Dalbeattie Star2

Vale of Leithen1

Vale were up against it from the early stages of this Lowland League opener after Ainslie Hunter was red-carded for handball on the goalline on the half-hour mark.

Keeper Nils Bleakley made a good save to keep out Lewis Sloan’s spot kick. However, two minutes later, Sloan made amends when he opened the scoring with a stunning 30yd strike.

Star squandered numerous chances before Craig Neill made it 2-0, but Jack Combe pulled one back for Vale.

Peebles Rovers0

HAWICK rOYAL aLBERT1

Saturday’s East of Scotland League Qualifying Cup encounter began in bright sunshine and finished in torrential rain, writes John Slorance.

As far as Hawick Royal Albert were concerned, however, the sun was out when the whistle blew to end the game.

For, thanks to a last-gasp goal from Robert Boyd, and going by last season’s results and performances, the Hawick outfit had pulled off an unexpected win.

It was a result that could have gone either way, and a result that induced contrasting feelings from the two respective managers.

In his first season in charge of Hawick, new Albert team boss Mike Atai said: “I was really pleased with the result.

“We showed a lot of hunger and desire, but I felt we could have controlled the game more.

“It was a good opening step for Hawick, though”.

Peebles manager John O’Hara said: “I am massively disappointed and frustrated.

“We didn’t perform the way we could have, but we deserved to get something out of the game.

“I am not taking anything away from Hawick, they were a very organised side and a huge difference from the Royal Albert side of last season.”

Go to www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk for match report.

On Tuesday night, the two teams were involved in Qualifying Cup action again, with the Teries losing 2-1 to Craigroyston at Albert Park and Peebles Rovers drawing 3-3 with Lothian Thistle HV at Whitestone Park.

Selkirk2

Edinburgh University0


Selkirk enjoyed a superb start to the season on Saturday with a fairly comfortable victory over the Students.

Of course, this is the perfect time of year to play a university side, before term starts and the side gets into full swing.

But this takes nothing away from the wonderful preparatory work put in by coach Steve Forrest and his players, which allowed them to almost completely dictate play despite being missing several players, notably Ouzy See, who rattled in many a goal in the preseason friendlies.

The Souters have an abundance of attacking options, with Garry O’Connor and Phil Addison both looking sharp, a host of goal-hungry midfielders willing to surge forward and still more fire on the bench in John McInally and Jack Hay.

The defence has gelled quickly into a fairly secure unit, which they showed by mostly marking Uni dangermen Jack Guthrie (who scored a hat-trick against Selkirk last October in a 5-4 shoot-out) and Joe Aitken.

And the last line of defence, keeper Jamie Newman, looks to be a fantastic signing, putting in a good shift with a couple of fantastic stand-out saves.

Delighted coach Forrest told us: “We are starting to play the style of football I have wanted to since coming here – we are trying to hold onto the ball, we are moving it quickly.

“It’s taken a wee while for the boys to buy into the whole ethos of what we are trying to do, but they have worked really hard at it.

“I am really delighted to get three points on the board.

“We started off well last season before tailing off, so if we are still doing so well come Christmas, I’ll be a happy man.”

On Saturday, after a suitably nervy start, O’Connor blasted in a couple of efforts – one a deflected shot straight at the keeper and the other a thumping free kick rattling off the Students’ wall .

The next free kick came along in the 15th minute, just outside the area, crying out for a Phil Addison curler. He didn’t disappoint, shooting into Mark Tait’s top corner. Addison went on to hit the bar and for the rest of the half, the home side were as comfortable as a team who are 1-0 up can get, but as everybody knows, you can never be truly comfortable with a single goal lead.

So, after some scary moments in defence, new signing from Berwick Rangers, Ross Gray, showed his class with a nice finish after watching the ball thread through to him in the box with eight minutes left.

The two-goal gap led to a less nervy end to the match as the home side coasted home.

Preston Athletic0

Gala F’Dean Rovs3

Gala came flying out of the blocks for the start of their Lowland League campaign with a stunning victory at Pennypitt Park.

Goals from David Bonnar, Ross Aitchison and new signing Colin Galbraith sealed the deal for Fairydean with no reply from the hosts.

