Jailed for eight months

A 25-year-old who breached a Sexual Offences Prevention Order by being drunk in the street, has been jailed for eight months.

Dean Smith of Beech Avenue, Galashiels, appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court last Friday, and admitted breaching the Order – which prohibits him from being intoxicated in a public place – at Aster Court, Galashiels, on June 12.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre also ordered Smith to complete 24 days of unexpired sentence before beginning the new jail term.

Appeared in private

A 39-year-old man has appeared in private, charged on petition with being concerned in the supply of cannabis in Hawick.

Colin Richardson of Charles Street, Hawick, made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody meantime.

Hawick man in alleged assault

A Hawick man has appeared in private charged with assault and robbery in the town.

Carlos Castro De Veiga, 33, of Allars Bank, faces an allegation of assault to severe injury and robbery, believed to involve an elderly woman, on June 12. He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody meantime.

Sentence deferred

A local man, who admitted assault and robbery in Hawick, will be sentenced on July 18.

Twenty-one-year-old Robert Searle of Fraser Avenue, Hawick, appeared on indictment and admitted assaulting a man at a house in the town’s Oliver Crescent on August 12 last year, forcing him on to a bed, repeatedly punching him on the head, uttering threats of violence and robbing him of a games console and games.

Co-accused Stephen Scott, 31, of McLaren Court, Hawick, denied assaulting the man and robbing him, and his not guilty plea was accepted by the Crown.

Searle’s not guilty plea to a second charge of assaulting a woman there and presenting a handgun at her was accepted by the Crown.

Sentence was deferred until July 18 for reports, and Searle’s bail was continued.

Gala man fined over argument

A Galashiels man who shouted and swore, throwing items about the house, has been fined £200.

Rowland Swatton, 30, of Overhaugh Street, Galashiels, appeared from custody and admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at his home on June 12.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told how police received a call and could hear a woman shouting.

“They were able to trace the address through the telephone number and could hear raised voices when they arrived,” explained Mr Fraser.

“She was crying and upset, and he said he had called the police, but didn’t mean it to connect.

“He has been in a relationship with this lady for a year and said they had an argument which got out of hand,” added Mr Fraser.

Admitted violent struggle

Upset at being arrested, a drunken man struggled violently with police officers.

William Devlin had to be taken to the ground and re-handcuffed as he kicked out and headbutted the floor.

Devlin, 22, of Trinity Street, Hawick, admitted struggling violently with police at Hawick Police Station on July 31 last year.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told an earlier hearing how officers had attended an incident in the centre of Hawick.

Devlin, who was very drunk, was warned about his behaviour and told to go home.

When officers returned to another incident, Devlin was still there, and arrested.

He was taken to Hawick Police Station where he began to struggle with the officers.

“He had to be taken to the ground and rehandcuffed,” explained Mr Fraser.

“He kicked out and head-butted the floor, and it took three officers to subdue him.”

Solicitor Rory Bannerman, defending, described his client as “reasonable and sensible without alcohol”.

“Alcohol tends to get him into trouble,” explained Mr Bannerman.

“He really didn’t think he should have been taken to the police station in the first place,” he added.

Sheriff John Halley previously deferred sentenced for four months, until June 13, and sentence was further deferred until June 27 for him to deal with the accused.

Kelso woman admits fraud

A financial agent who fraudulently obtained more than £3,900, and embezzled a further £697, has had sentence deferred until July 18 for reports.

Lorna Waddell, 39, of Orchard Park, Kelso, was working as an agent for Provident Financial Management Services Ltd when she obtained £3,936.82 by fraud between February 1, 2012 and February 20, 2013.

She also admitted embezzling £697.75 from the company between November 1, 2012 and March 12, 2013.

Calling for reports, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told her: “You were working as an agent for this company and this was a breach of trust.”

Deferred for reports

A Kelso man who ran his finger across a woman’s body in a local pub, and assaulted another woman, has had sentence deferred until July 18 for reports.

George Lees was released on bail not to enter the Black Swan at Horsemarket, or to contact the woman he assaulted.

The 57-year-old of Pinnaclehill Park, Kelso, admitted committing both offences at the Black Swan on March 15.

Dangerous dog allegation

A woman who denies having a Labrador which was dangerously out of control and seized a terrier in its mouth, will stand trial on October 30.

Maureen Lewis, 46, of Roxburghe Drive, Hawick, denies being in charge of a golden Labrador at Alemoor Court, Hawick, on November 22 last year, which was dangerously out of control and seized a Patterdale terrier dog in its mouth.

An intermediate diet was set for October 3.

Shoplifter jailed

A persistent shoplifter has been jailed for 240 days.

Kevin Millar of Buccleuch Street, Innerleithen, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday and admitted a series of thefts from local shops.

The 33-year-old stole a computer game from Tesco’s Galashiels store on November 5 last year, when he was also found with a jacket lined with foil for the purpose of committing theft.

On April 28, Millar admitted stealing an energy drink, pasta, a tin of meat and a bottle of wine from the Premier shop in Scott Street, Galashiels, and stealing a bottle of wine from the Co-op in the town’s Gala Park.

Both offences were committed while on bail.

On January 13, Millar failed to appear at Selkirk Sheriff Court, having been granted bail.

