dam burst, we wouldn’t stand a chance.

“The residents of Bannerfield were going through hell. The next day, when the waters receded, it was an absolute mess: it was raw sewage, little animals and fish, and a hot day, so it stunk to high heaven.

“Fortunately our house is on an incline, and the vents are high on the wall, which saved us, so we were one of the lucky ones, and didn’t have to move out. We were one of ‘The Lucky 14 at Philipview’. The water hit the other houses facing the valley head on.”

Trish Banks, who was working in Bannerfield’s shop that afternoon, recalls: “It was traumatic. I mind standing at the door, looking up Bannerfield Drive, and I could see brown instead of green at the top. I thought ‘that’s strange’. Then all I could see was this wall of water coming towards the shop.

“My house is across the street, with my bairns inside, so I ran over the road, and it came within an inch of lipping the doorstep. It was crazy how quick it came up. The water came up to my knees when I ran back over to the shop. I looked through the window, and all I could see were crisp boxes floating on the floor. We closed the shop that night, but opened again on Saturday, because people depend on us.

“It was hard to comprehend, when you ken the river wasn’t so big, and there was all this water coming down. Where did it come from? How did it come down so quickly?”

While Trish’s house in Murray Place was undamaged, her parents along the street, Liz and Charlie Graham, were not so lucky. “I went out the back of the house to have a look, and by the time I came back in, it was flooded over my trainers – about three to four inches deep,” Liz remembered.

“It was like a river coming down the road,” Charlie recalled. “I could see a wall of water coming over the fence into the garden.”

“We couldn’t do anything,” Liz continued. “Numbers 9 to 16 were the only houses (in Murray Place) that got it. We must be lower down. It flooded the living room, the kitchen, the bathroom, the lobby. We couldn’t lift the carpets until the insurance came in, so we were living in the house until July. It was terrible.

“After two months we were moved to the flats – one of the smallest flats I’ve ever seen, on the very top flight, which was difficult being pensioners. Mind, it was lucky we were not put in the caravans, because they were freezing in winter. They said we’d be there three months, but it was really seven to eight months, because they couldn’t get our house dried out.”

But to this day Charlie remains philosophical: “We had everybody round about us, we just had to get on with it.”

The lives of dogs and humans have been intertwined for possibly as long as 33,000 years.

Scientists believe this is the earliest date that the domestic dog first arose and it followed the even earlier domestication of the Grey Wolf.

Over the many millennia since, dogs have repeatedly proved the truth of the old adage of being ‘man’s best friend’, and they can now be found in millions of homes around the world as family pets and companions. However, a growing problem in many urban areas with high canine densities is the fouling of parks and other open public green spaces.

And today, Tom Weatherston is hoping fellow Scottish Borders councillors will back his motion calling for a by-law banning dogs from sports pitches, as even with the best will in the world, it is often not possible to scrape up every drop of dog poo.

But the problem facing those in favour of such a ban is that many sports pitches are located in public parks, which by their very nature are for the use of all.

For many people, especially the elderly, a dog is often their only companion and the local park or around the edges of playing fields are the only nearby areas of green space to exercise their pets.

It is difficult to see how the local authority can tackle this problem, but it seems like a sledgehammer to crack a nut, given those hit hardest will be responsible dog owners.

The ideal solution would be an adequately-resourced and manned local wardens service – pity the council’s doing away with ours.

A PLANNING application has been lodged for the creation of a skatepark in Lauder.

The proposed facility would be built at the Piggery Field, Thirlestane Drive.

It has received the backing of a number of local 
people, as well as the local police and community council.

However, at least one nearby resident has raised concerns about noise, potential for antisocial behaviour and the lack of screening.

Lauderdale Development Trust has fronted the project on behalf of Lauder BMX Group.

Issued along with the planning application, a supporting statement reads: “A BMX/skatepark for Lauder will give our youngsters an asset they can be proud of, take ownership of and will encourage healthy activity and respect, both in 
relation to their peers and to others.”

Those behind the project believe that the facility would attract people from other towns and villages, which will have a positive knock-on benefit for local traders.