“At half-time our only disappointment was that we were not two or three goals up,” said manager Steven Noble.

“The players worked hard through a difficult game and I am pleased with our fitness levels,” he added.

The heavy morning rain had been replaced by bright afternoon sunshine and there was a great warmth about Langholm Games.

And on the Castleholm track there were some red-hot, glowing performances that blended well with the pleasant conditions.

Selkirk athlete Colin Bruce turned on the heat in the 90m handicap to lift the £1,000 prize, from the 13m mark.

Impressive wins in both his heat and cross-tie earned the 50-year-old, who has his own running school based in Hawick, a final spot along with Jed AC pair Martha Douglas (19m) and Scott Richardson (8.5m), Hawick duo David Hush (20m) and David Lauder (12.5m), plus Cameron Grieve of TLJT (8m).

A two-times winner of the Selkirk Games and Jedburgh Games sprints, Bruce got off to a perfect start before hitting full throttle down the track to break the tape in 10.04 seconds. Hush finished second and Lauder third.

Speaking after the final, he said: “My starting has been good throughout the season in the sprints, but I haven’t quite been able to hold on at the finish of the race.

“It was a 90m today, however, and that suited me just fine as it was shorter, and I thought I was in with a chance.

“Martha Douglas and Davie Hush were in front of me and that was a good target. It’s just great to have won the Langholm sprint.”

Prior to Bruce’s success, Berwick flyer Cameron Tindle had burned up the Castleholm track when winning the Border Athletics 90m Sprint Championship.

Tindle, who is set to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa in September, sailed to a highly impressive victory in 10.03 seconds.

The 17-year-old said of his title triumph: “I got off to a good start and just kept on running.

“Considering the track was very soft I was pleased with the way I ran.”

Jordan Taylor of Hawick (55m) excelled in winning the 800m handicap.

From the Alex Corbett stable, Taylor strode out well from the gun and, looking strong and positive, took the lead from front runner Paul Bellingham of Cramlington (145m) in the latter stages of the last lap.

In-form Rory Anderson (40m) made it a double for the Corbett camp when coming out on top in the 1,600m handicap.

Council bin man, Drew Bryson of Hawick, cleaned up the opposition in the 200m handicap.

From the Colin Bruce school, Bryson (48m) was beaten in his heat by Jedburgh’s Kevin Amos (35m), but qualified for the final as a fastest loser.

In the last showdown, however, 52-year-old Bryson dug in deep and, in an exciting finish, shook off the challenge from Amos to gain the honours.

Wallace McGowan of Sauchie (55m) chalked up a win in the 400m handicap.

Youngsters from Jed AC stole the show in the youths’ events with an excellent hat-trick of wins.

Aimee Cardwell (21m) did the business in the youths’ 90m, while Olivia Rodden triumphed in the youths’ 800m handicap.

Jack Amos (140m) also did coach Brian ‘Chico’ Woods proud with a victory in the youths’ 1,600m handicap, his fifth win of the season.

Making her games debut, Longtown’s Mollie Kettrick (16m) won the junior 90m, while victory in the youths’ 200m went the way of stylish Carlisle runner Megan Busby (24m).

Scotland under-18 rugby internationalist, Darcy Graham of Hawick, hit the high spots when soaring to a win in the high jump.

Earlston Community Council chairman John Paton Day has called for villagers to fight to keep their branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Last Thursday, the bank declared its intention to close two of its Borders branches later this year – the Ayton branch will close on October 22, while six days later, the Earlston branch will close.

The statement from RBS said: “We are working hard to ensure there are a number of alternative ways for people in the area to continue to bank with us.”

But Mr Paton Day said it was “another blow for Earlston”.

He told us: “I’m very unhappy. It’s not good for businesses and it’s not good for the people of Earlston who use the bank.”

An agreement has been reached with both local Post Offices so that RBS customers can check their balance, deposit and withdraw funds, and business customers can get coinage.

There are also free-to-use ATMs close to both branches.

And RBS is introducing a mobile branch service to both communities, and it says it will be “engaging with our customers and the local community to understand the best day and time for the mobile branch to visit.”

Mr Paton Day said: “The bank’s suggestion that we use the post office as an alternative is simply unworkable.

