A Borders estate is taking is helping the UK sheep industry to drive genetic improvement forward through the inclusion of commercial data in genetic evaluations.

Bowhill Estate, which primarily lies between the Yarrow and Ettrick Valleys, is comprised of 8804 acres and is one of six commercial farms around the UK taking part in the RamCompare project.

The two-year project, funded by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) along with other partners, got underway in May and will run over two breeding seasons until 2017. It involves artificial insemination (AI) and single-sire mating with rams from five pedigree breeds with known genetics and will work along the supply chain to get lamb performance data from farms and abattoirs included in genetic evaluation. Support for the project is also provided by the Sainsbury’s ‘Big Data’ Agriculture R&D Grant Scheme, Randall Parker Foods, Dunbia and Scotland’s Rural College.

Of the 4,500 breeding ewes at Bowhill, 200 Aberdale Blackface cross ewes have been put to a Texel, Suffolk, Meatlinc or Charollais ram supplied by the project, or to one of Bowhill’s own recorded Texel stock rams. A further 120 ewes from Bowhill will be artificially inseminated with semen from other rams within the project.

It is anticipated that a crop of over 500 lambs from these rams will be born in the middle of March next year. Data from the lambs will be collected through to slaughter and will be evaluated to see whether its inclusion in the rams’ genetic evaluations identifies differences between sires and improves their accuracy. A ranking of the tested rams, based on commercially important traits, will be produced at the end of 2017.

Sion Williams, farm manager at Bowhill, is very enthusiastic about being part of this project.

He said: “From a farming point of view, this project is really exciting and the information generated will undoubtedly improve the genetics of the Scottish sheep flock and the connection between the ram breeder and the commercial lamb on the market.

“We have been using EID since 2008 so have a keen interest in how genetics can influence performance. From a business perspective it will be good to see how these rams perform against our own, allowing us to make amendments to the breeding strategy and ram selection as a result.”

Michael Blanche, QMS Knowledge Transfer Specialist, said: “Central Progeny Tests have had a huge effect on genetic improvement in sheep elsewhere in the world and this is the first time one is being established in the UK. It means we can compare different rams against each other in real commercial situations. It is an important step in allowing us to compare animals purely on performance genetics irrespective of breed.”

Football

Saturday, October 31

SPFL League Two

East Fife 0-1 Annan Athletic

Elgin City 2-0 Arbroath

Montrose 4-1 Berwick Rangers

Queen’s Park 1-1 Clyde

Stirling Albion 0-0 East Stirling

P W D L F A Pts

Annan Athletic 11 7 2 2 19 12 23

Montrose 11 6 0 5 19 15 18

East Fife 11 5 2 4 16 9 17

Elgin City 11 5 2 4 18 12 17

Queen’s Park 11 5 1 5 16 13 16

Clyde 11 4 3 4 12 12 15

Berwick Rgrs 11 4 3 4 14 22 15

Arbroath 11 4 1 6 13 16 13

Stirling Alb 11 3 3 5 9 13 12

East Stirling 11 3 1 7 12 24 10

Scottish Cup

Second round

Fort William P-P Cove Rangers

Turriff United 2-3 Fraserburgh

Cecond round replays

Forres Mechanics 2-3 East Kilbride

Wick Academy 5-1 Nairn County

Lowland League

Dalbeattie Star 0-2 Cumbernauld Colts

Gala Fairydean Rovers 0-5 Edinburgh University

Preston Athletic 2-8 Edinburgh City

Selkirk 1-5 Gretna 2008

Threave Rovers 0-3 BSC Glasgow

Vale of Leithen 1-3 University of Stirling

P W D L F A Pts

Edinburgh City 15 12 0 3 40 20 36

Univ of Stirling 12 7 3 2 29 15 24

East Kilbride 13 7 3 3 33 22 24

Whitehill Wel 13 7 1 5 24 15 22

Spartans 12 6 3 3 27 14 21

Cumbernauld 13 6 3 4 25 20 21

Dalbeattie Star 14 6 2 6 26 23 20

Gretna 2008 13 6 1 6 24 22 19

Selkirk 13 6 1 6 30 36 19

BSC Glasgow 13 5 2 6 25 26 17

Edinburgh Univ 13 5 1 7 19 22 16

Gala Fairydean 13 4 2 7 22 27 14

Vale of Leithen 14 4 2 8 17 29 14

Preston Ath 15 4 2 9 15 35 14

Threave Rovers 12 1 0 11 10 40 3

East of Scotland League

Duns 4-1 Craigroyston

Eyemouth United 3-4 Ormiston

Heriot-Watt University 4-0 Burntisland Shipyard

Leith Athletic 9-1 Tynecastle

Lothian Thistle HV 2-1 Coldstream

Peebles Rovers 1-4 Spartans

Stirling University 2-3 Civil Service Strollers

P W D L F A Pts

Leith Athletic 10 9 0 1 44 8 27

Spartans 10 7 0 3 29 20 21

Lothian Th HV 7 6 0 1 27 11 18

Heriot-Watt Uni 11 5 3 3 31 25 18

Coldstream 9 5 1 3 28 25 16

Peebles Rovers 10 5 1 4 23 23 16

CS Strollers 8 5 0 3 20 15 15

Tynecastle 9 5 0 4 22 30 15

Stirling Univ 11 3 3 5 21 21 12

Ormiston 8 3 2 3 24 23 11

Hawick RA 7 3 1 3 12 13 10

Craigroyston 10 3 1 6 12 27 10

Duns 10 2 1 7 18 30 7

Burntisland S 9 1 1 7 14 24 4

Eyemouth Utd 9 0 0 9 9 39 0

east of scotland Qualifying Cup First Round

Spartans 2-0 Hawick Royal Albert

Scottish Amateur Cup third Round

Linton Hotspur 3-8 Sandys

Tweeddale Rovers 1-5 Glenburn Miners Welfare

border amateur League division a

Chirnside Utd 7-0 Leithen Rovers

Gordon 3-4 Langholm Legion

Hawick Waverley P-P Hawick Legion

Stow 1-1 West Barns Star

P W D L F A Pts

West Barns 9 5 2 2 28 19 17

Jed Legion 9 5 2 2 22 13 17

Gordon 7 5 1 1 20 11 16

Stow 8 4 1 3 13 9 13

Langholm Leg 10 4 0 6 21 27 12

Hawick Legion 7 3 1 3 16 12 10

Greenlaw 8 3 1 4 21 19 10

Chirnside Utd 9 3 0 6 21 29 9

Hawick Wav 8 3 0 5 12 20 9

Leithen Rovers 7 1 2 4 11 26 5

division b

Ancrum 0-4 Gala Hotspur

Coldstream Ams 1-4 Tweedmouth Ams

Earlston Rhymers P-P Eyemouth Ams

Hawick Utd 5-2 Duns Reserves

P W D L F A Pts

Tweeddale Rov 7 7 0 0 27 8 21

Tweedm’th Am 9 6 1 2 25 16 19

Hawick Utd 8 4 1 3 24 15 13

Eyemouth Ams 6 4 1 1 19 14 13

Gala Hotspur 7 4 1 2 20 20 13

Coldstream Am 7 3 1 3 14 13 10

Linton Hotspur 7 2 2 3 21 21 8

Ancrum 10 2 1 7 14 34 7

Duns Reserves 8 2 0 6 15 20 6

Earlston Rhym 9 1 0 8 10 28 3

division c

Biggar Utd 0-0 Newtown

CFC Bowholm P-P Melrose

Hawick Legion Rovers 2-1 Peebles Ams

Kelso Thistle 4-2 St Boswells

P W D L F A Pts

Biggar Utd 8 7 1 0 30 5 22

Newtown 6 5 1 0 29 10 16

CFC Bowholm 7 4 1 2 22 17 13

Kelso Thistle 9 4 1 4 24 21 13

Peebles Ams 7 4 0 3 19 15 12

Selkirk Victoria 7 4 0 3 19 27 12

Hawick LR 10 2 3 5 20 25 9

Lauder 9 2 1 6 19 26 7

Melrose 7 1 2 4 10 23 5

St Boswells 10 1 2 7 18 41 5

fixtures

saturday, november 7

spfl league two (3pm)

