All roads led to Hawick on Sunday for Borders bowlers as the Bowls Scotland District Finals were played out at Hawick BC.

Fourteen ties took place and the green was in excellent condition after the work that had been carried out by the Hawick green staff. As usual the Scottish weather did not disappoint, with beautiful sunny spells followed by some heavy rain showers and a bit of a strong wind thrown in as well.

There was a good crowd throughout and those people who braved the elements witnessed some great bowling and some really close games.

Such were the fixtures to get through that three sessions had to be played with the morning one starting at 9.30am.

Going for their third consecutive win in the District Finals Earlston duo Gail Moffatt and Denise Kellett were not inspired by either the weather or the early start and trailed 6-1 after four ends against Selkirk pair Louise MacLennan and Hazel Scott. Winning a count of six on the fifth was enough to wake the defending champions up, however, and some steady bowling from there on in saw them come away 20-12 winners.

The girls are now looking forward to another trip to Ayr for the National Finals in July. Kellett told The Southern: “Neither of us particularly like playing in the rain and it took us a while to get into our game.

“Once we got the six though things started to go a bit better for us and we were able to keep it up from then on.”

Moffatt added: “We were knocked out in the opening round at Ayr last year and the second round the year before that, so it would be good to go a bit further this time.”

In the second session on Saturday, all eyes were on rink four for a showdown between Borders big guns Marie Todd (Newtown) and Joyce Dickey of the host club. Both ladies have won the Scottish title previously and were level 1-1 in previous ties played.

This time it was Hawick lass Dickey who won through after a long hard 30 ends with a final score of 21-17. Later on in the afternoon, Marie was joined by Anne Blacklock and Sandra Blacklock in the two-bowl triples where they met Selkirk BC trio Jean Hinchliffe, Jean Scott and Moira Weir. The first set was tied but the Newtown ladies took a 6-0 lead in the second and managed to stay in front to win the match.

In the final session of the day Gala were represented in the senior fours by Anne Forsyth, Naz Rutherford, Moira Blyth and Gail Lindores who came up against Abbotsford quartet Libby Simpson, Margeret Brown, Liz Waugh and Ella Brydon for a very tight tie indeed.

After a slow start a count of five enabled the Gala girls to recover and on the penultimate end Moira Blyth moved the jack through to lay four shots which put her team two shots ahead playing the last end.

Two very good bowls played by Liz Waugh then put Abbotsford in a winning position but one of these bowls was removed and with both teams level, an extra end was necessary. Forsyth played two superb bowls at lead and Abbotsford could not recover the situation.

All the winners will now go on to represent the Borders at the National finals which will be held at Ayr Northfield between July 23 and 28.

Results

Gents’ Junior Singles: Chirnside (Jamie Mitchell) 21 Abbotsford (Andrew Hancock) 9.

Gents’ Singles: Eyemouth (Campbell McNeil) 21 Abbotsford (Tommy Newall) 12.

Gents’ Senior Singles: Berwick (Gordon Case) 21 Wilton (Gordon McPherson) 18.

Gents’ Pairs: Jedburgh (John Taylor, Greg Nagle) 15 Melrose (Neil McNally, Kenny Johnstone) 10.

Gents’ Triples: Earlston (Steven Greer, Pat McNally, Neil Kellett) 8 Gala Waverley (Jimmy Hill, Dave Miller Snr, Dave Miller Jnr) 12.

Gents’ Fours: Earlston (Bob Beattie, Dave Benton, Stephen McNally, Peter Scott) 8 St Ronans (Jojo Dougal, Andrew Borthwick, Derick Pearce, Robert Crawford) 19.

Gents’ Senior Fours: Chirnsde (Mick Morrison, Brydon Simpson, Dave Buglass, Dave Lugget) 21 Gala (Hugh Clifton, Angus Tait, Jim Craig, Rob Fulton) 9.

Mixed Pairs: Duns Park ( Val Angus, Ian Angus) 23 Ettrick Forest (Sandra Oliver, Paul McVie) 4.

Ladies’ Singles: Newtown (Marie Todd) 17 Hawick (Joyce Dickey) 21

Ladies Pairs: Earlston (Gail Moffatt, Denise Kellett) 20 Selkirk (Louise MacLennan, Hazel Scott) 12.

Ladies’ Triples: St Ronans (Irene Bell, Elizabeth Currie, Hazel Dodds) 20 Melrose (Maureen Graham, Isabel Downie, Ellen Haldane) 12.

Ladies’ 2 Bowl Triples: Newtown (Anne Blacklock, Sandra Blacklock, Marie Todd) 1.5 Selkirk (Jean Scott, Moira Weir, Jean Hinchliffe) 0.5.

Ladies’ Fours: Chirnside (Helen Kenny, Veronica Cockburn, Kay Purves, Shiela Douglas)) 27 Jedburgh (Margaret Gray, Anne Michie, Ann Gilfillan, Irene Watters) 4.

Ladies’ Senior Fours: Gala (Anne Forsyth, Naz Rutherford, Moira Blyth, Gail Lindores) 15 Abbotsford (Libby Simpson, Margaret Brown, Liz Waugh, Ella Brydon) 14.

Ladies’ Senior Singles: Chirnside (Helen Kenny) walkover.

A sprint handicap normally conjures up the biggest prize money at an open athletic meeting.

At Kelso Games on Sunday, however, it is the 200m handicap that is the main attraction on the Poynder Park card.

The race consists of five heats and has an exciting look about it.

Back marker for the event is Adam Rogers of South Shields, who goes from 9m. Hawick’s Leigh Marshall and Martyn Paterson of Clackmannan, two former New Year Sprint winners are off marks of 11m, as is Seb Harrison of Jed AC.