“What I’d like to do is to get a postal campaign started. If I can persuade all affected individuals and businesses to write to the bank’s head office to complain, it will be a start.

“It may not do any good , but we have got to try.”

It was wet and miserable for much of the early part of Langholm Common Riding on Friday, but it brightened as the horses returned from the hill and the sports enjoyed fine weather.

Throngs sheltered under a sea of umbrellas as they awaited the arrival of Cornet Jamie Fletcher who was elected by public vote on his first time of standing.

Jamie has been smiling throughout all the preliminary rides and a bit of rain wasn’t going to spoil his big day.

The Muckle Toon was celebrating 256 years of traditions and it was a case of singing in the rain as the Town Band marked their bi-centenary, having played the Scots Greys through the town on their return from Waterloo.

At 5am, the Flute Band roused townsfolk for the hound trail, and there was great joy for owners Ian and Barbara Telford from Carlisle when Text won what is regarded as the blue riband of Border trails, repeating their success of 2012, to secure the Arkleton Trophy and Holmwood Cup.

Cheers echoed along the High Street as Cornet Fletcher and his right and left-hand men, ex-Cornets Dale Irving and Alasdair Cavers, made their way towards the platform at the Town Hall. Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell deputised for officiating magistrate David Stevenson, who had developed an infection earlier, but was able to enjoy the celebrations.

Mr Maxwell’s father, Jimmy, was Cornet 60 years ago, but due to ill health was unable to attend. David McVittie, who was Cornet 50 years ago, followed on foot. And Kevan Hotso, Cornet 25 years ago, followed on horseback with wife Wendy and children Ellie and Ruairi.

Mr Maxwell told Cornet Fletcher: “This is the greatest honour the people of Langholm can bestow on a young man. I have pleasure in presenting you with the flag of the Burgh of Langholm ... carry this flag aloft and with dignity and pride. Gan oot an sie if a oor mairches be clear. This is the moment you will cherish for the rest of your life.”

The Cornet’s family watched with pride as the procession, led by the Barley Banna, carried by Hector Barnfather for the first time, set off to cross the bridge, up Thomas Telford Road and round the Square Pump, then back along the High Street to Townfoot, as the rain began to ease.

Rae Elliot, standing on the back of Gillian Paterson’s horse, cried the Langholm Fair – just as his father, grandfather and great grandfather had done.

Hundreds lined the steep slopes of the Kirk Wynd and Mount Hooley to witness the spectacular gallop. After inspecting the ancient boundaries and hearing Billy Young Cry the Fair at the Castle Craigs, the riders circled the monument built to Sir John Malcolm in 1835. They then made their way to Whita Well and Mount Hooley, where they were met by the Bearer of the Thistle James Johnstone, and the Floral Crown, held aloft by Kevin Irving, and hundreds of children with heather besoms.

The procession was led by the Pipe Band down the Kirk Wynd – Rae Elliot crying the second part of the fair. The boundary sod was cut at the Kilngreen by Spade Bearer Gordon Reid.

After forging the River Ewes, and rounding the sod that was cut on the Castleholm, Cornet Fletcher was given a rousing reception as he galloped past the grandstand.

There followed a comprehensive sports programme in fine weather.

The sun also shined on the open-air dance, with music from the Town Band conducted by David Calvert, and the traditional polka was danced.

On the return to the Town Hall, the polka was danced at the Kilngreen, Crown Hotel and Townfoot.

The flag was safely returned and there were congratulations and thanks, and another memorable Common Riding came to an end with Auld Lang Syne and the national anthem.

Gala Fairydean Rovers 1 Stirling University 3

Lowland League

Stirling’s slick strike pair Chris Geddes and Paul Sludden provided a lesson in finishing to ten man Gala Fairydean Rovers at Netherdale last night.

Geddes and ex-Stenhousemuir man Sludden scored all three goals between them for the Students as Gala suffered their first defeat of the season.

However, there were encouraging signs from the homesters, who passed the ball well at times and created chances against the dark horses for the Lowland League title.

Gala boss Stevie Noble said: “Geddes and Sludden are among the best strikers in the Lowland League and they will punish you for any mistakes.

