St Mary’s School Melrose had their most successful haul of medals to date at the recent Scottish Prep School Athletics Championships, held at Fettes College, Edinburgh.

Thirty athletes from 8-13 years competed in a variety of track and field events and between them they brought 14 gold, 10 silver and 15 bronze medals back to Melrose. The day’s highlight was head girl, Susannah Godfrey-Faussett, breaking both the 800m and 1,500m records and being presented with the outstanding girl athlete award – an excellent afternoon’s work.

Sports digest

Archery

Ettrick Forest

The Selkirk-based club held the annual gents’ Selkirk Arrow double clout shoot on Sunday, along with the Philiphaugh Silver Arrow for ladies.

It was to prove former winner Adair Anderson’s day, his 42 hits for a score of 97 edging out Doug Anderson by 14 points. Doug and Jim Stillie took the individual round bronze medals.

For the ladies, Elaine Pearson put in another fantastically high score (50 hits for a 157 score, including four clouts) to win, with Ev Craig picking up the bronze medal for the first round score. Ev and Doug both got their own back on the champions with a win in the best ends shoot-off.

The club is hosting a come and try on Saturday for D.S. Dalgeish staff and guests, and the BLBS Wand Shoot takes place on Sunday from 10.30am, both events at Thirladean.

Bowling

Abbotsford

Last week’s action began on Tuesday morning with the senior match against Wilton which had to be abandoned after four ends due to heavy rain.

By Tuesday evening, the weather had improved, however, and the ladies enjoyed pleasant conditions for their league match at Melrose. Both rinks had close games, with one rink finishing two shots ahead and the other losing by two shots for a 2.5/2.5 draw.

There were no league matches for either A or B teams last week.

On Friday the Top Ten team played a quarter-final tie at home to Melrose. On a warm sunny evening, the large audience were treated to some excellent bowling from both teams. Melrose had narrow wins in the singles and triples, while in the fours Abbotsford won by nine shots. The outcome now hinged on the pairs and in an exciting finish Keith Campbell clinched the match for Abbotsford with the last bowl of the game.

On Saturday, the club hosted the annual Border Burghs tournament between the eight clubs from Galashiels, Hawick and Selkirk. The winners were Hawick BC with eight wins from a possible nine. The prize for top individual rink was won by Wilton BC.

On Sunday, the club held an Open Pairs tournament. In the semi-finals, Gordon Bowers and Tommy Newall defeated Graeme Prentice and John Manczak, while Alan Howlieson and Craig Riddell defeated Brian Anderson and Kenny Johnstone. In a closely fought final, the Bowers/Newall combination just managed to edge out Howlieson and Riddell to claim the first prize. Thanks go to Clelands for sponsoring this event.

Entries are still being taken for the Open Singles tournament to be held on Sunday, sponsored by Prosperity Independent Financial Advisors and Stockbrokers. Enter at the club or by contacting Alan Howlieson on 01896 757629.

Hawick

It’s been quite an interesting week for the club.

On Monday the A team made the short trip to Jedburgh and following an early season defeat, the tables were turned and Hawick emerged winners by 88-79. Top rink for the Hawick club was the Norrie Amos-skipped rink, winning by 33-5, ably supported by N. Anderson, C. Anderson and G. Scott.

On Wednesday, the B team entertained Gala Waverley. The Gala side had a somewhat comfortable victory, winning by 84 - 53.

Friday night saw the A team travel to Gala to play the Waverley A team. Unfortunately, it was the Gala side who came away victors, winning by 94-81.

Yet again, it was the Norrie Amos rink who were the highest, this time supported by N. Anderson, R. Johnstone and G. Scott.

Saturday saw the club play in the Border Burghs annual competition, played on the three Gala greens. After a great day’s bowling it was the Hawick club who emerged as winners, resulting in President J.H. Reilly being presented with Border Burghs trophy. The Hawick skips of L. Clarkson and S. Clarkson both had three out of three wins, while Martin Christy lost just one match. This meant Hawick had 16 points with Wilton taking the runners-up spot on 14 and Abbotsford third on 10.

Langholm Old Town

The club held its annual single-handed tournament in fine weather last Sunday.

There was an entry of 39 and the eventual winner after a long day’s competition, was Stewart Gilmour from Castle Douglas, who beat Alastair Elliot of Newcastleton in the final.

In the semi-finals, Gilmour beat last year’s winner Colin Spalding of Hawick, and also knocked out at that stage was Scott Morrison from the Langholm New Town club.

Cornet Dale Irving and his right and left-hand men, Alasdair Cavers and Andrew Elliot, were led onto the bowling green by Ronnie Nichol of Hawick playing the flute. Old Town president Paddy Laing thanked everyone who had helped make the tournament a success, and the Turnbull cup was presented by Cornet Irving to the winner. The tournament was sponsored by Karl Nawrocki.

There then followed a social evening in the clubrooms with musical entertainment and speeches.

Lauder

Sunday saw the Ladies’ Open Pairs competition, sponsored by Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Service of Earlston, take place.

