A shortage of rugby referees in the Borders is causing problems on the fixtures calender (see Youth Club report on page 23).
A level 1 refereeing course will be held between 10-4pm on Sunday at the Greenyards with Malcolm Changleng as course leader. Applications to www.ScottishRugby-Everyone’s Game-Referees-Courses or contact Bill Calder on 07935 340949.
A campaign to make people across the Borders aware of scammers such as bogus workmen is underway, writes Bob Burgess.
Code named Operation Mondara it is speardheaded by Police Scotland backed by other agencies including the councils trading standards officers.
Police have met with Age Scotland volunteers and today an officer is attending the Kelso Women’s Together group. On Sunday an officer will visit Celebrate Silver Sunday at Langlee Community Centre in Galashiels.
Tomorrow they’ll work with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
Inspector John Scott told us: “Doorstep crime is an ongoing problem which impacts on families and homes across the Borders and Scotland.”
He went on: “It is an unfortunate fact that many of the victims targeted by bogus callers are elderly and we are committed to doing all we can to trace and arrest those responsible.
“This type of crime has real impact in the Borders and we are encouraging members of the community to look out for neighbours and be prepared to challenge those who are working in gardens or are cold calling at doors. Genuine businesses will be willing to provide identification and information on the type of work they are doing.”
The inspector added: “We will not tolerate any criminal activity which deliberately targets the vulnerable members of our communities.
“Anyone involved in this behaviour can expect to be robustly dealt with by Police Scotland.
“We would encourage communities to consider setting up No Cold Caller Zones, which have proved very successful across the Borders in preventing this type of crime.”
A teacher who had sex with a 16-year-old girl was placed on the sex offenders register at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.
Thirty-year-old Ryan McInally admitted committing the offence at his home at St Boswells while his fiancee worked nightshift.
McInally, who has returned to his native Dundee, was suspended from his job teaching modern studies at Earlston High School.
The accused was due to stand trial by jury, but pled guilty on indictment to an amended charge of having sex with a 16-year-old, while in a position of trust, on one occasion between December 22, 2013, and January 16 last year.
When the teenager found Higher level modern studies difficult, McInally suggested helping her during a free period.
They started to communicate on Twitter and McInally gave her a Christmas card with his email address, and a note inside “in case you need help”.
It also included quotations from her favourite book, The Great Gatsby – one with a “romantic connotation”.
Prosecutor Graham Fraser said: “She emailed him, and they communicated. He suggested they should meet, and she was happy to go along with this. On December 22, they drove into the countryside in Galashiels and stopped at a viewpoint at a wooded area.
“They kissed and there was some joking about how awkward it was going to be at school.”
“He repeatedly said, ‘what am I doing?’, but said that he liked her,” said Mr Fraser.
They arranged to meet on Hogmanay, when he took her back to his home, and she stayed overnight.
The prosecutor explained how emails in the ensuing hours mentioned he talked in his sleep.
Rumours began to circulate when she was spotted being driven home in his car.
Spoken to by senior school staff, McInally said the girl was feeling unwell, and that any teacher would have done the same.
Mr Fraser explained: “There is absolutely no suggestion the complainer was unwilling to enter into the relationship”, describing the offence as “wholly unprofessional, illegal and inappropriate”.
McInally’s relationship with his fiancee – who has given birth to a second child – continues.
Sentence on McInally was deferred until November 9 for reports.
An overnight vandal attack left two cars badly damaged in Earlston.
It happened in the Queensway area between 8pm on Saturday and 10am the next day.
Police Scotland are investigating.
Constable Cara Pearson said they wanted anyone with information to come forward.
She added: “These cars were extensively damaged while parked outside the owners’ homes, where they should have been safe.”
A Peugeot 308 and a Seat Ibiza were scratched in the incident.
Constable Pearson said they wanted to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time.
Archery
Ettrick Forest Archers
The weather gods again smiled on Thirladean on Sunday as members of Ettrick Forest Archers took part in the last club competition of the season in perfect weather conditions. The combined contest is the triathlon of archery with competitors shooting 4 dozen arrows in a target event, followed by 3 dozen at a 4in wand then 3 dozen at the long-distance clout. Archers are awarded points for their placings in each event to find the overall winner.
In the junior section Kyle Fairbairn was unable to shoot in his last club competition as a junior due to illness, but his place was ably filled by his sister, Logan Fairbairn, who was the overall junior winner, while Carley Patterson received the junior clout medal. The ladies’ honour went to new club member Elizabeth Arrowsmith, while Ev Craig won the ladies’ clout with a personal best single clout score. The gents’ event was closely contended, club chair Doug Anderson the eventual combined winner, with Jimmy Stillie lifting the clout medal. The target medal was won by Jason Fairbairn and the wand medal by Trevor Austin. The last BLBS event of the summer in Scotland takes place on Sunday with the Green Hollow clout at Mugdock country park near Glasgow where it is hoped a good turnout of EFA members will take part and Kyle will have his last junior shoot of a very successful stint before joining the seniors.
Athletics
SPORTKelso
On a glorious Sunday morning, more than 40 runners, aged between 5-55, from Gala to Chirnside and beyond turned out to participate in the annual SPORTKelso 2 bridges race and fun run.
This informal, yet greatly contested, run was organised jointly with the Lynella School of Highland Dance and SPORTKelso.
Its 14th year saw Darrel Hastie take the winner’s trophy home once again. Sadly, there were no records broken on this occasion, but many worthy winners. Special thanks was given to Linda Abbott and her team from the Lynella Dancers for managing the entries and refreshments, Keith Lyall (race starter) for organising marshals and safety on the run, Gavin Horseburgh (Kelso Cricket club) for the use of the clubhouse and Blairs Jewellers for donating the medals.
Full results can be seen on the Kelso Crawlers website as well as via Linda Abbott.
1st Female - Fiona Dalgleish (Gala Harriers); 1st Male - Darrel Hastie (Gala Harriers + Kelso); 1st Female Vet - Jo Murray; 1st Male Vet - Wayne McIntosh; 1st Male U16 - Josh Abbott; 1st Female U16 - Robyn Harvey; 1st S1/2 Boy - No runners; 1st S1/2 Girl - Sarah Davenport; 1st Primary Boy - Gregor Collins; 1st Primary Girl - Sophie Matthews; 1st Primary Team - Lynella Dancers; 1st Secondary Team - Chirnside Chasers; 1st Adult Team - Gala Harriers.