Arbroath v East Fife

Berwick Rangers v Stirling Albion

Clyde v Montrose

East Stirling v Queen’s Park

Elgin City v Annan Athletic

lowland league (3pm)

East Kilbride v Preston Athletic

Edinburgh Univ v Dalbeattie Star

Gala Fairydean v BSC Glasgow

Gretna 2008 v Cumbernauld Colts

Stirling Univ v Selkirk

Threave Rovers v Vale of Leithen

Whitehill Welfare v Spartans (2pm)

east of scotland league (2pm)

Civil Service Strollers v Heriot-Watt University

Coldstream v Hawick Royal Albert

Duns v Lothian Thistle HV

Leith Athletic v Burntisland Shipyard (3pm)

Ormiston v Peebles Rovers

Spartans v Craigroyston (3pm)

Tynecastle v Stirling University

waddell cup first round (1.30)

Coldstream Ams v Biggar Utd

Newtown v Gordon

border amateur League (2pm)

division a

Greenlaw v Stow

Hawick Legion v Jed Legion

Hawick Waverley v West Barns Star

Leithen Rovers v Chirnside Utd

division b

Ancrum v Duns Reserves

Eyemouth Ams v Gala Hotspur

Linton Hotspur v Tweedmouth Ams

Tweeddale Rovers v Earlston Rhymers

division c

CFC Bowholm v St Boswells

Lauder v Hawick Legion Rovers

Melrose v Kelso Thistle

Selkirk Victoria v Peebles Ams

rugby

saturday, october 31

Premiership

Ayr 32-20 Hawick

Gala 15-45 Currie

Glasgow Hawks 16-15 Boroughmuir

Melrose 26-16 Selkirk

Stirling County 27-21 Heriot’s

P W L D F a b pts

Ayr 9 7 2 0 286 170 9 37

Melrose 9 6 2 1 225 189 4 30

Heriot’s 9 5 3 1 218 195 5 27

Glasgow Hawks 9 5 4 0 200 184 5 25

Hawick 9 5 4 0 230 216 5 25

Currie 9 4 4 1 218 180 5 23

Stirling County 9 4 4 1 239 267 5 23

Boroughmuir 9 4 4 1 195 187 4 22

Gala 9 2 6 1 198 261 4 14

Selkirk 9 0 9 0 149 309 4 4

National League one

Edinburgh Acad 52-9 Aberdeen Grammar

Howe of Fife 26-13 Musselburgh

Jed-Forest 25-23 Dundee HSFP

Peebles 23-12 Kelso

Stew Mel FP 27-19 GHA

Watsonians 38-30 Marr

P W L D F a b pts

Watsonians 8 6 2 0 272 197 9 33

Marr 8 6 2 0 250 186 5 29

Howe of Fife 8 6 2 0 202 146 4 28

Dundee HSFP 8 4 3 1 193 132 6 24

Edinburgh Acad 8 4 4 0 213 164 7 23

Jed-Forest 8 4 4 0 188 192 5 21

Aberdeen Gram 8 4 4 0 247 221 4 20

Musselburgh 8 4 4 0 224 258 4 20

GHA 8 3 5 0 189 235 5 17

Stew Mel 8 3 5 0 131 194 2 14

Kelso 9 2 6 1 173 285 4 14

Peebles 9 2 7 0 166 238 5 13

National League two

Ardrossan Acads 48-19 Hillhead Jordanhill

Biggar 20-14 Aberdeenshire

Cartha QP 41-29 Kirkcaldy

Falkirk 59-7 Lasswade

Hamilton 106-7 Greenock Wanderers

Preston Lodge 26-13 Whitecraigs

P W L D F a b pts

Hamilton 8 8 0 0 470 125 7 39

Falkirk 8 6 2 0 283 147 6 30

Cartha QP 8 6 2 0 194 141 4 29

Aberdeenshire 7 5 2 0 249 147 7 27

Preston Lodge 8 5 3 0 194 169 5 25

Ardrossan Acad 8 3 5 0 266 241 6 18

Biggar 8 4 4 0 148 247 1 17

Hillhead Jord 7 3 4 0 153 190 4 16

Whitecraigs 8 3 5 0 190 230 4 16

Lasswade 9 3 6 0 171 254 4 16

Kirkcaldy 8 1 7 0 187 350 5 9

Greenock 7 0 7 0 61 325 1 1

National League three

Berwick 19-13 Livingston

East Kilbride 25-10 Perthshire

Dumfries Saints 3-40 GHK

Haddington 29-24 Orkney

RHC 66-21 Irvine

West of Scotland 19-18 Dalziel

P W L D F a b pts

GHK 7 7 0 0 348 104 6 34

Dumfries 8 7 1 0 184 126 3 31

Haddington 8 5 2 1 225 159 5 27

West of Scot 8 4 3 1 209 162 7 25

Perthshire 8 5 3 0 202 188 3 23

Orkney 8 3 5 0 210 183 7 19

East Kilbride 8 2 2 4 146 130 3 19

RHC 8 3 5 0 193 195 6 18

Berwick 8 3 4 1 123 242 0 14

Livingston 7 2 5 0 138 187 5 13

Dalziel 8 1 7 0 130 263 2 6

*Irvine 8 1 6 1 136 305 1 5

*points deducted

east league one

Linlithgow 53-0 Hawick Linden

P W L D F a b pts

St Boswells 5 5 0 0 202 59 3 23

North Berwick 5 5 0 0 128 33 3 23

Linlithgow 5 4 1 0 156 78 2 18

Murrayfield W 5 2 3 0 113 116 4 12

Dunbar 5 2 3 0 125 121 2 11

Hawick Harl 5 2 3 0 97 101 2 10

Dalkeith 5 2 3 0 113 130 2 10

Forrester 5 2 3 0 102 143 2 10

Duns 5 1 4 0 100 147 2 6

Hawick Lind 5 0 5 0 40 248 0 0

east league three

Gala YM 26-33 Edinburgh Univ Medics

P W L D F a b pts

Earlston 6 6 0 0 252 97 5 29

Gala YM 5 3 2 0 159 94 5 17

Edin Medics 5 3 2 0 178 104 4 16

RDVC 6 3 3 0 196 110 3 15

Lismore 5 2 3 0 122 121 4 12

Queensferry 5 1 4 0 71 280 1 5

Walkerburn 4 0 4 0 35 207 0 0

borders semi junior league

Peebles Colts 34-7 Hawick PSA

Melrose Wasps 31-12 Hawick Wanderers

Selkirk Youth 45-0 Gala Wanderers

P W L D F a pts

Melrose Wasps 6 6 0 0 267 56 12

Peebles Colts 6 5 1 0 231 74 10

Hawick Wand 6 4 2 0 132 80 8

Berwick Colts 6 4 2 0 114 113 8

Jed Thistle 5 3 2 0 135 54 6

Selkirk Youth 5 3 2 0 139 63 6

Tynedale Colts 6 3 3 0 116 101 6

Gala Wanderers 7 1 6 0 46 249 2

Hawick PSA 5 0 5 0 49 223 0

Kelso Quins 6 0 6 0 27 243 0

fixtures

saturday, november 7

Premiership (3pm)

Ayr v Glasgow Hawks

Gala v Selkirk

Heriot’s v Boroughmuir (2pm)

Melrose v Hawick (2pm)

Stirling County v Currie

national league one (3pm)

Aberdeen Gram v Watsonians (2pm)

GHA v Jed-Forest (2pm)

Howe of Fife v Peebles

Kelso v Edinburgh Academical

Marr v Stewart’s Melville FP (1.30)

Musselburgh v Dundee HSFP

national league two (2pm)

Aberdeenshire v Hamilton

Falkirk v Ardrossan Academicals

Greenock Wands v Preston Lodge

Hillhead Jordanhill v Biggar (2.30)

Lasswade v Kirkcaldy

Whitecraigs v Cartha Queens Park

national league three (2pm)

Dalziel v Irvine

GHK v Haddington

Livingston v Dumfries Saints

Orkney v East Kilbride

Perthshire v RHC

West of Scotland v Berwick

east league one (2pm)

Dalkeith v Murrayfield Wanderers

Forrester v Hawick Linden

Hawick Harlequins v Dunbar

North Berwick v Linlithgow

St Boswells v Duns

east league two (2pm)

Broughton v Ross High

Inverleith v Leith

Langholm v Liberton FP

Penicuik v Edinburgh Northern

Portobello FP v Trinity Academicals

east league three (2pm)

Lismore v Queensferry

borders semi junior league (3pm)

Berwick Colts v Hawick PSA

Hawick Wands v Selkirk Youth

Kelso Harlequins v Melrose Wasps

Peebles Colts v Jed Thistle

Awards

Berwickshire awards

Formerly the Berwickshire Sports Council, ClubSport Berwickshire, held their annual awards ceremony at Duns Golf Club on Friday night with a wide range of athletes being honoured for their achievements during the past year.

