Organisers of the festival have always been conscious that younger readers are its future, so this year they are catered for better than ever.

The Family Book Festival runs over Festival Saturday and Sunday, from 10.30am to 4.15pm on both days with many of the activities free of charge.

For the events where there is a charge, none is more than £5, and there is also the Family Day Pass, which costs just £30 for either day, and permits entry for up to five family members, including two adults, to any of the highlighted Family Day Pass events in the programme.

At such good value, the passes are very popular, so people need to book these early as there is a limited number and they do sell out.

Director Paula Ogilvie says the event has always strived to ensure younger readers feel their literature is an integral part of the programme.

“The Family Book Festival is at the heart of what we do and seeing families and young readers enthralled at meeting and listening to some of their own literary heroes up close and in person is always fantastic. We hope this year they’ll find the Family Book Festival is better than ever.”

Highlights on the Saturday include the return of Kristina Stephenson with her latest and hugely popular Sir Charlie Stinky Socks tale.

Lauren St John talking about her lifelong passion for animals, which has led her to her much loved novels and work with the Born Free Foundation.

Radio 2 broadcaster Simon Mayo will also be at the festival talking about the latest adventure of his science-loving hero, Itchingham Lofte.

Highlights on the Sunday include Andy Stanton and his immensely popular Mr Gum books, while Sally Magnusson and Norman Stone return for the latest tale of their much-loved character, Horace the Haggis.

Also back by popular demand is Vivian French, Ross Collins and MJ McCarthy who will entertain young audiences with stories, singing and maybe a bit of dancing too.

There are also free storytime and rhymetime sessions, as well as singalong sessions, clowns and circus skills. So there is plenty for families to see and do, making for a great day out.

Although not strictly part of the Family Book Festival, Deadly 60 TV presenter Steve Backshall’s appearance in the Homecoming Scotland Marquee on the opening Thursday night, looks set to prove a smash hit with families as it is suitable for those aged nine-plus.

Backshall will talk about his book for young readers, Tiger Wars, his memoir, Looking for Adventure, and about his experiences in Bhutan searching for tigers.

The event is at 7.30pm, with tickets priced £14, £12conc.

A woman who claimed she didn’t have enough money to attend court has been given “one final chance” to appear.

Kirsty Lawrence, 30, who lives at Croft Street in Galashiels, was due to appear at Monday’s sitting of Selkirk Sheriff Court, but had sentence deferred a further week – until May 12.

The accused had previously pleaded guilty to the possession of heroin at Church Street, Galashiels, on January 7.

More than 130 children gathered at Tweedbank last week for the 2014 Para Sport Schools Festival, organised by Borders Sport and Leisure and sponsored by the Scottish Building Society.

The children, from schools across the region, tried out a range of activities, many of which will feature in the Commonwealth Games, including tennis, boccia and rugby.

The festival marked the launch of Borders Sport and Leisure’s new three-year plan for disability sport, also backed by The Bill McLaren and Robertson Trust Foundations, in the region which will give children, teenagers and adults with a disability more opportunities to get involved in a wider range of disability sports.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, said: “The next three years are going to be exciting times for disability sport in the Borders.

“I want to thank The Bill McLaren Foundation for its continued support of disability sport over the past two years.

“The Foundation’s funding has enabled the creation of new initiatives and has enhanced the awareness of disability sport in the Borders. Without their backing this would never have been achievable.

“A generous three-year grant from the Robertson Trust Foundation will also help to take disability sport forward.”

The Disability Plan will see Borders Sport and Leisure work in partnership with other organisations, including the Scottish Borders Disability Sports Group, Scottish Disability Sport and clubs across the region to expand disability sports participation and establish opportunities for athletes to progress in their chosen sports.

Developments will include initiatives to increase the number of qualified personnel and role models for disability sports via leadership programmes and coach education. Borders Sport and Leisure will also capitalise on Commonwealth Games enthusiasm through the creation of a Commonwealth Games Passport scheme for disabled children, offering the chance to take part in new sports sessions outside of school hours.

Alan Oliver, Borders Sport and Leisure’s disability sports officer, said: “The past two years have been fabulous in terms of Borders athletes competing and succeeding in regional, national and international competitions across a number of sports.

“Today’s festival is designed to give participants the opportunity to try and develop their ability in a variety of sports in a fun and social environment and we hope it will lead them to participating in sport on a regular basis.”