Bowling
Earlston
Events for the closed season: Saturday, October 10 - Race Night, first race at 7.30pm (could members please have their sheet into a committee member by tomorrow). The clubrooms will be open from 4.30pm for the Wales v Australia game; Friday, October 30 - Borders Pet Rescue Quiz Night in the clubrooms; Friday, November 13 - Camera Club Quiz Night in the clubrooms; Monday, November 30 - AGM, 7pm in the clubrooms; Friday, December 11 - Christmas party with entertainment by Stuart Anderson, 7pm. Tickets are priced at £6, which includes a buffet – money to be paid to Jack Greer before Friday, December 4. All members and guests welcome.
Cricket
Langholm
Langholm Cricket Club held its end-of-season get-together and presentation of trophies in the Castleholm clubrooms.
The presentations were made by president Tony Reid and Duncan Elliott received the Player-of-the-Season trophy, along with the Players’ Player and Most Runs awards.
The trophy for Most Wickets went to Steven Johnstone and Chris Stewart picked up the Most Improved honour. Bailey Donaldson was chosen as Young Player of the Season.
Fitness
Border Sport & Leisure
Borders Sport and Leisure has launched a new programme of classes designed specially for pre-school children in Kelso.
Taking place at the Abbey Row Centre in the town, the sessions, which start on October 22, will run each Thursday and opportunities on offer include mini-kickers – football-based classes for boys and girls aged 1.5-5 years and mini-tryers, rugby-based sessions for children aged 2-5 years.
Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, said: “Our aim is to provide opportunities for exercise to people of all ages in the community, from little children through to retirees. We trialled some ‘minis sessions’ in Kelso over Easter and got a great response, so we are hoping that lots of children will come along to enjoy this new programme.”
Borders Sport and Leisure already runs “minis sessions” in Galashiels, Hawick and Peebles as part of the organisation’s commitment to encouraging children to be active from an early age.
Mr Jackson continued: “Involving children in exercise and sport in a fun and accessible way from an early age can have a long -lasting impact on their lives and set them on the pathway to becoming active adults and enjoying the many health benefits this brings.”
Class times for the sessions taking place at the Abbey Row Centre in Kelso are:
Thursdays Mini Kickers stage 1 (1.5-3 years) 09:30-10:15
Thursdays Mini Kickers stage 2 (3-5 years) 10:15-11:00
Thursday Mini Tryers stage 1 (2-3.5 years) 13:15-14:00
Thursday Mini Tryers stage 2 (3.5-5 years) 14:00-14:45
Football
Hawick Legion
West Barns Star 4 Hawick Legion 2
West Barns were first to do the business when opening the scoring through an early goal.
Two tip-top saves from Legion keeper Euan Reilly then prevented Star from adding to their tally. The home men, however, kept up the pressure and duly put away a second counter.
Legion began to pick up their game after this and with five minutes of the first half remaining, reduced the leeway, Scott Duncan heading home a Sean Solley lay-off following a Craig McCutcheon cross.
But just seconds from the interval whistle, West Barns restored their two-goal advantage. And in the second half Star slotted away a fourth.
Legion’s Callum Hope brought an end to the scoring by beating the West Barns keeper with a lobbed shot after being fed by an Aiden Reilly pass.
Golf
Earlston
On a glorious sunny day with no wind, Earlston Golf Club travelled to Duns to play the Scotts Garage Pairs Two Ball Texas Scramble.
The winners were Matt Whiteford & Wullie Brien, runners-up Ross Aitchison & Euan Whiteford, and third was Shane Paton & Helen Todd. Longest drive – Shane Paton. Nearest the pin – Ross Aitchison. Thanks to Michael Scott for his generous sponsorship of this event.
Galashiels
John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors September Medal: A League winner, G. Ford net 34; B League winner, G. Turnbull net 37 BIH.
Minto
The end-of-season prizegiving was held on Sunday for the junior section of Minto Golf Club. An excellent turnout of 29 girls and boys took part in the prizegiving competition, with four categories being contested.
The results were: 8 holes 100m - 1, Neave Bolland 46; 2, Sophie Oliver 50. 10 holes 150m - 1, Ewan Stevenson 49; 2, Charlie Farquarson 53. 10 holes blue tees - 1, Sophie Allott 51; 2, Lucy Nichol 52; 3, William Brodie 54. Handicap - 1, Corrie Patterson 60; 2, Gregor Dodds 69; 3, Finlay Campbell 70; Scratch - Daniel Murdoch 69.
After the day’s competition, the prizes were given out for the season: 3 Club champion, Ross Nichol; Kenneth Oliver Trophy, Ross Nichol; Outing Cup, Corrie Patterson; Stuart & Paula Aitchison Memorial Trophy, Lily Towers; Gordons Trophy, Owen Cranston; Mitchell Salver, Corrie Patterson; Summer Competitions, Ross Nichol; Eclectic Competition, Ross Nichol; Chips ‘n’ Cheese League, Jay Goodfellow; “A” Champion, Daniel Murdoch; “B” Champion, Ross Nichol; 6 Hole “A”Champion, Lucy Nichol, 6 hole “B” Champion William Brodie; Most Improved Player, Jay Goodfellow.
Junior convener Angus Towers thanked all the adults who have helped throughout the season, in particular their help in taking the beginners out on the course. A big thanks also to all the people for their generous donations of prizes to the junior section.
Junior captain Angus Brown gave a vote of thanks to Mary and Angus Towers for their help and support, to the bar staff for keeping everybody fed on Friday nights throughout the season, and to the greens staff for the excellent condition of the course. See photograph of prizewinners on page 77.
Anne Paterson collected the Lothian Rosebowl, one of Minto Ladies’ most prestigious competitions, with a net score of 70. Anne’s splendid inward half of 42 gave her the trophy over Lynn Bruce, who had won the competition in 2013. Margaret Bland was third on 71.
Mary Glendinnning scored a hole-in-one during the competition. Using a four iron, Mary recorded her ace on the fourth hole, described in the course guide as the most challenging par three on the course.
Everyone playing in the competition was delighted for Mary and enjoyed the celebratory drinks she provided at the end of the competition.
Mary’s achievement means that she has qualified for the How Did I Do H1Club, an exclusive organisation for golfers scoring a hole-in-one during a club competition. Following the contest, the ladies enjoyed a buffet salad prepared by club chef Scott Daley.
