A FREEDOM of Information request has revealed thousands of acres of trees have been torn down to make way for windfarms.

Local MSP John Lamont learned from Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) 2,510 hectares (more than 6,200 acres) of trees have been felled to make space for turbines since 2007.

Mr Lamont said: “These figures show that the damage was worse than we first thought.

“One of the main reasons behind the development of wind energy was to protect our environment, but these figures show they (SNP Government) are doing more harm than good. We have seen many of the beautiful landscapes in our region scarred by these turbines, having an adverse effect on our environment and our tourism industry.

“They (SNP Government) need to wake up to reality and see the irreparable damage they are doing to our environment and our region before it is too late.”

FCS estimates that 2,000 trees are planted per hectare meaning more than five million trees have been cut down to make way for windfarms.

And, according to FCS figures, only 792 hectares (nearly 1,960 acres) have been replanted within the windfarm sites. A further 1,403 hectares (3467 acres) have been left open for ‘environmental management’.

Environment minister Paul Wheelhouse MSP said: “It was the Scottish Government that took a proactive role in protecting forests – in 2009 we tightened up the guidance around felling from windfarm developments. A key component is to keep any felling to a minimum and compensatory planting undertaken where suitable. Every energy company building windfarms has to comply with this policy.

“All renewable developments are subject to environmental scrutiny through the planning process and this manages any impacts on the natural environment, landscape and communities.”

“Only 315 hectares of land suitable for another rotation of trees has not been replanted. And to put it in context, in the same six year period, FCS supported over 31,400 hectares of new planting – that’s a staggering 62 million trees in the ground across Scotland.”

Hopefully, you have survived Chrimbo intact if you are reading this. You have side-stepped botulism by turkey, body-swerved soggy sprouts and are waiting to see if you are now officially deemed obese – eating three tins of Quality Street in quick succession after the kids are in bed always seems like a good idea at the time, though.

Pilates/Zumba/gym instructors only have another week or so to wait before those new members are banging down their doors.

So, was Santa good to you? Like most wannabe smallholders, I have received my fair share of practical items this Christmas, two pairs of welly socks and a brand new pair of muck boots among the haul.

My last pair were purple, which I thought were quite racy and the sort of thing one could even wear into town with a nice frock on a Saturday night. Very flash.

But this pair, courtesy of Gamford, are pink. The Young Mistress, a connoisseur of pink wellies, loves them. Mostly because she has seen very few pairs of adult pink wellies about, and was, I think, fearful that when she grew up she would have to wear boring green or blue ones. Like most grown-ups do.

My Father-in-Law, let’s call him Don Franco, has given me a very useful present this year, smallholding-wise – The Smallholding Manual, published by Haynes.

No, it doesn’t tell you how to take a chicken apart and rebuild it. It talks you through smallholding, right from the germ of the idea to the full-on lifestyle. A great beginners’ book and a must for all wannabes.

Written by Liz Shankland, who is close to smallholding royalty (she holds smallholding courses at Kate Humble’s farm in Wales, and is probably on first-name terms with Adam Henson, the poster boy of farming/smallholding), it has lots of lovely colour pics of tractors and fence-posts to ogle at.

It doesn’t just show chickens and pigs frolicking in the sun in a Disney-style. It shows actual mud. In quite large piles in places. Smallholding porn.

It starts by asking those questions we should all ask ourselves, and answer honestly, before we embark on a shopping spree that ends with us sharing our tiny urban yard with five turkeys, a dozen chickens, a goat and two pigs. Firstly: “Is everyone happy to move to the countryside?” This is very important. If you are the only person in your family who likes fresh air and pig muck, then smallholding is a non-starter.

“Do you really want to be a landowner?” Are you crazy? Of course I do, who wouldn’t? Vast acreage, woodland, coppice, lakes, trout streams with fishing rights, grouse moors, estate farms, a stately pile, minions... ahem. Back to reality. Yes, just a couple of acres will do. My needs are modest.

“Could you give up life’s little comforts?” Erm, how little? Missing the odd lie-in and having to wear wellies when you go outside instead of nice suede boots? Or having no running water in the house and having to nip out to a shed to use a composting loo? That might put a few folk off.

Personally, I am already ‘slumming it’ technologically. I do not have a telly as flat as Keira Knightly’s chest and as wide as a cinema screen as I do not have a wall long enough or straight enough to put one on. I cannot record and play ‘catch-up’ TV. If I miss a proramme, I get over it. I do not own an iPad, I own a four-year-old Toshiba laptop now reaching full capacity as it crawls along despite super-fast broadband. We already have the animals, mud, and home-make everything. It’s a small step from here to a field with a cob house and a composting loo in it.

And when I get a composting loo I will sit proudly on it, reading my Haynes manual. Sorted.

Happy New Year to all my readers (Jill H, Tracy B, Yvette S and Gamford, plus the lady in Yetholm who lives near Sally, who I only just found out about).

Take it easy with the pea-pod Burgundy and I’ll see you in 2014.

The first systematic survey of red squirrels across south Scotland last year was so successful, volunteers are planning another this year.

Looking back over 2013, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) South Scotland project officer Karen Ramoo said the survey was undoubtedly one of the campaigning charity’s biggest local highlights.

Karen said: “What we found was that red squirrels in south Scotland are still very much widely distributed – that’s been the real highlight of the year.

“It was the first time we got so many volunteers in south Scotland involved, as about 80 individuals took part, which is great.”

Of the 88 sites surveyed in the spring of 2013, 51 (58 per cent) showed signs of red squirrels and 22 (25 per cent) had grey squirrels present.

