A £30,000 veteran chase is the feature race on the Kelso card for the first meeting of the New Year on Sunday.

Grand National runner-up Cappa Bleu holds an entry for the Royal Caledonian Hunt veterans’ handicap chase, run over 3m 2f, at 2.10pm.

Trained in Wales by Evan Williams, he has only appeared once since his second to the Ryan Mania-ridden Aurora’s Encore at Aintree.

Another interesting contender is Carruthers, bred by the late Lord Oaksey and trained by his son-in law Mark Bradstock. He finished third in a cross-country chase at Cheltenham last month.

Gates open at 10.40am with the first race – the EBF Stallions National Hunt novices’ hurdle, sponsored by the Trustees of the European Breeders Fund – off at 12.40pm.

The race has attracted a 20-strong entry, many coming off the back of wins, including Queen Of Milan, trained at Bonchester Bridge by Iain ‘Scobie’ Jardine. This mare also has winning point-to-point form in Ireland. Another possible contender is Brian Ellison’s Gone Forever, a winner on his hurdle debut at Market Rasen.

Racecourse director Robert Miller-Bakewell sponsors the concluding Hunter Chase under the name of his Eildon Hill Stables. John O’Shea has entered both Best Served Cold and Cottage Oak, while Tim Easterby’s wife Sarah is represented by the ex-Oliver Sherwood inmate Camden. Local interest includes Darsi Dancer, trained at Selkirk by Stuart Coltherd, who gave his 16-year-old son Sam a first win when scoring at last month’s Alnwick point-to-point. Galashiels-based Sylvia Scott pins her hopes on course-and-distance victor Douglas Julian.

Robin Lees, Borders hotelier, sponsors the mares novice hurdle under the name of The Newcastle Arms, Coldstream. Nicky Richards has his horses in great form after a four-timer at Ayr last Friday, and the Greystoke trainer has pencilled in Glingerburn and Bay Wing. Last year’s Grand National-winning trainer Dr Richard Newland has entered Ebony Express who is unbeaten in both starts over hurdles.

The juvenile hurdle race (3.10pm) has attracted Mantou, trained in Newmarket by John Ferguson, who enjoyed a debut win over hurdles at Catterick last month. Alan Swinbank will also fancy the chances of Deep Resolve after his two wins at Hexham.

The Kelso team will be on hand at the club office for anyone wishing to renew their annual membership, which offers 70 days’ racing and other benefits to all metal badge holders.

As promised, here is a look at the second half of 2014, as reflected through my weekly wildlife scribblings.

JULY

Having a long-haired dog, the abundance this summer of the “sticky willie”, or cleavers plant, was brought home in spectacular fashion as I was trying to extricate the hundreds of burrs from Treacle’s coat. I had an unexpected visit to my garden by the unusual day-flying Humming Bird Hawkmoth. A scorching hot walk up the banks of the Ettrick produced some photographic firsts for me, including a pair of copulating ringlet butterflies and a common blue with a fly on its wing. On a similarly hot day, Treacle encountered her first red grouse, as well as ravens, wheatear and meadow pipits, on an energy-sapping walk to the Three Brethren cairns near Selkirk.

AUGUST

After a changeable week on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, dodging the midges and thunderstorms, I arrived back in time to capture a moth simply called the Gem in my light trap. It turned out to be a new county record for Selkirkshire. By the middle of the month the swifts had gone and I discovered a strange phenomenon on alder cones by the river near my house. It was a kind of gall similar to witches brooms on birch, called alder tongue, and turned out to be quite rare. By the end of the month I was getting my annual crop of elephant hawkmoth caterpillar sightings from readers.

The sight of these huge and imposing beasties never ceases to have their finders reaching for their preferred Corbie communication method.

SEPTEMBER

Early in the month I had a scorchingly hot walk in the hills near Selkirk. Butterflies seem to have had a good year, particularly small tortoiseshells

OCTOBER

After the driest September on record, October arrived with a splash. The weekend began with almost two days of incessant rain, which brought the rivers into full spate for the first time in months. Early in the year I created a small pond in my back garden and I was delighted to discover that a palmate newt and a toad had taken up residence. Wintering geese were flooding into our region. Wilton Park in Hawick was the setting for a lovely walk to enjoy the spectacular autumn colours and to have the unusual experience of watching a goosander diving for fish, from a vantage point immediately overhead, on a footbridge.

