As I write, there’s a discussion on BBC Radio Scotland about whether the novelist Sir Walter Scott is more relevant today than he was at the time he was alive.

I’ve just switched it off. I think Scott wrote long-winded, boring books where the plot meandered aimlessly and characters appeared for a few chapters, took a walk or a carriage ride, and never found their way back.

Many years ago I was given a copy of Rob Roy as a present. It was a paperback edition and the cover was multi-coloured. Rob Roy appeared on that cover. And that was the last I saw of him until I was halfway through the book. Rob, Rob, wherefore art thou Rob? Sorry, wrong boring author.

To those who think Scott is wonderful – and there are many – my feelings are about his works, not against the man, who had many commendable attributes. And I admit I have read few of his works because of my dislike at the few I have read. Biographies of the man are much more interesting. And some of his poems are truly inspiring.

I once dressed as a woman – complete with stockings, suspenders and a black bra – and displayed myself through the streets of my hometown.

There, that got your attention back. I hasten to add that I was part of a crowd from the sadly-defunct Royal Hotel who entered the Braw Lads’ Gathering fancy dress parade as a team of St Trinian’s hockey players. Pat and her staff at the Royal really went to town with the make-up and wigs, and we played hockey in front of a crowd of thousands outside the General Post Office.

What’s this got to do with Wattie Scott, you ask? Well, the man from Abbotsford is credited with turning Scotland into a must-do tourist destination. He did it through his books and his love of all things tartan.

Actually, I think he invented the fancy dress parade. When George IV decided that Scotland was actually part of the royal patch and condescended to visit in 1822, his chief wardrobe master was no other than Sir Walter. The bulky monarch was dressed in kilt, plaid, feather bonnet and – wait for it – pink tights. He was painted in that outfit, although later artists took both the tights and a few pounds off him. But, hats off to Walter, the tradition of the fancy dress parade was established.

And over the years it has given delight to children and adults alike. Never more so than during our summer of fun in the Borders.

Last night James Moffat, a worthy of Peebles, was installed as Warden of Neidpath. In his address he spoke of pleasure and hilarity he, his children and his grandchildren have enjoyed at the Beltane fancy dress parade.

He recommended it to everyone.

He said: “If, like me all those years ago, you feel a bit shy and awkward, don’t, because there will be some great banter among fellow entrants.”

Thousands of adults and children will dress up this year, mostly in homemade costumes, and there will be much fun in what can sometimes be a pretty gloomy world.

Sir Walter, I forgive you, your works and thank you for the fancy dress parade.

There has always been something faintly ridiculous about zombies. Vampires are the same. Undead? What’s that? Payday for makeup artists?

From the innovative credits to the emotive ending, World War Z comes from another dimension. This is film making of the highest order. As thrillers go, you are unlikely to watch better this year.

Brad Pitt deserves much of the credit. He co-produced and plays the lead with a commitment and authority that may surprise you, although shouldn’t, because his acting skills have been superseded for so long by celebrity who-ha and the whole Brangelina thing.

Z’s plot hits hard from the opening – a traffic jam in downtown Phily – and never eases off.

Explanations are blown away by the speed of this global catastrophe. No-one knows why. No-one knows what to do.

“The president is dead. The VP is missing.”

News breaks like a storm.

“We’ve lost Boston.”

A viral strain of rabies? No one can say for sure why hordes of infected humans have changed into crazed beasts, famished for the kill.

Pitt plays a UN investigator who is thrown into the front line, leaving his wife and young daughters on a warship in the Atlantic.

As nations are overcome by what might have been a pandemic, but is more horrific and visible – these zombies are not goofy, drooling idiots, but raving wolverines – fear spreads like wildfire.

Somewhere, somehow, a vaccine must be found. Somewhere, somehow, there has to be an answer.

Pitt’s character is resourceful and courageous without being a superhero.

His connection with family is central to his motivation. Unlike modern disaster movies, CGI is used with discretion and, for once, 3-D helps.

Marc Forster’s direction has a surety and a confidence that silences nit pickers.

Words such as “absurd” and “fanciful” are as dead as yesterday.

“Mother Nature is a serial killer,” someone says, and it doesn’t sound cheesy at the time because the action smashes through the walls of scepticism and hijacks your logical mind.

Let the terror take you, but, remember, don’t stop breathing.

Anyone going to the Heart of Hawick tonight expecting a retro evening with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner will be sorely disappointed.

Snow is no longer falling on this particular mountain top in Africa. Or maybe it is. Who knows? More to the point, the weather’s fine in France.

There is a connection to Tanzania, but only as the promise of a holiday, air flights, tickets bought for Michel (Jean-Pierre Darroussin) and Marie Claire (Ariane Ascaride), 30 years married and still in love, after he has been made redundant from the shipyard.

The film is a slow burner.

Just when you think it is about retirement, how to cope, or not, a horrific act occurs in Michel and Marie Claire’s home.

Two men, wearing balaclavas and carrying guns, break into their kitchen, beat them up and scream in their faces, wanting credit cards and pin numbers. The violence is piercing and their lives are altered by it.