He also failed to attend at Peebles Police Station while on bail between May 22 and June 11, and on June 10 he stole food, and shaving items from Keystore in Eastgate, Peebles.

Hearing Millar had a chaotic drug-fuelled lifestyle, Sheriff Peter Paterson told him there was no alternative to a custodial sentence.

In contempt 
of court

A drunken woman, found in contempt of court after appearing in the dock when four-and-a-half times the alcohol limit, has been jailed for 30 days.

Louise Boughen was remanded in custody over the weekend when she appeared before Sheriff Derrick McIntyre at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, after she provided a breath/alcohol reading of 156mcgs – the legal limit being 35 – in the court cells.

The Sheriff, who officially retired on Friday, returned to Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday to deal with the case and jailed the 34-year-old of Roxburghe Drive, Hawick, for contempt of court.

Solicitor Ross Dow, defending, explained that his client had a “chronic alcohol problem” and wished to apologise to the court.

“She accepts she had a considerable amount to drink before attending court, and apologises for being intoxicated,” said Mr Dow.

Boughen appeared in the dock with two black eyes.

The 30-day jail term was back-dated to June 13.

Trial by jury

A 31-year-old who denies brandishing a knife in Galashiels, will stand trial by jury on July 7.

Andrew Gillies, c/o St Martins Court, Haddington, appeared on indictment and denied having a knife in the common stair at Beech Avenue, Galashiels, on December 13.

He also denies brandishing a knife at two people and kicking a bucket.

Court date set

A Hawick woman who denies having cannabis with intent to supply, will stand trial by jury on July 7.

Clare Parker, 40, of Wilson Drive, Hawick, denies an alleged offence at her home on August 10 last year.

A Hawick man, seen with a knife at a rugby club function, claimed it was for his own protection.

Andrew Birnie declared: “I need the knife as people will do worse to me than it will do to them,” adding that he wouldn’t have used it.

Concerned friends persuaded him to put the knife in a bin.

Birnie, 20, of Sunnyhill Road, Hawick, appeared on indictment and admitted having a knife at Volunteer Park, Hawick, on December 1 last year.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told how a social event was being held at the Volunteer Park, attended by about 120 people, most of whom were under 18.

Birnie approached a couple of friends and said he had a knife, and when told to hand it over, put it in a nearby bin.

“A friend went to the bin and took it out and he was stopped by the police,” added Mr Fraser.

Solicitior Iain Burke added: “At no time did his friends think there was a threat, they were more concerned for him.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson told Birnie: “People carrying a knife are a potential danger to others.”

He sentenced Birnie to a 12-month Community Payback Order with 130 hours of unpaid work, warning him, “This is a serious matter and it is a direct alternative to custody.”

On a further complaint, Birnie was fined £200 after he admitted making repeated 999 calls to the control room at Bilston on October 19 last year.

In the early hours of the morning, Birnie phoned around 10 times.

“He was basically trying to attract attention to himself,” said Mr Fraser.

Mr Burke added, “He was in a state of upset at the time and said that the 999 number was the only one he could remember.”

A Galashiels Academy teacher has been struck off the teaching register for three months after giving two pupils false extra marks to pass an assessment.

Scott Shields, a business management teacher at the secondary school, provided false information to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) regarding two pupils’ NAB assessments in 2010.

The pupils were taking an Information Technology for Management Course and a NAB is an end-of-unit assessment that pupils must pass before sitting an external exam, and is short for National Assessment Bank, which is marked by subject teachers.

The deception came to light when one of the two girls reported the incident to her pastoral teacher – after Mr Shields told the two pupils what he had done, and asked them to keep quiet.

Believing he might be under investigation, Mr Shields then sent one of the pupils and her family a letter asking them to withdraw the allegations against him.

However, although ruling this week that the allegation of falsifying NAB results was proved, members of the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s Fitness to Teach Panel said Mr Shields’ actions were out of character and an attempt to assist the two pupils.

The panel also found the letter was sent by Mr Shields when he was “under stress”.

At the three-day hearing earlier this month, Mr Shields admitted there were a “couple of marks” he would not now have awarded when marking the pupils’ NAB.

He said at the time he genuinely believed the girls had passed – despite the fact two other teachers who remarked the same papers were clear the pupils had failed.

The panel determined that Mr Shield’s conduct was fundamentally incompatible with being a registered teacher and removed him from the register for three months.

The official report stated his conduct fell significantly short of the standards expected of a registered teacher and that Mr Shields was unfit to teach.

However, panel members accepted that, prior to the allegations of this case, Mr Shields was held in high regard by colleagues and pupils, and unlikely to repeat such conduct.

Although ordered to be struck from the register, he is permitted to reapply for restoration in three months. Mr Shields has 28 days in which to appeal.

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council told The Southern this week: “This matter was fully investigated by the council and appropriate action was taken. We cannot comment further on an individual case.”

Borders MP Michael Moore backed a joint statement published this week by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, Scottish Labour Party leader Johann Lamont and Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, which guarantees the delivery of more powers to Scotland in the event of a No vote this September.

The statement says: “Power lies with the Scottish people and we believe it is for the Scottish people to decide how we are governed.

