The Rowan Boland Memorial Trust has stumped up £400 to help Galashiels cricketer Caitlin Ormiston travel with Scotland under-17s.

The 17-year-old Gala Cricket Club member is part of the age-group squad which will play in Nottinghamshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire, and a T20 competition in the north of England in July, before a trip to Ireland in August.

Caitlin said: “A grant would be extremely helpful for accommodation costs for the forthcoming tours to England and Ireland, as well as a massive help towards travel expenses.

“This would therefore allow me to continue to play at this high level, as well as enabling me to gain further valuable skills and experiences all working towards my aim of making the step up to the Scotland ladies’ squad next year.”

Melrose footballer Mark Mathison has picked up £200 from the trust to help with transport costs.

A member of Tynecastle Boys’ Club in Edinburgh, Mark has been selected for the East Region and Scotland youth development squads in recent years.

He has also earned trials with Livingston, Raith Rovers and Aberdeen.

But the costs for the 15-year-old of travelling to Edinburgh three times a week and Glasgow twice a month are considerable, and the RBMT are happy to assist.

TweedbanK footballer Jamie Shiel has been handed £150 by the trust to assist with travel and equipment costs.

The 16-year-old goalkeeper travels up to Edinburgh four times a week to train and play with top junior club Edina Hibs.

His dedication has led to selection for the South East Region squad for the past five years, as well as gaining trials with SFL side Livingston.

Prayers seem to have been answered in Melrose that the recent glorious summer weather continues for this week’s festival.

Warm and sunny conditions saw large crowds of spectators and big numbers of young footballers throng the town’s Gibson Park for the five-a-side football tournament on Sunday.

There was also a good turnout for the kirkin’ of Melrosian Sam Thomson and the laying of a wreath at the local war memorial on Sunday morning.

Monday night and more glorious conditions saw 190 horses and riders manage to cross the Tweed for the first time since 2010.

There was only one mishap which resulted in a young female rider being taken to hospital as a precaution.

Festival chairman James Marjoribanks is delighted with the way this week’s programme of events is progressing.

“Such great weather really makes it. We are enjoying fantastic turnouts and it was tremendous that the mounted cavalcade was able to cross the river for Monday night’s ride-out.

“One person was taken to hospital purely as a precaution and I’m happy to report there were no casualties.

“Young Sam Thomson is also doing a very good job as Melrosian, ably supported by his Right and Left-Hand Men in the shape of Graeme Crawford and Ruaridh Nairn.”

Tuesday night saw further large crowds for the fancy dress and it was hoped continuing good weather would see last night’s bike ride and – a festival first for this year – the following family barbecue at Annay Road, also well attended.

Still to come are the installation ceremonies in the grounds of Melrose Abbey tonight, followed by the Festival Ball tomorrow and then Saturday’s Tour of Ceremonies.

Borders golf duo Tara Mactaggart and Danielle Ker lifted the Scottish Schools Team Golf Championship at Murrayshall, near Perth, last weekend.

Both aged 17 Tara (Minto) and Danielle (Roxburghe) won by 10 shots. Their totals of 146 (74, 72) and 147 (72, 75) respectively also earned them third and fourth spot in the individual event.

Leanne Wilson (Kelso) also competed, her total was 182.

Tara recently was runner up in the Border Ladies Championship, while Danielle broke the course record at the Roxburghe with a gross score of 68 last week.

COMPETING at the Scottish National Relay Championships at Grangemouth on Sunday, the Moorfoot Under-14 Girls team brought home silver medals.

Drawn in the last of three heats, in the 3x800m, against hot favourites Giffnock North, who boasted the Scotland numbers one and two in their ranks, Ailsa Innes on leg one and Fiona Grant on leg two both ran considerable personal best times allowing third leg runner Selkirk-based Zaynah Aziz to ease home for a comfortable second place and qualification for the final.

With Mairi Wallace subbed in as planned on leg one in the final, and Zaynah having a fair bit left in the tank, hopes were high that some sort of Moorfoot medal was on the cards.

Come the final, another smashed personal best from Mairi saw the team vie for fifth at the first changeover. Fiona then lifted the team to a close fourth with another all-out effort as the baton passed to Zaynah for the final two laps.

Down the back straight for the first time, third place already looked to have been secured. Giffnock’s huge lead for top Scot Erin Wallace on the final leg meant that gold was assured for them, but there was no settling for bronze for Zaynah as she set her sights on the second placed Victoria Park City of Glasgow runner some 50m ahead.

And with sensible even- paced running the gap was steadily closed to 10m going into the final bend.

It was Zaynah’s strong finishing kick off the final bend that took her into second place, crossing the line in 7 minutes 44.07 seconds to be met by her three delighted team-mates.

The annual handicapped Gala Harriers Hollybush 10k is always a popular club event, and this year 35 Harriers and two guests competed over the 6.2 miles course from the Academy up to the Rink Farm and back.

Result: 1, Anne Purves 63 minutes 30 seconds (actual time); 2, Susan Howell 61.49; 3, Lynn Taylor 56.06.

On Sunday, the club’s junior athletes competing for the first time at the National Relay Championships at Grangemouth.

Rhiannon Fagan, Christie Rout and Susanna Godfrey-Fawcett finished their heat of the Under-14 girls’ 800m relay in eight minutes 28.45 seconds and in the Under-14 boy’s 800m, the A-team of Andrew Hogg, Jamie Logan and Rory Williams, finished 6th in 7.37.94.

Jason McIntosh, Joe Agnew and an injured Thomas Otton came fourth in their heat of the Under-16 boys’ 800m relay in 6.41.61 and completed the final in 6.49.24.

