Whilst it is most certainly true that there is a case to answer that much of the work carried out by animal welfare charities, such as ourselves, should be the responsibility of departments in government, the fact is that we have to carry the brunt of services, and the costs, involved.

I am sure that Borders Pet Rescue is no different to other rescue and rehoming charities in having to fund our operating costs through a combination of fundraising, donations and good will. We receive no centralised funding of any kind and the vast majority of available grants are heavily weighted to people oriented causes.

Of the limited number of grants that we are eligible to apply for the majority have to be used for material improvements to facilities and as such cannot be used to cover regular daily costs. These costs include the same areas that any other business would incur but with the added issue that the re homing fees we can charge in no way cover the costs involved in getting an animal to a rehomeable position. If we charged what it actually cost us to get to this nobody would ever come to us to offer a home to any of our residents.

Clearly this means that we all have to rely on the help of dedicated volunteers to help raise money through events such as bag packing, awareness days etc; but also to reduce costs such as helping at the centres, becoming foster homes or helping in the charity shops if applicable in order to keep the wage bill down. Fundraising groups, regular donors along with our charity shops are the life blood of our particular charity and most welfare groups will be in the same position. To this end we all rely on the public to give of their time, efforts and/or hard earned cash. If you ask to speak to your local animal charity they, I am sure, would be delighted to run through with you all the ways you could help them.

If we can’t cover our costs we are simply unable to help as many animals as we could.

The Scottish Countryside Alliance has challenged proposals to support ‘transition away’ from ‘traditional deer stalking’ and ‘driven grouse moors’ as unscientific and irresponsible.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) has published controversial new policies which call for the licensing of ‘driven grouse shooting’ and propose offering ‘support and training’ to landowners who reject current sporting land use, in the misplaced belief that these will be of benefit to our uplands.

Scottish Countryside director Jamie Stewart said: “We welcome any organisation who can share a vision and passion for Scotland’s uplands in all its diversity and beauty. However, the SWT’s new report displays a lack of understanding of how the uplands work. The SWT’s belief that the transition to ‘walked up’ grouse shooting will be of benefit to the uplands is both unscientific and irresponsible. Walked up grouse is a fine part of our shooting tradition, but it cannot replace driven grouse shooting in terms of the investment in conservation and rural economies.”

“Numerous studies, including the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project, have shown the benefits of driven grouse shooting and its associated integrated moorland management to conservation, and the detrimental effects when that management ceases. The losses to the rural economy and local businesses, for whom driven grouse shooting can be the main economic driver, would be enormous, and something that has clearly been overlooked by the Trust.”

“High quality gamekeeping, and the sympathetic management of our increasingly rare heather moorland habitat delivers multiple benefits, and is probably one of our best conservation success stories - something that should be applauded by the SWT.”

From South America to rural Russia, Scottish pubs are scattered around the globe.

Our Celtic cousins across the Irish Sea may be well known for spreading their drinking establishments far and wide, but Scottish pubs can also be found in far-flung places around the world.

A celebration of Scottish culture, these bars will make any travelling Scot feel at home.

Pub Macleod, Berezniki, Russia

Close to Russia’s Ural Mountains lies the industrial town of Berezniki known for potash mines, chemical plants and giant sinkholes.

But nestled in this city within Russia’s heartland is the Scottish themed bar, Pub Macleod.

Featuring kilted bar staff, a range of Scotch whiskies and occasionally Highland dancing, Pub Macleod celebrates Scotland and Russia’s often overlooked culture links.

“Real Scots have been here, and posted messages expressing surprise there is a remote pub like this in the Perm Krai region.” bar manager Alisa Khabibulina told the Siberian Times.

She added: “They were pleasantly surprised with the food, drinks, music and gigs at Macleod. On Fridays and Saturdays we have live music, sometimes we host gigs and have Scottish dance performances.

“Whisky is a lot more pleasant to drink than vodka. You can savour the taste and it can be very different.

“Perhaps, whisky is partly popular because it’s fashionable, it’s quite new for Russia. It’s a sort of standard for a real man, whether you are a highlander or a businessman.”

Scotch House, Ulaanbataar, Mongolia

In the centre of Mongolia’s capital sits Scotch House which - as the name suggests - is a Scottish themed pub and restaurant.

The wood panelled pub is spread over three floors and offers thirsty visitors around 30 single malt and blended whiskies.

The Lion Rampant adorns the venue’s signs and the walls are plastered with football club banners.

Why is a Scottish pub in Mongolia? Why not!

As one Trip Advisor reviewer points out: “Ulaanbattor has an abundance of Irish pubs, so why not one for the Scots?”

William Lawson’s 13 Bar (WL13), Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty, the cultural and commercial centre of Kazakhstan, has everything you would expect from a modern metropolis: glitzy shopping malls, throbbing nightlife, large apartments...and a Scottish pub.

Canny Man, Hong Kong

Sharing its name with the well-known Edinburgh bar, The Canny Man in Hong Kong claims to be the only authentic, traditional Scottish bar in the territory.

Located in the basement of the Wharney Guang Dong Hotel, The Canny Man serves haggis, neeps & tatties, steak & ale pie, mince & tatties, lamb stovies and Scotch pies.

