A public meeting next month will look at the pros and cons of the Cheviots becoming a national park (NP).

The meeting has been called by the Southern Upland Partnership (SUP) following a report earlier this year suggesting the area should be considered for NP status.

But Roxburghe Estates, which owns much of the land in the area, urges caution.

Factor Roddy Jackson said: “Any proposal for NP designation needs to analyse fully the benefits and costs so an informed view can be made. NP status involves additional state intervention in the management and use of land. There is already a high level of landscape protection afforded to the Cheviots and rightly so.”

The area is a National Scenic Area, a conservation designation run by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and has Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) protection.

Mr Jackson said both Scottish Borders Council (SBC) and SNH had measures in place “to ensure adequate protection for sensitive areas”.

He continued: “When Scotland’s NPs were created, many of these important safeguards were not in place. So one has to question what purpose would be served by introducing further red tape in land management through NP designation.

“NP is more than just a title – it involves the creation of a whole new layer of planning. For this reason any proposal needs to be very carefully analysed, something this report fails to do.”

The report, entitled ‘Unfinished Business’ was published by The Scottish Campaign for National Parks (SCNP) and the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland (APRS) in the spring.

In it, the two charities argue that Scotland’s two existing national parks – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, established in 2002, and the Cairngorms, set up the following year – have proved their worth and that it is now time for more.

In the report, author John Mayhew notes the southern flanks of the Cheviots in England are included in the Northumberland National Park, but the Scottish side have only the “limited protection” of the AGLV.

“However, the landscape quality of the northern side is as great as, if not greater than, that to the south, so there would be a great deal of sense in extending the Northumberland National Park into Scotland,” he says.

Mr Mayhew and former Northumberland National Park Authority chief executive Graham Taylor will be speaking at the meeting in Yetholm.

A spokesperson for SBC said: “The council is aware of the work undertaken by the ARPS and the proposed meeting organised by SUP, and will continue to monitor events.”

SUP project manager Pip Tabor said: “We need to do something to acknowledge and protect the high-quality landscape of the Scottish Cheviot Hills, but I am not sure if full NP status would be the answer. There may be better ways of doing this.

“It’s just really important for people to come along and to have the debate.”

The meeting takes place between 7-9pm on Wednesday, August 14, in the Yetholm Youth Hall.

Former Borders GP Andrew Murray covered more than 900km in 18 days as he ran through East Africa, completing his challenge on Sunday.

The ex-Borders General Hospital, Hawick and Galashiels medic scaled Mt Kilimanjaro in a day with running partner, Scottish 100km champion Donnie Campbell, as part of the expedition, and the pair ran more than 50km at altitude each day.

Now Edinburgh-based, Andrew was hoping to discover the secret behind the success of Kenyan runners to pass on to Scottish athletes, but returned saying: “There is no secret. It’s about doing absolutely everything right, coupled with a determination to succeed.”

He said: “Scottish athletes can win gold in Glasgow 2014 and Rio 2016 by making ‘being the best’ the clear focus of their ambitions, involving the right expertise, and learning lessons from these world-beaters.”

Asked what the highlight of the expedition was, the 32-year-old endurance athlete said: “Running with the wildlife. Nothing prepares you for the size of a giraffe: at close quarters they are the size of a house. And learning numerous pearls of wisdom from some of the best athletes on earth.”

The most challenging part was “eating enough food to keep going,” he said, “and running with constant injuries. My hip flexor bothered me all trip.”

He told The Southern what he would additionally pass on to Scottish athletes following the East Africa run is: “Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams with an unswerving focus. Surround yourself with the right people and whatever the project there is no substitute for commitment and hard work.”

Andrew, who grew up in Kenya, shot to fame in 2011 when he ran 4,290km from John O’Groats to the Sahara desert. Last year he completed a world record seven ultra-marathons on seven continents in under a week.

Summer has arrived. This is the season where the sun can really take a toll on your skin. But here are some simple tips to help you keep yourself cool during the sizzling summer months.

KEEP HYDRATED

Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Our bodies lose a lot of moisture during summer so it’s important to stay hydrated. Eat plenty of fresh fruit, the water they produce is easily absorbed into our cells and is a good source of nutrients to keep skin supple.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Our European friends take a siesta midday, a practice we are not very good at adopting. Try to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are strongest and can have an adverse effect on your skin. Sunglasses will protect the delicate eye area and a wide brimmed hat protects head and face.

SUNSCREEN

Sunscreens should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside, this allows the skin to absorb the product and should be reapplied at two hour intervals throughout the day.You can still obtain a tanned, healthy looking skin with proper sun protection, a minimum of SPF 20 is recommended but go higher if your skin is fair.

MOISTURISING

Always moisturise your skin after you have been in the sun. If you find that the after sun moisturiser is too oily look for a water-based product.

ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINE-BASED DRINKS

Over consumption can lead to dehydration especially on a hot day, always drink an extra glass of water for every glass of alcohol or coffee you may have, remember sugary drinks taste nice but they don’t help your skin nor your figure.

Written by The Borders College Hair and Beauty Team – www.borderscollege.ac.uk

Moisturising, cleansing, hair colouring, waxing – just for the ladies? Well not so fast.

Studies have found that men now spend equal, if not more, time getting ready to go out than women, and they spend more on high-end products than their female counterparts.

TO PLUCK OR NOT TO PLUCK?

Shaping of eyebrows can make men look younger and more polished. Simple ways to control unruly eyebrows is to either comb straight up with brow brush or clean toothbrush. Using the straight end of your shaver or trimmer, take off any hairs that are above the natural brow line. Or for the more adventurous try plucking.

If you are plucking, do so after your shower as the heat will open your pores, so it won’t hurt so much. Pluck the hairs out one by one, quickly in the natural direction of growth.