The cost of the project is around £140,000, with a 30-year lease of the land agreed with the council on behalf of Lauder Common Good Fund, subject to 
planning approval being given.

If it is given the green light by planners, the skatepark could be open before the end of the year. 
It will not be floodlit, and will be created using concrete, which designers Wheelscape state is the longest-lasting and quietest material for such a use.

The planning application also states that a curfew on the use of the park would be implemented throughout the summer months.

A compulsory purchase order for Galashiels bus station has been approved by the Scottish Government, despite objections from FirstGroup.

The order enables Scottish Borders Council to acquire the site and start work on the development of the transport interchange ahead of the arrival of the railway.

A council spokesman said: “The compulsory purchase order was confirmed in mid-May and the council is now undertaking the formal process to take title to the land, which will take a two-month period.

“Discussions are continuing with First Bus regarding operations during the construction period and for the longer term from the new transport interchange.”

He added: “In terms of the physical works on site, the infrastructure element (re-aligning Stirling Street, creating the new civic space and car park) will commence in October of this year.

“This will create the space for the transport interchange building, allowing works 
to commence in March 
2014.”

A First Scotland East spokesperson added: “We are aware of the plans for Galashiels bus station. I can assure our customers that we are working closely with the local authority and are considering how best to serve our customers both in the short and long term.

“We are determined to put in place a solution that is convenient and welcomed by our passengers.

“We hope to be able to announce plans in the coming weeks.”

The council has submitted a planning application for the car park on Ladhope Vale to be used as temporary overnight bus parking while work is carried out in Stirling Street.

The car park would be given over to FirstBus from November this year, 
with fencing erected to secure the site. In April 2015 it would reinstated as a car park.

Only minor alterations are required to the car park to enable the buses to park there, these being the removal of a ticket machine and a lamppost.

A holiday site operator has welcomed the overturning of a decision to refuse permission for six yurts and a shop in the Ettrick Valley.

Three months ago, Scottish Borders Council’s planning committee voted 5-4 to refuse permission for Nicholas Weeks to add the yurts – Mongolian-style tents – community shop and parking to his existing holiday cottage business at Newburgh Farm Steading.

Planning officers had recommended approval, but four councillors backed the motion from Conservative group leader Councillor Michelle Ballantyne (Selkirkshire) who wanted it refused.

There was an angry backlash from valley hotel operators, who slammed the decision as crazy and Scottish Government reporter Dan Jackman has now upheld Mr Weeks’ appeal.

In his judgement, Mr Jackman agreed with the original assessment by local authority planning staff that Mr Weeks’ proposal, subject to landscaping conditions, would be a positive outcome for the site.

A delighted Mr Weeks told us: “It is as much a victory for the common rambler as for ourselves as a business.

“The valley will get a much-needed small shop as well as extra business from tourism.

“This issue does, however, beg the question: why is the council being mealy-mouthed about small businesses and can it afford to suppress new start-ups such as this in a time of economic crisis?”

Scottish Borders Council has so far spent £18,500 on solicitors to fight its £250,000 data fine appeal, with more hearings due to take place.

A two-day hearing was held in March, but was adjourned to hear expert evidence. The tribunal sits again in mid-July.

It has also emerged that no written record exists of the decision to lodge the appeal against the Information Commissioner’s Office fine.

The facts have been revealed through a Freedom of Information request made by Ben Jones.

He asked the council for information on the cost of the appeal, if an amount had been budgeted for it, and the reasons for appealing.

In response, council data compliance officer Doreen Broom said: “The legal costs at this point in time are one invoice for £15,000, plus VAT, together with an invoice previously paid which amounted to £3,500.”

She added: “The council does not hold recorded information on the rationale for appealing the MPN (Monetary Penalty Notice) as this was based on a verbal discussion and this is therefore exempt under Section 17 of FOISA.”

After repeating his request for information on whether there was a budgeted cost and for any notes on a discussion regarding the appeal, with no success, Mr Jones requested an internal review be carried out into the handling of his request.

Mr Jones said: “I find it difficult to accept that legal advice on the nature of a £250,000 fine was sought and received entirely by a telephone call, with no exchange of supporting documents and no note made of the advice given, or indeed no further written dissemination of the advice and the council’s decision.”