Bidding to put victory Kelso’s way are brothers John (18m) and Matthew (36m) plus Dave McKay (31m), Andrew Hogarth (34m) and Euan Pettigrew (24m).

In the 100m handicap, Kelso’s own Euan Pettigrew (8.5m), Cameron Grieve, Jed Ac (8m); David Grieve, Hawick (14m); Colin Bruce, Selkirk (10.5m); and Jenna Gillan (21.5m) are among the Borders representation.

Kelso’s Adie Gray school has produced many winners in distance races over the years and set to run under his guidance in the 1,600m handicap are Colin Welsh (60m) and Wayne McIntosh (180m).

Building a brighter, better future for football in Galashiels and sport in the Borders as a whole.

That is what Gala Fairydean Rovers’ newly-instated vice-chairman Derek McGill believes his recently merged club can achieve and, indeed, he is backed up by all who are housed at Netherdale’s 3G Arena.

“What a message to send out,” he added. “We now have unity and a defined player pathway designed to get kids playing through to the highest levels possible.

“As for the Lowland League. What a platform to work on and showcase the talent we have in Galashiels.”

At the annual general meeting of Gala Fairydean FC in the Netherdale clubrooms last Friday, the proposed merger was unanimously agreed. And, along with a new name, comes a new committee. Kevin Temple, current coach co-ordinator at Gala Dean Junior FC, is chairman, replacing Jim Gray who also decided to stand down after filling the role for the past 12 weeks. Gray has accepted the position of honorary president.

Others appointed as office bearers for season 2013-14 are: secretary, Graeme McIver; treasurer, Susan Swan; match secretary, Robert Fairburn; committee, Darren Bunker, Steven Noble, Bruce Noble, Tam Cass, Shane Greene, Alan Allison, Adam McClory, Mike Riddell, Fred Blackie and Paul Gray.

After many years of service to the Fairydean committee, John Clayton and Bill Berry decided to stand down and the club thanked them for their outstanding contributions.

Steven Noble will coach the first team, who start their season in the Lowland League on August 10.

The former Gala Rovers boss has already signed brother Stuart, Kyle Collins, Paul Hossack, Andrew Hardie and Ryan Grant, and is hoping to add a few more in the coming week.

Kevin Matheson will manage the GFR amateur team with Colin Riddle and Scott Mackenzie assisting.

The amateurs team will remain in the Border Amateur League and will travel to Peebles for their first game to face Tweeddale Rovers in the quarter-final of the Border Cup, also on August 10.

what and where?

Riverside Apartment, 6 Mayfield Gardens, Kelso

how much?

Asking price, £150,000

who is selling?

Hastings Property Shop – 01573 225999

anything else?

River views

Superbly appointed purpose built Riverside apartment. Situated on the 1st floor, this property enjoys fabulous uninterrupted views over the River Tweed to the rear. The accommodation has been designed to make the most of this stunning location with a lovely decked balcony off the lounge which provides a pleasant seating area with outlooks over the neat communal grounds with the River Tweed beyond.

The well proportioned accommodation enjoys excellent natural light throughout and benefits from a secure entry system.

The light and airy lounge has double windows to the front and a further glazed door to the rear opening out onto the decked balcony with lovely views over the river. The decked terrace and sunny seating area offer direct views over the Tweed and Tweed Green.

The kitchen access is also from the lounge and provides ample space for a table and chairs .

The property also has two bedrooms – a spacious double bedroom with river views and extensive built-in storage, and a second bedroom which is currently used as an office/guest bedroom – and recently fitted shower room. EPC-C

A Highland Show bounce-back attendance of more than 170,000 over four days was recorded by closing time on Sunday night – up almost 10,000 on last year’s show which was affected by wet weather – if 10,000 below the record attendance of a few years ago.

But still good news for the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, with various office holders claiming it a sign of returning confidence among farmers and the rural community, and one over-excited publicist claiming it as “the greatest show on earth”.

Not quite, but a good example of a well-run event which has managed to keep moving forward while retaining the traditional elements of an agricultural show, including livestock judging and lots of big, shiny, machines at eye-watering prices.

For years it has also been the event where politicians make announcements calculated to attract a favourable headline, usually something to do with extra funds for some sector of farming.

This year, farming supporters of the ‘No to Scottish independence’ campaign held press conferences and looked for signatories and the “Yes to independence’ campaigners argued their case.

With about 15 months before a vote on independence is held, it was difficult to work up enthusiasm about such politicking at a farm show, but on it went anyway with, predictably, both sides claiming support.

I’ll wait for the vote and the final count.

After all that premeditated and concentrated effort about independence, however, it was a chance remark at a press conference – if experienced politicians ever do anything so naïve – by Scotland’s rural affairs cabinet secretary Richard Lochhead that produced the surprise.

It was that a right to buy for tenant farmers is back on the SNP government’s agenda after having apparently been dropped.

His throwaway line produced a fireworks display of ­reaction from organisations such as the Scottish Land and Estates group – Scotland’s landowners – and the Scottish Tenant Farmers’ Association.

As has been apparent since devolution for Scotland in 1999, even within such entrenched organisations there are divided feelings on whether giving every tenant farmer the right to buy their land, whether or not the landlord wishes to sell, is a good idea.

That is also true of NFU Scotland, which has many owner-occupiers and landowners among its members as well as tenant farmers, although so far its fence-sitting seems to have upset more of its tenant members than those who own land already.

Whoever was most upset by the Scottish government’s apparent U-turn, I suspect that Mr Lochhead’s remark was planned.

There’s no easy answer and an argument that has gone on for more than a decade is likely to run on for some time, regardless of what happens in the independence referendum of 2014

I wonder how many farming visitors to the Highland Show were distracted from the livestock rings and machinery stands by politics and politicians?