MANICURE

There is no point wearing a clean-cut suit with polished shoes and gelled hair if your hands are screaming out “Bob the builder!”

Do you really think ragged nails and rough cuticles make you look masculine?

Dirty, rough-looking nails are a real turn-off. And before you look out those summer sandals, how do the feet and toes look?

A manicurist will trim your cuticles and buff your nails to maintain your healthy hands and feet. At home, occasionally soak them in warm soapy water and apply a good hand and foot cream. And to keep nails gleaming. Invest in a nail file and buffer.

HAIR

A good haircut can change your face, making your jawline look more masculine, your eyes more commanding and making your overall appearance taller and leaner.

Men now have a strong styling option and more are using colouring products to cover grey hair.

Products have a huge influence on men’s styling. Gel is the most effective product in keeping hair in place for many hours. Mousse is advantageous when producing volume for men with fine or thinning hair.

So come on chaps, follow your feminine side and get pampering.

I like comedy, but have to confess that I’m not really a lover of stand-up comics. Glasgow riveter Billy Connolly has always been an exception.

I remember yonks ago when he used to venture to the Borders and perform for little more than his supper and a bed for the night.

His first major gig here was in Galashiels’ Volunteer Hall and I interviewed him for about 10 minutes in the kitchen that led to caretaker Jimmy Brown’s flat. I found him hilarious, but at the same time he seemed a bit on edge.

He was just beginning to spread his wings from the west and wondering just how his humour would go down in the wider world. I like to think that the response from the audience in the Volunteer Hall proved he had no need to worry and that, indeed, the world was his oyster. Many tried to emulate and none succeeded, and he went on to become a star not only of stage, but of screen.

Flicking through the channels late the other night I came across a body of unlikely heavenly stars. I missed the start of the programme, but it was a succession of ministers and priests standing in front of a static camera against a background that looked as if it had come from a 1930s Free Kirk vestry. And they told jokes.

They stood there in their dog collars, gowns and vestments, and swapped psalms and Bible readings for jokes. One after another they appeared on the screen and punted out punchlines. Some looked decidedly uncomfortable, while others appeared to relish the moment. Some of their attempts were tremendous, others were decidedly poor. One even had to explain why we should be laughing. Now that was funny.

But laugh I did. The expressions on the faces of these men and women of the cloth were a hoot. And I loved the one – I think it came from a Methodist – about the man who told his wife in that great sporting summer of last year that he had bought a packet of Olympic condoms and proceeded to ask whether he should wear gold, silver or bronze. The wife, revealed the man from the ministry, promptly said he should wear silver – and that way he wouldn’t always come first.

And before anyone starts complaining, I’m only quoting the gospel according to a reverend, sir. I’ll watch out for that programme again.

In truth, I’ve known a few ministers of various faiths and most had an undoubted sense of humour.

In my younger days I was a member of Galashiels Round Table and a fellow member was the Reverend David Smith of St Peter’s.

He was young and bright, and proclaimed he had the cleanest dog collars of all the clergy around – they were made by cutting up a plastic Fairy Liquid bottle and turning it out. I knew another who proclaimed that while to Catholics RIP meant Rest In Peace, for those of the Protestant faith it meant Rest If Possible.

I smile at funerals sometimes. Not the really sad ones, but I do smile at times when the minister proclaims with solemnity and sincerity that the worthy dead can rest easy in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life.

The sure and certain hope..?

The annual Blanket Preaching service takes place in St Mary’s Churchyard overlooking St Mary’s Loch on Sunday at 3pm.

Following the service teas will be served in the hall at Cappercleuch in aid of local church fabric funds.

CADDONFOOT

Church

The first of four country evening worships was held in Caddonfoot Church on Sunday. The service was led by Paul Goode, of Earlston, who was joined by Marion Stirling (Old Parish and St Paul’s), Katriona Goode (Earlston), Nancy Bain and Jim Tennant (Old Parish and St Paul’s), Hans Waltl (Earlston), and Atholl Innes, Fay Brydon, Jo Lawson and Georgie Bird (Caddonfoot). The Reverend Marion Dodd was at the piano and the Reverend Sheila Moir, Melrose and Peebles presbytery moderator, led the Grace. A retiring collection was taken for presbytery’s Malawi project. The three remaining evening worships are at Mertoun Kirk (August 11), Heriot Church (September 1) and Legerwood Church (September 15). Earlier in the day, the Reverend Dodd conducted morning service in Caddonfoot and the lessons were read by Roddy Beatson.

Cappercleuch

Preaching

The blanket preaching will take place in St Mary’s churchyard at St Mary’s Loch on July 28 at 3pm. Teas, in aid of the church fabric fund, will be served afterwards in Cappercleuch Hall.

Earlston

Church

The July 28 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods and members of the worship team. Refreshments will be served after the service.

Ettrickbridge

Coffee morning

The next monthly coffee morning and sale in aid of hall funds will be held in the village hall on August 3 (10am-noon). Anyone with anything to sell should turn up, take a table, and give a small donation to the hall.

Hawick

Rotary

Members had an illustrated talk from nurse Fiona Jackson. Involved with nurse training at Borders General Hospital, she is a volunteer with “Facing Africa, 2012” and travels regularly to Ethiopia to treat victims of noma, a condition which infects facial skin and tissue, resulting in the infected part being eaten away. There are 140,000 victims a year in Ethiopia, with a survival rate of 10 per cent. Fiona goes as part of a team of surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses to carry out plastic surgery on victims. There is also a teaching programme to encourage native nurses to learn the procedures. Many questions arose from her talk after which Robin Mason gave the vote of thanks.