A council spokesman told TheSouthern: “A full assessment was drawn up by our lawyers looking at the merits of appealing.

“While there was no formal committee report, council officers made a recommendation to appeal, which was discussed and agreed by the council’s political leaders.”

He added that external solicitors were needed as it was a “specialist area of law”.

The council paid the fine early, meaning it only had to pay out £200,000.

It was imposed after more than 800 files containing bank and salary details had been dumped by a contractor in a supermarket recycling bank in West Lothian.

A COURSE helping unemployed Borderers get work in the social care sector has seen six trainees graduate.

Train to Care is a free full-time six week course funded by Skills Development Scotland and is run in partnership by Jobcentreplus, Borders College, Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders.

Jobcentreplus identified local employers wanting to take on trainees and an induction afternoon was organised with the employers to allow people to find out more about working in the care sector.

Nine people were successfully interviewed by employers and began the course, with six completing it.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, executive member for culture, sport, youth and communities congratulated the successful trainees: “I commend the latest trainees who have successfully completed the course and wish them luck with their future employment.

“Helping local people out of unemployment and giving them the confidence and skills to work in the care sector is a good example of joined up thinking by the adult learning service.”

Under the new pension auto-enrolment scheme all employers will have to automatically enrol eligible workers into a qualifying pension scheme.

This could be an existing pension scheme or the new National Employment Savings Trust (NEST).

Eligible workers

Workers for whom automatic enrolment will be required are those aged between 22 and the state pension age, are earning over £9,440 in 2013/14 and are not already in a qualifying pension scheme.

Employers also have certain duties to other types of workers who do not meet the criteria for auto-enrolment. These workers may have the right to ‘opt in’ to the scheme.

Qualifying earnings

Earnings include salary, commission, bonuses, overtime, sick pay, and maternity, paternity or adoption pay. Contributions will be payable on earnings between £5,668 and £41,450 for 2013-14. The thresholds will be reviewed by the Government annually.

What is a qualifying scheme?

A qualifying scheme may be a UK scheme or a non-UK scheme. For a UK pension scheme to qualify it must be an occupational or personal pension scheme, be tax registered, and satisfy certain minimum requirements. Further information on the minimum features required are on the pensions regulator’s website.

Employer contributions

All businesses will need to contribute at least three per cent of the qualifying pensionable earnings for eligible jobholders. However, to help employers to adjust, compulsory contributions will be phased in, starting at one per cent before eventually rising to three per cent.

There will also be a total minimum contribution which will need to be paid by employees if the employer does not meet the total minimum contributions.

If the employer only pays the employer’s minimum contribution, employees’ contributions will start at one per cent of their salary, before eventually rising to four per cent. An additional one per cent in the form of tax relief will mean that there is a minimum eight per cent contribution rate.

Timescales

Auto-enrolment is being phased in over a number of years, starting from 2012 for larger employers. Each employer will be allocated a ‘staging date’ from when their duties will begin.

This is based on their size at April 1, 2012 or the letters in their PAYE scheme reference. Employers can check their date at www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/staging.

Postponement offers additional flexibility for employers, allowing them to choose to postpone auto-enrolment for up to three months.

NESTs

From the relevant staging date, unless employers are following the company scheme route, they will have to enrol each eligible worker into a NEST. These will be free of charge for employers to use, annual management charge will be set at 0.3 per cent with an initial 1.8 per cent charge on contributions, there will be a limited choice of investment funds and an annual contribution limit will apply.

See www.thepensionregulator.gov.uk for more details.

LAST week, at the end of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, the Scottish Government’s youth employment minister encouraged more businesses to sign up to the modern apprenticeship programme run through Skills Development Scotland (SDS) .

Angela Constance MSP said: “The Scottish Government’s commitment to 25,000 modern apprentices every year is clear and the programme is becoming more accepted and valued in both Scottish culture and the business world.

“However, there is still much more to do to raise awareness of its benefits.”

A number of large businesses, including ScotRail, and former apprentices have signed up to the ambassador programme to promote the advantages of apprentices for both employers and employees.