NOVEMBER

The warmest Halloween on record coincided with the last night of the Garden Moth Survey, resulting in more moths in my trap than for many years at this time. A lovely autumnal stroll was had through Speedy’s Wood at Earlston. The chalet village up the Soonhope Burn, behind Peebles Hydro, rekindled memories for me of my days holiday “hutting” in the Yarrow Valley. A wet and miserable walk in thick mist along the Duchess’s Drive at Bowhill was saved from being a disaster by an intriguing look at the micro world of mosses, lichen and fungi.

DECEMBER

The first snow of winter arrived mid-month but didn’t last. A walk round Lindean Reservoir brought home to me the damage which can be inflicted on nest boxes by great spotted woodpeckers. After I had packed away all of my moth trapping equipment for the year and sent in my annual list to the county recorder, I came home one night to find a moth on the window sill at the back door – a new one for my garden list at this time of year. It was a male Mottled Umber which flies in winter (I knew it was a male as the female is wingless).

I hope you have enjoyed my weekly observations in 2014 and look forward to your company again in the coming year. Happy new year!

Borders Sport and Leisure has launched the 2015 Celebration of Sport Awards, which will take place at Peebles Hydro Hotel on Friday, February 27.

Sponsored by GB Technologies and supported by the ClubSport Borders Network, the event is now in its third year and recognises the wealth of sporting and coaching talent that exists across the region, from individual and team performances to coaching abilities, sporting events and services to sport.

This year, a total of 12 awards will be featured, including an inductee into the Borders Sporting Hall of Fame and three honours which will be decided by a public vote.

The categories for 2015 are Hall of Fame, Junior Sports Personality, Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Event of the Year, Service to Sport, World-Class Achievement, Disability Sports Award, Positive Coaching Scotland, plus the three awards which will be determined by public vote: Sports Personality of the Year, Team of the Year and Inspirational Performance of the Year.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, said: “We are proud of the achievements in sport in our region and this awards scheme plays an important role in recognising and rewarding the amazing wealth of sporting talent we have.

“It is a true Celebration of Sport in all its guises and this year’s winners will join a growing roll of honour which showcases the diversity and exceptional ability of our sportsmen and women, clubs, coaches, volunteers and supporters. We are inviting members of the public to become involved with these awards, both by voting to decide the winners in three categories and also through the opportunity to buy tickets to attend the actual ceremony, which is sure to be a fabulous evening.”

Last year’s Celebration of Sport Awards ceremony was attended by more than 200 guests and the winners included those chosen by the public: Sports Personality of the Year – Stuart Easton, Team of the Year – Melrose Bowling Club and Inspirational Performance of the Year – Greig Laidlaw, plus a host of other worthy recipients such as Alex Jordan – Coach of the Year, Peebles Cycling Club – Club of the Year, Patrick Wilson – Disability Sports Performance of the Year, Emily Newlands – Junior Sports Personality of the Year, Scott Brash – World Class Achievement, a posthumous Lifetime Service Award to Southern Reporter photographer Alastair Watson and the induction of Ivan Laing into the Hall of Fame.

This year, voting in the three public categories will take place through in-paper coupons and also on the Borders Sport and Leisure Facebook page. More details on the nominees for each of these awards (chosen by the judging panel) will be unveiled soon.

The 2015 event is being sponsored by GB Technologies (formerly GB Telecom) which has recently rebranded and remains dedicated to providing unrivalled voice and data solutions across the region.

Gordon Brown, from GB Technologies, said: “We are proud to continue our sponsorship of these awards which recognise excellence and reward those who strive to meet their goals.

“There are many parallels between sport and business, and as a company committed to growing and succeeding in the Borders, we are honoured to be able to play a part in showing our appreciation of our region’s sporting heroes.”

ClubSport Borders, the organisation that represents and supports local member clubs, organisations and individuals to help everyone in the region to achieve their sporting goals, is also lending its backing to the awards.

Chairman Rick Kenny said: “ClubSport Borders is the umbrella group established to co-ordinate the work of the four regional ClubSport groups that seek to improve standards in Borders sport by encouraging and supporting development across all sectors.

“We are delighted to support the 2015 Celebration of Sport as it showcases the best people and clubs from the Borders who have been judged to have shown excellence, commitment and dedication to improving their performances over the years.”

For the first time the awards ceremony will be held at Peebles Hydro Hotel, which was recently acquired by Crieff Hydro.

General manager Patrick Diack said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be hosting this event which places our region firmly on the map for producing some of the UK’s most talented athletes.