Innerleithen

Church

The next service in Innerleithen Church will be on August 4 at 10.30am.

JEDBURGH

Tennis camp

A summer tennis camp is being run at Jedburgh Grammar School from August 5-9. Contact Rebecca Bruce for details on 07854 677065.

Lunch club

The lunch club, which meets on August 1, provides a weekly nourishing meal for pensioners in and around the Jedburgh area. Anyone who knows someone who would benefit from a hot meal and some weekly friendship should get in touch. New members and volunteers welcome. Transport can be arranged. For more information, telephone 01835 862565.

Kelso

Garden competitions

Judging for the Kelso Front and Patio Garden Competitions will be carried out during the first week of August, with results announced and prizes awarded at Kelso Horticultural Society’s summer exhibition in the Tait Hall on August 25.

Bridge club

July 17 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; 2, John Urquhart and Janet Kyle; 3, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, Ian and Eliz Ross; 3, Lesley Dick and Lynda Douglas. July 18 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; 2,Rena Stewart and Val Johnstone; 3, Brian Saywood and Evelyn Erskine; E/W – 1, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger; 2, James Duncan and Ged McIvor; 3, Jean McLaren and Ken Ross.

Fun festival

See Yetholm section.

Langholm

Art exhibition

Chairman Tom Kennedy welcomed everyone to the District Art Club summer exhibition in the gallery at the town hall which was opened by Margaret Hobson. She had joined the Langholm club in 1989 after moving to live near Waterbeck and said it had been most enjoyable, with a relaxed atmosphere, and tutor Alex Drysdale and the members were a great bunch. Margaret, who mainly paints in watercolour, said she had learned a great deal over the 15 years with the club and had kept in touch with people, despite now living near Silloth.

Rotary

The club welcomed Cornet Alasdair Cavers and his Right and Left-Hand men – Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman – to a special dinner and speeches in the Crown Hotel. President Tom Stothart was in the chair and the main speaker was Ronnie Nichol from Hawick. Among the guests were Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey and Jubilee Cornet George Ellwood.

Ride-outs

There was an extra addition to the preliminary ride-outs arranged by the Castle Craigs Club during the lead-up to the Common Riding. Cornet Alasdair Cavers and his Right and Left-Hand Men – Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman – led young pony riders round the town, headed by the pipe band. On the Saturday the Cornet had a following of 61 riders to the Benty in glorious weather. Before leaving the Kilngreen the pony judging was carried out by Stewart and Sarah Pool. Later at the Benty, the Cornet presented the W. H. Harkness Jubilee Shield to Lewis Bell, with runner-up Lloyd Johnstone receiving a switch, and other prizes were also awarded. Westerkirk WRI treated all the riders to tea and there were speeches and songs in the hall before the mounted cavalcade headed back home by way of Westerhall. On the Sunday the leading principals had 40 mounted followers, including a number of female and young riders, as they set off in fine weather from the Kilngreen on the ride-out to the Craig. There was an entry of nine for the best turned out ponies, and the judges were the Cornet’s parents, Aileen and Elliot Cavers. Castle Craigs president Andrew Johnstone thanked Will Ewart of the Craig for the use of the field and also landowners Jim Robertson and Francis Hislop. Cornet Cavers then presented the James Harkness Trophy for the best turned out horse or pony by a girl studying at Langholm Academy to Emily Beattie. Her sister, Nicole Beattie, received the Craig Cup for the best turned out pony. The midweek evening ride-outs took place in glorious weather and on the Tuesday to Henwell the Cornet and his Right and Left-Hand Men had 53 mounted followers The ponies were judged at the Kilngreen by Robbie and Sheila Trussler. Later at Henwell, the Cornet presented the Henwell Perpetual Trophy to Thomas Coates, with Shannon Jardine runner-up. They both received switches donated by Castle Craigs committee members. There were a number of young enthusiasts among the 49 riders who followed the leading principals to Peden’s View on the Thursday night. The ponies were judged by Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey and Jubilee Cornet George Ellwood at the Kilngreen before departing. The Caulfield Cup and a Common Riding tie, donated by Ian and Sandra Elliot, were presented by Cornet Cavers to Chloe Aitken for the best turned out unplaited pony. The Graham Cubbon Memorial Trophy and voucher, donated by the Cubbon family for the best turned out unplaited pony by a paid-up member of the Langholm Young Riders, went to Amy Moscrop. Switches were again donated by Castle Craigs committee members.

Social

The flute band held its annual general meeting and social evening in the Buck Hotel last Thursday, providing the opportunity to play a few tunes together. Roddy Innes was chairman and he presented an inscribed tankard on behalf of the band to Cornet Alasdair Cavers. He also presented a bottle of whisky to Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey. A bottle of whisky was also presented by Charlie Graham to Jubilee Cornet George Ellwood, and ex-Cornet Colin Irving accepted whisky from Kenneth Pool to give to his father-in-law, Diamond Jubilee Cornet John Paterson.

Cornet’s night

The Cornet’s Night in Langholm Royal British Legion Club was once again sold out. Cornet Alasdair Cavers and his Right and Left-Hand Men, Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman, were given a rousing cheer as they entered the clubrooms. David McVittie was chairman. The toast to the Common Riding was given by the Reverend Scott McCarthy, with Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell replying. The toast to the Cornet was proposed by David Divers and in his reply Cornet Cavers wished everyone a good Common Riding. Margaret Howe was the accompanist for singers Billy Young, Irving Stuart, David Pool and Charlie Graham. Members of the town band played a number of Common Riding favourites, and later in the evening they provided music for the dance. A vote of thanks on behalf of the Legion was proposed by Eddie Fisher.