And the winners were: Sports Personality of the Year - Richard Adams (swimming); Junior Sports Personality of the Year - Toby Douglas (swimming); Coach of the Year - Stephen and Leeann Ross (Chirnside Chasers); Junior Coach of the Year - Erin King (hockey & tennis); Team of the Year - Berwickshire High School (badminton); Service to Local Sport (male) - Derek Simpson (rugby); Service to Local Sport (female) - Fiona Hodge (curling); Special achievement awards - Ellenor Gracey (swimming), Keira Waddell (javelin), Geordie White (boxing), Callum Smith (badminton), Keith Renton (fly fishing), Berwickshire High School (badminton), Joyce Mark (triathlon).

Bowling

Teviotdale

Teviotdale Seniors made the short trip to play their Gala counterparts at the Tweedbank stadium last Wednesday.

Right up until the last end, Teviotdale were never behind, But on the last end the Hawick side lost by 10 shots, and as a result lost the game by one shot, with the match result being 58-57 to Tweedbank.

Top rink for the Teviotdale side was the Graham Brownlee skipped rink, ably supported by Jim Reilly, Bill Jaffray and Alan Waugh.

Rink scores: J. Murdie 17 P. McGauchrane 13; C. Rae 7 R. Fulton 23; G. Brownlee 19 D. Weir 13; K. McCartney 14 J. Redpath 9.

Tweedbank

Tweedbank Gents hosted Auchinleck and the visitors led throughout, but typically the Bankies fought hard to keep themselves in the game and it all came down to the last bowl of the last end with Tweedbank needing five shots to win.

Skip Kenny Johnstone played a fantastic bowl to remove an Auchinleck bowl to give Tweedbank a one-shot victory 73-72, which silenced a very vocal visiting team and sent the Bankies wild with delight. A great team effort that gives them two wins from their opening games.

It was a similar story in mid-week when the senior gents defeated local rivals Teviotdale by 58-57 having picked up 10 shots across the board on the last end to claim the victory.

Tweedbank Ladies were on the wrong end of a 85-69 scoreline to Teviotdale ladies on Saturday.

On Sunday, Senior Gents Fours and Ladies Senior Singles both lost their ties in the Scottish Play Down at Bainfield to Falkirk and East Lothian respectively.

curling

Border Ice Rink

Last week’s Laidlaw semi-finals witnessed Coldstream dominating Lees 10-2. After a couple of close opening ends the Streamers steamed away with no let-up.

Ayton Castle v Earlston went first half to the Rhymers 6-1, then ACCC came back with three doubles, and no reply from the opposition running out 7-6 winners.

In the final, Ayton went down to the three Coldstream youths plus veteran Willie Johnson, in an entertaining game. The honourable Alan Nisbet was on hand to present the trophy. Agrii Border League A Section action saw Ayton Castle just pipping Yester, a worthy peel between Chirnside and Kelso, Roxburghe just shaded St Boswells, while the predictable absence of Lammermuir’s fourth member let Selkirk in to beat Lammermuir which now resides at the foot of the league table.

Action this weekend will see more Gala Cup games on Saturday afternoon, followed by the Great Greenlaw Invitation Bonspiel.

Earlier, on Thursday, the Hope Hunter Trophy will be contested at Kinross with the South (sheep breeders) versus the North (sheep feeders). God knows how old this game is but further details will be available next week. The B and F club dates back to the 1920s!

Equestrianism

Borders Training Group

There were some Amazing results for all the Scottish Borders schools at the National Schools Equestrian Association Championships at Addington Manor in Buckinghamshire (see page 77 for full report).

This trip obviously took a lot of planning and financing. All the schools involved would like to take this opportunity to thank all individuals, organisations and businesses that supported and donated to their fund raising efforts. A mention also to the parent’s and team managers who organised all the logistics.

Teams: Kelso High School sent 13 riders and 12 horses (Louise Hebdon, Erin Lathangie, Emily Edgar, Duncan McFadyen, Jessica Howlett, Amy Ralston, Frankie Home Mossop, Georgia Buckley, Rebecca Buckley, Morven Shanks, Olivia Stratford, Angus Lathangie & Hannah Thomson).

Jedburgh Grammar were represented by eight riders and 10 horses (Emma Stenhouse, Samantha Martin, Rebecca Dun, Ellie Meldrum, Millie Scott, Becky Forster, Lucy Brown & Lucy King).

Morebattle Primary had four riders & eight ponies (Katy McFadyen, Katie Edgar, Vicky Edgar & Alex Edgar).

Earlston High School had three riders and four horses (Shannon Purves, Gabrielle Purves and Katie Rourke).

Results: 95cm Showjumping: 1st & Champions, Jedburgh Grammar School (Emma Stenhouse, Samantha Martin, Rebecca Dun, Ellie Meldrum); 6th, Earlston High School (Shannon Purves, Gabrielle Purves, Katie Rourke).

1m Jumping with Style: 8th, Kelso High School (Duncan McFadyen, Jessica Howlett, Erin Lathangie, Louise Hebdon).

75cm Showjumping: 1st & Champions, Morebattle Primary School (Katy McFadyen, Katie Edgar, Vicky Edgar, Alex Edgar); 2nd, Kelso High School (Amy Ralston, Frankie Home Mossop, Georgia Buckley, Rebecca Buckley).

75cm Showjumping (Individual) 8th, Kelso High School (Frankie).

75cm Jumping with Style: 6th, Morebattle Primary School A (Katy, Katie, Vicky, Alex); 7th, Morebattle Primary School B (Katy, Katie, Vicky, Alex).

85cm Showjumping (Individual): 3, Jedburgh Grammar School (Ellie).

85cm Jumping with Style: 9th, Earlston High School (Shannon, Gabrielle, Katie); 10, Morebattle Primary School B (Katy, Katie, Vicky, Alex).

85cm Jumping with Style (Individual): 6th, Jedburgh Grammar School (Ellie).

Dressage (P17): 7, Jedburgh Grammar School (Samantha).

Football

H’wck Utd 5-2 Duns Ams

Duns got off to a flying start by sailing into the lead in the fourth minute when Ethan Pollard cut in from the left flank to find the net with a sweetly-struck angled drive.

United then showed what they had to offer with some enterprising attacks during which Ross Scott and Kevin Strathdee both came close to grabbing an equaliser.

After Dean Carruthers had blasted a shot wide at the other end, Duns keeper Phil Short pulled off a top notch save in diving to hold a Robbie Kelly shot at full strength.

United continued to push forward and Short put up the shutters again in keeping out a David Strathdee free kick.

Within minutes of this, however, United got their opener.

Having his last outing for the Hawick outfit before moving to New Zealand, Kelly produced the scoring touch in rattling home a pass from Kevin Strathdee for a fine equaliser. In the 63rd minute Kelly struck again when firing past Short following a thrusting run.