When Michel discovers that one of the perpetrators of this shocking crime is a young man from the shipyard who lost his job at the same time as he, his attitude changes, as does that of Marie Claire. They begin to question his motive, why this workmate could conceive of stealing from a loyal trade union official, like Michel.

Slowly, independently, they learn about the thief’s circumstances, abandoned by a father he never knew and a mother who couldn’t care less, trying to support two younger brothers so that they won’t be split up, or taken away by social services.

The film works, it works beautifully, due to strong, natural performances from Ascaride and Darroussin, and writer/director Robert Guediguian’s emotionally honest and unsentimental style. The only false note, for those who suffer cynicism as a medical condition, is that the brothers are ridiculously good looking and well behaved.

Let’s get a couple of things straight from the start. This is not a rom-com about middle class shoplifters, neither is it a smash ’n’ grab action overload, starring The Rock. Instead, it confronts a serious defect in the American judicial system, “based on real events.”

Despite the appearance of Susan Sarandon, as a tough, ambitious US attorney, Ric Roman Waugh’s film cannot be passed over as political activism. It may expose an anomaly in the war against drugs, but is not in any shape or form a boring message movie.

Jason is a typical teenager, living with mom, not doing much, hardly seeing dad who runs a successful transport business. When his best friend asks him to accept a parcel of ecstasy pills and hang onto it for a day as a favour, he sort of says yes. It turns out to be a sting and the FBI grab him. He faces 10-30 years for possession unless he can give them the name of his dealer, in which case the sentence is reduced to 12-15 months.

Jason refuses, at which point Dad steps in and makes his own arrangement with the US attorney. If he can bring in a genuine hardcore dealer, one working with the Mexican cartels, Jason walks. What crazy justice is this, you may well ask. It’s called The Federal Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws, which means if you snitch on your mates you get a slap on the wrist and if you don’t you rot behind bars until you’re too old to remember why you’re there. The film is made with integrity. The action and stunts don’t exceed the boundaries of possibility. You feel the tension as Jason’s dad digs ever deeper into the paranoid world of the racially exclusive dark end of the street. Dwayne Johnson’s performance is far removed from his usual big-muscles-talk roles (Fast & Furious 6, G.I.Joe: Retaliation). He is excellent and the film deserves higher praise than it may receive.

ANCRUM

Wood show

Furniture-makers’ collective Real Wood Studios is getting ready for a summer celebration of locally-produced furniture and crafts. The works of resident craftsmen Stephen Finch, Ross Ketteridge, Graham Murdoch, Graeme Murray, Anna Nichols, Neil Norris and Alasdair Wallace will be on show. The Real Wood Studios showroom will also be presenting selected works from the Reivers Moon Gallery, including Ruth Johnston, Michael Booth, John Martin, Jean Haldane, Mary Goulden, Ann Smith, Sue Evans, and Smitten and Sandy Jarvis. Also exhibiting are CorraStar Designs and Kenny Scott – Caddon Design. The show runs from July 6-21, with opening times Monday-Saturday (9am-4pm) and Sunday (10am-3pm).

Bonchester

Exhibition

Hamilton-based Banks Renewables is staging an exhibition about its proposed Birneyknowe Wind Farm, near Bonchester, today (Thursday) at Tower Mill in Kirkstile, Hawick. The event runs from 3-7pm.

Bowden

WRI

Members enjoyed a summer outing to Edinburgh, comprising a tour around the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, followed by tea at the Royal Museum.

Exhibition

Bowden Village Committee is holding a Pant Well Restoration Exhibition on June 22 (10.30am-4pm) in the village hall. The event is a showcase of the Pant Well – past, present and future. On display will be a range of images, materials and information on the heritage of the Pant Well, its significance in Bowden’s history and recent restoration. Also showing will be Newtown Primary School’s project (including a visual display) on the Pant Well. There will be a free, guided Restoration Ramble (no dogs)at 1.30pm to walk the water courses on the common that fed the original Pant Well supply. Meet at the Pant Well in the village square at 1.20pm. Stout waterproof footwear is advised.

EARLSTON

Paths Group

The Paths Group’s annual general meeting will be held on June 25 at 7pm in the Black Bull Inn.

Coffee morning

The Earlston branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland women’s section is holding a coffee morning in aid of ex-servicemen’s charities in Hanover Close on June 22 (10am-noon).

Auld Earlston

The first annual general meeting will be held in the Red Lion function suite on June 25 at 7pm.

Church

The June 23 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods and Sunday school will finish until August 18. After the service, refreshments will be served before the congregational walks. Two are available – a longer one through Speedies Wood to Drygrange Orchard and back, or around the river and haugh, then back to the church hall. Picnics can be left in the hall before walkers go. A session meeting will be held on June 26 at 7.30pm in the church. The Civic Week service on June 30 will be in the marquee at 10.15am.

hawick

Exhibition

Hamilton-based Banks Renewables is staging an exhibition about its proposed Birneyknowe Wind Farm, near Bonchester, today (Thursday) at Tower Mill in Kirkstile. The event runs from 3-7pm.