A popular watering hole for Scottish expats, the Canny Man hosted a special event for the 2014 independence referendum so punters could watch the vote count live.

John O’Groats Pub, Londrina, Brazil

Named after the northern tip of mainland Scotland, this bar is over 6200 miles from its namesake in the southern Brazilian city of Londrina.

A little swankier than your average pub, John O’Groats pub is described as an ‘attraction in itself’ by some TripAdvisor reviewers.

The area where Londrina occupies was originally explored by British settlers in the early 20th century and many of the locals have Scottish and English roots - the city’s name literally means “Little London” in Portuguese.

With traditional Celtic bands often playing, visitors can get a taste of Scotland in a tropical climate.

caddonfoot

Parish church

Morning service on Sunday was again led by the Reverend John Smith, former minister at Morningside in Edinburgh and now living in Peebles. The Bible reading was delivered by elder Roddy Beatson. Music was played by Margaret Blyth and Anne Grieve, accompanied by Hannah Birch. A church community event is being held at Glenkinnon on Sunday, August 14, from 1pm to 4pm – Gordon Hume has details. Bible study has been suspended until August, but the church is open on certain days – contact John or Irene Bruce for details.

earlston

Parish church

The service on Sunday, July 31, will be conducted by members of the worship team. A wedding dress exhibition is to be held in the church on August 27 and 28.

Thursday lunch club

The 96th birthday of member Nancy Anderson was celebrated last week. After lunch, everyone had a piece of her birthday cake with a cup of tea. The gathering was then entertained by the Reverend and Mrs John Shields. He sang and read Scottish songs and poetry, with his wife accompanying him on the piano. Members meet every Thursday in Hanover Close – anyone interested is welcome to turn up.

Galashiels

St Peter’s Church

On Sunday, July 24, the congregation welcomed visiting organist Francis Bostrom. Thursday, July 28 – 10am, holy communion; 11am, study group, followed by lunch; 7pm, ACAT letter-writing in hall; Friday, July 29 – 5pm, choir practice; Sunday, July 31 – 9.30am, Sunday Squad, followed by juice and toast; 10.30am, sung eucharist, followed by coffee and a chat.

HAWICK

Bridge club

July 19 – 1, George Graham & Bob Francombe; 2, Mary Millar & Patsy Gilligan; 3, Inez Wyse & Bob Witherington.

Rotary

President Jim Walker, in the chair at last week’s meeting, welcomed district governor Olive Geddes, of Edinburgh Rotary Club, who congratulated the Hawick club on celebrating its 80th anniversary this month. This year’s Rotary motto is “Rotary Serving Humanity” and she explained what it meant to different people and how it has evolved through the years, now incorporating ‘E’ clubs who operate through digital media. Rotarians are deeply involved in the “End Polio Now” campaign and this year, to herald this, purple crocuses are being planted in towns and villages all over the UK. Past president Robin Mason gave an account of Borders Talking Newspapers and Hawick’s involvement through the Talking Hawick News for blind and partially-sighted people. There are more than 200 listeners in the Borders, 50 of whom are in Hawick, and he thanked the members and friends who are involved weekly as readers and recorders.

Innerleithen

Service

On Sunday, July 31 – breakfast a story and a song, starting at 8.30am.

Jedburgh

Bridge club

July 18 – N/S – 1, M. Weightman & H. Long; 2, V. Johnstone & M. Miller; 3, S. Mclachan & J. Portch. E/W – 1, D. & P. Palmer; 2, J. Louden & S. Graham; 3, R. Oates & S. West.

kelso

Gardens competition

Kelso Horticultural Society is holding the town’s front and patio gardens competitions again this summer. Judging will be carried out during the first week of August, with results announced and prizes awarded at the summer exhibition in the Tait Hall on Sunday, August 28.

Bridge club

July 20 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Maureen Weightman & Helen Long; 2, Dominic & Diana Alkin; 3, Mary & Nigel Lindsay; E/W – 1, Ian & Eliz Ross; 2, Aziza Taylor & Alison Ireland; 3, Vanessa Wilson & Alex Jeffrey. July 21 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, John and Marian Miller; 2, Jean Henry & Myra Thomson; 3, Dominic & Diana Alkin; E/W – 1, Gerry Eglington & Jon Bridger; 2, Lynda Douglas & Vanessa Wilson; 3, Annie Mitchell & John Loudon.

Mountain biking

Cheviot Youth is running a free introduction to mountain biking course at the Angraflat Road Bike Trail, starting on Friday, July 29, at 6.30pm. To get one of the remaining places, email ianrendallreid@cheviotyouth.co.uk and get a registration/consent form to bring with on the night. For any more information, ring 07958 277766.

