It’s that time of year betwixt and between seasons when the cusp of change is in the air and there’s nothing really definite as a datum in the countryside to go by.

‘All in an April Evening’ a choral composition resonating from my youth plumped in choir stalls perhaps summing it up. There are references in the refrain- burgeoning with pastoral imagery and natural energy, to sheep and lambs on the move to pastures new but it’s the feeling engendered of extended lighter evenings when one can venture out after tea, even out of town into the hill country where curlew are calling.

The grass is growing again, ‘dewy pastures are sweet’, an emerald sheen across bleached fields, the sward drying out and springy underfoot, blackthorn blossoming white and sycamore bursting with sticky green buds.

Yellow though is still the predominant colour especially in flora of vibrant new life seen in daffodils, primroses, saxifrage and celandines extending to banks of gorse and broom and forsythia in the garden.

Trees generally stand lifeless, palisade-like, leafless awaiting a surge in sap to mantle green.

Reports are coming in of chiff-chaff, blackcap, willow warbler and sand martin arriving from afar but have yet not displaced the incessant twitter of the numerous finches flocking- chaffinch, green and gold gathering at the top of trees in the garden prior to descending sporadically to the feeders.

It’s a time to get bird boxes up and generally tidy up the garden - which I’ve been doing burning in batches piles of decaying brushwood all the while hoping to find a resurgent hedgehog enlivened after hibernation. No such luck.

It’s a while since I’ve seen one. I do remember distinctly being privy to the amorous snuffling intentions of a pair in the garden late one evening causing quite a stir under some hollies. A sound loud enough to attraction attention and one’s curiosity!

Hedgehog numbers have plummeted drastically over the last few years. Some say a direct correlation between them and badgers which have multiplied and are cable of tackling them as part of their diet.

Roles reversal too on the roads has seen few squashed hedgehogs but increased badgers falling victim as road kill.

Tidy gardens, increased use of decking and chemicals have probably all added to the creatures’ demise by reducing possible food sources which include insects, slugs, snails, earthworms, frogs and carrion.

Factor in the erection of continuous ‘barrier’ garden fencing (just including a five inch hole is all that’s required) even in leafy suburbs and the loss of hedgerows in the countryside then the drastically reduced habitat and roaming ground spells trouble.

Fortunately the skies contain no borders so we can expect our annual influx of migratory birds bringing that extra colour and song to our shores.

After three glorious days last week, it was back to winter temperatures by the weekend.

At least it was dry and permitted several really enjoyable outings into the lovely Borders countryside.

On Saturday, I joined a group of about a dozen wildlife enthusiasts on a Scottish Wildlife Trust outing to Ettrick Marshes.

Despite being bitterly cold with occasional hail showers, it was good to have a wander with like-minded people to enjoy the “crack” and look at the flora and fauna of this lovely area.

It was a bit cold and early in the year to see much and we had to work hard to find what was there but we had great fun doing it. A single fresh otter footprint caused great excitement but red squirrel evidence was much easier to find with piles of stripped cones all along the footpath.

The afternoon was nicely finished off with a look round the James Hogg Exhibition in the school building next to the Boston Hall, which was specially opened for our party.

It was still a touch ‘Baltic’ on Sunday morning when I went my usual riverside walk near my home in Selkirk. It was however, quite productive with 24 species of bird noted plus a newly arrived migrant, namely common sandpiper.

When they first arrive they are usually quite hard to spot as they concentrate on feeding up after their long journey and are relatively quiet. However, within a couple of days their strident piping call will be heard the length and breadth of the river.

By the afternoon, it had warmed up sufficiently for a trip to Bemersyde House near St Boswells, where the gardens were open as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.

The daffodils were at their golden best and the whole place looked spic and span, having obviously been the subject of a lot of hard work.

Bemersyde consists of a lofty rectangular tower, to which lower, modern extensions have been added at both sides. The original building, which has been a fairly typical Border peel-tower, rises to five storeys and dates from the early 16th century.

The upper storey is a 17th century reconstruction and the walls are very massive, reaching a thickness of 10 feet. There would be a house on this site from very early times, for the Haigs of Bemersyde are a very ancient family, having owned the lands reputedly as early as the 12th century, and the present building may well incorporate portions of an earlier house in its foundations.