Apart from Jamie Lackenby being just off target with a free kick, Duns rarely looked like scoring and it came as no real surprise when United added to their tally in the 68th minute through a Scott strike.

After Kelly had squandered a chance to complete his hat trick by hitting a penalty wide, the ‘Dingers’ reduced the leeway in the 75th minute. Steven Mitchell threaded a pass to the feet of Luke Turner who produced a spot on finish.

Boosted by this Duns began to strike for an equaliser and Matt Lawson came near to achieving this with an effort which went inches over the upright.

In the 82nd minute Kevin Strathdee put an end to any hopes of a Duns come back when tucking away a Daniel Bolton cut back.

Although the game was now as good as over there was more action to come in the closing stages.

United’s Michael Clark was red carded for making remarks towards the referee before Terry Storrie made it a nap hand for the home side in netting a penalty.

Golf

Galashiels

John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Winter League: Winner, S. Scott net 34.

The Roxburghe

At The Roxburghe Golf Club last Sunday, captain Cameron Thomson and ladies’ captain Fiona Ker presented Domino, a seven-year-old Colt, to The Riding For The Disabled group.

Domino was bought from a £2,333 fund which has been raised over the last 12 months.

Also bought out of the charity fund was a music system for The Arena at Harestanes, Ancrum. The balance will be used for other essential requirements. The fund was raised through a Captains Charity bunker, a Pro/Cptn Challenge, Ladies Charity Day, and a Big Prize Draw on Captains Day, and many other smaller events.

The captains would like to thank the members for their generosity towards this fantastic charity.

Accepting Domino and the cheque on behalf of the RDA (local) was Suzie Elliot, who thanked the Roxburghe members for raising this fantastic sum of money, and guaranteed them that every penny goes towards the running of the facility. She also mentioned that it’s all volunteers who do this very rewarding work at Harestanes.

Torwoodlee

Last weekend saw the first round of the new Winter League (sponsored by Jonathan Brown).

A promising turnout of 36 including four lady members played over the weekend in excellent weather conditions. Results: 1, Scott NIghtingale 41 points; 2, Andy Sinton 38; 3, Jack Temple 37; 4, Craig Lees 36 BIH. Closest to 7th (sponsored by Davy & Anne Dods) Graham MacDonald; Closest to 15th (sponsored by Ryann Stisi of Border Bingo Clubs) Graham Lawrie.

Hockey

Fjordhus Reivers III

The Reivers 3rd XI added to their recent run of success last weekend with a superb away win against Grange III.

From the outset the Borderers had Grange pinned into their own half and after countless attempts to score claimed a first penalty corner which was fired into the goal by Dizzy White.

Minutes before half-time Alex Bell managed to get the ball past a hard working home keeper to stretch Reivers lead to 2-0 at the break.

Grange grabbed a goal back just minutes after the restart and slotted away an equaliser soon after having put continuous pressure on the visiting defence.

Working hard to get the win, however, Reivers upped the pace and applied some pressure of their own. As time ran out the ball was played into the D for White to chip over the home keeper to claim victory for the team.

Kelso

Kelso 3s have had a mixed start to their season with a big 9-0 win over Civil Service and then have followed that up with some very tight matches, losing 0-1 to Edinburgh University 8s, winning 2-1 against Boroughmuir and just losing out 0-1 to league leaders Linlithgow when the team played really well but were unable to convert pressure into goals. Last weekend’s match was equally close with Shania Dalgleish scoring the only goal of the first half and then in an evenly contested game Fjordhus Reivers scored in the second half to ensure the game ended in a 1-1 draw (full report on page 75).

Rugby

Denholm

More than 200 boys and girls from the Hawick and Jedburgh area pulled on their boots for the second staging of the Denholm Cup rugby tournament played on the village green.

Competition was keen throughout the afternoon as youngsters from Denholm, Burnfoot, Wilton, Stirches, Trinity, Drumlanrig, Parkside, Howdenburn and Ancrum battled it out for custody of the primary four-five and primary six-seven age group trophies.

Final results: P4/5 Trinity 3-1 Burnfoot; P6/7 Denholm 5-0 Drumlanrig.

Hawick RFC’s Rory Hutton and Robbie Shirra-Gibb from Jed-Forest RFC presented the medals and trophies to the winners and runners-up.

Julie Patterson, one of the tournament organisers, said: “The sight of more than 200 children playing rugby on the village green on an autumn afternoon was quite spectacular.

“The boys and girls all looked really smart and it was great to see them work together in the true spirit of the game. Their skills, determination, sportsmanship and passion for rugby was evident and they were all a credit to their schools.

Mrs Paterson added that the afternoon fostered a real community spirit with villagers doing their bit to help run the tournament. Organisers would like to thank the following for their support: Denholm Primary School staff and parents, Denholm Feuars, Denholm Village Hall Committee, First Aid, Sheila Hartop, Scott Amos, Active Schools co-ordinators Paul Scott and Ewan Lindores, Young Ambassadors from Hawick High and Jedburgh Grammar, Hawick and Jedburgh rugby development officers Rocky Johnstone and Kev Barrie and their apprentices Fraser Renwick and John Feeney who refereed, as well as Murray Renwick and Greg Thomson, all school rugby coaches and staff from both areas, Hunter’s Bakers, Denholm Meat Suppliers, Cream Puff, Fiona Lothian, Dawn Armstrong, Isobel Cunningham and Alan Walker.

Funding

Earlston RFC is one of 24 rugby clubs from all over Scotland to to benefit from the FastTrack strand of the SRU’s Club Sustainability Fund, which allows clubs to apply for 50 per cent of maintenance and improvement projects up to £2,000.

Earlston have been given part funding of £1,150 towards the refurbishment of changing rooms and gym equipment.

The fund was one of the union’s key policy initiatives, along with the new academies, which was rolled out after the latest injection of sponsorship from BT Sport earlier in the year when it became official national team shirt sponsors.

Nick Rennie, Scottish Rugby’s head of club services, said: “We’re delighted the successful clubs can benefit from this funding, and develop their facilities to make their club a better place to play, train and socialise.

“We want to ensure that clubs can act as community hubs, and live at the heart of their respective areas’ sporting and social activities. This money can help contribute towards that objective and enable the clubs to build for their future. We look forward to seeing the projects develop over the coming months.”

Squash

Galashiels

Last week’s charity match which saw club members team up with BGH staff (see picture on page 72) provided an awesome final between Brendan Callaghan and Andy Gill that could have gone either way.

Everytime Brendan pulled away Andy fought back and there was some thrilling rallies as each player didn’t want to concede anything to the opponent. After the match Brendan said: “It was an intense affair and I had to keep focus and concentration to win, Andy Gill played really well and was a tough opponent.”

In the Plate Tournament, Gala squash Club Captain Del Sharratt won a slightly easier match against Andy Greenfield 11-9, 11-6, and in the Shield tournament final, Top Porter held out 11-7, 11-6 against Steve Brown.

Sandra Henwood, representative of The Friends of the BGH, said: “A big thankyou to Gala Squash Club for helping with this, this was an amazing and thoroughly enjoyable event; and a special Thankyou to Del Sharratt for organising the tournament and draw for the occasion.

“The money raised is an extremely big step to purchasing the PDT Lamp, which is vital in the treatment of skin cancer.”

Main event 1/4 finals: Brendan Callaghan 2-0 Bill Urquhart; Paul Neery 2-0 Rachel McAleese; Andy Gill 2-0 Ruaridh Kohler; Sandy Morris 2-0 Luis Molero. Semis: Callaghan 2-0 Neery; Gill 2-0 Morris. final: Callaghan 2-0 Gill

Plate Tournament 1/4 finals: Del Sharratt 2-0 John Barrow; Dawn McBrayne 2-0 Darren Quinn; Andy Greenfield 2-1 Vineeth Ravindran; John McLaron 2-0 Simon Watson. Semis: Sharratt 2-0 McBrayne; Greenfield 2-0 McLaron. Final: Sharratt 2-0 Greenfield.