A great day was had with 24 pairs taking part in a round robin format. The eventual winners were the pairing of Margaret Aitken and Maureen Graham from Melrose, who defeated Janet Darling (Lauder) and Joyce Thomson (Earlston).

Golf

Galashiels

John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors Macgregor Cup: Winner, A. Fulton nett 35. The trophy was presented by Hayley Macgregor from Australia.

Seniors Championship Qualifier: A League winner, A. Scott nett 36; B League winner R. Gerrard 32.

Kelso

Gents’ results – Intersport Midweek 4: 1, B. Young 40 points; 2, W. Paterson 39.

Gents’ Open: Overall handicap winner, S. Carnegie (Kelso) 80 (20) 60; Overall scratch winner, A. Lawrie (Torwoodlee) 69; First Class handicap winner, A. Roxburgh (Kelso) 74 (8) 66; First Class scratch winner, J. Berry (Torwoodlee) 71; Second Class handicap winner, C. Russell (Hawick) 78 (15) 63; Second Class scratch winner, I. Rae (Kelso) 76; Third Class handicap winner, R. Cockburn (Duns) 85 (16) 69; Third Class scratch winner, K. Cuthbert (Southmoor) 87.

John Wilson Trophy: 1, J. Logan 41 points; 2, D. Thomson 40.

Ladies SLGA Medal and 2nd Hill Medal Qualifier: 1, Lynn Small 83 (14) 69; 2, K. Wilson 98 (25) 73.

Melrose

K.R. Cars & July Clubhouse Competition: 1, B. Rout 85 (20) 65; 2, L. M. Wallace 71 (3) 68; 3, D. Inglis 89 (18) 71. Scratch: G. S. Craig 77. D. Inglis had a Hole in One at the third hole.

D. S. Dalgleish Claret Jug Trophy: 1, K. Grieve 45 points; 2, G. S. Craig 42; 3, C. Creamer 41.

Minto

April Medal, Fox & Hounds Trophy No 1 (rescheduled): 1, S. Huddart 81 (18) 63; 2, D. Wear 82 (17) 65; 3, J. Rae 83 (17) 66. Lowest gross: R. Latta 75.

Seniors’ July Medal: 1, T. Glendinning 79 (16) 63 (lowest gross); 2, R. Johnston 81 (13) 68 after countback; 3, S. Diggin 82 (14) 68. This result means that Tam Glendinning has increased his lead at the top of the Seniors’ League to 17.25 league points over the rest of the field.

Gents’ Stableford No 9: 1, A. Thom 43 points; 2, R. Pringle 39; 3, B. Cureton 38.

Ladies’ Salver No 4: 1, K. Telfer 90 (19) 71; 2, S. McCarthy 107 (35) 72; 3, M. Walker 103 (29) 74. Scratch and David Marchbanks Trophy winner: C. Thom 90 (13) 77 BIH.

Minto seniors played their match against Castle Park in glorious weather and on a course in fine condition.

They did well to halve this away fixture, in which the result was in doubt until the 18th hole of the last rubber.

Juniors’ Summer Competition No 2: 1, G. Dodds 100 (43) 57; 2, R. Nichol 91 (15) 66; 3, O. Cranston 108 (40) 68. Lowest gross: Joseph Flynn 82.

There was a really good turn-out for Ladies’ Captain’s Prize Day, one of the highlights of the Minto Ladies’ golfing calendar.

Gill Cartwright had asked the ladies to “go for colour”, and many took her at her word and arrived wearing their most spectacularly colourful golf clothes.

Susan Law won the individual competition and Karen Telfer added to her success on Thursday in the Ladies’ Salver by winning the team competition with Sandra McCarthy and Sue James. Margaret Bland, Sharon Lees and Joan McLaren were in second place. Cathie Mackie won the nine-hole competition and Lesley Moore won the prize for nearest the pin.

St Boswells

Dryburgh Cup: 1, D. Shiel 73 (9) 64; 2, C. I. Ovens 66 (2) 64 (lowest gross); 3, D. Murdoch 76 (10) 66.

Torwoodlee

Wednesday Order of Merit: 1, R. Thomson 86 (19) 67; 2, L. Nicholson 89 (22) 67; 3, G. Parker 79 (10) 69. Scratch: I. Wilson 74.

Squash

Galashiels

Club night friendlies: A. Gill 1 D. Sharratt; D. Sharratt 2 L. Molero 1; D. Sharratt 2 R. McAleese 0; R. McAleese 1 L. Molero 0.

Hawick defeated Selkirk on Sunday to win the Ronnie Simpson Memorial Trophy in what was an outstanding team effort in a match played in great spirits, in memory of a wonderful man.

Playing at Philiphaugh, visiting skipper Pierce Solley won the toss and chose to bat, but the Teries got off to the worst possible start after James Boyle was bowled by Jordan Reid.

The score then became four for two when Ronan Alexander dragged one onto the wicket off the bowling of Rory Banks, who bowled an excellent eight-over spell in which he conceded only 10 runs. Hawick youngsters Morgan Tait and Gareth Welsh relieved the pressure and took the scoreboard to 22 before the latter was caught off the bowling of Alexander Beveridge for seven.