The survey showed neighbouring Galloway and the south-western Borders – between Hawick and Moffat and between Hawick and Kielder Forest – are still red squirrel havens. Grey squirrels were detected at far fewer survey sites overall, “although they are clearly established in the central and eastern Borders, much of Ayrshire and in all other counties to the north of Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders” said the survey report.

Greys remain the biggest threat to red squirrels, says Karen: “You do get incursions, they will use riparian corridors and go along old railway lines and that’s where we have always focused our efforts.”

Some areas, such as along the River Tweed in Berwickshire, have been hit by greys, most dramatically was when Paxton House lost its famous red squirrel population to squirrel pox (carried by greys) in 2011.

But there have been signs of the native on neighbouring estates and Karen is hopeful they will return to Paxton soon: “It’s encouraging, it just shows that if you keep up the grey control, the reds will eventually come back.”

For now though, she hopes more volunteers will step forward in the Kelso area.

She told us: “We have attended a number of shows there to try and get more support. There is quite a substantial population of grey squirrels there, but we have also had new sightings of reds around Heiton and Morebattle which is fantastic.”

Reds near Peebles “seem to be thriving” said Karen; they have been spotted by SSRS staff near Lauder and there have even been reported sightings of the cheeky natives in Galashiels town centre.

Karen said: “People are really engaged with red squirrels and often ask ‘where can we go to see them and how can we get more involved and what can we do to help conserve them?’. There is always a massive interest in red squirrels and conservation, how we can keep them and protect the squirrels that we have.”

The charity plans to carry 2014’s survey in March-April when volunteers place feeder boxes in selected sites and change over sticky pads (which catch squirrel hairs when they eat) every two weeks, and post the pads to the project.

“It’s quite low intensity,” said Karen: “People combine it with walking their dogs. It’s nice to get out in the countryside and we provide all the equipment and training.”

For more information contact Karen via karen@redsquirrels.org.uk or 01750 23446.

Christian Hepburne Scott hands a cheque for £2,200 to Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore, honorary patron of the charity Sense Scotland.

The cash was realised when Christian and Diana Muir, of the charity’s Borders branch, held a reel party in Humbie village hall. The Tibbermore Band gave their time to play and all ages joined in, including the dowager countess.

The money will be used to help the deaf/blind and those with related problems.

Ten students are set to transform health and wellbeing in their communities after graduating from a seven-week course at Borders College in Galashiels.

Run in partnership with Scottish Borders Council’s learning disability service, the Health Champions course offers adults with a learning disability the opportunity to find out more about nutrition and the benefits of regular physical activity.

The 10 students who graduated are: Laura Bandeen (Galashiels), Stewart Bell (Abbey St. Bathans),Heather Burton (Kelso), Tracy Cockburn (Greenlaw), Jean-Pierre Cossigny (Kelso), Matthew Holmes (Innerliethen), Frankie McBrier (Galashiels), Claire McKenzie (Coldstream), Samantha McLaren (Reston) and Helen Rodger (Peebles).

CADDONFOOT

Church

It has been a busy time at Caddonfoot Church over the festive period. The joint Christmas Eve watchnight service with Trinity was led by the Reverend Marion Dodd. Beadle George Wells rang the bell to bring in Christmas Day, the 50th occasion he had performed that task. The Advent candles were lit and the lessons read by Jo Lawson and Anne Grieve, while Atholl Innes told the story of the “Light of the World”. There was a retiring collection for the Lavender Touch, a charity supporting people with cancer in the Borders. On the previous Sunday, CY (Caddonfoot Youth) staged its nativity play led by Trina Bird and Claire Macfarlane. It was a ‘live’ occasion with baby Jesus a real Leah Decoteau, from Clovenfords, while mum Julie looked on. Mrs Bird also read the gospel lesson. The service was followed with sherry, mince pies, tea and coffee. Last Sunday, the Reverend Dodd conducted the service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

Earlston

Women’s Group

The meeting on January 9 is in the church hall, starting at 8pm. Speaker is Donald McPhillamy from the Earlston Orchard Project.

Hawick

Rotary

President Scott Elliot welcomed 37 members, partners and guests to the Christmas night. After a festive meal, Bobby Cairns introduced the various artistes who he had invited/persuaded to entertain the company. Billy McWatters then performed a couple of tricks with a humorous commentary, and was followed by Ina Cairns reciting a hilarious poem, “The 12 Days of Turkey.” She was then joined by Betty Oliver and Dorothy Shiels in seasonal songs. Gus Neilson recounted his entertaining version of a “Politically-correct Christmas”, followed by Jane Bannerman singing – with great speed and humour – the “Nightmare Song” from Iolanthe. The company then sang “We Three Kings”, featuring powerful solos from Scott Elliot, Gus Neilson and Jack Swanston, before Pat Sutherland, following her hilarious story of “The Messiah”, as seen through the eyes of a Dumfriesshire shepherd,brought the evening to a close with “Mary’s Boy Child.” All the artistes were accompanied on piano by Rosalyn Walker. Vice-president Sandy Bannerman accorded all the performers a hearty vote of thanks, before the president Scott brought the evening to a close.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on January 19 at 10am.

Yarrowford

WRI

Members enjoyed a Christmas meal at Borders College served by students. The next meeting will be a talk by Fairtrade Selkirk on January 14 in the hall. Competitions – three pieces of cherry shortbread and a favourite side plate.

Borders MSP Christine Grahame met a group of Community First Responders (CFRs) from Peebles, Innerleithen and Walkerburn, along with Scottish Ambulance Service staff, to offer congratulations following the CFRs’ successful application for lottery funding.

The money was for the purchase of high-visibility jackets and uniform polo shirts, plus training equipment.