In front of the house, as well as some really ancient yews, is the Covin Trysting Tree which is a sweet chestnut and around 800 years old. The tree has long been a feature of Bemersyde, appearing in many paintings of the house including a sketch by Turner, located in the British Museum, London. The tree is thought to have been planted in the 12th century by Petrus de Haga.

Although the original trunk has now died, layers were taken by Earl Haig in the 1950s resulting in several new healthy stems rising from the base.

A fascinating place and well worth a visit (especially on a day when home baking was being served in the tea tent afterwards!).

A national roadshow dedicated to raising awareness of the many career opportunities in the digital sector is coming to Selkirk and Duns this May.

The events will offer an insight into Scotland’s thriving digital technologies industry and provide advice about taking the first step on the ladder.

Hosted in partnership by Skills Development Scotland and Young Scot, the final two stops will be Duns and Selkirk on May 17 and 18. An interactive morning event for secondary school pupils will be followed by a lunchtime drop-in session aimed at parents, students and adults considering a career change. There will also be an evening insight session for adults in Selkirk.

The roadshow has the support of Scotland’s leading businesses and industry professionals have offered their time and expertise as it has travelled around the country.

The events will feature speakers from Tablet Academy Scotland as well as Borders businesses like software development success story IQX.

Adult registration for the lunchtime and evening sessions is free and both events will give people the opportunity to meet local technology companies and employers and network with leaders from a range of professions as well technology specialists, digital gurus and education providers.

The evening event will include a Q&A and speakers from industry, colleges and schools. It is a chance to learn about local vacancies, alternative employment routes and job security.

Claire Gillespie, key sector manager for ICT and digital technology skills at SDS, said: “We are really pleased to be bringing Discovering Digital World to the Borders. It has been fantastic to see teachers and parents getting involved and learning about the opportunities available in Scotland, so they can provide the best possible guidance to young people considering their future career path.

“We have already answered a range of questions about everything from coding to gender equality and we’re looking forward to hearing plenty more in Selkirk and Duns.”

More than 200 pupils from across the Borders will take part in Young Scot’s schools events which will showcase the many interesting, unexpected and inspiring aspects of the industry and give young people the confidence that they can succeed in the profession.

Duns Schools session (Duns Volunteer Hall), Tuesday May 17, 11am-1.15pm.

Duns lunchtime drop-in (Duns Volunteer Hall) Tuesday May 17, 1-2pm.

Selkirk Schools session (Selkirk High School), Wednesday May 18, 11am-1.15pm.

Selkirk lunchtime drop-in (Selkirk High School) Wednesday May 18, 1-2pm.

Selkirk Insight Evening (Selkirk High School) Wednesday May 18, 6.30-8.30pm.

Visit www.digitalworld.net/discover to register.

The recent Scottish Borders Fine Art Sale saw over 600 lots sold, including a large collection of fine paintings, porcelain, silver and furniture.

The highly anticipated Tom Scott watercolour of The Haining near Selkirk was sold for £4,000 to a local collector. Another by the same artist reached £1,500.

Parents have been advised to stop using certain Mamas & Papas car seats following tests which showed that they may not protect children during a crash.

The problem, where a seat may crack upon impact, was identified by parenting blog Playpennies when it was contacted by worried parents.

The seat models in question are:

Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1 Black (Argos catalogue number 297/7526)

Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1 Grey (Argos catalogue number 411/9100)

Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1-2-3 Black (Argos catalogue number 305/6037)

Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 1, 2, 3 Grey (Argos catalogue number 397/9530)

Mamas & Papas Mercury Group 2-3 Black and Grey (Argos catalogue number 245/4829)

An Argos spokesman said: “We have identified a potential safety concern.

“In the event of an accident the car seat shell may crack and therefore not provide the intended level of protection to the user.

“If you have purchased any of the above seats, you should immediately stop using the product and return the car seat to your local Argos store for a full refund. We wish to thank you for your cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience caused by this recall.”

Coincidentally, new rules are due to come in force later this year. Car booster seats without a back will be banned for younger children.

At present, children weighing over 15kg - so around the age of three and up to 12 - can travel in cars while sitting on a backless booster seat.

However, experts have claimed the seat is unsuitable for younger children and backless booster seats will only be approved for use by children weighing more than 22kg and taller than 125cm.

Selkirk High School recently held its third annual fashion show which showcased the work of senior students.