“We had mistakes for the second and third goals but I can’t fault the efforts of the players. We made some good chances but didn’t take them, which was the difference in the end.”

In a frantic first 13 minutes, Stirling took the lead through a Geddes lob on five minutes before Jamie Gibson equalised with a fine 10th minute header from a Ross Aitchison cross.

But Geddes made it 2-1 when he fired home a rebound from an Andrew Gillen long range shot which came back off the bar.

There were few chances in the remainder of the half, until Sludden was played clean through after a mistake by Colin Galbraith, but his effort was saved by Mark Wilson.

Sludden was not to be denied, however, and all but finished the contest with an emphatic finish ten minutes into the second half.

Gala substitute Stuart Noble provided Gala with a fresh threat up front, and almost pulled one back after shaking off his marker George Leigh, only to hit the side netting from an acute angle.

Galbraith hit the post with a header from a Dean McColm corner but Sean Guiney’s straight red card for a high tackle on Gillen ended any Gala chances of a comeback.

Gala Fairydean Rovers: M. Wilson, L. Stephen, D. Thomson (R. Grant 75), C. Galbraith, S. Guiney, D. Bonnar, D. McColm, D. Burdett (B. Miller 64), J. Gibson, C. Jardine (S. Noble 53), R. Aitchison.

A drunken Kelso man who spat at a nurse trying to treat him in Borders General Hospita avoided a custodial sentence at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.

First offender Reece Burton was ordered to carry out 130 hours of unpaid work over the next nine months as an alternative to imprisonment.

The 21-year-old, of Riverside Drive, admitting threatening or abusive behaviour at the hospital on May 9, struggling with and spitting at staff who were trying to treat him.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser, pictured, told a previous hearing: “He was found in Kelso in such a state that he was removed to Borders General Hospital.

“He was very intoxicated and staff tried to treat him, but be began throwing his arms about. He sat up and his head came into contact with one of the staff and there was a clash of heads.”

At around 1am Burton calmed down, but by 2.15am he was throwing his arms around and kicking his legs, and started to spit towards staff.

Other staff had to intervene and try to assist their colleagues. Burton was shouting and swearing, telling nurses to “f**k off”.

The fiscal added: “This went on for about half an hour until police were called and intervened.”

Defence lawyer Stephanie Clinkscale said her client was highly embarrassed and had little memory of the events.

Police have revealed that a householder was left shaking after a daylight robbery at his home, writes Bob Burgess.

It happened around 4pm last Thursday at a house in Croft Street, Galashiels.

Police have confirmed they are hunting for a man and woman in connection with the incident.

They revealed that the two arrived at the property and when the male occupier opened the door, they then forced their way into the home.

The pair then fled after stealing money and a bank card.

Police say they left the house at around 4.10pm and are keen to hear from anyone who was in the Croft Street area and who may have seen the culprits.

Detective Sergeant Adrian Dixon, of Police Scotland, commented: “The homeowner did not suffer any physical harm during this incident, but it has left him quite badly shaken.”

The man was able to give police descriptions of the raiders.

The male is white, around 6ft with short black hair and facial hair.

The female suspect is white, aged around 35 years, about 5ft 6in with light-brown, shoulder-length hair.

Both suspects had local accents.

DS Dixon added: “Officers are carrying out extensive enquiries to trace both suspects and I would ask anyone with information that would assist us to come forward.”

A schoolboy who posted racially-offensive remarks on a social media website about a fellow pupil has been ordered to pay her £150 compensation at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Cameron Thrall, 17, also made a graphic statement saying he wanted to hurt the girl. The offence happened after Thrall split with his girlfriend which divided a group of friends in the same chat room on a social networking site.

At the time of the offence they were all senior pupils at Peebles High School and Thrall started posting the racial comments from his home at Cardrona.

He pleaded guilty to posting racially-offensive remarks and photographs on Facebook on various occasions between March and October last year.

Mat Patrick, defending, said his client was 16 at the time of the offence and was horrified at some of the messages typed. He added Thrall had apologised to the girl.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said it was disappointing that someone of Thrall’s age and education used such language.

A Borders baker has been cleared of raping a sleeping woman after a jury found the allegation against him not proven.

