Our reporters are working throughout the night and tomorrow to bring you the results from every seat and list area alongside analysis of what they mean for the wider Scottish political landscape.

Our live blog will begin when the polls close at 10pm and will run until 6pm on Friday.

You can join in too by tweeting your thoughts with the hashtag #jpvote.

{http://www.scotsman.com/live/daily?1245208|Access the live blog >>}

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Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire will be represented by Tory candidate John Lamont in the Scottish Parliament for the next five years.

Just before 7am this morning returning officer Tracey Logan declared Mr Lamont the elected member for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire following a night of vote counting in Springwood Hall, Kelso.

The results for the constituency are: John Lamont - 18,257; Paul Wheelhouse - 10,521; Jim Hume - 2,551; Barrie Cunning - 1,766.

Mr Lamont increased his majority from five years ago by 10.3% to 55.2% of the vote.

He has represented the constituency at Holyrood for the past five years and prior to that was MSP for Roxburgh and Berwickshire between 2007-11.

“I am absolutely delighted to have gained the support of so many voters in the Scottish Borders and I’d like to thank each and every person who has placed their trust in me,” said Mr Lamont.

“The result today means I can continue to put the Borders ahead of party politics.”

Nearly half of parents admit being “piggy bank raiders” who dip into their children’s cash to pay for parking, takeaways, taxis, school trips and the window cleaner.

Some 46% of parents of children aged between four and 16 said they have taken cash from their child’s piggy bank stash, a survey from Nationwide Savings has found.

The average amount taken over the past 12 months was £21.41, while one in 10 (10%) parents had taken £50 or more.

Mums are more likely to raid their child’s piggy bank than dads - but dads are more likely to swipe bigger amounts, the survey found.

The months after Christmas, when many families are getting their finances back on track, also appears to be the time when piggy bank raiders are most prolific, with many parents saying they tended to take money between January and April.

Here are the main reasons for piggy bank raiding parents taking the cash, according to the survey:

1. To pay school lunch money, 15%

2. To pay a bill, 15%

3. School trips, 11%

4. Parking, 11%

5. Other (included paying bus fares, a milkman, taxis, a cleaner, hair cuts, a window cleaner, petrol and the tooth fairy), 12%

6. I was broke, 8%

7. Takeaways, 5%

The vast majority of parents (93%) said they put the money back afterwards - and only around two in five (39%) of children noticed the money had disappeared.

Nearly one third of parents who took money said they had confessed to their child, while 23% sneaked the money back into their child’s piggy bank.

A further one in seven (14%) added “interest” onto the amount they had borrowed, putting more money in than they had taken out.

Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, Nationwide’s head of savings and mortgage policy, said: “Despite being in charge of instilling a good approach to finance, almost half of parents have been caught in spring raids on their kid’s piggy bank stash.

“While liberating change for parking or to pay school lunch money could be viewed as excusable, one in 10 parents actually borrowed more than £50 in the last year, including for paying bills.

“Although more than half of kids don’t even notice the money has gone, it is reassuring that the vast majority of parents - including me - pay the cash back, with one in seven paying back even more than they borrowed to ease their guilt.

“Based on these findings, perhaps there are even more reasons for parents to encourage their kids to start the savings habit.”

An event to celebrate Carers Week will take place in the Borders on June 8.

Organised by Borders Voluntary Care Voice and Borders Carers Centre, the free event is open to unpaid family carers, service users and providers.

It is an opportunity for carers to give their views on a range of issues including short breaks, self-directed support and support plans, linked with the new Carers Scotland Act 2016.

‘Getting it right for carers in the Scottish Borders’ at Tweed Horizons in Newtown St Boswells, will include speakers and workshops.

Jenny Miller of Borders Voluntary Care Voice, said: “We are keen to get as many carers as possible along to hear their views on what is important to them.”

For more information, the publica can call 01896 757290, e-mail admin@borderscarevoice.org.uk or visit www.borderscarevoice.org.uk

These adorable pictures show a tiny lamb which has to wear sheep sunglasses to protect its eyes.