Langholm

Members’ meeting

At the Common Riding members’ meeting in the Crown Hotel, it was agreed that the 90 metres sprint handicap at the athletic games will be sponsored by Ashleybank Investments and called the Ashleybank Thousand Guinea’s Handicap Sprint. This was recently arranged between Common Riding chairman Roger Maxwell and David Stevenson, and approved by members. The donation will be £1,050. Dennis Barker had agreed to act as Children’s Marshall and Becky Devlin will be available to work as cashier on Common Riding day. The chairman had managed to arrange for an ebony cane for Jubilee Cornet Ronnie Hudson. It was agreed that 20 new plastic tables would be ordered at a total of £737.76, and there would be a delivery cost. The chairman had contacted G4S for a quote on personnel, and with shortage of time, if it was a similar rate as last year, he would go ahead and instruct them. The quote for ambulance hire was £692.39 – the same as last year – and was accepted. The Castle Craigs Club are ordering more walkie-talkies and the meeting agreed they should offer a contribution towards the cost if they were intending to borrow them, and this will be discussed at the next meeting when the cost is obtained. The chairman and vice-chairman Tommy Morrison had met with the police and gone over details for the roads closures. They had expressed the requirement to have the road closed until all the horses had returned from the Castleholm following the crossing of the water.

Rideouts

It was fine and dry as Cornet Simon Tweddle and his right and left-hand men, ex-Cornets Jamie Fletcher and Dale Irving, headed out of the town and over the hills to Bentpath, followed by more than 60 horsemen, which included semi-jubilee Cornet Alan Donaldson, on the latest Castle Craigs Club rideout. Large crowds turned up at the village to welcome them, and Westerkirk SWI members treated the riders to tea in the hall. Prior to leaving the Kilngreen on the outward journey, Stewart and Sarah Pool judged the ponies, and later in the afternoon the Cornet presented the W. H. Harkness jubilee shield to Thomas Coates. The company enjoyed various toasts and songs in the hall, including the toast to the Cornet by Stephen Devlin, and prior to leaving Bentpath the leading principals received a dram. It was still dry for the return journey and riders headed back through Westerhall Estate – home of Mary Buckley – and returned to the town by way of the Castle Hill. They were greeted by crowds at the Lodge Walks and Kilngreen. The Cornet and his right and left-hand men had 41 mounted followers for the rideout to the Craig. The weather was dry as they headed up Jimmy’s Brae. Before leaving the Kilngreen, the ponies were judged by the Cornet’s parents, Stephen and Maureen Tweddle. At the Craig the James Harkness trophy for best turned out pony ridden by a girl studying at the Academy went to Nicole Beattie, while the Craig Quaich for best turned out pony went to Cree McGarva. The riders returned to town by the Galaside to the Kilgreen.

Rotary

The Rotary Club held its Cornet’s night in the Crown Hotel. Main guests were Cornet Simon Tweddle, right and left-hand men Jamie Fletcher and Dale Irving, semi-jubilee Cornet Alan Donaldson, jubilee Cornet Ronnie Hudson and diamond jubilee Cornet Joe Donaldson, along with Castle Craigs Club president Lee Earsman. Guest speaker was Kenny McCartney, a former acting father at Hawick Common Riding.

lauder

Church

Worship will be celebrated at Channelkirk on Sunday, July 31, at 10am when the Reverend Rae Clark will lead the service.

The kirkin’ of Cornet Greg Scott will take place at Lauder Church at 11.30am on Sunday, July 31. The service will be led by the Reverend Rae Clark. Channelkirk and Lauder Church’s summer barbecue raised £2,547 for church funds. Organisers are grateful to all who came or helped in any way, and in particular to Mr and Mrs D. Waldie who welcomed all to Newmills.

Melrose

Parish church

Sunday, July 31 – services at 9.30am (Bowden) and 11am (Melrose). Saturday, August 13 – fete, Bowden Hall. 2pm. August 26/27 – community council bookshop, Val Miller (822758).

Trimontium

Trimontium guided walks have coped with all sorts of weather over the last 25 years, and the torrid conditions of Tuesday last week – involving moving from shade to shade (95 degrees in one Newstead garden) – were just one more problem to solve. Of the half-dozen walkers, four had experience of living and working in Libya and South Africa, while the two Scots ‘stuck’ to their task. The temperature on the Thursday was fresher and life much easier, but teatime was much appreciated on both occasions. The Sunday walkers ‘enjoyed’ a little rain (sometimes a lot), but had the satisfaction of completing the course. The museum was busy, and organisers are still trying to work out how/why a photoprint of the reconstructed fort disappeared from the front door.

Music society

Handel’s Water Music wasn’t played at Gattonside Village Hall for the (indoor) garden party on Sunday, but an entertaining time was had by all, with drinks, nibbles and a Borders buildings quiz to stir the little grey cells. Details of the coming 2016-2017 concerts were available (2017-2018 coming up too), and committee members were warmly thanked for their hard work and in anticipation of the delights to come.

morebattle

Cheviot Churches

A joint service with all parishes was held on Sunday when the children of the holiday club took part. With songs, drama etc., along with hymns, the children depicted their theme of “Guardians of Ancora”. Helpers throughout the week were presented with books entitled “The Servant Queen” (tribute book published for the Queen’s 90th birthday). During the service Morebattle Games Queen Lucy Thomson was sashed by last year’s incumbent, Kym Cessford, and then Lucy presented Kym with a goblet in appreciation of her work last year.