Borders farmers and other producers from the region picked up top prizes in last week’s Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh.

Organisers of Scotland’s biggest agricultural show saw attendance figures rise on last year’s event, with 170,556 visiting the four-day event this year compared to 161,242 in 2012. Nearly 5,000 animals, including sheep, cattle, poultry and horses competed.

Chairman of show organisers, The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), Kelso farmer Allan Murray of Redden said: “It is clear that, following two weeks of sunny weather, farmers were in a optimistic frame of mind and ready to do business. All in all, it has been a very successful show.”

The show’s beef interbreed pairs judge, John Elliot, Roxburgh Mains, Kelso agreed: “There’s been a bit more of a feel-good factor at the Highland. The sun was shining on Thursday and people were a bit cheerier, but bank balances have been hit hard and that doesn’t go away. And if we have a year like last year, nobody is going to clap their hands. “

Former Yarrow Valley farmer, Jim Hume MSP was also at the show. His sons Duncan and Callum won the Cheviot shearling class this year replicating last year’s success, the first year they had shown at the Highland. This year’s shearling went on to take the reserve male ticket too.

Jim said: “Lamb numbers will be down come this autumn and sales will be down. Some hill farms will struggle to keep their own stock from the lambs they have kept. There is still a long way to go.”

Remaining in the Yarrow Valley, Jimmy and George Irving of Mountbenger won the Cheviots championship with a two-shear tup.

Other winners included Ian Walling, Over Whitlaw, Selkirk who took the Lleyn championship with a two-year-old tup, Balliney Antics, which he bought at Carlisle for £3,500 last year.

He said: “He’s got an excellent crop of lambs, he’s the best tup we have ever had. We had another good tup in 2006 which won the championship here as well: he’s just as good if not better.”

Over in the cattle lines, his brother Tom won reserve champion in the Belted Galloways with the two-year-old bull Southfield Major Ronaldo.

Roderick ‘Rocket’ Runciman of Allanshaws, Galashiels, won the North Country Cheviot championship with a home-bred two crop ewe sired by Synton Bullseye, last year’s breed champion, on her first time out.

When asked what he liked about the ewe, Mr Runciman joked: “The judge picked her first, that’s what I like about her... She’s a very correct ewe with beautiful sweet hair.”

He also won the breed reserve male and female championships. Returning to the Yarrow Valley, Sam McClymont of Tinnis, Yarrow, won the Blackface male championship, while in the North Country Cheviots Hill Sheep, Yetholm farmer Michael Elliot of Woodside won the reserve male ticket.

James Brown and others of Eildon Cottage, Mindrum Mill, near Cornhill, took the reserve female championship in the Border Leicesters. And Charles Scott of Viewfields, East Middle, Hawick, won the reserve male champion’s ticket in the Zwartbles.

Among the Aberdeen Angus, Gordon Brooke, Upper Huntlywood Farm, Earlston won the reserve championship with the three-year-old cow, Linton Gilbertines Black Bess, and Whittaker and Co Farms’ two-year-old Haughton Laura took the reserve female ticket for producer Fraser Cormack of Stickle Heaton Farm, Cornhill.

Hereford breeders Ron and Robert Wilson of Cowbog, Morebattle, Kelso, won the breed’s reserve champion’s ticket with their five-year-old cow Romany 1 Plum. They also won the best junior bull and reserve male champion with Romany 1 Jackel.

Hawick’s Roy and Adam Crockett of Conker Cottage, Deanfoot, won the Salers championship with the bull champion, two-year-old Gulliver, while Rob and Kath Livesey, Firth Farm, Nether Firth, Lilliesleaf, took the reserve female champion’s rosette with Cleuchhead Mhairi 10th.

From Berwick, Brian Redhead and Jonathan Watson of Bowsden Moor, Bowsden, had the reserve male champion among the British Blues with their two-year-old bull Tweeddale Guinness.

Chain Bridge Honey Farm won the Thomas Henry Fairley Perpetual Trophy after gaining most points in the extracted honey/comb honey/beeswax/mead and cocktail classes.

The reserve overall hunter was the six-year-old bay gelding, Tredragon, owned by Andrew and Gilly McCowan of Horncliffe Mains, Berwick-upon-Tweed .

The Eriskay Champion was the seven-year-old mare, Gretel, belonging to Mrs Gillian Clark of Kerchesters, Kelso, while the Connemara in hand champion rosette went to the five-year-old grey mare, Eastlands Rashiebrae, owned by Dianna Staveley of the Eastlands Stud, Davington, Eskdalemuir. The mare went on to take reserve champion in the ‘Cuddy’, the Horse of the Year Show Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship qualifier.

Peeblesshire exhibitors D and P Fontana of Honeysuckle Cottage, Kailzie, had a good show in the poultry section, winning the best exhibition trio and the best utility prizes, while Dorothy Thomson of Kingsmuir Drive, Peebles won the best extra fine fleece class.

Wooler

At their weekly Primestock sale last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 760 new season lambs, 173 hoggs and 326 ewes.

Increased numbers with an increase in quality reflected in higher returns.

Leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £107, £104, £100.50, £100 Lilburn Estates, £101, £100 Holy Island, £100 Chesterhill. Suff.x:- £100 Shipley Lane, £98 Treaty Park and Clarence House, £97 Holy Island. Chev:- £94 Humbleheugh, £90 Barelees. Ven:- £93 North Lyham. Bel.x:- £92, £91, £90 Chillingham Home Farm. Zwa:- £90 Barelees.