Students from Selkirk High School’s creative fashion course have put on a fashion show, named “So Sew”, to display their work and that of local clothing brands.

Garments from Scottish businesses such as Scott and Charters, Eribe, Johnstons of Elgin, House of Hogarth, Inis and Lochcarron were modelled on the catwalk - which was provided by Marks and Spencer.

The clothes, which were created by the fashion students, took inspiration from the 1940s, films and summer holidays. P7 students from Philiphaugh, Knowepark, Yarrow, Kirkhope and St Joseph’s were recruited to model upcycled clothing made by seniors.

One of the fashion designers, and model, Joanne Culley (16) said: “At the start everyone was nervous but after the rehearsal everyone relaxed and enjoyed themselves. I am really proud of what I have achieved. The course and taking part in the show has given me more confidence.”

Entertainment was provided throughout the night. The high school’s drama department put on a short play while art students from first and third year displayed their artwork. The night was brought to a close with a dance performance from the Hawick dance group, Fusion.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison of Scottish Borders Council said: “Not only did they capture the heritage of the Borders textile industry in their designs, but they did so in a way that brought history right into the 21st century with a fresh and exciting interpretation of the themes they were working with.”

German discount supermarket Lidl is recalling its own brand tinned herring fillets because it does not warn shoppers they may contain FISH.

The assorted flavoured herring pieces sold in 200g tins under the brand Nixe also contain milk, egg, mustard and wheat which are not declared as an allergen in English on the label.

Despite having a prominent Marine Stewardship Council logos the discounter said Herring Fillets in a Tomato Sauce was withdrawn due to fish not being declared in English.

Its Herring Fillets in a Tomato and Red & Green Pepper Sauce, Herring Fillets in a Mustard Sauce and Herring Fillets in a Tomato & Pepper Sauce also failed to mention they may contain fish, milk, egg, wheat and mustard.

Lidl said: “If you have bought a product and have an allergy to fish, milk, mustard, egg or wheat do not eat it.

“Instead return it to a Lidl store for a full refund. Other green grocer products are not affected by this recall.”

The Food Standards agency also warned anyone with an allergy to the ingredients not to eat them.

It said: “The above products may contain fish, milk, egg, mustard and wheat (gluten) which are not mentioned on the label in English.

“This means the products may be a possible health risk to anyone with an allergy or intolerance to the allergens listed above.

“If you have bought any of the above products and have an allergy or intolerance to any of the above allergens, please do not eat it.

“Instead return it to the store from where you bought it for a full refund.”

All affected tins affected have a best before date of March 16, 2020.

With two rounds of the competition remaining, Kings of the Seven pacesetters Jed-Forest have opened up a seven-point lead at the top.

Jed consolidated their advantage over nearest rivals Watsonians after winning the 86th Earlston tournament on Sunday.

The victory, only their second success in the Kings competition this season, atoned for their early exit at Kelso on Saturday, when they lost in the first round to Melrose, the eventual winners at Poynder Park.

Twenty-four hours on from their Kelso triumph, Melrose arrived at The Haugh hoping to add to their six successive Earlston titles and intent on making up ground after a slow start to their Kings campaign.

But hopes of making it seven in a row were dashed when Melrose lost narrowly to the Powerbombs, a talented composite side, ironically containing three Melrose players not selected for their club’s first team.

Jed, meanwhile came through the first two rounds in the top half of the draw, barely breaking sweat as they cruised past junior clubs Berwick and Duns without conceding a score.

Then, in the first of the semi-finals, Jed overcame a feisty and skilful Selkirk side 26-17 to book their place in the final.

Watsonians, likewise, had an untroubled passage through the first two rounds and defused the Powerbomb threat 34-0 in the second semi-final.

Then, in the final, tries by twins Lewis and Gregor Young and one by Robert Hogg gave Jed a 21-0 lead.

But, when Lewis Young was binned for a high tackle, Watsonians ran in two tries by Robbie Greenhaugh.

Jed, however, added a brace by Ross Combe, Watsonians only reply a try by Euan Miller, leaving the Riverside team title winners at the Haugh.

“It was a really exciting final and probably the best on the circuit so far,” said Jed’s assistant coach, Kevin Barrie.

“Selkirk gave us a good test in the semi-final. We knew it wouldn’t be easy against Watsonians because they’ve beaten us three out of the last four times we’ve met. So it was good to get that result.