The Roxburghe
The Roxburghe hosted the first round of qualifying to get onto the European Tour.
A field of 84 played three rounds, with 48 making the Thursday cut at +5 and ties to play a further 18 holes on the Friday. After a miserable practise day on the Monday, the next four days were perfect for golf, with sunshine and a light breeze. The course was again the winner, with some very good golfers struggling to post scores to keep themselves in contention.
In the end, 21 players who were -1 or better proceeded to the next round, with winner Jonathon Caldwell carding a fantastic 64 on the last day to get to -16, to triumph by five shots.
The course was immense, and comments from players and tour officials alike were that it was the best it has ever been. So high praise indeed for new course manager Ross Ovens and his staff.
Torwoodlee
JC Hall Trophy & October Medal: 1, Stan Irvine 86 (21) 65; 2, Alistair Lundie 79 (12) 67; 3, Derek Gillie 68 (1) 67; 4, Ewan Davidson 80 (12) 68; 5, Dave Sutherland 85 (16) 69.
Hogg & Thorburn Order of Merit: 1, George Parker 80 (11) 69 BIH; 2, Jonathan Brown 78 (9) 69; 3, Jimmy Graham 78-8-70 BIH. Scratch: David Gillie 70.
September Medal & Champion Of Champions: 1, Jack McDonald 77-11-66; 2, Brian Aitchison 73 (5) 68; 3, Andrew Broooks 70-1-69 BIH; 4, Gerry Smyth 83 (14) 69 BIH. Scratch: Simon Fairburn 68. Champion of Champions Winner: Brian Aitchison.
Hogg & Thorburn Order Of Merit: 1, Andrew Brooks 69 (1) 68; 2, Derek Gillie 70 (1) 69; 3, Anoop Chadha 80 (10) 70 BIH.
Junior 9 Hole Comp: 1, Kyle Anderson 45 (15) 30 - new handicap - 12; 2, Gregor Brydon - 47 (10) 37; 3, Lewis Gillie 65 (26) 39.
Judo
JudoScotland
One year on from judo’s immense success at Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, JudoScotland is launching an award winning girls-only judo programme in the East of Scotland.
With the support of Scottish Borders Council, Girls on the Move and Active Schools, the project aims to create opportunities and encourage females to participate in judo.
The sessions, which are being run in conjunction with Outreach Judo Club, are designed to engage young females, a group at high risk of inactivity, through the sport. Research has highlighted that only 41% of girls aged 13-15 in Scotland meet the target of an hour’s physical activity a day. The sessions, developed from an award-winning pilot in the West of Scotland, will focus on physical movement similar to dance, introducing judo gradually.
Dougi Bryce, chief executive officer at JudoScotland, said: “It is important to utilise the opportunities bestowed to us following the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Projects such as the Girls Judo Project is just one way JudoScotland can harness that legacy and implement real change.”
The East of Scotland Girl’s Judo project is keen to develop more than just female participation – it also aims to develop female coaches and volunteers. If you would like to get involved in the Female Participation Judo Programme, contact JohnnyImrie@judoscotland.com or call the JudoScotland Development Team on 0131 333 2981. Girls-only judo sessions are on Tuesdays (4.15-5pm) at Selkirk High School and Wednesdays (4.15-5pm) at Peebles High School. Outreach Judo also run a female-only fitness and self-defence through judo class on Wednesday mornings at Cardrona Village Hall for adults.
Rugby
Earlston
Earlston 54 Edinburgh Uni Medics 20
A resounding home win last weekend sees Earlston top the East League Division Three table.
Scott Bell put the hosts in front after eight minutes with a penalty goal, but the visitors replied with a try followed by a penalty.
After some dominant scrums and numerous forward breenges, Mark Stewart went over from short range, with Bell adding the conversion and a penalty to see Earlston 13-8 up at the break.
A change of gear after the restart saw the hosts in cruise control with tries from Steven Cessford, Bell, Shaun Tippen, James Rowley and Ben McNeil, plus a penalty try, one penalty and two conversions from Bell, with Kris Rowley converting two tries. Uni added another two tries and a conversion to their tally, but rarely troubled the home line during the half.
This weekend Earlston travel to play Lismore.
Langholm
Langholm 17 Edinburgh Northern 10
Langholm grabbed their first victory of the season with a hard-working display at Milntown.
The match started with the powerful Edinburgh outfit scoring an unconverted try at the corner after three minutes.
Langholm won possession from the restart and before the visitors knew what had hit them, live-wire scrumhalf Stuart Hagen went in to score.
The Milntown men kept play alive and good work by the pack ended with No. 8 Jordan Reid bursting over for a deserved try, Niall Cubbon converting.
Most of the play was in the visitors’ half and Langholm were awarded a penalty 30 metres out. From a tap-and-run, the ball was fed wide and flanker Gregor Masterton went over to score in the corner to make it 17-5 at half-time.
The Edinburgh outfit appeared to step up a gear after the resumption and, following forward pressure, battered over for an unconverted try with only four minutes of the second half played.
Much of the play thereafter was rather scrappy and although Langholm rarely looked in danger, there was always the chance that Northern could hit back. Cubbon missed with a penalty, but the hosts held out for a deserved win.
Refereeing
A level 1 refereeing course is to be held between 10am and 4pm on October 4 at the Greenyards, Melrose.
Course leader – Malcolm Changleng.
Applications – www.ScottishRugby-Everyone’s Game-Referees-Courses.
Contact – Bill Calder (07935 340949).
Squash
Galashiels
Club night friendlies: J. Barrow 2-0 J. Borowska; P. Spence 2-0 A. Niemczewski; R. Kohler 2-0 C. Saetre; D. Sharratt 2-0 J. Barrow; I. Chalmers 2-0 J. Borowska; A. Gill 2-0 P. Spence; C. Saetre 2-0 J. Borowska; A. Gill 2-0 J. Barrow; P. Spence 2-1 I. Chalmers; C. Saetre 2-0 J. Borowska; D. Sharratt 2-0 C. Saetre.
League One: I. Chalmers 3-0 D. Sharratt (9-5, 9-6, 9-2).
Tennis
Melrose
Melrose Waverley Tennis Club’s annual general meeting is in the Ormiston Rooms’ upper lounge, Melrose, on November 2 at 7.30pm. The annual presentation of club trophies will precede the AGM, beginning at 7pm.