Three-week-old Flash suffers from uveitis, a painful condition which makes his right eye sore, red and ultra-sensitive to bright light.

Since being diagnosed at three days old, the little lamb has undergone a course of antibiotics and eye drops to reduce the inflammation.

But looking at the sun is still painful - so letting Flash out to graze during the day without eye protection is not an option.

Kelso Rotary Club president John Lafferty presents a cheque to Nicky Glendinning and Mr Bling, of Stable Life at Dryden, Ashkirk.

Last year Vanessa Henderson, of Stable Life, spoke at a club meeting about the work that the charity does with young Borderers, providing a safe learning experience for those who are in need of extra support. Stable Life uses the horse and the environment of the stable yard to help young people reach their potential and experience successful confidence building.

Rotarians decided to support this local initiative and held an Italian night of food and music at Ednam in early March when £750 was raised.

Borderers are this week mourning the loss of well-known journalist Bob Burgess, who has died at the age of 64. He had only retired at the end of March.

Although having been a long-time resident of Selkirk, Bob was born and bred in Galashiels, starting his career with the Border Telegraph in 1967.

He also worked for the BBC in Selkirk and as a freelance reporter for national newspapers before joining the staff of The Southern Reporter and Selkirk Weekend Advertiser, reaching the position of deputy editor.

With a new intake of MSPs preparing to take up office at Holyrood this morning, the country’s farming union has underlined the key rural issues facing them.

NFU Scotland President Allan Bowie said this week: “This Scottish Parliamentary election has fallen at an unprecedented time for Scottish farming. The sustained downturn in farm incomes across all sectors and the failures encountered when implementing a new agricultural support system means that farmers and crofters are justifiably asking how the Scottish Government plans to address our pressing issues.

“These were the key themes at NFU Scotland’s hustings roadshows held in recent weeks and attended by hundreds of members across the country.

“With agriculture, rural affairs, land reform, environment and food policy being devolved to the Scottish Parliament, there are key decisions to be taken by this new crop of MSPs which will be extremely significant for NFU Scotland members over the next five-year term.

“NFU Scotland has enjoyed strong and positive links with parliamentarians of all colours since the Scottish Parliament was established, and we look forward to continuing this engagement in the new parliamentary term.

“We congratulate all new and returning MSPs on their election and will shortly extend invitations to them to meet with NFUS members across the country – either on farms throughout the summer or at upcoming agricultural shows, including the Highland.

“We pass on our very best wishes for the future to those MSPs and candidates who are not returning to the Scottish Parliament. Several of those have been vocal and keen advocates for Scottish farmers and crofters since the start of the Scottish Parliament and some have been heavily involved in rural issues debated at Holyrood in recent times.

“Looking ahead, the Union mapped out its vision for Scottish farming and crofting in our manifesto document for this election and as the new parliament beds in, these are items we will be seeking to progress.

“We want to see action that delivers a food chain which shares the risks and rewards and allows farmers and crofters to prosper. It is important that, at this time of uncertainty and volatility in the agricultural industry, we have strong voices within Scottish Government that represent Scottish farmers and crofters and look to build on a food and drink sector success that has yet to connect with the farm gate.

“And there is much unfinished business to be done in delivering outstanding support payments to all farmers before the payment window closes in June. As a Union, we will be looking for the new Government to provide a guarantee that there will not be the same debacle and any repeat of the IT delivery failings seen in 2015. A clear timetable for support payment delivery in the future must be set and adhered to and proper accountability needs to be established.

“We understand that over the coming days key Cabinet appointments will be made, and we will ask meet with those ministers at the earliest possibility to seek solutions to the unique challenges currently facing our industry and develop the solutions that can return our sector back to profitability.

Volunteers are being sought for a unique programme to help Borders cancer patients to lead more active and fulfilling lives.

Macmillan Cancer Support and Live Borders are working in partnership to develop Move More Borders, a programme of physical activity designed specifically for people affected by cancer.