The jurors – at the High Court in Livingston – took just two hours to return a majority verdict.

Then the judge, Lord Boyd, told 45-year-old Mark Ormiston he was free to leave the dock.

Ormiston was earlier acquitted of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, and placing the same woman in a state of fear and alarm between November 8, 2013, and November 8, 2014, after the Crown withdrew the allegation.

Ormiston, who comes from Jedburgh, had denied subjecting the 44-year-old mother to a degrading rape ordeal.

He lodged a special defence, claiming she had consented to have sex with him in her home on November 8, 2014.

Following the verdict, Ormiston, who has been on remand for nearly nine months, had a tearful reunion with his father and another close family member before leaving court with them.

He claimed in evidence that he had a clear recollection of the sexual encounter, even though he had drunk around 10 pints of beer while watching rugby matches in Kelso and Jedburgh on the day of the allegation.

Ormiston told the jury: “She was making some noises I’d heard in similar situations, little sounds of pleasure like she was enjoying it.”

However, the accused said he stopped having sex with her after she told him he was hurting her.

Giving evidence, the woman told the court she awakened to find Ormiston having sex with her without her consent.

She described the situation as so surreal she wondered if it had been a dream.

However, Ormiston’s defence team told the jury there was no evidence from neighbours or two people sleeping upstairs to corroborate the womans claims that she had screamed and shouted at Ormiston during the alleged incident.

Mrs Mary Laidlaw who celebrated the

occasion of her hundredth birthday on 3rd August 2015. On sunday a

party was held with 50 of her closest friends and relatives including

5 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was glad to welcome

many friends and neighbours into her home in Yetholm yesterday.

Mary has lived in the Borders all her life and has spent the last 35

years in the village of Yetholm. The picture is of her having just

received a Birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen.

High school leavers recorded their “best-ever performance”, Scottish Borders Council (SBC) reported as hundreds of pupils received their exam results on Tuesday.

The council announced that 34% of young people were leaving school with five or more Highers – an increase of 4% from 2014. SBC also revealed a rise in the number of pupils obtaining Advanced Highers, with more achieving qualifications compared to last year. Significantly, there has been a 9% increase in the number of pupils achieving A Grade passes and a continued overall pass rate at grades A-D of 90%.

“All key performance measures have improved for sixth-year pupils in 2015 compared to 2014,” a spokesperson added.

They added: “The number of pupils receiving A Grade passes at Higher level rose by 4% to 39%, compared to 35% in 2014, while 88% of pupils received an overall pass rate at A-D level. The percentage of young people obtaining five or more National 5 qualifications increased by more than 1%, while the National 5 pass rate was maintained at 90% overall.

“The current fifth year is the first year through the new curriculum and they have provided the Scottish Borders with a best-ever performance in Highers in S5. This demonstrates that the new curriculum structures are making a positive difference to pupils’ performance.

“The three key performance measures at Higher for fifth-year pupils have improved across the board in 2015 compared to 2014. More fifth-year pupils are attaining Highers than ever before.”

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, executive member for education, said: “These results paint a highly-positive picture for the young people of the Scottish Borders and are a strong testament to the commitment, dedication and hard work that has been shown over the past year by pupils, teachers, parents and carers alike.”

Support is available through the Skills Development Scotland helpline on 0808 100 8000, open weekdays 9am-5pm until August12. Advisers can provide access to information on UCAS course vacancies at college and universities across the UK, Confirmation and Clearing, advice about Modern Apprenticeships and employment and training.

Kelso United continue their East of Scotland League Cup campaign with a home meeting against Spartans on Saturday, writes John Slorance.

United manager Prof Blaikie said: “We have a few new boys in the squad – it’s like starting a painting with a blank canvas and I am quite excited about it.

“The squad is made up of a good blend of youth and experience, and I am happy with this balance.

“I don’t know that much about Spartans this season, but no doubt they will be a good side and real test for us.”

Peebles Rovers travel to Edinburgh to take on Craigroyston at St Mark’s Park, while Hawick Royal Albert also visit the capital, tackling Lothian Thistle HV.

The new-look Teries have added to their backroom staff by bringing in Dean Robertson, a former senior player, as coach.