Rotary

It was down to business at last week’s club meeting when, after dinner, members convened into their various committees. Ideas and plans were discussed and formulated for the new Rotary year which starts in July, and these would be presented to the club assembly in two weeks’ time.

Innerleithen

Service

The next service in Innerleithen Church will be on June 30 at 10.30am.

Jedburgh

WRI rally

Jedburgh Town Hall was the setting for the Roxburghshire federation WRI spring rally. Denholm butcher Drew Lauder and chef Robbie Bunton, Woll, Ashkirk, gave the ladies a taste of what is available and how economically it could be cooked, using only hot plates. Robbie created dishes in easy time, giving some good ideas. Drew talked about how he sources his meat and what he looks for to get the best. Joyce Tinlin sang, accompanied by Drew Gibb. Competition winners – fruit loaf – Caroline Tullie (Newmill and Teviothead); three dropped scones – Helen Cessford (Morebattle); scissor case – Kath Runciman (Langshaw); child’s jumper – Ann Reid (Minto); arrangement in a jug – Mary Pringle (Morebattle); table decoration – Gweyn Williamson (Midlem); Ann Wallace sugar sifter competition (four gypsy creams) – Joan Duncan (Makerstoun). Judges were Marjory Tennant, Jean Guthrie and Alison Blackadder.

Kelso

Bridge club

Results fromKelso Bridge Club’s annual congress held at the racecourse on June 9 – pairs competition – 1, Bett and Norman Morrison; 2, Marjorie and Harry Dooley; 3, Maureen McMillan and Jennifer Marshall; 4, Marian and John Miller. Swiss teams – 1, Margaret Morton, Ian Morton, Bett Morrison, Norman Morrison; 2, Liz Barr, Ritchie Thompson, Margaret Anderson, Anne Harvard; 3, Annie Mitchell, Bob Stevenson, John Hayton, Lee Leeson. Club nights – June 12 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Sheena McPherson and Sheila Urquhart; 2, John and Marian Miller; 3, Jim and Mary Stone; E/W – 1, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 2, Archie Stewart and Billy Potts; 3, Ian and Eliz Ross; June 13 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Archie Stewart and Sheila Urquhart; 2, Jim Stone and Annie Mitchell; 3, James Tweddle and Ernie Hopkins; E/W – 1, John and Marian Miller; 2, Alison Darling and Mary Logan; 3, Nancy Porter and Jock Dun.

Market

A farmers’ market will be held on June 22 in Kelso Square, running from 9am until 1.30pm.

AGM

The AGM of futureKELSO will be held at 7pm on June 27 in the Abbey Row Centre – all welcome to this open meeting.

Sale

See Yetholm section.

LANGHOLM

Probus

The club met in the Eskdale Hotel last week when president Jim Thomson welcomed 23 members, along with guest Eric Hislop. Members were reminded that the AGM is on July 3, to be followed by the 30 years commemorative lunch. The annual outing is to Ocean Terminal, Leith, on August 14. The cost is £12 and is open to members of the public. The president introduced the guest speaker, Nick Rodger, who was born and brought up in the town and is golf correspondent for the Glasgow-based Herald. He gave a light-hearted and able talk on his life and experiences as a sports correspondent. He spoke of his school days when he first became interested in journalism, reporting for the Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser on junior league football and at college he continued reporting on this sport. One of his friends heard that a reporting agency was looking for a sports reporter, so he applied and got the post. Much to his horror he was assigned the task of golf reporting, a sport on which he had never written. He obviously developed a flair for the sport and remained as an agency golf reporter for 10 years, submitting copy to numerous newspapers under various pen names. When a vacancy came up at The Herald, he applied and gained the post as golfing correspondent. A vote of thanks was given by Harry Aitken.

Fete

The primary school fete – run by the teachers, children and parents – raised £1,072. The money will help towards subsidising transport costs for trips to such as the theatre and sports events. Throwing the wet sponge at school staff proved popular.

Ride-out

An extra ride-out is being organised by the Castle Craigs Club in the lead-up to this year’s Common Riding – a pony ride on July 10 – and with the young riders’ club having been run in the town over the past few years, it should prove popular.

Lauder

Historical society

Gwen Hardie will give an illustrated talk about Thomas the Rhymer on Wednesday at 7.30pm in Lauder Youth Trust Hall. Further details from Joan Stevens (01578 722559).

LEGERWOOD

Choir

The parish church welcomes back the Andante Chamber Choir on June 29 (7.30pm).

mELROSE

The kirkin’

The tribute to the town’s fallen of two world wars by the Melrosian’s laying of a wreath on the Weirhill preceded the kirkin’. There will be services on June 23 at Bowden (9.30am) and Weirhill (11am), plus a midweek service on June 26 followed by lunch.

Trimontium

The Architectural/Archaeological Society of Northumberland and Durham was the latest group to visit Melrose on the sunny Saturday of the Borders Book Festival, with both pipers and a string orchestra playing in the Square. The Thursday Trimontium Walk had also been blessed with decent weather and this year’s Roman soldier at the Trimontium Stone on the Saturday had come in for a fitting of his uniform. Preparations continued for the installation of the 228 silver denarii of the Synton Hill hoard in the museum after the children’s Welcoming Exhibition at Melrose primary school tomorrow (Friday). Today’s (Thursday) Trimontium Walk leaves at 1.30pm from the square.