Shield Tournament semis: Steve Brown 2-0 Joy Borowska; Tom Porter 2-1 Simon Watson. Final: Porter 2-0 Brown.

Club championship 1/4 finals: A. Gill 3-1 I. Chalmers; L. Molero 3-0 M. Haywood.

Table Tennis

Cheviot Youth

Once again the charity Cheviot Youth is staging the Borders Table Tennis Challenge Cup Tournament at Kelso High School Games Hall this Saturday.

This annual event, now in its third year, is attracting club players from the Lothians and Northumberland with organisers hoping 2015 will see the number break through the 30 entries barrier.

David Harvey, chair of Cheviot Youth, said: “We know how difficult it is to start something new, especially with a minority sport such as table tennis; however we do believe that table tennis is a physical activity well worth supporting and encouraging in the Scottish Borders.”

The event is supported by Table Tennis Scotland the games governing body and with ex-national coach David Fairholm as tournament director promises to be another Challenge Cup to remember.

David will also be running a special table tennis masterclass from 10am to noon with on the day registration for the tournament starting at 12.30pm with the first matches scheduled to start at 1pm.

To get a registration form for both the masterclass and Challenge Cup please email Ian at ianrendallreid@cheviotyouth.co.uk or give him a ring on 07958 277766 for further information.

Members from Galashiels Squash Club teamed up with staff from the BGH and some guests for a charity squash match.

The event was for the Friends of the BGH to raise money for a Photo Dynamic Therapy lamp for skin cancer patients and over £400 was raised.

The tournament was straight knock-out and there was a plate tournament and a shield tournament for first and second-round losers.

In an epic final, Walkerburn’s Brendan Callaghan (front right) of East Sports Club beat Gala’s current Squash Club Champion Andy Gill (front left) 11-6, 13-11.

More on this story on page 73.

Local equestrian teams and individuals were jumping for joy following the National Schools Equestrian Association Championships at Addington Manor.

Pupils, staff and supporters from four Borders schools did the 700 mile round trip to compete at the prestigious event in Buckinghamshire which has now run for nearly 20 years.

About 1000 riders qualify each year to compete in various levels of dressage, show jumping and jumping with style competitions over three days of intense competition. And talented children from around the Borders enjoyed some very good results. Jedburgh Grammar School were thrilled to win the Championship of the 95cm show jumping in the Olympic size Arena on the Saturday night. The team of Emma Stenhouse, Samantha Martin, Rebecca Dun & Ellie Meldrum qualified for the final in sixth place. A lovely, sensible clear round from last to go Ellie Meldrum on Sylvestor 60 helped the team to finish on a team score of four faults to take the title.

The Earlston team of Shannon Purves, Gabrielle Purves and Katie Rourke, despite not having a fourth member in their squad to use as a drop score, all did lovely rounds to finish in sixth place overall.

Morebattle Primary (only one of two primary schools involved in the Championships) and Kelso High had both qualified in the top eight teams for the 75cm Championship later that night. A nerve racking competition saw it coming down to the final pony to jump to decide which of these two teams would be champion as they were the only two teams on a zero score.

Last to jump Katy McFadyen on Bounty 11 rode an accurate and careful round to help her team mates from Morebattle take the honours by 1.5 seconds from their near neighbours at Kelso High School whose team comprised of Amy Ralston, Frankie Home Mossop, Georgia Buckley and Rebecca Buckley.

This was a fitting finale for the Morebattle Team who were riding in their last competition before moving up to Kelso High School. Full results and team line-ups on page 72.

Former Scotland forward Garry O’Connor has been confirmed as the new Selkirk FC manager following the sacking of Steve Forrest last week.

The 32-year-old accepted the position on Saturday night despite his team suffering a 5-1 defeat in a Lowland League fixture against Gretna 2008 at Yarrow Park earlier in the day.

Club officials say that O’Connor was one of several who showed an interest in the post, but that from the outset he had been the preferred option.

“Garry has never made any secret of the fact he wants to get into coaching and it will be good for us to have someone who has already been involved at the club and knows what we are all about,” said Selkirk FC chairman Ross Anderson.

“It was a natural choice to appoint Garry, he’s been at the club for a year-and-a-half and we’ve put him through his UEFA B coaching course.

“For a small club, Garry has really helped raised our profile massively.

“He is well respected at the highest levels in football and for a team in the lower leagues to have someone like that leading the club can only push us forward.

“We’re excited about the prospect of Garry being here long-term and, with the contacts he’s got, he will attract a very good standard of player to come to the club.”

O’Connor, who won 16 caps for Scotland, joined Selkirk in August 2014 following an ill-fated stint with Greenock Morton and scored 21 goals last season. He subsequently re-signed for the 2015/16 campaign and was named club captain.

Boasting a wealth of experience he has had stints with Hibernian, Lokomotiv Moscow, Birmingham City, Barnsley and Tom Tomsk, but has also courted controversy during a chequered career.

O’Connor has brought in former Gala Fairydean Rovers coach Joe Brown as his assistant ahead of this week’s away fixture against Stirling University while Conan McDermiad has taken over the captaincy.

Go to www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk for more on this weekend’s fixtures.

Treasurer took £12,000 of fund

A treasurer embezzled over £12,000 of a town’s summer festival fund.

Alison McWilliam, 54, of The Glebe, Gavinton, Duns, admitted, while acting as treasurer of Duns Summer Festival committee, embezzling £12,375.98.

The offence happened at her home between February 2 and June 23.

Sentence was deferred until December 1 for reports.

The first offender was released on bail.

Over four times limit

A driver, whose car was on its side in a verge, was over four times the alcohol limit.

Jodie Bell, 34, of McCracken Drive, Wideopen, Newcastle, admitted driving a car on the A1107 Eyemouth to Burnmouth road on October 1, with a breath/alcohol reading of 102 mcgs – the legal limit being 22.

The accident happened around 4.30pm on a country road.

Another driver came across a Renault Clio on the verge, on its side.

“He realised the accident had just happened as one of the wheels was still spinning, and he went to the vehicle and assisted the accused,” explained prosecutor Tessa Bradley.

Police attended and noted she was “smelling strongly of alcohol” and Bell provided a positive roadside breath test.

“She was fully co-operative with police,” added Ms Bradley.

“Northumbria Police had been contacted by her family, who were concerned for her welfare,” explained Ms Bradley.

Solicitor Rory Bannerman, defending, said his client had been hospitalised through ill-health.

“She accepts she endangered others by her conduct,” he concluded.

Sheriff Peter Anderson told the first offender, “What you did was dangerous, and the alcohol level is high.”

Bell was fined £300 and banned from driving for 16 months.

First offender had a knife

Angered by things being thrown at his window, a teenager went outside with a knife.

Eighteen-year-old Joe Noble of Parkside, Coldstream, admitted having a knife in a public place, outside his home on April 17 last year.

“This happened on the roadway outside his house at about 2.30pm, when a number of boys had been walking past,” explained prosecutor Tessa Bradley.

“He thought they had been throwing things at the window and had been in the kitchen making a sandwich, and ran outside, still holding the knife,” she explained.

“There was a verbal set-to about his chipped window,” added Ms Bradley.

Solicitor Ross Dow, defending, said his client had heard stones being thrown at the window.

“Without thinking, he went outside with the knife,” said Mr Dow, “and as soon as he realised he threw it in the garden.”

Noble was sentenced to a Community Payback Order, with 50 hours of unpaid work, to be completed within three months.

“I recognise that this was a difficult situation, but society takes a strong view as knife crime is a real menace to us all, and people cannot have a blade in a public place,” Sheriff Peter Anderson told the accused.

Drunken street assault injury

A 24-year-old repeatedly punched a man in a drunken assault.

Callum Simpson, 24, of Haymons Cove, Eyemouth, admitted assaulting a man to his injury at High Street, Eyemouth, on March 1.

The accused, who had been drinking, was said to have little recollection of the offence.