Gary Alexander joined Tait at the crease and they built a 46-run partnership, during which they punished the poor balls bowled by the Souters until Alexander was dismissed for 28. When Tait was given out lbw off the bowling of John Graham for a well-played 18, a mini collapse ensued for the visitors as they lost the momentum.

Solley (5) was caught by Harry Murphy off the bowling of Kyle Easson, before the latter had Kyle Douglas bowled to leave the visitors on 80 for seven. Evan Alexander made one before he was bowled by Graham to put the home side in control with Hawick on 80 for eight. However Allan Moffat and Ryan Johnston steadied the ship, with the former hitting four boundaries on his way to 26 before being given out lbw for 26 in a vital 35-run partnership.

Michael Boyle (19) clattered his first ball for four, which was applauded by his team-mates, to which he raised the bat for his first senior boundary.

He and Johnston put together an entertaining last wicket stand of 34 as Hawick made 149 all out.

Selkirk made a cautious start in reply and opening bowler Tait had Neil Gentleman caught behind by Moffat.

The home side’s top order had a mini collapse where Harry Murphy and Ormonde Fyfe were dismissed by a run-out before Johnston took his first wicket of the match to put the visitors on the front foot. Grant Kinghorn joined Graham at the crease and started the rebuilding task as they took the score past 30 before Kinghorn was caught behind for 11 off the bowling of R. Alexander.

Rory Banks made eight before Tait took the catch as Alexander picked up his second scalp of the day to put Hawick firmly in control.

Graham was given out lbw for 33, an innings which included two fours, while Darren Brown was bowled by G. Alexander for six.

Jordan Reid began to bring Selkirk back into the match before going lbw by Johnston for 15. Welsh caught Alex Beveridge for one before skipper Solley rounded the game off with the last wicket to give the Teries a well earned 45-run victory, 20 Border Sunday League points and the Ronnie Simpson Memorial Trophy.

Langholm suffered a heavy defeat to Rockcliffe in an Eden Valley league encounter at the Castleholm last Saturday by 111 runs, writes John Smith.

Rockcliffe opened the batting and had only made 14 when home skipper Duncan Elliott dismissed Sewell (4).

Thereafter, mistakes in the field proved costly, with five catches dropped at various stages and the visitors finished the 40 overs on 218 for 4.

In the home bowling, Elliott had 2 for 45, Stewart 1 for 34 and Graham Park 1 for 43.

Langholm started badly with openers Elliott (1) and Chris Stewart (4) both out at 9 for 2.

Those who did impress at the crease were Gregor Park, who hit a cracking six, but was bowled for 13; Graham Park, who included three fours in an innings of 18 before being caught; Steven Johnstone (20) and Chris Tait (21), who stuck it out in fairly persistent rain; and Jack Pool (8), who hit two cracking fours.

After a very hard day at the office, Langholm were all out for 107 in 37.4 overs.

Gala secured successive league victories for the first time this season after a hard-fought 55-run win over Musselburgh at Lewisvale on Saturday.

The visitors’ hopes of a fifth league win was in the balance when Musselburgh were 108 for 4 with 22 overs left to chase down Gala’s total of 185.

But the hosts suffered a dramatic collapse with the loss of their final six wickets for just 22 runs to be all out for 130.

Gala lost the toss and were put into bat, but tight early bowling from Robertson and Middlemass saw Jack Halls stumped by the former bowler for 3. Josh Irvine looked in good touch until he found James Allen at mid-on for simple catch, but Stevie Halls and Duncan Millar added 42 in quick time, before Halls Snr edged behind to the accurate bowling of Ullah for 27.

Millar also edged behind to Ullah for 42 and when Kris Mein went for 17, Gala looked in danger of collapse at 121 for 5.

But Gala’s lower order wagged, with Alan Oliver (26), Kenny Paterson (23) and the returning Kevin Gallagher (10) all contributing to Gala’s final total.

Musselburgh started in brisk fashion through Ullah and Ahmed until the latter scooped a Mein delivery to Jack Halls.

Dale, Ullah and Mahadean followed soon after as the homesters were reduced to 39 for 4, and Gala thought they had bagged the fifth wicket of captain Tuffail when he appeared to edge a Scott Paterson delivery to Millar, only for the batsman to be given not out.

Tuffail, supported by Gartner, rebuilt the Musselburgh innings through a series of fours and looked in a good position to lead the hosts to victory, until Robbie Irvine’s tight bowling led to a hoisted ball to Mein for a simple catch for 48.

There was some resistance from Gartner with 36, but the remaining wickets fell in quick succession, thanks to some disciplined bowling from Mein (4 for 35) and Jack Halls (3 for 22) and well-taken catches by their team-mates.

Buoyed by an amazing win against Musselburgh the previous week, St Boswells travelled to play Heriot’s II in fine spirits.

Heriot’s have been boosted this year with several first team players stepping down to the seconds, including Scotland’s Robert More and former Kelso player Craig Adams.