Vaulting
Equibuddy
The group took three horses to the Scottish Championships at the Morris Equestrian Centre in Kilmarnock.
Jaffa, Spotty and Sparky all worked hard and helped the vaulters achieve some good results.
In the Walk A class, Connie White was second, Grace White seventh and Nicola Thomson 10th. In Walk B, Keira Thomson was 15th. In Walk E, Olivia O’Leary was placed first, Taylor Brown second, Kirsty Gibb third, Rihanna Watson fourth, John Oliver sixth and Olivia Robertson seventh. In the Walk Team classes, Get Physical were placed first, Cowboys were fourth in Section A and Oompa Loompas led the way in Section B. In the Canter classes, Catherine Baker won the Novice Individual, with Lottie Redpath runner-up and Kira Darling fourth. In the Child Individual class, Minta Younger was second female, with Eva Walley 12th and Ailsa Chalmers 13th. Archie Pilcher finished fifth male. In the Junior Individual, Sophie Thomson clinched 10th female, with Ally Simmonds 11th. In the Male Senior class, Sam Corson came second.
Following on from another successful outing, all the Equibuddy vaulters and parents offer their appreciation to Jenny Leggate, Gemma Hope, Claire Wishart, Claire Marshall and everyone who made the weekend such a success.
Girls-only judo sessions are set to roll into the Borders with classes being held in Selkirk, Peebles and Cardrona.
Run by JudoScotland, the sessions will be held on Tuesdays (4.15-5pm) at Selkirk High School and Wednesdays (4.15-5pm) at Peebles High School. Outreach Judo also runs a femal-only fitness and self-defence class on Wednesday mornings at Cardrona village hall. More on page 79.
Chirnside bagged a much-needed victory on Saturday with a 4-1 win over Hawick Waverley at Comrades Park.
The first half ended goalless, with the Berwickshire men having the better chances.
But Waverley went ahead on the hour mark when Yardley finished after Cooper had lobbed the ball – and it looked as though Chirnside’s stuttering start to the season was going to continue.
But the lead didn’t last long and Armstrong struck home a shot into the corner. Waverley had a player sent off for dissent and 10 minutes later Armstrong added another. Chirnside scored a third through Romaines and sub Turner added number four.
A call for Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to reverse its decision to spend £3.5million on a new gallery/visitor centre for the Great Tapestry of Scotland will be heard today (Thursday).
Notwithstanding the controversy over the planning bid for the Tweedbank site – due to be considered next week – the petitions and delegations committee is convening at Newtown in response to an online petition containing 4,440 signatures.
It was raised this spring by Innerleithen community councillor Brian McCrow after SBC endorsed its December decision to part-fund the building, with the Scottish Government contributing another £2.5million to the £6million project.
The capital investment by the local authority will involve annual loan repayments of more than £200,000 for 30 years.
“We believe the decision made by SBC to fund a building in Tweedbank to house The Great Tapestry of Scotland is an unacceptable use of our council budget at a time when essential services are being cut,” the petition states.
“As residents and taxpayers of SBC, we therefore request our elected members to overturn the decision to spend £3.5million in this manner.”
Mr McCrow will today take issue with the business case for the Tweedbank site, commissioned by SBC and prepared by private consultants, which predicts the centre will, by its third year, attract 47,000 visitors annually based on a standard adult admission fee of £10.
Councillors will also be presented with a selection of online comments from supporters of the petition.
These include additional needs teacher Victoria Anderson, of Traquair, who states: “Our department is badly under-funded … this is quite an absurd and insulting suggestion.”
Graham Jones, of Selkirk, writes: “This is completely shocking … disgusting what you are doing spending my money on a bit cloth at a time when people are having to use foodbanks and are struggling to make ends meet.”
And Gillian Ormiston, of Tweedbank, says: “This is unwanted, unaffordable and a folly. I’ve seen the tapestry (for free), it’s something to be part of another attraction, not an attraction meriting a £10 entry fee.”
The case for the council will be put by Rob Dickson, corporate transformation and services director.
Meanwhile, SBC has defended its decision to publicly seek interest from contractors for the delivery of the new centre before today’s meeting and before planning consent has been granted.
“This was published … to enable the council to meet the combination of legislative timelines and programme delivery dates, should the plans be approved,” said a council spokesperson.
As far as Selkirk’s director of rugby Cameron Cochrane is concerned, there is no better time or place to show they mean business than against Hawick at Philiphaugh on Saturday.
The winless Souters return home after back-to-back trips against Heriot’s and Currie to take on their Borders rivals in a 2.30pm fixture to allow supporters to watch Scotland’s World Cup contest with South Africa.
“We are at home and I feel Saturday is a great chance to finally get over the hump,” said Cochrane.
“We have made strides in recent weeks. Everyone at the club has been working hard and I feel we are so close to making that breakthrough and getting our first win.”
After defeating rivals Gala last week, Melrose travel to Bridgehaugh to take on Stirling County aiming to follow that dominant performance with another. Looking to bounce back from a tough road defeat, the Maroons welcome an undefeated Boroughmuir side – who narrowly escaped their first loss of the season with a 22-18 victory over Selkirk last weekend – to Netherdale.
In National One, cellar dwellers Peebles take on play-off chasing GHA at Braidholm while fellow strugglers Jed-Forest and Kelso travel to Aberdeen and Edinburgh to face Grammar and Accies respectively.
It’s been an interesting fortnight in Gloucester and Leeds watching the Scotland squad partake in their opening two games of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
And sitting at the top of Pool B with maximum points is great.
However, before a match was played we were all expecting 10 points from bonus wins against the two “minnows” of the pool.
What we didn’t expect was Japan’s win over the Springboks and that has changed the complexion of the group, putting Scotland in the driving seat to qualify for the quarter-finals. Having seen Samoa’s two matches so far, I cannot see us losing to them, but bonus points could well come into play yet, so no-one is taking things for granted.
South Africa stepped up a gear to slaughter Samoa, but the Pacific Islanders also have a chance to qualify, along with Japan. Our second-half performances against Japan and USA were brilliant – 33 points and five tries in each – but if we play against South Africa the way we played in the first half against America we could be many points down by the break and the ‘Boks are not going to concede 33 points to Scotland in the final 40.
