A grieving stepdad has branded as crazy the possibility that the drug addict who killed Timothy Wallace could became a father while in jail.

Kevin Gibson, 34, was given a life sentence in 2004 for the brutal murder of Mr Wallace, 24, from Gala Park, Galashiels. He was killed at a hostel in Leith and his body crammed into a suitcase and tossed into the Water of Leith.

Gibson has to spend 15 years behind bars before being considered for release.

But Gibson and his wife Louise, 32, from Kelso, who were married in jail last year, have started a court action to allow them to have sex in prison in order that they can start a family. IVF is also an option. The Scottish Legal Aid Board is funding part of the couple’s conjugal rights bid.

The dead man’s stepfather, Martin Edmunds, 52, from Galashiels, blasted the move.

He told TheSouthern: “This is crazy, it is mental. He gave up his rights to father children when he did what he did, and how he did it.

“He was sent to prison as a punishment and when you go there you lose many of your privileges, and becoming a father is one. I am trying to work out how he can seriously be considered a suitable candidate for fatherhood.”

Judge Lord Dawson told Gibson when he was sentenced: “No words of mine can bring Timothy Wallace back to life. No words of mine can adequately express the public revulsion for your behaviour towards him, your friend.

Mr Edmunds told us: “ Yes, Timothy had problems, but because of what he [Gibson] did we will never know what he might have been. That was taken away. The privilege of being a father is reserved for people who behave – not for people who behaved like he did. He removed a young life.”

The bid by the Gibsons is under human rights laws.

THE one honour missing from John Rutherford’s rugby CV was rectified at Philiphaugh last Thursday night, when the former Scotland and British Lions player was appointed Selkirk Rugby Club’s new president at the club’s annual general meeting.

Outgoing president Eric Forster said it gave him great pleasure to propose Selkirk’s most capped internationalist as his successor, and he wished him every success in his term of office. Former 1st XV captain Mick Craig was confirmed as the club’s new vice-president, with committee members Rob Forrest and Elliot Henderson being appointed junior vice-presidents.

At a well attended AGM, Mr Forster told members the club was in good heart following a year of steady progress. The 1st XV had displayed great determination in finishing fourth in the RBS National League, narrowly missing out on a possible play-off spot because of a lack of bonus points.

He paid tribute to skipper Gavin Craig for giving the team such a positive lead, and congratulated Angus Duckett on his selection for the Scotland Club XV squad. Congratulations also went to former Selkirk player Alex Dunbar on winning his first Scotland cap against Samoa. He becomes the club’s 14th internationalist.

No fewer than three trophies were won by the club’s senior side in season 2012/2013 – the RBS Border Regional Cup as well as the Langholm Sevens & Selkirk Sevens trophies – and Mr Forster thanked both outgoing head coach Brian Cassidy and sevens coach Graham Marshall for their hard work in the respective campaigns.

Mr Forster also mentioned Selkirk ‘A’ XV’s fine achievement in maintaining its RBS Reserve League National 1 status in what was a very tough league, and congratulated Stormers player/coach Donny McKenzie and development officer Iain Paxton for ensuring as many players as possible were able to enjoy rugby at Philiphaugh.

The Selkirk Rhinos mini-rugby section continues to attract encouraging numbers of youngsters down to Philiphaugh, and the president said it was vital for the future success of the club that everything possible be done to nourish and grow the talent of these young players.

The recent appointment of Donald Macleod as president of the Scottish Rugby Union was a proud moment for everyone involved with Selkirk Rugby Club, continued Mr Forster, and he wished him well in his term of office.

The outgoing president also thanked several office-bearers who were standing down from their posts for such sterling service over the years. These included Bill Jackson (membership secretary), Alan Pearce (development club secretary), Gus Boag (club shop manager) and Dennis Henderson (director of rugby).

Finance convener George Thomson told members the club had enjoyed a successful year from a financial point of view, with income eight per cent up on the previous year’s total while subscriptions showed a 10 percent rise. As a result, the 2012/2013 accounts showed a surplus of £7,449.

He congratulated new club steward Les Mallin on a highly productive first year in post, with Philiphaugh Suite bookings at an all-time high, and he also praised the conscientiousness of treasurer Bruce Armstrong, whose monthly management accounts played a key role in keeping the club on a sound financial footing.