On winning the toss, the Villagers’ Elliot Ruthven took the attack straight to Heriot’s with some lovely stroke play and cruised past his 50 before being caught and bowled. Stephen Broom added 48 before leaving lbw. The visitors went from 130-4 off 30 overs to 182 all out, around 50 under par on the surface.

Without two much fuss, Heriot’s steadily progressed to 127 for 4 in 30.1 overs, when the rain came – and Heriots won on the ESCA version of the Duckworth Lewis calculation by 26 runs.

The previous week saw Musselburgh (victors over St Boswells earlier in the season) travel to the Borders and get soundly thrashed.

The home side’s 261-6, including 131 for Ruthven, was built upon by a great opening bowling spells by Rory Elms – a career-best seven wickets for 14 runs off of 8.2 overs.

Incredibly, for the first six wickets the scoreboard showed more wickets than runs before a late lower order flurry moved the result to 34 all out, a deficit of 227 runs.

It has been 18 months in the planning, but last Friday night the doors of the United Reform Church were thrown open to the public to reveal the new Galashiels Boxing Club.

Situated in the town’s Union Street, the building, which has stood derelict for the last six years, now boasts a selection of state-of-the-art training equipment as well as a 16ft training ring.

And as far as the people behind the project are concerned, the club will provide a shedload more than just boxing training.

The idea of installing a new club came from boxing father and son pugilists, both Danny Kelly, who wanted to create an affordable gym for locals. Backed up by former Scottish champion Malky Gowans, now president of the Galashiels club, boxing coaches Jim Gow and Jim Doris, and their wives, Carrie and Gina, Sadie Kelly and a whole host of others, the determined group secured possession of the church building with the backing of minister Leslie Morrison. Funding from Clubsport Ettrick & Lauderdale and the Rowan Boland Trust provided soft-tiled flooring, while Borders Sport & Leisure Trust was also on hand, with Mark Foryth advising on grant funding.

Danny snr told The Southern: “The idea was there, the ambition was there, we just needed the people on board to make it work.

“We are absolutely delighted with the end result and so grateful to all those people who have helped get us there. It has been a real community effort and now we are ready to pay back that community by giving them a boxing club they can be proud of.”

It took much hard graft, free labour, expertise and a £7,000 lottery grant to make it happen, but on Friday night the venue was officially opened with former British, European and WBO champion Alex Arthur performing the honours, along with moderator of the United Reformed Church John Humphreys and 2013 Grand National-winning jockey Ryan Mania in support.

“If this place can’t inspire the young people to take up boxing, then nowhere can,” said Arthur.

“It’s one of the best boxing facilities I have seen in Scotland and you can see from the amount of people who turned out for tonight’s opening how much it means to the local community.”

Danny snr, who works within the criminal justice social work department, agreed with the Scottish boxing legend and strongly believes that the club can do a lot more than produce top-class boxers.

“It brings people in off the streets, gives them focus and something to do, and can help a multitude of health problems, too,” he added.

“If you could do something like this in every town in the country, imagine the benefits it would bring to the health service, reducing unemployment and crime, not to mention reinstating a dwindling community spirit.

“It can only be for the good all round.”

Training sessions at the club run three days a week, with ladies from 6.30-7.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays, followed by men from 7.30-8.30pm, and juniors on a Friday (6.30-7.30pm).

Keep up to date with all the latest info on the club’s Facebook page, Galashiels Boxing Club.

Former history teacher John Smith, better known to his pupils as JD, has spent three years researching a fascinating period in Newtown St Boswells’ history.

His new book, A View of Newtown St Boswells 1840-1920, covers the development of the village over a period which included the arrival of the railway and a significant rise in its population.

In the preface to his work, Mr Smith explains why he took on the task of researching this important time in the history of the village.

“Like many Border towns, its past is becoming lost in the developments of the present.

“Many of the buildings which were links to that past are gone, and as a historian I know the importance of appreciating where we live and work.”

Even the way the name of the village was created will be a revelation to many.

When Newtown came into existence it was a new town of either Eildon or Dryburgh, not St Boswells, which was in a different parish. It only became known as Newtown St Boswells after the railway company renamed the station St Boswells from Newtown Junction, presumably in an attempt to avoid confusion with other Newtowns across the country.

The book also includes extracts from the recollections of the son of the minister, which reveal much about the local characters at the time, and his own antics as a boy.

“I came across the document and it seemed the best thing to include – someone’s recollections of how Newtown used to be with the railway there, but when people lived very different lives,” said Mr Smith.

There are many surprises in the book, including the length of time it took for an adequate water supply to be found, and for a footbridge to be put over the railway lines at the station, despite fatalities and several near misses.

The book also includes research on the sacrifices that villagers made for their country, examining the names of those men remembered on the village war memorial.

This is Mr Smith’s third book, having written others on Jedburgh’s war dead and the history of his hometown, Earlston.

The Newtown book is available from the village’s newsagents, Mainstreet Trading Company in St Boswells and Masons of Melrose.

It wasn’t as sunny as of late on Saturday, but the lovely warmth was still there, as I set out for a riverside ramble with Treacle the cockapoo in tow.