Morebattle

Coffee morning

The coffee morning for institute funds raised £390.

Fishing

Winner of Morebattle fishing competition was Brian McNulty, with Drew Gibson runner-up. Tieing for third spot were Stuart McNulty and Colin Cessford.

Sale

See Yetholm section.

OXNAM

Oxnam Owls

The Owls held their annual charity event when Quintessence entertained a packed hall with music and songs, and this was followed by supper. As a result of this event the Owls are able to give a donation of £500 to the Borders Children’s Charity. First prize in the raffle – a hamper – was won by Jane Douglas.

Selkirk

Christian Aid

The final total for money collected from Selkirk and the Valleys for Christian Aid was £2,246.13.

St Boswells

WRI

Rural members enjoyed a meal at The Gordon Arms in Gordon. At the H&H rally, held in Jedburgh Town Hall, members enjoyed success in various competitions – Rose Cameron clinched third place for her pancakes and flowers in a milk jug, while Janet Irons took the runner-up for her gypsy cream biscuits. On Friday, June 28, the rural members will be holding a whist drive in St Boswells village hall at 7.30pm.

STOW

Fitness

Galawater Health and Fitness Club’s last session before the summer break is on Wednesday, June 26. Classes resume in the Town Hall (1-2pm) on Wednesday, August 14.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on July 7 at 10.30am.

Walkerburn

Service

Walkerburn Festival Sunday service starts at 10.30am on June 23.

Yetholm

Kirk

The church summer dance and supper takes place at Springwood in Kelso on Friday (June 21). Anyone without a ticket and wanting to go should contact any church official. The spring coffee morning was enjoyed by those attending, but numbers were disappointing. The event coincided with the Yetholm Hill Walking Weekend and this clash should be avoided in future.

Peace march

Yetholm was on the route of the a peace march from Iona to London via Lindisfarne. Local walkers met the marchers as they made their way along the Back Ditches.

Sports day

Now that there is no football club and the archery sessions have been discontinued, coupled with the fact that the pavilion is out of action, the village playing field is not being used as it should be. It was therefore refreshing for villagers to see and hear the local primary schoolchildren enjoying their annual sports afternoon.

Concert

Taking part in a concert – the opening event of Festival Week – was singer Anne Renshaw from Edinburgh. It turned out that she used to live in the village. Her father, Jim Stirling, was the local policeman and the family lived in the police station, now the village post office. Anne will be singing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Wednesday, August 14.

Yellow and green

There could be no doubt about the Yetholm Festival colours – Main Street was ablaze with yellow and green. This ranged from the bunting to the decoration of the Bari Manushi’s house, to the new Festival Week flag flying throughout – even above the new butcher’s shop.

Sale

The Great Borders Summer DVD, CD and Book Sale will be held on Town Yetholm Green on June 22, running from 9am until 1pm, raising funds for summer activities for the young people of Morebattle, Yetholm and Kelso. Donations are still needed and can be left at Yetholm and Morebattle primary schools, Greenbank (next door to the Yetholm village shop) and Seasons in Roxburgh Street, Kelso.

A busy year for Caddonfoot Youth (formerly Sunday school) ended with the annual prize-giving and presentation in the church.

Youngsters studied the Old and New Testaments, raised £220 for Christian Aid’s Count Your Blessings project, including a baking stall, while they also sang songs, listened to stories and watched DVDs, among other things. The presentations ended with a “Bridge Too Far” from Catherine and Georgie Bird.

Others involved throughout the year were Alex Bird and James Macfarlane, along with other children, who were thanked for their efforts as well as the leaders, Trina Bird and Clare Macfarlane.

Last Sunday, Father’s Day, the service was conducted by Roy Owen and the lessons read by Jim Hayes.

Tributes were paid to the late elder, John Gebbie, at his funeral service conducted by the Reverend Haisley Moore when the lessons were read by Lord Steel.

The congregational board met on Thursday and the vacancy committee meets tomorrow (Friday).

June 23 sees a joint service in Trinity Church for the Kirkin’ of the Braw Lad. There will not be a service in Caddonfoot.

Pre-school children from Galashiels nurseries and playgroups held their teddy bears’ picnic last Tuesday when more than £100 was raised for Aberlour Options, St Boswells.

The photograph shows the cheque being presented to Jane Pringle, assistant manager at Aberlour Options, by one of the teddy bears.

Gala Fairydean have lost their third manager in less than a year, with the resignation of John O’Hara.

The Edinburgh coach was appointed in April but following a meeting at Netherdale last night, O’Hara has left the club along with almost all the players he had signed for next season, including captain Geri Rossi.

Stevie Noble, who led Gala Rovers to three trophies last season, will takeover as manager.

A statement from Gala Fairydean said: “At a meeting of the Gala Fairydean FC committee in the Netherdale clubrooms on Wednesday, June 19, it was agreed to appoint Steven Noble as first team manager for the forthcoming 2013-14 season.

“This follows the decision of John O’Hara to resign from the position with immediate effect.