Traditionally cancer patients have been told to rest but research by Macmillan Cancer Support has shown being active during and after treatment can improve physical and emotional health and help minimise the side effects of treatment.

Macmillan has invested £132,000 in the programme which will include walking groups, a gentle movement class, circuits-based activity classes and gardening.

Live Borders is now looking for volunteers to help deliver the activities, like leading walking groups and gentle movement classes, and provide support in exercise classes.

Training will be provided for each role with classes due to be held weekly from July.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Live Borders added; “Our aim is to enable people of all ages and abilities to become more active and our new partnership with Macmillan will be a wonderful addition to the activity opportunities available in the region. Its success will be linked to securing volunteers to help to support the activities. I am amazed by how willing the people in the Borders the are to donate their time to help provide opportunities for others and I hope that this unique opportunity will attract strong support.”

To be part of Move More Borders or for more information contact development officer Charlotte Young on 01896 661166 ext 311 or movemore@liveborders.org.uk

Police are looking to trace a group of youths following numerous reports of vandalism at a park in Peebles.

Several members of the public contacted the emergency service after witnessing four males smashing glass bottles against a pavilion in the Tweed Green area of the town as well as onto a nearby roadway.

The incident happened at around 5:50pm on Sunday, May 8th, when the park was busy with local residents and visitors.

Officers are currently pursuing a positive line of inquiry and want to hear from anyone with relevant information.

Inspector Mike Bennett who is based in Galashiels said: “This was a mindless and reckless act, which could have resulted in injury to members of the public including children and animals.

“We are pursuing positive lines of inquiry however we would welcome any further information from the public.”

Those with information are asked to contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The 2016 Tweedbank Lass and Lad were named in the traditional ceremony this week.

Pictured above are this year’s Principal Group: Tweedbank Lad, Ross Moffat; First Attendant, Michael Paszkiewicz; Second Attendant, Leo Hay;

Tweedbank Lass, Paige Gilhooley; her First Attendant, Erin Stoddart; Second Attendant, Millie Simons.

Fifteen new jobs have been created in the Borders as a result of the opening of the Borders Railway.

Following the success of the Grapevine restaurant launched in Selkirk last year, the Grapevine Galashiels was opened in the town’s Douglas Bridge last week.

Owners Will Haegeland and Trond Dalby, who also run the County Hotel in Selkirk, are hopeful the venture will create more good jobs in the future and that it will continue to make a valuable contribution to the tourism sector in the region by capitalising on the opportunities the railway has brought to the Borders.

The new jobs include head chef Jonny Street, Junior Borders Chef of the Year,deputy manager Simeon Siroky, chef de parties Susan Kay and Bruce McLaren and senior guest service host Alison

Alison said: “We are absolutely delighted with the response that we have had since opening the Grapevine in Galashiels last week.

“We have had lovely feedback from customers who have been enjoying the fact that they can come in for a coffee and a scone during the day to enjoying a cocktail or dinner after work or stopping by for brunch at the weekend. This is a really exciting time for the town and the Borders as a whole and we look forward to playing our part and welcoming local people and visitors to the restaurant in the future”.

A heartbroken mother has channelled her grief into backing efforts to find a cure for the disease that killed her son.

Carol Phillips was left devastated by the death of her son Simon, a motor mechanic, in 2008 at the age of 35, but she was determined that something positive should come out of that tragedy.

Carol, 69, of Heronhill Crescent, Hawick, decided to write a book of poetry to raise money for Cancer Research UK in his memory, and it has now yielded a boost of almost £1,100 for the charity.

She had 400 copies of her book, called Poems, produced up by Hawick printer Richardson and Son, with a cover price of £3.99, and they were sold by various shops in the town’s High Street, Bridge Street, Silver Street and Drumlanrig Square, as well as a few others further afield, over the last two years.

The proceeds of that print run, £1,097, just over her target of £1,000, have now been handed over to Cancer Research UK’s shop in Galashiels.