Our own Stuart Hogg, Ross Ford and captain Greig Laidlaw are expected to start in Newcastle on Saturday – the team is announced this morning. Laidlaw has been immense. He’s kicking well and when he came on against the USA with half an hour to go he stamped his authority on the match.
Hogg has fortunately recovered from his foot injury and is playing well, and the more we get into this World Cup the more I expect we will see of him. He is a player who loves to shine and when things are going right, the confidence just oozes out of him. He will relish testing himself against the world’s best.
Ford has played more than 90 times for Scotland now and the way he is playing at the moment there is no reason why he shouldn’t get to the 100 mark, as well as surpass Chris Paterson’s Scottish record of 109. He’s a player who’s come under the radar over the past few years to become the third most-capped Scotland player and he’s playing some of the best rugby of his career right now.
I will be disappointed if we don’t do ourselves justice against South Africa, whose breakdown coach is of course another well-known Borderer, Richie Gray (the Gala one!).
I predict a Scotland win, but we can’t afford to play catch-up rugby and a good first half is vital.
Two best friends from Denholm Primary School are accelerating through the ranks of national mountain biking competitions, writes Lorna Robertson.
William Brodie, 11, and 10-year-old Hector Patterson have both won big events, the first of which saw William recently crowned Borders Mini Downhill age-group champion.
William’s mum Georgina said: “He’s always been into cycling and mountain biking since his stabilisers came off at three-and-a-half but the speed he’s improving at now is amazing [and] I’m so proud.”
Hector’s mum Julie added: “I’m so glad Hector is doing so well, but I have to look the other way at times [because] it can be quite scary!”
The two lads have competed in various other events this year including the World Cup in Fort William, where Hector finished second in his age group.
A 17-year-old from Lauder and her younger sibling have been flying high in the world of aerial gymnastics over the last month.
Ciara Donlevy scooped the gold medal in her age category at the recent British Elite Trampoline Championships held at the Echo Arena in Liverpool and has now been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Age Group Championships in Denmark in December along with her City of Edinburgh clubmate Caitlin O’Brian.
A pupil at Earlston High School, Ciara began trampolining seven years ago. She trains 4-5 times a week and coaches at the City of Edinburgh Club.
A keen hockey player, the active teenager is also a sports house captain at Earlston High School where she undertakes school service in the PE department.
Despite her busy schedule she also helps out with after school sports at Earlston Primary School on Tuesday afternoons alongside the Active Schools co-ordinator and, as much as possible, helps out at Lauder Limpers juniors.
Ciara won the ladies’ 17-18 Double Mini Trampoline competition in Liverpool and, as British champion, has since been selected to represent Great Britain at the Loule World Cup in Portugal in October and then the World Age Groups in Odense in Denmark in December.
Proud mum Valerie told us: “She was at school when she heard the good news, she texted me to let me know and had a massive grin on her face when I got home.”
Elsewhere Ciara’s younger sister Orla Donlevy made it to the British NDP finals after qualifications at the beginning of the year and finished eighth after completing four clean passes.
Both girls qualified for the Scottish National Championships held at Bells sports arena in Perth on September 27, but, due to her GB commitments, Ciara could not compete. Orla, however, won silver in the ladies’ 13-14 NDP Six double mini trampoline – a massive achievement.
Both girls would like to thank head coach Lauren Jeffrey of City of Edinburgh Trampoline Club as well as the Rowan Boland Trust and Borders Sport & Leisure Trust for their financial help this past year.
“Like many sports, trampolining, at this level, can be costly with travel and accommodation all to be taken into consideration, so the help that the girls have received is much appreciated,” added Mrs Donlevy.
A High Court judge has lashed out at a cannabis user who tried to kill a man he believed was chatting up his girlfriend.
Possessive Derek McDermid drove his car at speed at 40-year-old Andrew Taylor, crushing him against his own vehicle.
McDermid, 51, admitted attemped murder and was jailed for nine years for the attack in Broom Drive, Galashiels, on August 18 last year.
The judge, Lord Boyd of Duncansby, told him: “This is one of the most serious offences that come before these courts.
“You deliberately drove your car at Mr Taylor, causing him very serious injuries which he will have to live with for the rest of his life.”
The judge said there was no doubt that the injuries he inflicted on his victim were devastating.
And he told McDermid on Friday that if he’d been convicted after a trial, he’d have been jailed for 12 years.
Jobless McDermid, who used cannabis daily, had earlier admitted attempting to murder the 40-year-old victim by driving the car at him, striking him on the body and assaulting him to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment.
McDermid, of Gatehouse Cottages, Bonchester Bridge, threatened to kill Mr Taylor before carrying out the car attack.
The court heard the two men had known each other since about 2008. Mr Taylor understood Rebecca Fox, 21, to be McDermid’s girlfriend. He did not know her very well, but formed the view that McDermid was possessive and controlling towards her.
On the day of the murder bid she had contacted Mr Taylor, and he later spoke to her on the phone and believed that he called her “doll” or “hen” during their conversation.
McDermid phoned him shortly afterwards and accused him of trying to chat her up and threatened to kill him.
Mr Taylor was later at the rear of his car and saw McDermid pointing at him as he drove past in his Daewoo Tacuma. McDermid stopped the vehicle and turned it around before accelerating towards his victim.
Mr Taylor, who was rearranging items in the boot, heard a car accelerating at high speed and turned and saw the vehicle coming straight at him.
Advocate depute Paul Brown said he had no time to react before he was hit, and was crushed against his own car which was pushed into a fence by the impact. He was thrown for some distance before he fell to the ground and his attacker drove off.
Mr Taylor suffered serious leg injuries in the murder bid and underwent surgery after the attack.
McDermid’s vehicle was later found with damage to the bonnet and windscreen, and he admitted he was the driver.
Defence solicitor advocate Urfan Dar said: “His behaviour was clearly irrational and resulted in very dangerous consequences.”
He said McDermid suffered from depression and anxiety and had failed to take his prescribed medication.
Controversial plans for a wind farm overlooked by the Carter Bar south of Jedburgh have been withdrawn – just a week before they were due to be debated.
Around 200 objections had already been lodged with Scottish Borders Council (SBC) against the proposal for seven 126.5-metre high turbines at Cummings Hill, near Chesters. It was due to be considered by SBC’s planning and building control committee next Monday.
But this week, Craig Wallace, an agent for Northampton-based renewables company Infinis, told the council his clients had been “considering their position in light of recent consultee responses and the approach to the progression of the proposals”.