I had intended following the Ettrick upstream to its meeting with the Yarrow, then following the latter into Bowhill, crossing the suspension footbridge at Oakwood Mill and returning by the opposite bank of the Ettrick.

However, it was so warm that a prolonged section on the road held little appeal, so it was off with the shoes and socks when I reached the “meetings”and a refreshing paddle across the Yarrow, from where it was a short stroll to the footbridge.

Once on the other side, the path disappeared into a veritable jungle of long grass, sticky willies and other rank vegetation, and it wasn’t long before Treacle resembled a commando on manoeuvres.

Despite the tough going, this section of riverside haugh proved to be very interesting from a wildlife point of view.

It was full of butterflies, all of which were brown, with one exception. A common blue suddenly popped up and I took off after it with my camera at the ready.

It landed on a seed head and briefly opened its wings.

As I took its picture, a fly appeared from nowhere and settled on its wing. Now that’s a picture I bet nobody else has.

The tall flowers which were managing to out-compete the grasses included woundwort, meadowsweet, giant bellflower and spear thistle, but the most profuse was valerian, whose pale pink flower heads were attracting hundreds of hoverflies.

One plant which I did come across in a couple of locations was agrimony.

Quite uncommon, this tall, drooping plant has spikes of bright yellow five-petalled flowers, which are quite noticeable, even to the untrained eye.

Further down the river, on another grassy (but this time shorter) section, I managed another butterfly photographic scoop.

I noticed that a ringlet was having difficulty in flying, so I followed it until it settled in the vegetation.

No wonder it was having a problem – it was in mid copulation and was flying in tandem with its mate.

Despite being caught in an uncompromising position, the pair obligingly posed for a couple of snaps, before continuing on their way, in a most ungainly fashion.

This week I’m spoiled for choice as to what picture to use.

Anyway, while I decide, I’ll make a start in trying to rid Treacle of her burr-infested coat.

PS. Reader B.S. of Galashiels also had a humming bird hawkmoth in his garden on July 12.

Young entrepreneurs in the Rule Valley near Jedburgh have taken diversification to heart.

For Rule Valley Simulated Game at Spittal on Rule, farmed by David and Kate Reddihough, are offering shooting days for individuals, in addition to hosting group days.

David’s brother Jamie said: “Simulated shoots are a great way to get into shooting without the usual large financial outlay.

“What we do at Rule Valley, and especially with our specific standalone days, is provide people with a fun and safe way to shoot, which really comes into its own in the off-season.

The young company of the brothers, Kate, Ben Slater, Glen Donnelly (and Chester the dog) are putting on the additional three days – on July 25 and in September – because of demand.

Jamie continued: “Everyone is welcome. No shooting experience is necessary as our resident instructor will show people how to handle the gun, and take participants through the important safety procedures of the day.”

Simulated days take their format from a traditional driven game day but substitute clays for birds.

The team at Rule Valley have hidden state of the art remote-controlled clay traps on the farm, which fire around 4,000 clays per shoot in random patterns to simulate a real shooting experience.

For more information contact Rule Valley on 01450 870202 or 07793 675947 or email info@rulevalley.com

Scotland’s Environment Minister, Berwickshire’s Paul Wheelhouse, launched a ground-breaking code for animal and plant reintroductions at the Scottish Game Fair at Scone last week.

The Ayton-based politician said: “The guidelines are a world first, setting out the types of situation in which translocations may benefit wildlife, people and the environment, enabling thorough and transparent evaluation on a case-by-case basis.

“Local and national reintroductions can help wildlife become more resilient, as well as help us to combat the effects of climate change and habitat loss.

“In the past few years we’ve seen this with well-known species like beavers and sea eagles, as well as lower profile reintroductions like the woolly willow and pine hoverfly.

The code covers how to identify benefits and risks, permits and licences, how to evaluate the impact on other species, habitats and people, who to consult, and what follow-up assessment is required. It covers plant, animal and fungal reintroductions and translocations, moving a species from one area to another and releasing it for conservation purposes.

Ian Ross, SNH’s chairman, said: “We want to make assessing and planning a plant or animal reintroduction as straightforward and clear as possible. Moving a native plant from one area of Scotland to another may be quite simple, but an application involving a predator like lynx will be quite complicated. The code will be helpful in both these cases.”

Former Borders doctor Andrew Murray is back out in the hills following his bid to run from the Andes to the Amazon in a day earlier this summer.

Now he and fellow Scottish international distance runner, Donnie Campbell, aim to run Britain’s 10 highest mountains in a day, on Saturday.

Andrew said: “There is nowhere I would rather be than in the mountains of Scotland on a summer’s day. This will be a tough but beautiful shift, but what we are hoping to do is raise awareness of the benefits of exercise, and being in the great outdoors.

“We know, for example, that even doing 30 minutes walking five days a week has been shown to make people happier on average, and live 7.2 years longer, so we’re urging people to build walking into their routine, and take advantage of schemes like ‘Fit in 14’. Even a little exercise goes a long way towards happiness and health.”

The pair, who ran Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, in seven hours last year, are believed to be the first to undertake the challenge they’ve dubbed ‘The Big 10’. They start with Ben Lawers in Perthshire before driving to the Nevis range, where they will tackle four mountains, and after, the Cairngorms for the last five.