“Peebles Hydro plans to engage individuals, businesses, communities and organisations fully in our exciting development plans over the coming months and we look forward to forging a future partnership with Borders Sport and Leisure to support their aims in encouraging and inspiring future generations of Borders athletes.”

Over the coming weeks, details of the nominees in each of the three public vote categories will be revealed, alongside information on how to cast votes and help to decide this year’s winners.

Mr Jackson added: “We feel the Celebration of Sport Awards are very special and I hope that residents across the Borders will chose to continue to support this initiative and cast their votes for their favourite nominees.”

More information on the Celebration of Sport Awards and details on how to book tickets for the ceremony can be obtained by calling Borders Sport and Leisure on 01896661166 or emailing enquiries@bslt.org.uk.

Gala FR2

Selkirk2

Selkirk boss Stevie Forrest has promised “four or five” new faces will be arriving at Yarrow Park this week, despite his young side battling to a point at Gala Fairydean Rovers.

Jordan Finnie’s 77th-minute strike saw the Souters end a three-game losing streak in an enthralling local derby which Gala probably should have won in the closing stages.

However, Selkirk also had reason to feel aggrieved after Phil Addison appeared to have scored midway through the second half, only for the officials to decide the ball had not crossed the line before Gala’s Kyle Collins had hooked the ball to safety.

Forrest, who has previously got himself in trouble with the SFA for post-match comments about referees, said: “I am not going to say too much about it, but even the Gala players say the ball was over the line.

“However, this is my first positive result at Netherdale, so I am pleased with my young team.

“We will have four or five players leaving the club who have not had a break in the team, and will be bringing in the same number of new players.”

There were chances galore from kick-off until the final whistle was blown by referee Simon MacLean, who booked six players over the 90 minutes.

While both managers felt the standard of play, in particular the defending, was below par, the entertainment offered to the 250-plus crowd was of the highest standard.

After Jamie Gibson’s header struck the Selkirk crossbar, the visitors’ shaky defence was breached after 29 minutes in the simplest manner. Gala keeper John Dodds’ long punt found Stuart Noble, who fired beyond Jamie Newman.

But Selkirk, missing Garry O’Connor through a stomach bug, hit back 10 minutes later as Paul Hossack hacked Julio Tonelle to the ground, and Daryl Johnson squeezed his spot kick past Dodds.

Two minutes on, and there was another easy penalty decision for whistler MacLean, as Jamie Pyper brought down Ross Aitchison, allowing Gibson to restore the Gala lead.

Selkirk began to dominate after the break. Dodds had to make an outstanding stop to deny Finnie, before the same player equalised from close range 13 minutes from time.

This seemed to spur Gala on and substitute Keith Lough struck the crossbar with a header, while Newman made a couple of brave saves to deny Gala victory.

St Boswells Tuesday and Thursday badminton clubs held their annual cup nights slightly later than planned, due to village hall refurbishments.

The Tuesday Night Quaich was won by Pamela Douglas and David McClemont, runners-up Fiona McQueen and Billy Anderson. Ryan Snook lifted the Thursday Night High School Trophy after a close final with Caitlin Jackson. Erin Laidlaw and Clinton Rae defeated Clinton’s younger brother, Cairn, and Fiona Jackson to win the adults’ Kerr Trophy. Everyone played well and the clubs were pleased to see a wide range of winners.

A turnout of 61 runners and walkers, along with three dogs, braved the horrible wet and windy conditions on New Year’s morning in the annual Muckle Toon whisky run.

The bottle of whisky for the fastest finisher went to Rory Longmore from Beattock, who clocked 56 minutes and nine seconds.

Kevin Plummer of Wamphray was second in 58.01 and Gordon Vivers (Moffat) was third on the hour mark, with local man Lawrence Friell in fourth.

The run was once again organised by Charlie Graham, who thanked Alison Tinker and her husband, Mike, for their assistance. All proceeds will go to Langholm Day Centre.

Action returns to East of Scotland footballing circles on Saturday with some interesting First Division matches for Borders sides, writes John Slorance.

League leaders Peebles Rovers take on second-placed Ormiston at Recreation Park and manager John O’Hara told The Southern: “It’s a very important game for both clubs.

“We have already played Ormiston three times this season and have beaten them twice. They are a strong, physical side and know how to score goals, and are difficult to beat.