Top marks for the day go to Wayne McIntosh who celebrated Fathers’ Day with a gold medal in the 35 years+ age category 1500m with a run of 4.35, his first championship medal. A little earlier in the month, Bob Marshall continued his haul of veteran medals with the first prize in the Vintage Vets category at the Haddington 10K Jamie McGowan came 24th in a big field.

Galashiels runner Angus Stanners has appeared in a few finals in the open athletic scene, although victory has always eluded him.

In the sunshine, heavy rain and swirling winds at Selkirk Common Riding Games on Saturday, however, Stanners brought an end to that statistic. For the Gala flyer hit the high spots in winning the 110m handicap, which carried a prize of £1,000.

A student at Aberdeen University, 23-year-old Stanners (7m) showed it could well be his day when romping home to a heat win in 11.63 seconds, the quickest of the opening runs. Cross-tie triumph then handed him a final place along with home hope Geoff Keen of Selkirk (11.5m), Hawick’s Leigh Marshall (3m) and David Lauder (11.5m) as well as Billy Martin of Glenrothes (10m).

The last showdown on the rain-soaked Philiphaugh track saw Stanners soar to an impressive win in a time of 11.44 seconds. Keen was second and Marshall third.

Coached by Eddie McKenna in Aberdeen, Stanners told The Southern: “Bruce Scott from TLJT put me on to Eddie as he had coached runners when he stayed in Innerleithen. Eddie has helped me a lot and is a great coach. It’s really good to have won a sprint final and even more so when it’s in the Borders.”

Bruce Scott also put sprint victory the way of his TLJT Club by gaining the honours in the 90m (confined to Borders Region) handicap.

Running from a mark of 14.5 metres the Earlston veteran surged to a fine heat win and, in the final, the 54-year-old produced the goods again with another excellent run to break the tape ahead of fellow TLJT runners, Tommy Finkle (11m) and John Steede (23.5m).

Scott said: “I have had an injury and it was touch and go whether I should run or not. However, I am glad I decided to give it a go as I felt good and it was great to get a win.”

Eleven-year-old Angus Bryce got into the winning frame for TLJT as well. After showing well in his heat in the 200m juniors’ handicap, Bryce (14m) was triumphant in a thrilling final in which the result was decided by a photo finish.

Another to hoist the TLJT flag was Eoin Lowther (6m) who took the youths’ 90m handicap title.

Two Selkirk runners rose to the occasion at their home town games, pulling off splendid wins.

First to do the business was 12-year-old Callum Anderson who took pride of place in the juniors’ 90m handicap and, following his win in the 1,600m handicap at Hawick Games the week previous, Alistair Laurie (385m) won over the same distance from John Thomson of Coaltown (185m) and Chris Black of Kelso (90m).

Back marker Colin Welsh of Kelso (15m) gave a great account of himself to take the 800m handicap.

From the Adie Gray school, Welsh strode out from the gun and after moving through the field took the lead coming down the home straight.

The race, however, was far from over, as William Bates of Tullibody (75m) began to give chase, but Welsh held off the challenge to cross the finish line in first position.

Welsh said: “That was a tough race and my legs are like jelly.

“William Bates really surprised me in coming back at me the way he did and he pushed me all the way.”

Henry Gray coached Jamie Kinghorn (150m) of Chirnside, a young runner who has really caught the eye since the season began, was a convincing winner of the youths’ 800m while high-flying Daniel Elliot of Hawick (12m) took the youths’ 200m.

Jack Beattie of Rosyth (34m) won the senior 200m.

An emergency general meeting of the East of Scotland Football League has been called following the loss of nine member clubs to the new 12-team Lowland League.

With just five clubs left in the Premier Division and 13 in the First Division, including the new Hibernian reserves team, a major revamp is now required. The meeting will be held next Thursday, June 27, and Board member Douglas Purves admitted that it can’t come quick enough.

“Everyone has been busy pushing on with getting the Lowland League up and running, but not a thought has been given to the East of Scotland set-up,” he told The Southern.

“There are now just 18 teams left and a decision will have to be made pretty quickly on where we go from here.

“The best thing would probably be to stick with one league of 18 teams, although that could throw up its own problems, with fixture congestion and so on, later on in the season.

“Two nine-team leagues would not be competitive enough so the only other option would be to allow new teams in, but where would they go? It would have to be the First Division to be fair on everyone.”

Spartans have already indicated their intention to enter a reserve team, while Edinburgh City and Gala Fairydean Rovers are also interested.

The new Lowland League will include Borders clubs Vale of Leithen, Gala Fairydean and Selkirk, who will join Preston Athletic, Spartans, Edinburgh City, Whitehill Welfare, Gretna 2008, Stirling University, Threave Rovers, Dalbeattie Star and East Kilbride to form the new league.

The SFA received 17 formal applications for the new league, which will become the base of Scottish football’s new pyramid system by offering the champions the opportunity to earn promotion to the bottom division of the new Scottish Professional Football League at the end of 2014/15 season.

Purves’ own club, Hawick Royal Albert, initially expressed an interest in joining the new league, but withdrew after deciding to concentrate on achieving their SFA Entry Licence first.

“I am really pleased for the clubs that got in and wish them all the very best for the future,” he added.

A son who stole his father’s Christmas money was jailed for 12 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.

Andrew Clamp, 20, committed the £150 theft following a Christmas Day celebration at his father’s home in Northcote Street, Hawick. The hearing was told that the accused’s father had received the cash in gifts and put the money in an envelope in his bedroom.

“His father realised the envelope containing his Christmas money had gone and tried to phone his son, without success, before eventually contacting the police,” explained prosecutor Tessa Bradley.

Clamp told officers: “I’m disappointed in myself and embarrassed. I’m really sorry.”