Castle Craigs

It was warm and dry for the Castle Craigs ride-out when Cornet Alasdair Cavers set off from the Kilngreen with around 100 mounted followers. The Kirk Wynd and slopes of Mount Hooley were full of people to watch the Cornet lead the gallop before the riders headed on to the Castle Craigs. Among the mounted cavalcade, which later made its way to Cronksbank, was Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey. There was a stop for refreshments at the Castle Craigs with a number of people having arrived in cars and on foot from the town. On returning to the town late afternoon, the riders were met by Langholm Pipe Band who led them round the streets. Later the members attended the Crown Hotel for the annual Castle Craigs dinner. President Andrew Johnstone congratulated Cornet Cavers on the lead he had given throughout the day and there then followed speeches and songs, with a selection from some Langholm Town Band members. New members were presented with their badges. The president closed the proceedings with a vote of thanks to the landowners, entertainers and Crown Hotel for supplying the meal. The leading principals sang “A Wee Bit Toon” and this was followed by the company singing Auld Lang Syne.

Kirkin’

There was a large congregation in Langholm Parish Church for the kirkin’ of Cornet Alasdair Cavers. The service was conducted by the Reverend Scott McCarthy and the organist was Muriel Askew. Cornet Cavers read a lesson, as did Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell. A presentation was made to the Cornet and the retiring collection was in aid of Sunday school funds. Before the service, the Cornet and his Right and Left-Hand Men, Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman, and members of the Common Riding committee, joined Mr McCarthy at the war memorial in Buccleuch Park for a short service of remembrance and a wreath was laid by Cornet Cavers. Band member Nicole Weatherstone played The Last Post and piper Craig Irving The Lament. In the evening Lodge Eskdale Kilwinning held its annual parade, led by Langholm Town Band, to the service in the parish church which was conducted by Mr McCarthy. Organist was Henry Jeffrey. Visitors from other lodges attended, and the retiring collection was in aid of Langholm Day Centre.

Presentation

On the 30th anniversary lunch of the Probus Club, founder member Willie Friell was presented with a framed certificate in recognition of his 30 years of service to the club. Eddie Armstrong was the first president, in 1983, and Willie took on the job of secretary, and for the next 16 years he provided support for a succession of presidents until he took over in 1999.

Melrose

Church

July 28 services – Bowden, 9.30am; Melrose, 11am (Very Reverend Dr John Cairns, ex-moderator and Dean of the Chapel Royal); August 3 – church fete, Bowden Village Hall.

Trimontium

A national newspaper carried an article about recent treasure trove material assigned to museums and the Synton Hill hoard received a mention. It is hoped shortly to raise its display position for better viewing by visitors. The accompanying Welcome Exhibition for the coins – done by 52 Melrose Primary School pupils in clay, fabric and posterwork – is attracting favourable comment, as is the little Lockie Collection of bronze coins. On July 28 at 2pm, there will be a Trimontium site walk from Newstead Milestone.

Morebattle

Fun festival

See Yetholm section.

OXNAM

Garden

Last Sunday Frank and Margaret Clayton opened their garden at Shibden in aid of Oxnam Kirk funds, raising £330. A team of village ladies provided home baking.

Teviothead

Time for tea

A new venture is proving to be a great success at Teviothead Village Hall. On the first and third Thursday of the month, from 1-4pm, there is a drop-in tea shop when everyone is welcome, for a small donation, to come along for a get-together, home baking and cup of tea or coffee. Children are welcome. It is also a chance for people who have recently moved into the district to meet their new neighbours.

Barbecue

On August 24, the annual barbecue will be from 4pm onwards and everyone is welcome.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on August 11 at 10am.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall is on July 28 at 10.30 am.

Yetholm

Fun festival

Yetholm Dry Bar’s Summer Festival of Fun runs from August 5-9. August 5 – 9.45am-4.30pm – Recofash; August 6 – 9.45am-4.30pm – animation; August 7 – 9.45am-4.30pm – table tennis coaching/tournament; August 7 – 9.45am-4.30pm – Pop Star Puppets; August 8 – 9.45am-1pm – Art of the Mosaic; 1.30-4pm – orienteering; August 9 – 8.45am-5.30pm – Beach Madness at Coldingham Bay. Further information from ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com or ring 01573 420703. Booking forms available at Yetholm village website, Dry Bar Facebook page, village post office and Seasons, Kelso.

Tractor run

The annual Yetholm Tractor Run, no longer confined to vintage machines, saw participants follow a route which reached Doddington, near Wooler, before returning to Yetholm Haugh. More than £1,200 was raised for the Great North Air Ambulance.

Theatre outing

The village drama group visited Pitlochry Festival Theatre and saw a production of Noel Coward’s Present Laughter. A picnic lunch was enjoyed at The Hermitage, Dunkeld.

Allotments visit

Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club members visited the Yetholm allotments. Prior to touring them, John Thompson gave a short talk about their background and Stan Brown spoke about their development, including fundraising, irrigation system and equipment purchased. Members of the allotments association acted as hosts, supplying coffee and scones on arrival and a barbecue lunch. Afterwards, the group drove to Mindrum, just over the border, where Mrs Fairfax showed them round the garden and provided afternoon tea.

Open gardens

Village gardens have again been open under Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. Teas were served in the Youth Hall with bric-a-brac, plants and other crafts sold in the Wauchope Hall. There was live music in one garden and poetry readings in another. A raffle for a table lamp made by Jim Cockburn was won by Carole Morrison from Kelso. At the end of the day, more than £1,300 had been raised to be shared between the scheme’s charities and the local Riding for the Disabled Group.

Riding enthusiast Kim Peters from Bowhill Stables, near Selkirk, has been flying the flag for Scotland in Denmark.