“Gala Fairydean want to thank John for all his efforts in the past few months helping the club through a difficult period and wish him every success in the future.

“Steven is a former Gala Fairydean player, while also having spells with East of Scotland League sides

Selkirk and Vale of Leithen,

“Latterly he has been manager of Gala Rovers who won the Border Amateur A League last season.

“Steven has exciting plans for the future of football in Galashiels and is looking forward to taking the club

into the newly-formed Lowland League which will ultimately give Gala the opportunity of moving up

to senior football level.”

The club holds its AGM tomorrow where its amalgamation with Gala Rovers is expected to be confirmed.

Earlier this week, Gala Fairydean Rovers were admitted to the Lowland League for next season, with Gala Rovers applying to tonight’s Border Amateur League AGM to also change their name.

But the club could also apply to enter a side in the East of Scotland League when the association holds its AGM next Thursday.

One player said O’Hara was the best coach they had worked with, but there was also concern at Netherdale with the fitness of some of his signings.

A bus firm is to create 20 jobs at a new St Boswells base after winning contracts worth £10.4million with Scottish Borders Council.

But Perryman’s gain is Munro’s loss, with the Jedburgh company retaining just one of 10 services it currently runs following the retendering process at Newtown.

The root-and-branch review means the Berwick business will hold five key routes from August 12, including the Jedburgh/Kelso to Edinburgh and Jedburgh to Galashiels services presently provided by Munro’s.

Roddy Perryman, operations manager of Perryman’s, said: “We are recruiting in preparation for the opening of a central Borders depot in late July. We are in the process of securing a site in the St Boswells area.

“Around 20 jobs will be created, most of which will be involved in the running of our recently-awarded SBC local bus services contracts.”

Colin Douglas, the council’s passenger transport manager, added that Perryman’s recruitment process would “take on local drivers who may be displaced from companies who currently hold the contracts”, with First also losing a Galashiels to Berwick service to the Northumberland firm.

In January, Munro’s was stripped of its operating licence by Scotland’s Deputy Traffic Commissioner following a public inquiry, which found it guilty of loaning vehicle discs to a Dalkeith bus company in 2011.

The company unsuccessfully appealed the decision, but were awarded a new licence in a separate hearing.

SBC’s renewal of the contracts follows a consultation exercise with bus users that led to recommendations on what services are needed for the future.

New providers of Scottish Borders Council bus contracts from Monday, August 12

Jedburgh-Hawick (Monday to Friday 5.05pm) - Peter Hogg

Jedburgh-Hawick (Monday to Friday 6.20am) - First

Jedburgh-Hawick (Saturday 1.45pm) - Peter Hogg

Hawick-Jedburgh (Saturday 5.29pm) - Peter Hogg

Kelso-Hawick (Sundays) - Perryman’s

Jedburgh Town Service - tbc

Berwick-Hutton-Swinton - Travelsure

Berwick-Eyemouth-Reston-Duns - Travelsure

Chirnside-Eyemouth - Travelsure

Hawick Town Service - First

Hawick, Burnfoot-Longcroft Crescent - in-house fleet

Jedburgh/Kelso-Edinburgh - Perryman’s

Galashiels-Duns-Berwick - Perryman’s

Galashiels-Earlston-Lauder - Buskers

Earlston-Kelso - Peter Hogg

Galashiels-Kelso-Berwick - Perryman’s

Jedburgh-Galashiels - Perryman’s

Hawick-BGH - The Bridge

Selkirk Bannerfield-Melrose - First

Galashiels Netherdale - Munro’s

Kelso-Leitholm-Greenlaw-Berwick - Buskers

Peebles-Broughton-Biggar - Barc

Peebles-West Linton - Barc

Hawick-Carlisle (Monday to Friday evenings) - First

Hawick-Carlisle (Sunday) - First

Newcastleton-Carlisle- Telfords

Newcastleton-Hawick - Telfords

Berwick-Ayton-Eyemouth (Monday to Saturday) - Travelsure

Berwick-Duns - Travelsure

Maxton-Newtown-Galashiels - in-house fleet

Kelso-Coldstream - Buskers

Westruther-Hume-Kelso - in-house fleet

Coldstream-Duns - in-house fleet

Kelso-Sprouston - in-house fleet

It was a lyric by his musical hero Tom Waits that summed up this year’s Selkirk Common Riding for the town’s Colonial Society standard bearer.

“It’s a great line – ‘If you get far enough away, you’re on your way back home’,” Robert Mailer Anderson, a 45-year-old native of northern California, told The Southern.

He was following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, a century to the day after his ancestor had borne the Colonials’ flag around the royal burgh during its annual ceremonies.

Back in 1913, his namesake Robert Anderson – affectionately known as ‘Honolulu Bob Anderson’ after emigrating to Hawaii some years earlier – was Selkirk Colonial Society Standard Bearer.

And it was the looming centenary which saw novelist, journalist and film-maker Robert determined to make the long trip from his home in San Francisco. Accompanied by a 20-strong party of family members, including his wife Nicola and four young children, plus various aunts, uncles and cousins, Robert took part in a week-long programme of events and activities and clearly relished every minute of what had been a long-held dream.