“We believe that the pooling and sharing of resources across the United Kingdom is to Scotland’s benefit in a partnership of four nations in which distinct national identities can flourish and be celebrated.

“We believe Scotland and the United Kingdom have been strengthened since the advent of devolution.

“We support a strong Scottish Parliament in a strong United Kingdom and we support the further strengthening of the Parliament’s powers.

“We now pledge to strengthen further the powers of the Scottish Parliament, in particular in the areas of fiscal responsibility and social security. We believe that Scotland should have a stronger Scottish Parliament, while retaining full representation for Scotland at Westminster. Our common agenda can bring people together from all of Scotland, from civic society and every community.

Commenting, Mr Moore said: “I am convinced that as Scots we are stronger and safer as part of the UK and I will be campaigning passionately for this in the lead-up to the referendum.

“At the same time, I have always supported devolution for Scotland and I was extremely proud to deliver the Scotland Act as Secretary of State, which saw powers on a new Scottish rate of income tax, borrowing limits as well as air guns, drink-driving and speeding delivered to Holyrood.

“I also fully support the strengthening of the Scottish Parliament in the event of a No vote in September.

“Tomorrow (Friday), I will be involved in a hustings at Duns Volunteer Hall from 7.30pm. Anyone is welcome and it should be an interesting event.”

Local MSP Jim Hume used Question Time at Holyrood to urge the government to launch a study into extending the Borders Railway from Tweedbank to Hawick.

He said later: “The extension to Hawick has always been an ambition for the Lib Dems, and campaigners, and is a natural progression of the line.”

Fifty cyclists visited Kelso recently during the Tartan Express charity bike ride from Edinburgh to London for Help for Heroes.

Kelso Wheelers youth club presented a £500 cheque

After a break of two months, the Eastern Airways Formula one British sidecar championship returned to the 2.9 mile Snetterton 300 circuit in Norfolk, writes John Mushet.

Lauder’s Kershaw racing team of driver Stephen Kershaw and passenger Rob Wilson made the long trip to this very technical circuit which is run along side the British Superbike championship. Qualifying took place on Friday, June 13, and the gremlins hit the team in the form of a brake problem which put them in 15th place and on row eight of the grid.

Friday night was spent changing an engine on their Suzuki-powered machine and also finding the brake fault. As a result, they didn’t start Saturday’s afternoon race. However, the motorcycle gods played a part and, after only three laps, the race was stopped due to oil on the circuit, and was held over for several hours, giving the team time to complete the repairs.

With no time to test the new parts Stephen started well and moved through the field in the shortened six lap race. Setting a new personal best time for the circuit, they finished in a great 10th position moving them up the grid for Sunday’s second race.

In front of a crowd in excess of 40,000, this event brought more of the same, with the leading three in the championship fighting for position from the start. Several of the sidecars stopped due to technical reasons.

Stephen kept out of trouble and drove a fine race, finishing in ninth place with an average speed of 87mph around this very fast and windy track.

The whole team were pleased with the results after what was a trying weekend, initially, due to the technical problems that they encountered.

In just over a week’s time the action moves to their home circuit at Knockhill in Fife, something they are looking forward to.

After competing in the North West 200 road races in Northern Ireland in May, it was back to British Superbike duties for Hawick’s Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki Superbike rider, Stuart Easton last weekend.

Competing at the 2.9mile Snetterton 300 circuit in Norfolk, Easton was hoping to consolidate his fourth place in the championship with several rounds taking place over the next few weeks.

Riding in good conditions for Saturday’s three-session qualifying, Easton managed to qualify for Q2, but was eliminated for Q3, which set the positions for the top 10 on the grid for Sunday’s two 16-lap races. Instead, he would start in 15th. He was understandably disappointed as he had been hoping to be running nearer the front.

Sunday’s races were held in overcast conditions. On the grid, Easton appeared to be having problems with his Kawasaki and from the start he was overtaken.

Things went from bad to worse, and going into the second bend, the Montreal hairpin, several of the front riders collided and, although he was involved, Easton’s machine just pulled up and that was the end of his race due to a technical problem.

For the second race, the Hawick racer started at the back of the grid.

Determined from the start, Easton began the daunting task of moving through the field to eventually finish, in what, by his own high standards, was a disappointing 13th place – 43 seconds behind the winner, his team mate Shane Byrne.

This now leaves Easton in seventh place in the championship, out of the showdown position for the top five shootout, which starts after the Cadwell Park round in August.

Naturally disappointed by this round, Easton admits that it is one of his least favourite circuits.

“The whole weekend has been a tough one as we haven’t been close to the top 10,” he said after his final race on Sunday. “I have always struggled at Snetterton and I have no excuse. I can’t figure it out at all.”

Easton is hopeful that the next round, in just over a week’s time, on his home circuit at Knockhill in Fife, will see him revive his showdown fortunes.

“We are not going to give up and I am trying to improve things in myself, such as my riding style, all the time,” he added.

Mountain Bike champion Katy Winton (pictured) told of how the Champions in Schools programme has influenced her sporting career at a showcase event held in Galashiels Volunteer Hall.

The event featured a number of the athletes who visit Borders Schools as part of the Border Sport And Leisure programme, delivering workshops for pupils and offering advice on goal setting, healthy lifestyle choices and adopting a winning attitude.