Mr Thomson nevertheless warned members against complacency, saying that costs continued to rise at an alarming rate, while budget predictions for the next 12 months only showed a modest surplus. Bearing this in mind, it was proposed there be a small increase in membership subscriptions.

This proposal was agreed by members, with the new subscription levels as follows – Non-playing members & players: £77; family: £100; senior citizens & students: £39. The Friends of Selkirk membership level remains unchanged at £156.

Three new members were appointed to the general committee – Paul Tomlinson, John Turnbull and Billy Renwick.

Office-bearers elected for 2012/2013 –

President, John Rutherford; vice-president, Mick Craig; junior vice-presidents, Gordon Hunter, Rob Forrest, Elliot Henderson; secretary, Ian Walker; treasurer, Bruce Armstrong; assistant secretary, Ross Thomson.

Fixtures/match secretary, Mary Inglis; referees secretary, Jim Inglis; membership secretary, Paul Tomlinson; development club, Alison Cullen; international tickets, George Thomson.

1st XV captain, Andrew Renwick; vice-captain, Ross Nixon; head coach, Alistair Dickson; forwards coach, Ewen Robbie; assistant coach, Iain Paxton; team manager, John Smail; selection, Nick Bihel.

‘A’ XV head coach, Neill Wood; backs coach, Fraser Jack; team manager, Tom Ramage.

Stormers coaches, Guy Blair, Brian Cassidy, John Rutherford; team manager, Donny McKenzie.

Conveners –

Management, John Rutherford; sponsorship, Rob Forrest & Jim Harold; ground, John Turnbull; finance, George Thomson; director of rugby, Cameron Cochrane; Rhinos, Richard Sweetnam; sevens, John Rutherford, property, Dennis Henderson; hospitality, Mick Craig & Elliot Henderson.

Club steward, Les Mallin; club doctor, Jeff Cullen; physiotherapists, Ryan Crockatt & Michelle Wallace; club shop manager, Alison Rutherford; Friends of Selkirk, George Thomson, development club, Alison Cullen; groundsman, Brian Cassidy; child protection officer, Colin Anderson.

Committee – J. Rutherford, M. Craig, G. Hunter, R. Forrest, E. Henderson, B. Armstrong, I. Walker, N. Bihel, A. Boag, D. Brown, W. Bryson, C. Cochrane, N. Douglas, B. Duffy, E. Forster, N. Gray, D. Henderson, J. Harold, J. Hume, J. Inglis, Mrs M. Inglis, W. Jackson, C. Malcolm, A. Pearce, R. Pow, B. Rafferty, D. Rodgerson, G. Thomson, R. Thomson, A. White, R. Sweetnam, P. Tomlinson, J. Turnbull, B. Renwick.

IT’S all about the Irish Oaks for me on Saturday and I need look no further than the late Sir Henry Cecil’s Riposte, winner of this year’s Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.

This grand-daughter of the great Rainbow Quest has shown rapid improvement this year and her victory at racing’s royal showpiece proved she is a classy three year old filly. Hopefully the Curragh will be well watered as I wouldn’t want the ground to be too fast.

On the same card it would be nice to see Stubbs turn up for the Group Three Anglesey Stakes as he’s a horse I have a lot of time for.

Over at Newbury I would like to see Richard Hannon’s Anticipated take the Weatherby Super sprint, a race he’s won with others who have shared a similar profile.

Selections

Saturday July 20

Curragh (Irish Oaks) Riposte

Curragh (Anglesey Stakes) Stubbs

Newbury (Weatherby Super Sprint) Anticipated

Mobile phone users in Walkerburn and Innerleithen are connected again after nine days of disruptions.

An EE spokesperson, who operate the mast responsible for the issues, said today: “We are aware that customers in the Innerleithen area have been experiencing some problems with coverage.

“The disruption was due to a technical fault at a local mast which has now been fixed.

“Customers should now be receiving full coverage again and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

The signal problems began on July 8, and on the Facebook page set up by disgruntled phone users, named Innerleithen and Walkerburn Campaign for Signal Back, one post today said: “Make sure you all push for some form of compensation as nobody should have to go nine days with no signal especially with the prices some of us pay for our contracts!!”

As yet, The Southern has not yet had a respond from EE on whether customers will be entitled to compensation.

Young Borderers who will receive exam results on August 6 will be able to get advice and support from Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

For the 21st year, SDS is providing a helpline for students, and the organisation’s head of careers management has urged students not to panic if they don’t get the results they want.