Leading prices per kilo:- Bel.x:- 257.1p, 255.6p, 246p Chillingham Home Farm, 242.9p, 233.8p Ladykirk. Tex.x:- 250p Little Swinton, 247.4p Lilburn Estates, 243.9p Holy Island. Suff.x:- 238.8p Clarence House, 233.3p Treaty Park, 232.4p Kettleburn. BDM:- 229.5p Chillingham Home Farm. Chev:- 225.6p Humbleheugh.

Hoggs, leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £80 Charlton Mires and Clarence House, £70 Elwick and Ladykirk. Suff.x:- £70 Cockhall and Ladykirk. Mule:- £70 Ladykirk.

Leading prices per kilo:- Tex.x:- 166.7p Charlton Mires, 154.1p, 150p The Hagg, 152.2p Ladykirk, Suff.x:- 152.2p Ladykirk, 145.8p Cockhall. GF:- 145.8p Ladykirk.

Strong show of ewes, with plenty of flesh available achieving similar returns. Leading rices:- Suff.x:- £95 Barelees, £93.50, £86 Wandon, £85.50 (x2), £82 Lilburn

Estates, £82 Milfield Demesne. Tex.x:- £86 Wandon, £84 The Hagg, £83 Barelees. Zwa:- £86 Barelees. Mule:- £68 Elwick, £67 Charlton Mires, £65.50 Greystonnes, £65 Whitsome West Newton and West Rennington. BF:- £61 Ladykirk. Ven:- £60 South Lyham.

Rams:- Tex.x:- £97 Chesterhill, £90 Wrangham East, £82 West Longridge. Suff.x:- £95 Goswick.

St Boswells

On Monday John Swan Ltd sold 85 clean cattle, 44 OTM cattle, 839 new season lambs, 383 old season lambs and 407 ewes.

Bullocks (31) averaged 240.7p per kg and sold to 256p (+1.2p on week), heifers (53) averaged 235p per kg and sold to 255p (+0.2p on week), one young bull averaged 212p per kg and sold to 212p (n/c on week) and 44 beef type OTM cattle averaged 154.7p per kg and sold to 207p (n/c on the week).

New season lambs averaged 240.4p per kg(+8.4p on week) and sold to £121, old season SQQ lambs averaged 166.4p per kg (-4.7p on week) and sold to £98, ewes averaged £66.41, and sold to £95, heavy ewes £75.83, light ewes £56.29.

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.56 (2) M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd and W Taylor (Lockerbie), 2.55 (2), Robert Wilson Butcher and M/s TA Shaw, 2.53 M/s J Saunderson Ltd; Longnewton 2.55 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Caverton Mill 2.55 M/s TA Shaw; Lurdenlaw 2.54 Colin Peat; Traprain 2.51 Charles Wilson Butcher; Pathhead 2.50 Robert Wilson Butcher; Upper Hundalee 2.50 W Taylor(Lockerbie), 2.49 Malone of Edinburgh; Lennoxlove 2.48 M/s Moor; Thirlestane 2.48 Ramsay Butcher; Ramrig 2.47 Malone of Edinburgh.

Principal prices per head: Lurdenlaw £1809.50, £1747.90, £1715.50, £1610.

Bulls: Haltree £1313 (1.30p).

Cows per head: Humbie Mill £1891.50; Kersknowe £1559.25, £1488, £1435; Honeyburn £1451.40; Muircleugh £1169.55, £1107.20; Roxburgh Mains £1165.45; Lakewood Stud £1147.50; Kirkton £1144.80, £1088.50, £1056; Thirlestane £1110.90; Bonjedward Mill £1094.80; Kaeside £1085.50.

Cows per kg: Muircleugh 2.07, 1.73; Kaeside 1.99; Humbie Mill 1.94; Kersknowe 1.89, 1.75; Honeyburn 1.77; Kirkton 1.77, 1.65; Kaeside 1.67; Huntington 1.67; Bonjedward Mill 1.63, 1.61; Roxburgh Mains 1.63; Bogbank 1.61; Thirlestane 1.61.

New season lambs per head: Suff.x;- £121 Roxburgh Mains, £117 Ladyflat, £113 Thirlestane; Tex.x;- £121 Preston, £115.50 Upper Bolton, £112 Thirlestane; Zwar;- £110 Eden Lodge; High;- £109 Carterhaugh.

New season lambs per kg: Tex;- 269.2 Legers, Tex.x;- 251.3 Sydenham, 251.2 Huntington, Suff.x;- 242.1 Lauder Barns, 241 Marvingston.

Rams: Tex;- £111 Newbiggin Walls, Char;- £91 Carterhaugh, BFL;- £85 Newbiggin Walls.

Border Livestock

Last week Border Livestock Exchange Ltd sold 115 prime cattle including 34 cows, 2,019 prime lambs including 214 ewes and 149 store cattle.

Prime cattle numbers were short of requirements with trade subsequently firmer for all classes. Aberdeen Angus crosses sold to 454p per kg to Well Hung and Tender, Berwick. Simmental crosses sold to 413p per kg with Limousin young bulls selling to 410p per kg and £1,555 from Whitmuirhaugh, Kelso.

Lambs were considerably dearer towards the end of the week with Hoggs also being easier to sell. Texel cross lambs sold to £107.10 for 21kg. Suffolk crosses and Meatlinc to £99.75. Heavy lambs 22kg sold to £109.80 with light Lambs 8-12kgs selling to 465p per kg.

The Beltane has come and gone – but the memories will forever be etched in the minds of Queen Rianna Sterricks and Cornet Daniel Williamson.

They have enjoyed the time of their lives, while at the same time ensuring that once again it was indeed, Peebles for Pleasure.

They smiled, they laughed, they waved and they cheered and even when a horrendous downpour drenched Saturday’s Beating of the Retreat – they still laughed and the cornet danced. And if Peebles was rightly proud of its principals, they, too, were equally proud of the people.