Setting up camp at Hoscote House at Roberton, the family threw itself whole-heartedly into the common riding and in return the town clearly took them all to its heart.

“It’s all been pretty wonderful,” Robert told The Southern after the week’s final common riding events. “I’m an American mutt – part Scottish, English, German and Mexican. But I was always aware of this anniversary because of my Scottish heritage through my great-grandfather, through his large life, and because every generation has carried a Robert Anderson since then.

“I was always told that’s who I was named after, so I was aware of the connection. And they were the only old photos around my father’s house. Ones of his grandfather – pictures of him playing cricket, fishing and the stray newspaper clippings someone keeps.”

Various family members, including Robert’s father, aunt and sister had already travelled to Selkirk in the past.

Despite family commitments, being a prime mover behind the new San Francisco Jazz Centre and helping get President Obama re-elected, Robert’s family were keen that he was the one who should apply to mark the 100th anniversary of Honolulu Bob’s time as standard bearer.

“But unless you know Scotland and unless you’ve experienced something like this, you just don’t appreciate just what it means,” Robert explained.

“I’ve experienced nothing like this before. There were a lot of highlights as you might imagine.

“One being that the other standard bearers were just so kind and immediately brought me into their fraternity, and the manner in which they did it was both unexpected and truly welcoming, and something I won’t forget.

“I feel huge kinship here in Selkirk and we’ll definitely be back.”

Heriot-Watt University’s graduation ceremony in Galashiels provided a colourful procession last Friday.

New Heriot-Watt chancellor Dr Robert Buchan, in gold robes, conducted the ceremony in St Paul’s Church before leading the academic procession to Old Gala House for the reception. There were no honorary graduates, with Vivien Westwood and Rory Bremner named in previous years. PHOTOGRAPH: TOM FINNIE

Both the sun and some of

Britain’s biggest literary names were on shimmering form at this year’s Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival.

The packed programme saw crowds flock to around 50 events staged in Harmony Garden in Melrose, and included headline appearances by the likes of writers Kate Mosse, Pat Barker and double Booker Prize winner Hilary Mantel, as well as television and film stars Joanna Lumley, Neil Oliver, Tom Conti and John Sessions.

And with one of the country’s richest prizes for fiction up for grabs, the festival also attracted national media attention and saw more than 13,000 tickets sold.

With only his second novel, The Garden of Evening Mists, Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng was the judges’ choice for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction and its cheque for £25,000.

Tan told us: “I had no expectations of what to expect when I came here.

“I have been completely blown away by how beautiful this whole region is and I would love to come back again – and I will.”

Festival regular Conti told The Southern the event was always a pleasure to do: “It’s just a very pleasant place to come to.

“It’s a nice atmosphere and everybody is really friendly.” Popular television archaeologist, Neil Oliver, brought his family for the whole weekend.

“We’re having a lovely time. I had the opportunity to bring my family and make a weekend of it. It’s been great and the kids are enjoying going to some events,” he told The Southern.

Lumley’s headlining appearance on Saturday night drew some of the biggest queues.

She held the sell-out festival marquee audience in the palm of her hand for an hour with memories of her modelling days and recollections of working with famous big screen names and, of course, with Patrick Macnee in the New Avengers.

Stories about her time as the much-loved Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous, whom Lumley admitted was a cartoon version of herself, also had the audience enthralled.

Festival director Alistair Moffat was this week effusive in his praise for all those who had worked tirelessly to make the event such a record-breaking success.

“It has been a fantastic festival, the best yet,” he told us. “We have a superb team which has shown that, right here in the Borders, we can put on world-class events.”

And Mr Moffat paid special tribute to festival patron, the Duke of Buccleuch, saying: “Richard Buccleuch has shown such generosity of spirit. I can’t tell you how much I admire him. He helped this year’s festival really sparkle.”

“Pretty much perfect” was how 2013 Bari Gadgi Anders Cameron described this year’s Stob Stanes ride-out at Yetholm last Wednesday .

The Bari Gadgi and Bari Manushi Stephanie Cockburn led a cavalcade of 135 through the village to the Stob Stanes in the foothills of the Cheviot in ideal riding conditions of sunshine with a light breeze.

Yetholm Festival chairman David Hutchinson said: “It went extremely well. There was a very good turnout of riders and it was very well attended. It was a beautiful evening when the cavalcade left Town Yetholm. The two principals were on white horses and looked rather good, and a sizeable crowd came out to welcome them home.”

Villager Stuart Smith gave the oration at the Stob Stanes, while Yetholm Primary School head teacher Linda McCall welcomed the riders home and presented Bari Gadgi Cameron with his Jagger and Bari Manushi Cockburn with her goblet.

The Bari Gadgi told The Southern: “It was one of the busiest ride-outs ever and a great way to start things off.

“The weather was pretty much perfect and there were great views from the top of the hill.”

The youngest rider to complete the ride was Rory McFadyen, aged seven. The best turned out prize for the under-16s went to Emma Stenhouse, while the best turned out adult was Kirsten Parker from Galashiels, on horses hired and turned out by Langlee Riding Stables, Jedburgh.

