Two Galashiels men, accused of exposing their buttocks, have been found not guilty after trial.

Twenty-five-year-old Jordan Wood, of Tweed Crescent, and 24-year-old James Johnstone of Kirk Brae, always denied behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, gesticulating in an offensive and sexual manner and exposing their buttocks, at Galapark Court, Galashiels, on February 23 last year.

A Hawick man who denies repeatedly posting abusive messages about a woman on a social networking site will stand trial on November 11.

Craig McNeill, 21, of Bourtree Terrace, also pleads not guilty to repeatedly making telephone calls to the woman, sending her a voicemail containing threatening remarks and repeatedly attending at her home address, between April 19 and April 27.

At Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday, an intermediate hearing was set for October 20.

The people of Scotland have a unique opportunity on September 18. We have the chance to take our future into our hands and create a better country for ourselves and for generations to come.

From renewables to life sciences, engineering to the creative industries, food and drink to tourism, we have the strong economic foundations to make sure that Scotland will flourish. We know from analysis by the Financial Times that Scotland is one of the top 20 wealthiest countries on Earth – wealthier per head than the UK, Italy or France.

For too many, though, it just doesn’t feel that way. Only a Yes vote gives the Scottish Parliament the powers it needs to make the most of this country’s vast wealth and resources, so that we all feel the benefit in our day-to-day lives.

Making our own decisions in Scotland works – with the limited powers of devolution, we’ve protected our NHS from privatisation, supported free education and put in place a child-poverty strategy. But crucial powers over the most important economic matters – taxation, investment and industrial strategy – are still held by distant and out-of-touch Westminster governments which are far more concerned with the City of London than Scotland’s economic needs.

With independence, we’ll have the job-creating powers that we need to create more opportunities for people in Scotland.

For example, an independent Scottish Government could provide VAT breaks for businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector to boost the industry and create more jobs, as has been successful in Ireland. We could also secure a better deal for Scots farmers, who receive some of the lowest levels of agricultural funding in Europe.

An independent Scotland would have been eligible for an extra €1billion in CAP support over the next six years. And with a Yes vote we can take important action like bringing Royal Mail back into public hands to safeguard service levels, and increasing free childcare to help young families.

These are just some of the powers that we need to make Scotland better and improve the lives of people north of the border – but a Yes vote is an opportunity for the north of England too.

A new economic powerhouse in Scotland can rebalance the UK economy away from London and move the centre of power and opportunity in these islands northwards. That means even stronger cross-border cooperation and opportunities than today.

The No campaign’s interests lie in making independence seem as difficult as possible. It pretends families will be torn apart, businesses will cease to trade and a new Hadrian’s Wall will be erected across the A1.

But other successful partnerships between independent countries demonstrate that this is just not the case. Just as people travel freely between the UK and Ireland, business links flourish between Denmark and Sweden, and close family and social ties prosper around the world. So too will Scotland and the rest of the UK continue to work together after a Yes vote.

Independence can deliver a new partnership of equals – one where Scotland has the powers to grow its economy and improve the lives of its people, while continuing and building on strong links with the rest of the UK.

That has to be the best future for Scotland – and for our neighbours south of the border too.

September 18 will be a crucial day for everyone in Scotland. That’s the day when we get to decide the future of our country.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime, irreversible decision – and it’s in your hands. This will be a vote like no other. It’s not a general election, nor is it a referendum on the track records of either the government in Westminster or the one in Holyrood.

Becoming an independent country and leaving the UK – which has seen our nation flourish and grow – is not a decision to be taken lightly.

I believe all voters – whether they intend to vote Yes or No, or have yet to decide – should be able to make an informed choice. That’s why we have responded to demands for information by sending a booklet to every household in Scotland to set out the facts.

While this is a decision which affects everyone who lives in Scotland, it’s undoubtedly true that people in the Borders would feel many of the effects almost immediately.

If Scotland were to leave the UK there would be an international border created between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK. Unless Scotland manages to negotiate an opt-out from the European borderless travel area (the Schengen area), which covers most EU countries, but not the UK and Ireland, border controls would be required by law. The prospect of queues and passport checks is not a welcome one, but it would be a real possibility.

If an independent Scotland does get an opt-out from Schengen, it might be possible to join a Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK and Ireland. This exists today and means that passports are not needed for travel between those countries.

But that is only possible if CTA members keep very similar immigration policies, as the UK and Ireland do – and the Scottish Government says that this would not be the case as its policy is to increase immigration in an independent Scotland. There could be passport-free travel, or there could be different immigration policies – but there could not be both.

The extra bureaucracy caused by a border would hinder businesses which are currently able to sell goods and services on both sides of the border without restriction. And it will potentially mean less choice – for healthcare or education, for instance – for local residents.