She was heavily involved when the Danish Tilters were in the Borders in May, helping to reintroduce the equestrian sport to Scotland after an absence of centuries. She supplied horses in order that local participants could try their skills in her Bowhill arena.

And last week Kim went to Sonderborg in southern Jutland to get the feel of the ring-riding festival there. She took part in competitions on the Friday and Sunday, and also in a small village’s ring-riding festival on the Saturday. For her tilting efforts on Sunday, she won a Copenhagen china bowl.

Kim says the most moving part of her visit was carrying the Saltire in a procession through Sonderborg, pictured, along with more than 500 other riders and eight bands – including the town’s 30-strong pipe band.

Each group of riders from other towns carry a Danish flag with the name of their town on it. Since Kim was the only Scottish participant this year, five volunteers from the local tilting association were appointed “Guardians of the Saltire”, riding ahead and on either side of her, wearing blue sashes.

The tilting link has already led to several visits between riders from Sonderborg and Selkirk, with more anticipated in the future.

A newspaper supplement devoted to the Sonderborg ring-riding carried a half-page report on the Scottish visit in May, and the Reiver statuette presented to the delegation on that occasion by Scottish Borders Council convener Graham Garvie now has its own place in the ring-riding museum.

A report has highlighted the fact that children are living in what has been decreed to be poverty . We can regularly watch our television screens and witness the emaciated bodies and the hollow, sunken eyes of babies and youngsters brought on by hellish hunger and stinking water in far-off places. Places where the death of a babe in arms is all too common. And, of course, it shouldn’t happen. Not in the so-called enlightened and modern world that is the 21st century.

But this report by the Child Poverty Group is not about far-away places. It about the UK. It is about Scotland. It is about the Borders. It is about our own towns and villages. Experts say 2,600 children are living in poverty in the UK parliamentary constituency of Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, with 337 classed in the same category in Tweeddale.

Child poverty here is vastly different to that suffered in places far away. Our standards of living are higher and therefore the poverty is experienced at a different level.

Experts have calculated that the cost to society of child poverty in the Borders is around £32million. There’s been a call for politicians, the councils and charities to do more, including the establishment of community projects.

But the children didn’t make themselves poor. Adult wages here have always been despairingly low and now jobs are scarce. It’s jobs and better wages that are the answer.

BORDERS judoka Abbi Blackie narrowly missed out on a medal at the European Youth Olympic Festival, but took great confidence from an impressive showing.

Competing in Utrecht, Blackie, who fights at -52kg, lost in her quarter-final to Romania’s Teodora Balasoiu, meaning she ended up in seventh after the repechage.

The 16-year-old, who attends Earlston High School, needed a top-five finish to make it to the World Cadet Championships in Miami in August. But despite the disappointment, Blackie remained upbeat about her debut for Team GB in the Netherlands.

“Obviously I wanted to win a medal, but I did not come here expecting to do that,” she said. I went out in the first round at the Europeans earlier this month, so this is a big improvement on that and I am pleased. My judo technique and my all-round play felt much better.

“I had a moment when I almost caught her so I take positives from this performance. My technique was great and I won my second round very quickly with a throw I have not used in a long time.

“I need to get a bit stronger and I will come back for the juniors next year much better, this is a good season for me with a bronze in a cup and seventh here.”

Team GB sent a 44-strong squad to the festival, competing across five different sports.

In addition to judo, where Blackie’s teammate Peter Miles grabbed a silver on Tuesday, there was swimming, cycling, tennis and gymnastics.

And after her first taste of the Olympic experience and pulling on the Team GB kit, Blackie admitted Utrecht had just made her hungrier for the real thing.

“I would love to be at a real Olympics one day, that’s the goal, and this has shown me what I can expect at one,” she added.

“I have more work to do in my training, I know that, but this week has been fantastic and I cannot wait for next season.”

The British Olympic Association prepares and leads British athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. It works in partnership with sports national governing bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values.

Visit www.teamgb.com

Teenage swimming sensation Lucy Hope has returned from the European Junior Swimming Championships in Poland with a bronze medal.

And this week, along with fellow Borders Elite Swim Team (BEST) members Kirsty Armstrong and Ryan Brown, she is aiming higher as she heads down to Sheffield for the British Age Group and Youth Championships.

Swimming a gruelling program as part of the GB team in Poznan, Lucy kicked off her European campaign with a positive performance in her favourite event, the 200m backstroke, when making it through to the semi-finals with the fifth fastest time in the heats. That same morning, the GB 4x100m freestyle relay team, with Lucy swimming the final leg, were second quickest in the heats. The relay team went on to take the Bronze in the final, Lucy swimming third, but, the 16-year-old suffered disappointment after making the finals of the 200m backstroke when finishing in ninth place. She was also unlucky in the 200m freestyle where she missed a final spot by just one place, and 0.13 of a second.

Lucy also competed in the 50m butterfly where she just missed a place in the semis.

“It was a great experience. The relay was fantastic and I managed to achieve what I had set out to do which was winning a medal, so I was really pleased with that,” she told The Southern.

The British Championships began yesterday and continue until August 4, all three BEST swimmers are well ranked and strong possibilities for the podium. Elsewhere, BEST member Lizi Clelland is preparing for the Welsh Nationals, held from July 31 to August 2.

A drug addict who broke into a Jedburgh beauty salon was jailed for eight months at the town’s sheriff court last Friday.

Steven Frater was found crouching behind the cash register at Body Beautiful Health and Beauty Clinique in Canongate.

The 35-year-old, of Blair Avenue, Jedburgh, appeared from custody and admitted breaking into the shop last Thursday with intent to steal.

Depute procurator fiscal Kate McGarvey said: “Someone nearby could hear loud banging and contacted police.