Festival week

Morebattle Festival Week begins on Friday, August 5, with a Kurling competition in the village hall – this is a new venture and is open to all children and adults, starting at 7pm – free entry. The draw will be made on the night and there is a cup for the winner. Saturday, August 6 – car treasure hunt, starting from the Templehall, register in the shop. Sunday, August 7 – family day with picnic and five-a-side football on the school playfield at 1pm. Monday, August 8 – coffee evening in village hall at 7pm, bingo to follow in the Templehall at 8.30pm. Tuesday, August 9 – camera club exhibition in the institute, 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Pool competition in the village hall at 7.30pm. Wednesday, August 10 – whist and dominoes in the village hall at 7.30pm. Thursday, August 11 – children’s egg hunt and teddy bears’ picnic at the school playfield for under-sixes at 2.30pm. Treasure hunt for six-12s, also 2.30pm. Pet show at the school playfield at 6.30pm. Friday, August 12 – fancy dress with judging to be held at the school at 6.30pm. Parade to follow at 7pm, over to the Templehall for disco and presentation of all cups etc. Saturday, August 13 – Morebattle Games at Morebattle Tofts, 1.30pm.

Floral Gateway

Judging for the Scottish Borders Floral Gateway competition will take place in Morebattle on Tuesday, August 2. The clean-up will be ongoing throughout the week from Wednesday, July 27 – any help will be gratefully received.

selkirk

Blood donors

At a blood donor session which was held in Selkirk on Sunday, July 17, a total 143 volunteers offered to give blood and 128 donations were given. There were of six new donors.

Traquair

Service

There will be a service on Sunday, July 31, at 10.30am.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on Sunday, August 21, at 10am.

yetholm

SWI

Members are organising a trip to the Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies on September 7.

Fun day

Community councillors are organising a family fun day, with a car boot sale and five-a-side football on Saturday, August 20, from 10am on the playing field. Contact Sahne Black for further information.

A Galashiels man who harassed a woman with learning difficulties for money has been jailed for 180 days at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

William Kennedy approached the vulnerable victim, who is a former friend, at Galashiels Transport Interchange, the town’s ASDA store and at a house in Tweedbank between March 9 and 11. As well as demanding money, he refused to leave her home.

At the Interchange he asked for £8 for his train fare and would not leave her alone till he got the cash.

At ASDA he followed her to a cash machine where she gave him £10 so that he would go away.

Kennedy pleaded guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the 31-year-old, of Gala Park, regarded the woman as an easy source of finance and took advantage of her.

Defence lawyer Stephanie Clinkscale said Kennedy accepted he went too far.

She added: “He started off taking his chances to see if he could obtain money. He can appreciate how this can make her feel.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson told Kennedy: “This offence says it all about you. About your selfish self-nature and your callousness.

“There is no alternative to a custodial sentence.”

The 180-day prison term was backdated to June 20.

ROAD RED CARD FOR FOOTBALL FAN

A football fan watched his team win the league in the pub and then drove home while more than four times the legal alcohol limit, Jedburgh Sheriff Court was told.

Jordi Piferrer, 57, had just watched Barcelona beat Granada 3-0 on television when he got into his Peugeot 308 and was stopped during a police vehicle check in Commercial Road, Hawick, around 11pm on May 14.

He claimed to officers he had only consumed two pints of lager. But the housing association painter and decorator gave a breath/alcohol reading of 96 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22.

Piferrer, who lives in Burns Road, Hawick, said in a police interview: “I am very careful. You have stopped me for nothing.”

Ed Hulme, defending, said: “He accepts now he may have had more than two pints. He was driving the short distance home from the pub to his house in Hawick and made an error of judgement.”

Piferrer was banned for 18 months and fined £400.

SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION

A Kelso man appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court accused of sexual assault.

William Sutherland, 23, also faces a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour.

He made no plea or declaration and his case was continued for further examination.

Sheriff Peter Paterson granted bail and the next court appearance date has yet to be confirmed.

MECHANIC WAS DOING 103MPH

A mechanic who was clocked driving at 103mph on the A697 at Greenlaw has avoided a driving ban.

Steven Hall, 30, from Morpeth in Northumberland, pleaded guilty to committing the offence in the 60mph limit on May 8.

His lawyer told Jedburgh Sheriff Court Hall had been heading home from Edinburgh where he had been looking at a car.

He said: “He was in no particular rush, but when he went past the police he allowed his speed to rise. He is the sole proprietor of a garage and his business would suffer significantly if he could not drive.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson said he was going to take the “exceptional” step of not disqualifying Hall. Instead he ordered that six penalty points be placed on his licence and imposed a fine of £400.

PENSIONER IN CROWBAR ATTACK

A Melrose pensioner attacked a neighbour’s door with a crowbar after being rebuked for playing music too loud.

Leonard Holobyn, 65, who had been drinking at the time of the incident, took offence at being told to turn the volume down.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said after words were exchanged, the neighbour telephoned police to complain. But shortly afterwards, at around 10pm on April 28, Holobyn went upstairs in the block of flats in Eildon Crescent and attacked the neighbour’s door with a crowbar, making a large gouge in the wooden panel and dents in the aluminium letter box.