In the Lowland League, Vale of Leithen, who have former Berwick Rangers manager Ian Little as their team boss this term, entertain Whitehill Welfare at Victoria Park.

Gala Fairydean Rovers look to maintain their good start as they square up against East Kilbride, and Selkirk face BSC Glasgow away from home, also hoping for a similar scoreline to last weekend.

The official start of the 2015/16 league season is still three weeks away, but for Selkirk and Peebles the return to competitive action is earlier than most.

For these two local rivals go head-to-head in the opening Booker Border League match at Philiphaugh on Saturday.

Newly-promoted Premiership side Selkirk managed to punch above their weight last term, finishing joint runners-up with Gala, while Saturday’s opponents earned a single win.

Selkirk’s director of rugby and assistant coach Cameron Cochrane admitted his side has a lot to live up to after their much-hyped unbeaten season, insisting he can already feel the target on the club’s back in what he is expecting to be an ultra-competitive 2015/16 Border League competition.

“Last season we competed well, but we know it is going to be tough to emulate this year,” he said. “We have strengthened, but so have Peebles, Kelso and all of the Premiership sides, so it is not going to be easy. The Border League is one of those competitions where anyone can win because there isn’t really much between the teams.

“Yes, the Premiership sides use this tournament more as a training league, rotating players around, but if I am honest, quality-wise there isn’t much difference between everyone and it’s not inconceivable to say that a non-Premiership side could win the title.”

Cochrane admitted that playing three weeks before the start of the league season is not ideal, but believes the intensity the Border League offers can set his side up for a top-half finish in the Premiership.

“The competitiveness of the Border League offers us a perfect way to get some meaningful games under the belt before we start our league season,” he added.

“Peebles presents a tough challenge, but as always, it will be close and competitive.”

With the new coaching team of Drew Moore and Ewen Robbie in place, Peebles are also looking to get off to a good start.

“We have a fantastic opportunity this season and if we are all prepared to work hard for each other and keep an open mind, we will see success,” said Moore.

Rural raiders are being hunted by police after a spate of raids near Newcastleton, writes Bob Burgess.

Four barns and outhouses were targeted during the early hours of Friday morning.

Thieves escaped with gardening equipment from two of the properties between the village and Bonchester Bridge.

Police believe the raiders were two men with athletic builds.

They have appealed for help. The crimes were reported between 2am and 10am.

Inspector Kevin Harris said: “The number of break-ins in this area within a short space of time leads us to believe these incidents are linked. Anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious in the area that night is asked to contact us.”

Information can be passed on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Death and taxes – two certainties in our lives. Well, the former is more of a definite. You’re either dead – or you’re alive. No half-way house.

But when it comes to taxes, the question of how much comes into play.

Most of us accept – albeit grudgingly – that taxation is a necessary evil in order to finance a whole host of services, ranging from street lighting and roads to defence of the realm (we’ll not dwell on what sort of protection, because that would probably take us onto the controversial subject of nuclear weapons).

A Scottish Government commission, of which Borders councillor Catriona Bhatia is a member, is looking at alternatives to council tax – the current method by which we pay for local services. Retaining a property-based system, a local income or a land value tax are some of the ideas under consideration.

Councillor Bhatia’s party – the Liberal Democrats – have, for a long time, beat the drum for a local income tax. But in last week’s Southern, Scottish Borders Council chief executive Tracey Logan was at best lukewarm about going down that road.

In the end, what really matters is how our hard-earned cash is used, regardless of method of extraction. Some taxpayers may even not object to coughing up for a restored railway, retention of bus services – or a building to house a work of art, such as a tapestry.

On the ground, at the sharp end, nose to the grindstone, whatever we care to call it, when your attention is focused on the short term aim of staying in business and/or providing for a family it can be difficult to pause and think about the long term future of farming.

Lousy weather, fluctuating product prices, crop diseases, animal ailments and arbitrary government and European Union decisions make pondering on what things will be like in ten or 20 years time a luxury.

All we can be sure of is that the past half century of dramatic changes in farming could well be repeated. The size and complexity, not to mention prices, of machinery on view at last week’s Border Union show compared with the virtual Dinky toys we used in the 1960s was one indication of how much has changed.