Alex Moffatt from the Scottish Building Society, which has a branch in Galashiels, added: “We are pleased to have been able to support today’s festival through the provision of free transport for the participating schools.

“Our building society is the oldest in the world, with a history that is rooted in local communities, so it has been very rewarding to help with such a worthwhile initiative.”

A week ago last Saturday, several current and former Gala Harriers swapped their trainers for cleats and joined the near 500 cyclists who participated in the Tour de Lauder in its third year.

Fiona Shepherd, Dave Nightingale, Tony Westbury, Gillian Bryson, Anne Weir, Anya Campbell, Graham Capper, Robin Murray, Laura Howie, Anna White, Julie Cleghorn, Julie Anderson, Lee Watson and Tina Hulton conquered the various windy summits over either 50 or 89 miles to contribute to the total of over £23,000 raised for the Steve Cully Tribute Fund.

The next day, it was back to the usual business on the roads for other Harriers who travelled to Edinburgh for the first BUPA Great Edinburgh 10-mile Run. Dianne Lauder was competing against fellow internationalists in the Elite women’s race and finished fifth in 1 hour, two minutes and 27 seconds. Also mastering the hilly route was Nicola Porterfield (1.13.35) Arlene Botha (1.16.46) Alister Munro (1.20.32) Claire Knill (1.34.56) and Anne Purves (1.57.54).

And 24 hours on, the club’s own handicapped Hollybush 10km race took place in cool conditions which nevertheless squeezed some excellent times from the first dozen runners, who all beat their handicap predictions. First home was Lynne Taylor (50 minutes) with Dawn Grant (43.58) and Andrea Pogson (45.43) next over the line.

Kelso’s Daryl Hastie claimed the inaugural Rowan Boland Memorial Trust 10km race last Friday night.

In total, more than 250 people took part in the junior, 5k and 10k events on a perfect evening, helping to raise hundreds of pounds for the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust.

It was the fourth year that the event - based at Gala Cricket Club and organised with Gala Harriers - was held, and it appears to be growing in popularity judging by the numbers taking part this year.

All races were started by Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania, while new Braw Lad Gavin Young and Braw Lass Alice MacKay were in attendance to show their support.

It was an all-Roxburghe final in the Border Ladies County Championship on Sunday afternoon with fourth seed Carina Bunyan up against third seed Dani Ker, who won the title by a 3 and 2 margin.

Playing at their home club it was a nervy start from both with Carina winning the first with a five after Dani had to chip out from the trees. Eighteen-year-old Dani then pulled it back to be one up after four holes.

Both had excellent birdies at the long fifth. Carina then missed a couple of short putts which left her three down at the turn, but she won the 11th after Dani three-putted. Carina conceded the 13th after having issues with the pond to put Dani four up. Carina pulled it back to three down after Dani had to take a drop back into the fairway bunker at the 14th and the next two holes were halved.

Earlier, in the first semi-final, Carina was two up after four against top seed Julie Birdsall who fought back, winning four holes on the bounce to be two up after nine. Carina then steadied herself to play par golf to win 4 and 3.

Dani took charge of the second semi-final against Kelso’s Sharon Paterson from the start. Four up at the turn, Ker finished the game at the 15th.

In the bronze championship semi-finals, 13-year-old Rhea Middlemass (Hawick) put herself into a position to make it three in a row by beating Elaine Brotherstone (Lauder) 8 and 7. The other match was a close one with June Craig (Selkirk) eventually overcoming Diane Johnstone (Duns) by a hole. The final between Rhea and June was a one-sided affair with Rhea winning on the 13th.

z Full results on page 69.

Homes and businesses in Earlston, Lauder and St Boswells will be the next Borders towns to benefit from a scheme to deliver superfast internet speeds.

The trio have been announced as being among the next areas to be connected to high-speed fibre broadband, up to 80Mbps, thanks to the further roll-out of the £410 million Digital Scotland partnership.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This marks an important milestone for the people and businesses of the Scottish Borders as well as for the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband partnership.

“This programme will lay the foundations of a world class digital Scotland, by extending fibre broadband access to parts of Scotland that wouldn’t otherwise be served commercially.

“The scale of the challenge of delivering fibre broadband into rural Scotland outstrips any other part of the UK and will generate significant economic benefits, including new jobs and increased productivity.”