CFRs are volunteers who fill the gap between a call being made for an ambulance and it arriving. Living locally and knowing the area, they can arrive quickly and help someone who has suffered, for example, a heart attack, respiratory problem or chest pain while the ambulance is on its way.

More volunteers are needed in the Peebles, Innerleithen and Walkerburn areas – anyone interested should go to http://www.scottishambulance.com/YourCommunity/responders.aspx or http://www.peebles-theroyalburgh.info/peebles-first-responders.

AN INSPECTION of several wards at the BGH has resulted in the health board being told to address eight areas of concern.

Susan Brimelow, of the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate, said: “Our inspection found the standard of cleanliness was good and we saw examples of positive communication between staff and senior management.

“We did, however, identify several priority areas for improvement within three months, including the cleaning of patient equipment, the management of patient linen, the storage of breast milk and a review of the risk of limited bathing facilities on ward 12.”

NHS Borders chief executive Calum Campbell said: “The report commends many of our day-to-day practices, including hand-hygiene audits, compliance with the national dress code policy and the board’s isolation policy.

“It is encouraging that the inspectors also noted evidence of actions that have been developed from the recommendations made in previous reports, which are being implemented and are making improvements at ward level across the hospital.”

He added: “As with most reports, there are a small number of points that require actions on our part, some of which have already been put in place.”

Late-night obscene text messages

A Tweedbank man sent a friend late-night text messages saying he was aroused by a naked two-year-old girl.

The vulnerable adult who received the messages was so concerned about the content of the messages he showed them to his support worker the following morning and police were called.

Lee McDowall, 25, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to sending offensive or obscene text messages from his home in Jura Drive on Friday night and Saturday morning.

Defending, Iain Burke said McDowall’s comments had been fictional and he knew no one of the girl’s name that he had mentioned in the texts. His client had no intention of touching a two-year-old girl, realising it was wrong.

Mr Burke concluded: “He was under the influence of alcohol at the time and the text conversation became more sexually-orientated in nature. But it was a complete and utter fiction. He went too far.”

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said due to a previous offence after befriending someone on the internet, McDowall was banned from having contact with children under 17 unless approved by a support worker. He was also prohibited from internet access without approval.

She added that the accused had been diagnosed as having a low IQ and mild learning disability. The recipient of the message was a vulnerable adult he met while working in a voluntary gardening group at a school for people with learning difficulties.

Ms Bradley went on: “On Friday night they were having a text conversation and during the course of this there were a number of messages about the accused being in the company of a two-year-old girl and being aroused by her. It was only later that it emerged the child was not real.”

Sentence was deferred until February 24 for background reports and McDowall’s name placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Slumped over kitchen table

A FINANCIAL director suspected of drink-driving failed to tell police who had been driving his vehicle or give a breath sample during the early hours of Friday.

William McConchie, 42, of Stagehall Farm Cottages, Stow, was arrested and hours later appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court where he pleaded guilty to both charges.

After being told he had a previous conviction for drink-driving and also not giving a breath sample, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre called for background reports and imposed an interim driving ban until February 3 when the case next calls in court.

He also granted a warrant to allow police to seize the silver Volkswagen Golf worth around £1,700 ahead of a Crown move for forfeiture of the vehicle.

Tessa Bradley, prosecuting, said a witness in Townfoot, Stow, heard a noise in the street and saw the vehicle parked at an angle with the lights on before seeing McConchie approach the vehicle and drive off towards the A7 in the village.

Police were alerted and turned up at McConchie’s door which his wife answered.

Ms Bradley continued: “The police found him in the kitchen slumped over the table with the keys for the car beside him – it was just after 2.15am.

“He refused to answer who had been driving. There was a strong smell of alcohol coming from his breath and his eyes were glazed. Attempts to get a breath reading were unsuccessful as he was sucking on the mouthpiece.”

Stole to get cash for heroin

A GALASHIELS man who stole £64 worth of aftershave from the local Asda superstore has been ordered to be of good behaviour for the next three months.

Paul Crowe, 38, of Glendinning Terrace, previously pleaded guilty to the offence on August 16. He appeared from custody after being arrested on a warrant for failing to turn up at a previous hearing for sentence.

His lawyer explained that Crowe said he had been ill, but his doctor refused to give him a medical certificate, adding: “After that he simply buried his head in the sand until he was arrested.”

The court was told that Crowe had carried out the offence to get money for heroin.

The case will recall on March 31 when a supplmentary Criminal Justice Social Work Report will be considered.

Christmas Day visit leads to jail

A MAN who entered his mother’s hometown on Christmas Day to visit her has been jailed for a total of 10 months.

George Donald, 36, was spotted by police officers in Moat Crescent, Hawick – they knew there was a court order banning him from the town. He was searched and found to have Valium and cannabis hidden in the gloves he was wearing.

Donald appeared from custody and was given four months’ jail for being in Hawick and another six months for failing to adhere to his home curfew at Glendinning Terrace, Galashiels, on three consecutive nights in November when police called to check.

Defence lawyer Rory Bannerman said: “He went to visit his mother on Christmas Day as she was not well enough to visit him.”

He was found in possession of 70 Valium tablets he had paid £40 for and also £10 worth of cannabis.

Galashiels man assaulted wife

A GALASHIELS man appeared from custody and admitted assaulting his wife during a Christmas Day bust-up.

Slawomir Korlaga, 33, admitted pushing wife Eva to the ground at their home in Beech Avenue after spending most of the day arguing.

The court was told tempers flared as there had been difficulties in their relationship for some time, and his wife was unhappy at his accelerated level of alcohol consumption.

After being told the fish factory worker had a previous conviction for domestic assault, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre deferred sentence until February 3 for background reports.