Another obvious consideration is currency. With a currency union ruled out, it’s uncertain what currency an independent Scotland would use. But what is certain is that if you live near the border you’re likely to find yourself facing a different situation when you want to spend money on the other side of it.

Prices may well rise in an independent Scotland because independent experts predict higher interest rates and costs which will have to be passed on to shoppers – which could mean people in the Borders paying more for their mortgages, loans and insurance than their friends and family just over the border.

However, all this is unnecessary. There is a way to ensure that we don’t face these problems – and that’s to vote to stay in the UK family. Personally, I don’t believe it makes sense to make it more difficult for businesses to flourish and create jobs, or to introduce unnecessary hurdles into people’s lives.

But whatever you believe, I’d ask you to consider the consequences carefully and make sure you’re in the know before you vote.

A Hawick dentist and his wife, a dental nurse, are aiming to raise £5,000 to enable them to go to Tanzania to help train local health workers.

Ian and Gillian McInnes, who work at North Bridge Dental Clinic, will fly out in August 2015 for two weeks, working with charity Bridge2Aid.

Gillian said: “The way they work is brilliant because they send teams of dentists and dental nurses out to train local health workers in emergency treatment and they continue the work once you leave, so it is an entirely sustainable system of getting healthcare to people who need it the most.

“The trainees will also learn about infection control and how to sterilise instruments with the very basic equipment they have, often only a pressure cooker and a small gas burner.”

In Africa, Ian and Gillian will work as part of a larger team, including experienced volunteers and interpreters.

Gillian added: “We are particularly keen as a practice, once Ian and I have been, that other members of staff maybe go out and volunteer too.

“We see this as a long-term commitment, where we focus our fundraising activities in one direction and really make a difference.”

The practice has a range of fundraising events planned, including Gillian and Ian organising a pop-up restaurant in their Jedburgh home.

To donate, visit www.northbridgedental.co.uk

A drink-driver was fined £2,000 and banned from the roads for two years at Selkirk Sheriff Court, pictured, on Monday.

Patrick Harte, 50, of Raeburn Place, Selkirk, admitted driving a car in the town’s Shawburn Road on April 7 with a breath/alcohol reading of 161 mcgs – the legal limit being 35.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said the offence happened in a residential street during daylight, when traffic was moderate. A police officer was driving a marked vehicle when he noticed a black Audi being driven in an erratic manner.

Ms Bradley went on: “It struck the nearside kerb and crossed on to the wrong side of the road, causing an oncoming bus to brake sharply. The blue light was activated on the police vehicle, but the car driver seemed oblivious. He eventually noticed it and pulled over.”

Harte was alone in the car and smelling strongly of alcohol.

Other officers attended and the accused provided a positive roadside breath test. He was taken to Galashiels police station and made no reply to caution.

“Given the exceptionally high reading, there is a Crown motion for forfeiture of the vehicle,” concluded Ms Bradley.

Harte’s lawyer, Mat Patrick, said his client acknowledged the seriousness of the offence and fully accepted his responsibility, showing genuine remorse.

Mr Patrick said his client, who was currently signed off work, had bumped into some friends and had too much to drink, adding: “There is no rational explanation for why he drove.”

Referring to the Crown motion, he argued it would be disproportionate to forfeit the vehicle, telling Sheriff John Halley: “It is a 2011 Audi A4 with a low mileage, valued at between £15,000 to £16,000.”

The sheriff told Harte: “This is a very serious offence, standing the reading which was taken, which is of great concern to the court. There is an element of risk to the public, but I note the offence is completely out of character and that you are unable to undertake unpaid work in the community.

“Therefore, I intend to impose a substantial fine of £2,000, reduced from £3,000 for the early plea.”

The forfeiture request was refused.

A heroin addict who admitted stealing more than £800 worth of property from cars parked in Galashiels was placed on a 12-month DTTO (Drug Treatment and Testing Order).

Gareth Jones, 44, of Torwoodlee Road, Galashiels, forced open a locked car with intent to steal in King Street between December 24 and 30. On December 26/27, he entered an insecure vehicle at Scott Street and stole a satellite navigation system and a bottle of alcohol. There was no recovery of the property, worth £115.

Jones committed a similar offence at Riddle Dumble Park on January 19/20, making off with footwear and a wallet worth £165, of which £40 was recovered. On January 20/21, he entered another insecure car at Balnakiel Terrace and stole a CD player, keys and a purse worth £400, of which £300 was recovered. Jones also pleaded guilty to entering another unlocked vehicle at the same place, between January 20 and 23, and stealing jump leads, battery pack and a pump, worth £150, with no recovery.