Carol, originally from Northamptonshire, said: “Simon was diagnosed in 2000 and died in 2008.

“He had a slow-growing cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, and, being so young, we thought he would have a good chance of recovery.

“He did receive the all-clear once, in 2005, but it came back some months later, and this time it was diagnosed as terminal.

“The reason I wanted to raise money for cancer research is because there must be a way to beat this disease, like all the other terrible diseases that brilliant scientists have found cures for.

“Simon’s death was slow and painful, but he kept cheerful – to the outside world, anyway – and he certainly didn’t wany anyone to cry.

“Most of the time you would have thought nothing was wrong, then a pain would come across his face, but I did hope and pray.

“I have to thank everyone for their generosity. Simon would be chuffed to bits.”

A Jedburgh jogging group is going the extra mile – or 26 – to support multiple marathon man Ben Smith’s bid to do 401 of the long-distance runs in as many days.

Anti-bullying campaigner Ben Smith is taking on the mammoth challenge to raise awareness of the issue and the misery it can cause for youngsters, as well as collecting money for the charities Stonewall and Kidscape.

The 34-year-old plans to do the 264th of his intended 401 marathons near Jedburgh, and about 40 members of the Jed Joggers group will be with him every step of the way.

The group is also appealing to other Borderers to join in to show their support for Ben and help him hit his fundraising target of £250,000.

The Jed Joggers group has planned a route for his 264th marathon, taking place on Saturday, May 21, and starting and finishing at the glebe at Jedburgh.

It will be his second of three runs he has planned in the Borders as he has already done one at Kelso, on Friday, March 11, and will do another at Peebles on Sunday, May 22.

“We are running with him, along with others, on May 21, and we are hoping that as many people as possible will join in and support Ben in this amazing challenge,” said group member Cara Pearson.

“Whether people want to run part or all of the distance with him, stopping at cafes and cake shops for refuelling, if they like, they are welcome.

“If you don’t fancy running, you could just show your support by watching and encouraging him as he passes by.”

Prior to the run, at 9.30am, Ben will be at the pavilion at the glebe to talk to children about bullying, and any youngsters wishing to discuss the issue with him are invited along.

After the run, cakes and refreshments will be served, also at the pavilion.

His route from the pavilion will be along the A68, then the back road to Mounthooley, across country to Harestanes, Ancrum and Lilliesleaf before returning the same way.

“If any local bakers wish to make cakes, sandwiches or tray-bakes to help fuel his tank or simply donate money to help him reach his target, anything would be greatly appreciated, added Cara.

“Any supportive and encouraging banners and posters people can provide along the route would also be very much appreciated.

“Whatever locals can do or offer, no matter how big or small it may seem, it will be greatly appreciated.”

Among those to pledge their support so far are Kirstyn Hume and the Forresters’ Restaurant in Castlegate, Jedburgh, with offers of a sports rub and meal respectively.

For details of Ben’s series of runs, commenced at the beginning of September, go to www.the401challenge.co.uk

Ben, of Bristol, was prompted to embark on his multiple marathon challenge by his own experiences of being bullied as a child, causing him to suffer depression and make two suicide attempts.

The nominations for four community councils in the Leaderdale and Melrose ward are set to open later this month.

Lauderdale, Melrose and District, Tweedbank, and Oxton and Channelkirk will be seeking new community councils.

Lauderdale is first up, with nominations open from Monday May 9 to Monday,May 23.

Nomination forms can be picked up from Lauder Post Office or the Lauder Health Centre on Crofts Road.

Alternatively, the forms are also available from Leaderdale and Melrose Councillors Iain Gillespie, David Parker or Jim Torrance.

That will be followed by nominations for Melrose and District, set to be held between Monday, May 16 and Monday, May 30.

Nomination forms will be available from Melrose Post Office or the current Leaderdale and Melrose councillors.

Nominations for the Tweedbank council will be open between Monday, May 23 and Monday, June 6.