Over one hundred parents, teachers and pupils gathered for the showcase to hear presentations from pupils of four Borders Schools (Wilton Primary, Langlee Primary, Swinton Primary and Earlston High School) on what they have learned through this year’s Champion in Schools visits, in addition to Katy’s keynote session which highlighted how being part of the programme, when she was at school, helped to inspire her to go on to achieve her sporting goals.

Graeme Murdoch, Borders Sport and Leisure Active Schools manager said: “This year’s Champions in Schools programme has been another great success and the showcase event was a fantastic opportunity for all those involved to present on the key messages involved in the programme.

“The varied and enthusiastic presentations by the schools really highlighted how sport and sporting role models can assist children and young people to develop key life lessons that are applicable in all environments.”

The Champions in Schools programme has been running for five years and each year different schools within the region are selected to participate. To date, 60 schools across the Scottish Borders have been involved with the initiative.

Prior to Selkirk Games commencing, the name of Tom Holligan was an unknown one on the open athletic scene.

At the end of the Philiphaugh track meeting, however, it was a name that was known to one and all.

Twenty-year-old Holligan saw to this by shouting his name from the rooftops in winning the 110m handicap.

Running from a back mark spot of one metre, Holligan first exploded to a heat win in 12.17 seconds.

An established performer in top amateur circles, Holligan, who is studying in Aberdeen, then showed he had a real race to offer when soaring to victory in his cross-tie in an improved time of 11.92.

This victory earned him a final place, along with Darren Tomlinson of TLJT (12.5m), Leigh Marshall of Hawick (4m), Ryan Charters of Lasswade (8m), Jack Beattie of Rosyth (15.5m) and Edinburgh’s Kieran Reilly (6.5m).

Coached by Innerleithen’s Reverend Ed McKenna, who has a parish in Aberdeen as well as being an athletic coach, Holligan was to get even better, though.

For in the final, the strong-running Edinburgh sprinter gave a capital show, romping home in 11.80 seconds.

Reilly gained second place and Tomlinson third.

Speaking after his win, a delighted but somewhat bemused Holligan told The Southern: “It’s the first time I have won at a games meeting. Indeed, it’s the first time I have ran on a grass track and the first time I have ever given other runners a start in a race.

“Everything has just been completely new for me and I didn’t really know what to expect today.”

Holligan, who, a while back, appeared destined to have been part of the Scottish team in the Commonwealth Games, until circumstances and injuries put paid to this, said: “My coach Ed used to run at the games and he talked me into running at Selkirk.

“And I am glad he did as I have had a great day, especially with winning the sprint.

“I intend to turn out at other games in the Borders”.

Also tasting success in a senior sprint event was Eoin Lowther of Jed AC, who produced the goods to the full in taking the 90m handicap (confined to Borders Region).

Coached by Brian ‘Chico’ Woods, Lowther clocked up a winning time of 9.93 seconds in his heat, which was the quickest time of the opening runs.

In the final, Eoin edged out his brother Luke, also of Jed AC (15m) and Matthew Fleming of Kelso (13m).

Eoin said of his triumph with a big smile: “I was very pleased to win and even happier as I beat my brother Luke.”

Veteran runner Graeme Armstrong of Edinburgh (42m) took the honours in the 200m.

Following a fine win in his heat, former Stirling Albion and Berwick Rangers footballer Armstrong finished ahead of Euan Pettigrew of Jed AC (21m) and Drew Bryson of Hawick (50m) in the final.

From the Adie Gray school, Kelso teenager Jason McIntosh (39m) who had won the Hawick Border Games 400m handicap six days previously, excelled in winning the 400m handicap in fine style.

Joint back marker Ciaran Turton of Edinburgh (65m) ran a fine race to take the 800m handicap.

In the 1,600m, Selkirk’s own Alistair Laurie (365m) came within strides of notching up a victory on his hometown track.

Cheered on by the crowd, Laurie headed the field coming down the home straight.

On the tape, however, Laurie was overtaken by Keith Redpath of East Kilbride (395m) to finish in the closest of seconds.

The youths’ events on the Selkirk card produced some enthralling and exciting racing to say the least.

Eleven-year-old Danielle Lockie of TLJT (23m) pulled out the stops to gain the honours in the youths’ B 90m handicap.

After having showed up well in winning her heat, Lockie buzzed to an excellent win in the final in 10.10 seconds.

Victory in the youths’ A 90mhandicap went the way of Annan’s Cameron McNaughton (13m), who recorded a very fast winning time in the final.

Innerleithen’s Eve Huxley (30m), a stylish young runner, held off a strong challenge from Darcy Graham of Hawick (11m) to win a thrilling youths’ A 200m handicap final.

The youths’ B final was also a ding-dong affair.

Young TLJT flyer Leah Ainslie (50m), gaining the bragging rights in edging out Hawick’s Tom Fowler (39m) and Sarah Davenport of TLJT (50m) in a close finish.

Olivia Rodden of Jed AC (285m) gave an excellent account of herself in winning the youths’ 800m handicap.

Second over the distance at Hawick Border Games when she was pipped on the post, 11-year-old Rodden dug in deep from the gun and duly raced to victory.

Several Borders rugby sevens specialists have been reaping the rewards of having learned their trade in the home of the abbreviated game over the past few days.