David Cameron said: “Young people may have done better than anticipated or not as well as expected, but the main thing is that they and their parents shouldn’t panic. There will always be options to consider.

“The first step is to call the helpline and discuss what the best options might be.”

He added: “The helpline is there to assist in finding the best next step for them on their career journey and we have a very wide range of services to do exactly that.”

Students can also access help, advice and support via SDS’s Facebook page which has answers to common problems, help on making the best career moves, practical tools and links to other relevant bodies such as UCAS, SAAS, Young Scot and the SQA.

There is also a wealth of post-results information for young people and their parents on the SDS My World of Work website - www.myworldofwork.co.uk.

The exam results helpline, which is generally free to call,, opens from 8am until 8pm on August 6 and 7, 9am until 5pm weekdays until August 14 and 10am until 6pm on weekends.

Advisers will be on hand to give unique access to information on UCAS course vacancies at colleges and universities across the UK, confirmation and clearing, advice about employment, training opportunities and exam re-sits.

The helpline number is 0808 100 8000.

The £250,000 fine issued to Scottish Borders Council after employee records were found in a recycling bin has been overturned at a tribunal today.

The forfeit was made in September last year by the Information Commissioner’s Office and although SBC paid up £200,000 straight away in order to achieve a 20 per cent discount, it also lodged an appeal.

The money will now be refunded in the coming months.

Council leader David Parker welcomed the result and criticised the ICO for the fine. He said: “To issue such a high monetary penalty on a public authority in this economic climate was excessive, especially when the breach was self-reported and officers took all appropriate steps on the discovery of this incident and co-operated fully with the ICO at all times.

“Data and information security is a priority at SBC - and I am confident that the work taking place across the Council to address any issues will be acknowledged appropriately in the future.”

Tracey Logan, chief executive of SBC said: “I am extremely pleased with the outcome and have always strongly believed that the monetary penalty notice issued by the ICO in this case was unjust and disproportionate.

“Of course, I acknowledge that there were gaps in our processes in this case - but we have taken significant steps to address these since the breach to ensure data protection continues to be a high priority across the Council.

“We are committed to continue to work with the ICO to ensure our processes and policies are as robust as possible.”

ICO said that more than 600 files were deposited at the recycle bins in the Lothians area by an outside company on behalf of the council, containing confidential information and, in a significant number of cases, salary and bank account details.

The files were spotted by a member of the public who called police, prompting the recovery of 676 files.

A further 172 files deposited on the same day but at a different paper recycling bank were thought to have been destroyed in the recycling process.

The council spent over £18,000 on the appeal but the verdict from the four-day Information Tribunal vindicated its decision.

Dark Sky Park bidders in Kielder Forest are aiming for the stars. For the team now hope that the whole area they have applied for will become a dark sky park, making it the largest in Europe.

Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Northumberland National Park, and Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society were bidding to have some of the 400 square-mile area approved as a reserve, and for the rest to gain full Dark Sky Park status. But Dark Skies Working Group chairperson, Elisabeth Rowark, said: “A significant part of the (Northumberland) National Park has been discovered to be just as dark as the forest and that means we have raised our sights and will most likely go for one Dark Sky Park designation for the entire area.”

Previously, the group was seeking reserve status for the park from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) and for Kielder Water & Forest Park to become a Dark Sky Park.

But said Elisabeth: “We have taken hundreds of light meter readings and worked hard behind the scenes to audit external lighting in the combined area. It is clear that we have what is probably England’s largest expanse of remaining truly dark and starry skies.”

If Kielder is successful, it would knock the Borders’ other neighbour, Galloway, which currently holds the Europe’s largest Dark Sky Park title, into second spot.

“Creating such a large park in Europe is breaking new ground and we are working with the IDA to refine our proposal before seeking their ultimate adjudication, hopefully by the end of the year,” said Elisabeth.

If the bid succeeds Kielder would become one of the largest such parks in the world, joining the likes of Death Valley, California, and Big Bend National Park, Texas, in the USA. For more information on stargazing at Kielder visit www.kielderobservatory.org

National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland chairman Nigel Miller and his sons Andy and Malcolm of Stagehall Farm, Stow are to receive nearly £35,000 from the Scottish Government’s Rural Priorities Fund.

The money will be used to build a new shed and buy machinery for the family’s wood fuel processing, drying and marketing business.