Scott McKenzie, defending, said his client had a significant heroin addiction and had been assessed as suitable for a DTTO.

ROW OVER BEER BOTTLE

Angered by a barman clearing away his bottle of beer, Christopher Graham started shouting and throwing furniture about.

The 21-year-old, of Tweedside Caravan Park, Montgomery Street, Innerleithen, appeared from custody and admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Tow Bar, which is at the caravan site, on Sunday.

Tessa Bradley, prosecuting, said the caravan park was owned by the accused’s family, and his parents were in the bar with him around 1.15am.

She went on: “He had been there drinking most of the evening and became verbally aggressive towards his father, shouting and swearing, banging on top of the bar and throwing chairs about.”

Graham told police: “I would really like to apologise.”

Ross Dow, defending, said his client was ashamed of his behaviour, adding: “He feels he has really disappointed his parents and let them down. He works as a groundsman at the caravan park. He had been drinking and got carried away after the barman cleared away a bottle of beer.”

Graham was fined £333.33, reduced from £500 for his early plea.

HAWICK VODKA THIEF

A Hawick man who stole a bottle of vodka from a shop will be sentenced at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on August 22.

David Connolly, 30, of Bright Street, appeared from custody and admitted stealing a bottle of vodka from B & M Bargains, Croft Road, Hawick, last Thursday, while on bail.

Sentence was deferred for reports and Connolly released on bail, with a condition not to enter the premises.

CANNABIS FARM CHARGE

Two men and a woman have been accused of running a cannabis farm near Newcastleton.

This follows a police raid on a remote property at Whisgills Farm and the seizure of 67 plants and drugs to the value of £30,000.

Mattias Eugene Berry, 44, Shelby Sada Gilligan, 21, and Wayne Marc Chadwick, 41, all from Manchester, appeared in private charged with producing a controlled drug and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. All three made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination. Chadwick was remanded in custody, while Berry and Gilligan were released on bail.

NOVEMBER TRIAL DATE

A 29-year-old man who denies breaking into a Galashiels pharmacy and stealing prescription medication will stand trial on November 18.

William Kennedy, of Craw Wood, Tweedbank, appeared from custody, pleading not guilty to committing the offence at Farren Pharmacy in Bank Street on Saturday.

He was released on bail to attend an intermediate hearing on October 27.

DRINK-DRIVE ACCUSATION

A Galashiels motorist who denies driving a car when almost three times the alcohol limit will stand trial on November 18.

Colin George, 39, of William Law Gardens, appeared from custody, accused of committing the offence at Wilderhaugh, Galashiels, on Saturday. It is alleged his breath/alcohol reading was 104 mcgs – the legal limit being 35.

George also pleaded not guilty to failing to give information as to the car driver at William Law Gardens the following day, and failing to co-operate with a preliminary breath test.

An intermediate hearing was set for September 29. George was released on bail with a condition not to drive any vehicle meantime.

SENTENCE DEFERRED

A Hawick woman, due to stand trial by jury on a charge of having an illegal drug with intent to supply, admitted an amended allegation of possession of cannabis at her home in Wilson Drive on August 10 last year.

Sentence on Clare Parker, 40, was deferred sentence until August 8 for reports.

Not guilty of knife crime

A jury at Selkirk Sheriff Court took less than five minutes to clear a 31-year-old man of possession of a knife.

They returned a not-guilty verdict on Andrew Gillies, c/o St Martin’s Court, Haddington, who denied having an offensive weapon in a common stair at Beech Avenue, Galashiels, on December 13.

TEENAGER ACCUSED

A teenager, accused of driving dangerously on the Gattonside to Leaderfoot road, will stand trial on November 11.

Robert McMullen, 19, of Killiecroft, Tweedbank, denies repeatedly driving at speeds excessive for the road conditions, entering the opposing carriageway and colliding with a car, and losing control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the road, damaging both vehicles and injuring a 16-year-old and himself, on the B6360 on April 8.

An intermediate hearing was set for October 20.

APPEARED IN PRIVATE

A man appeared in private charged on petition with having indecent images of children at his Newtown St Boswells home.

David Orlowski, 58, made no plea or declaration. The case was continued and he was released on bail.

‘PROLIFIC REPEAT OFFENDER’

A Kelso man was remanded in custody pending sentence on August 1.

Roderick Kennedy, 32, of Roxburgh Street, pleaded guilty to being found in the curtilage of a house at Dow Brae, Yetholm, in suspicious circumstances on Saturday.

Kennedy also admitted spitting at an officer in Kelso police station and breaching a bail curfew.

Sheriff John Halley described the accused as “a prolific repeat offender with an underlying drug issue”.

