Given some of the present serious problems for farming, ranging from weather and cash flow to cash flow and weather, it’s hard to know whether to laugh or cry over the recent furore about “showring cheats”.

Actually it’s not hard at all. If livestock judging cheating is the worst farming has to worry about it should be hearty laughter all round, with the proviso that some goes beyond primping and preening, shoe polish and whitening, to threaten animal welfare when dairy cow udders are “pumped up” and teats sealed. It is also alleged that there are some specialist fixers for hire to carry out the dirty work.

Just as it is no surprise to learn that horse racing has bent trainers, jockeys and owners, it is no surprise that showring cheating has surfaced again. I’ve never been part of showring culture, never shown an animal, never cared less what won what, but have acquaintances who have been, and are, involved and know that for some competitors cheating is part of the game. Getting away with it isn’t too difficult for specialist cheats in livestock showing any more than it is for dedicated cheats anywhere. Think of how long cyclist Lance Armstrong got away with drug-taking.

Even at top level shows, such as the Highland which is almost upon us once again, expert cheats are difficult to detect, in spite of show organisers, breed society officials and vets being on alert.

It is tempting to say this row about cheating shows livestock judging up as the beauty contest farce it is and always has been. But I guess that my views on that have mellowed because I appreciate that thousands of farmers, their families and staff put vast amounts of time and effort into trying to win a showring championship with every type of livestock from Pekin ducks and Buff Orpingtons to Charolais and Simmental cattle and Blackface and Suffolk sheep.

Most do so honestly and it’s a shame for them that farming has its share of cheats, crooks and con men. But it seems to me that those competing are in the best position to know who is cheating and to expose them.

One of the stupidest comments, as reported in the specialist farming press, was the competitor who said that if he was not allowed to “adjust and fix” his animals – note how the euphemisms for tamper take over – at UK shows he would take them abroad and show in mainland Europe. If I hadn’t occasionally met some thick and boorish showring types, I would doubt that anyone could say something so stupid. But he probably did.

We can only hope that his breed society or show secretary gave him an immediate invitation to do just that, that is, push off and never come back.

For some reason while reading about pumping up and sealing, I was reminded of the James Herriot story where a farmer complained his stallion was uneasy on its feet after he had tried to cure an ailment by pushing a raw onion up its rectum. James’s partner Siegfried said sharply that the farmer might be uneasy on his feet with an onion up his rectum.

How would showring cheats take to being pumped and sealed?

The Scottish Government announced £2million of funding for new entrants to agriculture, writes Sally Gillespie.

Applications for the subsidy was opened last month and will be judged in relation to the size of the farm and the potential investment it carries. New farmers currently do not receive single farm payments

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “This is a helping hand but is no substitute for direct support that new entrants should get but don’t due to the flawed European policy currently in place.

“I hope it offers some assistance until the new CAP arrives, which can’t happen soon enough for our new entrants.The longer term answer is to get new entrants onto a level playing field from day one of the new CAP.”

Meanwhile NFU Scotland’s New Generation group and Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) Agri-A ffairs committee hold a joint meeting in the Borders next Wednesday (June 12) updating young farmers on CAP negotiations, rural development reform and other policies that could affect agriculture businesses in the future. They will also discuss the £2m support.

Chairman of SAYFC’s Agri-Affairs Committee, Scott Somerville said: “There will be the opportunity to hear the latest on CAP reform and the Scottish Rural Development Programme but, more importantly, it will be open to those around the table to air their views.”

CAP reform discussions are expected to be conclude at the end of the month.

The New Generation group and SAYFC Agri-Affairs Committee meeting takes place at The Lodge, Carfraemill, Lauder starting at 7.30pm.

Tweedbank Fair week has been hailed a success by the outgoing chairman of the organising committee, after attracting large crowds.

Donald Forbes, who will step down at November’s AGM after 20 years at the helm, said he had never seen so many people on the school field as on Saturday.

“The weather really made it on Saturday. The parade was the biggest I’ve ever seen, and it was great to see the local football club, Tweedbank Thistle, put two or three age groups into the parade in their kit,” he said.