“There was no alarm sounding, but a large industrial bin had been positioned near the glass shop front. It was concealing a round hole in a glass panel and there were traces of blood.”

Police searched the area, then shone their torches inside the building.

“They saw the top of his head, as he was crouched behind the cash register, and he climbed back through the glass and was apprehended,” said Ms McGarvey, adding: “He was wearing black gloves and said that the grazes on his arms had happened days ago.”

Nothing was taken from the shop.

Rory Bannerman, defending, said his client was “now realising he is too old for this kind of carry on”.

The lawyer conceded Frater had a serious record, but added that he was taking steps to address his drug problem. Mr Bannerman said Frater was booked into a two-week rehabilitation clinic the following week and would lose his place if jailed.

“He is close to getting off the horrendous cycle he has been in for years,” added Mr Bannerman.

He said Frater had been locked out of his home and had nowhere to go, adding: “He went into the shop and fell asleep.”

GAMEKEEPER SHOT OFF ROAD

A teenage driver sped along a farm road before losing control of his vehicle which struck a tree.

David Lindsay escaped with bruising, while his passenger required surgery for a broken femur.

The 19-year-old trainee gamekeeper, of Crofts Road, Lauder, admitted driving carelessly on the unclassified road between Longcroft Farm and the A697, near Lauder, on November 10.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said that while the route had a 60mph speed limit, it was a single-track road with passing places. “The reporting officer considered there was no part of the road where you could drive at that speed safely,” she explained.

Lindsay had finished working at a shoot at the farm, and left with a friend around 4pm.

He was seen driving out of the farmyard “at some speed” and as he tried to brake approaching a bend and cattle grid, he lost control of the car which slid off the road and struck a tree before rolling down a grass bank.

A loud bang was heard by others, along with Lindsay’s cries for help, and an ambulance called. The car was lying upside down and a defective tyre was noticed.

Both men were taken to Borders General Hospital.

Defence solicitor Iain Burke described the offence as “a foolish act of misplaced bravado”, adding: “He can’t explain why he lost control of the car, although I suspect speed was a significant factor, and the bald tyre may have contributed in some way.”

He described Lindsay as “a responsible, hardworking young man, who made a mistake”.

The lawyer urged Sheriff Jamie Gilmour not to disqualify his client from driving, explaining: “His driving licence is essential for his job, as there is no public transport. If he loses his licence, he loses his job.”

The sheriff fined Lindsay £440 and endorsed his licence with five penalty points.

CCTV CAUGHT BLADE OFFENDER

A sUPERMArket shopper was seen on CCTV taking out a Stanley blade to cut plastic packaging.

Clothing manufacturing company owner Richard Kirk had gone to Tesco’s Galashiels store and was spotted using the blade in the electrical department.

The 52-year-old, of Kilknowe Caravan Park, Galashiels, admitted having the blade at the Paton Street premises on April 29. He was fined £100.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said staff monitoring the store’s CCTV noticed the accused.

“He was looking at cables, and produced a Stanley blade from his jacket which he then used to cut the plastic packaging,” she added.

Police spoke to Kirk in the Tesco car park where he was carrying the blade in the palm of his hand.

“He said that he was browsing, looking for electrical fittings, and was trying to look inside the package,” added Ms Bradley.

Defending, Robert More explained: “It was solely a blade, which he had been using at home to cut cabling.

Kirk was fined a further £120 after he admitted possession of cannabis resin.

Police found 11.5gm of the illegal drug, worth £65, in his vehicle.

ASSAULTED DOCTOR

A Galashiels teenager who assaulted a doctor had sentence deferred until August 19 for reports.

Jamie Mitchell, 18, of Albert Place, appeared from custody and admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Currie Road, Galashiels, on Friday. He also pleaded guilty to assaulting a doctor in the accident and emergency department of Borders General Hospital by kicking him on the body.

Mitchell was bailed.

SENTENCE DEFERRED

A drunken man shouted and swore at his pregnant partner, slamming doors in their flat.

Curtis Watters, 20, of Beech Avenue, Galashiels, admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at his home on March 3.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley told how a neighbour was woken by Watters shouting and swearing around 7am. Police attended and Watters was detained, but continued being verbally aggressive, shouting obscenities in the back of the police van.”

His lawyer, Iain Burke, said there had been an argument between Watters and his partner, who was 22 weeks pregnant at the time.

“It arose through financial pressure, the birth of their first child and the general stress of family life,” he explained.

Mr Burke said Curtis was now supporting his partner and child, and was part of “a settled family unit”, adding: “This was a one-off incident” he added.

Sentence was deferred for six months for Watters to be of good behaviour.

DENIED RACIST COMMENTS

A Hawick woman charged with making racist comments will stand trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on November 21.

Tracy Mullin, 35, of Queens Drive, Hawick, appeared from custody and denied behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, making racist comments, singing and clapping in an abusive manner at Queens Drive last Thursday. She also denied failing to comply with a bail condition by waving at two people and speaking to them

Mullin was released on bail, with an intermediate hearing set for October 25.

SHERIFF’S WARNING

A WOMAN who breached a court order was warned that any repetition would result in jail.

Christine Tweedie, 48, of Maxton Court, Hawick, appeared from custody and admitted failing to comply with a condition not to approach or contact Colin Gill, when travelling in a vehicle with him last Thursday at Weensland Road, Hawick.

Sentence was deferred until August 9 for reports and Tweedie released on bail.

“If you are caught again, you will be locked up,” warned Sheriff Derrick McIntyre.

RELEASED ON BAIL

A 20-year-old denied shouting and swearing at a woman last Friday.

Christopher Hair, of Beech Avenue, Galashiels, denied behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Beech Avenue.