Iain Burke, defending, said his client had been out of trouble for some two years, but a diazepam (Valium) habit led to a “rampage” of offending.

“For four months he was, quite simply, out of control,” explained the lawyer.

Clamp, also of Northcote Street, pleaded guilty to breaking into Crosby Chemist in the town’s North Bridge Street on November 5 and stealing prescription medication.

The pharmacy alarm was activated at 4.20am and a trail of blood heading towards the High Street led to the accused being traced through DNA. After being detained, he went into his house and handed over the £75 worth of medication, saying he wanted to give it back.

Clamp caused £2,000 damage to two cars in return for drugs in what was described as “contract” crime by the sheriff.

On March 15, he caused £500 damage after smashing windows and tyres of a car at Teviot Crescent, Hawick, and £1,500 damage after setting fire to another vehicle there four days later.

Ms Bradley said Clamp told police he was given drugs as “payment” for doing the damage.

But Mr Burke maintained: “It is not as sinister as it may appear. He was given drugs and, in his state, he committed these foolish and dangerous acts with no thought or planning.”

Clamp caused £420 damage by breaking a window, with intent to steal, at Teviot Town and Country Supplies in Oliver Place, Hawick, on March 25.

He struck the window, made of toughened glass, several times with a hammer in a bid to steal dog food from the window display. Clamp caused a further £1,524 damage after breaking a window at R. H. Miller in Commercial Road, Hawick, and stealing two bags of dog food for his pet.

A lorry driver sleeping nearby heard the noise and alerted police.

Clamp had been detained on another matter and asked officers to go to his home to check his dog was okay, where they found the stolen dog food.

The accused also admitted stealing five gold chains, worth £550, from Hamish Smith Jewellers in Bourtree Place on March 25.

Clamp went into the shop and asked to see some gold chains, saying he was looking for a birthday present for his father. The jeweller’s wife brought a tray to the counter and Clamp tried one on before she put them back. He then asked if he could have another look and when she returned them to the counter, Clamp grabbed five and ran out of the shop.

Mrs Smith shouted to her husband who ran out after him, and others also gave chase.

“He stopped and handed back three of the chains, but then made off again and scaled a wall into a yard,” continued Ms Bradley.

Police found him crouched in the yard trying to hide, and £335 worth of the chains were recovered.

“That theft from the jewellers just shows the state he was in at the time,” added Mr Burke.

Concerns about his welfare led to Clamp being taken to Borders General Hospital after he told officers he had taken Valium.

Clamp admitted possession of diazepam at the hospital.

“In the treatment room, he lifted his hand to his mouth and coughed, dropping a blue tablet into his hand,” said Ms Bradley.

He also pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct at the BGH, shouting and swearing, with handcuffs and leg restraints having to be used.

Clamp told police: “I took a hissy fit.”

He was also banned from driving for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to driving a car while unfit through drink or drugs at the Shell Garage, Edinburgh Road, and on the A68, both at Jedburgh; the A6091 at Melrose; and B6360 at Abbotsford on March 21. He also drove without insurance and without L plates, when only a provisional licence holder.

The prosecutor told the court that Clamp stopped for petrol at 1am and asked for tape to repair extensive damage to his car which he said had been caused by a deer. As he paid for his fuel, it was noted his hands were shaking and he was slurring his words.

Police stopped the car some 20 minutes later after it was seen crossing the road centre line. No alcohol was detected in a specimen provided by Clamp, but he told officers: “I’ve had a couple of joints and I’m totally stoned”.

A 16-year-old was heard screaming and crying after being attacked in the street.

The assault happened after the victim laughed when Claire Condie shouted to get her “some glow”.

Condie, 24, of Blair Avenue, Jedburgh, admitted blocking the woman’s path, pulling her hair and pulling her to the ground, and striking her repeatedly on the head, all to her injury, at Howden Road, Jedburgh, on November 2 last year.

The teenager was taken to Borders General Hospital by ambulance suffering from scratches to her right ear, a lump to the right of her forehead, redness under her eye, tenderness to the back of her head and a sore neck.

Prosecutor Graham Fraser told Jedburgh Sheriff Court last Friday that the victim had been chatting to a friend when the accused and a male friend shouted from a nearby block of flats. “Initially, she was asking how long the local shop was open, and was told until 10pm,” said Mr Fraser, adding: “She then called to her to get her some glow, which I understand to be cannabis.”

The 16-year-old had laughed at the request and continued her conversation.

Shortly after, Condie appeared beside her and wouldn’t let her past. She then grabbed her hair and pulled her to the ground, and struck her several times to the head.

“People nearby heard screaming and crying and went to her assistance,” added Mr Fraser.

When police spoke to Condie, she told officers: “I went for her because she was getting cheeky.”

Ross Dow, defending, said his client committed the crime at a time when she was misusing drugs, but was now making good progress.

On a further complaint, Condie admitted stealing a bottle of lorazepam tablets from a house at Wellington Court, Hawick, on October 31 last year.

Mr Fraser said the accused had stolen the medication from the home of a 47-year-old woman after being left alone in her living room, adding: “She told police she had taken them and consumed them.”

Sentence was deferred for six months on both complaints.

CANNABIS CRIME

A woman involved in the supply of cannabis told police she committed the offence to fund her own habit.

Maryanne Kellagher, 36, of Burnhead Road, Hawick, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis at her home on February 22.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, told the hearing: “She said she was involved in the supply to largely fund her own habit.”

A number of items consistent with drug possession and supply were found during a search of her home.

Mr Fraser said the total amount of cannabis found was 57gm – “That would have realised between £300 to £700 on the street,” he explained.