During a police interview Holobyn said: “I went a little crazy. I used a crowbar against his door.”

His solicitor, Mat Patrick, said Holobyn regretted the incident and added: “In his own words, he says he is getting too old for this sort of thing now.”

Holobyn was fined £200 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to his upstairs neighbour.

SPITTING YOUTH IS LOCKED UP

A Galashiels youth has been sent to a young offenders’ institution after using threatening behaviour towards police officers and spitting at them.

Jonathan Barnes pleaded guilty to the offence which happened after he was detained at his home in Woodstock Avenue on April 16 in connection with another matter.

Selkirk Sheriff Court heard he was continually verbally abusive towards officers in a police vehicle on a journey between Galashiels and Hawick.

Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed a 124-day sentence, backdated to June 22 when Barnes was taken into custody. Barnes, 20, was also given 170 days for breaching a previous community payback order which will run concurrent with the other custodial term.

TWEEDBANK CURTAINS THIEF

A Tweedbank youth walked out of a Galashiels store with a set of curtains without paying.

Gavin Murray, 20, of Killiecroft, stole the curtains, valued at £54, from B&Q on June 15, and they were not recovered. Staff checked CCTV and Murray was observed placing the curtains in a brown bag and heading out the premises. He was apprehended by police two days later.

Murray will be sentenced on August 29.

DISTURBANCE ON THE BUS

A Hawick teenager who struggled with police on a public service bus has been fined £225 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Nineteen-year-old Connor Jackson pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner on the X95 bus between Selkirk and Hawick at around 12.45am on January 16.

The court heard how police officers boarded the vehicle after being flagged down by the driver because there had been an incident involving two groups on the bus.

Jackson was shouting and swearing, and was warned to calm down, but then rushed towards a male passenger sitting at the front and was arrested.

Defending, Mat Patrick said the apprentice carpet fitter had been upset about the earlier incident and wanted officers to check the CCTV, but felt they were not listening to him.

BAN BREACH MAN SPARED JAIL

A man who married his partner, despite not being allowed to have any contact with her by a Jedburgh Sheriff Court order, has been spared a jail sentence.

Colin Newport – who was on bail for smashing up mum-of-two Linda Cormack’s house with an axe – was told he had shown contempt to the court by getting hitched to her when he was banned from seeing her.

Despite incurring the wrath of Sheriff Peter Paterson, the 50-year-old was given a two-year community payback order with supervision as an alternative to imprisonment.

Sheriff Paterson said: “I have made my views known of my displeasure at the contempt you have shown by marrying your partner while on bail with conditions not to contact her, but I will say no more about it.”

Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard how Newport was told to stay away from Ms Cormack, 48, after being accused of smashing up her home near Lauder last August with an axe.

He initially denied behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and was released on bail on the condition he had no contact with his long-term partner.

But when the case eventually called again in court and Newport pleaded guilty to the charge, it emerged the couple had got married last December.

However, defence lawyer Ed Hulme said that despite marrying, the couple continue to live apart, with Newport in full-time employment in Telford, Shropshire.

He said: “There was a great deal of stress within the household at the time of the incident and things have moved on.”

A previous court hearing was told how the couple had been in a relationship for three years, but shortly before the bust-up she had told him it was over.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser described Newport as a jealous man who relied on his partner for money and at one staged owed her £11,000.

Mr Fraser said the argument started when Newport accused Miss Cormack of being in love with her former partner and that night they went to sleep in separate bedrooms at her home at Thirlestane Farm Cottages.

The following day she went to work and his car was not there when she came home, so she decided to spend the rest of the day in Edinburgh with a female friend.

Mr Fraser said: “While she was in Edinburgh he phoned, asking who she was with. He said he would find her and during the next three hours he called her 39 times and sent 200 text messages and voicemails.”

Mr Fraser said Miss Cormack returned home at about 10.30pm with the house in darkness, but as she went into the hallway he suddenly appeared and pushed past her to lock the door.

Newport was abusive towards her, asking where she had been and calling her a liar.

Mr Fraser said Miss Telford took out a phone to seek help, but he grabbed it off her and threw it to the ground, causing it to break, and also threw her laptop across the room.

The prosecutor said he accused her of contacting other boyfriends on Facebook, which appeared to be the reason why he had taken his anger out on the laptop.

At this point Newport said he had taken an overdose and drank a glass of Zambuca, and he appeared to pass out. Miss Cormack thought he was asleep, but Newport followed her and then went through to the kitchen to pick up an axe which was lying on the top of the fridge.

Mr Fraser continued: “She told him to put it down. But he chopped the axe down on the kitchen worktop, damaging it, and then brandished it in the air.

“He started to smash up the kitchen table and took the axe to the phone landline, making it unusable.

“She described herself as petrified as he struck a number of items, including the television.”

Mr Fraser said that during the row he started to cry and told her he loved her. But he drank another glass of Zambuca and again she thought he had fallen asleep.

But when she went through to the bedroom to make a call, he kicked the door open, shouting more abuse at her.

Mr Fraser said Miss Cormack managed to leave the house and travelled to nearby Lauder where she told a friend what had happened and the police were contacted.

He said: “She was shaking and clearly frightened.”