He was released on bail for trial on November 13, with an intermediate hearing on October 16.

A man who attacked a taxi driver in Hawick, breaking two of his teeth, was jailed for two years at Selkirk Sheriff Court, pictured, on Monday.

Jamie Whigham, 26, described as a prisoner in Edinburgh, admitted assaulting the driver in Dickson Street on December 30, repeatedly punching him on the head to his injury.

He had specifically requested the driver, who suffered a bleeding nose and two broken teeth.

Tessa Bradley, prosecuting, said Whigham had been out socialising and became angered by an allegation involving the victim.

He rang for a taxi and asked for a specific driver, who attended. The accused leaned over the front passenger seat and punched the driver on the nose, causing it to bleed.

“He began raining blows on his face, before leaving the vehicle and walking off,” added Ms Bradley.

The taxi request was traced to Whigham’s girlfriend’s mobile phone, which he had used.

The victim required dental treatment.

Defending, Ross Dow said: “It is concerning that this was pre-meditated and he should not have taken the law into his own hands.”

Sheriff Jamie Gilmour jailed Whigham for nine months.

He also pleaded guilty to punching a man on the head, causing him to fall to the ground, and kicking him on the head to his severe injury at Torwoodlee Road, Galashiels, on March 12.

The victim sustained a fractured cheek, as well as cuts and swelling around his eye.

Ms Bradley told how the man had walked past a flat occupied by the accused’s brother when he heard a shout: “What the f**k are you looking at”.

Ms Bradley went on: “He ignored it and walked on, but the accused jumped out of a ground-floor window and followed him.”

Whigham punched the man on the back of the head, causing him to fall to the ground, hitting his face on the pavement. When he heard a bottle smash nearby, Whigham then kicked the man.

The blood-covered victim was taken to Borders General Hospital and detained overnight for observation.

“He had a fractured right cheek, and cuts and swelling around his eye, and was referred to St John’s Hospital in Livington,” added Ms Bradley.

The man didn’t report an assault, claiming to have fallen, but later identified the accused from police photographs.

Mr Dow said the offence was committed against a background of “bad blood”.

Mr Dow said the man had looked through the window and asked Whigham if his brother lived at the flat.

The lawyer added: “He challenged him, and he jumped out of the window and punched him, and he fell to the ground. When he heard a bottle smash, he turned round and kicked him.

“He accepts the error of his ways, but there was a context here.

“The man was looking for his brother, and he took exception to that, and he wouldn’t have gone so far if a bottle hadn’t been thrown.

“This happened against an antagonising background.”

Whigham was imprisoned for a further 15 months.

Loud music drifted over St Ronan’s Games from a neighbouring fairground. On the Victoria Park running track, however, there was a hush.

Hawick athlete David Hush, to be exact. For the veteran Teri runner proved that silence was golden when winning the top event on the card, the 110m handicap.

A beaten finalist at Jedburgh Games the previous week, Hush showed he was in with a shout of doing something special when roaring home in his heat in 11.56 seconds.

Competing from a mark of 22m, the 51-year-old, a member of the Billy Edgar school, then earned himself a final place with an impressive cross-tie victory in 11.40, clinching a showdown with stable companion David Grieve (14m), Graeme Armstrong of Edinburgh (16.5m), TLJT’s Tommy Finkle (12m), Innerleithen’s own Sean Grant (10m) plus Robbie Shirra-Gibb of St Boswells (7.5m).

In the final, Hush delivered the goods to the full yet again, surging through the tape in 11.46 seconds, the other placings going the way of Armstrong and Grieve.

Hush was thrilled with his triumph and told The Southern: “I was pleased with the way I ran last week and because of this I thought I could be in with a chance of doing something today, but I knew I had a lot of hard work to do.

“My confidence grew after I won my heat in a good time and I managed to go on to pull off what is only my second 110m win in 30 years of running at the games.”

Adam Craig of TLJT produced some good running to take the 800m handicap.

Hawick’s Francis Cannon (210m) led the field as the bell sounded for the last lap, with hometown men Dean Whiteford of Innerleithen (75m) and Craig (55m) in hot pursuit.

Garden centre worker Craig had reached full bloom by the end of the race to emerge victorious. Whiteford finished second and Reece Taylor of Hawick (70m) third.

Craig said: “I had to go hard from the start as I felt everyone in the race was a danger to me. It was my first win of the season and I am very happy about it.”

In the 200m handicap, it was the stylish young Mhairi Henderson of TLJT (48m) who took the honours.

Henderson, who won at Burntisland Games earlier in the week, did the business again with a splendid run from start to finish to gain the honours ahead of Amy Clancy of Peebles (90m) and Euan Pettigrew of Kelso (26m).

Sixteen-year-old Megan Shiel also shone for the ladies by hitting her best form of the season to come out on top in the invitation 110m handicap.

John Thomson of Coaltown emerged a clear-cut victor of the 1600m handicap and, running under the banner of Gala Harriers, Nathan Cox gave a five-star show to take the junior/youths equivalent.

In the junior 90m handicap, 12-year-old Shannon Taitt of TLJT (9.5m) blitzed to a fine victory and Anna Forsyth of Leithenburn (17.5m) took the youths’ title.

Amy Campbell of Hawick (20m) was narrowly beaten in her heat of the junior 200m event to qualify as a fastest loser, but came out with a vengeance in the final to take the honours, while 13-year-old Andrew Palmer (25m) also put victory Hawick’s way by taking top place in the youths’ event. Palmer is coached by Billy Edgar, who had four winners overall on the day.

Craig Angus of Leithenburn (160m) was an excellent winner of the 800m handicap for the American Cup (confined), while Ethan Huxley of Innerleithen (52m) took the honours in the 200m New Zealand Trophy.