Kellagher’s solicitor, Ed Hulme, said no money was found in the house, describing Kellagher as “the lowest line in the chain of supply”. He added: “She distributed some cannabis on behalf of another so that she could take some for herself. She finds cannabis useful in alleviating symptoms of a medical condition.”

Sentence was deferred for six months.”

SENTENCE DEFERRED

Natasha Murray admitted shouting and struggling violently with her partner at a house in Beech Avenue, Galashiels, on May 28.

The offence happened during the early hours of the morning after he left her sleeping on a couch and went to bed.

“She remonstrated loudly and it then became a physical struggle during which his T-shirt was ripped,” explained prosecutor Tessa Bradley.

Police found Murray, 23, of Wilderhaugh, Galashiels, in an agitated state and she was taken to the town’s police station.

Iain Burke, defence solicitor, said Murray’s partner was present in court and wished to resume the relationship.

Sentence was deferred until August 19.

COCAINE POSSESSION

Possession of cocaine cost David Mitchell a £300 fine.

Mitchell, 21, of Thornfield Avenue, Selkirk, was found with £10 worth of the class A drug by officers on duty at Melrose rugby sevens.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said police noticed the accused appeared “nervous, stuttering and not making eye contact” when they approached.

When searched, white powder in a wrap was found in his jeans pocket.

Mitchell’s solicitor said his client had a small quantity of the drug for his personal use and the offence had proved “a salutary lesson” to his client, who admitted possession of cocaine at High Cross Avenue, Melrose, on April 13.

HOMOPHOBIC REMARKS TRIAL

A Jedburgh man who denied making offensive gestures and uttering homophobic remarks in a pub will stand trial on October 17.

Douglas Lightbody, 49, of Forthill Avenue, pleaded not guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at the Jedburgh Arms, Abbey Place, Jedburgh, on May 12. An intermediate hearing was set for September 20.

SEXUAL OFFENCE ALLEGATION

A 36-year-old Selkirk man appeared in private, charged on petition with committing a sexual offence in the Borders.

Turan Maybasilgan made no plea or declaration, the case was continued for further examination of the evidence and he was bailed.

HEROIN OFFENDER

When police spotted Robert Yule at a bus stop and thought he was acting suspiciously, they stopped to speak to him.

As officers approached, Yule ran off, but was traced shortly after.

Yule, 36, of Croft Road, Kelso, pleaded guilty to possessing heroin at Marmion Road, Galashiels, on May 17. He was fined £300.

“He is ashamed and annoyed at his own stupidity,” explained defence solicitor Iain Burke.

The lawyer added: “He was offered a bargain and stupidly took it.”

This year’s March Riding and Beltane Queen Festival at Peebles began as it has done for seven decades in the open air ruins of an ancient church.

Sunday’s service saw the Reverend Malcolm Jefferson installed as Warden of the Cross Kirk. He went on to lead an ecumenical service that saw the festival on its way.

Peebles Silver Band led the procession from the Chambers Institution on the High Street to the kirkyard. This was once a neglected part of the history of Peebles until a local GP, Dr Clement Bryce Gunn, took matters in hand. He persuaded the town to tidy the ruins to be proud of the history that had been created within its walls.

And in 1930 he became the first Warden of the Cross Kirk and gave it a new place in the annuls of Peebles. He held the post until 1933 when he died and the honour is now swapped each year between one of the local clergy.

This year’s warden is the Rev. Malcolm Jefferson of St Andrews Leckie linked with Lyne and Manor.

The former youth and community worker is married to Hannah and they live in Peebles with their children Samual, 6, three-year-old Millie. He was installed by out-going Warden, Nancy Norman.

He took as his theme, “God’s undeserved kindness and joyful celebration”, and began by reflecting on the spring night when he was introduced to the town as warden.

He commented: “It was fun – I was invited to a party at the rugby club and received a nice surprise. I had a place reserved for me at the top table. I got myself seated and just when I was about to buy a drink, one of the ex-cornets offered to buy it for me. In fact the ex-cornets serve the principals all evening, without expecting you to get the next round. That’s not something that often happens in Scotland – we’re not always known as the most generous people! It was an experience of undeserved kindness and that got me thinking about a parable that Jesus told about a party”

Mr Jefferson spoke about the parable of the banquet (Luke 14:15-24) in which distinguished guests were invited to a party that a VIP was throwing and all made poor excuses why they couldn’t attend. In the parable, the host then invites a guests that other people would normally look down upon and treated to a wonderful banquet and party.

He concluded: “God is throwing a party, are you going to come? He is reaching out to bless and be good to this world and every community, including this community. The question is, will we receive Him?

“I hope that this will be a week full of joy and celebration and that the community will be blessed.”

The principals were escorted back to the Chambers Institute by the Silver Band and the halberdiers.

Reports such as “Eight out of 10 children don’t know milk comes from cows” or “Six out of 10 children think bananas grow in Britain” are familiar enough, emphasising the ever-increasing disconnection between farm and consumer.

Less publicised are the efforts, local and national, that are made by farmers and their organisations to try to close that gap.

Two valiant local efforts have been made recently. One, now a regular event, by Glendale show organisers at their Wooler site, the second by the Border Union Agricultural Society at Kelso.

In total, the two hands-on days gave about 3,000 children the chance to see what farmers do and the importance of farming to rural life and food supplies.

At national level, over the next four days, more than 25,000 children are expected at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, in several hundred school parties. The range of activities provided at the show by the Royal Highland Educational Trust is wide, with a main aim to improve “childrens’ food literacy”. That is, to teach them, as entertainingly as possible, about where much of their food comes from and how good it can be.

It is quite possible that such educational activity days for thousands of children might also spark for some the idea of a career in farming.