Rianna, a 12-year-old pupil at Kingsland Primary School, told The Southern: “There was such a good turnout of people and it was great to hear them all cheering and see them waving. It was all very exciting and Saturday was phenomenal.

“The weather was really good until the Saturday night when they were Beating the Retreat, but there was a big crowd and the bands were great. It has been a memorable week.”

That memorable week began on the Sunday with the installation of the Reverend Malcolm Jefferson of St Andrews Leckie linked with Lyne and Manor, as Warden of Neidpath.

Wednesday belonged to Cornet Daniel Williamson and Cornet’s Lass Susan Thomson who were installed by Beltane and Marching Riding committee chairman, the 1979 Cornet Alastair Dodds. Supporting them were predecessors Cameron Young and Rae Brown and Cameron’s brother Ewen and his Lass Laura Cox.

Susan bussed the Burgh Standard before it was carried round the marches with a stop being made at the ancient castle of Neidpath where this year’s Warden James Moffat gave the warden’s address.

Tweed and Cuddy were forded while on the edge of the golf course the chases were held for a variety of trophies. This was the centenary of the Beltane Bell race. The trophy was retained by local rider Ross Wilson.

Back on the High Street the traditional reel was danced and Cornet Williamson commented: “What I have experienced tonight is the best night of my life.”

And after Saturday he told The Southern: “The crowds were fabulous, they have been huge all week, The weather was great until the last half hour [Beating Retreat]. The Queen and the children deserved that great weather. I have spoken this week about what makes it so great for the children. Every child from primary one to seven has been singing the Beltane Song with pride and passion.”

And he revealed: “I tried to ride the Beltane last year and failed so if it wasn’t for my Lass and the Kailzie equestrian centre, none of this would have been possible for me.”

There was pleasant surprise for Queen Rianna as she sat Crowned in front of the Parish Church. Three generations of the Sterrick family have pedalled the Beltane Penny Farthing at the festival fancy dress and Saturday parade. Her uncle Jim has done it for a number of years. But it has never been cycled in tribute to a Queen as she sat on her throne – until Saturday. Closely behind the Cornet and his party came Jim on his bike.

Rianna told us: “It was a complete surprise and added to all the excitement. It was great.”

Saturday night’s Retreat featured Peebles Silver band and the pipes and drums of the Royal Guard of Oman. This was when the rain fell – and the Cornet danced.

He told us: “It wasn’t planned, but the crowd were fantastic, staying throughout despite the rain.”

And the Cornet, who is in charge of the Peebles Silver Development band, took the baton for Baggy Trousers by Madness.

Cornet and Queen reigned in Peebles last week as the Royal Burgh took Daniel Williamson and Rianna Sterricks to their hearts.

Wednesday and the Riding of the Marches belonged to Cornet Williamson and his Lass Susan Thomson.

But Saturday, Red Letter Day, belonged to Queen Rianna, her court and the children of Peebles.

Cornet Williamson declared it so from the Mercat Cross after the Proclamation of the Beltane Fair.

He told the crowd as the youngsters awaited to take centre stage: “All our Border towns have passion and pride for their traditions. But only Peebles has the passion to make Red Letter Day for the children. Queen Rianna’s smile has captured the people of Peebles.”

The Beltane Fair was proclaimed by local solicitor Struan Ferguson who went on to fulfil his duties at the old burgh boundaries.

Cornet Williamson received his medallion from Beltane and March Riding chairman Alastair Dodds and he would wear it with pride. There was a medal too for silver jubilee cornet Andrew Williamson whose Lass in 1988 was his wife Joyce.

Pipes and drums heralded the arrival from the Northgate on to the High Street of the children – soldiers, penguins pirates, rag dolls , flower girls and mice, and onwards they marched, carefully chaperoned and gently marshalled, by teachers, through the gathered crowd to the Parish Church steps.

There they took their places – a sea of colour – to await the arrival of their Queen.

The combined Peebles Ex-Service and Peebles Silver Bands blew any remaining Saturday morning cobwebs away as they escorted dignitaries and visiting principals to their places for the Crowning.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall were in town earlier this month and on Wednesday Queen Elizabeth follows in her son’s footsteps to open the Buchan Centre. But on Saturday it was Rianna who reigned.

Earlier clouds with their threat of rain had long gone and there was sunshine. If it was a bit chilly, nobody noticed.

The characters of the festival were waiting and slowly and with dignity the court was built up with Rianna waiting to be crowned.

First Courtier Ross Aiken, 11, from Priorsford Primary, never put a foot wrong – no one involved in this picturesque pageantry did. Maid of Honour Abbie Gilmour and Maids Lilly Carvalho, Abbey Scrimger, Anna Taylor, Darcy Hamilton and Lorna Welsh, were attentive to the finest detail.

Crowning Lady Theresa Hindhaugh, who has helped train the court for the past 18 years. Dressed in Beltane red, she fulfilled her appointed role with dignity and grace. Rianna Sterricks was now truly, Beltane Queen 2013. There were fanfares and cheers.

And there were telegrams from China, France, Australia, Botswana, New Zealand, the USA, Thailand, St Helena, the Republic of Ireland, England and of course Scotland. Many included special mention of the Silver Band which responded to each with a cheer.

Cornet Williamson and his supporters, the brothers, Cameron and Ewen Young rode by to pay homage and were greeted by happy cheers from the youngsters.

And then there was a surprise. Queen Rianna’s uncle, Jim Sterricks, cycled by on the Beltane Penny Farthing. The cycle has been ridden by the Sterrick family since the days of her great grandfather, but only in the parades – never at the Crowning. Special permission had been asked for its use by the Sterrick family and had been granted, but Rianna was unaware it was going to happen. She said later it was a pleasant surprise.