A team from BBC Scotland’s Adventure Show will film them.

Now based in Edinburgh, Andrew, 33, first shot to fame when he ran 2,560 miles from Scotland to the Sahara in 2012.

He’s since completed seven ultramarathons on seven continents in seven days and won races at the North Pole, Antarctica, Outer Mongolia, the Sahara desert and Indonesia. He is also a Scottish Government Physical Activity team advisor.

The mountains the men aim to run within 24 hours are: Ben Lawers (1,214 feet), Aonach Mohr (1,221 ft), Aonach Beag (1,234 ft), Carn Mhor Dearg (1,220 ft), Ben Nevis (1,344 ft), Cairngorm (1,244 ft), Ben MacDui (1,309 ft), Braeriach (1,296 ft), Angels Peak (1,258 ft) and CairnToul (1,291 ft)

A best-selling author and acclaimed authority on a Portuguese horse breed has been honoured for her longstanding service to Portugal.

Sylvia Loch from Birgham, near Coldstream, is to receive the award of merit, a decoration conferred by the president of Portugal, Aníbal António Cavaco Silva.

She will be presented with the award at a special reception at the Portuguese Embassy in London later this year after the Queen gave Sylvia permission to accept the honour from a foreign nation.

The award is largely in recognition of her work as an author of seven books on classical riding of the Portuguese Lusitano horse.

Her publications to date include The Classical Seat, The Royal Horse of Europe and her latest book, The Balanced Horse, with a foreword by British Olympic gold medal winning dressage rider Carl Hester.

Her beloved Lusitanos inspired her to turn to writing to support herself and her baby after her husband died suddenly on the day her daughter was to be christened, 30 years ago.

“I do believe Portugal and her horses changed my life” said Sylvia.

“They taught me awe, humility and sensitivity, and I often think empathy with horses is God-given.

“They are such very spiritual as well as beautiful animals.”

Sylvia already holds one Portuguese accolade.

She is the only British person to be certified by the Portuguese National School of Equestrian Art as an accredited instructor. She also founded the Classical Riding Club which has 8,000 Facebook followers.

She is much in demand for her lecture demonstrations and as a judge of Lusitano and Spanish horses, and trainer of horses and riders in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia.

Her award of merit was announced as she was about to give a demonstration at the annual breed show of the Lusitano Breed Society at Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire, earlier this month, where she was a judge.

In addition to her non-fiction equestrian books and DVDs, Sylvia is the author of a novel, An Algarve Affair, based on a high society scandal which rocked the ex-pat community in the Algarve in the 1970s, when Sylvia lived in Portugal with her first husband, the late Major, Lord Loch, 3rd Baron Loch of Drylaw. Then, she ran an equestrian centre in the Algarve.

The couple later transported their Lusitanos by train and boat to Suffolk, where they continued to train horses and riders until Lord Loch’s sudden death.

Sylvia has ridden since childhood – in spite of being allergic to horses – and ran a riding school as a teenager in her native Scotland.

As soon as she moved back to the Borders, Sylvia got involved in the Borders Festival of the Horse, and in 2011 gave a masterclass in classical dressage at Ladykirk Riding School.

Kelso Laddie Ross Henderson this week officially unveiled his town’s new £40,000 piece of public artwork in the shape of the Kelsae Stane.

The winning submission for the Sainsbury’s Public Art competition , the giant block of Indian basalt was carved into shape by Maxton sculptor, Jake Harvey, who has spent the last few weeks etching local place names onto the stone’s surface.

The unveiling was timed to coincide with the start of Kelso Civic Week, with a ceremony that involved the local pipe band, a rendition of ‘Kelsae Bonnie Kelsae’ and a speech by Kelso-born author, Alistair Moffat.

The 20-ton stone is of a similar material to the town’s iconic cobbles, appearing to ‘grow’ out of the existing historic square’s surface.

Mr Harvey commented: “I have derived a great deal of pleasure from the process of conceiving and making a significant work that compliments Kelso’s cobbled square and which represents an enduring embodiment of the town.

“The journey has been arduous and lengthy, but wonderfully inspiring. While working on site in Kelso Square, I’ve immensely enjoyed meeting and working with 220 local folk who were involved during the inscription phase.

“Place names were provided by a broad spectrum of individuals ranging from those very young and just beginning to write, to someone almost 102 years old, as well as people from a wide range of backgrounds.

“I consider a point in time to have been established with the making of this sculpture, and anticipate that in due course, like myself, all the contributors and their forebears, along with those countless hundreds of interested observers who came to talk with me and to watch the sculpture evolve, will derive much pride from being actively involved with and witnessing the period of creating the Kelsae Stane.”

Charlie Robertson, Chair of the Kelso Stakeholder Group, added: “I am delighted by the unveiling of the finished Kelsae Stane and to have such a unique, original and timeless representation of the town as an integral part of the fabric of Kelso Square.

“This is a great day for Kelso.”

And as for the Kelso Laddie, what did he think? “I think it’s a great thing for the town,” Ross commented.