“When you’re playing two sevens every weekend, it’s hard,” he added. “Sometimes it does take its toll and sometimes you’ve got to take a step back to go forward.”

Of the other Border sides competing, Gala went out to Powerbombs in the first round after a controversial try, hosts Earlston disposed of Peebles, Duns had a first-round win over Lasswade and Hawick went out to Selkirk in the quarter-final.

Earlston Sevens results: First round – Kelso 14, Hawick 38; Edinburgh Accies 5, Selkirk 21; Lasswade 10, Duns 36; Jed-Forest 41, Berwick 0; Melrose 41, Hawick Quins 0; Gala 5, Powerbombs 10; Earlston 22, Peebles 12; Watsonians 46, President’s Select 0. Quarter-finals – Hawick 14, Selkirk 26; Duns 0, Jed-Forest 45; Melrose 17, Powerbombs 22; Earlston 7, Watsonians 39.

Semi-finals – Selkirk 19, Jed-Forest 26; Powerbombs 0, Watsonians 34. Final – Jed-Forest 35, Watsonians 21.

Owing to factors beyond their control, Melrose RFC have had a delayed start to their Kings of the Sevens challenge this season.

But, at Poynder Park last Saturday the Greenyards men showed they mean business this season by sweeping to victory in the Kelso tournament, with a substantial win over Gala in the final.

This win was Melrose’s first Kings of the Sevens title this season, lifting them to fourth place in the overall standings.

What was surprising was not so much their win but the margins of victory achieved by the Melrose squad in all four rounds, and especially in the semi-final and final.

“Even in the semi-final we were quite taken aback by far ahead we were,” said skipper Bruce Colvine.

“ We just stuck to our structures and it worked out on the day.

“There are boys in this team, like Richard Mill, Andrew Nagle, Nyle Godsmark and some of the bigger lads, who can run all day. So the fitness side is a big factor for us.

“We had a tough first round against Jed. But, in the Kings of the Sevens, you have to be ready early in any tournament for what comes at you.

“ We come switched on and the boys know the challenges when we first arrive.”

Melrose, playing without their Scotland under-20 squad members, looked the likely winners after knocking out the Kings’s leaders, Jed-Forest, in the first round and then disposing of Boroughmuir in the quarter-finals with a 33-7 win.

But it was in the second of the semi-finals that Melrose really showed their title-winning credentials by overwhelming a Watsonians seven that has performed well on the Borders circuit.

Try doubles by Richard Mill and Jason Baggott helped the Greenyards men to an unexpectedly high 52-5 win over the Myreside team.

Gala, meanwhile, came through the top half of the draw by defeating Hawick 24-19, after extra time, in the first round before producing a a startling 41-12 victory over Edinburgh Accies in the quarters. Then, in the semi-finals, Gala had too much pace for hosts Kelso in their 24-7 win.

In the final, Gala struck first with a Keith Young try but, thereafter, it was Melrose who dominated, with fast sevens rugby that gave them a 29-5 interval lead with tries from Ally Grieve, Richard Mill, Fraser Thomson and Bruce Colvine.

Then, despite a try for Gala by Rex Jeffrey after the break, Melrose piled on the scores as Bruce Colvine completed his hat-trick and player of the tournament Richard Mill his brace for a 57-19 victory. Gala gained some consolation with a late try by George Graham.

Elsewhere, Selkirk, Hawick and Jed-Forest all suffered first-round defeats – a fate that also befell Howe of Fife, who had travelled from Cupar.

Melrose: A. Grieve, R. Mill, A. Nagle, B. Colvine, I. Chisholm (Jed), N. Godsmark, F. Thomson, J. Helps, D. Colvine, J. Baggott.

Gala: G. Young, S. Cairns, L. Mallin (Kelso), G. Lott, R. Jeffrey, I. Moodie (Boroughmuir), K. Young, E. Scott, G. Graham, A Mitchell.

Results: final Gala 19, Melrose 57. semi-finals Kelso 7, Gala 24; Melrose 52, Watsonians 5. quarter-finals Dundee High 0, Kelso 33; Edinburgh Accies 12, Gala 41; Boroughmuir 7, Melrose 33; Powerbombs 7, Watsonians 28.

first round Dundee High 29, Lasswade 7; Kelso 38, Langholm 7; Edinburgh Accies 29, Selkirk 19; Gala 24, Hawick 19 (aet) ; Bor’muir 38, President’s Seven 5 ; Jed-Forest 7, Melrose 24; Powerbombs 22, Howe of Fife 7; Peebles 0, Watsonians 52.