Scottish Rugby confirmed this week that former Melrose stand-off Scott Wight will play full-time for Scotland 7s in season 2014/15.

Wight will join Jed-Forest twins Gregor and Lewis Young, who have also all signed contract extensions for the national sevens team.

Wight and Selkirk’s Lee Jones have also been named in Stephen Gemmell’s 12-man Commonwealth Games squad.

“I have been fortunate to play with Scotland Sevens on the international stage in the latter half of this season,” said Wight.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to wear the thistle and it’s not something I’d give up easily, so I’m delighted to be able to sign.

“Before the new season, though, we have the second round of the FIRA Grand Prix Sevens in Moscow and the Commonwealth Games. I want to go out there and make sure that every time I play I am able to operate at my best and lift the entire squad’s performances.”

Gemmell, who will return to the position of Scottish Rugby’s head of performance development after the Commonwealth Games, said: “All four players have cut their teeth on the Borders’ domestic circuit and have adapted their skill set at the top level.”

Another Melrose man, Calum MacRae, will take over Gemmell’s position in the new season.

The former Border Reivers and Edinburgh Rugby player makes the move from Newcastle Falcons, where he has been skills coach for the past three seasons.

“Melrose is my home town, so it’s a huge honour for me and my family to coach the short game at the highest level. I have a huge amount of love and passion for the game and I know that I will transfer that into the performances of the players I’ll be working with,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hawick’s Scotland Sevens professional John Houston is to retire from rugby following a series of injuries sustained over the years.

Houston won 17 sevens caps and scored 14 tries. He will now look to further his career in project management.

Our photographer Stuart Cobley was out and about yesterday (Wednesday) following the Queen’s Baton as it was relayed throughout the region.

Here’s a few of the photographs he took.

If you have some photos of the day and would like to add them here, why not add them using the UGC module on this story?

Local reaction to the new CAP package for 2015-2020 announced last week is that it’s about as good as could be expected given the circumstances.

New rules aim to ensure only active farmers will get direct payments. The country has been split into three regions, there will be coupled support for the hill sheep and beef sectors and basic direct farm payments will be capped at around £400,000 per year after labour costs.

There will be a five-year transition from 2015 to 2019 to change from historic to area-based farm payments. New entrants will get the regional average. And there will be a new £45million three-year beef improvement scheme, in addition to the retained eight per cent coupled support scheme for beef.

Announcing details last Wednesday, rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said it would also be “a greener CAP, with farmers being rewarded with Pillar 1 top-up payments for taking action to protect biodiversity and reduce emissions”. And he confirmed development funding is to increase by more than £10million per year.

NFU Scotland vice-president and former livestock committee chairman, Rob Livesey of Firth, Lilliesleaf, told us: “Under the circumstances and given the limited budget, it’s the best deal we could have got.

“Borders farmers will be relieved that they know a bit more about where they are going. It’s been going on for a long, long time. We have got a compromise: those people locked out of entitlement are going to get money, but that’s at a cost to every other farmer receiving payment.

“We’ve got extra Pillar 2 money for cattle, which is going to be useful. And at least we have got a four-year transition period instead of a sudden change.

“It will by no means be perfect for everybody, but it’s a pretty reasonable compromise within the constraints the Government faced.”

NFU Scotland combinable crops committee member, Neil White of Greenknowe, Swinton, said: “The combinable crop sector can only hope that there are some SRDP pillar 2 options accessible to us as our basic payment is low and the coupled money doesn’t look like it will ever be available to us.

“The gradual introduction of the new rate will help some farms who are facing a considerable drop in their basic payment and will give them some time to adjust.

“The detail on greening and ecological focus areas (EFA) is crucial now, but it does look like NFUS may have had some success in shaping some of the eligible criteria. Personally, I will always have a moral problem with leaving good land producing nothing, and the more choices we have in the EFA criteria the better for all.

“The new entrant scheme and funding for genuine new farmers can only be good as new ideas and enthusiasm into the industry are always necessary.”

Union president Nigel Miller, Stow livestock farmer, said: “This was always going to be a tough package.

“For established businesses, the reality is, many face a steep reduction in support levels. For new entrants and developers, we welcome that they will be brought immediately into the support system.”

wooler

At their weekly sale of primestock last Monday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 865 new season lambs, 47 hoggs and young sheep and 195 ewes.

More lambs about nationwide, trade slightly easier.

New season lambs, leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £115 Chesterhill, £110 Ewart, Holy Island, £108 Chillingham Home Farm, £107, £106 Lilburn Estates, £106 Branton Eastside, £105 Lilburn Estates, £104.50 Cresswell Farms, Holy Island & Holy Island (M Patterson). Sfx:- £105 Holy Island, Holy Island (M Patterson), £100 Lorbottle, Chesterhill, Doune Brae. Zwa:- £100 Stickle Heaton.

New season lambs – Leading prices per kilo:- Tex.x:- 255.6p Chillingham Home Farm, 255.1p Cresswell Farms, 252.6p Ewart, 246.3p Lilburn Estates, 244.9p Brandon, Lilburn Estates, 244.6p Chillingham Home Farm, 243.6p Marshall Meadows (2), Lilburn Estates. Sfx:- 243.8p Cresswell Farms, 242.3p Pallinsburn, 241p Dunslaw, 238.6p Holy Island, Holy Island (M Patterson), 238.1p Doune Brae. Bel:- 236.1p Ladykirk.