Brendan Dick, BT Scotland director, added: “This marks an important next phase in the Digital Scotland deployment, with local communities among the latest set to benefit.

“This technological change will help them to compete and thrive in the 21st century.”

He added: “New locations for fibre will be announced regularly as our engineers carry out detailed local surveys and finalise plans. “Delivering a project on this scale is one of the most significant challenges we’ve faced anywhere in the UK in recent years.”

Commenting on the announcement, Councillor Stuart Bell, executive member for economic development at SBC, said: “I’m really pleased to see the roll out of superfast broadband starting to happen now in the Scottish Borders.

“I know that in Lauder, for instance, there was a very high sign up for broadband so it is welcome that they are getting connected.

“This is a major investment that will help Borders businesses compete on a more level playing field and provide our communities with better access to the important services now available online.”

Mr Bell added: “This is just the start of a programme that will take some time to complete because of its scale but ultimately it will ensure we have a modern digital infrastructure here in the Borders that will benefit the region for years to come.”

Two social enterprises launched by Brothers of Charity Services in Tweedbank, are offering work experience and training for adults with learning disabilities.

Working Together Social Enterprises will enable up to 30 people a week to work in Bread Works, an organic bakery, and Green Works, which provides gardening services.

Mandy Lowrie, manager, said: “We wanted to help people gain the skills required to find employment and create training opportunities for them and came up with these social enterprises.

“We have eight people in the gardening and eight in the bakery each day and we train them in the skills required and about the work ethos needed in a job.”

Working Together Social Enterprises also provides opportunities for training and experience in reception and administrative work.

Six-week taster sessions are available for people to get an idea of the work involved and to see if they enjoy it.

Mandy said: “After the six- week taster they go on to a more in-depth training plan and can then work as a volunteer for a further 18 months, and throughout we’ll help them with job skills, helping with applications, creating CVs and interview technique, and also put them in touch with job- seeking services.”

She added: “We are also working with Borders College to provide skills accreditation.”

The bakery has been created in association with Breadshare, a social enterprise based near West Linton, while Border Safety Supplies and St Boswells Mowers have assisted Green Works through sponsorship and discounted equipment.

The council has helped their development through a grant-funding arrangement.

Bakery products are already being supplied to the shop at Abbotsford and are also sold through a pop-up van, which travels round the Borders, and in breadbaskets for individuals to sell-on the artisan loaves.

The gardeners have landed a contract with Langlee Residents’ Association and in the winter will refurbish and make garden furniture.

Having a good start in life often sets one on the road to fulfilment and happiness.

But for some, their child and adolescent existence can be tough – even traumatic, increasing the hurdles they must clear to attain achivement in adulthood.

So, for those who make their mark in later life after overcomi ng various difficulties, the Borders Adult Learners’ Awards are an ideal platform for recognition.

The Southern is delighted to report on this exceptional group’s achievements and, while these covered a variety of categories, the individuals concerned all had a common purpose – to overcome obstacles to boost job prospects, quality of life and reach a level of personal achievement.

The efforts of the overall winner – Lynsey Scott – typify what was required to turn their lives around.

From a rebellious teenager faced with bereavements and health issues, she has now set her sights on becoming a social worker. No doubt these earlier life experiences will stand her in good stead when she has to help others’ with their problems.

The award winners’ achievements should act as an inspiration to us all. They demonstrate that despite drawbacks in life, hard work can make our time on this planet both rewarding and recognised.

Adult learners – we salute you.

When Michael Wardle arrived at a police station to see his ex-wife, he was found with an illegal drug.

Police searched the 23-year-old after he struggled to keep his eyes open during conversation and was slurring his words.

Wardle, of Bountrees, Jedburgh, admitted having diazepam at Galashiels police station on April 4.

Prosecuting, Tessa Bradley said: “He attended at the police station at 11.30pm as his estranged wife had been arrested and he wanted to contact her.

“He appeared to be heavily under the influence of some sort of substance. He was slurring his words and his eyes kept closing as he was speaking to the police.

“He was detained and searched, and one Diazepam tablet found, which he said was a painkiller.”

Due to his state, Wardle was taken to Borders General Hospital for treatment and released into police custody at 2.20am. He was taken to Hawick police station for a further search, including a strip search.