“It was great to see all the kids marching along behind the principals and the pipe band.”

The investiture ceremony on Tuesday night saw Tweedbank Lad and Lass Reece Simons and Katelynn Pringle exchange colours with the Braw Lad and Lass.

“It is really good of the Braw Lads Gathering to continue to support us every year,” said Mr Forbes. “They never let us down, and the kids get a big kick out of being able to get their photos taken with the Braw Lad and Lass.”

The fair programme continued on Wednesday with the annual fancy dress parade, which almost escaped a late downpour.

Mr Forbes said: “We nearly got the parade finished before the rain started, but the judging was all done in the dry on the school field.

“More and more people are entering every year it seems, and we even had some adult entries this year too.”

A children’s evening of magic and bingo attracted well over 100 local kids on Thursday, while the adults’ evening on Friday had strong support.

The fete and fun day on Saturday was the highlight of the week however, and the fantastic weather ensured big crowds turned out to enjoy all the fun and games on offer.

Borders Sport and Leisure Trust provided sporting challenges, while local groups had the chance to carry out fundraising activities.

A car treasure hunt also proved popular on Sunday, despite competing against a number of high profile events across the region.

The support for this year’s event and a recent boost in numbers on the committee has given Mr Forbes confidence in the future of the fair.

“We have 10 or 11 members now who are well capable of taking Tweedbank Fair forward,” he said.

Thursday, June 14: The Nicht Afore

6.30pm Crying o’ the Burley 6.30pm – At strategic points in the town centre, all welcome.

7.15pm – United Crafts (Hammermen and Weavers) Bussin’ Concert, Victoria Halls, open to public.

Friday, June 15: Common Riding Day

4am – Rouse parade; Flute Band preambles town, wakening, in turn, Standard Bearer Martin Rodgerson and Provost David Anderson.

5.30am – Act of Remembrance by Ex-Soldiers at the War Memorial in Ettrick Terrace.

6am – First Drum: Silver Band plays around the town. 6.15am – Exiles sing Her Bright Smile at the County Hotel.

6.30am – Foot procession arrives at Victoria Halls; riders assemble in Back Row.

6.45am – Installation of Royal Burgh Standard Bearer Rodgerson by Provost Anderson and Bussin’ of Royal Burgh flag on the balcony of the Victoria Halls.

6.55am – Procession forms and marches to Market Place.

7am – Second Drum: processions move off Doon the Green.

7.30am – Riders ford the Ettrick Water.

7.45am – Riders in Linglie Glen.

8.45am – Riders at summit of Three Brethren.

9am – Foot procession re-forms in Market Place and leaves for Shawburn Toll.

9.40am (approx) – Coming in of the Burley and riders’ return.

10.15am (approx) – Procession re-forms again and returns to Market Place via Bleachfield Road and High Street.

11am (approx) – Casting of the Colours in Market Place. 11.10am (approx) – Two minutes’ silence.

11.15am – Return of the Burgh Flag “unsullied and untarnished” and conclusion of ceremonial.

2pm – Horseracing meeting at Gala Rig.

8.30pm – Common Riding Ball in Victoria Halls.

Saturday, June 16: Games Day

1.30pm – Games and gymkhana, including Highland Dancing, will take place at Philiphaugh.

Nearly 5,000 dogs and their owners are set to descend on Kelso next week for the annual Border Union Agricultural Society Championship Dog Show.

Competitors are travelling from as far afield as mainland Europe as well as all over Britain and Ireland for the Springwood Park event on the June 15-16 weekend.

Almost 700 toy dogs, 170 golden retrievers, more than 100 dachshunds and boxers, assorted Chihuahuas, great Danes and many other rarely seen breeds will be competing over the two days for the chance to win the coveted Best in Show ticket.

During the event, more than 100 different breeds will compete, starting with the hound, terrier and gundog groups on Saturday at 9am.

Borders breeds are well represented with 100 Border terriers entered on Saturday and 85 Border collies expected on Sunday.

Show organiser Marjory Macgregor said: “And as well as household name breeds, such as whippets, beagles and spaniels, there is also a chance to see some of the rarest breeds in the country in the rare breed classes, including Ibizan hounds and Spanish water spaniels on Saturday, and Greenland dogs and Tibetan mastiffs appearing on Sunday.”