Hoggs – Leading prices per head:- Tex:- £98 Black Heddon, £86 West Longridge, £74 Lorbottle. BF:- £90, £80, £71 Faughill.

More ewes on offer, selling at similar rates.

Leading prices:- Tex:- £105 Black Heddon, £100, £93 Pallinsburn, £90 Fowberry Moor, £88 Pallinsburn, £84 Pallinsburn and Fowberry Moor. Suf:- £103 Little Swinton. Bel:- £101 Chillingham Home Farm. Sfx:- £101 Chillingham Home Farm, £91.50p Fawdon Farms, £87 Titlington Mount, £86.50p Branton Eastside. Mule:- £87 Pallinsburn, £80 Branton Eastside, £78 Fawdon Farms, £77 Titlington Mount, £74.50p Marshall Meadows. BFL:- £90 Fawdon Farms. CHV:- £77 Fawdon Farms, £73.50p Chillingham Home Farm. BF:- £70 Fawdon Farms, £69 Branton Eastside, Titlington Mount, £65 Reavley Greens.

Rams:- Zwa:- £139 Stickle Heaton. Tex:- £104 Lorbottle Farm.

st boswells

At the annual Summer Show and Sale of prime cattle, sponsored by ATS Euromaster judge Mr S. Ramsey, Falsidehill, awarded the champion to Low Middleton Livestock for a heifer which scaled 540 kilos and made 250p pkg (£1350) to M/s M Malone, Edinburgh.

Reserve was awarded to a heifer from WB Hamilton, Bee Edge, which scaled 582 kilos and made 240p pkg (£1396) to WTS Forsyth and Sons, Peebles.

Results were:

Single native bred bullock - 1. Lauder Mains weight 626 made 2.12 to Scottish Borders Abattoir, 2. Longnewton weight 658 made 2.10 to M/s JA Waters and Sons, 3. Wester Middleton weight 602 made 2.20 to M/s Cropper.

Single Continental bullock - 1. Lennoxlove weight 652 made 2.21 to M/s Cropper, 2. Bee Edge weight 584 made 2.32 to M/s TA Shaw, Lauder, 3. Longnewton weight 610 made 2.03 to M/s Cropper.

Single native bred heifer - 1. Chapelhill weight 464 made 2.30 to Smith, Raeburn Place, Edinburgh.

Single Continental heifer - 1. Low Middleton weight 540 made 250 to Malone of Edinburgh, 2. Bee Edge weight 582 made 2.40 to WTS Forsyth and Sons, Peebles, 3. Upper Nisbet weight 658 made 203 to M/s Cropper.

Single cow - 1. Wester Middleton weight 706 made 1.60 to M/s I Ford, 2. Dunslaw weight 738 made 1.53 to M/s Foley Bros, 3. Phantassie weight 676 made 1.47 to M/s Foley Bros.

At their weekly primestock sale on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 101 clean cattle, 55 OTM cattle, 1,091 new season lambs, 202 old season hoggs and 533 ewes.

Bullocks (41) averaged 207.3p per kg and sold to 232p (+8.3p on week), heifers (59) averaged 208.3p per kg and sold to 250p (+1.3p on week) and 55 beef type OTM cattle averaged 132.5p per kg and sold to 180p (+4.1p on the week).

New season lambs averaged 246.1p per kg (-2.5p on the week) and sold to £120, old season hoggs averaged 137.9p per kg (n/c on week) and sold to £91.50.

New season lambs per head: Suff.x;- £120 Thornington, £114 Huntington, £113 Upper Bolton, £111 Coltcrooks, £110.50 Headshaw. L, Tex.x;- £116 Thirlestane,£114.50 Marvingston, £114 Legars, £113 Thirlestane, £112 Corsbie, £111.50 Thornington, Ham;- £106 Marigold, £100 Coltcrooks.

New season lambs per kg: Bel.x;- 269.4,261,255 Sydenham, Tex.x;- 260.8, 257.7 Huntington, 257.3 Corsbie, 256.4 Legars.

Old season lambs per head: Tex;- £91.50 Headshaw. A,£88, £86 Boon, Suff.x;- £88 Marvingston, BF;- £73.50 Elmscleugh, Chev;- £72.50 Shaws.

Cast ewes: Tex;- £116, £110, £100 Elmscleugh, £101 Upper Bolton & Legars, £96 Hyndsidehill, Suff;- £94 Legars, £92 Ardivot and Hyndsidehill, £91 Cockburn, £90 Upper Bolton and Mayfield, CM;- £91.50 Legars, GF;- £82.50 Elmscleugh, £79 Cockburn, £78 Hyndsidehill, £76 Marvingston, Inchkeith, Ardivot and Mayfield, Chev;- £76 Whitsome East Newton, £75, £73 Ardivot, Lleyn;- £78 Upper Samieston, BF;- £60 Ardivot.