Mr Miller said: “This will help woodland management through the development of a new market for local wood products and improve the environment from increased availability of a sustainable low carbon fuel with minimum timber miles.”

The Millers run 175 suckler cows and 950 Lairg type Cheviot ewes and grow spring barley and triticale as feed on their 550-hectare upland farm.

Qualified vet Nigel is a past chairman of NFU Scotland’s livestock committee and has been the union’s president since 2011.

Meanwhile the Scottish Beef Association is holding a farm walk at Crailinghall Farm, Jedburgh tonight when liver and rumen fluke and Schmallenberg will be discussed.

The Scottish Mule Association is holding an open day at Crookston Farm, Heriot on Sunday from 12 noon when there will be stock-judging, novelty competitions and a farm walk.

And local winners at the Great Yorkshire Show were: Bryan, Ian and Tom Walling, Over Whitlaw, Selkirk - champion Lleyn, reserve Belted Galloway; Ron and Robert Wilson, Cowbog, Kelso - champion Hereford; Whittaker Farms, Stickle Heaton, Cornhill - champion Charolais, reserve Aberdeen Angus,

Unless you’ve been living under a bush with no comms, you might be aware there’s a big day approaching. No, not the royal baby, the Border Union Agricultural Society’s 200th anniversary.

One of the society’s main events takes place next week, with the staging of the two-day Border Union Show at Kelso on Friday and Saturday.

Society secretary Ron Wilson has pulled out all the stops with a host of attractions lined up to celebrate the milestone.

He said: “Agriculture has always been vital to the Borders economy and this is as true now as it ever was. In our bicentenary year, we not only want to look back at the achievements of the past, but also highlight the role that farming continues to play in shaping the Borders countryside and enhancing our lives today – be this through the creation of fabulous food, employment or fashion.”

This year’s show will be attended for the first time by HRH The Countess of Wessex, Royal Patron of the Border Union Agricultural Society’s Bicentenary year.

Major crowd-pullers for the 200th birthday are rooted in farming, linking the area’s strong agricultural heritage to the countryside today

They include a pageant celebrating the History of the Horse, a Story of Wool showcase and the Flavour of the Borders Food Fair, featuring world renowned chefs, including Albert Roux.

The pageant celebrating equines will take place in the main ring next Saturday, looking at the different roles the horse has played in the region from Roman times to the modern day.

The Story of Wool will look at the importance of farming and textiles to the Borders, taking visitors from shearing to wearing, and will include fashion shows featuring local top-flight designers.

The Flavour of the Borders Food Fair, championing local produce, will feature more than 50 artisan food producers and several live cookery demonstrations by famous chefs.

Ron said: “We have a wide variety of special attractions planned and even have specially planted plots adjacent to the showground that will be harvested using vintage and modern machinery to demonstrate both old and new farming practices.

“We will also display a new map of the Tweed River that traces the path of this waterway and illustrates its importance to the area’s agriculture and textile industry.

“For those who have not been to the show before, this will be a great year to visit and I am sure regular attendees will find the new additions add even more enjoyment to what is always a great day out.”

Read more about the show, its special events, history and a few words from the society’s president – the Duke of Roxburghe– in next week’s Farming Review pull-out .

Next week’s Border Union Show in Kelso will launch the career of a Borders College chef, as six hopefuls cook beside Albert Roux for the Border Union Agricultural Society’s bicentenary dinner.

The six finalists competed in a cook-off in May at the Borders College Galashiels Campus, judged by multi-Michelin starred chef Roux and Glen Watson, a former Borders College student from Kelso, who began his cooking career washing dishes at the Ednam House Hotel, but now works as a consultant chef for the Roux dynasty.

The winner, who will be announced after the the Border Union Agricultural Society’s (BUAS) banquet on Friday night, will walk away with a grand prize of a six-month placement at Andrew Fairlie’s Gleneagles restaurant – Scotland’s only two-starred Michelin eatery – with a £6,000 scholarship for accommodation donated by BUAS as part of its bicentenary celebrations.

Culinary legend Roux produced another two prizes out of his chef’s hat in May – two-week placements at La Gavroche in London (run by Albert’s son, Masterchef judge Michel Roux jnr) and at the Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux Restaurant in Gullane under its head chef, and Professional Masterchef winner, Derek Johnstone. Albert, with his brother Michel, established London’s Le Gavroche, the first restaurant in the UK to gain three Michelin stars.