SEARCH REVEALED DRUGS

Illegal drugs were found during a search of Darren Crawford’s home.

The 30-year-old, now living at Lothian Street, Hawick, admitted having cannabis resin worth between £30 and £40, and diamorphine valued at £20, at a house in Glendinning Terrace, Galashiels, where he was living on March 6.

“The background to his recent offending is all related to his drug addiction,” explained defence solicitor Mat Patrick.

Sentence was deferred until August 11 for a Drug Treatment and Testing Order (DTTO) assessment.

INTERMEDIATE HEARING

A Selkirk man who denies having indecent photographs of children at his Bleachfield Road home has had a further intermediate hearing set for July 28.

William Brown is due to stand trial on August 5.

The 35-year-old pleads not guilty to possession of indecent photographs of children on May 8 last year.

RELEASED ON BAIL

A 66-year-old man who pleads not guilty to sexually or indecently assaulting a woman at his Galashiels home will stand trial on November 11.

Robert Pupkis, of Tulley Court, Glenfield Road West, is alleged to have committed the offence on May 29.

An intermediate hearing was set for October 20. Pupkis was granted bail, with a condition not to contact the woman and another person.

TEXT MESSAGES ALLEGATION

A Galashiels man accused of sending grossly-offensive or obscene text messages to a woman will stand trial on November 11.

Stuart Gillan, 35, of Thistle Street, denies committing the offence at his home on April 29. An intermediate hearing was set for October 20.

There are fears for the future of the BMF Bikefest event in Kelso and the impact on the local economy after the organisers went into liquidation.

The event has attracted tens of thousands of motorbiking enthusiasts to the region since it was first held at Springwood Park in 1999.

Mulberry Events Limited announced it was going into voluntary liquidation shortly after the motorcycle event concluded at Springwood Park earlier this month.

Mark Hay, vice-chairman of Kelso Chamber of Trade and owner of the Queen’s Head and Cheers Bars, said should the event not run next year, or be moved from Kelso, the impact on the town’s economy would be significant.

“All the licensed premises and shops in Kelso get a good turn from the BMF event, the same as the scooter rally, and you see people laden with bags walking back over the bridge to the showground.”

Mr Hay added that his company had provided bars for the event, but confirmed he had been paid by the organisers.

He said that the general state of the economy, the clash with the Tour de France in Yorkshire, and a lack of advertising for the event may have contributed to a fall in attendance.

“On the Sunday you would normally have thousands come in on the day, but this year it was only hundreds,” Mr Hay said.

However, he added that the event seemed to have been more appealing this year with more bands playing across two full days.

Mr Hay said he hoped the event would return next year under new management.

Ron Wilson, Border Union Agricultural Society secretary, said the liquidators had been in touch, but would not comment further regarding financial matters until he had spoken with them directly.

He added that annual events at the showground get first option for booking for the next year, but due to the circumstance nothing was yet in place for Bikefest for 2015.

BMF (British Motorcyclists’ Federation) chairman Roger Ellis said: “The BMF is sorry to learn that its contractor used for organising the three BMF shows, Mulberry Events Limited, has announced that it is now entering into voluntary liquidation.”

Mr Ellis added: “There will be a lot of hard work and planning from this point so the BMF can reorganise arrangements to carry on with its events, in whatever form, for 2015 and onwards.”

Commenting on the news on the BMF Motorcycle Rider magazine webpage, one Edinburgh biker said: “Not surprising. I was just at the Kelso show and it was dead.

“Very few stands and not a lot of people. A pity, in days past it was huge.”

Today – only two months and 24 hours before D-Day on Scotland’s future – The Southern moves up a gear in its coverage of the referendum debate.

We begin with two heavy hitters from each side of the argument. In the Union corner, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael puts the case for staying together, while Yes Scotland head honcho Blair Jenkins fights for the independence cause.

But it won’t just be those who regularly feature on the national media stage who we seek contributions from, movers and shakers from our region will also get a platform to put forward personal views on one of the biggest decisions Scots will ever have to take.

Whichever way the vote on September 18 goes, the ramifications will be felt for generations to come – and that’s why it’s good, and important, for all of us to talk. At least on this subject anyway.

Whether it’s in the workplace, at home or in the pub, each one of us is entitled to his or her opinion – but we must also be prepared to listen to opposing views.

Many will no doubt be fed up with the seemingly-endless debate Scotland’s constitutional future has generated over the past few years – our letters pages are guilty of aiding and abetting in this – but such is the magnitude of the choice we will soon be asked to make that putting up with it for a wee bit longer is a very small price to pay.

Dreams are often chased, but dreams take a lot of catching and Jedburgh athlete Craig Gillan caught his on Saturday at his hometown track.