Korlaga was released on bail to an address in Glendinning Terrace, Galashiels, and ordered not to contact his wife and two sons.

Accused denies two charges

A HAWICK man appeared from custody accused of causing a breach of the peace at a neighbour’s house.

Kelvin Milligan, 34, of Ruberslaw Road, is also charged with assaulting Abbie Douglas by repeatedly seizing her by the throat during the early hours of Friday.

Later that morning he appeared in court where he pleaded not guilty to both charges.

He was released on bail with the special condition of staying away from a house in Ruberslaw Road and not contacting the named female.

A trial was fixed for Selkirk Sheriff Court on May 28 with an intermediate hearing on April 30.

Trial date

is set

A HAWICK man will stand trial accused of being in the company of a woman on Christmas Day which was in breach of a court order.

Michael Mulholland, 31, pleaded not guilty to the offence which is said to have happened at a house in High Street, Hawick.

A trial was set for April 30 with an intermediate hearing on April 2.

Mulholland was granted bail, but placed on a home curfew between 7pm and 7am, with an added condition of reporting to Hawick police station each Friday.

Locked up for order breach

A GALASHIELS man who breached his Sexual Offences Prevention Order by being drunk has been jailed for four months.

Dean Des Smith is not allowed to drink alcohol under the terms of the order. But the 25-year-old, of Beech Avenue, was found to be under the influence on December 11 in Galashiels.

Sentence

deferred

A 24-YEAR-OLD suffered a broken back after being attacked as he walked home from a night out.

Lee Johnstone, 23, from Hawick, repeatedly punched his victim on the head, kicked him on the head and body and threw him to the ground. He admitted assaulting a man to his severe injury in the town’s Allars Crescent on March 2.

Johnstone was due to be sentenced at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, but background reports were not available. Sentence was deferred until January 9 and he was remanded in custody.

Benefits fraud

allegation

A HAWICK man faces a £30,000 benefits fraud charge.

Darren Hayes, 35, of High Street, is alleged to have used the name Steven Lough to get £28,296.03 in benefits he was not entitled to between June 2007 and November 2012. He is also charged with gaining income support to the value of £1,781.62, but failing to report he was employed.

Hayes denied both charges and trial was set for April 10, with an intermediate hearing on March 14.

An army tank driver who drove a car while more than twice the legal alcohol limit has been banned from the road for 12 months.

Damien Graham – who is going on his first tour of Afghanistan in February – admitted having a breath/alcohol reading of 78 micogrammes – the legal limit being 35 – on the A68 near Bonjedward on November 3.

Prosecuting at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, pictured, last Friday, Tessa Bradley said the offence came to light when police spotted the 21-year-old and another man, who had blood on his clothing, walking along the carriageway at about 3.15pm.

She continued: “A short while later they came across a black Corsa vehicle which was extremely damaged and had left the road.

“They turned their police vehicle around and went to speak to the pair, and it became apparent they had been in the car and both were under the influence of alcohol.

“The accused was asked to name the driver and he said, ‘It was me’. He was given a roadside breath test and the other man was taken to hospital as he had cuts to his arms and head.

“The reporting police officer said that while the accused was co-operative, the full importance or the consequences of this situation had not dawned on him.”

Defence lawyer Rory Bannerman said Graham, of Leslie Place, Selkirk, was due to be driving a Mastiff armoured patrol vehicle when he goes to Afghanistan.

He continued: “He put his life and his colleague’s in danger and he feels the shame of this. He had been drinking heavily at a Halloween party the night before, but had another pint of alcohol at lunchtime which topped him up again. He and his friend were lucky to have walked away from the crash.”

In addition to the ban, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre fined the first offender £400.

The court was told that Graham faces a further punishment from the British Army as a result of his conviction.

An online petition urging Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to ‘get the work done’ following flooding in Jedburgh town centre in the run-up to Christmas has attracted nearly 200 signatures.

The petition by East Lothian resident Moya Anderson calls on the council to enact the recommendations made by the engineering experts it commissioned.

It says: “Please, please Scottish Borders Council, get the work done, it would only take a few days to stop the future risk of flooding that has affected the families, vulnerable and elderly people and small business. Give people peace of mind that all that could be done has been done.”

Retired Scotsman journalist Bill Chisholm, whose son Mark, of Blackhills Close, was made homeless in last August’s flood and again on December 21, wrote to councillors, John Lamont MSP and environment minister Paul Wheelhouse saying: “The council has failed in its duty and must be held responsible for tonight’s (December 21) catastrophic event. Nothing has been done in the 16 months since the last flood to stop the burn from overflowing. And the warning system is obviously a joke.”

Scottish Borders Councillor Jim Brown confirmed the initial £50,000 works on the problematic Skip Running Burn grill and other measures to release water build-up have been brought forward from March to early this month, despite the risk of frost on the concrete-laying operations involved.

Community council chairman Richard Gordon said: “There is a project in place and hopefully the council will speed up its implementation: planning and SEPA consent is needed.”

HAWICK teenager Dylan Ali was the toast of the town last night after winning the prestigious New Year Sprint at Musselburgh Race Course.

The 18-year-old was one of five Borderer to line up in the final of the historic event after cruising through his cross tie in 11.80 seconds.

It hadn’t been all plain sailing for the youngster however. He only just qualified for the semi-final stages as the slowest of 10 fastest losers in Tuesday’s heats in a time of 12.26 seconds. He told TheSouthern: “I was pretty disappointed with my heat but I also had a run in the Invitation Sprint which gave me that wee bit boost.

“I think that extra run helped a lot and I came second which was a bonus. I knew then that I had it in my legs.”