Over one hundred Stow residents and visitors turned out recently to help launch the brand new Gala Water History and Heritage Association and to open a social history exhibition, ‘Books and Bonnie Braes’.

Stow may seem like a typically quiet Borders village. However, the exhibition held in the grand Stow Town Hall revealed much of the lively spirit behind the community, and showed that it was host to the well known family, of James Thin, familiar to Scottish students for generations.

Famous as suppliers of school books and academic publications from their Edinburgh store, the Thin family have strong connections to the Borders, including an impressive house in Stow, which survives to this day. Among the family archives is a photo album from over a hundred years ago.

“The collection dates from 1901 and 1902,” said Wendy Ball, chair of the newly incorporated association, which superseded the Stow Parish Archive. “It’s proving to be a treasure trove of informal pictures capturing everyday life for the family in Stow and Edinburgh.”

Also on display was the ‘Poppy Project’, the commemorative installation at Stow War Memorial, seen by road users on the A7.

“We are delighted to be able to share these wonderful images with a wider public,” added Wendy Ball. “We are very grateful to the members of the Thin family who made this possible.”

The Gala Water History and Heritage Association will be holding an inaugural pubic lecture, at 7.30pm, on May 9, in Stow Town Hall, when examples of the Thin family photographic collection will again be on display. For any other opportunities to view, and further information about the association, contact the community archivist, Mary Craig, at galawaterhistoryandheritage@gmail.com or visit the Stow Parish Archive Facebook page.

Data released this week has showed that the country’s wind turbines produced enough power to meet the domestic needs of more than three-quarters of Scottish households in the month of April, according to new figures.

The information from energy analysts WeatherEnergy indicated that the nation’s wind farms provided 699,684MWh of electricity to the National Grid.

They said the total was enough to power 79% of average Scottish households, equivalent to 1.9 million homes.

The energy output was up by 15% compared with the same time last year.

WeatherEnergy said on eight days in April, wind turbines generated enough electricity to supply 100% of Scottish homes.

Karen Robinson of WeatherEnergy said: “After a relatively slow start to the year, Scotland’s wind power output is back on the up thanks to some powerful winds during the month.

Gangsters, vampires, martial arts, and the end of the world all combine in this week’s DVD release, the sublimely chaotic Yakuza Apocalypse.

The movie takes us to the streets of a Japanese neighbourhood which is under the control of a benevolent Yakuza boss with a secret. This gangster is a vampire, ruling the underworld with his supernatural powers.

When a strange group of assassins turn up and take out the boss he passes his vampire gift on to his thoughtful underling Kageyama (Hayato Ichihara). It’s the trigger for an increasingly bizarre sequence of events.

Kageyama and an ever-expanding undead army take on a range of dangerous opponents from a shady rival organization, including a lethal nerd and a killer terrorist dressed up as a giant frog. It isn’t long until the neighbourhood is in a state of chaos.

The film is the latest from director Takashi Miike, one of the most distinctive filmmakers in Japanese cinema and a master of manic, over-the-top action. He’s outdone himself with this one, splicing genres in a stylishly frenzied mash-up.

What’s going on half the time? Who knows! Trying to figure out why anything is happening feels like a fool’s errand. The whole thing is pandemonium stuffed with eminently strange characters and inexplicable events. The ending section in particular is a ludicrously outlandish head-scratcher.

All these weird and wonderful events are driven along by a relentlessly manic energy. At its best this provides superbly inventive moments and exciting battles, but some of the sequences in the film are overlong.

Maybe the film says something about the viral and predatory nature of criminal organisations. Or maybe it says something about the effect of modern capitalism on traditional communities. It’s hard to say evaluate such depth when you’re watching a man dressed as a frog take down enemies with a baseball bat.

One thing that’s for sure is Yakuza Apocalypse is like nothing else you’ll see this year. Sit back and enjoy.

Newcastleton Community Council has invited the Campaign for Borders Rail to outline what bringing back rail services may mean for the southern Borders community.