When police officers arrived at Thirlestane Farm Cottages they found the broken television with two holes in it.

Newport told police he had taken a paracetamol overdose.

A Morrisons Busy Bee children’s party cake has been withdrawn because it may contain a food bug.

The UK’s fourth largest supermarket is withdrawing its £10 fresh cake because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The bacteria causes food poisoning that leads to diarrhoea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever.

On average, it takes from 12 to 72 hours for the symptoms to develop after swallowing an infectious dose of salmonella and the effects can last up to seven days.

Young children and the elderly with weak immune systems are at greater risk of becoming severely ill.

The cakes, which are a soft sponge filled with lemon curd and buttercream, wrapped in icing and hand decorated with icing flowers and bees, have a best before of August 4.

The Bradford-based supermarket said: “Routine testing has identified that a low level of Salmonella may be present in the above product.

“As a precautionary measure, we are asking all customers who have bought this product not to consume it and to return it to their nearest Morrisons store where they will receive a full refund.

“No other products or date codes are affected by this issue and we apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.”

The Food Standards Agency added: “If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead take it back to the retailer where you will be given a full refund.”

Climbing trees, building a den, hunting for bugs and going stargazing are among the ‘bucket list’ items that children should be ticking off - before they get to the age of 12.

The National Trust has listed 50 things for children to do before they’re 11 ¾. Among the other suggestions are finding frogspawn, going swimming in the sea and cooking on a campfire.

Some of the items hark back to the childhoods of the parents of today’s pre-teens, such as playing pooh sticks, while ‘rolling down a really big hill’ may be a preferred option for cash-pressed parents than ‘learn to ride a horse’.

And playing conkers, ‘hold a scary beast’ and ‘canoe down a river’ are suggestions which, in today’s more health and safety-conscious climate, may require some adult supervision.

The survey also found that nine in 10 parents would prefer their children to spend more time connecting with nature.

Today’s youngsters spend around four hours a week playing outside - half the amount of time outdoors that their parents did. However, 83 per cent of mothers and fathers did believe that it was important that their offspring learned to use technology.

National Trust ranger Ed Anderson said: “This summer, we want to inspire kids and families all over the country to get outdoors, grab their perfect stick and kick start their story with nature.

“With the natural environment under pressure, we hope that instilling a love for nature in our children now will help us encourage them to continue to protect the beauty of the great outdoors for years and generations to come.”

50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4

1. Climb a tree

2. Roll down a really big hill

3. Camp out in the wild

4. Build a den

5. Skim a stone

6. Run around in the rain

7. Fly a kite

8. Catch a fish with a net

9. Eat an apple straight from a tree

10. Play conkers

11. Go on a really long bike ride

12. Make a trail with sticks

13. Make a mud pie

14. Dam a stream

15. Play in the snow

16. Make a daisy chain

17. Set up a snail race

18. Create some wild art

19. Play pooh sticks

20. Jump over waves

21. Pick blackberries growing in the wild

22. Explore inside a tree

23. Visit a farm

24. Go on a walk barefoot

25. Make a grass trumpet

26. Hunt for fossils and bones

27. Go star gazing

28. Climb a huge hill

29. Explore a cave

30. Hold a scary beast

31. Hunt for bugs

32. Find some frogspawn

33. Catch a falling leaf

34. Track wild animals

35. Discover what’s in a pond

36. Make a home for a wild animal

37. Check out the crazy creatures in a rock pool

38. Bring up a butterfly

39. Catch a crab

40. Go on a nature walk at night

41. Plant it, grow it, eat it

42. Go swimming in the sea

43. Build a raft

44. Go bird watching

45. Find your way with a map and compass

46. Try rock climbing

47. Cook on a campfire

48. Learn to ride a horse

49. Find a geocache

50. Canoe down a river

More at 50 things

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

The trophy, for a photograph by a primary school pupil, was launched in his memory by National Union of Journalists colleagues.

Alastair, who was 60 and lived in Coldstream, died in 2013. He worked as a photographer for the Berwickshire News and Southern Reporter for almost four decades. 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. It is open to anyone who was at primary school by the end of summer term this year and 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 phone 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.

Souters have been flocking to the pop-up shop at 1 Tower Street to give an overwhelming nod of approval to a possible Selkirk bypass.

Dr Lindsay Neil, of the Selkirk Regeneration Company – which has arranged for the shop to be open to gauge opinion on the issue – said: “We have been inundated. Between 9am and noon, we have spoken to 122 people, 120 of whom are for a bypass, while two were against.

“Some people had slight misgivings about diminishing footfall in the town, but other towns, such as Melrose, have found their footfall increasing after a bypass was built.

“Part of the plan of the Selkirk Regeneration Company is to develop the Market Place,

put in more car parking spaces, and basically make Selkirk more shopper-friendly.

“That will be far more easily done if there was less through traffic.”

The issue gained new impetus following the A7 Action Group’s visit to Holyrood last month to meet with Humza Yousaf, the minister for transport.

Mr Yousaf does appear to be more ready to listen to pleas for a bypass than any other recent incumbent, but he has said that before committing the Government to a bypass, he wants to know how many people – from Selkirk and beyond – are actually for it.