Indeed he did. Running from his mark of 7.5m Ali, who is a waiter/barman at Hawick’s New Deli Bar and Restaurant, lined up in the final as joint favourite alongside fellow Teri Jack Wilson 13m, Seb Harrison (Jedburgh) 6.5m, Craig Bruce (Selkirk) 12m and the only female runner to make it to the final Jazmine Tomlinson for the TLJT club who ran off 21.5m. Also in the final line-up were Kevin Eddie (Dunfermline) 9m, Charlie Carstairs (Lasswade AC) 7.75m, and Cameron Smith (Central AC) 8m.

Ali repeated his cross tie feat and then some. Winning the race in a scorching 11.59 seconds, despite the heavy ground conditions, to become the 10th Hawick winner of the 110m race which has been held annually on or around New Years Day since 1870. Eddie was second with Jedburgh’s Seb Harrison taking third place.

“I’ve only entered the event the last couple of years and never got past the heat stages so I’m absolutely chuffed to bits to have won it,” he added.

Coach David Rae was moved to tears as he watched his charge sail in while training partner Leigh Marshall, himself a former winner of the race, was one of the first to congratulate him.

“I have so many people to be grateful to,” said Ali.

“David, Che Campbell (assistant coach), Steven Riddell (physio), the squad, my family, they have all been great and I’m just delighted to give them all something back.”

And then of course there is the £4000 prize pot to be taken into consideration.

“I haven’t thought what I will do with the prize money yet but I think I may be buying a few beers for these boys tonight,” concluded Ali.

Borders vets have set up a new sheep group to pool expertise and provide the best and latest advice to farmers.

Border Sheep Health, numbering 12 so far, formed in November and hopes to send out its first newsletter to producers this month.

One of the team, Kelso vet Kath Dun, said: “We’re keen to highlight topical disease issues in sheep and to improve discussion and co-orientated approach, and getting a collaborative message across about sheep husbandry, farming and sheep welfare.

“The group will hopefully be able to give out a unified and impartial voice on sheep veterinary matters and to have a forum upon which to transfer that information to our Borders farmers.”

Kath continued: “As vets we feel a group approach rather than an individual practice approach will enable us to get information out to farmers more effectively. By combining veterinary strengths and expertise, we can give out unbiased advice and recommendations.

“However, we would always encourage farmers to speak in more depth with their own veterinary practice, as their own vets are the ones who know their farm and flock best of all.”

Kath explained the group came about after Galashiels vet David Taylor attended an international sheep conference in New Zealand last February and was inspired by the way vet practices there worked together in an area to discuss sheep matters, and to collaborate information to disseminate to sheep farmers.

“He thought that with the high number of sheep farms here in the Borders, and with a great number of experienced and enthusiastic sheep practitioners across the region, that perhaps a group could be set up in our area”.

All practices across the region were approached about joining and most are represented, she said, along with a vet from the SAC Veterinary Investigation Centre at Greycrook, St Boswells.

The group plans to meet four to five times a year and produce articles, information bulletins, do radio features, produce newsletters and perhaps set up information/practical meetings for farmers.

Kath said: “We’re lucky to have a high population of sheep in our area, so we need to be top of our game as veterinary surgeons to ensure that correct and valid advice and support is given to our farmers to ensure good health, welfare and productivity on their farms.

“Many of the health issues in sheep are both seasonal and weather-dependent – for example, we need to be able to look at weather forecasting for a particular year and for our particular area, and decide on the risk factors for parasites like liver fluke and how severe the challenge to sheep will be for that year. Extra wet summers lead to a higher risk of liver fluke, problems of death and ill thrift in our flocks throughout the autumn and winter months. Similarly, the busiest time in the sheep health calendar is likely to be around lambing time, so we need to target our advice and expertise around that time.”

The Southern will carry features from Border Sheep Health throughout the year.

A MULTI-BREED show and sale of sheep at this year’s Scotsheep in Berwickshire will be “a great opportunity”, says Heriot farmer Jimmy Sinclair.

The show and sale of pairs of breeding ewe hoggs is expected to be a major feature of the leading biennial event for sheep producers, hosted this year by John and Iain Macfarlane at Quixwood, Grantshouse, on June 4.

Mr Sinclair, the immediate past chairman of National Sheep Association (NSA) Scotland, which organises NSA Scotsheep, said: “The prize money provides a real incentive to exhibitors and the show and sale will present a great opportunity for both buyers and sellers to trade high-quality breeding ewe hoggs,”

The show and sale will include classes for 14 breeds and follows a similar sale – the first of its kind to be held in Scotland – at the Highland Sheep event at Dingwall earlier this year.

Mr Sinclair continued: “The sale at Highland Sheep proved highly successful and attracted a huge ringside of buyers, with a top price of 550gns each, for a pair of Suffolks from Mrs Irene Fowlie.”

Classes are being offered for Beltex, Bluefaced Leicester, Charollais, Jacob, Lleyn, North Country Cheviot (hill), North Country Cheviot (park), Scottish Blackface, Mules, Shetland, Suffolk, Texel, Zwartbles and any other breed.

The sale will be conducted by United Auctions, Stirling.

The closing date for entries is May 2.

For more information contact Euan Emslie, NSA Scotsheep organiser, on 01430 441870/07718 908523 or at euan@appliedremedies.co.uk.

Robert Turnbull, president of Melrose Amateur Operatic Society, hands over a £1,500 cheque to Judith Smith, lead nurse consultant at the Borders Macmillan Centre.

The cash was raised when members of the amateur operatic society and friends performed a Musical Memories concert in Earlston Parish Church in memory of the late Sheila Turnbull, Robert’s wife and member.