Mr Wallace said: “In light of current circumstances, we are instructed to formally withdraw the application. Our clients will consider the future approach to the site and, if appropriate, we will be in contact with the council to discuss a potential approach to resubmission.”
The decision comes in the same week that Infinis lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government against June’s decision by the planning committee to reject the firm’s bid for nine turbines at Windy Edge, about 15 miles north-west of Cummings Hill, near historic Hermitage Castle.
Southdean resident Philip Kerr, chair of the Chesters Wind Farm Action Group which was formed when Infinis first unveiled its plans for Cummings Hill in 2011, told The Southern: “The unacceptable visual impact of industrial-size wind turbines, which was cited in the Windy Edge decision, applies right across the scenic and unspoiled south-eastern spine of Roxburghshire from here to Newcastleton.
“While we welcome the Cummings Hill withdrawal, albeit very late in the day and at considerable cost to SBC, we will keep up the fight because we know there are scoping [assessment] applications for more wind farms in the area.”
That is a reference to scoping bids for 20 turbines at Newcastleton Forest, 20 at Wauchope West, 50 at Wauchope East and 37 at Highlee Hill just south of Chesters village.
BEDRULE
Whist
The autumn series of whist and dominoes continues on October 5 (7.30pm) with a fundraising event for the Bedrule defibrillator.
SWI
Sheila Clyne created a variety of cold sweets, which members got to taste, at the latest meeting. Competition – rose from the garden – 1, Teela Ferguson; 2, Janice Palmer; 3, Janet Alexander.
bowden
Camera group
Bowden Digital Camera Group is holding a coffee morning and exhibition of members’ photographs in the village hall on October 3 (10am-noon).
Caddonfoot
Parish church
The Reverend Elspeth Harley returned on Sunday as a member of the congregation following her fall while on holiday in Germany. Mrs Harley, with the aid of crutches, was given a rousing welcome, along with husband Ewen. The service was taken by Fran Selkirk. A Bible reading was delivered by Catriona Bird and music played by Margaret Blyth. There is a hamper in the vestibule for gifts for the annual sale of work in the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels, on October 31. More volunteers are needed for the BGH chaplaincy team to ensure that church services continue – contact Mrs Blyth for more information. Today’s meeting of the kirk session has been cancelled.
earlston
Unveiling
The Friends of Thomas the Rhymer Group is unveiling a bronze bust of Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov in Earlston Square on Saturday, October 3, at 2pm. An afternoon of music, song and dance will follow. Lermontov, born in Moscow in 1814, was descended from 17th-century Scottish mercenary George Learmonth. He was proud of his Scottish ancestry, so much so he claimed it right back to a 13th-century laird, Thomas Learmonth from Earlston – the bard and prophet Thomas the Rhymer.
Parish church
Messy Church is on Saturday in the church hall from 10.30am to 1pm. The service on Sunday at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. Holy communion will be celebrated on October 18.
Women’s group
Tonight (Thursday) at 8pm in the church hall, Augusta Greenlees will talk about riding holidays. It is entitled “Saddle Sore in Madagascar”.
Civic week
The leadership of Earlston Civic Week organising committee has changed. At the AGM last Friday, Steven Cessford took over the chair, with Shannon Elliot as depute. The remainder of the committee remains unchanged.
Coffee morning
A coffee morning will be held at Hanover Close on Saturday, October 10. The event begins at 10am and is in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
galashiels
Probus
Mary Sherrard spoke about her wartime experiences at Bletchley Park at last Thursday’s meeting. Her work involved decoding German Enigma machine signals. It was top secret and those involved were not able to talk about it until 1974. Mary married John Sherrard who was involved in similar war work and they were both well known locally when John was minister of what is now Trinity Church in Galashiels. The next meeting of the club is on October 8 when Margaret Skea will talk about “Scottish Tapestry”.
Quiz night
Borders Samaritans are holding a fundraising quiz night on Friday, October 2, in Quins, Market Street. With chips and dips included, a table of four costs £10. The event begins at 8pm.
Trinity church
Last Sunday’s service and music were led by Frances Selkirk and Dorothy Howden (organ and piano) respectively. Joyce Lewis read the lessons. At the beginning of the service, Marette Hose updated the congregation about the needs of the foodbank. She said that there were good supplies of tins etc., but there was a shortage of long-life milk, coffee, jam and tinned steak pies. Cash donations would also be welcomed. In the evening there was a “Songs of Praise” in the church. This was organised and led by Dorothy Howden. Marette Hose opened the service with a prayer and everyone recited the Gaelic Blessing at the end of the evening. A cup of tea was served at the interval. On Sunday, October 4, there will be a short communion service for those who cannot manage to get to the normal one, or who just wishes to come along. The service is in Trinity at 3pm and will be led by the Reverend Marion Dod. If anyone needs a lift, speak to session clerk Bill Cheyne.
Glendouglas
SWI
The next meeting is on October 7 at 7.30pm when Marion Termaat will give a talk on witchcraft. Competition – a witch’s hat. Hostess – Marylynn Farquaharson.
hawick
Rotary
Several members’ wives were in attendance to hear Amy Ward, Selkirk, give an illustated talk on her spell working in Los Garionnes Women’s Prison, Guatemala, Central America. She related how she had been suffering from a serious and debilitating illness for seven years and, when she recovered in 2013, felt a calling to offer her services to a needy organisation well out of her comfort zone. As a result, through the Volunteer Latin-link Christian Group, she was posted to Guatemala to teach in the women’s prison. There were 146 inmates and only eight guards.
Innerleithen
Service
The service being held on Sunday, October 4, begins at 10.30am, It will be followed by a light lunch.
jedburgh
Bridge club
The club has begun its winter season in the British Legion on Mondays at 7pm. New members welcome. A come-and-try evening took place last week and it is proposed to begin lessons in October on a Thursday night. Contact Richard Oates on 07812 209216 for further information.