“It’s going to be good to get back playing again after the lay-off, which I find a bit frustrating because at the end of the season we will be playing on Saturdays as well as during the week to get games in. The Lowland League has continued playing and so should the East of Scotland.”

At the other end of the chart, basement boys Kelso United and Hawick Royal Albert are set to cross swords at Woodside Park.

Tweedsiders’ manager ‘Prof’ Blaikie said: “I am trying to bring in new players and had a few trialists out against Gordon last Saturday in a friendly match which we won 4-1.

“This was a good workout for us and I was quite pleased with what I saw, and there will be at least two trialists in the squad for the Hawick game.

“Andrew Oldham, a promising young player from Kelso Thistle who has come through the town’s youth scheme, will also be in the pool.”

United are without suspended pair Darren Bowie and Dean Boyne, while Hawick have goalkeeper Martin Stewart injured. Michael McKenzie is suspended and Gary Shillinglaw is doubtful.

Gretna 20084

Vale of Leithen1

Second-placed Gretna got off to a flyer when Vale were penalised for a rash challenge on Ian Anderson, who sent Vale keeper Mark Wilson the wrong way from the spot.

The home side notched a second when Scott Milligan fired the ball into the net.

Vale were finding it difficult to get into the game and their best chance fell to Kris Mitchell, whose effort cleared the bar. Wilson was kept busy in the Vale goalmouth, pulling off two tremendous saves before the break.

Vale pulled a goal back after a clearance from keeper Graham Wright was blocked by Kris Mitchell, who hit the back of the unguarded Gretna net from 35 yards out.

That was the last bit of New Year cheer for Vale as the home side restored their two-goal cushion through Darren Addison and Alan Inglis.

This weekend, Vale entertain Spartans, Gala Fairydean Rovers travel to BSC Glasgow and Selkirk are away to Whitehill Welfare.

Dozens of complaints from unhappy parents have been lodged following the staging of a children’s event at Springwood Hall in Kelso last week.

Organised by local Borders firm, Def Con 4 Entertainments, the party took as its theme Disney’s blockbuster animated film Frozen.

Billed as turning the hall into the imaginary land of ‘Arendelle’ for the afternoon on December 30, tickets were quickly snapped up by parents at a cost of £11 per child, £5 per adult or £30.50 for a family of four.

However, various local Facebook pages were swamped with complaints from angry parents afterwards, with many describing it as an overpriced ‘shambles’.

One comment accused organisers of being out of touch with regards to youngster’s expectations.

“Most five-year-olds would have had a similar, yet better, experience at their friends’ birthday parties,” it continued.

“If it had been advertised accurately, there would be no queuing in the cold to get into this disappointment. That’s the real travesty, this may have been the highlight of some kids’ Christmas. The kids should at least get compensated.”

Although there were a number of compliments, these were outnumbered by complaints.

One local grandparent claimed too many tickets had been sold, leaving many children unable to see the show or any space for the promised party games.

“As a result of this I have three disappointed girls; a lot of the parents were asking for refunds and leaving early,” he said.

Border Events was just one of several ticket distributors and later released a statement saying: “We are aware some people were unhappy with the event ... organised by Def Con 4 Entertainments.

“Border Events sold tickets for this event along with four other outlets and we are extremely disappointed on your behalf. We are currently seeking advice. Please email the organisers directly.”

The Southern had received no response from Def Con 4 Entertainments by the time we went to press.

Attention switches to league business for Borders rugby clubs this weekend, with much to play for in the Premiership for the top flight trio.

With only one point separating fourth (Gala) to seventh (Hawick) place, the last play-off position is still very much up for grabs.

The Maroons are holding on to the sought-after spot by their fingernails and, following their disappointing Scottish Cup exit to Stirling County last weekend, Gala winger Grant Somerville is keen for his side to find a solution to his team’s recent slump in form before Saturday’s clash with the same opponents at Bridgehaugh.

“There are no excuses

Hawick, on the other hand, have been enjoying an upturn in fortunes and will be hoping for a win against Glasgow Hawks this weekend as well as some slip-ups further up the table.

Melrose are in third place on the league table, 13 points ahead of Gala, and travel to Malleny Park to play Currie.

Following their two-week layoff, Selkirk are back in action in National League One when they take on Watsonians at Myreside.

Peebles are at home to GHA while Kelso and Jed-Forest travel to play Dundee HSFP and Stewart’s Melville respectively.