A NEW man is in the driving seat of bust company First in the Borders following a change at the top.

Paul McGowan has taken over as managing director of First Scotland East with responsibility for a fleet of 400 and a staff of around 1,000.

He replaces Paul Thomas who is working elsewhere in the bus industry and the new boss admits it is not an easy time for the industry.

He commented: “We are operating in a difficult environment and despite recent improvements, there is much to be done to build a strong and successful business.”

He added: “I am delighted to have the opportunity of leading a fantastic team who are committed to moving First Scotland East, forward.”

The regional director of First Bus in Scotland, Neil Barker, commented: “Paul’s appointment is an important one as we look to build on the improvements delivered in the area over the past two years. He knows First Scotland East extremely well and brings with him a wealth of experience and a fantastic track record.”

Mr McGowan will be based at First Scotland East’s HQ at Larbert and started his new job last month.

The company has a depot in Galashiels and outstations in Hawick, Peebles and Kelso.

MORE than 130 people were arrested in the Borders during Police Scotland’s Operation Tinsel.

During the month-long campaign 26 people were charged with violent crimes and a further 28 charged for domestic abuse offences.

Local policing teams also arrested 78 people for anti-social behaviour throughout December and early January.

As a result of a ‘robust presence’ on the Borders’ road network, 37 people have been reported for a range of motoring offences including drink driving, driving without insurance, speeding and using a mobile phone.

Chief Insp Kenny Simpson said: “We launched Operation Tinsel to provide reassurance to the public over the festive period, but also to send a clear message that crime within the Scottish Borders would not be tolerated.

“Local policing teams were out in large numbers to speak with communities and offer information on personal security as well as to detect and deter criminal activity.”

He added: “Operation Tinsel may have come to an end, but police in the Scottish Borders will continue to proactively target those involved in criminal activity and bring them to justice, while at the same time offering all the necessary crime prevention information to our communities.”

WITH the festive period now well and truly over the East of Scotland League football scene gets underway once more this Saturday.

Peebles Rovers and Kelso United kick off the New Year in facing each other in a first division encounter at Whitestone Park.

Looking ahead to the match, Peebles manager John O’Hara told TheSouthern: “Our ground has been hit quite badly with all the rain we have been having but hopefully it will be playable for Saturday.

“We played Kelso earlier in the season and it was a 0-0 draw. Both sides just cancelled each other out, since then we have picked up in momentum and Kelso have been doing okay as well. We had a bounce game against an amateur side last Saturday which we won and it was a good work out for us.”

Kelso team boss Prof Blaikie commented, “We have been kept busy in having played friendly games with Border Amateur teams Chirnside United and Ancrum and won both matches. All of our squad who were available got run outs. The two games served their purpose.”

United are at full strength.

Reflecting on his sides home meeting with Burntisland Shipyard, Hawick Royal Albert manager Graeme Chadwick said: “Burntisland are a much better team than their league position suggests so we know it will be a very hard and keenly contested match.

“We have been training throughout the festive period and I know my players are desperate to get back to competitive games. Prior to the break we had been playing some very good football but did not always have the best of luck in matches.

“If we continue to play like that though, the results will come.”

Hawick field recent capture Graeme Young from Dalkeith Juniors.

Elsewhere Vale of Leithen take on Selkirk in the Lowland League Cup at Victoria Park while, in the same competition, Gala Fairydean travel to Prestonpans to face Preston Athletic.

FIXTURES

Football

LOWLAND LEAGUE CUP SECTION A: Saturday, January 11 – Vale of Leithen v Selkirk (2pm); Preston Athletic v Gala Fairydean Rovers (3pm).

EAST OF SCOTLAND FIRST DIVISION: Saturday, January 11 – Peebles Rovers v Kelso United (2pm); Hawick Royal Albert v Hibernian EoS (2.30pm).

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CUP FIFTH ROUND: Saturday, January 11 – Netherthird v Gordon (2pm).

BAL DIVISION A: Saturday, January 11 – Ancrum v Greenlaw; Gala Fairyean Rovers v Greenlaw; Hearts of Liddesdale v Chirnside Utd; Leithen Rovs v West Barns Star; Stow v Tweeddale Rovs (2pm).

BAL DIVISION B: Saturday, January 11 – Eyemouth Amateurs v Linton Hotspur; Hawick Legion v Coldstream Ams; Jed Legion v Biggar; Langholm Legion v Gala Hotspur; Selkirk Victoria v Hawick Utd (2pm).

BAL DIVISION C: Saturday, January 11 – CFC Bowholm v Chirnside Utd Colts; Kelso Thistle v Melrose; Lauder v Earlston Rhymers; Tweedmouth Ams v Hawick Legion Rovs (2pm).

Rugby

BRITISH & IRISH CUP: Saturday, January 11 – Gala v Leeds Carnegie (3pm)

RBS BORDER CUP: Saturday, January 11 – Melrose v Peebles (2pm); Hawick v Selkirk; Kelso v Jed-Forest (3pm).

RBS CHAMPIONSHIP B: Saturday, January 11 – Hawick YM v Murrayfield (2pm).

RBS EAST LEAGUE ONE: Saturday, January 11 – Hawick Harlequins v Hawick Linden; Langholm v Linlithgow; Portobello v Duns (2pm).

RBS EAST LEAGUE TWO: Saturday, January 11 – Berwick v Edinburgh Northern; Forrester v Earlston (2pm).

RBS EAST LEAGUE THREE: Saturday, January 11 – Liberton v Walkerburn; RDVC v Gala YM (2pm).

SEMI-JUNIOR LEAGUE: Saturday, January 11 – Duns v Gala Wands; Hawick PSA v Berwick; Jed Thistle v Selkirk Youth Club; Langholm v Hawick Wands; Melrose Wasps v Tynedale; Peebles v Kelso Quins (2pm).