Record numbers of followers supported Jethart Callant Jack Fraser throughout the sun-drenched festival this summer.

A new record total of 1,068 riders followed the young figurehead on rides to Morebattle, Southdean, Crailing and Nisbet, Redeswire, on the Queen’s ride and to Lanton and Ancrum.

Festival Day itself attracted a cavalcade of 274, following Jack and his Henchmen to Ferniehirst Castle last Friday.

The sun beamed down on happy crowds throughout the day after the morning haze cleared. Supporters lined the street from early morning, eagerly awaiting the spectacle. Then the strains of Jedforest Instrumental Band was heard as the musicians made their way up High Street to Abbey Place to applause, marking the start of Festival Day.

Sounding his horn, Herald Allan Learmonth then rode into view, with Jedburgh Royal British Legion Pipe Band playing behind him and the crowd cheered again.

Finally, Callant Fraser, flanked by his Right and Left-Hand Men, Garry Ramsay and Iain Chisholm, rode in and townsfolk once again gave a rousing welcome.

The young principal dismounted before striding to the platform with the Jethart Flag on which Provost Richard Gordon’s wife, Pamela, pinned the traditional rosette.

Silence fell as Callant Fraser remounted; anticipation grew as the young leader took a few moments to prepare.

He then held the flag aloft and roared out the mighty battle cry: “Jethart’s Here!”

Music and wild cheering followed, and supporters sang Jethart’s Here as the cavalcade made off towards Ferniehirst Castle, stronghold of the Kerr family.

Arriving at Ferniehirst, the Callant and other principals were piped down to the castle, where, in 1575, the men of Jethart joined the Kerr family to break an English siege.

Friday’s meeting was of a more peaceful nature, however, as Jedburgh Grammar School pupil Abigail Stephenson, 14, gave the recitation of Walter Laidlaw’s Reprisal and Lord Lothian’s nephew, Jamie Kerr, welcomed riders on behalf of the family.

The London-based 24-year-old, who works in the policy unit of the Institute of Directors, spoke of the link between Jedburgh and Ferniehirst, which has been strong for 700 years.

The Edinburgh University graduate talked of his luck in being able to bring friends to Ferniehirst and his gratitude at having the opportunity to develop his links with the castle and town.

Referring to September’s referendum, he said: “This year everyone north of the border is being asked to look very carefully at themselves and make an important decision about their identity.

“Being able to take part in this festival and make a connection with Jedburgh – that means such a great deal to my family and is one of the strongest expressions of identity that I could hope for.”

Callant Fraser thanked the Kerr family and led supporters in a rousing rendition of a verse of Jethart’s Here.

He then rode on with his henchmen to the Capon Tree where Callant’s Club president Ivor Hughes pinned a sprig of the ancient Jed Forest oak onto Callant Fraser’s sash.

The cavalcade rode on, returning to the Royal Burgh, where riders crossed Jed Water, sparkling in the midday sun.

Callant Fraser laid a wreath at the town’s war memorial before returning to the Abbey Place platform where he was presented with the Callant’s Cup.

Speaking to The Southern afterwards, Callant Fraser said: “It’s gone too fast. I have loved every minute of it and hopefully I have done the town proud.

“We’ve had fabulous weather all summer, culminating with today. It’s been excellent, I couldn’t have asked for better.”

He said the new record number of followers is due to festival organisers and volunteers.

He added: “That’s not down to me, the credit goes to our marshalls and Herald and committee. Our rides are superb; we have the best rides in the Borders.”

Asked what his festival highlights were, Jack said: “The whole thing. Redeswire was my favourite ride.

“The whole festival week was brilliant and the two ceremonial days, Thursday and Friday: it’s difficult to pick one thing, there were so many good points.

“I wasn’t nervous about shouting out ‘Jethart’s Here’ until I came round the corner and saw the crowd. (As the crowds waited to hear him) it was so silent, you could hear a pin drop, all eyes are on you.

“Being Callant is something I didn’t think I would get the opportunity to do. It’s been brilliant from the first minute to the end.”

Increased numbers of riders took part in seven of the festival’s eight ride-outs. A cavalcade of 84 rode to Morebattle last month; 95 to Southdean, Crailing attracted 148, Redeswire saw 93 form the cavalcade, 161 took part in the Queen’s Ride, 52 in the Lanton rideout and 161 joined the cavalcade to ride to Ancrum.

Peebles coaching couple Linda and Gregor Nicholson have plenty to be happy about this summer as a number of their charges have reached international acclaim.

At the recent Scottish Schools’ Athletics Championships three 15-year-olds, all from Linda’s Borders-based jumps group, dominated the Under-17 boys’ triple jump, securing places in the top six of their event.

Berwickshire schoolboy Freddie Rooke produced a lifetime best of 12.87m to win the championships on his last jump of the competition and take him to the top of the Under-17 Scottish rankings, with Henry Clarkson from Selkirk collecting silver with a personal best jump of 12.33, taking him to second in the rankings in Scotland.

And, in his first season with the group, West Linton’s Jack Gray picked up sixth place, equalling his best ever jump of 11.29m.