Nomination forms for the council will be available from Tweedbank Late Shop or the Leaderdale and Melrose community councillors.

Lastly, nominations for the Oxton and Channelkirk Community Council are going to be open from Monday, May 30 to Monday, June 13.

Nomination forms are available from The Village Shop in Oxton, or the current Leaderdale and Melrose councillors.

Nomination forms for all these councils will also be available online through Scottish Borders Council’s website, at www.scotborders.gov.uk/ccelections for each community council prior to the nomination period.

In the event of there being more nominations than places on the community council, a ballot will be held.

Westruther musician Phamie Gow will be topping off a busy time on Wednesday when she performs at the Kirking of the new Scottish Parliament.

Phamie said this week: “I have been asked to sing with the wonderful St Giles Cathedral Choir for the Kirking of the Parliament in Edinburgh.

“I always love singing with that choir, which is also a wonderful way to develop your inner ear as a composer as well as enjoy the bliss of singing beautiful music alongside fantastic singers and lead by a brilliant musical director, Michael Harris.”

Gow was recently in Ireland for the world premier of her work ‘Celtic Threads’, which she described as “ very rewarding, working with lovely musicians, who were all very good people too.

“I ended up writing for piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, uilleann pipes, flute.

“The piece was about the celtic connections between Ireland and Scotland.”

As if that wasn’t enough, she also found time to play at the Madeira Film Festival, and be installed as an Ambassador for the laurisilva forest on the island.

Laurisilva is a variety of subtropical rainforest, and Madeira’s is the largest surviving example of it, protected by UNESCO.

Pupils from around the region are benefitting from a unique academy right here in the Scottish Borders.

The South East Scotland Academies Partnership (SESAP) is a pioneering project that brings together senior pupils at colleges and universities in Scotland.

One of the courses, the Hospitality Academy, sees pupils attending Borders College in Galashiels once a week, for four hours, and an additional four sessions at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.

At college the students study hospitality management higher national units, including Food Production Processes and Food and Beverage Service, and work in the catering production kitchen and restaurant, at Scottish Borders Campus, preparing and serving meals to members of the paying public.

The Hospitality and Tourism Academy began in 2012 in order to provide academic qualifications and experience to enable young people to benefit from a positive destination. The academies also aim to smooth the transition between school, college, university and employment, raise standards within the industry and support the development of Scotland’s key growth industries.

Natasha Stevenson of Eyemouth High School said: “I have found this experience enlightening and beneficial. It is good to get a break from normal school and experience a different way of teaching and learning.”

Meanwhile Angel Gourlay of Jedburgh Grammar said:“I really enjoy the Borders Hospitality course. It’s a great experience and opportunity to meet new people. This course has given me a great idea of what working in a kitchen for the public is like.”

And Jack Young, a pupil atEyemouth High School added: “The Hospitality and Tourism Academy has really opened up my opinion on this industry.

“It is a very demanding industry however one which I do not want to go forward with. I have gained confidence through this course and I am glad I was chosen to go forward with this course.

“I liked having the opportunity to meet young people on this course.”

Programme leader, Vicky MacDonald commented: “The students have had a lot to learn and had to get up to a high standard in a fairly short time. They certainly have been great ambassadors for their schools and we wish them well in their chosen careers.”

The South-East Scotland Academies Partnership is spearheaded by Queen Margaret University in collaboration with Scottish Borders Council, Borders College and industry partners.

Kirsten Darling has told of how proud she will be when she becomes only the second woman ever to cast a flag at Selkirk Common Riding.

The 33-year-old follows in Fiona Deacon’s footsteps after being named Selkirk Ex-Soldiers’ Association’s standard bearer for 2016.

She said: “Fiona really did set the standard. I really admired what she was doing, and it has opened the door for other women to apply.

“It is a great honour and a privilege to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors.

“It will be one of my greatest achievements.”

Kirsten, born and bred in Selkirk, has followed the Common Riding all her life.

The first time she followed the standard bearer on horseback was when she was four.