On this, the 114th anniversary of the restoration of the festival, Queen Rianna’s proclamation, extended a warm welcome to young and old and to those attending for the first time and those “whom our festival has gladdened for many years”.

The Queen’s desire was for the day be given over to sport and jollity and that nothing should be done to tarnish the fair names of the Ancient and Royal Burgh.

And before long there was much jollity. Queen and Court departed in the Beltane Landaux while the young characters of the festival let excitement rip as they headed for the decorated floats.

Brass and pipe bands were woven between the lorries and trailers as the youngsters toured town. Sweets were thrown by onlookers – and sometimes mischievously returned. Peebles Silver Band proudly led their Queen and Court.

Soon it was time to remember those of the armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice to ensure that days like this could be enjoyed.

In the Quadrangle, as the parade continued outside, due tribute was paid. There was a hint of rain that faded away.

Floral wreaths were gently laid by Queen, Cornet, Crowing Lady, Warden of Neidpath, James Moffat, and Chairman Dodds. Warden of the Cross Kirk, the Reverend Malcolm Jefferson, reminded us that those whose names appeared on the memorial, would not grow old as we that are left would.

And here was the Last Post, the silence, Reveille and the haunting strains of Flo’ers o’ the Forest.

Amidst the fun, Peebles had remembered.

Police are still seeking information after a 30-year-old man was arrested for assault in Galashiels yesterday morning.

The incident took place on Hawthorn Road in the northern area of the Langlee estate.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “A 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged assault that happened in Hawthorn Road in Galashiels around 4am on Wednesday.

“He will appear at court at a later date. Inquiries are ongoing in relation to the incident, and anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101.”

Say ‘yes’ in a heartbeat was the advice from this year’s Melrosian to any young man who gets the chance to follow in his footsteps.

Sam Thomson, the 21-year-old son of Lesley and Jamie Thomson, was speaking just moments after the final Melrose Festival ceremonies were concluded on Saturday.

The town’s magnificent ruined abbey had provided the splendid backdrop to the last event of the day’s tour of ceremonies, which saw the official party visiting local villages.

“It has been fantastic,” the Melrosian told The Southern. “Words can’t describe it. It’s been an absolutely amazing experience.”

Asked, like every Melrosian to single out some highlights, he struggled to pick one: “That’s impossible. There have been so many, although I’d have to say coming down the High Street on horseback behind the pipe band after the rideout and everybody cheering me on was really special.

“Things like the ball, which is such a really nice occasion, were also very enjoyable. And today as well, with the whole ceremonial side of being Melrosian.

“So, yes, I’d advise anyone to say ‘yes’ in a heartbeat if they get asked to be Melrosian, just like I did, because it’s unique. It’s such a 
fantastic honour, just brilliant.”

And the Melrosian’s sentiments were echoed by Festival Queen Zoe Palmer, from Newstead, who told us: “It’s been amazing. The crowning was the best bit for me and I’d definitely tell any other girl to go for it.”

In his first year as Festival Chairman, James Marjoribanks, said it had been a real privilege to fill the role in the festival’s 75th anniversary year.

“That has been a tremendous privilege and the weather has been absolutely fantastic.”

And Mr Marjoribanks praised the Melrosian, his Right and Left-Hand Men, Graeme Crawford and Ruaridh Nairn, and the Queen and Her Court.

“They are great guys. As for the Queen and her court, we couldn’t have asked for better.”

Newstead was the first port of call during Saturday’s tour of ceremonies, and it was here the Melrosian and his supporters were welcomed by local Masons at the site of the what is claimed to be the oldest lodge in the land.

And by the time, the procession moved on the short distance to the site of the former Roman fort at Trimontium, the sun had started to break through the clouds. At Trimontium, the Melrosian was greeted by a figure in the guise of a 
Roman centurion, marking the links across the centuries between the once mighty empire and 
Melrose.

Gattonside is next, where the official party is greeted by a villager in monk’s garb proffering cherries, the fruit of the orchard once tended by the monks.

The former home of Sir Walter Scott at Abbotsford saw the Melrosian and party presented with the traditional yellow roses, while the Festival Queen received a gift.

And the last visit of the morning before heading to the abbey was at Darnick Tower, where the Melrosian received a gift of honey, while guests accepted refreshments symbolising the mead of long ago and Ex-Melrosian Greig Anderson, in the role of the abbey’s lord abbot, was offered a gift of wax “to lighten your convent at Melrose”.

The day’s final ceremonies in the abbey grounds, included the laying of a wreath of red roses by the Festival Queen on the burial site of the heart of King Robert Bruce.

It was here, too, that King David – played by Alasdair Houston – presented the monks with the abbey’s founding charter.

Braw Lads’ followers enjoyed another evening of entertainment with the fancy dress parade and a look back at its history with the rideout to Torwoodlee.

A cavalcade of 135 followed Braw Lad Daniel Whitehead and Braw Lass Lucy Black to the estate on the northern outskirts of Galashiels, and were welcomed by the Laird of Torwoodlee James Pringle and his family.

At the Old Tower, the Braw Lad digs up the sod while the Braw Lass receives the stone taken from the tower. Both play roles in the poignant Mixing of the Roses ceremony on Braw Lads’ Day.

In his speech, the Laird reflected on the importance of the Borders Railway to Galashiels’ future.

He said: “The railway will bring people to the Borders - younger people who will live and work here, who will spend money here and send their kids to school here and it will bring people who will come to enjoy all that we have to offer from our hospitality to our shops and our green and lovely land.

“It is up to us to make the most of the opportunity to benefit from the increase in footfall because the best of the Borders is the best in the world.