The court heard how the victim had previously been assaulted by a number of unknown males.

“He suffered a broken nose, but had already been assaulted, before he was assaulted by the accused,” explained prosecutor Tessa Bradley.

Solicitor Rory Bannerman, defending, said his client had “absolutely no recollection of the offence.

“He know he was involved in a fight, but he can’t recall why the trouble began,” explained Mr Bannerman.

He said Simpson, who works in the Brussels sprout farming business, had acted out of character, but accepted his responsibility.

Sheriff Peter Anderson told him, “Drink can make a mockery of all of us, but you have allowed it to take you into territory where you would never normally have gone.

“You are very lucky that the consequences were not more serious,” he warned.

Simpson was fined £400 and ordered to pay £75 compensation.

Son had knife in argument

A mother was distressed when her son walked towards her with a knife in an argument.

Grant Pagan, 36, formerly of Waterloo Place, Spittal, Northumberland and now living in Ormiston, admitted threatening or abusive behaviour, presenting a knife at his mother, and struggling with police, at a house in Main Street, Chirnside, on July 28.

“He had been living with his parents and his sister at the time,” explained prosecutor Tessa Bradley.

“At 3.30pm, they were all standing in the porch area, when he lost his temper and rushed into the kitchen, got a knife, and walked towards his mother with the knife in his hand,” said Ms Bradley.

Solicitor Mat Patrick, defending, said his client had walked towards his mother with the knife in his hand.

“He accepts that this was disturbing and threatening for his mother,” said Mr Patrick.

Pagan was fined £300.

Cooker ripped from flat wall

A teenager caused over £2,000 damage to homeless accommodation.

Macrae Fairbairn, 19, of Florabank, Haddington, admitted, while acting with others, recklessly breaking a window, cooker, and ancillary fittings at a house at Inchmyre, Kelso, on August 9 last year.

Some £2,172 damage was caused to the property.

Fairbairn was fined £90 and ordered to pay £250 compensation.

He was fined a further £90 when he also admitted stealing two packs of lager from the Co-op in Kelso on July 1 this year.

Hawick cafe sweet thief

A sweet thief stole confectionery, juice, and food from a Hawick cafe.

Andrew Birney, 21, formerly of Sunnyhill Road, Hawick, and now living in Dumfries, admitted the theft after breaking into a cafe at Wilton Lodge Park between September 30 and October 1 last year.

He was sentenced to a Community Payback Order, with supervision, and 80 hours of unpaid work, to be completed within four months.

Co-accused Jordan Simpson, 18, of Minto Place, Hawick, also admitted the offence.

He had sentence deferred until November 16.

Both accused were on bail.

Benefit fraud pensioner

A pensioner falsely obtained over £4,500 benefits while doing seasonal farming work.

Roy Guthrie, 66, of Orchard Park, Kelso, admitted obtaining £1,637.16 pension credit to which he was not entitled, between August 25, 2012 and November 16, 2012.

He also admitted falsely obtaining £875.78 housing benefit between August 5, 2013 and November 10, 2013, and £2,208.06 pension credit between July 13, 2013 and November 15, 2013.

Sentence was deferred until December 1 for reports.

Hawick woman denies assault

A Hawick woman, charged with an alleged assault, will stand trial on November 17.

Marion Macnaughton, 59, of Cheviot Road, denies assaulting a woman by deliberately barging into her, at Cheviot Road, Hawick, on September 6.

Denies had baseball bat

A Kelso man has denied having an offensive weapon – a baseball bat – in the town.

Alan Brack, 40, of Abbey Row, Kelso, denies an alleged offence at Abbey Row, on August 29.

He will stand trial on December 3.

Crutch attack denied in Kelso

A 23-year-old has denied assaulting a man with a crutch in Kelso.

Jamie Hogarth of Rodger Fish Gardens, Kelso, denies an alleged assault at Horsemarket, Kelso, on June 7.

He will stand trial on November 17.

Man denies had illegal drug

A Galashiels man has denied possession of cocaine earlier this year.

Calum Jardine, 24, of Kingsknowe Place, denies having the illegal drug at Hawick Police Station.

He also denies threatening or abusive behaviour at Earlston Rugby Club, shouting and swearing, and uttering threatening remarks.

Jardine also denies obstructing two police officers on duty and struggling with them.

All three offences are alleged to have been committed on May 3. Jardine will stand trial on December 3.

For decades the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient Express has epitomised luxury travel and now Borderers have the chance to travel on its famous sister train.

The plan is for the Belmond Northern Belle to depart from Galashiels next July on a once-in-a-lifetime scenic evening excursion over the Forth Rail Bridge and back again.

Evoking the opulence of Edwardian rail travel, this luxurious yet intimate train will traverse the glorious countryside along Britain’s newest railway in the Borders.

Passengers will travel in one of seven beautifully detailed carriages, while being waited on by liveried stewards and enjoy the finest cuisine, wines and champagne.

Belmond Northern Belle entered service in 2000, and reflects the style of England’s ‘Belle’ trains and the Pullman carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Plenty of seats are still available, which cost £250 per person and includes champagne, canapes and a sumptuous four-course dinner.

The ‘Spirit of Luxury Travel’ trip is being organised by Kath Lighbody, of Border Global Travel, to celebrate the Jedburgh-based agency’s 10th anniversary and raise money for local charity, Cash for Kids.

She told us: “This is a fabulous once-in-a-lifetime trip and what better way to celebrate a special event or anniversary, as well as raise money for charity and mark the return of the Borders Railway.”

Hawick’s 42-year town twinning relationship with Bailleul appears to be coming to an end after efforts failed to rekindle interest.

Hawick Community Council chair Marion Short said the town twinning group’s efforts have stalled and that “nothing is happening”.

Councillor Stuart Marshall says he is “at a loss” and admitted that the twinning group no longer exists.

Attempts were made last year to kick-start the relationship with the French town but the resignation of twinning chairman Alf Oliver once again brought things to a standstill.

Councillor Marshall, whose Provost Council was initially driving the new efforts, said: “The Provost Council met recently to address the ongoing problem of the formation of an effective town twinning committee and we seem to be at a loss as to how best to get this off the ground.

“While our current arrangements with Bailleul still exist, there is, however, no actual body or group to oversee exchange visits.”

Mr Marshall will now seek advice from other Borders town with twinning links.

He added: “It’s a real shame that while there is still a strong link with Bailleul, we in Hawick cannot get people to commit a small amount of time to this committee. I think one of the major reasons behind this is social media and more modern ways of people keeping in touch with friends overseas.”

Fellow Hawick and Denholm ward member Watson McAteer said: “We are currently in the process of gauging the interests of the primary schools where French language remains a curriculum activity.

“While there is some indication of wider support much more is needed if we are to secure this long-established relationship.”

A non-conformist Jedburgh teenager is beating the bullies by having his 16-inch-long hair cut off for charity – and then growing it back so that he can do the same again.

Charlie Marsden, 14, has been picked on, laughed at, ridiculed and called a girl by kids and adults alike.

But the brave youngster has recently raised over £3,000 for the Little Princess Trust and vows to do it again as soon as he can.

“I want to keep growing it and donating it until it stops growing,” said Charlie, a S3 pupil at Jedburgh Grammar School.

Charlie was quite calm during the cut, which was done at Jedburgh’s Silhouette Hair Salon, and admits he quite likes the new look but has decided to keep raising funds for the charity who provide real hair wigs for children suffering from hair loss.

“I would hate to have no hair myself so it just seemed the right thing to do,” he added.

“My friends and family were shocked when I told them what I was doing but everyone has been so supportive and encouraging.

“My BT mydonate page has been a huge success with support, lovely words and donations from strangers.”

The Little Princess Trust provides wigs free of charge. They work with suppliers and experienced hairdressers who are able to tailor wigs to the individual child’s needs, to give the most realistic look and feel possible.

Charlie’s page is open for another month at bt.com/charlieshair

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association is following the recommendation of conservationists in asking for restraint to be shown in the shooting of woodcock this year.