Kelso31

Musselburgh19

Kelso welcomed in the New Year with a potential Scottish Cup banana skin in the shape of Musselburgh, who are riding high in National League Division Two.

The East Lothian outfit also did a serious number on Peebles, with a 47-8 victory in the last round of the cup. However, Kelso have been playing much better of late and, despite missing playmaker Andrew Skeen and forceful centre Frankie Robson, started as favourites.

Musselburgh showed why they were a force to be reckoned with in their league, with a game based around a solid scrum and an effective driven line-out. It was Kelso who opened the scoring on 10 minutes, however, when Murray Hastie slotted a penalty after the visitors failed to release a tackled player on the ground.

There followed a spot of aerial ping pong until Musselburgh were awarded a kickable penalty, which standoff Danny Owenson fluffed.

Kelso cleared their lines only for the visitors’ back three to allow the ball to bounce awkwardly. Richard Minto, on his return from injury, was the first to react and a quick pass to Mark Wilson who fed Dom Buckley allowed the latter to coast in for a try which Hastie converted.

A passage of end-to-end play ensued until Musselburgh were awarded a succession of penalties for maul offences. The referee’s patience was stretched to the limit, and Ian Wallace was invited to have a 10-minute rest, having taken one for the team. Amazingly, Musselburgh failed to capitalise on the extra man and, following a turnover after a driven line-out, Kelso pressurised the defence to such an extent that the ball went loose, and between them Andy Tait and Mark Wilson hacked the ball through for Tait to touch down at the posts. Hastie added the extras.

Kelso scored another try when Tait, Buckley and Hastie exchanged passes for Hastie to finish the move off in the corner. He slotted another fine conversion to take the score to 24-0 at the interval.

Musselburgh started the brighter of the two teams after the break and the pattern of the first half continued, with the visitors torturing the home pack, with their driven line-outs and resolute defence keeping them at bay. Dam buster and flanker Declan Slaven eventually made the touchdown, but Owenson missed the conversion.

A bout of scrappy play was followed by yellow cards to Gregg Minto and Greg Leitch, who had a slight disagreement, before Kelso increased their lead when a lengthy drive took the ball up to the visitors’ line, and Buckley was on hand to score a try which was increased in value with another fine conversion by Hastie.

With 10 minutes to go and nothing to lose, Musselburgh showed another side of their game with some fine incisive running by their backs. Centre Tom Armstrong found himself on the end of a sharp inside pass from captain Andrew Cook, and cut through a flatfooted Kelso defence. Owenson added the conversion as he did with almost the last play of the match, when Armstrong again breached the Kelso defence to score in the corner. There followed a lengthy delay after the score due to an intervention by the far side assistant referee. The result of it all was a straight red card for try scorer Armstrong, apparently for spitting, and a yellow card to Dom Buckley for retaliation.

So Kelso march on to a quarter-final in February against possibly one of the big beasts of the Premier jungle, as it is only Howe of Fife and Kelso from the lower leagues who are left in the draw.

Jed-Forest88

Hillhead/Jordanhill19

Rescheduled from December 6 due to Hillhead/Jordanhill travel issues, this National League One clash was a must-win for Jed.

The hosts raced to the perfect start when Ross Coombe darted in for the first try after three minutes.

Lack of communication played a key part in Hillhead’s downfall and Greig Walker was quick to take advantage as he tiptoed through some woeful tackling to score Jed’s second try. Robbie Shirra-Gibb scored a brace of tries in the scoreboard corner. Jed were now in complete control. Donald Grieve scored next, then Shirra-Gibb completed his hat-trick after only 34 minutes. Ross Coombe completed the first half scoring with his second try on the stroke of half-time. In-form Danny Ritchie converted five of the first-half tries to leave the scoreboard sitting at 45-0 at the break.

The second half started slowly but Michael Weekley found himself on the wing and scored an easy try. Donald Grieve scored the next two, with his hat-trick coming from a push over try in the 64th minute. Jessie Krafft was now kicking and he converted the first of Grieve’s tries.

Jed were ringing the changes but that didn’t stop Weekley loitering on the wing and he scored again before Coombe completed the third hat-trick of the day. John Szkudro scored Jed’s lucky 13th try while Andrew Thomson scored his first touchdown for Jed. Krafft added the extras to give him four second-half conversions.

z In another rearranged fixture, Peebles won 44-13 against Aberdeen Grammar at the Gytes.

Hawick were the only other Borders team to join Kelso in the last eight of the BT Scottish Cup last weekend, following exits for fellow Premiership sides Gala and Melrose.