“It may take a wee while but, when the railway is up and running and the economy has started to recover from our spending spree, there will come a time when those who have the drive will start to see the potential and I would like to think that some of them might be Galaleans because it will be they who will allow Gala to thrive as the capital of the Borders.”

On their return, the mounted followers were joined by the Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band and fancy dress parade, which included homeages to Galashiels’ own Grand National winner Ryan Mania.

Well the weather has finally broken down again, but it was a nice spell while it lasted.

I hit double figures for the first time in my moth trap this year, with 10 species being recorded last Friday.

The saga of my garden nest box and its resident blackbirds is finally over.

The last time I reported, the occupants were reduced to two after the crows took a couple of eggs early on. The youngsters were doing fine and were beginning to grow their feathers until disaster struck again.

Something (probably the crows again) must have terrorised them into leaving the nest before they were ready and I rescued one from the vegetable patch being dragged around by the aforementioned corvid.

It was uninjured, but in shock, so I put it back in the box in the hope that mum would return and feed it. Later in the evening, I checked it and found it still alive but very cold and near to death. I brought it indoors and warmed it inside my cupped hands for about an hour, until I felt movement.

It was starting to recover, so I managed to get a drink of water and a couple of worms down it with the help of a pair of tweezers. Unfortunately, in the middle of “Springwatch” I felt it give up its struggle for life. The next day, a blackbird of a similar age was spotted in my neighbour’s flower bed and had obviously been getting food from its parents, so hopefully at least one of my illfated brood has survived.

I have just finished collating all the cuckoo records kindly sent in by readers and in all they represent 15 separate calling cuckoos from all over the Borders.

Many are from areas not having had cuckoos for several years, so perhaps they are making a bit of a comeback. Let’s hope so. I have sent all the data off to the British Trust for Ornithology, so all your efforts have been put to good use.

I got a fascinating email at the weekend from K.N. who lives in the Ettrick Valley.

He told me: “Of all the wildlife I have experienced over the past nearly 20 years in Ettrick, seeing the vivid green light of a glow worm was perhaps the most unexpected.

“But last night, the unmistakeable glow of a female was visible from over 200m away.

“Closer inspection revealed her to be positioned on a prominent stone. Sadly, she appeared to be alone. I have recorded the sighting with the Scottish Glow Worm Survey.

“I would be interested to know if you have had any similar reports in the Borders.”

Over to you good readers. Have you seen any of these rare and amazing creatures in your area recently?

Please let me know by emailing corbie@homecall.co.uk

I hope Her Majesty is having an enjoyable – if busy – jubilee year. Actually it’s her second jubilee on the trot – her succession to the throne last year and the coronation this year. And I’m glad the Duke is on the mend. I’ve got a lot of time for that guy. He’s supposedly had to spend his life a few paces behind his good lady, but he’s certainly expressed some punchy opinions in stage whispers which were perhaps just a wee bit loud for them not to be heard.

There are those who say he should retire from public life and enjoy what life he has left. I can’t agree, because I’d miss his cheeky grin and his equally cheeky comments.

The Queen reads from a script, her hubby is prone to saying what he thinks – and that I like.

But returning for a moment to jubilees. I’ve had a few myself – at the picture house. Remember them? Funny shapes of orange-coloured blocks of ice encased in cardboard that you had to bite through to open. Once released from their captivity you sooked and sooked until the orange was gone but the block of ice remained. And remember you are sitting in the darkened surrounds of the pictures – in my case either the Pavilion (the Piv) or the Playhouse (the Capitol) in Galashiels.

And just some clarification here. The Pavilion that currently exists wasn’t the original Pavilion. That was in Channel Street and is long demolished.

However, back to the jubilee. Not the Queen’s duo but my chunk of ice that by now is freezing my fingers. It would be easy enough to drop it and let it melt, allowing a cinema- goer a few rows further down to think someone has been caught short. No, our crowd had better plans. We waited for key moments – like a gun fight, a clinching kiss or a cowboy leaping over a canyon – and threw them at the screen.

That incurred the wrath of Piv manager Jimmy Smith or his trusty sidekick Bobby Knox, known to all as the Piv Comanche. If you were lucky and one half of this intrepid pair was having a break at the nearby Douglas Hotel, you avoided the pincer movement and probably escaped capture. If not – it was out the door. But we hadn’t lost much really, because we had sneaked in through the fire escape or via the front shop.

I don’t know if you can still buy jubilees – and popcorn doesn’t reach the screen.

But to matters royal, because this year it’s the turn of the Borders to appear on their tour agenda.

The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay have already been to Peebles, Galashiels and Hawick. And next week HM – sadly minus the recuperating HRH – will open the Buchan Centre in Peebles and the revamped Abbotsford.

Security now decrees that information such as timings are guarded from the public. That’s sad for those who want to wave flags and cheer.

I was cheered once ahead of the Queen. As a message boy on an ancient creaking bike for Davie Fell’s fish shop (Emslie’s) in Gala in the mid 1960s, mine was the last vehicle allowed along the regal route past the fountain. Two weeks later, going down Glenfield Brae, the steering column snapped and I came a cropper alongside cod, haddock, fish cakes and eggs. Thankfully, it didn’t happen in front of HM.

Riders from Jedburgh and Kelso converged on Morebattle on Sunday for their annual tryst which included a service at the war memorial.

Kelso Laddie Calum Thomson and Jethart Callant Gary Ramsay laid a wreath.

They were watched by their supporters, Kelso Right and Left-Hand Men Callum Vickers and Phil Hume, and Jethart’s Right and Left-Hand Men Iain Chisholm and Ryan Miller, as well as Jethart Herald Alan Learmonth.

Brollies were the order of the day for spectators as the principals danced a reel.