So, yesterday and today saw Souters having their say, and the volunteers have been doing their level best to answer any questions people have on the subject.

Dr Neil added: “Selkirk first planned a bypass in 1936, but wars and other events kept interfering.

“Now that we have our own government, and ministers we can speak to, we at last have a chance to get it.

“The big advantages would be public safety, public health, less through traffic and congestion for commuters and locals alike. Most importantly, it would greatly improve the quality of life in the town.

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to express their approval as they did, almost unanimously, at the general election hustings meeting, and in the small surveys we have already done.

“Please pop in – we will be there till Friday at 4pm – say you want a bypass (or not), give your name and post code, and we will do the hammering for Selkirk on the doors of Holyrood.

“This is something you can do for the benefit of all Selkirk, but residents of Hawick and Galashiels may also want to give their opinion.

“Anyone willing to help us do this will be most welcome, just front up ... we will need extra hands.”

And if yesterday morning is anything to go by, he may have a point. If you can help out, just turn up at the pop-up shop from 9am today.

Squirtle, Pikachu and Meowth could be found in our classrooms in as little as five years, after experts predict a surge in the number of babies - named after Pokémon.

Pokemon Go has taken the world by storm and set to inspire the next generation of baby names following its success, a baby organisation has revealed.

Staff at Baby Centre, an organisation which offers advice to parents, believe there will be an influx in the number of Pokémon inspired monikers in the months to come, such as Otto, Hettie, Delphine or Flynn.

Global editor in chief of Baby Centre, Linda Murray said: “Parents are always looking to pop culture for baby name inspiration and, right now, it doesn’t get hotter than Pokémon Go.

“It’s possible that parents’ enthusiasm for the game will reignite their love for the brand and spark a full-fledged naming trend.”

The company are well-known to track trends in baby names, with pop culture phenomena such as Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey often affecting what names are popular with the public.

Driver knowledge in the UK appears to be heading in the wrong direction after a study found more than 80 per cent of motorists don’t know basic road rules and signs.

Worryingly more than a third of those tested for the ingenie poll couldn’t even reach the 50 per cent pass mark for the test.

The test set up by the young driver insurance brand aimed to see how well both experienced and new drivers know the rules of the road.

It used a selection of questions taken directly from the current theory test and found that only 18 per cent could correctly answer every question.

The insurer has also released a video of two experienced drivers struggling with basic Highway Code questions showing how even those with years behind the wheel struggle with basic road knowledge.

The firm says the results of its tests show that by improving driving-related education at an early age road safety knowledge could be significantly improved.

Ingenie is calling for schools to teach the Highway Code, driving theory and hazard perception techniques to better prepare their pupils for a lifetime behind the wheel.

Richard King, ingenie CEO, said: “It’s worrying that even experienced drivers aren’t showing basic Highway Code knowledge, which every driver should have to keep themselves and other road users safe. If schools introduce the Highway Code and hazard perception to pupils before they even reach driving age, we can build an entire generation of better, safer drivers.”

As the new Scottish football season kicks off, TV Licensing has launched a campaign with the Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) to ensure pubs and clubs across Berwickshire are correctly covered by a licence to show live coverage of matches.

Pubs, clubs or sporting venues which show live television must have a valid TV licence. Pubs without a valid licence are breaking the law and run the risk of a court prosecution and fine of up to £1,000 per offence plus costs.

Fergus Reid, TV Licensing spokesman for Scotland, said: “Many fans will be looking to watch live matches in their local pub and soak up the atmosphere with friends. Ahead of the start of the season, we want managers and publicans of pubs and clubs to make sure they’re on the right side of the law, so their customers can enjoy watching the action without worrying about whether they’re correctly licensed.”

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the SBPA, added: “Offering live coverage of televised sport is a great way for licensed outlets to encourage footfall and boost trade, so obtaining a TV licence can be an essential part of supporting the business.”

Borders police have issued CCTV footage which has been confirmed as the last sighting of missing Hawick man Robert Cantle.

Robert is pictured getting into his silver/grey Fiat Punto, registration ST54 HCH, in the Howgate, Hawick, at 6.08am on Sunday, July 24.

Officers have been carrying out extensive enquiries over the past week to try to locate Robert, including searches in Hawick and Jedburgh, searches of properties linked to Robert, telephony work and use of the force helicopter.

It is now believed that Robert may have travelled in his car to the Jedburgh area on Sunday morning.

Robert has Type 1 diabetes and officers believe he may not be in possession of his medication.

He is described as white, 5 foot 7 inches tall, shaven head, of stocky build with a red beard. He is known to wear glasses and was last seen wearing a black zipped fleece-type jacket and a blue t-shirt with a large ‘Everest’ logo on the front.

Inspector Tony Hodges said: “We are issuing the CCTV images in the hope that they will jog someone’s memory, having seen Robert or his car in the past week.

“Our enquiries lead us to believe that he has left Hawick and travelled to the Jedburgh area, but so far we have not located Robert or his vehicle.

“We are extremely concerned for his welfare, due to the length of time he has now been missing for without any sightings, his apparent lack of medication, and not having made any known contact with friends and family. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police immediately.”

Contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Selkirk Regeneration Company (SRC) conducted a poll of local people last Thursday and Friday at the pop-up shop in Tower Street, asking whether or not they wanted a bypass.

The poll was in reply to Scotland’s transport minister Humza Yousaf, who said he wants to know how many people are actually for the bypass, before committing any government funds to the project.

From the 582 people who responded (over 10% of the town’s population), 563 (96.7% of those polled) were in favour of a bypass, 19 were not, while one was undecided and one form was spoiled.

The SRC’s Dr Lindsay Neil sent these figures to the minister, saying: “The result was emphatic support for a bypass.

“There can be no doubt of what Selkirk wants.”

Borders police have arrested and charged a 29-year-old man after supply amounts of heroin and diazepam were discovered at an address in Galashiels.

The drugs, with a potential street value of £1,950, were found following a search of the address in Glendinning Terrace on Saturday, July 30.

He will appear in court at a later date.

Ahead of the new academic year, Berwick Rangers Football Club and Northumberland College have announced the formation of the Berwick Rangers Football Academy.

Northumberland College boasts a Grade 1 sports department, with students achieving an incredible pass rate of 93 per cent. Local youngsters will be invited to apply to join the new academy and work towards a NVQ Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Sport. The first year of the course will consist of seven modules, including coaching, tactics, fitness, training and work experience.

As part of being in the academy students will form a team, to compete in the Association of Colleges League, competing against the likes of Sunderland, Newcastle, Tyne Met and Middlesbrough colleges.

Participants will enjoy six hours of coaching each week for three years, training with Berwick Rangers FC. The aim of the academy will be to develop skilled youngsters who could become semi-professional football players. Students will attend the college, based at Shielfield Park, four days each week, Monday through to Thursday.

College presentations will be held on the following dates: Tuesday, August 9, 6pm to 8pm; Tuesday, August 23, 6pm to 8pm; Thursday, September 1, 6pm to 8pm. The club would advise prospective students to notify them of their interest by emailing simon.dutson@northland.ac.uk or fill in a form from www.berwickrangers.com

This week’s big DVD features the biggest throwdown in superhero history as Gotham’s finest avenger takes on the Metropolis golden boy in Batman vs Superman.

Following on from 2013’s Man of Steel, BvS throws you straight into the action of that earlier film. In a breathless action sequence we follow Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) as he speeds through a Metropolis which is being torn apart by Superman (Henry Cavill) and General Zod.

Witnessing such devastation, and the feeling of powerlessness that goes along with it, has a powerful effect on Bruce and his alter ego Batman. The threat that Superman represents cannot be ignored and in Gotham, the Caped Crusader plots the Man of Steel’s downfall.

Meanwhile Superman has his own problems. Opinion is split over the merits of having this ridiculously powerful individual around and Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) is doing his sneaky best to tip the balance of favour against the superhero.

This is a movie which divided critics and audiences when it opened last year – a lot of critics panned it, a lot of the audience loved it. It certainly didn’t deserve the critical mauling but it was far from faultless, suffering from uneven plotting and a particularly messy first half.

This DVD edition boasts an extended “Ultimate Cut” with about half-an-hour of extra footage. The result is a better film than the cinematic release, but one which still retains many of the original faults. The extra material helps to round out the horrible narrative jumps which plagued the first half of the film, but the whole thing is still uneven.

It is far from terrible though, thanks to strong 
performances from Affleck as Batman and Gal Gadot who pops up as Wonder Woman.

It’s also a good looking film, with a dark aesthetic which is perhaps too relentless but a welcome change from the popcorn entertainment served up in many other superhero films.

Although Batman vs Superman feels like a missed opportunity there is enough in it to look forward to future films in the DC universe.

A week’s work by 13 primary schoolchildren saw a giant wooden jigsaw installed in the garden of Old Gala House, Galashiels, in the summer of 1991.

The children, from Galashiels, Stow, Tweedbank, Lilliesleaf, Melrose, Selkirk and Gattonside, were taking part in a week-long sculpture project, organised by Ettrick and Lauderdale District Council. Taking the course was sculptor Jeremy Cunningham from Peebles, assisted by Linda Kinsman-Blake of the Lilliesleaf Pottery Workshop.

As well as their jigsaw, the children also made a totem pole of wood and plaster of Paris, to create a representation of an “angry tree”.

High street chain Boots is recalling pairs of children’s sunglasses after a defect was discovered that could pose a threat to young wearers.

Tests have shown that a flower decoration on the Boots Kids Sunglasses can become detached, exposing a screw, which the retailer has identified as a potential safety risk.

The affected products are branded as Boots Kids Sunglasses, style BOK002F, item code 64 11 665. The item code can be found on the arm of the product.

In a statement Boots said: “As the sunglasses are not of the high standard we expect, we’re asking that if you have bought this product that you return it to your nearest Boots store for a refund.

“If you’ve bought the item for someone else please let them know about this as soon as possible.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you.

“If you do have any concerns or need any further advice then please speak to someone at your local Boots store or call the Boots Customer Care Team on 0800 915 0004. Minicom users can call 0345 070 80 91.