The Green Machine vanquished all memories of their poor showing at Raeburn Place in the league just a few months ago, to run out 35-27 winners with a much more positive performance.

Hawick held a narrow 20-17 lead at the break with tries coming from player/coach Nikki Walker, Shawn Muir and John Coutts, with Mattie Douglas adding a penalty goal and a conversion.

With their back line looking increasingly effective, Hawick turned it up a notch after the restart with further touch downs coming from Coutts and Neil Renwick who also added a penalty with Douglas slotting another conversion.

Across at Old Anniesland Melrose were grounded by Glasgow Hawks. Despite trailing for most of the first period before levelling the scores at half-time (7-7), the hosts dug deep and won 19-12. Blair Hutchison and Damien Hoyland were the Melrose try scorers, with Joe Helps adding one conversion.

Gala slumped to probably their worst defeat of the season at home to Stirling County. Keith Young’s first half try was their only score of the game as County ran riot in the second period, putting on 30 points without reply to win 40-5, heaping more pressure on the Maroons, who appeared to have forgotten the art of tackling.

In the Border Shield, St Boswells retained their remarkable 30+ unbeaten record with a 17-7 win at home to Berwick, from a league above them, while Hawick Harlequins saw off the challenge of Earlston at the Haugh by 46-21.

A plumber poisoned his partner’s pet goldfish by pouring pepper and washing-up liquid into the fish tank.

Andrew Davidson killed the 20 fish during a domestic bust-up with Amy Currie as he knew it would annoy her.

The 25-year-old appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court, pictured, on Monday and pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by pushing the nurse and throwing a glass at her at their home in Weaver’s Linn, Tweedbank, on Hogmanay.

Davidson also admitted a second charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting and swearing, breaking bottles of champagne and pouring washing-up liquid and pepper into the fish tank, killing them.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Davidson told police: “I just killed her fish just to annoy her because she enjoyed having them.”

He added that he sent her a text message later to say sorry for scaring her.

Defence lawyer Stephanie Clinkscale said the first offender had been very upfront with the police about the incident which started after an argument broke out between the pair.

She added: “He is no longer in the relationship and has no intention of reconciliation.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed fines totalling £400 and ordered that Davidson pay Miss Currie £100 compensation for the loss of her goldfish.

Jim Clark Rally organisers say they are not surprised at the recommendations made to improve safety after three deaths at the 2014 event.

Russell Blood, clerk of the course for the world-famous event, normally staged each May on closed public roads, was commenting after the review group set up to look at safety published its final recommendations.

The Review Group on Motor Sport Event Safety was set up by the Scottish Government after the three people were killed near Coldstream last May and another accident at the Highland Snowman Rally in 2013, in which a spectator died and a child was injured.

Key recommendations include tighter controls over volunteer marshals, which would see the introduction of a mandatory marshal licensing scheme.

This would require marshals to obtain a licence after undergoing mandatory training and gaining experience.

There is also a call for input from Police Scotland, including, where appropriate, police support for the implementation of safety plans, a liaison officer attending rallies and training support at a national level.

Improving safety for the media through better management of press attendance was highlighted and the review also recommends rules for spectators, marshals and competitors on assisting cars back onto the road – a common practice at rallies – as well as improved communication with spectators and adoption of international standards for identifying high-risk spectator areas.

Mr Blood, who is stepping down as clerk of the course to concentrate on bringing the recommendations into force for a return to road racing in 2016, said: “Ninety per cent of these are things that we are doing already, so nothing in there took us by surprise.”

And following news the rally is listed as a round of the 2015 Scottish Rally Championship, with the Reivers Rally scheduled for Sunday, May 31, Mr Blood added: “The rally will take place using forest stages this year – we’re not panicking at all.”

Scottish Borders Council has already said publication of the recommendations will not affect its earlier decision that the rally could not take place on closed public roads in May/June of this year until the ongoing Police Scotland and Health and Safety Executive investigations were complete.

Racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart, a member of the review group, said that in recent years motorsport had been safer than ever, but that risks still remained, as was demonstrated all too tragically at last year’s Jim Clark Rally.

And he added that he was proud to have been part of the review.

He said: “I believe it is a great step forward in making the sport safer than ever.”

A Peebles rugby stalwart, a Hawick Common Riding legend and a specialist cancer nurse were among this year’s New Year’s Honours list.