Historical society
John Elliot, of Coldstream, spoke about “Memories of a Scottish photographer”, the photographer being his great uncle, Nichol Elliot. Nichol lived in Coldstream from an early age where he learned the carpenter’s trade. He sang in a local church choir as well as being a Sunday school teacher. He took an early interest in photography, using his woodworking skills to make his first camera. Nichol won a photographic competition and decided to make a career in photography, opening a studio and shop in Coldstream. He realised he would have to be properly trained, so attended a college in Austria, eventually settling in Canada. Although he was over 40 at the outbreak of the First World War, he returned to the UK where he lied about his age and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant. He fell on July 10, 1917, aged 44. The next meeting is on October 8 when Derek Rae will speak on the history of the North British Rayon factory in Jedburgh.
kelso
Thursday Group
The Thursday Group opens its autumn programme today (Thursday) with a talk by John Stuart Murray entitled “Reading the Gaelic landscape”. Mr Murray’s book of the same title will be on sale. The meeting starts at 2pm in the Abbey Row Centre (room 4). Subscriptions (£7) are due. Next week, Len McDermid will speak about the Greenock poet, W. S. Graham.
Gardens contest
Kelso Horticultural Society gardens competition – front – 1, Mr I. Paterson, 77 Queens Croft; 2, Mr R. Thomson, 12 The Tofts; 3, Mr W. Nichol, 13 Queens Croft; highly commended, Mr and Mrs R. Darling, 8 Springwood Terrace; commended, Mrs J. Mooney, 1 Pinnaclehill Park. Patio – 1, Mr T. Liddle, 5 Station Road; 2, Mrs A. Scott, 17 Pinnaclehill Park; 3, Mr and Mrs Utterson, Linden Bank, Maxwell Lane; highly commended, Mrs H. Sanders, 6 The Linn; commended, Mr W. Grieve, 50 The Linn.
Bridge club
September 23 – Abbey Salver – N/S – 1, Lesley Dick and Lynda Douglas; 2, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; 3, Dominic and Diana Alkin; E/W – 1, Maureen Weightman and Helen Long; 2, David Harris-Burland and Ruth Mackay; 3, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger. September 24 – Calchou Cup – N/S – 1, Dorothy Graham and Lynda Douglas; 2, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 3, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; E/W – 1, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 2, Alison Ireland and Michael Horwood; 3, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger.
melrose
Border Flower Club
Wendy Smith, from Durham, was the first demonstrator of the season. Her presentation was titled from the book, “Travels with my Aunt”. She took her audience to Brighton Pavilion, Paris in the spring and on a trip on the Orient Express. This was followed to Istanbul spice markets and the Rio de Janeiro carnival. Her choice of containers, foliage and a selection of flowers complemented the travel venues. The next meeting is on October 7 in Corn Exchange at 7.30pm when the demonstrator will be Elizabeth Paterson, from Carluke, and her title is “Design by Nature”.
Parish church
There was autumn sunshine for the services at Bowden (communion) and Melrose where, at the beginning the Eco-Baton was presented by the Reverend Trevor Jamison of the Eco-Congregation Scotland, symbolising the concern of churches about climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and the safety of the planet – and showing that concern to the International Conference in Paris this December. The baton went on to Holy Trinity Church escorted by youngsters. October 4 – harvest thanksgiving and lunch. October 23 – Big Band Bash.
Trimontium
An Aberdeen to Tweedbank railway day return for a family group was among the latest addition to the ways of coming to see the coin hoards at the museum, with local buses providing the last link to and from Melrose. The steam train specials have also brought the independent visitor. On the subject of walking, the Indian summer is still encouraging the active to step out on Thursday afternoons to see the world from the Leaderfoot viaduct, enjoy their tea in Newstead village hall and stroll back to Melrose via the stonemasons’ path to the abbey or the monks’ riverside wall to the end of the Annay road. After today’s (Thursday) walk, Dr Patrick Ottaway, all the way by train and bus from York, will be throwing new light on that ancient city in the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm in the first of this autumn’s three celebrity lectures.
Morebattle
Guild
The first night of the new season will be held today (Thursday) at 7.30pm in the institute when Adam Flannigan will tell of his expedition to an orphanage in Peru with The Vine Trust. Visitors welcome.
Cheviot Churches
A harvest dance will be held in the Wauchope Hall, Yetholm, on October 10. Tickets from village shop.
Coffee morning
The Macmillan coffee morning raised about £450.
Training
About 60 people took part in the CPR and defribillator training programme held in the institute, with tuition from Jayne Horton, assisted by Dot Halliday who organised the event. There are defribillators situated at Morebattle, Linton, Cessford and Hownam.
NEWTOWN
Seniors’ Club
The next meeting of Newtown and Eildon Seniors’ Afternoon Club, including a talk entitled “Hatches, Matches and Dispatches”, will be in Newtown Community Wing on October 6 from 2pm.
st boswells
Drama club
The drama club, affectionately known as St Boswells AmDrams, has formed a splinter group to which all are invited to share social evenings of prose/poetry, music, chat, laughter or whatever transpires on the night. The first get-together’s readings included some from members themselves, a local published poet, T. S. Eliot and Anthony Booth. It is planned to meet monthly with a specific topic. The next gathering is in the village hall’s upper room on October 29 (7.30-9.30pm). The subject is wine.
Traquair
Service
The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on October 11 at 10.30am.
Walkerburn
Service
The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on Sunday, October 18, at 10.30am.
yetholm
Dance
Country dancing today (Thursday) in Youth Hall from 2 -4pm.
Youth theatre
Borders Youth Theatre present “I Mind O’ That Project” in Wauchope Hall from 10-11.30am (Friday, October 2, and Friday, October 9). Locals are invited to come along along and share their memories with Yetholm Primary School children.
Show
Yetholm Shepherds’ Show will be held at The Haugh on October 3.
Badminton
Badminton will be held in Wauchope Hall on October 6 (1.30pm).
History society
The history society meets in the Mission Hall on October 6 at 7.30pm when archaeologist Chris Jones gives a talk on the Northumberland National Park.
Cheviot Churches
A harvest ceilidh will be held in the Wauchope Hall on Saturday, October 10. Tickets are available from the village shop and the event gets under way at 7.30pm.
Police in the Borders are working alongside partner agencies and local communities this week to tackle doorstep crime as part of a national campaign.
Earlier this year, Police Scotland launched Operation Monarda, which targets bogus workmen, rogue traders and cold callers operating across the country.
Local officers are carrying out a number of events in the area to provide homeowners with useful advice on how they can avoid being targeted by scammers as well as offer a contact point where members of the public can raise their concerns.