The six talented Level 2 and 3 catering students competing for their big break are: Level 2 students Andy Thomson from Earlston, Paulo Neves from Melrose, Chris Mitchell from Hawick, Jessica Mead from St Boswells, and from Level 3, Lynn Frizzell from Galashiels and Ainsley Casson from Hawick.

Watson whittled down 20 contestants in the March heats, when they were given an hour to cook one classic dish using local and seasonal ingredients. The half-dozen finalists then went on to cook for Albert Roux in May, when they were given 2 1/2 hours to cook two new dishes, one of which had to include pastry.

Watson, who sets up recipes and sources produce for the Roux group’s many Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the country, proposed the Borders College competition in September last year, thanks to his connection with the region, and he easily persuaded his boss Albert Roux to take part.

“For me, it was important to give something back to the Borders,” he told us.

The competition, which was also supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), was open to all catering students from Levels 1 to 3 currently at Borders College. “We give them the chance, and they’ll have the opportunity to do whatever they want to do,” Watson said.

BUAS’s bicentenary banquet for 400-500 guests on Friday evening at Kelso’s Springwood Park, which features a four-course menu championing Borders produce, will be prepared by masterchefs Albert Roux, Andrew Fairlie, Derek Johnstone and Steven Doherty (former head chef at Le Gavroche) – assisted by the six Borders College finalists.

The banquet starts with Fairlie’s ballotine of salmon with fresh herbs, followed by Glen Watson’s wild mushroom risotto and Doherty’s main of Border spring lamb. Johnstone finishes the dinner with a raspberry assiette for dessert, while Le Gavroche’s general manager, Silvano Giraldin, will select wines especially for each course.

Ronald Wilson, secretary of BUAS, told TheSouthern “This is a unique one-off if you’re a foodie. We’re not trying to make any money out of it: we just want to celebrate and honour our chefs.”

The feast’s last few tickets, which cost £175, are still available from BUAS, by contacting ronaldwilson@buas.org

In addition to the Border Union Show’s traditional competitions, activities and displays on July 26 and 27, the 2013 bicentenary event will include a ‘Flavour of the Borders Food Fair’ featuring 47 artisan food and d

rink producers.

These will be accompanied by cookery demonstrations in Springwood Hall from Andrew Fairlie and Derek Johnstone, and Border chefs Alan Reid of Walkerburn’s Windlestraw Lodge, Neville Merrin of the Roxburghe Hotel, Kenny Coltman from Coltman’s on Peebles High Street, and Ross Horrocks from the Caddy Mann at Mounthooly near Jedburgh.

The almost 50 food stalls will include local producers Border Berries, Over Langshaw Farmhouse Ice Cream, the Great Northumberland Bread Company, Standhill Cheesery, Berwickshire’s Peelham Farm, Simple Simon’s Perfect Pies from Biggar, and, from farther afield, Perthshire’s Cairn o Mohr fruit winery, Swallow Fish from Seahouses, the Galloway Fudge Company, Foodstation Wales, and the Mad Jam Woman from Morpeth.

The Borders’ changing farming and country life is on show at a free 
exhibition in the Bob 
Mason Room at Jedburgh Castle Jail until October 31.

It features displays of 
Jedburgh’s bygone rural harvests, tools and 
workers.

At the heart of McGuigan’s Cellar Select Chardonnay is a textured and aromatic peach base, but that is enlivened by attractive orange and lemon acidity which adds freshness and some extra crispness.

If I’m honest, New World-branded wine can be patchy, but, here, McGuigan’s have crafted a fresh and lively Australian chardonnay that keeps those appealing tropical fruit flavours without the over ripeness or excessive oak that have become passé these days.

The wine is available from Morrisons, and is on special offer – £4.99 – until 11 August.

A full and rich Italian red, Tesco Finest* Nero D’Avola, is mellowed by touches of vanilla and allspice, but made more complex by mildly-acidic bramble fruit and a rather nice savoury grip on the finish.

Improved production techniques in Sicily have elevated the grape variety used here from humble blending fodder into the mainstay of several big, tasty wines like this.

The result is well worth £6 of anyone’s money.

Currently on offer at £5.99 – instead of £7.99 – until the end of next month.

The chardonnay component of Marks and Spencer’s 2012 Los Nucos Chardonnay Viognier (priced £5.99) provides engaging apricot and orange flavours, but they are nicely supplemented by flowery and aromatic elements from the viognier, and a late burst of acidity that adds suggestions of lemon and grapefruit.