Rams: Chev;- £95 Shaws, £91 Ardivot.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart plc had forward 28 prime cattle, four young bulls, 21 over 30 month cattle, 2,583 prime lambs, 1,582 prime hoggs and 4,114 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

Prime cattle again followed national trend and plainer sorts harder to cash but good quality still in demand. Top price to 217.5p for a Limousin heifer shown by Messrs A. and W.J. Taylor and Son, Dashwellgreen.

Bulls sold similar on the week to a top of 151.5p per kilo for Limousin from Waterhead of Dryfe.

A plainer show of cast cows saw trade a shade firmer and topped at 144.5p for a Limousin cow shown by Mr J. Watret, Burnside.

An unbelievable show of 2,583 prime lambs (1,500 up on the same sale last year) sold very well, although overall trade definitely easier on the week as more numbers come forward everywhere. Heavyweight lambs over 45 kilos short or requirements with the supply of lightweight lambs outstripping the demand today. Best quality export lambs keenly sought after and many more could be sold to advantage. Top of 300p per kilo for Texels from Netherplace.

One of the jewels in the Borders wildlife crown is, in my opinion, Lindean Reservoir near Selkirk.

A gentle stroll round there on a nice June day is hard to beat.

On a recent outing, I was immediately impressed on setting out, that the orchids this year look to be particularly abundant.

Almost all the way round, these glorious spikes of purple were pushing through the vegetation to greet the summer sunshine.

Another plant which seems to spreading round the reserve is the cowslip.

Although most flowers were setting seed, their prominent leaves and stems were extremely widespread.

As the path wound through an area of predominantly sycamore trees, I paused to listen to the song of an unseen redstart, high in the canopy.

I seem to be encountering these lovely summer migrants in places I haven’t previously, this year.

I wonder if they are on the increase after a few years of decline.

On the loch itself, wildfowl was sparse, save for a pair of tufted ducks and some little grebes, but I was pleased to see that the resident pair of mute swans had successfully raised a brood of six cygnets, which were out of the nest with their parents, looking to be about a week old.

This pair of birds has had quite a good track record in recent years in getting their youngsters up to adulthood, unlike some swan broods which are extremely susceptible to predation.

Around the loch there are a few well-placed seats where you can sit quietly for a while and watch the abundant wildlife.

A few Orange-tip butterflies were on the wing and bird song was abundant and varied, with the singing skylarks high overhead particularly enjoyable.

Later in the summer, more butterfly species will be around and the thousands of damselflies and dragonflies on the wing will be a particular highlight.

Halfway round, I paused to have a blether with another local newspaper columnist “The Pilgrim”, who also spends a lot of time at Lindean Reservoir.

My pup Treacle was introduced to his dog Tam, who is a couple of months older at nine months.

Both are still full of youthful exuberance and managed to tire one another out while we stood and chatted.

I wish I could bottle some of that energy!

After logging my sightings in the bird hide diary, it was back to the car park, after yet another brilliant walk round this lovely spot.

Many rare butterflies are emerging three weeks earlier then last year because of recent mild weather, says charity Butterfly Conservation.

Locally, the Small Copper was spotted on May 6 compared with May 26 in 2013. Others locally, such as the conservation priority species, the Small Blue and the more common, Speckled Wood, emerged two weeks earlier than the 10-year average.

The charity’s Barry Pratersaid: “The current mixed weather conditions are not particularly bad news.

“There is plenty of sun and then it’s warm, and during heavy rain butterflies are skilled at finding shelter. I’m not worried early emergences will have an adverse impact.

“Early and late emergences of butterflies are within their normal range of appearance and if they cannot cope with these fluctuations they would all be extinct by now.

“There are always ups and downs each year for wildlife. Our butterflies and moths respond to these short-term changes and can suffer or thrive depending on the seasonal timing of weather conditions. The numbers of adult, flying butterflies which we see during their flight season will depend on many factors – how strong the population was last year and how the earlier stages (egg, caterpillar, chrysalis) have fared since then.”

Butterflies hibernating over the winter have also been seen in large numbers already thanks to last year’s warm summer. The charity puts last year’s delayed butterfly emergence down to the coldest early spring for 50 years.

The council has reservations about MSP Christine Grahame’s proposal to extend the Pentland Hills Regional Park into the Borders.

Ms Grahame invited comment on the idea from various parties, receiving the thumbs up from the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland (APRS).

But a spokesperson from Scottish Borders Council (SBC) said last week: “The council was invited by Christine Grahame, MSP to respond to her proposal. Following consultation between key members and officers, a response was sent on May 13 to the effect that as the proposal creates a number of concerns for SBC, particularly financial ones, we could not support without further clarification.”

Ms Grahame’s plan is to extend the park south and south-west, creeping into the northern Borders.

In its response, APRS said: “The compromise boundary established in 1986 lacks logic, as it resulted from administrative considerations at the time rather than defensible landscape criteria, so it is right this anomaly should be rectified.

“This will help the entire Pentland Hills range and its surrounding communities to achieve its full potential, and will secure the integrated management of the Pentland Hills for the benefit of future generations.”

And APRS director John Mayhew said: “Extending the boundary would provide greater opportunities for a wider range of people to enjoy the health benefits of outdoor recreation, including people who do not currently benefit from this type of activity.”

Galashiels is going through a fair bit of upheaval at the moment, thanks to work on the new Borders railway and town centre improvements.