Ms Bradley went on: “As this was happening, he took something from his shorts, placed it in his mouth and tried to swallow it.”

A further quantity of 29 blue tablets was found in a plastic bag.

Wardle pleaded guilty to obstructing police officers during a search and possession of Diazepam at Hawick police station on April 5.

Added the prosecutor: “He was handcuffed and hit himself on the head with the handcuffs, so had to be taken back to Borders General Hospital.

“He was released at 4.30am and taken back to the police station.”

Wardle’s lawyer, Mat Patrick, said his client had successfully completed a DTTO (Drug Treatment and Testing Order) in 2010, but had been struggling in the past seven to eight months, adding: “His drug use it nothing like it was.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson fined Wardle a total of £350.

A cloudless blue sky provided the perfect backdrop to Friday night’s appointment of Melrosian Fraser Anderson.

The evening also saw the introduction of the Melrose Festival Queen and Court for next month’s celebrations.

Festival Chairman James Marjoribanks presided over the official proceedings which were followed by a social in the Corn Exchange.

The Melrosian will be supported throughout the summer by Right-Hand Man Sam Thomson and Left-Hand Man Graeme Crawford, who carried him shoulder-high around the town square.

The Festival Queen is Charlie Hume, the grandaughter of Ex-Melrosian John Bunyan and great-grand-niece of Ex-Melrose and current Festival president, George Bunyan.

Charlie, aged 12, a pupil at the town’s primary school, will be supported by her court comprising First Attendant Katherine Donaghy; Second Attendant Heather Panter; Courtier Ruaridh Tullis; Courtier Matthew Kirk; Heralds Ben Lynch and Lex Daunas and Trainbearers Maia Thomson and Lucy Whiting.

As is tradition, Fraser, a final year criminology student at Stirling University, was named at the Ex-Melrosians’ Burns Supper in February.

The son of Ian and Vada, of Fairways in Melrose, Fraser told The Southern it was a perfect night on Friday.

He said: “It was a great night. The weather was perfect for being carried shoulder high round the square rather than in the rain. I’m really looking forward to the festival and taking part in the other festivals and common ridings – once I get my first rideout out of the way, which will be Mosspaul at Hawick Common Riding, I think I’ll feel a bit more relaxed about everything.”

Festival vice-president Douglas Hardie agreed Friday’s ceremonies– which saw Fraser presented with his Melrosian’s Rosette – had gone well: “It was a very 
enjoyable night and was well attended by both members of the public and visiting principals.”

A 50-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman have appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court charged with drugs offences following an operation in Galashiels.

On Thursday, May 1, and the following day, police officers executed five search warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Controlled drugs with a street value in excess of £8,000 were recovered from a property, and a man and woman were arrested and charged. John Mein and the woman, who are both from Galashiels, made no plea or declaration when they appeared before Sheriff Peter Paterson on Monday.

Mein was remanded in custody. The woman was released on bail pending a further appearance.

Local Community Inspector Tony Hodges from Police Scotland said: “Targeting those who supply drugs in our communities is a high priority for Police Scotland and last week’s activity in Galashiels was the culmination of a lot of hard effort from officers looking into this issue.

“However, the information members of the public pass onto us is vital to the success of tackling drug supply.

“I would urge anyone with any knowledge regarding those supplying drugs in our communities to contact us in confidence via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for witnesses and issuing a security warning following housebreakings at properties in Peebles and Innerleithen.

A Nukeproof black and yellow mountainbike was stolen from a garage at a house in Leithen Mills, Innerleithen, between 12.30pm on May 1 and 3.30pm on May 4.

Police are also investigating a break-in at a nursery in Cavalry Park, Peebles, between 11pm on May 1 and 6.45am on May 2, when a four-figure sum was taken from cash boxes.

Anyone with information should contact police.

There was cross-party agreement in the House of Commons yesterday after Borders MP Michael Moore, alongside Conservative MP for Penrith and the Border Rory Stewart, made the case for United Kingdom cross-border unity at Scottish Questions.

Mr Moore and Mr Stewart asked the Secretary of State for Scotland specifically about what independence would mean for border constituencies.

Commenting on the exchange, Michael Moore MP said: “The future shape of Scotland, and the very existence of the United Kingdom, is at stake in the forthcoming referendum. If Scotland were to leave the United Kingdom, the Border constituencies would be the first to feel the effects of an international border.