A survey of how many visitors were farm staff would also have been revealing. The bigger machinery, fewer farms equals fewer staff and fewer farmers arithmetic adds up inexorably. At first glance the ritual of the livestock judging ring has not changed, nor have some farming tweed and cap fashions, but a comparison of last Saturday’s sheep and cattle champions with those of 1965, say, would show how much improvement there has been in spite of rearguard action by traditionalists.

In a way, everyone involved with or at the show with its more than 200 years of history is a traditionalist. It reminds of us times past as well as present. The question is how much the farming industry it is based on must continue to change in future. The answer according to economist Sean Rickard is ‘a lot.’

I hadn’t seen or heard much of Mr Rickard in recent years, but the independent specialist on the economics of food and farming has not changed his views. In a recent article in the Times he said that global food demand will rise by at least 60% by mid-century while production of that will increasingly be challenged by scarcer supplies of land and water and the effect of climate change.

Previously poor populations will demand more meat and dairy products. Grain production must increase, but yields seem to have hit a plateau while on a world scale soil erosion and urbanisation reduce where it can be grown.

The answer he said is intensification, new technology, precision farming, more investment in crop and animal breeding and a positive attitude towards innovation. He admits, rightly, that the chances of change to EU policies for farming soon are slim. Public, or at least activist group, responses to intensive dairying and pig farms and genetically modified crops suggest he’s right. Most of us still like to think of farming as represented at the Border Union show last weekend, and as we remember it from previous years, not Mr Rickard’s theory of a high-tech future.

Work started this week on a long-standing gap site in Innerleithen High Street which will provide three one-bedroom affordable homes.

An agreement was reached with developers Waverley Tweed Ltd at the end of last year for Scottish Borders Council to acquire the three flats, in addition to a further six two-bedroom properties at the developer’s adjacent Waverley Road site, where work is also due to start soon.

The latter acquisition has been facilitated through Scottish Borders Council’s National Housing Trust Initiative, with limited liability partnership Bridge Homes taking ownership of the houses.

The Scottish Government contributed £120,000 from its Affordable Housing Supply Programme towards the purchase of the High Street properties.

Councillor Frances Renton, SBC’s executive member for social work and housing, joined ward councillors and representatives of the Scottish Government, Scottish Futures Trust and the developer for a sod cutting on the site on Tuesday to mark the start of work.

Councillor Renton said: “I am delighted that this site is now being developed and will provide three affordable flats for rent and will help improve the quality and appearance of the High Street.

“The council’s investment into the National Housing Trust Initiative is continuing to provide affordable homes for rent across the Borders and we are on track to deliver almost 150 affordable homes through this scheme by the end of 2019, which includes the six in Waverley Road, Innerleithen.

“This will contribute towards meeting the housing needs of local people and also help stimulate the local economy.”

The High Street properties are aimed at assisting people with priority needs. Those in Waverley Road are aimed at helping people who aspire to buy a home to access a high-quality property at a below market rent, with the possibility of buying it after a minimum of five years.

Alex Neil MSP, cabinet secretary for social justice, communities and pensioners’ rights, said: “Housing is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s commitment to a more prosperous country, and these new homes in Innerleithen will not only help breathe new life into the High Street, but will also provide welcome employment opportunities.

“The additional units being constructed through the National Housing Trust by Scottish Borders Council demonstrate one of a range of mechanisms we have introduced to help create more affordable homes, and the Scottish Government is pleased to support the local authority on this initiative.”

Keith Burns, director of Waverley Tweed Ltd, added: “We are delighted to begin construction on what is an important development in the centre of Innerleithen.

“The High Street phase will provide high-quality affordable housing, while at the same time will infill a gap site which has been a blight on the High Street for many years.

The council agreed to borrow up to £18.8million from the Public Works Loan Board at a low interest rate to then on-lend to Bridge Homes to deliver the affordable homes.

To date, 10 new homes for mid-market rent have been provided through Bridge Homes, in Ayton and Galashiels.

A contract has been completed with Miller Homes for the acquisition of 13 two-bed properties at Violet Bank in Peebles and with Crudens for a further eight new homes in Denholm.

Negotiations are also taking place with a number of developers with a view to acquiring homes on various sites across the region.