Damien Yeates, chief executive of SDS, said:“These champions have experienced first hand the enormous contribution and tangible benefits that modern apprentices can bring to their business.”

Issues relating to groups of youths causing disturbances, underage drinking and speeding are set to be targeted by police in Selkirkshire.

A local policing plan has been produced for the Borders by Police Scotland, which has identified those matters of most concern to residents in the 11 council ward areas.

As well as the overarching blueprint for the whole sBorders, there will be ward plans, setting out priorities and objectives. Although developed in a short time frame, the regional plan has been produced following engagement with local communities, although greater consultation is expected on future plans.

Chief Supt Jeanette McDiarmid said: “Officers will focus on these identified priorities in order to reduce crime whilst robustly pursuing those responsible for committing such crimes.”

A multi-million pound plan to transform Caerlee Mills into a business centre, including a hotel, are to be unveiled.

Husband and wife team Anne Marie and Douglas Gow purchased the site after the textile firm went bust in April, leading to the loss of 33 jobs.

Among the other proposals is a cafe and space for a manufacturing firm.

The issue of legal highs is being highlighted by police in the Borders during June, with a series of events to increase awareness of them, writes Alex Haylock.

Councillor Michelle Ballantyne, who is also a drugs and alcohol youth worker, says the danger of these legal drugs is real: “They’re here. We have had people in the hospital from them.”

Dates for the meetings are as follows: Burgh Hall, Peebles, June 5, 6-7pm; Volunteer Hall, Duns, June 6, 6-7pm; Tait Hall, Kelso, June 10, 6-7pm; Jedburgh Town Hall, June 13, 6-7pm; Corn Exchange, Melrose, June 17, 6-7pm; Galashiels Academy, June 18, 5.30-6.30pm; Victoria Halls, Selkirk, June 19, 6-7pm; Hawick Town Hall, June 20, 6-7pm; Eyemouth Community Centre, June 24, 7-8pm.

After spending more than 25 years teaching up-and-coming fashion designers, Jayne Smith has turned her attention to her own future.

Jayne, who lives in Galashiels, is the former director of learning and teaching at the town’s world-famous School of Textiles and Design, part of Heriot-Watt University.

She has now established an environmentally responsible luxury brand – Cream to White of Scotland.

A number of the region’s specialist textile firms and producers are benefitting from Jayne’s new venture.

She said: “I’m extremely lucky to be working with amazingly talented weavers, dyers and embroiders based on my doorstep.

“Having that resource to draw from is priceless, and combined with the heritage of the region and the textiles I have sourced, their skills have helped create products that are unique and desirable.

“It’s amazing how every Cream to White of Scotland product rotates back to where they were originally conceptualised, here in Galashiels.”

Using only natural and high-end textiles, the first collection designed by Jayne includes 400 thread count bed linen, bathrobes in bamboo, and throws in natural fibres such as alpaca, cashmere and lambswool.

She has been helped by Business Gateway, and said the organisation’s support has been ‘a godsend’.

Business Gateway’s Sandra Campbell said: “Jayne is giving her customers products that are handmade and finished to the highest standard, while supporting small, niche companies within our textile industry.”

Talking about launching a luxury brand during such a tough economic time, Jayne said: “Because of the economic situation, people are investing in their current homes, treating themselves to luxurious items that help them retreat from the stresses of the day.

“My first collection allows people to do just that by helping them turn their bedrooms into a sanctuary, somewhere they can escape and relax in comfort.”

The products are on sale online and at Cream to White at Chic Interiors in 
Melrose.

Solicitors from across the Borders are to write a joint letter to Holyrood’s justice committee putting forward their case again for Peebles and Duns courts to remain open.

Members of Selkirkshire, Roxburgh and Peebles Faculties of Procurators and Solicitors met John Lamont MSP on Wednesday.

Last week it emerged that the creation of a justice centre in Galashiels could prompt further closures.

AS A place steeped in history, it’s safe to assume a fair few different flags have been raised in Kelso over the course of history.

But yesterday will be one of only a few times an Australian flag has been flown in the Scottish Borders post.