Snooker

TOMMY DOUGLAS STORAGE BORDER LEAGUE: Thursday, January 9 – Hawick Con A v Hawick Burns B; Innerleithen v Selkirk B; Kelso Legion v St Boswells; Selkirk A v Jedburgh Legion; Hawick Burns A v Hawick Con A.

Football

LOWLAND LEAGUe Cup Section A

January 4

Gala Fairydean Rovers 3 Selkirk 1

Vale of Leithen P Preston Athletic P

P W D L F Diff Pts

Gala F’dean Rov 2 2 0 0 6 4 6

Vale of Leithen 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Preston Athletic 1 0 0 1 1 -2 0

Selkirk 1 0 0 1 1 -2 0

EOS Premier DIVISION

P W D L G Diff Pts

Stirling Uni EOS 12 8 1 3 28 5 25

Craigroyston 10 6 1 3 23 9 19

Lothian Thistle HV 8 6 1 1 16 8 19

Tynecastle 11 6 1 4 29 5 19

Spartans EOS 12 5 3 4 25 9 18

Edinburgh Uni 13 4 5 4 25 5 17

Coldstream 12 4 2 6 17 -7 14

Leith Athletic 9 3 2 4 20 0 11

Heriot-Watt Uni 10 2 1 7 12 -8 7

CS Strollers 13 2 1 10 14 -26 7

EOS FIRST DIVISION

January 4

Eyemouth United 3 Duns 4

P W D L G Diff Pts

Hibernian EOS 12 10 1 1 49 39 31

Easth’ses Lily MW 10 7 3 0 34 19 24

Berwick Rgrs EOS 12 5 0 7 23 0 15

Eyemouth United 11 4 2 5 25 -8 14

Kelso United 10 3 4 3 20 -1 13

Ormiston 8 4 0 4 16 -2 12

Hawick RA 8 3 0 5 12 -10 9

Peebles Rovers 10 2 3 5 17 -12 9

Duns 11 2 2 7 16 -14 8

Burntisland Shpyd 8 1 3 4 12 -11 6

EoS qualifying League Section A

P W D L F Diff Pts

Lothian Thistle HV 6 5 1 0 22 18 16

Tynecastle 5 3 1 1 17 10 10

Kelso United 6 2 1 3 9 -3 7

Eyemouth United 6 1 1 4 11 -12 4

CS Strollers 5 1 0 4 5 -13 3

EoS qualifying League Section B

P W D L F Diff Pts

Edinburgh Uni 5 4 0 1 14 10 12

Stirling Uni EOS 5 3 1 1 11 8 10

Hawick RA 6 3 1 2 13 0 10

Ormiston 7 2 0 5 8 -12 6

Duns 5 1 0 4 8 -6 3

EoS qualifying League Section D

P W D L F Diff Pts

Berwick Rgrs EOS 6 4 1 1 15 7 13

Spartans EOS 6 3 1 2 13 5 10

Coldstream 5 3 1 1 11 2 10

Easth’ses Lily MW 7 2 2 3 19 -1 8

Peebles Rovers 6 0 1 5 6 -13 1

BAL Division A

P W D L F A Pts

Chirnside Utd 15 10 2 3 44 27 32

Hawick Waverley 15 8 4 3 37 28 28

Newtown 15 7 3 5 30 24 24

Gala Fairydean Rov 16 6 2 8 43 43 20

West Barns Star 9 5 1 3 32 28 16

Tweeddale Rovers 14 5 1 8 24 28 16

Greenlaw 11 4 2 5 21 30 14

Stow 10 4 1 5 23 17 13

Leithen Rovers 7 4 0 3 22 14 12

Ancrum 8 2 3 3 19 22 9

Hearts Liddesdle * 12 1 1 10 20 54 1

BAL DIVISIOn B

P W D L F A Pts

Jed Legion 14 11 0 3 47 13 33

Hawick Utd 15 9 2 4 46 46 29

Gordon 10 8 0 2 62 16 24

Langholm Legion 14 7 2 5 48 30 23

Hawick Legion 12 7 0 5 50 32 21

Gala Hotspur 14 6 3 5 45 38 21

Eyemouth Ams 14 5 3 6 50 37 18

Coldstream Ams 11 5 2 4 30 17 17

Linton Hotspur 11 4 0 7 21 29 12

Selkirk Victoria * 11 0 0 11 1 109 -3

Biggar * 10 0 0 10 11 44 -6

BAL DIVISION C

P W D L F A Pts

Chirnside Utd Colts 13 8 2 3 45 28 26

Kelso Thistle 12 7 1 4 25 19 22

Earlston Rhymers 10 5 2 3 26 18 17

St Boswells 12 4 3 5 30 30 15

Melrose 10 4 2 4 29 22 14

Tweedm’th Ams * 10 5 1 4 21 24 13

CFC Bowholm 11 4 1 6 21 27 13

Lauder 8 3 1 4 18 21 10

Hawick Leg Rov * 12 2 1 9 17 43 7

* – points deducted

Rugby

British & Irish cup – Pool Five

P W L D F A B Pts

Bristol 4 4 0 0 178 30 2 18

Leeds Carnegie 4 3 0 1 216 51 4 16

Aberavon 4 1 0 3 53 208 0 4

Gala 4 0 0 4 38 196 0 0

RBS Borders Regional Cup

jANUARY 4

Kelso 17 Melrose 39

Hawick 17 Peebles 10

P W L D F A B Pts

Melrose 4 4 0 0 148 54 2 18

Hawick 4 3 1 0 110 82 1 13

Selkirk 4 2 2 0 59 41 2 10

Jed-Forest 3 1 2 0 52 116 1 5

Peebles 2 0 2 0 20 28 2 2

Kelso 3 0 3 0 39 107 0 0

RBS pREMIERSHIP

P W L D F A B Pts