Indeed, Gillan grasped his dream with both hands and what’s more he will never let it go as it is there forever.

For at Jedburgh Border Games, 20-year-old Gillan made a dream come true in winning the Jed-Forest 110m sprint handicap – an event he has dreamed of winning since arriving on the open athletic scene as a raw youngster nine years ago.

Representing the TLJT club, Gillan began his glory day when romping home to victory in his heat in 11.58 seconds from a mark of 7m.

Currently studying mechanical engineering at Napier University, the Jed flying machine then booked a place in the final through a cross-tie triumph.

The last showdown, which also included Hawick’s Leigh Marshall (5m) and Jack Wilson (12m), plus David McKay of Kelso (14.5m) and Edinburghduo Tom Holligan (scratch) and Kieran Reilly (6.5m) had all the makings of being a real humdinger.

And so it proved – and a little more besides.

After the silence that had fallen over Riverside Park had been broken by the sound of the starter Gerald Paxton’s gun, the six finalists took off in quest of the £3,000 first prize.

The outcome was a blanket finish, with Gillan and Marshall the main two involved. It was Gillan who was to get the judges’ vote after the camera had been consulted.

An extremely fast winning time of 11.43 seconds was recorded. Marshall was placed second, while Reilly got the third spot.

Reflecting on his superb win, Gillan told The Southern: “It is the first time I have won a sprint in the Borders and I am really delighted as I have been trying hard to win one for a while.

“Every sprinter wants to win the Jed sprint and I can’t believe I have managed to do it.

“The fact that I come from Jedburgh and have won on my home track makes it even more special and it means a lot to me to have won here.

“I got great support from the crowd, especially those on the balcony next to the stand and it was great to hear them.”

Adding Gillan said: “I have a lot to thank my coach Jack Steede for as he has coached me since I was 11 years old and I have learned a lot from him and Charlie Affleck, who trains me in Edinburgh – I owe both of them a lot.”

Top amateur runner Tom Holligan of Edinburgh also tasted sprint success, being crowned the Border Athletics 100m Champion.

Recent winner of the Selkirk Games 110m handicap, 20-year-old Holligan lifted the title, with the other placings going the way of Donald Tod and Chris Baillie of Birchfield Harriers.

Kyle Potts of TLJT (21m) produced some fine running to take the 200m handicap. After having caught the eye when winning his heat in 22.42 seconds, 18-year-old Potts stormed through the tape ahead of Leon Ali (16m) of Hawick and Fraser Neil of Kelso (14m).

Hawick teenager Dylan Ali (5m), the present SGA British 90m and Scottish 200m champion, hit top form to take the 400m handicap from the back marker position.

Euan Pettigrew of Kelso (15m) was second, and Kyle Potts of TLJT (32.5m) third.

In-form Jason McIntosh of Kelso (35m) chalked up his sixth win of the season by doing the business in the 800m handicap. From the Adie Gray school, McIntosh ran a well-judged race from start to finish.

Selkirk veteran Alistair Laurie (280m) led the pack as the bell sounded for the last lap in the 1500m handicap, with Kobe Stevens of Moorfoot (95m) tucked in behind him. Stevens in turn edged in front, but was overtaken by Innerleithen’s Craig Rendle (115m).

Having his first season the games circuit, 39-year-old Rendle, who has turned out to be something of a surprise package through some creditable performances, then strode purposefully on to win.

Bitterly disappointed in not making the final of the 110m handicap as a fastest loser in the cross-ties, Geoff Keen of Selkirk (3m) won the final of the veterans’ 90m handicap.

North East of England athlete Adam Rodgers of South Shields made his mark by emerging the victor of the invitation 100m sprint.

Nine-year-old Charlie Rae of Hawick (24m) followed up his youths’ 200m success at the City of Running Festival meeting by winning the youth’s 90m front runners’ handicap.

In the youths’ 90m back runners handicap, Connor Gillan of Kelso (4.5m) emerged the winner through a fine show.

Earlston youngster Fraser Falconer of TLJT (41m) pulled out the stops to win the youths’ 200 metres back markers handicap race in fine style.

Victory in the youths’ 200m handicap back markers event went to Megan Busby of Carlisle (25m), and Matt Dougal of TLJT (75m) coasted to victory in the youths’ 1,500m handicap.

And now, this week, a holiday. Yes, a holiday... from endless chicken-y ramblings. A holiday in the proper sense of the word – one where you get to pack a bag and go away somewhere, not a man’s idea of a holiday where they offer to do a BBQ to ‘give you a break from cooking’.

Men of the beautiful Scottish Borders, let me tell you, a ‘break from cooking’ isn’t a break. A break is where you get to physically go away, in an open-top sports car to a country house hotel with Hugh Grant, for at least 48 hours. Oops. Sorry. That’s Bridget Jones, not my real life.