The campaign is being supported by local partners and Scottish Borders Council Trading Standards who will provide advice and information in relation to door step crime. They have a wide range of information and advice on their website at www.scotborders.gov.uk/info/264/trading_standards.
On Monday, September 28, local officers attended at an event held by Age Scotland, where volunteers were given advice and information on Operation Mondarda, this will then be taken out to local groups across the Borders.
Today (Thursday October 1), PC Howgego, Community Officer in Kelso, is attending the Kelso Womens Together group to give some input on bogus callers and crime prevention.
On Sunday October 4, PC Changleng will be visiting the Celebrate Silver Sunday event at Langlee Community Centre, to provide advice and information on the campaign.
A day of actions will be carried out tomorrow (Friday October 2) in conjunction with the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).
Commenting ahead of next week’s activity, Inspector John Scott of Police Scotland, said: “Doorstep crime is an ongoing problem which impacts on families and homes across the Scottish Borders and Scotland.
“It is an unfortunate fact that many of the victims targeted by bogus callers are elderly and we are committed to doing all we can to trace and arrest those responsible, this type of crime has real impact in the Borders and we are encouraging members of the community to look out for neighbours and be prepared to challenge those who are working in gardens or are cold calling at doors. Genuine businesses will be willing to provide identification and information on the type of work they are doing
“Operation Monarda was set-up to help tackle this issue and to offer advice and assistance to anyone who needs it.
“We are working alongside our relevant partners to identify those involved in offences of this nature and bring them to justice.
“We will not tolerate any criminal activity, which deliberately targets the vulnerable members of our communities. Anyone involved in this behaviour can expect to be robustly dealt with by Police Scotland.
“We would encourage communities to consider setting up No Cold Caller Zones which have proved very successful across the Borders in preventing this type of crime”.
Aldi is withdrawing its Specially Selected Yogurts as some pots may contain hazelnut yogurt, which is not mentioned on the product label.
The Food Standards Agency has reported the product as a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to hazelnuts.
Product details
The names of the products are:
- Specially Selected Scottish Luxury Yogurt, 150g
- Specially Selected Canadian Blueberry Luxury Yogurt, 150g
- Specially Selected Fudge and Cream Luxury Yogurt, 150g
Other information: Aldi Specially Selected product code: 64284
‘Use by’ date: 20 October 2015
Advice to consumers:
If you have bought one of the above products and have an allergy to hazelnuts, do not eat it.
Instead, return the product to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.
Point-of-sale notices will be displayed in stores that were distributed the product.
Borderers are being urged to enter the annual Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year competition.
The competition, now in its second year, celebrates the beauty of Scotland’s breathtaking scenery and is the brainchild of Fife-based landscape photographer Stuart Low. It now boasts an increased prize fund of £14,000 and has attracted new sponsors such as by Academy Class, Caledonian MacBrayne, Calumet Photographic, Fotospeed, Scottish Natural Heritage and Formatt-Hitech. The competition has been timed to coincide with the spectacular colours of the Scottish autumn.
Founder Stuart Low said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the competition is continuing again this year. The competition is all about promoting photography and tourism, and the inaugural competition has proved to have been a great success. The book we produced is a best seller in the shops and the exhibition of winning images was so popular that they had extended runs at various galleries across Scotland.”
The competition has been endorsed by VisitScotland, Scotland’s national tourism organisation.
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland said: “From the Scottish Borders to the Shetland Islands, we have a worldwide reputation for our natural beauty with has inspired both photographers and filmmakers alike to come to our shores and take in our spectacular landscapes. They say a picture paints a thousand words and we look forward to seeing ‘essays’ of wonder from entrants once again.”
The competition is open to amateur, professional and young photographers from the UK and overseas. Submissions close on November 14.
For more information, go to http://www.slpoty.co.uk.
SNP MSP Christine Grahame has today highlighted new figures showing that Tory welfare cuts are costing 200 jobs in the Scottish Borders– confirming that the policy agenda is “failing by every conceivable measure”.
New research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) based on methodology used by Professor Steve Fothergill in a study on Wales - shows that as a result of reduced disposable income due to social security cuts, £1,520 million has been removed each year from the Scottish economy – with the resultant loss of jobs in the Borders.
This new data comes on the back of expert evidence from Sheffield Hallam University to the Scottish Parliament’s Welfare Reform Committee making clear that Tory social security cuts had “no relationship with employment growth” and that “the evidence provides little support for the view that welfare reform is having important and positive impacts on the labour market in Scotland.”
Ms Grahame said: “It’s now abundantly clear that the callous, punitive Tory cuts to social security have failed by even their own standards – and it’s people in the Borders who are paying the price. The financial impact of this welfare reform is £27M in the Borders.
“Not content with pushing vulnerable people even further into poverty while doing nothing to support people into employment, we now know that Tory social security cuts are actually costing 200 jobs in the Borders by sucking spending power out of our poorest communities.
“With less money in the economy in communities across the country as a result of these welfare cuts, 200 people in the Borders now find themselves without work as the consequences of the Tories’ ideological right-wing attack on the poor intensify, creating a vicious circle of unemployment in the areas where this is already acute.
“With his welfare cuts failing by every conceivable measure, it’s time for David Cameron to finally admit that his unfair policies simply don’t work – and for a long overdue U-turn from this Tory government who are more interested in punishing unemployed people than in supporting them back into work.
“And with Westminster’s appalling record on social security, it’s absolutely no wonder that more and more people in Scotland want these key powers to be in Scotland’s hands – rather than in the hands of right-wing Tory ideologues.”
Justice is a corner stone of our society – it is there to ensure that fairness prevails ... for both accused and accuser.
Scotland prides itself in having – virtually – its own, and in many ways, unique legal system. It is not perfect. Few legal systems are, but they are adapted and improved over centuries.
But a report now shows that not all changes are for the better. Scotland’s court administrators decided to close the sheriff courts in Peebles and Duns. JP courts suffered the same sentence. Courts only remained in Selkirk and Jedburgh.
The report by Audit Scotland proves, beyond reasonable doubt, that that decision was wrong. It has revealed that four out of 10 criminal cases in the sheriffdom of the Lothians and the Borders take more than six months to reach a conclusion – well outwith Holyrood’s expectations. And if criminal cases take this long, it’s a fair bet civil matters are also falling behind.
Local lawyers and sheriffs opposed the closures and warned of the consequences. But their pleas went unheard. That wasn’t justice. Now they have been proven right.