Until 1969, Newcastleton was connected to the network, with services both local and long distance. The sleeper service to London was famously halted that year when residents blockaded the line in protest at the loss of their “Waverley Route” service.

On Tuesday, the community has the chance to hear how the campaign to reopen the Edinburgh to Tweedbank line is still working to see the rest of it reinstated through Hawick, on to Carlisle.

“It’s been a long time since the railway came through the village,” said Barbara Elborn, representing the Newcastleton Business Forum. “There is a broad spread of opinion on what benefits the railway may bring, and what else might be done to help regenerate and invigorate the social and economic future for the community. We want to ensure that the feasibility study covers all the ground. This meeting gives us the chance to hear about the success so far and what steps we need to take to ensure that can be emulated if the line is extended.”

Speaking for the campaign will be Simon Walton, who was chairman from the time of signing the contract and throughout the construction phase and first year of operations. He has addressed similar meetings in Langholm and Carlisle. “Having lived right alongside the line and seen the rails laid, I think I’m qualified to bear witness to what anyone can expect along the journey to restoration,” he said. “I’m sure there are many questions to be answered and many opinions to be aired. I’m expecting this to be a well attended and vigorous debate.”

Among the questions will be the eventual route of any restored service, and how the transport and communication needs of communities that might not be directly served can be satisfied.

While the popularity of the Borders Railway to the north has clearly improved the prospects for further extension, there remain questions over whether different infrastructure spending might bring better benefits to the region. Simon Walton says he expects to hear many options tabled. “While the Campaign obviously believes that investment in rail services for the Borders represents the best way to put right the social injustice of the line’s closure in 1969, and the subsequent economic blight that precipitated, we’re not blinkered to the wider regeneration needs of the community,” he said.

“Historically the line came through Newcastleton to serve the commercial needs of competing Victorian railway companies,” said Barbara Elborn. “We’d like to see where the community needs stand in any future publicly-funded rail project. Would, for example a railway come through Newcastleton without a station? Would there be any provision for freight handling, notably the bulk timber that currently moves by road through this part of the Borders.”

The meeting is open to all and being hosted by Newcastleton and District Community Council at Newcastleton Village Hall on Tuesday, May 10, at 7pm.

Royal Blind supporters from the Scottish Borders have raised more than £2,500 for the charity by holding afternoon tea at the Duke of Buccleuch’s country estate.

Borders Friends of Royal Blind, a community group led by local Jan Watson, held the fundraiser at His Grace The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry’s house, Bowhill, in Selkirk, on Wednesday.

The sold-out event featured a talk by local historian Ian Landles, and a prize draw and silent auction, raising a fantastic £2,526 for Scotland’s largest visual impairment organisation, Royal Blind.

Guests entered the £20 prize draw to be in with a chance of winning some exclusive prizes including a Bowhill pen made from boxwood from the grounds of the estate, a permit for one day’s fishing at Bowhill, two pieces of art by Euphen Alexander, wine and other goodies, and a bottle of whisky donated by the Duke himself.

One keen bidder also secured themselves an exclusive original painting by Lady Emma Tennant in the silent auction with a bid of £500.

Kerrigan Bell, fundraiser at Royal Blind commented: “We were delighted that The Duke kindly allowed us the use of his magnificent home for the event, and are immensely grateful to Ian and all the kind donors of prizes for making the event so successful.

“We would like to sincerely thank Jan Watson and the Borders Friends of Royal Blind without whom this fantastic event would not have happened.”

The association between the Buccleuch family and Royal Blind started when the charity was founded back in 1793 and the Third Duke of Buccleuch became its president.

The future of a historic building has been debated by local residents after it was given a new lease of life by the reopening of the Borders Railway

A gallery, cafe and adult education centre could be the future for Stow’s historic station building on the new Borders Railway.

Stow Community Trust recently presented plans to a well attended meeting in the village, outlining proposals for the original station building, which currently stands disused on the busy new station.

“Ever since the building was saved there has been constant debate about making it part of the community again,” said Alan McNeilly, chair of the trust. “We’ve been in negotiations with the railway operators and the Scottish government to help us established a flexible space that works well for a whole range of uses.

“We’re seeking further ideas from the village, because there’s lots going on in Stow, and this could be a real point of focus for the community.”

The stone building, which dates from 1848, is the only original station building left on the new Borders Railway, actually within the Borders.