Anyhoo, I have just returned from a proper holiday, which involved travel, and packed bags and sunshine and everything. OK, OK, it was in a tent, and it was in Argyll, but it had sun and a beach and a takeaway cafe (so minimal cooking). A break in the true sense of the word. Bliss.

The campsite was chosen for its proximity to the beach. Oh, to lie in luxury on your inflatable mattress at night and hear the sound of the sea as the waves gently washed on to the beach. Well, if you could hear it above the wails of sunburnt weans who’d been overlooked by parents snoozing on their sunloungers all day, forgetting to re-apply the sun block.

The gorgeous, loooooong, sandy beach, solely used by the campsite’s clientele, was so close you could almost unzip the tent flap and touch the waves. Just a couple of steps through the dunes and there it was – golden sands and caribbean island-style blue waters. You just can’t beat the west coast on a sunny day. And we had a whole, glorious eight days of sun. Knowing how ram-jam packed the beach at Coldingham gets as soon as the temperature rises above freezing, we packed everything we had for total, 100 per cent kiddie fun in anticipation of days on a happy, busy beach.

Flippers, snorkel and mask, bodyboards, shorty wetsuits, fishing nets, cricket set, rugby ball, football ... you name it, we took it.

Imagine that first day. We arrive at the campsite, we set up ASAP (no mean feat with a seven-metre tent), and we’re off for the beach. The YMs can hardly walk for all the flippers, fishing nets, bodyboards etc they are carrying. Eagerly they slip through the dunes and onto ... an empty beach. Yes, a totally empty beach. Apart from them, that is. This just does not compute. Where is everyone? There are tents, caravans, motorhomes and static caravans, all filled with with grown-ups and kids. So where were they?

Answer: on the play park, in football strips, playing kick-about. Every day, all day. Football. Sunburnt weans.

So just why did all these folk, mostly from that quaint, west coast fishing village of Glasweegie, choose to holiday at this beach-tastic campsite? Turns out they DO love the beach – but only at night. As soon as it started to go dusk and the sun began to set over the distant hills of Jura, they scuttled about gathering driftwood and lighting fires on the beach to sit around ’til the wee small hours, drinking cans of lager.

Let’s hear it for romantic mini-breaks.

On leaving Jedburgh Grammar School in the summer of 2010, Ancrum teenager Gemma Scott had her life all planned out in front of her.

A keen athlete and a member of the TLJT athletics club, the youngster signed up to study sports and exercise at Borders College, with a view to a future career in physical education.

A year later, however, Gemma’s dreams came crashing down when, while she was asleep, she became paralysed from the waist down.

Gemma told The Southern: “I woke up not being able to feel or move from my waist down.

“I was rushed into hospital and my mum was taken into a room and told by doctors that I was paralysed.

“Ever since I was 10 I had been interested in athletics.

“I was a sprinter and was being coached by Bruce Scott and Jock Steede from TLJT. Everything I loved to do suddenly came to an end.”

Now, at the age of 20, Gemma’s condition remains unexplained, but over the past two years she has rekindled her love for speed.

“I was invited to a Paralympic Flame festival in Edinburgh before London 2012,” she explained.

“This was the first time I’d ever saw a racing wheelchair or spoken to someone about the sport. I started to watch footage of Hannah Cockroft and David Weir, thought they were amazing and just had to try it out.”

Since then, she hasn’t looked back. She has taken advice from Red Star AC coach Ian Mirfin and is coached by her dad, Michael Scott. Over the last six months, Gemma has won six gold medals at various events and has been constantly improving her times. What she really needs now, though, is her own racing chair.

“Having a custom-built chair would mean that I was getting the correct support,” said Gemma, who is in the process of raising funds and hopes to achieve her goal by the Jedburgh 10k in October.

Pam and Graeme Armstrong, from the City of Edinburgh Running Festival, joined the effort during the recent running meet at Meggetland and, at Jedburgh Border Games, Pam, with the help of the crowd, managed to raise £480.

“I am very grateful and would like to thank everyone who donated,” added Gemma.

The Innerleithen team of Jean Wilson, Claire Wilson, Jan McGlasson and Sheona Newton (pictured) emerged victorious in the St Ronan’s Games Week car treasure hunt, lifting the Cissy Barnett Trophy and £50 cash.

Thirty cars entered the event which took treasure seekers to Upper Tweeddale and South Lanarkshire. Kenneth Coltman (Peebles) took second prize, with Will Brockie (Eddleston) in third place.

Standard Bearer-Elect Robbie Scott and his Lass, Rachel Lauder, (also pictured) presented the winners with their prizes.