“Anybody who pauses at the top of the Carter Bar on the A68 is able to experience one of the most beautiful views of Scotland, as well as one of the most beautiful views of England.

“I hope that at the end of the year when I pause at the top of the Carter Bar, this spot will still be a mutual meeting point between two nations, rather than an international border point separating two states.”

A number of Borders Riders travelled to Gleneagles in Perthshire to take part in the Scottish Schools Equestrian Championships, organised by Kilgraston Girls School.

The Borders were represented in the 12-and-under class by Morebattle Primary School. Katy McFadyen on Bounty 11 was second individual and the team was fourth.

In the 14-and-under class, Kelso High School were represented by two teams. The Hendersyde team of Erin Lathangie, Angus Lathangie and Emma Grey were fifth. Erin was also fifth individual.

From the Floors team of Rowan Henderson, Anna Shanks and Duncan McFadyen, Rowan won her dressage and was also crowned Scottish Schools Combined Training Champion. Duncan was second in individual showjumping and also managed to fit in a quick trip to Inchcoonans near Dundee in the morning where he achieved a fourth double-clear at 90cm, which qualifies him for the second round British Discovery near Kilmarnock in June.

In the same 90cm class, Louise Hebdon from Coldstream was second and Megan Morris from Lauder was third. Megan was also second in the 128cm Royal Highland Show qualifier, which means she will be jumping at Ingliston in June.

Zoe Niven from Galashiels representing Kilgraston school was in the winning Combined Training Team and also won the individual showjumping.

In the 15-and-over class Alex Mundell from Clovenfords was second in showjumping and part of the fourth placed team from Mary Erskine’s School in Edinburgh.

Alex had been in Yorkshire the day before and won her class, qualifying for the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead in June.

Borders Sport and Leisure is urging sports clubs across the region to join its new Accreditation and Club Benefits Package scheme which aims to recognise and reward clubs for their effectiveness, safety and organisational standards.

All clubs gaining the standard will be entitled to a host of special benefits including free workshop places, discounted rates for first aid courses, discounts when booking Borders Sport and Leisure facilities and priority status for certain funding and scholarship applications.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, said: “We are proud of our sporting reputation and we aim to ensure sport continues to be a dynamic and invigorating part of life.

“The provision of a high quality club network is key to this and our Accreditation & Club Benefits Package rewards clubs that are safe, well organised and benefit the local community.

“Applying for accreditation is simple and we would urge every club in the Borders to contact us and apply.

“The scheme will help clubs improve standards while also delivering a host of rewards for them and their members to enjoy.”

There are more than 150 sports clubs in the Borders and the new Accreditation and Club Benefits Package is available to them all, irrespective of size or membership numbers.

Full information packs and assistance with accreditation process can be obtained from Borders Sport and Leisure’s Club Development Officer on 01896 661166.

The scheme was officially launched at Peebles High School on April 28, and Borders Sport and Leisure will be hosting subsequent sessions across the Borders to explain the scheme to clubs and encourage them to get involved.

The council has been given planning permission to carry out works on the category ‘A’ listed Sunnybrae Lodge in Walkerburn.

The external work will only be carried out once a compulsory purchase order is approved.

It always looked likely that Melrose would wrap up the Kings of the Sevens title by the end of last weekend, but when they did it at the end of the Kelso tournament – only the seventh in the 10-event competition – it was a rather special achievement.

With their third victory on the trot, they came through the pool stage without conceding a point against Edinburgh Academicals (31-0) and Edinburgh University (35-0), and they looked as if they would keep a clean sheet in their semi-final against Jed-Forest.

In the end they leaked a couple of late scores and won 31-12, going into the final in very good shape to meet Hawick in a repeat of the Peebles Sevens final six days before.

The Greens were at their best in this match. They swept past Langholm and Watsonians in their pool before putting out a good Selkirk team 24-7 in the semi-final. Hawick began as underdogs, but they put in one of their best performances of the season to run Melrose close, going down 26-24 when literally time ran out on them and they couldn’t build on a late converted try from Lee Armstrong.

Earlier in the tie, Callum Anderson cancelled out Keith Davies’s opening touchdown to tie the scores, then Neil McColm darted in by the posts to retake the lead.