France’s Rhone Valley is the spiritual home of Viognier, but it is now being successfully grown in the New World too. Exactly how successfully is neatly illustrated by this fairly-priced version derived from grapes grown on the lower slopes of the Andes in Chile.

Brian Elliott is wine correspondent of Scotland on Sunday and lives at Auchencrow in the Borders

We have entered what we in the newspaper business call the Silly Season.

It’s the time when hard news stories seem to melt away like snaw off a dyke. Or like a mate from years ago when it was his turn to buy a round. He disappeared like snaw off a four-bar electric fire on full power. He had it down to a T. He’d sup away with the rest us, enjoying convivial banter and the occasional argument, at all times, however, carefully monitoring who was on the bell.

Now this was a few years ago and we were a large crowd. So large that on our once-a-week get-togethers you didn’t have to buy a round. It had been your shout last week. We trusted each other and hadn’t noted the flincher in our midst until a sharp-eyed barmaid brought it to our attention.

That’s when we noticed the snaw-off-an-electric fire effect. In those days you didn’t have the excuse of having to nip out for fag and then slipping away. Or the fictitious call on the mobile requesting your presence elsewhere.

No, you had to be more clever. And he was. I’m not going into detail in case someone tries to use the same dodges. But safe to say we gave him a bit of rope – and than hauled him in big style. We reckon he had to remortgage. And then he stopped joining our company. It was his loss.

Now, where is all this going, you are probably wondering. So am I. I said we were entering the Silly Season and I have now managed to write 320 words out of my allotted 560 without really saying anything. But I’m sure the Monday Club from that time will recall events only too well.

The Silly Season hasn’t really quite hit us yet. It can’t have because in this issue (page 7) we learn that our local MPs don’t intend to accept a 10 per pay rise on their basic pay [£66,396] that could be coming their way. But then Messrs Moore and Mundell aren’t really on a basic Borders wage – £134,565 and £89,435 respectively. But well done chaps for telling us you won’t take the cash if it is finally offered. Many workers haven’t had the opportunity for a couple of years of turning down a pay rise.

On page 1 there’s the ludicrous suggestion that a convicted murderer should be allowed to father a child in his prison cell.

On page 3 there are bundles of money – all gained through the sordid abuse of desperate women and the seedy world of prostitution.

I know the guy involved because he came from Selkirk and operated a High Street chip shop where his pan of curry sauce – it was never off the simmer – beat anything produced in the best Indian restaurants. He was a talented piper and good company – and then he disappeared.

The revelations that have come to light have surprised – and shocked – many who knew him. He comes from a fine family, and I feel for them.

The need and greed for cash can blind people to what is right and what is so badly wrong. It can turn them more than silly.

It was a great shame to hear that Munro’s of Jedburgh recently ceased trading. For many years the firm has helped run several key routes in the Borders and although it was due to hand over several of these at the beginning of August, it was disappointing to see them close.

My immediate thoughts are with the staff of the company who are now facing great uncertainty, and for those who could potentially be stranded without their local bus running.

Thankfully, a contingency plan was quickly organised to cover the old routes and some of the staff who were left without a job are expected to be taken on by firms who have picked up the new routes.

In the meantime, however, top priority must be to ensure that those who are facing unemployment are provided with adequate support to ensure that they can get back into work as soon as possible.

RIGHT TO BUY

The Scottish Government recently announced that it would be denying thousands of tenants in Scotland the chance to buy the property they are renting.

The right-to-buy policy was first introduced by the Conservative Government in 1980 and helped almost half a million people to own their home for the first time. It gave them a financial security that simply wasn’t possible before, and it is staggering that the SNP would choose to reverse it.

As a result, almost 300,000 people who would currently qualify for the scheme will be losing out.

NEWMILL BUS SHELTER

I have been contacted by several constituents from Newmill complaining about the bus stop in the village.

It is used by many elderly residents who catch the bus to Hawick, yet despite this there is no shelter or seating on offer. When traffic often travels through the area at a high speed, and with the last few winters having been very cold and wet, I believe that the least the council can do is provide a shelter.

The local authority already does so at several stops around the region, and that is why I wrote to the council asking for the issue to be investigated.

With many elderly people using the route, it is even more important that something is done to ensure that they are given a place to rest with adequate protection.