The Redback Racing crew of Adam Spence and Erin Kelly celebrated their result on the Jim Clark Memorial Rally by unfurling a giant version of their home country’s flag across the windscreen of their EuroRallye Honda Civic Type R.

Contesting a British rally for the first time, Spence and Kelly set out to treat the Clark as a learning experience - aiming to build up their speed whilst enjoying being part of one of the UK’s most iconic motor sport events. The Clark - held on closed tarmac roads in the Scottish Borders - has a reputation as being one of the most unforgiving events, with the potential to catch out even local crews who drive the roads on a daily basis.

Despite being one of the top crews in the Australian targa racing series, Adam and Erin knew full well that British closed-road rallying would be an entirely different experience. What they perhaps were not banking on, though, was encountering all of these differences at once on the opening loop of stages on Friday night - in addition to the challenges of night driving and narrow roads, some fog had descended across the second Abbey St Bathans test for good measure!

Nonetheless, the Redback Racing crew managed to keep away from the trees and fields, reaching the end of the first leg with the EuroRallye Honda Civic Type R unscathed. With the fog lifting overnight, Spence and Kelly were able to enjoy the second leg of the rally in broad daylight, where they focused on learning the ins and outs of British rallying and closing the gap to the British Championship regulars. A problem-free run meant Adam and Erin returned to Kelso at the end of the rally 18th overall, collecting two shiny class trophies to cram in their suitcases for the long flight home.

“The stages were so different to what I am used to”, admitted Adam. “Coming from the wide targa roads of Australia to these narrow lanes was kind of like training hard at tennis, playing a lot of games, thinking you’re pretty good at tennis – and then turning up to find you’re actually doing a squash match.”

“But this has been a fantastic experience from start to finish, a completely new challenge”, the Redback Racing driver continues. “The experience has definitely benefited us as a crew, so I have to say a big thanks to our supporters Vivant, Motul and RDA EBC Brakes, who made it possible for us to come to the UK.”

“We knew it was going to be a steep learning curve right from the start”, added Erin. “But when we got to the first full stage, at night, we weren’t expecting fog as well! It’s been such a challenging weekend, but positively towards the end it felt like we were starting to get the hang of it.”

The Jim Clark Memorial Rally was like nothing Adam Spence and Erin Kelly have contested before. But if the level of learning and commitment the Redback Racing team has shown on this outing is anything to go by, next time they might want to check the ‘sporting trophy’ allowance with their airline before they travel.

A proposal to create the smallest community council in the Borders will split residents over a £4million wind farm payout “myth”.

Ballot papers have been sent to residents in the Newcastleton and District area for a vote on the proposed boundaries of a new community council, which would have just 118 residents.

However, one of those behind the bid for a new council has said residents are split on the issue.

John Scott has also denied rumours that it is being set up in order to funnel community fund cash from the proposed Windy Edge wind farm development to the new area.

He said: “I expect the vote will be overwhelmingly rejected by the villagers and embraced by the rural residents.

“There’s this myth that the new community council are trying to get hold of this development money over and above the villagers, which just isn’t true.”

Mr Scott said wind farm developers Infinis had stated that more than £4million could be made available to the community, but insisted it was “pie in the sky stuff”.

He added: “The wind farm is very minor in the reasons for moving this request for a new community council.”

Hawick and Hermitage councillor George Turnbull has been involved in the boundary discussions, but is sceptical about the proposed community council’s effectiveness.

“Newcastleton Community Council has been back up and running for a year now and has gone through three chairmen already.It’s sometimes hard to find people to fill spots that require quite complex work from them,” he said.

When asked how he would feel if asked to vote for the new community council, Mr Turnbull replied: “I’d have reservations, based on possible activity and effectiveness.

“If I was being cynical, there has been a proposed wind farm application and it’s funny how a certain group are trying to break away now.”

If given the go-ahead by Scottish Borders Council, Upper Liddesdale and Hermitage Community Council would take over from Carlops as the smallest local council in the region.

The proposed boundary for the new community council area would begin at Old Castleton and run to the northern-most boundary of the existing community council area.

Voting on the proposal will close on Friday, June 7.