Earlier in the festival Janice Gillies won the ladies’ darts competition at the Plough Hotel.

The family walk took place on Saturday, June 8, when 19 people and four children led by Mr Hutchinson strode over Yetholm Law to Primside and back to the village via Hayhope.

Mr Hutchinson said: “It was the most beautiful day and a thoroughly enjoyable happy walk.”

Boules at the Plough Hotel that afternoon was won by won by the Cockburn family, while The New Other Side of the Bar topped the evening’s pub quiz.

The Kirkin’ of the Bari Gadgi and Bari Manushi took place at the village parish church on the Sunday, followed by a reception at Border Hotel.

The children’s disco in the afternoon was at the Youth Hall. In the evening the mixed darts was won by Caroline Burnett and Paul Downie, and Paul went on to take the dominoes title later that evening.

Yetholm Village Choir held a well-attended concert in the parish church on Sunday evening.

Monday night’s quoits on Town Yetholm Green was won by Kevin Richardson and there was also a family beetle drive in the Youth Hall.

On the Tuesday there was the whist drive in the Youth Hall, which was won by Mary Tait for the ladies and Gil Telfer for the men.

The Thursday saw the best-attended village lunch in the Wauchope Hall, with family bingo for the evening.

The Border Hotel hosted a karaoke session on the Saturday and the day also saw the popular duck and boat races.

The leading duck belonged to Hazel Ponton, with the best duck that of Lucy Sanderson.

The best boat was entered by Michael Kelly, with fastest boat title going to Nikita Munnerley. The family day followed on Kirk Yetholm Green, including children’s sports, tug-o-war, go-carts, target golf, wheelie bin race, obstacle course and egg throwing.

There was also a display by the Les Amis d’Onno equestrian display group, demonstrating trick horse-riding, on the village green

The week was rounded off with the Yetholm Village Dance in the Wauchope Hall.

Members of the Inner Wheel Club of Galashiels marked the club’s birthday with a dinner at the Kingsknowes Hotel.

Visitors had travelled from the eastern Borders, Dalkeith and Musselburgh to join in the celebrations, along with district chairman Jenny Barker.

Club president Rosemary McCosh welcomed everyone and later on in the evening advised all present that Galashiels member Vi Romanis had been elected district chairman for 2013/14.

The club also hosted a soup and pud lunch at St Peter’s Church, Galashiels, as a fundraising event for local charities

The club met on Tuesday for the AGM – the last gathering of the session before the summer break.

Five Cardrona Scouts have been awarded Chief Scout Gold Awards – the first such honours to be achieved by members of the Cardrona group.

Group members have been busy during Community Scout Week, rebuilding and planting the borders around Cardrona Village Hall.

The group, which also includes Cubs and Beavers, is managed by Cheryl Turpie who was proud to be presenting these awards seven years after she first set up Beavers in the village.

During the run-up to the event, the young people and helpers also picked litter and sold autumn bulbs around the village. Finally, they held an afternoon tea and bake sale.

Nine churches from either side of the border are working together in a rolling programme of flower festivals to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Flodden.

The event at Norham’s St Cuthbert’s Church, pictured, runs until June 30 (10am-4pm daily).

Delight at being accepted into the new Lowland League was tinged with sadness this week as the club confirmed that they have lost one of their most prolific players.

Goalkeeper John Dodds will not be appearing for the club this season and told The Wee Paper that issues away from the playing field had caused him to make the decision early last term.

“A few things had happened outwith the football and to be honest I think I was getting a bit stuck in a rut. Perhaps I have just been with Selkirk FC too long. I feel I need a new challenge.”

Dodds, who has been with the Yarrow Park Club for six years, doesn’t know where he will be going yet, but feels he still has some good mileage in him. He added: “I definitely want to keep playing. I have been approached by a few amateur clubs, but I won’t be going down that road.

“They have a great set-up in the Borders, but I always feel that amateur football is there for people who want to play for fun. I like to win games too much.

“I have the greatest respect for Mike McKinnon, the coaches and my former team-mates at Selkirk and wish them all the best for their future in the new league.”

McKinnon in turn wished his star stopper all the best and added: “John’s will be a huge pair of boots to fill. Not only was he 100 per cent committed to the game, but was a great captain and helped on the coaching side also.

“However, he let us know of his decision a while ago and I have been talking to a lot of people about filling his and other positions at the club.

“We are also losing Euan Pritchard. He is another great guy and will be hugely missed, but a career in the RAF was one he could not have passed up.

“Mostly everyone else has re-signed and they are all really excited about the new challenge.

“It’s a huge step up, but I would go absolutely anywhere with this team and take any team on, the core of the squad is good enough.

“It will be a massive challenge, but I think we are ready for it.”

Having started their quest to fill the SFA Licencing criteria two years ago, and having just their ground capacity certificate to be passed by SBC, news of their acceptance into the new 12-team league this week was not entirely unexpected. Nevertheless, the club are still elated that all their hard work has brought such a just reward.

“It’s a massive thing for both the football club and Selkirk and everyone who has been involved in making sure we had everything in place should be really proud of themselves,” added McKinnon.