Master of ceremonies was Councillor Alec Nicol and the riders were welcomed by Archy Hunter, a Falkirk Bairn, who made Morebattle his home more than 20 
years ago.

He spoke of local history and outlined the story of the Border Reivers. 
The Dickson Cup for the best turned out rider and horse was presented to Sarah Strathdee. Cakes and tea were enjoyed before the principals and their followers then made their respective way homewards.

With the school holidays set to get under way, warnings have been issued to parents after two people were rescued from rivers within three days.

The first took place on June 17 when a man was pulled from the River Tweed near Caddonfoot, while June 19 saw a 31-year-old man rescued from the Gala Water.

The incidents follow another operation for fire crews last month when a woman had to be rescued from the River Tweed at Innerleithen.

It is four years since 13-year-old Martin Moriarty of Kelso died while swimming in The Cobby area, where the River Teviot flows into the River Tweed and is known for its deep pools and strong undercurrents.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “At this time of year we can see an increase in water related incidents and we would remind people to take extra care when they are out and about, particularly when around water.”

And a spokesperson for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents added: “During the school holidays, and in particular in hot weather, increasing numbers of children put themselves at risk of drowning. On average 40 to 50 children drown per year in the UK.”

In the Galashiels incident last Wednesday, fire crews received a report that a man had fallen from a bridge at Currie Road into the shallow Gala Water.

A water rescue response unit was mobilised from Galashiels and Marionville in Edinburgh, along with crews from Hawick and Selkirk fire stations.

Crews from Galashiels then assisted the paramedics using their scoop stretcher to rescue the casualty from the water. He was taken to Borders General Hospital suffering from suspected spinal injuries.

The spokeswoman added: “It is fortunate that fire crews were quickly on scene to assist the casualty from the water safely.”

Two days earlier, a man was taken to the BGH for a check up after being pulled from the River Tweed after he entered the water below Ashiestiel Bridge.

And the water rescue on May 30 saw a 36-year-old woman pulled from the River Tweed at Tweedbank Farm, Innerleithen.

She was airlifted by helicopter to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

The RoSPA advises parents to follow the Water Safety Code, which includes never allowing children to go into the water themselves and being aware of the dangers of rivers, seas and lochs.

The creation of a 10-year action plan to improve the A7 road is not a fanciful wishlist, insists the woman behind the consultation.

Majorie McCreadie, secretary of the A7 Action Group, is visiting Borders community councils along the 92-mile route in an effort to find out what the top priorities for improvements should be.

She hopes to gather opinions by the group’s next meeting in September in Hawick, but has told communities to take their time and consider what is most pressing.

Mrs McCreadie said: “We don’t want to rush this. We need to get this right.

“There is a lot at stake in terms of safety, business and tourism. It all needs to be considered.

“There is no point calling out for investment if we don’t have the figures to back it up on accidents. This is not a wishlist, this is a serious piece of work.”

She says she is not put off by Galashiels councillor Sandy Aitchison’s claim at the town’s community council meeting this month that pressing the Scottish Government to make improvements was “invariably pointless”.

Mr Aitchison also said the council’s tight budgets meant major work was unlikely on stretches it was responsible for, such as the detrunked section of the A7, north of Kingsknowes roundabout.

Mrs McCreadie told us: “It just means we have to go down a different avenue for getting the money needed.”

It is expected the 10-year plan will be launched in 2014.

A total of £700 was raised last Saturday thanks to donations from shoppers in Hawick to the Syrian Appeal.

Syrian refugees Tariq, Manhal, and Montasem made the trip from Edinburgh to help at the collection day. Baby items and medicine was also given.

Organiser Peter Dinan said: “It was a wonderfully generous response from the people of Hawick.”

The final touches are being made to Abbotsford ahead of the Queen’s visit next week, when she will open the refurbished house.

The Royal visit will take place the day before the historic property reopens to the public. Her Majesty will be given a tour of the house, and will view the visitor centre, where she will unveil a plaque commemorating the occasion.

The Queen will also be introduced to guests at the opening reception, including trustees and employees of the Abbotsford Trust, the trust’s funding partners and a number of Sir Walter Scott’s descendants from the UK and overseas.

Lord Sanderson, chairman of the trust, said: “The Abbotsford Trust is delighted that Her Majesty the Queen accepted our invitation to officially reopen this historic property.

“Abbotsford is one of the most famous houses in the world, built by a man whose cultural and literary legacy cannot be underestimated.

“We believe that Abbotsford is set to become both an important cultural centre and tourist destination for the Scottish Borders and are honoured that Her Majesty will be one of the first people to tour this rejuvenated attraction.”

It has taken almost two years and £8million to carry out the vital restoration work of Sir Walter Scott’s former home, but with visitor numbers of up to 80,000 anticipated, the hope is that the work will put Abbotsford firmly back on the map for tourists.

At a preview event in the house this week, deputy chief executive of the trust, Beverley Rutherford, said everything was on schedule for the official opening.

She added: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dame Jean and Lady Patricia as they dedicated their lives to Abbotsford and used all their savings and income to keep the building wind and watertight, which really saved it, to be honest.

“If it wasn’t for them, things could have been in a much worse state of repair.”

Abbotsford will open to the public at 9am next Thursday.

During her visit to the region next week, the Queen will also visit Peebles, including the John Buchan Story.

The Lord Lieutenant of Tweeddale, Lord Younger, has urged the public to come out and welcome Her Majesty to the town.

Selkirk cub Ivan Burt-Smith, eight, has raised £3,000 towards reslating the local scout hall roof following his 22-mile swim of ‘the English Channel’ in the town’s pool earlier this year.

Grateful mum Jan said: “It’s amazing.”