Gala 13 10 2 1 374 227 11 53

Melrose 14 11 3 0 412 266 8 52

Heriot’s 14 10 3 1 304 247 6 48

Ayr 14 9 5 0 347 228 10 46

Edinburgh Accies 14 6 8 0 284 384 6 30

Glasgow Hawks 14 4 8 2 320 319 8 28

Hawick 13 5 7 1 260 329 4 26

Stirling County 14 4 10 0 234 311 7 23

Currie 14 4 9 1 265 406 3 21

Aberdeen GSFP 14 3 11 0 273 356 8 20

RBS National League

P W L D F A B Pts

Boroughmuir 14 12 2 0 458 210 12 60

Watsonians 14 10 4 0 509 250 12 52

Stew/Mel FP 14 11 3 0 295 232 6 50

Dundee HSFP 14 9 5 0 399 266 7 43

Selkirk 13 8 4 1 382 258 8 42

Kelso 14 7 6 1 303 377 5 35

GHA 14 4 10 0 266 399 6 22

Peebles 13 4 9 0 226 300 4 20

Hillhead/J’hill 14 2 12 0 224 436 7 15

Biggar 14 1 13 0 179 513 2 6

RBS Championship Division B

January 4

Lasswade 12 Jed-Forest 69

P W L D F A B Pts

Jed-Forest 14 13 1 0 505 179 9 61

Musselburgh 14 12 2 0 513 236 12 60

Howe of Fife 13 11 2 0 592 172 11 55

Kirkcaldy 14 7 6 1 344 333 8 38

Livingston 14 7 7 0 300 380 6 34

Haddington 14 6 7 1 281 338 7 33

Aberdeenshire 13 4 9 0 263 369 8 24

Lasswade RFC * 14 3 11 0 223 495 5 15

M’field Wands * 12 2 10 0 189 401 2 8

Hawick YM 12 1 11 0 172 479 2 6

EAST LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

January 4

Linlithgow 10 Preston Lodge 33

P W L D F A B Pts

Preston Lodge 13 13 0 0 598 164 12 64

RHC 14 12 2 0 545 125 11 59

Dunbar 14 10 4 0 548 205 10 50

North Berwick 14 11 3 0 340 222 6 50

Linlithgow 13 7 6 0 372 235 10 38

Hawick Linden 13 4 9 0 184 395 4 20

Portobello FP 14 4 10 0 196 414 3 19

Duns 14 3 11 0 182 494 2 14

Langholm * 13 3 10 0 168 480 2 12

Hawick Harlequins 14 1 13 0 223 622 4 8

RBS East Division Two

P W L D F A B Pts

Dalkeith 14 13 1 0 840 167 12 64

Berwick 14 12 2 0 750 135 9 57

Forrester 14 11 3 0 586 184 10 54

Trinity Accies 14 8 6 0 350 201 9 41

Edinburgh Nrthrn 14 7 7 0 225 461 2 30

Earlston 14 5 9 0 285 402 9 29

Leith 14 5 9 0 214 429 5 26

Inverleith 14 5 9 0 151 428 4 24

Penicuik 14 2 12 0 162 457 6 14

Lismore 14 2 12 0 93 792 2 10

RBS East Division Three

P W L D F A B Pts

St Boswells 9 9 0 0 502 54 9 45

Gala YM 10 9 1 0 377 103 8 44

Liberton FP 11 7 4 0 249 202 5 33

Ross High 12 7 5 0 250 212 3 31

Broughton * 11 5 6 0 214 298 2 20

RDVC * 8 1 6 1 103 197 2 6

Queensferry 9 1 8 0 84 368 2 6

Moray House 1 0 1 0 14 44 0 0

Walkerburn * 9 0 8 1 85 400 2 -1

BORDERS SEMI-JUNIOR LEAGUE

January 4

Gala Wanderers 12 Jed Thistle 36

Selkirk Youth Club 71 Hawick PSA 0

Berwick Colts 1 Langholm Colts 0 (Langholm conceded fixture – no team)

P W L D F A B Pts

Jed Thistle 15 15 0 0 548 88 - 30

Melrose Wasps 15 14 1 0 504 149 - 28

Hawick Wanderers 17 13 4 0 482 191 - 26

Gala Wanderers 16 12 4 0 369 272 - 24

Kelso Harlequins 16 11 5 0 350 167 - 22

Selkirk YC 17 8 7 2 316 287 - 18

Peebles Colts 17 6 10 1 180 387 - 13

Berwick Colts 17 6 11 0 292 383 - 12

Hawick PSA 17 5 12 0 223 668 - 10

Duns Colts 14 2 11 1 103 362 - 5

Tynedale Colts 16 2 14 0 124 487 - 4

Langholm Colts 15 0 15 0 5 55 - 0

Borders Under-16s League

P W L D F A B Pts

Jed-Forest 8 8 0 0 439 84 0 32

Melrose 7 6 1 0 261 74 0 25

Selkirk 6 4 2 0 224 85 1 19

Hawick Albion 7 4 3 0 130 177 0 19

Langholm 7 2 4 1 193 192 2 16

Duns 6 2 3 1 178 148 1 14

Peebles 8 2 6 0 123 295 0 14

Gala Red Triangle 7 1 6 0 80 320 0 10

Kelso 6 1 5 0 56 309 0 9

Berwick 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Berwick Colts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For all fixtures, see column above