Selkirk FC will be joined in the new league by Vale of Leithen, Gala Fairydean, competing as Gala Fairydean Rovers, Spartans, Threave Rovers, Preston Athletic, Gretna 2008, Whitehill Welfare, Dalbeattie Star, East Kilbride, Edinburgh City and University of Stirling.

There was double Selkirk success at last weekend’s Common Riding Games when two local athletes sped to victory on home turf.

First to do the business was 12-year-old Callum Anderson who took pride of place in the junior 90m.

Coached by father David, Callum came out on top in his heat.

A highly promising young footballer with Hutchison Vale, the Selkirk youngster then blitzed home in a keenly-contested final in 11.57 seconds. He told The Wee Paper: “This is the first time I have managed to win and I am very happy about it, especially as it was Selkirk.”

Also shining for the Royal Burgh was Alistair Laurie. Following his win at Hawick Games the week previous, Laurie (385m), who is trained by Jack Knox, won over the same distance, 1,600m, in 4 minutes 18.63 seconds.

Organisers of the annual Common Riding race meeting were in celebratory mode this week following one of the most successful events in recent years.

The flapping bandwagon rolled on to The Rig last Friday and the larger than usual crowd were treated to some fine racing. Rig secretary Stuart Hogarth told The Wee Paper: “It was certainly one of the smoothest race meetings we have ever held, everything went without a hitch and the racing was well competed.

“On top of that, gate numbers and entries were up, so everyone is delighted with this year’s event.”

The meeting was further boosted this year by a large donation from Paul Rooney of Monksford. Stuart added: “We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors and Paul’s generous donation this year went a good way to putting on a very successful meeting.”

The highlight of the afternoon was the historic Golden Mile with a first prize of £1,100. Six runners lined up at the start and all were in with a big chance.

Once again, Big Mac, the Tradesmen’s and Buccleuch winner from Hawick a week earlier, was the one to beat and started a warm 4/6 favourite. A good start saw That’s Right take the field along at a good clip with Celtic Star second and Acannicanoe back in third.

Entering the final three furlongs, however, Big Mac threw down his challenge and a great battle saw him, Celtic Star and the fast-finishing Isobar go all out to the line.

Big Mac, owned by Hawick’s Waverley Bar Syndicate, held on by one length from Celtic Star and the same distance back to Isobar.

There were eight races in total, including four balloted, with Brian Rodgerson, Standard Bearer Martin’s dad, lifting the Standard Bearer’s Cup.

Results

Licenced Victuallers Handicap: 1, Take a Risk (T. Williams); 2, The Freeman (S. Huggan); 3, Moodla Point (J. Riding).

Jess McWilliams Memorial Trophy (Ladies’ Race – balloted horses): 1, Emma Forrest; 2, Zara Bell; 3, Jennifer Stott.

Peatlaw Handicap: 1, Maybe A Star (A. Fairley); 2, The Gambler (G. Fairley); 3, Mr Cool (T. Williams).

William Lees Memorial Trophy (balloted horses): 1, Claire McNoughton; 2, Scott Rodgerson; 3, Jane Tait.

Standard Bearers Cup (balloted horses): 1, Brian Rodgerson, 2, Ally Craig; 3, Gavin Henderson.

Selkirk Co-op NGT Golden Mile: 1, Big Mac (T. Williams); 2, Celtic Star (G. Fairley); 3, Isobar (G. Hannon).

Alexander Munro Trophy (Men’s Race ‑ balloted horses): 1, Rikki McLean; 2, S. Coltherd; 3, Darren Knox.

Forest Handicap: 1, Kalahari Desert (G. Fairley); 2, Just A Joker (A. Fairley); 3, Chameleon (D. Oliver).

REASONABLE entries and some bearable weather made for a very enjoyable Common Riding Gymkhana last weekend.

The new format was well received and will be adopted with further improvements going forward.

The morning start allowed for many more classes to be added, including the addition of a Handy Pony and Equitation Showing Class.

Children and adults enjoyed good ground and lots of room albeit the spectators had to walk a little more.

Organisers wish to thank everyone who judged, stewarded, collected results, built courses and cleared up and, of course, the competitors.

Working Hunter Trophy (Small) – Emma Scott Watson; The Inglis Cup – Emma Brown; D C Dalgliesh Trophy – Lucy Brown; Tartan Snow Shield – Keri Dow; Royal British Legion Trophy – Alex Mundell.

Working Hunter Trophy (Large) – Alex Mundell; Colin Turnbull Shoe Repairs Shield – Daisy Scott-Watson; A J Douglas Joiner Shield – Emma Scott-Watson; Millenium Trophy – Georgia Buchan; C R Gymkhana Cup – Louise Hebdon.

Southern Reporter Cup – Amy Coltherd; Jim Oliver Trophy – Alex Mundell; Gala Soutars Cup – Alex Mundell; Lead Rein Games Trophy – Sam Linton.

J A Waters Shield – Emma Scott-Watson; Firth Family Shield – Georgia Buchan; Harvey Lockie Trophy Louise Hebdon; The McGowan Trophy – Louise Hebdon.