Over the years I’ve met a number of people who battled their way into farming from non-farming backgrounds after their interest was kindled by a rural holiday or farm visit. They realised quickly that there was more to farm work and prospects than appealing lambs and chicks on clean straw or shavings, but persevered, a number doing the farming equivalent of working their way through army ranks to become farmers in their own right.

Others have reached influential positions in research, science and administration, providing the outside, broader, views that the too-often insular world of farming needs. It’s a message that can’t be repeated often enough that the most determined and persistent can make their way as new entrants – and it was repeated recently by the head of Askham Bryan agricultural college, Liz Philp.

Her claim that 60,000 new faces would be needed in farming over the next decade might be pitching it strong, but her basic suggestion was correct, as was her warning when speaking at the North Sheep event that practical knowledge and a good education would not be enough. She said: “You also have to raise your horizons and see how the rest of the world is farming because that’s where a lot of good ideas come from.”

She also dealt with something I’ve mentioned several times recently, the important place women have, and should see recognised more, in farming: “Girls coming to our college are good – they have the practical skills, the education and the ability to farm and should get the chance to.

“If the succession to the throne can change, so can the succession to the family farm.”

Brave words, and there are just enough female farmers to prove Ms Philp is correct. But if we’re talking about the likelihood of the farming establishment changing its mind before royalty accepts change it might not only be a close-run thing, eternity might come into the reckoning.

Scottish farming leaders met Defra minister Owen Paterson last week to press the case for Scotland in the final lead-in to CAP reform decisions being made.

NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller and other top union officials met the minister to reiterate Scottish priorities yet to be addressed in concluding discussions between the EU Commission, EU Parliament and member state governments via the EU Council.

Union officials said there remained “deep concerns” about some aspects of greening and the option to use coupled support to help stop the decline in Scotland’s livestock sector.

Stow farmer Mr Miller said: “The flexibility we so desperately seek for our arable farmers has still not been achieved, so we impressed emphatically on Mr Paterson the need to ensure that our limited arable acres will not be devalued by an inappropriate EU straitjacket.

“We re-emphasised the importance of targeting coupled support to producers hit hardest by the move to an area-based payment system.

“We shall reconvene with Mr Paterson and his agriculture minister David Heath at the Royal Highland Show, and continue our close and frequent contact with Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead and his staff too.

“However, as CAP negotiations evolve almost by the day, every opportunity to discuss or impress our key issues face-to-face is invaluable.”

Scotland’s biggest agricultural show, the four-day Royal Highland Show, takes place next Thursday when local farmers, horse owners and other producers often take home their fair share of the ribbons.

Health worker Daniel Williamson found the perfect prescription for happiness last night when he was installed as Peebles Cornet.

Also installed was Cornet’s Lass Susan Thomson, a fellow health worker at the Sick Children’s Hospital in Edinburgh.

The ceremony took place on a podium in front of the imposing Parish Church where 2012 Cornet Cameron Young returned – some might say reluctantly – the cherished burgh standard which had been in his custody for the past year.

Daniel and Susan were installed by Beltane chairman Ex-Cornet Alastair Dodds.

And it was a beaming Susan who displayed Daniel’s ribbons to a crowd of Gutterbluids and Stooriefits before bussin’ the standard with much majesty and style.

Looking on was Beltane Queen Rianna Sterricks, a primary seven pupil from Kingsland school, whose Red Letter day is on Saturday when she will be crowned by Theresa Hindhaugh on the steps of the Parish Church.

But last night was about the Cornet’s Canter and the Riding of the Marches of the Royal Burgh.

Prince Charles and Camilla may have just paid a visit to the town – but this is Beltane week, this is a week for Cornet and Queen, for Wardens of the Cross Kirk and Neidpath, for Crowing Ladies and for proclamations of ancient fairs and rights. It is a week when Peebles opens its arms even wider than normal in invitation– come ower the hills tae Peebles.

That invitation was accepted by many last night as Peebles wrote yet another page into its illustrious history book.

And leading from the front were Cornet and Lass, Danial and Susan and their supporters .

With the flag fluttering, the marches were ridden. On the way there was the traditional stop at Neidpath Castle where the Cornet and his immediate entourage were welcomed by this year’s Warden of Neidpath James Moffat.

Standing at the castle doors high above the low-running Rover Tweed, he welcome one and all.

Neidpath was no stranger to James. For more than 30 years he has been a maintenance officer with Wemyss and March Estate – and his charges included this ancient keep.

In his address he talked of the many changes that have taken place in Peebles. Mr Moffat told the gathering: “It is good to see Renwick and Weir still going strong; sadly like mills of the town quite a few of the firms have closed. Grandison the joiners, Shortreed the plumber, Clyde the builder and Vannans the painter, to name but a few, but it is good to see Mitchells the painter and Renwick and Weir and Grandison the plasterer still going and willing to take on apprentices to pass down their skills.The high street has seen many changes since I was a boy. We shop online, bank online, pay bills online and we talk online. Sadly these are a sign of the times and the computer age.

“Do we see kids on the street playing? They are all too busy on the computer. I feel these days may be long gone.”

Mr Moffat spoke of his love of football and praised the army of volunteers who assisted, not only, with football, but many other activities. But he also urged more to come forward.

For Cornet and Lass it was time to rejoin the cavalcade. Tweed and Cuddy were forded and the chases took place on the edge of the golf course.

Later the reel was danced outside the Tontine Hotel. For many the night was yet young.

The Tweed Valley Ospreys Project (TVOP) is 10 years old this year. And Friends of Kailzie Wildlife has won Awards for All cash to create a book about the work with Innerleithen schoolchildren the same age as the project.

The £8,650 will go towards producing 10,000 coffee table style books with professional photographs and written by the 10-year-old children of St Ronan’s Primary School.