This year marked the 22nd time that Adrian Keddie and his team of wife Sheila and Ted McKie had compiled the hunt.

The sight of majestic golden eagles soaring in greater numbers across Borders skies could be possible, claims a major new report.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) says habitat changes could see southern Scotland support as many as 16 breeding pairs of the country’s iconic national bird of prey.

Experts believe no more than three pairs live in the Borders, while only one or two pairs attempt to breed annually in Galloway.

But Professor Des Thompson, of SNH, who led the research, says on-the-ground, practical work to improve habitat in the south of Scotland could have a major impact.

“With habitat improvements, we could see connections with the small reintroduced population in Ireland. This would help both groups of eagles,” he said.

Environment and climate change minister Paul Wheelhouse added: “As a resident of the Scottish Borders, I very much look forward to golden eagles once again becoming a regular sight in our skies.

“We will work hard to ensure that they are given the best possible chance to expand their population and range in the south of Scotland.”

However, the illegal persecution of eagles still poses a threat and RSPB Scotland’s head of investigations, Ian Thomson, has warned: “The poisoning of the female from a breeding pair of golden eagles in Peeblesshire in 2007 drew everybody’s attention to this.

“The poisoning, trapping and shooting of these birds, and other species, simply must stop.”

Four local businesses will battle it out with other leading names in the industry after being shortlisted in the Scottish Fashion Awards.

Hawick-based Barrie Knitwear will go up against Galashiels firm ERIBÉ Knitwear and two others finalists for the new Exporter of the Year award.

In the Scottish Textile Designer/Brand of the Year category the five finalists include Hawick-based company Brora and Queene and Belle, from Bonchester Bridge.

The winners will be announced at a glittering event in London on September 1, hosted by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Carmichael MP, and awards founder Dr Tessa Hartmann.

Victoria Stapleton, founder and creative director of Brora, said: “Brora is proud to be working with the very best cashmere mills and this nomination is a great honour.

“It is an acknowledgement of our 21 years of designing collections full of colour and style, using traditional techniques and craftsmanship. We are delighted.”

Rosemary Eribé, managing director of ERIBÉ Knitwear, added: “The nomination is recognition of our long term commitment to exporting and promoting Scottish textiles.

“Our commitment to exporting and promoting Scottish textiles spans 28 years and we are honoured to sit alongside Barrie Knitwear.”

Responding to their nomination, Angela Bell of Queene and Belle said: “We are delighted to be nominated for Scottish Textiles Brand of the Year.

“It is lovely to be recognised for all of the hard work we have put into our brand and our commitment to making our cashmere in the Borders.”

Nobody from Barrie Knitwear was available for comment.

Speaking about the awards, Mr Carmichael said: “It’s great to see year on year the commercial and creative success these Scottish designers, brands and manufacturers are having and it’s important they are acknowledged and supported.

“These awards are now recognised around the world as the benchmark of success within the global fashion community and are without a doubt the most high profile showcase of Scottish fashion, design and textile talent in the country.”

Plans have been lodged to convert a disused Galashiels church into a £2.5million housing development.

Book Developments Ltd wants to create 16 flats in the former B-Listed St Aidan’s Church in the town’s Gala Park.

The company is also seeking consent from Scottish Borders Council to demolish the adjoining church hall and build another 11 apartments.

Originally founded as the South United Presbyterian Church in 1880, it was merged with the former Trinity Church further along the town’s High Street.

The name was then changed to St Cuthbert’s. In 1974, St Cuthbert’s was united with Ladhope Parish Church, in Ladhope Vale, to become first of all Ladhope St Cuthbert’s and then, in 1981, St Aidan’s.

St Aidan’s closed in 2005, with its congregation joining with that of St Ninian’s to create Trinity Church.

St Aidan’s church and hall were finally put up for sale in 2007, at offers over £300,000.

An external inspection three years ago found some deterioration in St Aidan’s since the previous site visit – rear windows were no longer wind and watertight, glass was broken elsewhere and the building’s gutters were clogged.

The hall was in better condition, but still had clogged and broken gutters, and was steadily being encroached upon by trees and vegetation.

Organisers aim to build on last year’s successful celebration of 200 years of the Border Union Show.

South east Scotland’s premier two-day agricultural and countryside event takes place on July 25 and 26.

Border Union Agricultural Society secretary Ron Wilson said: “It really is a great two days out for everybody with lots of animals, delicious food, amusements, great shopping, countryside activities and an exciting main ring programme on Saturday afternoon, featuring the local stunt team, Les Ami d’Ono, who performed in the special History of the Horse in 2013.

“There will also be a cereals demonstration on the full growing season, with live action in the main ring from Berwick Bandits speedway riders, who will give a live demonstration of their skills.