Anderson responded again before Lee Armstrong put Hawick back in front. In this see-saw of a match, Mark Robertson cantered in to draw level, with Andrew Skeen’s conversion making it 19-17 at the turn. Austin Lockington sprinted in for a fourth for Melrose, while Lee Armstrong’s fourth for the Teries wasn’t enough to peg back the rampant Greenyards men. In the end it was all about one missed conversion separating the two.

Many had predicted that Melrose would be the team to beat this year, especially after they finished their 15s season prior to the sevens circuit starting.

Of course, every player who plays the abbreviated game for Melrose has this built-in pride. They all know they are the current crop who are keeping the history going and that sense of expectancy by everyone when watching a Melrose sevens team is something they are very aware of.

At the final whistle and the job done, it would be so easy for the squad to celebrate their Kings win and take the foot off the gas, but that didn’t even enter the heads of the players. They want to keep breaking records.

If they win the last tournaments they could lift the previous record of 65 points in the series to a colossal 88. They have their own agenda and as far as they are all concerned, there’s plenty of work to be done yet and more markers to lay down.

This squad want to be remembered for their achievements this season and have the chance to continue to create history. We all remember the famous Gala, Kelso and Hawick VIIs of their time when they romped through tournaments. The Melrose class of 2014 want to be remembered in the same breath as these Border legends, and if they carry on their season the way they are going, perhaps they will.

Captain Andrew Skeen said: “This has been a massive achievement for the boys.

“We wanted to come down here and win the Kelso Sevens – and we ended up winning the Kings title into the bargain. The boys have put so much work into it, but we never thought we’d win it this early. We want to set a record that will be hard to beat.”

Director of rugby Mike Dalgetty also paid tribute to his team.

“They are very talented lads – well coached with an incredible workrate and will to win – the perfect recipe for success,” he said.

Twenty-four hours after officially being crowned Kings of the Sevens for a second successive season, Melrose confirmed their regal status with victory over Gala in the final of the Earlston tournament.

The straight ‘five’ at The Haugh is just one of several records established by the current Melrose side this season, and sits alongside the table-topping 68 points accumulation in the Kings competition, surpassing the club’s previous best for a season by three points.

And there are still two tournaments remaining.

Melrose coach John Dalziel has promised that his side will not ease off. He said: “We’re looking to pass as many milestones as we can. We’ve broken the points record. We’ve won six out of the eight tournaments. If you get eight in the modern era that would be quite an achievement.

“The boys love their sevens. They’re all hungry,” explained Dalziel, adding: “ But they’re broken and bust. I don’t know where they keep finding the energy. We’re maybe not so effective on the ball, but our defence is so good at the moment. We seem to be more comfortable when we’ve not got the ball”.

As with all successful sevens teams over the years, Melrose rely on individual skills, understanding of the sevens game and sheer fitness.

But the current Melrose side has also been helped by another factor.

“We’ve got five or six of our side all training with the Scotland squad on Wednesdays. So they go up to Murrayfield to be part of the back-up training squad.

“I’m worried that they overdo it on the Wednesdays, but you can see the fitness coming through. They’ve just got a real spirit among them. No one wants to let anyone down. There’s hardly a missed tackle all day,” observed Dalziel, himself an international sevens player.

Melrose came through the bottom half of the draw with ease, cruising past Northumberland with a 38-0 win and then knocking out Hawick in the quarter-final with a 33-5 scoreline.

Melrose then came up against a Watsonians side that contained four under-18 players, including the New Year Sprint winner Ben Robbins.

But in the event experience told as Melrose showed their strength in defence to finish winners 28-0.

For their part, Gala had an easy first-round tie against Merchistonians and then disposed of Jed-Forest in the quarters, before defeating Edinburgh Accies 24-12.

In the final, Melrose led 14-12 at the break from tries by Callum Anderson and Andrew Nagle to touchdowns for Gala by Ruairi Howarth and Craig Russell. Then in the second half Bruce Dick profited from turnover ball to score for Melrose, but in a frantic finish Keith Young crossed for Gala, only for Craig Dods to miss the conversion kick, leaving Melrose winners.

Watching the final was former Melrose coach, Craig Chalmers, who admitted to being impressed by Gala’s performance.

He said: “Chris Dalgleish has been working hard with them. They’ve got some good young players. I’ve been really impressed with Ruairi Howarth today. He’s certainly one for the future and one who’ll be in the headlines in the years to come.”