Fountainhall, four miles north, still retains its station house, but has not seen its halt reinstated.

St. Ronan’s Border Games Committee is appealing for funds to replace the Sash Girls’ dresses in time for July’s celebrations.

The girls are P3-7 pupils at St. Ronan’s School, chosen to take part in the annual Cleikum Ceremonies.

“The role was first introduced fifty years ago in 1966, so it’s fitting that we are looking to provide new dresses this year,” said games chairman Keith Belleville. “We need to raise around £500 to ensure everyone is kitted out and would be very grateful for any support that people feel able to contribute. “

Donations can be sent to the treasurer, Foresters, Wells Brae, Innerleithen, EH44 6JE with cheques payable to “St. Ronan’s Border Games.”

The committee plans to celebrate fifty years of the Sash Girls with an article in the Games Week programme and is appealing for memories of the role down the years. If any one has any stories they would like to share, please email KJBelleville@aol.com.

Passengers are suffering “substantial inconvenience” from a series of faults plaguing Scotland’s newest railway, with disruption nearly every day so far this month.

A log of incidents shows more than 80 trains have been cancelled or delayed on the Borders line since 31 March.

They include a range of faults to the signalling system, which was installed during construction of the £350 million Edinburgh-Tweedbank line, which opened last September.

One such incident led to nearly half the trains on the route last Saturday being cancelled or delayed.

Other difficulties include “crewing issues” – staff shortages – and trains breaking down.

Most services on the 35-mile line are operated by ScotRail’s least reliable train fleet.

The Campaign for Borders Rail (CBR), which compiled the log, said passengers were further disrupted by delayed trains not stopping at some stations to make up time.

Renowned Scottish muralist Christopher Rutterford, will celebrate the arrival on May 15 of the iconic locomotive the Flying Scotsman to Galashiels, with a mural which will become a permanent fixture in the town.

Featuring an atmospheric image of the train, the mural will initially arrive in a live onsite painting over May 13-15.

The mural will feature a vibrant and fun Victorian period crowd scene made up of participants from the Galashiels and Borders community.

Chris specialises in epic large scale crowd murals often with a historic theme. He has a number of murals displayed round Scotland including a centrepiece at the Bannockburn Heritage Museum and a prominent Edinburgh city centre Mural factory. This is his first Borders project.

Residents and visiting enthusiasts will be added to this brand new artwork for a modest financial contribution to fund the production and finishing of the project.

It is planned that, subject to all required approvals, the mural will be mounted on the gable end of Douglas Bridge, adjoining the brand new Grapevine restaurant and café. 

Artist Chris said this week: “It was a real honour to be asked to support the ongoing improvements to Galashiels town centre. I am convinced this new project can help in the town’s journey towards regeneration.”

Details have been released of road closures ahead of the Flying Scotsman’s visit to Tweedbank and Galashiels later this month.

Parking will be prohibited on the following roads between the hours of 9am and 6pm on Sunday, May 15:

• Tweedbank Drive, Tweedbank – from Essenside Drive to the Melrose Roundabout;

• New Tweedbank Station Access Road.

Meanwhile, the Tweedbank Industrial Estate West Entrance – from Tweedbank Drive southwards for a distance of 65 metres - will be closed to traffic from 10am on Friday, May 13 until 6pm on Sunday, May 15.

In addition, the Tweedbank Industrial Estate roads will have a one way order in place between 9am and 6pm on Sunday, May 15.

The Flying Scotsman became the first steam locomotive to be officially authenticated as reaching 100 miles per hour on November 30, 1934.

It then also set a world record for the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive when it ran 422 miles on August 8, 1989, in Australia.

Borders College has become the latest education provider to sign up to support the Scottish Care Leavers Covenant.

College Principal Liz McIntyre signed the Covenant at the inaugural meeting of the Borders Young Talent Steering Group at the Scottish Borders Campus last week.  The meeting was well attended by various representatives from local authority groups including Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders, Foster Care Connect, Action for Children and various local Secondary Schools. 

The Borders Young Talent Programme (BYTP) is an exciting new project which will support Schools Academy senior phase pupils who are looked after away from home, either in foster or residential care, or have caring responsibilities for either an adult or sibling.

Each young person will be allocated a mentor who will become their advocate, adviser and provide one-to-one support.