She was in the Royal Air Force between 2000 and 2004, serving her time as a military chef.

After attending her training at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, Kirsten spent time working in the junior ranks’ mess, sergeants’ mess and officers’ mess at various postings before settling at RAF Leuchars for her final two years’ service.

Kirsten has been with her husband Roland – who will buss the flag for her – for 11 years, and the couple have been married for two years.

She has a daughter Cora, 11, who attends Philiphaugh Community School, and two stepchildren – Stuart, 21, a shepherd, and Emma, 18, who has just completed her sixth year at Selkirk High School.

Kirsten has recently gone back into catering and currently works at the Waterwheel Cafe.

Before that, she worked at the HGS call centre in the town for seven years.

She also plays in the Selkirk Flute Band – alongside daughters Emma and Cora – and enjoys baking and decorating cakes as a hobby.

This year will be extra special for the family as Kirsten’s stepfather Kenny Firth celebrates his 25th anniversary as Selkirk Royal Burgh standard bearer.

Husband Roland will buss her flag at the 2016 Selkirk Ex-Soldiers’ Association Annual Dinner, Bussin and Dance on Friday, May 27.

Entries for the 2016 Alastair Watson Memorial Award are being sought.

The trophy, for a photograph by a primary school pupil, was launched in Alastair’s memory by colleagues of the Borders photographer, who died in 2013.

Alastair, who was 60 and lived in Coldstream, worked for the Tweeddale Press Group, publishers of The Southern Reporter, for almost four decades. He was head of the Tweeddale Press Group branch of the National Union of Journalists at the time of his death from cancer.

Covering Borders common ridings and festivals was a major part of his work and colleagues felt this topic should be the subject of the award, which is aimed at recognising the work of young photographers.

It is open to anyone at primary school by the end of summer term this year and who lives in the Borders. Entries (one photograph per entrant), including caption, should be of a 2016 common riding or festival activity and emailed, in Jpeg format, to watsonaward@jpress.co.uk no later than September 1. The entrant’s name, full address, contact telephone number and date of birth must also be submitted.

Entries will be judged by a panel of Borders-based union members.

As well as the award trophy to keep for a year, there will be a £50 cash prize for the winner.

Chances are, if you’re a keen cyclist you’ve already got Tweedlove marked in bold in your calendar.

This Saturday (May 14) marks the start of the fortnight-long cycling festival held in and around Peebles, in some of the UK’s best cycling territory.

Tweedlove is set to host over 35 events, ranging from balance bike races to seven–hour endurance events featuring the world’s best riders, from urban cyclocross to road sportives, films to club nights.

Since its inception seven years ago, it has grown from just a few local events to become the UK’s biggest cycling festival, and Tweedlove’s Fiona Dalgleish told us that this is set to be the event’s biggest year yet.

“It started off as an idea round our kitchen table. This year we’re expecting 5,000 riders, from as far away as America, Jamaica, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and New Zealand.”

Among those will plenty of big names, inlcuding three-time Enduro World Series World Champ Tracey Moseley, Pro MTB racer Lewis Buchanan and Cube Action Team Enduro racer Greg Callaghan.

Tweedlove is also a great chance for young riders to get started, or to build on their skills, and this year 450 children have already registered for events. Last year there were also around 10,000 spectators, and the festival brought revenue of around £1.5million to the area.

The main weekend is May 21/22, when the Shimano TweedLove International Enduro race takes place, featuring 650 riders, and pitting world champions against local amateurs.

On the same weekend, there is a festival site on Tweed Green, Peebles, with 50 stands featuring the best bike brands in the UK, street food, a beer tent provided by Tweed-based Tempest Brew Co, a bike track and a live broadcast from Radio Borders.

See the website at tweedlove.com for full event details, including information on how to take part.

Some stats:

Over 4,500 riders will take part in TweedLove events including around 500 children.

15,000 cable ties will be used

17 miles of race tape will be used

144,000 bits of cake will be eaten (!!)

347 volunteers have answered the call for help