Project officer Diane Bennett said: “It is a really exciting project to work on and the kids have thrown themselves fully into it. I have been delighted at how much they have learnt about the Tweed Valley Ospreys already.”

Diane is working with the Primary 4 and 5 pupils in the school.

“They have been out to visit the osprey centre and have been researching all about the ospreys raised each year at the main nest and the ringing records of the chicks, “ she said.

TVOP was set up by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), Kailzie Gardens and RSPB, with support from Scottish Natural to protect nesting ospreys and encourage them to settle and breed in the area.

The project put up artificial nest platforms in safe locations in the late 1990s, hoping ospreys returning on migration would choose them ... and the first pair settled at the main nest 10 years ago.

Cameras were installed and the project worked with Kailzie Gardens, Forestry Commission Scotland and the Tweed Forum to set up two watch centres at Kailzie and Glentress. The first images of the nest were beamed back in April 2004 and last year equipment was upgraded to high definition cameras.

Two of the children involved in the anniversary project will be picked to be at the osprey ringing of the main nest chicks this year.

Copies of the 32-page book will be given free to children at Peeblesshire schools. The remainder will be available from the osprey centres, the library and museum in Peebles and further afield.

Diane said: “The aim of the project is to produce a colour souvenir book to celebrate the conservation success story of Tweed Valley Ospreys and the 10-year anniversary of the ‘main nest’ pair of birds.”

The children will research and produce the artwork, text, timeline and stories for the book, design the cover and suggest a title for the book as a competition.

There will also be an exhibition of all the children’s work later this year and the children hope to produce a film to be shown in the viewing centres.

Diane added: “We want to tell the story of the main osprey pair which have been the ‘stars’ of the live camera which has relayed ‘live’ images to the two osprey watch centres at Glentress Forest and Kailzie Gardens for the past 10 years,” she said.

The book is scheduled for publication next month and set to be launched at the Kailzie Wildlife Festival at the beginning of August.

Diane said: “It’s been all about the Lochgarten and Loch of the Lowes birds, while the ones in the Borders quietly get on and breed, and there are no dramas. It’s high time we celebrate them.”

Get those jobs done with a little help from DIY guru Julia Gray. This week: how to improve the performance and value of wooden windows.

Many period properties (as well as some modern ones) were built with wooden windows, but in more recent decades, replacing them with uPVC ones has been popular.

If, like me, you’re a big fan of wooden windows and less keen on the plastic variety, this can be a home improvement too far, so has wood been unfairly given a bad press?

Now it’s true that wooden windows do need to be maintained – once varnish or paint chips, cracks or flakes off, the wood is vulnerable to the elements. This can lead to rot and if left untreated for long enough, rot will start eating away at the wood, which can be terminal.

uPVC windows can also deteriorate over time, to the point where they look shabby, and while they can be painted, most people don’t. Wooden windows can at least be repaired easily.

Wood is often the only choice available when installing new windows in a listed building, and usually the preferred choice on ‘designated land’, such as conservation areas (ask your local council if in doubt).

In some areas, replacing wooden windows with uPVC ones will devalue your home, while in others, fitting double glazing, which traditionally meant uPVC windows, is advisable, although, of course, wooden windows can be double or even triple glazed.

Modern wooden windows are a great long-term investment. Window frames made by members of the Wood Window Alliance (WWA; www.woodwindowalliance.com), for example, have an estimated service life of 60 years or more when well maintained, which compares very favourably to uPVC.

l Product of the week

When wood gets wet rot, it can seem disastrous, but it’s not hard to treat, especially if you catch it early.

Simply scrape out of the worst of the rot, apply Ronseal Wet Rot Wood Hardener (from £6.98 for 250ml, B&Q) with an old paintbrush and work it in well (drill holes in the wood for deeper penetration).

The hardener dries quickly and turns soft wood rock hard so you can fill on top and make a seamless and long-lasting repair.

Old has never been more in vogue, and giving a home a vintage feel is bang on trend. Gabrielle Fagan digs out two crafty projects to conjure up the bygone era.

If you’re secretly yearning to give your home a charming new look, it’s time to hark back to the past.

Remnants of vintage fabrics, old wallpapers, a little imagination and some basic craft skills are all that’s needed to create the fashionable atmosphere of a bygone age, according to vintage expert Sarah Moore.

Her new book, Vintage Home, is packed with 50 handmade projects, from furniture to decorating, and all the essentials can be cheaply found in places like charity shops, car boot sales, flea markets, house clearances and reclamation yards.

“As you build your collection of thrifty and gorgeous vintage finds, you can customise them and decorate your entire home at a fraction of the cost of buying things new,” she says.

Here are Moore’s tips for vintage style, and a couple of her projects to try.

l Material makeover

Recycle vintage fabrics and use them to make curtains, duvet and cushion covers, or for jazzy details like a new ironing board cover or towel-edging, suggests Moore.

She advises choosing strong materials and washing them in a colour-kind detergent, then ironing them before use.

“Mix and match old fabrics with new. Striped ticking, dyed linen and calico sit really well alongside old fabrics,” she says. “Use them for linings, which will allow your vintage finds to go twice as far.”

l Shop the look: If you can’t face the toil, simply buy a few pieces to give rooms a fast vintage feel. A Lucky Chair, with patchwork effect upholstery, £595, Loaf. (0845 459 9937/www.loaf.com).

Set of four Vintage Flower Print Magnets, £7.50, Hampton Blue (07989 573 171/www.hamptonblue.co.uk). Vintage Cream Cushion (Applique Birds), £13, Home Treats (0845 5577 564/www.home-treats.co.uk).

l Paper it pretty

Rolls of old wallpaper can work wonders pasted onto the interiors of cupboards, or to decorate the risers of wooden stairs, says Moore.