The show is in its 38th year and is one of only three championship shows in Scotland where a win in certain classes will allow the proud owner and dog a chance to compete at Crufts next year.

Judging of the working, pastoral, utility and toy groups takes place on Sunday, again from 9am, with the grand finale of Best in Show being staged at around 5pm on Sunday.

Marjory Macgregor said: “Almost 200 caravans take up residence at Springwood from the Monday prior to the show, as Kelso hospitality is legendary amongst exhibitors.”

More than 50 trade stands with a wide range of dog foods, dog books, dog coats, dog-grooming products, as well as special dog baths and even herbal remedies for dogs are expected.

Marjory added: “The show promises to be an interesting and entertaining weekend for all.”

Admission is £5 and £3 and parking is free. Only dogs entered in the show will be admitted.

Anyone keen on walking and who wants to help their community is invited to train as a Walk It leader in Melrose tomorrow.

Walk It groups are aimed at people wanting to get more active, but are not sure where to start.

And there are now 22 groups in the region, three new ones being set up this year so far.

Walk It organiser and trainer Denise Carmichael said: “We’ve surveyed Walk It and the wellbeing benefits and social interaction of the group comes back as being the reason why people enjoy it – it’s almost like hiding the health benefits.”

Groups do short low-level walks for an hour at the pace of the slowest walker.

Tomorrow’s free walk leader training at the Corn Exchange is to give volunteers the skills and confidence to lead safe, short health walks, said Denise.

The Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders project aims to help people become more physically active and trainees will learn the benefits of regular walking, to organise and lead a walk, offer advice on walk intensity, frequency, posture and clothing and recognise potential safety hazards.

Concerning the training, Denise said: “It’s not difficult, there’s no exam, it’s relaxed informal training. Most people enjoy it and go on to become volunteers.

“The commitment is up to the individual, ranging from leading a walk every week to helping with occasional projects.

“The courses are aimed at anybody who has an interest in walking and who wants to be involved in volunteering for the benefit of the general community’s health,” she said.

For more information and to book, contact Denise on 01835 824000 or e-mail denise.carmichael@scotborders.gov.uk

A DIRECTOR of the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce (SBCC) has stepped down with immediate effect to concentrate on the SNP’s referendum campaign.

Andrew Collier, the former political editor of the Scottish Sun, said his work on the campaign was taking up an increasing amount of his time, prompting his decision to step down.

He said: “I am working both locally and nationally as part of the SNP media team working to secure a Yes vote in next year’s referendum.

“This has, of course, been completely separate from my position on the board of the SBCC.

“The referendum work and associated activity is taking up more and more of my personal and professional time, and the workload will only increase in the run-up to the vote in September 2014, so this seems a good time to relinquish my chamber position and concentrate on this.”

Mr Collier, who lives in Kelso, added: “My directorship with SBCC has been great fun and hugely satisfying.”

Mr Collier had been responsible for the chambers’ media relations.

Prince Charles and Camilla will visit the Borders on Wednesday, June 12.

The couple, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, will visit Moorbrook Textiles’ Robert Noble Mill in Peebles, the School of Textile and Design at Heriot-Watt University’s Galashiels campus, and Johnston’s of Elgin in Hawick.

Prince Charles is patron of the Campaign for Wool.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are to visit the Borders on July 3.

Glorious weather greeted the start of St Boswells Village Week at the weekend.

Winners of the inaugural St Boswells 10km race were Jonathan Taylor and Liz Taylor, while the afternoon saw a big crowd for fun tennis games and a barbecue.

Adult class winner was Gary Lemmon, with Kate Arnott winning the children’s category.

In the evening a packed village hall was entertained by St Boswells Live!

The tennis club boot sale was on Sunday and, on Monday, Poppy’s Puppets and lunch in the hall was well supported in aid of the nursery, playgroup and toddlers.

The golf club’s fun afternoon followed, with a guided walk on Tuesday evening. Last night saw the car treasure hunt and this evening (Thursday) at 6.15pm, Melrose Pipe Band will Beat Retreat on the Green in front of the primary school.