The woodcock is a wading game bird of field and wood which, today, is shot in season at low densities in Scotland and is also prized as a culinary delicacy.

However, the secretive long billed birds, known for their mating or ‘roding’ displays, are in decline in the UK overall with the Scottish population faring better than other parts of Britain.

Mindful of the wider conservation picture, Scotland’s gamekeeping body is asking local shoots to show restraint and schedule any shooting for as late in November as possible.

This will allow the resident breeders, which are under pressure, to make their migration to more temperate parts, with the more plentiful numbers of wintering woodcock migrating here from the Baltics, Russia and Scandinavia.

The most recent science by Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and BTO stated there were 55,241 breeding males in the UK in 2013, a fall of 29 per cent from 2003.

Scottish Gamekeepers Association Chairman Alex Hogg said: “GWCT has done a lot of scientific work regarding these birds and we agree with their guidance that shoots should leave it as late as possible in November before shooting woodcock.

“While it is legal to shoot woodcock from September 1st, the majority of estates offering it don’t start this early in the season.

“However, it is sensible to minimise the pressure on the birds as much as possible to ensure the resident breeders get the best chance for future years and we will be encouraging our members to take these steps going forward.

“Shooters have always been receptive to conservation guidance, as was shown with black grouse, and those we have spoken to are happy to support the later start to help the resident woodcock.”

Although black grouse is still on the quarry list in Scotland, few are shot, with many shooters and estates actively involved in habitat and predator management for black game conservation.

Arthurshiel Rescue Centre has benefited by more than £750 after a fundraising three-day horse ride from Jedburgh to Ettrickbridge.

Adi Kay riding Fiadh, and Lynda Mays on Albus, set off on Tuesday, October 20, for the 40-mile journey, through Bedrule, Denholm, Cavers, Hawick racecourse, Drinkwater Hill, Ashkirk, the Dod and the Ettrick Valley.

Adi told us: “Fiadh and Albus are Highland ponies, which as a breed are good weight carriers and well suited to travelling many hours over rough countryside.

“Sourcing routes, places to stay and making sure that saddlebags contained necessary equipment meant preparation took several weeks.”

The ride raised £777 in total: £377 from sponsors and £400 from Adi’s proud husband Colin, who owns Cameron’s Bakery. Adi and Lynda thanked all who sponsored them, and all who helped to make their journey possible.

A rural hotel, which employs 10 seasonal staff, has closed for good because of antisocial behaviour at a nearby picnic area.

Alistair Moody of Tibbie Shiels Inn at St Mary’s Loch said he made his decision following an incident last month when a firearm was allegedly discharged by people camping overnight at Oxcleuch Haugh – about 100 yards away on the banks of the smaller Loch of the Lowes and managed by Scottish Borders Council.

“On the same night my cat disappeared and has never been seen again, leaving me to contemplate the possibility it was shot,” said Mr Moody.

“Even it that was not the case, it’s the latest in a long line of unsavoury incidents which my staff and guests have had to endure.”

He claimed he had been involved in three “violent confrontations” with revellers from the Haugh this summer.

“There have been further incidents of people from the picnic area coming onto my licensed campsite through the night and frightening campers.

“The calm, peace and security of our legitimate business and the tourism experience of many visitors to this beautiful area are being ruined.

“I’ve now closed the bar and kitchen permanently and I’m advertising our ensuite rooms as holiday lets. I have pre-bookings for our campsite up until the New Year, but it, too, will close after that.”

Run as a picnic area by SBC’s ranger service under an agreement with Wemyss and March Estates, Oxcleuch Haugh has a large sign proclaiming “No Overnight Vehicular Parking”.

Mr Moody claims this ban is regularly ignored with people taking their vehicles onto the site, lighting camp fires and, on many weekends, indulging in noisy parties.

He said that when he raised his concerns at a meeting with council officers on May 1 this year, he had been assured SBC would consider installing CCTV, improving signage and raising verges to deter vehicle access.

A spokesperson for SBC said Oxcleuch Haugh was a popular site and that, under the Land Reform Act, the public had a right to camp there “responsibly”.

He said the council had agreed to investigate installing security cameras but had since been advised it could not do so on land it did not own.

He admitted the parking ban was “difficult to manage” but stressed that the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit within the Scottish Borders Safer Communities team had received no formal complaints about antisocial behaviour.

“The team says local police have not raised concerns about this area,” said the spokesman.

Mr Moody poured scorn on that response.

“All my complaints have been directed at SBC’s ranger service because they all relate to the area for which it is responsible,” he told us.

“Citing the Land Reform Act is a joke when the council knows full well it can prohibit camping on a designated picnic area, that campers are accessing the site by car and not by foot, horse or bicycle and when their behaviour is anything but responsible.”

Police in the Borders are investigating following a series of vehicle-related thefts in the Hawick area.

The first incident occurred overnight between Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, when a minibus was stolen from Fairhurst Drive.

The vehicle was subsequently found at Whitmuir House on Tuesday, November 3, with its number plates switched.

Another vehicle was subsequently stolen from Borthwick Brae, near Roberton, Hawick, on Tuesday, November 3. This vehicle is yet to be recovered.

In a separate incident, a set of number plates was also stolen from outside an address in Alemoor Court. This incident was reported to police on November 3.

Inspector John Scott said: “There have now been a number of car related thefts in the Hawick area over the last few days and we are appealing for any information regarding these incidents.

“Anyone with information is asked contact police on 101.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two Borders properties, Raeshaw Estates and Corsehope Farm, have had their general licences to control wild birds suspended by Scottish Natural Heritage.

This is the first time the conservation body has taken such action and the two Borders properties, both north of Stow, where joined by two estates in Stirlingshire, whose licences were also suspended based on evidence provided by Police Scotland.

Nick Halfhide, SNH director of operations, said: “There is clear evidence that wildlife crimes have been committed on these properties. Because of this, and the risk of more wildlife crimes taking place, we have suspended the general licences on these four properties for three years.

“They may though still apply for individual licences, but these will be closely monitored.

“This measure should help to protect wild birds in the area, while still allowing necessary land management activities to take place, albeit under tighter supervision.

“We consider that this is a proportionate response to protect wild birds in the area and prevent further wildlife crime.”

General licences allow landowners or land managers to carry out actions which would otherwise be illegal, including controlling common species of wild birds to protect crops or livestock, for the conservation of wild birds and for the preservation of public health and public safety.

Scottish Natural Heritage are able to prohibit the use of General Licences granted for these purposes if they have reason to believe that wild birds have been taken or killed other than in accordance with the licence.

Over recent months they have been having discussions with key stakeholders regarding “outstanding concerns” relating to General Licences, focusing on the use of traps.

“One of the key areas of work that has arisen from those discussions has been to examine how traps currently permitted for use under General Licences are used in practice in order to ensure that their use is efficient, effective and with minimal risks in terms of welfare and capture of non-target species,” said an SNH spokesperson.

Investigations continue and SNH say that the period of suspension could increase if more offences come to light.

Councillors are to receive an update on Scottish Borders Council’s commitment to resettle Syrian refugees in the region at the next full council meeting on Thursday, November 12.

The report asks councillors to agree that SBC begins negotiations with the Home Office, with the proposal that the Borders aims to welcome up to 10 refugee families over the next four years as part of the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.

This figure would be in line with the region’s share of the 2,000 refugees coming to Scotland.

The report proposes that two families are resettled initially in the Galashiels area, with other locations considered as the scheme progresses in future years.

The Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme prioritises refugees who are women and children at risk, people in severe need of medical care and survivors of torture and violence.

As a result, the Council, local registered social landlords, NHS Borders, Borders College and Police Scotland are working together to ensure these families who have suffered significant trauma are properly settled and supported.

The report also acknowledges the significant support offered by community organisations and members of the public, with a plan to approach the voluntary sector to help establish a group to provide additional assistance for refugees.

SBC’s Executive Member for Social Work and Housing, Councillor Frances Renton, said: “The Council and its partners are fully committed to assisting the UK and Scottish government’s Syrian refugee schemes.