A1 IMPROVEMENTS

The UK Government has reiterated its desire to see the A1 improved between Newcastle and the border.

While it is prioritising the upgrade of this key transport link, the SNP Government is still dragging its feet.

While other roads in Scotland continue to see further investment, the SNP continues to ignore the Borders.

A prize-winning horse rider claims a tiny back road has been turned into a motorway by huge lorries servicing the Borders Railway.

But Stephanie Tristam has welcomed the announcement that BAM Nuttall will open a temporary access route at Fountainhall next week, meaning vehicles working on-site no longer need to use Old Stage Road between the village and Heriot.

Mrs Tristam, who regularly uses the route to train eight- year-old American quarter horse Chinook in her chosen discipline of Western Riding, has been forced to practice at Earlston this week because of her safety fears.

She told us last week: “I’m terrified that if I do take the horse out and I meet one of the lorries the horse might bolt and throw me off.

“It is very, very dangerous – people on bikes and children use the road.It is just a matter of time until something happens. There are so many little bends on the road, even in a car you have got to watch out.”

Mrs Tristam, who is seeking compensation for the disruption, has since spoken to railway representatives who explained they were working hard to put in place the stop-gap solution.

She said this week: “BAM Nuttall have been good at informing us of what is going on and are obviously doing their best, but there are safety concerns. This is a huge transformation for the area and although BAM Nuttall are working as quickly as possible, I don’t think people 
realised quite what it would be like.”

Network Rail’s communications manager Craig Bowman told The Southern on Tuesday: “A temporary road will be build from the A7 into the site.

“It will be at the same area as where the permanent access road is being constructed, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.”

He added: “We want to remove the risk of heavy plant machinery being on Old Stage Road.

“Various options have been looked at, including boosting the weight restriction on the bridge, but that was not deemed feasible.”

Fountainhall is expected to see 185 workers based in the village at its peak, following the opening of the Borders Railway’s central hub there last month.

Meanwhile, in Stow, a planning application was submitted on Monday to build its two railway platforms and footbridge.

The plans also detail a car park, waiting shelters and platform seating at the site close to the primary school.

A major refurbishment of the village hall in St Boswells has moved a step closer after the award of almost £175,000 of funding.

The cash boost, from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund, was announced last week.

The £174,383 goes a long way towards the £400,000-plus scheme to refurbish the 117-year-old building.

Robin Wild, chairman of the village hall committee, told The Southern he was pleasantly surprised by the amount awarded.

“We thought if they gave us £100,000 it would be more than we could have expected, but we had a terrific team, a little group of professionals in this kind of business, who put together a really professional application.”

Planning approval for the work was granted by the council in January this year.

Mr Wild said: “When we started fundraising we thought we should have the credibility of having it all planned, costed and planning permission in place.”

Insulation between the beams in the main hall, double glazing and a new internal staircase are planned, as well as a wider entrance off Jenny Moore’s Road, a larger internal foyer and fully accessible toilets.

“Once we get a new entrance and it all looking nice, we rather hope that people will use it for wedding receptions and things like that,” said Mr Wild.

“The other thing is that it is one of the larger halls in this part of the Borders, so it could attract things from other villages. We think its use will increase a lot.”

He added: “The cost of the overall project is a bit over £400,000, but we have already collected over £100,000 and now we have this £174,000 we will go out to the village during August to ask for their contribution. So I live in hope that we will get to £400,000 reasonably soon.”

Mr Wild said: “It has been a great fillip getting this grant as we have now got serious money and can start with the project.

“We are going to be bold and try to let the whole thing as one contract as we reckon builders will be more interested in it that way and because it will keep costs down. As it is mostly internal work it will be a good job for them through the winter.”

The committee is awaiting news regarding an application to the council’s landfill fund, and will also be approaching local charities to help raise the total required.

The resignation of the Borders’ youngest councillor has been criticised by two former members, claiming it will cost taxpayers £30,000.

John Paton-Day and Kenneth Gunn have spoken out after Tweeddale West representative Nathaniel Buckingham announced he would be standing down, just 14 months after being elected, due to work and family commitments.

However, the 30-year-old Conservative member – who admits his political career is now over – said he had to make the decision to do justice to his constituents.

Mr Paton-Day, who lost the Melrose and Leaderdale by-election to Borders Party member Iain Gillespie in May after being ousted from the ward in last year’s elections, says the role of a councillor has huge responsibilities.