The group also boasts Faye Nicholson, long jump silver medallist in last month’s England Under-23 championships, and Bryony Patterson, Scottish Schools’ finalist in both long jump and 100m. And coach Nicholson was delighted when Rooke and Clarkson were both named in the Scottish Schools team for this weekend’s schools’ international in Cardiff.

She told The Southern: “I am thrilled with how the boys performed at Hampden and, despite still having another year in this age group, they are already dominating the event in Scotland.

“They will gain a lot of experience in their first international in this very demanding event.”

Not to be outdone by his sporty spouse, Gregor Nicholson, Borders Athlete Support manager and Moorfoot junior coach has been witnessing the success of one of his protégés slightly further afield.

Donning the GB vest for the first time, 18-year-old Jacob Adkin, from Peebles, was undaunted in a 45-strong field of the best hill runners from the continent, taking part in Sunday’s European Mountain Running Championships in Gap, France. The Moorfoot man stormed home for an excellent eighth place in the Junior Men’s Under-20 race, just one second behind GB team-mate Andrew Lawler.

Adkin, who has another year in this age-group, passed the halfway mark of the two-lap up and down 8km course in 15th place and had a strong second half, picking off runners one at a time on the tricky narrow mountain paths of the ascent.

Only the top four finishers ran the second lap faster and Adkin came home in 39 minutes and 50 seconds.

Jim Jefferies will return to his managerial roots when he takes Dunfermline Athletic to the Borders tonight (7pm) to face Gala Fairydean Rovers.

The 63-year-old was the Gala boss in the 1980s before taking over as Berwick Rangers manager and going on to join Hearts, Bradford and Kilmarnock.

The Pars are sending a strong squad to Netherdale to play Lowland League outfit Gala, who have made five new signings and are pushing to become the first club to be promoted to the national leagues through the pyramid system.

Gala entertain Bonnyrigg Rose in a friendly match at Netherdale on Saturday (3pm).

The Borders had two representatives playing for Scotland at the World Pool Championships, held in Blackpool recently.

Seasoned campaigner Scott Bowers, from Hawick, was joined by Kelso player Reece Burton, making his debut for the Under-21s.

Bowers played his usual cagey game before losing out to top English player Nigel Olding 6-4 in the last 32, while Burton also lost out in the last 32 to England’s Phil Marriott in his section.

In the team events, Bowers recorded a fine 14 wins from 30, while Burton recorded 12 from 33, a tremendous first effort considering he had no previous international experience.

The youngster looks a good prospect and he recorded some fine wins after conquering early nerves, while Bowers played some great frames and looked better than ever to finish top Scottish player in the stats.

Both players look forward to the Home Internationals in September at Aberdeen and both are currently in decent positions to make next year’s Scotland squads.

The time was right for Kelso golfer Stuart Hawker when he scored a hole-in-one during a recent club competition.

The 49-year-old scored his ace on the 173-yard, par-three 12th at Kelso GC, and the 12-handicapper was given a specially-commissioned timepiece in recognition of the feat.

Stephen Brydon, of MGS Distribution, distributor for BOSS Watches, said: “To most amateur golfers, a hole-in-one will be the most memorable thing they achieve in golf and we want them to have better memories than a dent in their bank balance after buying drinks in the clubhouse.”

Kelso Crawlers held their annual 10k run on the opening day of the town’s Civic Week celebrations on Sunday. Thankfully, the weather forecasters got it wrong as the event was once again bathed in glorious sunshine.

This may have not been ideal for the 172 runners who completed the run, but the large crowd of spectators who gathered on the Cobby certainly enjoyed the spectacle.

The winner of the men’s race was local runner Darrell Hastie in a time of 35.04 and Jacqueline Rainger from Portobello Running Club won the ladies’ race in 40.05. The team prize went to Gala Harriers. Full results can be found at www.kelsocrawlers.org.uk

Most of the run takes place around the grounds of Floors Castle and the organisers would like to thank His Grace, the Duke of Roxburghe for allowing them the use of his grounds for this race.

Following the run, competitors were treated to refreshments supplied by Yetholm, who were fundraising for Macmillan Cancer and more than £500 will be passed onto them for their efforts. A further donation will be made to the local branch of the masons who are also fundraising for local causes and who provided marshals around the course.

The organisers would also like to thank Iain Wharton from Greenthumb who sponsored the event and Hogarths, Kelso Rugby Club, Borders Search and Rescue, Mark Rutherford and all helpers on the day, who once again made the event a success.

Kelso Crawlers running club welcomes runners of all abilities. So, even those who have never run before are welcome to go along and join. More details on the website.

A Kelso man who denies releasing a live fox from a sack to be pursued by foxhounds will stand trial on August 5.

John Cook, 53, of Main House Lodge, pleaded not guilty to the offence which is alleged to have been committed at woodland at Rink Farm, Galashiels, on November 19 last year. He also denies causing an animal fight to take place there and releasing a live fox from a sack in the presence of two foxhounds which held it at bay before attacking and killing it, along with the remainder of the hound pack.

Cook further denied deliberately hunting a wild mammal.