This is followed by the St Boswells Village Hall Refurbishment Project launch with special guest, record-breaking Atlantic rower Leven Brown.

And still to come is the fancy dress, family disco and karaoke tomorrow; pet show, football, and Boswells Got Talent on Saturday, with the church service, potted sports and village race on the Green on Sunday.

Afterwards, there is rounders and barbecue at the cricket club.

A tidal wave of pride and passion will sweep across the Borders during the coming weeks. In burghs Royal and other, in towns and villages, hearts will beat like the band’s big drum and tears will flow like a bonny Border burn. Coloured rosettes will be pinned to swollen chests and ties of various affiliations unearthed from the back of drawers for their annual airing.

There will be speeches, toasts, songs and stories. Their will be reminiscences and there will be promises to meet again, for auld times’ sake. There will be empty spaces at family dinner tables. No, not all have passed on to the mysterious beyond, they just met some pals and forgot the time.

There will be empty wallets in the morning after the day before and there will be trouser pockets so full of coins you’d need a crane to lift them from the floor where they were so carefully deposited in the early hours.

There will be grand family reunions, much shaking of hands, hugs and kisses, and a few ill-thought words that will be much regretted as soon as soon as they have been uttered.

There will be bands of pipe, brass and flute. Flags and standards emblazoned with crests and mottos will flutter in what we hope will be a kind summer sun and a gentle breeze. There will be horses bearing riders of various equestrian capabilities and there will be many more on foot pacing well-known streets and byways. There will be friendships – some spanning many years, others more recent, some newly-forged.

And there will be an array of men, women and children, chosen to be the proud representatives of the place they know as home.

It is, of course, the time of our gatherings, common ridings, civic weeks and festivals. West Linton leads the way and as their 10-day Whipman Play nears its end, Teries will tonight see their cherished Banner o’ Blue bussed in the Town Hall before their big day tomorrow. And the rest of the Borders will follow in pre-determined order. For Selkirk and Coldstream 2013 is a special year – the 500th anniversary of Flodden. Both towns commemorate that ill-fated (so far as we Scots were concerned) conflict of September 9, 1513, and will mark it with special events this year.

But Flodden was a battle that hit every town, village and hamlet in the Borders and its pain was felt throughout the length and breadth of Scotland. It’s just a thought – but shouldn’t our communities here in the Borders, so close to the battlefield and so badly hit by death and widowhood, be doing more this year to mark the anniversary? The Flower’s o’ the Forest was penned about that fateful battle. The tune was first piped at the opening of the Cenotaph on Whitehall and will sound across the Borders this summer.

But shouldn’t we be doing a wee bit more?

To all those who will lead from the front this summer, I wish them Safe Oot, Safe In.

And ask – please take time and give Flodden a thought.

A COUNCIL-RUN centre for youngsters with learning difficulties will close and its services transferred to local high schools, writes Sandy Neil.

Howdenburn Schoolhouse in Jedburgh helps 16-19-year-olds with complex learning needs to develop skills and attributes for life and work, so that they can become as independent as possible.

The Lothian Road centre is used as a base for this transitions service, helping the teenagers move from secondary school to adult life, with most students attending through a shared placement with their school.

But Stella Everingham, the council’s head of integrated children’s services confirmed: “No firm referrals this year [has] presented us with the opportunity to move to a locally-based approach.”

Some children will continue to be educated at Howdenburn during the academic year 2013-14, but she said there would there will be no starts in August 2013.

She told The Southern: “There were only four young people definitely using the service in 2013/14 and this provided an opportunity to use staff time to develop locally-based provision. This means Howdenburn staff will be supporting children in their local high schools.

“This is not a cost-cutting exercise and no savings are being identified as part of this approach.”

Testimonials are quoted on its website. One states: “Howdenburn is an excellent facility for children with complex needs. I only wish there was a similar facility for adults in the Scottish Borders.

Another parent writes: “As a progression from school, it helps them to prepare for adult life.”

A student states: “It makes me feel grown up”, while another says: “I like Howdenburn because my friends there keep me company. They are my new friends.”