He added: “It is not there as an extra income to bolster company pensions or second-job salaries.

“It is true that there are many committed councillors and it would be wrong to ignore the important work they do just because of a few.

“This is not a problem that affects just the Scottish Borders, it is a problem across Scotland.”

And writing to The Southern this week, Mr Gunn – who was displaced as a Selkirkshire councillor in 2012 – says there should be no place for “part-time” representatives.

Also criticising the resignation of Borders Party leader Nicholas Watson in February in order to relocate to Cumbria, Mr Gunn wrote: “If we are to spend another £30,000 on a by-election yet again, can we not perhaps encourage any other elected councillor who cannot give full-time commitment to the job to declare it now and we can have one by-election to get rid of the parttimers in one fell swoop?”

Yet, Mr Buckingham, a civil engineer consultant, said he had mulled over the decision for a couple of months and described it as “the hardest decision to make with the largest impact on the local community and party”.

He told us: “I have taken some time to think about it, but felt that if I did not do this, I would be coasting along.

“I have not been fully focused or fully committed to any aspect of my work.”

He added: “It (resignation) probably does draw a line under my political career. I have never had huge political ambitions and decided to stand in order to serve my community.

“I am sure I will continue to serve the local community, but in a different role.”

Scottish Borders Council says a date has not yet been confirmed for the by-election in Tweeddale West.

Letters – page 28

A plea has been made for Audit Scotland to be brought in to ensure the costs of closing rural schools is accurately calculated.

Paul Docherty, the chair of Channelkirk School board in 2005 when it was threatened with closure, made the call this week after The Scottish Government announced it was launching a consultation on the country’s rural schools network.

It will discuss whether financial information on the impact of shutting a school should be put forward by the council involved.

The review follows evidence from the Scottish Rural Schools Network (SRSN) in April that Scottish Borders Council benefits to the tune of £1.5million per year from its countryside schools.

SRSN’s findings were in response to a report by the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education which showed Channelkirk brings in £213,000 per annum through Grant Aided Expenditure.

The figure opposed the findings of education director Glenn Rodger, who said at the time the council could save £1million over an eight-year period by shutting the school.

Now Mr Docherty thinks greater financial scrutiny is needed. He told us: “What I want to see from the consultation is two things. Firstly, a standardised and very simple form detailing the costs of each school which includes the grant provided. And secondly, I want to see a truly independent body – possibly Audit Scotland – look at the figures, check them over and sign them off as accurate.”

South of Scotland MSP Paul Wheelhouse said: “I would encourage anyone in the Scottish Borders with an interest in the future of our rural schools to consider submitting their views to this consultation.”

The Scottish SPCA have asked for information about three stray ferrets found near Newtown Primary School, writes Jason Holland.

A woman spotted two ferrets while walking her dog near a school at around 4.30pm on Thursday, July 4. She managed to catch one of the ferrets but the other one escaped.

The next night she returned to the same area and was able to catch the second ferret. The following day, while walking her dog in the same area, she was alerted by children to the presence of a third of the mammals that died shortly after being discovered.

The other two females are now being cared for by Scottish SPCA staff at its Edinburgh base, and have been named Gemma and Jessie.

Anyone with information can call the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Westminster MPs Michael Moore and David Mundell say they don’t want the massive pay hike recommended by the body that sets their salaries.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) which now controls the wages of MPs, says their basic wage should rise by around 10 per cent – from £66,396 to around £74,00.

We asked Lib Dem Michael Moore (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) and his Conservative coalition partner David Mundell (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale) if they would accept the rise. Both said they would not. But neither of course take home a basic pay.

Secretary of State for Scotland, Mr Moore has a Cabinet salary of £135,565, while Mr Mundell, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Office of Scotland, draws £89,435. Mr Mundell told us: “I haven’t sought, and don’t anticipate, receiving a pay rise. Ipsa, over which MPs have no control, are conducting a consultation on pay and I urge 
anybody with views to take part in the consultation.”

Mr Moore stated: “It is absolutely right that salaries and pensions are scrutinised and set independently by Ipsa. We can never again return to the arrangements where MPs decided their own pay and pensions. I welcome the suggestions to bring pensions and redundancy payments more into line with the rest of the public sector. But that principle has to extend to salaries, too, and like the majority of MPs I have spoken to, I would reject the increase proposed.”