Galashiels Academy pupil Howarth, who was capped this season for Scotland under-18 in matches against England, Ireland, Wales, Portugal and Italy, scored five tries in the tournament.

Gala also fielded fellow under-18 cap Gary Robertson, who joined his elder brother Craig in the Maroons team.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh Accies , with Alex Blair a key player for the Raeburn Place team, and Watsonians, who were without key players, provided the city challenge, both sides reaching the semi-final.

Accies, however, had to overcome a gritty Selkirk side in the quarter-final. Elsewhere, St Boswells briefly threatened an upset against Hawick before the Greens pulled away to win their first-round tie.

Melrose may be Kings of the Sevens already, but rugby supporters can be sure that the host team at this weekend’s event will be going all out to stop them gaining another win at their ground.

For Selkirk RFC will be looking to retain the title they won at their own event last year and with both teams in different halves of the draw, an exciting afternoon is already on the cards.

Lawrie’s Garage of St Boswells is once again sponsoring Selkirk Sevens, which takes place at Philiphaugh on Saturday.

This is the second successive year the company has supported the event, and Lawrie’s general manager Craig Anderson says the firm is delighted to be involved once again.

“We are very happy to renew our sponsorship,” commented Mr Anderson, “and got a lot of positive feedback from last year’s event.

“The Selkirk tournament is one of the most popular on the Kings of the Sevens circuit, and Lawrie’s is pleased to be able to play a part in helping to enhance this reputation.”

Last Wednesday at the company’s St Boswells headquarters, Mr Anderson presented a sponsorship cheque to Selkirk Rugby Club president John Rutherford.

The former Scotland internationalist said the club was delighted to welcome Lawrie’s Garage back as tournament sponsor. “Having Lawrie’s Garage on board once more has given the 2014 sevens a massive boost, and we’re delighted to be strengthening our ties with such a prestigious organisation,” he added.

“As the penultimate event in the Kings of the Sevens series, it promises to be an exciting afternoon of rugby. We have managed to attract an extremely strong line-up of teams this year, including RBS Premiership clubs Ayr, Heriot’s FP, Edinburgh Accies and Glasgow Hawks, plus all the usual Border sides as well as our RBS National League rivals Watsonians and Stewart’s/Melville FP.

“Of course it would be great to win our own tournament again. The players have showed a lot of heart in recent weeks and I’m sure Saturday will add extra incentive.”

Lawrie’s Garage is the only Volkswagen, SKODA and Hyundai service and approved used car centre in the Scottish Borders offering the full range of cars for sale with the added support of the award-winning sales team. Lawrie’s Garage intends to have several of its cars on display at the Selkirk tournament.

A drunken 16-year-old was ordered to pay £100 compensation to a doctor he assaulted when he appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court, pictured, on Monday.

Jamie Mitchell, of Albert Place, Galashiels, admitted repeatedly shouting and swearing, and uttering threats of violence at the town’s Currie Road on July 19 last year. He also pleaded guilty to assaulting a doctor at Borders General Hospital’s accident and emergency department on the same date.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley told how police were concerned for Mitchell’s welfare after seeing him bleeding from a head wound. He was walking with his girlfriend, with blood running down his face, and officers stopped to speak to him.

Ms Bradley went on: “They thought he was under the influence of alcohol, as he was unsteady on his feet, and he immediately began shouting obscenities at them.”

She added: “The police tried to get him to calm down, telling him he wasn’t in any trouble, but he had a cut to his head and was intoxicated, so they were concerned for his wellbeing.”

Mitchell told a police officer to “f**k off”, adding he would “kill him” when he said he was calling an ambulance.

The teenager’s girlfriend said he sustained the injury after stumbling. He was eventually arrested and taken to hospital.

The prosecutor added: “His behaviour didn’t improve and he was banging his head on the cage door.”

Rather than take him into the hospital, it was decided a doctor should examine him in the police vehicle, but Mitchell repeatedly told the doctor to “f**k off”, and then kicked him on the shin.

When he had calmed down and was eventually examined, Mitchell was found to have superficial injuries.

Following periods of deferred sentence and reports, Sheriff Peter Paterson admonished Mitchell for the threatening behaviour, but ordered he pay £100 compensation to the doctor he assaulted.

The sheriff warned the accused: “I have said it before and will say it again – assaults in hospitals are simply not acceptable.”