“Being an area which has not previously been involved in the relocation of refugees has meant we have taken more time to get ourselves into a position to welcome families. However, it is vital we ensure we are fully prepared and have everything in place ahead of their arrival.

“These are vulnerable people from a war-torn country who have undergone a traumatic experience. I am sure the people of the Borders will welcome them into their communities when they arrive.”

Football and literary fans from across the Borders will be given the chance to take part in a special ‘stramash’ at Netherdale later this month as part of Book Week Scotland.

On Saturday, November 28, at 2pm, author Daniel Gray brings his unique combination of football, travel writing and social history to the Borders in a special free event at Gala Fairydean Rovers stadium prior to their Lowland League Borders derby with Vale of Leithen.

Fans of both clubs, and people from across the Borders, are being invited to attend the event which is being funded by the Scottish Book Trust and charity Nil by Mouth as part of its Kiss Bigotry Goodbye Campaign.

Daniel is the author of Stramash: Tackling Scotland’s Towns and Teams, a football travelogue which takes him across 12 Scottish towns and teams during a football season.

He also hosts STV Edinburgh’s People’s History Show, and has written several books including Hatters, Railwaymen and Knitters: Travels Through England’s Football Provinces and Homage to Caledonia: Scotland and the Spanish Civil War, which was turned into a documentary by STV in 2009.

Daniel said: “As an author, I’m privileged to be asked to do live events across Britain. I always look forward to them and am humbled that people turn up to hear my words, but there is something extra-special about this one. It has everything I love about a good day out – a train journey, a walk around a cracking town, a match, chatting with folk I’ve never before met ... and even sweets.

“I can’t wait to be back in Gala, either. We did a chapter about it for my most recent book, ‘This is Scotland’, a mix of my travel writing and the evocative photography of Alan McCredie.

“I developed a real soft spot for the town, and am excited about coming back to feel the railway buzz. We visited Netherdale for the book, the first time for both of us.

“We were absolutely mesmerised by the main stand. I’ve been to many, many football grounds, but seen nothing like it. We both kept staring at it, like we’d found a giant Picasso painting. It is something else, and beautiful.”

During the event, he will read from a number of his books and take questions from the audience about his adventures across Scottish towns and football clubs.

GFR secretary Graeme McIver said: “We think a Borders derby at Netherdale, on a Lowland League matchday, is the perfect setting for Daniel Gray to read from his writings on both travel and football.

“A genuine love of the game at all its levels shines through from the pages of Daniel’s books and I am sure will have a particular resonance with supporters of non-league football. The fact that the event has been organised by our community partners Nil by Mouth ensures that as well as being enjoyable and informative, the day can play a part in advertising and raising awareness about the charity’s important Kiss Bigotry Goodbye campaign.”

Book Week Scotland is a week-long celebration of books and reading and will take place from Monday to Sunday, 23-29 November.

The first 50 people to arrive at the venue will also receive a free copy of the ‘Journey’ book – donated by the Scottish Book Trust.

There will also be chances to win specially-signed copies of Daniel’s books.

Gala Fairydean Rovers’ inclusivity consultation with Eastern Europeans on Saturday may not have attracted as many people as organisers may have wished, but according to club secretary Graeme McIver, it was a good start.

Jennifer Malone, diversity and inclusion officer at the Scottish Football Association, travelled to Galashiels on Saturday to give a presentation to immigrants who had been invited along to both take part in the consultation, as well as take in the club’s match against Edinburgh University.

Only three people turned up on the day. One was Irina Juodeike from Lithuania, whose son Faustas plays for one of the junior teams. The others were Langlee Chip Shop owners Dennis Akan and Emin Basanmay from Turkey, who had not had any previous contact with the club, but were curious about it. Because of the few atendees, it became a question and answer session, looking at how the club can better engage with the local community as a whole, including those who are new to the country.

One of the problems raised was that many people work on Saturdays and therefore could not attend either the consultation or any matches. Another was that there was a stigma attached to the term immigrant, which could stop the youngsters from wanting to take part.

Dennis and Emin revealed that they were part of a team that played a team of Romanians every Sunday at Tweedbank.

Mr McIver said he would look at the possibility of arranging for them to play at the 3G Arena, or getting coaches from the club to go and watch them play.

He told The Southern: “There may not be many here, but this is a start. We want to know how best to connect with the whole community and the information we have gained here will help up do that.”

Scottish Borders officers are appealing for witnesses following a break-in to a petrol station in Galashiels in the early hours of Thursday, November 5.

The incident happened around 3.45am when four persons in black clothing broke into the Esso station in Melrose Road and stole a large quantity of cigarettes.

Officers are now urging anyone with information to get in touch.

Detective Constable Callum Peoples said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who can assist us to trace those responsible for this incident.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Today (Thursday) marks exactly two months since Golden Ticket Day heralded a whole new era of rail travel in the Borders.

The lucky few who had been awarded the shiny cards sat in comfort for their journeys up to Edinburgh and back to Tweedbank, and it was unanimously hailed as an excellent addition to the region’s transport network.

The days and weeks that followed, however, saw an unpredicted amount of people taking the train, and the half-term school holiday week brought the line to a standstill several times.

Several trains were cancelled – 91 cancellations on the Borders Railway had been recorded up to last weekend, due to signalling problems, delays and “unexpected unavailability of train crew”. Scotrail says that this only accounts for 3% of the total number of services run.

So, is the Borders Railway a victim of its own success? Or has the Borders joined, or indeed put further pressure on, a situation stemming from a national shortfall of rolling stock which people in other parts of the country just take for normal?

We asked Scotrail what they were doing to improve the service.

A spokeswoman said the majority of feedback from customers told of a pleasant experience.

She said: “The huge interest in the Borders Railway over the first two months highlights its remarkable appeal to commuters and leisure travellers alike.

“Weekend trains and midweek trains at peak times are naturally busier than others so, to ensure we can carry as many passengers as possible on the new line, we’ve temporarily added extra carriages to some of our trains.

“This information is available on our website so customers can see which services have extra carriages.

“Furthermore, now that steam trains are no longer running on the line, we are able to run our full timetable every day of the week, which enables demand to be spread more evenly.”

The spokeswoman added: “The Borders Railway will also benefit from ScotRail’s annual festive plans to add carriages to trains to help people get home from nights out, and to complete their Christmas shopping.”

A statement from VisitScotland this week showed that the return of the trains seems to have benefited local businesses, with four out of five shops in Galashiels reporting takings to have doubled.

Abbotsford House reported an 18.4% increase on 2014 in visitor numbers, leading to an extension in the attraction’s summer opening hours into October, and the Herges on the Loch restaurant in Tweedbank had a 50% increase in its lunches with the steam train packages having a particular impact.

Certainly, the special steam train journeys were incredibly popular, with around 6,200 passengers travelling on 17 sold-out trips between September 10 and October 18.

Nesta Gilliland, ScotRail’s head of marketing said: “It’s been wonderful to see such high demand for our first-ever steam trains on the Borders Railway.

“They really caught the imagination of customers, excited by the thought of embarking on romantic journeys through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.

“The feedback from customers was wonderful, and our partnerships with Melrose Abbey and Abbotsford House worked out very well with a large number of customers using the bus links to visit these sites.

“It’s been a great opportunity to showcase Scotland’s newest rail line and the beautiful landscape.”

So, will the steram trains make a return to the Borders Railway?

The Scotrail spokeswoman said: “Operating steam trains isn’t as easy as deciding on dates – the locomotives and carriages are in high demand and all train operators must book them some time in advance.

“We currently have no definite plans for our 2016 steam trains, but we will share these as soon as dates and locations are confirmed.”

It was also revealed this week that a lucky passenger on the line would receive a prize for being the 250,000th passenger, with similar prizes for the 500,000th and millionth passengers.

Scotrail said that there have been more than 200,000 people recorded on the line to date, so that first milestone could be very soon indeed.

No details of the prize has been released.