Ms Everingham told us:“A new complex needs centre within the old Earlston High School is planned and will cater for young people who cannot be supported fully by local provision. A secondary centre will be developed within this new setting and may include some young people who have traditionally attended Howdenburn where locally-based packages are insufficient to meet their needs.”

A dangerous precedent could be set if it was agreed to split the local authority’s small-schemes budget equally

between Eildon area wards.

So said Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker (Leaderdale and Melrose, Ind) at Thursday’s session of the full local authority.

It was at the last Eildon area forum, when Mr Parker had to leave early, that the remaining members voted to divide the budget equally between the three Eildon wards until December.

If, in December, there was any funds left, then it would be pooled together.

But because no member from the Leaderdale and Melrose ward was present, it meant the decision had to come before the full council.

The issue of splitting the budget between wards seems to have been triggered by a request for £9,000 for a replacement bus shelter in Tweedbank, part of the Leaderdale and Melrose ward.

On Thursday, the full council agreed the issue should come before a special meeting of Eildon area committee members this month.

Mr Parker told The Southern the current arrangements had worked fine for the last 10 years. “This does mean that some years a particular ward may attract a higher proportion of the funding in the budget than other wards, but members have approved that, and sometimes there is greater work needing to be done in one ward in a particular year, than in another.”

Mr Parker is concerned that if such a split scheme was introduced, other budgets distributed by the area committee, such as the community council grants scheme, may go the same way.

“And if that were the case, it could mean sometimes that groups are disadvantaged. If you were to split the community support grant scheme in the same way that is being suggested, by ward, then a number of groups in Selkirk and Newtown would have been denied funding.”

As for the bus shelter in Tweedbank’s Neidpath Court – the busiest one in the village – the scheme was deferred for further discussion at this month’s Eildon area forum.

The sun shone overhead, while the talent on the pitch was equally as bright as the Borders Festival of Football celebrated its 10th year.

More than 1,000 primary school-aged children from across the region took part in games across the back pitches of Netherdale on Sunday, while on the 3G pitch, four finals were played out to decide the SBJFA cups.

Three of the four games proved to be tight affairs, with two needing extra time to decide the winner.

In the end Gala Fairydean walked away with two of the trophies, while Eyemouth and Duns claimed one apiece.

Borders Sport and Leisure estimated that 2,500 players and spectators attended Netherdale for the event, which honours the memory of Selkirk teenager Cameron Gunn, who died whilst playing football aged 19 in 1991.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, said: “This was a fantastic day and it is brilliant to see this event go from strength to strength. About 2,500 people attended the festival between competitors and supporters, the largest number to date.

“This festival plays a key role in encouraging primary school pupils to play football and it was really rewarding to see so many young people enjoying competitive sport.”

Scottish Football Association development officer Drew Kelly added: “This year’s festival was a huge success, with all the children playing the game in great spirit and showing impressive skills.

“The event is supported by the teams and officials involved in the SBJFA league and represents the pinnacle of their season.

“We are really grateful for all the help and support they provided on the day.”

And David Drummond, south-east regional manager for the SFA, said: “It is events like Sunday’s that really demonstrate the strength of our grassroots game and reminds us of just how important partnership working is for our game to prosper.”

Galashiels resident Ian Brims, 65, completed the 256-mile Pennine Way to raise funds for Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

Ian’s fundraising page is still open for donations at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/IanBrims

Three generations of Borderers are taking to a trampoline on June 8 in aid of Alzheimer Scotland.

Grandmother, 70-year-old Celia, mum Sarah Anderson, 38, and her nine-year-old daughter, Grace, will jump for 24 hours in their back garden near Morebattle.

Senior management of NHS Borders were grilled by

councillors over plans to close the hydrotherapy pool at

Borders General Hospital.

It was at last week’s full session of Scottish Borders Council that senior managers from NHS Borders briefed councillors on an overview of the local health service.

Representing NHS Borders were board chairman John Raine, medical director Sheena MacDonald and chief executive Calum Campbell.