“I have a passion for old wallpapers, from the tiniest scraps which can be made into a patchwork for walls, to the Holy Grail of wallpaper finds – rolls and rolls of one pattern of genuine vintage paper.”

l Beanbag project:

Simple beanbags offer a great way of using up smaller pieces of fabric. You could make parts of the cover out of simple patchwork panels, too, says Moore.

Make the bottom panel out of a hard-wearing fabric so it can withstand wear and tear, she advises.

What you’ll need: Tape measure, paper, pencil and paper scissors for the template. Six panels of upholstery-weight fabric (the size of the beanbag is up to you – they can be square or rectangular and from 50cm square for a child’s size); tailor’s chalk or fabric marker; fabric scissors; six panels of lining fabric (an old sheet or any reclaimed fabric is fine); pins; sewing machine; sewing thread; iron; polystyrene beads to fill the bag (or an old beanbag for reclaimed beans); hand-sewing needle (optional); Velcro strips the same width as the beanbag.

Step one: Choose the size of your beanbag, then make a template for each different shaped face – remember to incorporate your chosen seam allowance. For a square, you will need one template with sides that measure the same. Or, for a rectangular beanbag, first draw the template for the top and bottom panels, then use the measurements for the long and short edges to help you create the other two pieces of your pattern.

Step two: Place fabrics on a table, face down (so that you’re marking the inside of the beanbag), and draw around the pattern pieces using chalk or a fabric marker. Cut out each panel, apart from the one for the base. For this, add 5cm to each of the longer edges to allow for the hem and opening. Cut out this larger panel, too. Repeat the entire process on the lining fabric, but without allowing the extra 5cm on the base panel.

Step three: First, make the lining. Pin the panels together, with the right sides facing, to make a cube. Using your sewing machine, sew along all but one of the edges, removing the pins as you go. Then turn the fabric, so the right sides are out, pushing out the corners into a cube shape. Turn in a hem that is the width of your seam allowance on both sides of the open edge, and iron it into place.

Step four: Carefully pour the polystyrene beads into the cube until it’s nearly full, then pin together the turned-in hems. Machine or hand-sew the opening securely closed.

Step five: To make the outer cube, first lay out the panel with the extra 5cm, longest side towards you, and fold and then cut it in half widthways. Turn over a hem of about 1cm on this newly-cut edge and iron it flat to make a hemmed opening. Sew it into place using the sewing machine. Position the Velcro strips on the bottom of one piece and the top of the other, so when they attach you have created a panel the same size as the other five. Sew them in place using the sewing machine.

Step six: Repeat the pinning and sewing process but, this time, sew all of the seams of your cube. Open the Velcro and turn the cube fabric so the right sides are facing out. Feed in the bean bag and secure the cover shut with the Velcro.

l Bedside tables

“Old apple crates lend themselves well to being transformed into perfect bedside tables,” says Moore. “Add a touch of paint and a little curtain, or go the whole hog, adding a useful interior shelf and even casters.”

What you’ll need: Apple crate or bushel box; masking tape; paint and paintbrushes (optional); tape measure; fabric to make a curtain; fabric scissors; iron; pins; sewing machine; sewing thread; curtain wire and hooks.

Step one: Give the apple crate a good wash and dry. When totally dry, paint thecrate. Chalk paint makes a lovely finish.

Step two: Stand the crate on its end and measure its front opening. Cut a piece of fabric twice the width and about 10cm longer than the length of the opening. Turn over a hem of 1cm on all sides of the fabric, press and pin it in place before sewing all the way around. Turn over a large hem of around 3cm on the top of the curtain to make a channel for the wire. Pin and press that, too, then sew in place, removing the pins as you go.

Screw the little hooks that come with the curtain wire in place. Feed the wire through the double hem and hook the curtain in place.

l Vintage Home by Sarah Moore, photography Debi Treloar, is published by Kyle Books, £17.99. Readers can buy the book at the special price of £14.99 (inc p&p, UK mainland only). Email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk or call 01903 828 503 and quote ref: KB VH/PA.

Christine Grahame has defended her vote to close Peebles Sheriff Court and nine others in an interview with The Southern.

In a debate in Parliament in February 2012, the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP commented: “If the SCS (Scottish Court Service)tried to close Peebles sheriff court, I would say ‘Over my dead body’.”

This week she told us: “At that stage I was unaware that there was going to be presented a piece of legislation with multiple courts on it.

“Last Tuesday, the vote was not on Peebles or Haddington or Cupar courts, but on Peebles and Haddington and Cupar – a whole stream of courts.”

She added that when that proposal was first set out she was ‘determined to build up a ‘B’ plan’ – referring to the creation of a justice centre.

Ms Grahame added that a justice centre was the best she could get for her constituents.

She reiterated that she had fought for court business at Peebles to go to Selkirk instead of Edinburgh, as initially planned.

The MSP said she was hopeful that the ‘positive discussions’ between the council and Scottish Court Service would result in a justice centre being created in Galashiels before 2015, which is when Peebles Sheriff Court will close, adding that it would be ‘the first in Scotland’.

She added that the justice centre would be ‘good news’ for her constituents and ‘good for justice in the Borders’.

There was 500 years of history weighing on Martin Rodgerson’s shoulders, as well as a family tradition ingrained in the Common Riding.

Five centuries since the Battle of Flodden and Fletcher’s show of defiance inspired one of the most eyecatching spectacles of any Borders festival.

And 28-year-old Martin also had to live up to huge expectations, with grandfather George (1950), dad Brian (1980) and uncle Ian (1986) having all held the honour of being Selkirk Standard Bearer.