But none of it will be allowed to detract from the fun and enjoyment of the Braw Lads’ Gathering for Galaleans, or from the chance it affords townsfolk to pay homage to their burgh’s ancient traditions and history.

Braw Lad Gavin Young and Braw Lass Alice Mackay and their Attendants are already in festival mode, with the first event actually having taken place on Tuesday night with the Swimming Gala.

For Andrew Johnston, this will be his third and final Gathering in the role of president and he is also stepping down, after 17 years, as chairman of the Borders common ridings and festivals organisation.

“I’m very proud to have had the chance to be president. I’m sad it will be all over after this year, but I am still going to enjoy it as much as ever.

“I’m sure it will be another great Gathering,” he told us.

David Houston, chairman of the Gathering’s Executive Council, knows only too well a number of challenges have had to be overcome on the route to this year’s Gathering, mainly due to the rail works and road improvements.

“However, I’m sure this year will be as good as ever and I wish everyone an enjoyable and safe Gathering.

“All the changes will be good for the town in the long run.

“I would like to thank everyone for their continued support.”

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

7.30am Cavalcade assembles at Netherdale

8am - Braw Lad receives Burgh Flag at Burgh Chambers

8.40am - Raid Stane

9am - Fording Tweed at Abbotsford

9.15am - Visit Abbotsford House

9.45am - Fording Tweed at Boleside

10am - Gallop over Gala Hill

10.30 - Old Town Cross Ceremony

11am - Visit Laird of Gala at Old Gala House

11.30am - Cavalcade proceeds by way of Scott Street, Kirkbrae, Hall Street, Island Street, High Street, Channel Street and Market Street, to war memorial at noon for Final Act of Homage

Noon - Burgh Flag returned to President of the Gathering

7.45pm - Langlee Community Choir at War Memorial

7.50pm - Processional walk from Bank Street Brae to War Memorial

8pm - Roses Ceremony at War Memorial

A horse enthusiast, a village shop owner and a festival president have been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list published last week.

Ann Fraser from near Jedburgh was made an MBE in recognition of her services to the equestrian and leisure industries in the Borders.

She was one of those who started the popular Festival of the Horse which is now in its 14th year.

Mrs Fraser has been a member of the British Horse Society (BHS) for more 30 years and chairs Equestrian Access in Scotland. She played a key role in ensuring that horse riders enjoyed the same rights as walkers and cyclists when the Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003 was passed by Holyrood.

She was also a driving force behind the South of Scotland Countryside Trails. That project saw the BHS secure £750,000 of European funding to develop a 350km network of multi-use tracks.

The director of the BHS in Scotland Helene Mauchlen commented: “Ann’s dedication to the horse as an economic driver in the Borders and her life-long fight for safe, off-road, access for equines, makes her a worthy recipient of this honour. She continues to work tirelessly and is highly respected.”

Former teacher Mrs Anne Brown saved the village shop in Morebattle from closure when she bought it five years ago and has been awarded the British Empire Medal. During the horrendous winter of 2009-10 Mrs Brown, from Cranshaws near Duns, camped in the shop from before Christmas into the early weeks of January to ensure it could open each day.

Mrs Brown said this week: “This is all very embarrassing, but very humbling and a great honour. It is also good that the village is being mentioned. I took over the shop because it is very necessary, especially for the older people. It is something of a social hub.”

George Bunyan has also been honoured with a British Empire Medal for services to Melrose and sport. He played rugby for the town from 1950 to 1967, served on the committee, and for 20 years was secretary of the world-famous Melrose sevens, with seven years as tournament convener.

He was appointed Melrosian for the 1956 festival and has been involved ever since. He served first on the committee and was chairman for six years, joint chairman for seven years and is now the festival’s president.

Mr Bunyan was the community council provost from 1996 to 2005. He has been a kirk elder for almost half a century and he and his late wife Margaret helped found the Melrose Waverley Tennis Club.

He told us: “News of the award came out of the blue. I find it very humbling to know that local people thought enough of me to put my name forward.”

A glorious summer evening greeted the 181-strong mounted cavalcade that saddled up for Monday night’s Melrosian’s rideout.

Despite good weather, however, recent heavy rains meant the traditional crossing of the Tweed was cancelled on safety grounds and riders went via the alternative road route.

But festival chairman James Marjoribanks said the lack of a river crossing did nothing to dent anyone’s enjoyment of the evening.

“It was a very good turnout for the rideout. It was a shame we couldn’t cross the river but the professional advice was that the water was just too high and too strong.

“However, the cancellation of the crossing didn’t deter people from having a good time. We had a lot of visiting principals and it was nice to be able to return their hospitality.” 
Mr Marjoribanks said Melrosian Fraser Anderson performed his duties excellently.

He said: “For a young rider, he did really well, leading all the way and there was a great amount of goodwill towards him.

“Now we have to hope for some more good weather for Thursday night at the abbey!”

The festival began with Sunday’s kirkin’ of the Melrosian, followed by the rideout and Tuesday’s fancy dress, before the community bike ride last night.

Tonight (Thursday) it is the crowning and installation ceremonies at Melrose Abbey. Tomorrow night sees the ball, followed by Saturday’s tour of villages and ceremonies at the abbey and sports.