Two of Hawick RFC’s most successful players in recent years will return to Mansfield Park next month when their pro teams go head to head.

Best mates Nikki Walker (Edinburgh Rugby) and Scott MacLeod (Newcastle Falcons), who have both been capped 24 times for Scotland, are to take part in a pre-season friendly between the two sides which will be hosted by Edinburgh at their former club on Friday, August 30 (kick-off 7.45pm).

Both players left their beloved green jerseys behind in 2002 when they joined the now defunct Borders professional side. The duo then moved to Wales, where Walker joined Neath Swansea Ospreys and MacLeod played for Llanelli Scarlets. The pals went their separate ways for a spell, but are now living in the same neighbourhood back in Hawick and can’t wait to get back on the Mansfield turf.

“We haven’t played at Mansfield Park since the 2001/2002 season so we are both really looking forward to it without a doubt,” said MacLeod.

“I’ve really missed the old place so it will be nice to be back.”

Having played against each other on several occasions in Wales, and also when MacLeod played for Edinburgh, Walker boasts the bragging rights having beaten his buddy on all occasions bar one.

Not that this gets in the way of the long-standing friendship. MacLeod will be best man at Walker’s wedding on Saturday.

“I’d rather be playing alongside him, but it’s always nice to get one up on him,” added the towering lock.”

Adding spice to the cross-border clash will be the wealth of Scotland stars available to both sides, including Jedburgh’s own Greig Laidlaw, Phil Godman, Mike Blair and Rory Lawson.

Walker said: “It’s great news that the game is heading for Hawick. I’ve so many great memories from playing there before I turned professional so to go back and play against Scott and all the other Scottish boys will make for a cracking match.

“Hopefully, the Borders rugby fans will come out in force to support the match.”

Tickets are available to purchase at Mansfield Park, in advance and on the night, and online at www.edinburghrugby.org

The role of Scottish Enterprise in the Borders has been questioned after a report showed its employment scheme only created 24 jobs last year.

While more than £43million was handed out to 118 Scottish firms through Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) in 2012/13 – creating 3,613 posts throughout the country – just one Borders firm received a grant.

And a solitary sum of £60,000 came to the region out of a £33.14million pot from the Scottish Investment Bank, SE’s funding arm to support businesses with growth and export potential.

Critics have compared the figures to those of Scottish Enterprise Borders, which was disbanded in 2008.

Its 2006/07 review showed 50 new rural projects were assisted in the region, alongside almost 400 people being trained in Enterprise programmes.

Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce convener James Aitken said: “I do think that questions needs to be asked.

“Similar issues probably apply to VisitScotland and any other quangos that have an interest in the Borders.

“To me, this is a question of transparency.”

A spokeswoman for SE said the body has helped firms such as Mainetti and Kelso chemical firm Scotmas to expand.

She added: “We continue to have a strong presence in the Borders and we are currently working with 73 companies in the area which have been identified as high growth opportunities, to help them increase efficiencies, improve productivity and expand internationally.”

A horse has been killed after it collided with a car on the B6360 road near Gattonside on Friday.

Both the driver of the car and the Galashiels rider were treated for shock, but the horse was put down two days later.

A police spokeswoman said: “No one has been charged, but the incident is still being investigated.”

More than 600 veterans of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers will march behind their Colours on Thursday before they are laid up at the regimental museum in Berwick Barracks.

The KOSB, founded in 1689, has now merged with the Royal Scots to become the Royal Scots Borderers, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Thursday’s historic proceedings will be watched by the Princess Royal who is patron of the KOSB Association.

The Colours will be laid up as part of the annual Minden Day celebrations. It was on August 1, 1759, that the Borderers – in an earlier guise – were one of six British infantry battalions, wearing red roses, that sent 70 squadrons of French cavalry fleeing.

At Minden Day commemorations, veterans and serving soldiers wear roses.

Tickets – free – are essential. They can be booked by emailing secretary@kosb.co.uk or phoning 01289 331811.

The KOSB office will be open from Monday to Wednesday and from 8.30am on Thursday. All seating has now been booked with spaces left only for those marching.

The parade forms up between 9am and 10.30am and marches on at 10.50am. At midday it sets off with a salute at the Town Hall at around 12.10pm. The laying-up takes place on the return to the barracks at around 12.20pm.

Photographic ID will be required on Thursday.

A safe containing almost £500 was stolen from an industrial unit in Walkerburn over the weekend.

Police have appealed for information following the theft from the premises on Tweedvale Mills East.

Despite a tribunal ruling in its favour, the council could face a further battle over a £250,000 fine issued by the Information Commissioner.

The decision, announced last week following a two-day hearing in Edinburgh, has been welcomed by the council leader and chief executive.

However, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) could yet launch its own appeal, against the decision for the fine to be refunded.

An ICO spokesperson told The Southern that it was ‘disappointed’ with the result and would await the full report before considering an appeal.

She added: “We do not take the decision to issue a monetary penalty lightly and follow a thorough process before serving an organisation with a penalty notice. The tribunal agreed with us that the breach, which led to over 600 pension records being found in an overfilled paper recycling bank in a supermarket car park, was a serious one, but we were unable to satisfy them that it was likely to lead to substantial damage or substantial distress being caused to the individuals affected.”

After the tribunal ruling, SBC chief executive Tracey Logan said: “I am extremely pleased with the outcome and have always strongly believed that the monetary penalty notice issued 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.”

Leader David Parker added: “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.”

The council, issued with the fine in September last year, only paid £200,000 of it – a reduction being made for early payment.

However, they then paid out more than £18,000 on legal costs to raise the appeal which, despite winning, they will have to foot themselves.