At times, the emotion of the occasion seemed too much for Martin, such as at The Toll when he gave girlfriend Jayne Andrew the biggest of hugs.

But ultimately, the newsagent for once made the headlines by Casting the Colours in style in front of thousands of Souters and visitors.

With a huge smile on his face in the Town Hall after handing back the Royal Burgh flag, Martin said it would take a few days for him to take it all in.

He told TheSouthern: “I got a brilliant crowd and brilliant attendants to support me.

“The highlight was the Casting. I decided to take my time going up there as you only get one chance to do it and I wanted to do it right.

“It was very windy when you got on the stage but to see everyone up there supporting me was amazing.

“The wind also made it hard when we were up the hill.

“There was a lot of pressure on me to live up to the standards of previous Standard Bearers, but hopefully I lived up to it.

“I think it will be a few days until I realise what I have done.”

As has been the case for centuries, Hail Smiling Morn began with the sound of the flute band at 4am, wakening new Provost David Anderson and Standard Bearer Rodgerson, who insisted he got some sleep ahead of his big day.

Martin admitted to being delighted with the sunny weather conditions, after being drenched last year as attendant to Gavin Henderson in the wettest Common Riding since 1948.

The Act of Remembrance at the town’s War Memorial followed, poignant as ever, before the Silver Band’s first drum and the sound of the Exiles singing Her Bright Smile rang out.

Martin’s long wait to get hold of the Royal Burgh flag on Common Riding day ended at 6.45am on the Victoria Halls balcony and he made the promise to return it unsullied and untarnished.

He, along with attendants Adam Nichol, Greg MacDougall, Thomas Bell, Menzies Haining and Chris Sanders led off the cavalcade of 337 to check the boundaries of the Royal Burgh – 900 years since King David granted Selkirk large amounts of its current land.

Doon the Green they went to the sound of O’ a’ the Airts, and through the low lying River Ettrick.

The riders made the steep climb to the Three Brethern, and came back into the town. Martin, on board Rogan, led the procession back to huge roars from the awaiting crowd at The Toll.

The strength of the wind was evident to the on-foot supporters in the Market Place, as each Standard Bearer struggled in the conditions.

But led by Martin, they did themselves proud – Hammermen (Kieran Riddell), Weavers (David Shiels), Fleshers (Scott McKenzie), Colonial (Robert Mailer Anderson), Merchant Company (Ian Main) and Ex-Soldiers (David Deacon).

David then dipped the flag for the two-minute silence, a moving moment that later prompted a tear from the Ex-Soldiers Standard Bearer.

A video of Martin Rodgerson’s casting can be viewed at thesouthernreporter.co.uk

Well, I’m taking a bit of stick for a vote which will see Peebles Sheriff Court sittings end in 2015.

The courthouse proper closed years ago. Of course what I had to vote for was the ending of sittings in 10 sheriff courts across Scotland, not just Peebles. It was 10 or none at all.

My mind was made up when I heard the evidence of Lord Gill, the Lord President, senior judge in Scotland. When he is telling you that this is the way forward for justice you have to pay heed.

It is my job as a committee member of justice to consider the evidence and vote accordingly. I am not there in my capacity as a constituency member and to use my vote for that purpose would have been an abuse of my position.

In England and Wales dozens of courts are being closed due to cuts. On top of that civil legal aid, which is for people on low incomes to help them in court in, is going in England.

But not in Scotland. And that justice centre is moving forward. So against the cuts – right, left and centre – from the Westminster Tory/Liberal coalition, and more to come, I think Borders justice, which should be about people first rather than places, is being secured.

potholes

Sitting in my Tesco surgeries, all kinds of issues cross my path, from housing problems to potholes.

Here I have sympathy for the council. Just like the Scottish Government, they have less money to move around.

Hard choices are being made about priorities all round and there are more to come.

Ridings

Well, we’ve not had Gala’s Braw Lad and Lass yet, but I’ve been to a few, starting with Penicuik, which is the first.

These are great get-togethers for communities and I love the different colours of the bunting.

My assistants in my Edinburgh parliamentary office are now having to mug up on which colours for which part of the constituency as I have told them it would be heresy to turn up to Gala in Peebles colours. Quite rightly so.

A Parliament cat

A colleague saw three mice toddling about the parly a week or so back. I, too, had seen the mice in the garden lobby area.

Time for a cat, methinks, and so I asked the parliament’s corporate body (four members from four political parties) if we could have one, or even two.

Not surprisingly this imaginative suggestion was rejected, but I was inundated with mouse/cat puns. What a “mousetake” even a “catastrophe”.

However, since my failed campaign, there has not been a mouse seen.

Pumping more than £3million into the local economy and attracting over 13,000 people, the Borders Book Festival is a truly world class standard event.

The Southern was once again proud to be a media sponsor of the festival, which this year could not have gone any better, with glorious weather and plenty of happy, smiling faces by the time it drew to a close on Sunday night.

The fact that the smiles were not just confined to those attending the packed four-day programme of events, but could also be found on the faces of such literary luminaries as Hilary Mantel and Pat Barker, as well as that of actors, Joanna Lumley and Tom Conti, surely says much about the Borders welcome they received.

As festival director Alistair Moffat says, the event’s success shows that here in the Borders we have talented people who can create events and projects to rival anything found elsewhere.

In a few weeks, the results of the near £15m restoration of Abbotsford House will be open to the public and soon we will have our rail link restored.

Moffat is right. We have the people to make things happen. But more of us need to start believing that.

Enough of the ‘ah kent his faither’ and ‘wha’ does he think he is’ mentality. Perhaps once such views helped keep people’s feet on the ground.

But maybe now it’s time to break free of those shackles and fly.