Unsurprisingly, the planned closure of the BGH pool and the recent premature announcement by NHS Borders of an alternative specialist pool at Jedburgh, elicited most interest.

Dr MacDonald said there were less than 1,400 hydrotherapy service users each year, of which at least 60 per cent could have water-based therapies delivered from a location nearer their homes.

She said the ongoing dialogue with pool authorities in Jedburgh over the possibility of a specialist hydrotherapy pool, was at “a very early stage of discussion.”

Mr Raine added that if the Jedburgh pool discussions failed to materialise into something definite, there would have to be further consultation.

Councillor Gavin Logan said that even if the Jedburgh arrangement went ahead, it would be two or three years before any new hydrotherapy pool was ready and it would not be in as central a location as the BGH.

One of the most evocative experiences of late spring and early summer, is a walk through woodland filled with wild garlic, on a sunny day.

Although the latter has been scarce of late, the sun shone at the weekend and my own patch of riverside woodland was at its glorious best.

The smell is the first thing to assail the senses, then the carpet of white pom-pom shaped flowers provides a feast for the eyes.

Like other members of the onion family, wild garlic grows from a bulb and smells strongly.

This quality means that it has had many culinary and herbal uses over the centuries.

The second part of its scientific name Allium ursinum , comes from the Latin for bear, pertaining to either its pungent smell or the apparent fondness bears have for it.

Here, its common name is Ramsons, probably a corruption of ram’s horns.

Its health benefits are indicated in this old rhyme:

Eat leeks in March and Ramsons in May,

And all the year after, physicians may play.

Its leaves are edible; they can be used as salad, spice, boiled as a vegetable, in soup, or as an ingredient for pesto in lieu of basil.

The stems are preserved by salting and eaten as a salad in Russia.

The bulbs and flowers are also edible, though less famed for their taste than the leaves.

Watch out, however, if you are gathering leaves to eat, if it is growing near Lily-of-the-Valley. The leaves of this plant are similar, but are deadly poisonous.

I promised a couple of weeks ago that I would keep you up to date with the progress of the blackbirds nesting in my back garden nest box. It is a mixture of good news and bad.

Just over a week ago, a carrion crow swooped down right before my eyes and made off with one of the four eggs.

I knew it would be back for the rest, so I went to get some chicken wire to rig up some sort of barrier.

“While I was doing that it returned and made off with a second one.

I watched anxiously after I rigged up the wire, as the female blackbird struggled to find the way in through the mesh.

Eventually, she got the hang of it and resumed brooding the last two eggs.

The crow has been back, but so far has failed to negotiate the barrier. The last time I looked, at the weekend there was two newly-hatched chicks.

Readers can email me photos or questions at: corbie@homecall.co.uk

A 10-year economic strategy has been set out by the council, aiming to increase jobs and improve opportunities for young Borderers.

The draft paper was approved by members last week and will give the council and partners a focus for their efforts over the next decade.

Councillor Stuart Bell, executive member for economic development, said: “Scottish Borders Council has put economic development at the heart of the council’s purpose.

“This document sets out the council’s, and it partners’, vision for a prosperous economy in the Scottish Borders and our strategic approach to the development of the economy .

“In doing this we are being ambitious for the Borders,” he added.

Mr Bell said: “The vision for the Scottish Borders economy is that by 2023 we will be amongst the best and most productive rural economies in Scotland.”

He added that delivery of the strategy would be achieved by ‘continuing collaboration and commitment with key partners’.

The strategy states that the arrival of the railway will have a ‘catalytic effect’ on creating a shift from the reliance on public sector jobs in the Borders.

It also reveals an aim to increase business links with Heriot-Watt University and Borders College around the Borders campus.

The opportunities provided by niche manufacturing – particularly textiles – tourism, farming and food and drink are also highlighted in the report.

An action plan produced along with the strategy also sets out plans to develop a Central Borders Business Park by June 2015, the creation of a seafood technology park in Eyemouth, and provide a Scottish Borders Guarantee, with apprenticeships, internships and graduate placements in the area for young people.

Mr Bell added: “We want to make significant changes, in particular, opening up opportunities for younger people.”

However, councillors were warned that limits on future public spending could place constraints on the delivery of the action plan.