Donald Swanson receives the British Empire Medal for almost seven decades’ service to rugby in Peebles; Henry Douglas also receives the BEM, in this case for services to his local community of Bonchester; and Mrs Judith Smith, a Macmillan Nurse Consultant in Cancer and Palliative Care at Borders General Hospital gets the MBE for services to oncology in the region.

Donald told The Southern this week he was delighted to have been recognised for his service to rugby in Peebles, but says it is far more important for the positive publicity it generates for the club he first joined in 1947.

A native of Peebles, or ‘Guiterbluid’, Donald was not long back from military service when he met up with some players from the club and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I got a letter in November informing me I had been rcommended for the BEM, but that I wasn’t to say anything and I didn’t hear anything else until it was confirmed in The Scotsman newspaper,” said Donald.

“Obviously I’m delighted and feel very honoured that my efforts for the club over the years have been recognised and my family are all over the moon, but personally I feel it is more important because it brings extra publicity to Peebles Rugby Club, which is the main thing.”

After being demobbed from the forces, Donald, now 88, joined Peebles RFC committee in 1948, as well as playing for the club’s various teams and going on to become captain in 1954.

“I became secretary not long after I joined the club, basically because I was the only one who had access to a typewriter!” laughed Donald, a retired head postmaster.

During his playing career, Donald played in almost every postion from front row to scrum half: “The only position I never played was stand-off,” he laughed. “In those days the game wasn’t as fast or as brutal as today, so you could get away doing that kind of thing.”

An honorary president of the club and a life member. Donald is still an active member of the committee and looks after certain treasurer’s duties.

A father of four children, with four grandchildren and five great grandchildren, he still swims 20 lengths of the town’s local pool every day.

“I feel still being involved with the club helps keep me young and active, and that’s the key, I think,” he added.

Henry Douglas, of Howahill at Bonchester, is also to receive the BEM, for his service to his local community.

One of the region’s best-known amateur singers, he has given years of service to local organisations and community groups, such as the church and village hall, and his voice has graced many a Hawick Common Riding function and rugby gathering over the decades.

Born into a farming family at Catslackburn in the Yarrow Valley, he is still actively involved in the running of the family farms at Howahill.

“I was delighted when I found out about the honour,” Henry told us. “It came out of the blue, though, and was a bit of a shock. The family are all delighted as well.”

Henry says Bonchester is a great community to be part of: “It’s a super place to live - it’s somewhere where everyone always rallies round to help each other.

“Saying that, I’m also very proud to be from Catslackburn, to have been born in the Yarrow Valley as well.”

With three children – including former Southern journalist and television sports presenter Jill – and eight grandchildren, there were plenty of people to help celebrate news of Henry’s BEM.

And he also paid tribute to Donald Swanson: “I was delighted to hear Donald had also been honoured – that is thoroughly deserved for his tremendous service to his local rugby club.”

NHS Borders cancer nurse Judith Smith has been awarded with an MBE for her significant achievement and outstanding service to the Borders community through her role firstly, as Macmillan haematology/oncology clinical nurse specialist, then as Macmillan nurse consultant in cancer and palliative care within NHS Borders.

Judith, from Galashiels, started her nursing career as a staff nurse in the Royal Infirmary at Edinburgh 30 years ago, before eventually moving back to the Borders in 1990. Since 1998 she has been involved with the development of cancer services in NHS Borders. In particular, she has challenged traditional models of care and championed the development of a nurse-led chemotherapy service in the Borders Macmillan Centre which now treats more than 95 per cent of patients locally, saving them the trip to Edinburgh.

Judith commented: “To be awarded this honour has been an overwhelming experience. I was shocked when I received the letter, thinking initially it was for jury service.”

Judith was keen to point out that cancer care is provided for patients, not just in specialist areas by specialist teams, but right across community and hospital settings by a huge variety of teams and people.

“I see it as a team award which reflects the hard work and commitment of so many people past and present as well as NHS Borders’ commitment to cancer care,” she said.

“I consider myself very lucky to have worked with many dedicated people over the years, but in particular the late Drs George Stockdill and Lillian Matheson, both of whom worked hard to lay the foundations for delivery of specialist cancer and chemotherapy services within NHS Borders.

“I hope in some way I have been able to build on their achievements.”

NHS Borders chairman, John Raine, congratulated Judith, calling her an “extraordinary” person.