“The Sheep Show is back again for its annual visit and around the showground there is the Crazy Bears Children’s Show, Bungy and the climbing wall.

“A special Wool and Water Marquee will feature the Tweed catchment area and there will be shearing of sheep adjacent to that.

“Show entries for livestock are a near record total of 2,111 (up from 2,042 last year) with more than a thousand more (generally) in the industrial section, poultry, rabbits and guinea pigs.

“All the trade stands areas are full, as is the Food Fair, and with a well-balanced main ring programme, there is something for everyone.”

More details of the show, the list of judges and the days’ programmes in next week’s farming review.

Stow livestock farmer and NFU Scotland president, Nigel Miller has been awarded an honorary fellowship of Scotland’s Rural College for his contribution to agriculture and the rural economy.

Nigel was presented with his award during the annual SRUC graduation ceremony in Bute Hall, University of Glasgow last week.

SRUC acting chief executive Janet Swadling told graduates, staff, parents and guests: “To his passionate advocacy on behalf of Scottish agriculture and the rural economy, Nigel has brought energy, drive, academic rigour, powerful thought and considered analysis. Yet all this is done with a light touch, humour and humility. He has recognised the significance and challenges of climate change and the issues linked to it such as nutrient management, energy conservation and the need for behavioural change. These are all issues of real concern to SRUC, its staff and students and we share common ground with Nigel.”

Nigel, of Stagehall Farm, Stow, first qualified as a vet before returning to the family farm after veterinary practice in Rogart. And it was then he started to get involved in local union activity. He became NFU Scotland president in 2011.

In 2001, he joined veterinary teams in Dumfries and Galloway during the Foot-and-Mouth outbreak and experienced at first hand the devastating effect the disease had on stock, the farming community, vets and the local economy. He describes it as the most extreme experience of his life.

Following FMD, Nigel was asked by his local NFU to join a group looking into future disease control strategies. Since then he has played an influential role in shaping Scotland’s animal health and welfare contingency plans in Scotland, including responses to Bluetongue, Bovine TB and Schmallenberg.

He has been at the forefront of industry initiatives to keep out major threats like BVD and TB. In that work he has been an active and supportive partner of SRUC and the health schemes run by SAC Consulting Veterinary Services.

Nigel said: “For me to be a part of today’s ceremony is an extraordinary privilege. I hope that I can give something back to SRUC as it takes its next steps. I am sure that development can keep SRUC at the front of Scottish farming and also ensure its knowledge and science reach into Europe and worldwide.

“Today is very much a moment to focus on and celebrate the achievements of a new generation of graduates from SRUC.

“Knowledge, skills and science have never been at such a high level and they have never been more important to the future of farming. SRUC’s role, not only in education but also in research, is crucial in creating the people that can take agriculture to a new level.

“SRUC graduates have the challenge of making sustainable intensification real in the face of climate change, volatile markets and a demand for food which will double by 2050.”

The college gives Honorary Fellowships to individuals who have made “a commendable contribution to rural affairs and whose work is closely aligned with the objectives of SRUC”.

The popular Harrier scenic bus service has returned for its 35th year in operation, allowing people to travel to places they cannot normally connect to via public transport.

The service runs until September.

z Mondays, Hawick - Jedburgh - Town Yetholm - Etal - Berwick - Eyemouth.

z Tuesdays, Hawick - Selkirk - St Mary’s Loch - Moffat.

z Wednesdays, Hawick - Selkirk - Galashiels - Melrose - Kelso - Berwick - Eyemouth.

z Thursdays, Earlston - Melrose - Galashiels - Selkirk - St Mary’s Loch - Moffat.

Telford’s Coaches will run the routes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Busker’s on Thursday.

Timetables are available from SBCoffices, libraries, visitor centres and Galashiels bus station.

Ettrick Forest Archers held the historic annual gents’ Selkirk Arrow double clout shoot on Sunday, along with the Philiphaugh Silver Arrow for ladies.

It was to prove former winner – and Royal Company of Archers member – 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 a 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.

Results – Ladies’ clout (120yds): 1, Elaine Pearson 50, 157, 4 ; 2, Ev Craig 33, 79, 1.

Gents’ clout (180yds): 1, Adair Anderson 42, 97, 0; 2, Doug Anderson 33, 83, 1; 3, Jimmy Stillie 34, 74, 1; 4, Alan Lindsay 28, 57, 0; 6, Wullie Good 23, 48, 1; 6, Mike Pearson 20, 43, 1; 7, Richard Tice 18, 34, 0; 8, Michael Liddle 17, 31, 0; 9, Jim Craig 13, 30, 2; 10, Scott Young 0, 0, 0.