And now, in the immortal words of Monty Python, for something completely different.

Think of this (depending on your age) as 10 days in Magaluf, two weeks’ all-inclusive at Euro-Disney, or four days touring the Highlands on a bus with your courier/driver Dave.

A complete break from the norm. And from me prattling on about chickens and suchlike.

I have just spent a gloriously sunny three days enjoying the smell of overheating clutch and the heady perfume of unburnt fuel in the air. No, I didn’t get trapped in Dom Buckley’s garage, I was out enjoying the Jim Clark Rally.

Yes, as I do every year at this time, your chicken-loving eco warrior turned petrol head for 72 hours.

As a big fan of Jim Clark (who managed to combine animals with cars, very successfully), I love to see rally cars on the road, zipping purposefully (but always within the speed limit – honest, officer) between stages. Or, rather, hear rally cars. The seeing bit comes later, after you hear the sound of a swarm of angry bees approaching.

And is that back-firing, or competitors taking advantage of the abundance of game in the Borders, bagging a brace as they drive along?

I think it must be the only time on Borders roads you can see a Talbot Sunbeam, Volvo S70 and an Opel Kadett within a few seconds of each other.

Makes a change from Discos and pick-ups (and I say this without prejudice as a former Discovery owner and current pick-up driver).

If you’re thinking about buying a Subaru Impreza, this will reassure you that they don’t only come in one colour – blue with yellow stars.

In fact, so inspiring has it been this year, myself and a pal (who makes the annual pilgrimage from Englandshire to dash about from stage to stage) had a couple of rosehip wines too many last Saturday night and decided that buying a car and rallying it has to be one of those bucket list ‘things to do’.

Anyhoo, there seemed to be more folk oot and aboot at the JCR this year. Perhaps that was because Chris Evans mentioned it on air. Perhaps Chris knew that there would be rally cars doing a ceremonial start in Kelso Square on the Saturday morning, because (note to the rally PR) most of the good folk of Kelso didn’t.

It was a bizarre couple of hours. Myself, the Young Master and the Young Mistress sat on a bench next to the flower tubs at 8.15am, munching on bacon rolls from Rothbury’s (the best in Kelso, IMHO) as car after car rumbled by at arm’s length.

Not home-produced pork I suspect, but with an exhaust-fume garnish, just as delish. Jim Clark Rally, we love you. Almost as much as chickens.

Each day at 8pm the bells of the War Memorial peel tower in Galashiels chime out Braw, Braw Lads, in homage to those who gave their lives.

It was Robert Burns who gave the town the song and on May 31, 1913, a bust to the bard was unveiled at the foot of Lawyers Brae.

Thousands gathered for the occasion which also saw the water switched on at the adjacent fountain.

And on Friday, exactly 100 years to the date, a handful of folk gathered for a ceremony – organised by Galashiels Burns Club – to mark the centenary of the unveiling.

It had been neatly timed to coincide with those chimes. But after the eight chimes – there was silence. For some unknown reason the bells failed to ring out the opening bars of Burns’ work.

Council staff have carried out checks but have been unable to find any fault.

However, the commemoration went ahead. Club president Keith Cowan placed a wreath around the bard’s bust. He had earlier explained why and how funds had been raised for the memorial, including a massive cycle parade in July 1908 – a year after the local Burns Club had been founded.

Piper David Sanderson played and Grant Lees sang. This was far removed from that grand unveiling of 1913, but appropriate and fitting none the less. Those attending included descendants of Bailie George Hope Tait who was one of those at the forefront of the monument project.

Reflecting on Friday’s ceremony, the secretary of the Burns Club, Russell Robertson, commented: “It was disappointing that the bells did not chime, but it was just one of those things.

“I thought there might have been more public support, but people seem to want to stay at home and watch television.

“It was good that the descendants of George Hope Tait were present – more and more it is being revealed just how much he did for Galashiels.”

A further tribute will be paid at the Braw Lads’ Gathering when, for the first time, thistles from the Old Town Cross ceremony will placed at the bust after the Braw Lass has laid roses on the war memorial at 8pm.