“Judith has been working with NHS Borders for 24 years and is an exceptionally kind and caring person,” said Mr Raine. “She has dedicated her life to nursing and this accolade demonstrates her commitment to person centred care. She is a treasure to NHS Borders.”

Employees at bus operator First Borders are backing the battle against prostate cancer, writes Bob Burgess.

First Group staff across the country have voted to make Prostate Cancer UK their Charity of Choice for the next three years.

They aim to raise awareness of the disease – as well as £1million for the charity – from a variety of events and promotions.

The managing director of First Borders, Paul McGowan, said: “My colleagues across the Borders voted in massive numbers, with many telling us they chose Prostate Cancer UK with family members that they care about in mind.”

The three-year project gets under way in April and includes advertising space on buses, trains and trams, as well as credit card-sized awareness leaflets.

Owen Sharp, the chief executive of the charity, commented: “This partnership will offer us an excellent platform in transforming public awareness of a disease which affects one in eight men, and reaching them early will make a life-saving difference.”

More than 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.

First Group currently back Macmillan Cancer Support and previously Save the Children – raising £5.5million.

Health chiefs have confirmed there are no plans to handle any cases of Ebola at Borders General Hospital.

Any local suspected or confirmed outbreak will see the patient admitted to a specialised unit elsewhere.

In neighbouring Dumfries and Galloway, the health board has established a specialised secure Ebola unit at the Royal Infirmary in Dumfries.

A spokesperson for NHS Borders told The Southern: “If a doctor in NHS Borders identifies a possible viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) case, such as Ebola virus, the patient will be isolated and discussed in detail with an infectious diseases consultant at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

“If the consultant agrees that the patient could be a VHF case, then the patient will be admitted to a specialist unit such as the Western General Infectious Disease Unit, where further tests will be undertaken to confirm the diagnosis.

“There are currently no plans to admit such patients to the Borders General Hospital.”

After almost 18 months of widespread discussion, the draft Borders pilot regional land use framework is available for public consultation, and Tweed Forum, in conjunction with Scottish Borders Council, is hosting a series of consultation events.

At these events, a short presentation will be made on the draft framework document. This will be followed by a discussion regarding the various maps generated.

The first of these will be held in Kirkhope Hall, Ettrickbridge, on January 14 at 7.30pm.

The coalition which has run Scottish Borders Council since 2012 has been rocked this week by the resignation of two councillors from its 10-strong Independent group.

Last month, Hawick backbenchers Watson McAteer and Stuart Marshall broke ranks with colleagues on the Independent/SNP/Lib Dem ruling administration at Newtown and voted against spending £3.5million on a visitor centre for the Great Tapestry of Scotland at Tweedbank.

According to council leader and fellow Independent David Parker, all elected members had a free vote in the debate.

But Tuesday’s letters of resignation from Messrs McAteer and Marshall to Independent group leader Sandy Aitchison allege that both felt under pressure, not for the first time, to support a policy with which they did not agree.

“I have a growing concern in my ability to execute my role as an Independent councillor when any lack of alignment is met with shouts of dissent from within the group and others in the council’s administration,” wrote Mr McAteer, a former divisional police commander.

He added: “This may well help expedite council business, but I consider it at best unhealthy.

“In addition, I find myself working alongside some in the [Independent] group that I do not trust and respect and I have witnessed behaviour, excused as ‘politics’, that I will not be associated with.”

Mr McAteer cited an article in last week’s Hawick News in which Independent councillor David Paterson, executive member for environmental services, was reported as claiming the two rebel councillors would be in “hot water” for voting against the tapestry.

“Once again I am being tarnished by an alleged Independent colleague,” said Mr McAteer.

He later told The Southern: “I cannot represent those who elected me in an open and transparent way without fear of petty censure.”

In his letter of resignation, Mr Marshall stated: “I find it difficult as an Independent councillor to constantly hear members of this administration, some of whom are portfolio holders, repeatedly calling for me to be brought into line simply because I have a different opinion on matters which I deem to be of the highest importance to those I represent.”

He said Mr Paterson’s reported comments had merely reinforced his decision to resign and to “vote on matters ... without being party to any three-line whip arrangement.”

Both councillors stressed they would not be joining the Conservative opposition group.

Councillor Aitchison said he was “naturally very disappointed” at the resignations and intended to travel to Hawick today to meet both men.

He said: “These are two dedicated councillors who will be a loss to our group and I will do my best to convince them that they can achieve more for their constituents within the administration rather than outside it.”