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Movie magic is set to boost fundraising efforts for next year’s Hawick Common Riding.

The 2014 film What We Did on Our Holiday, starring David Tennant and Billy Connolly, will be screened at the Heart of Hawick on Saturday, September 3.

Tickets are £10 each, including a glass of wine, and proceeds will go to the Bright-Eyed Daughters’ Association, a not-for-profit voluntary association set up to promote knowledge of the history of the town’s common riding.

Founded originally to cover the ongoing costs of The Kids’ Guide to Hawick Common Riding, a book given to every P6 pupil in Hawick and nearby, the association now has more than 250 members and has also published My First Common Riding Book, a companion guide for p1 pupils and an Illustrated Guide to the Common Riding for Adults, as well as 2014’s illustrated translation of James Hogg’s Teribus Ye Teri Odin.

The association is responsible for the landscaping and maintenance of Hornshole too.

Call 07576 182308 for information on the film screening.

The head teacher of Hawick High School remains suspended as pupils returned after the summer break on Tuesday.

Kevin McClory was suspended six weeks ago after complaints about his handling of staff issues.

Scottish Borders Council has refused to discuss the seasons why the 43-year-old has been suspended, but have put in place temporary arrangements to ensure the school is managed while the disciplinary procedure takes its course.

Parents at the 1,000 pupil school were only informed something was amiss on Friday afternoon when the local authority sent a brief text message on their groupcall system saying John Clarke, the current headteacher of Berwickshire High School, would be temporarily leading Hawick as from Monday.

There was no mention of Mr McClory’s suspension, but added letters with more details would be sent out next week.

This week, the council stated that Mr Clarke will be supported by existing depute headteachers, Alison Ratcliffe and Peter Beaton, along with the current depute headteacher at Galashiels Academy, Pauline Anderson.

A native of Stranraer, Mr McClory started his career as a physical education teacher at Dunbar Grammar School in East Lothian.

He took over at Hawick High School at the start of 2014 after moving from his position as depute headteacher at St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesman said:”We are unable to comment on individual employees.”

Mr McClory, who lives in Edinburgh, was unavailable for comment.

The cancellation of a speaking engagement in Galashiels by a South African preacher who believes homosexuality can be “cured” by prayer, has been described as an “appalling overreaction” by a local gay rights activist.

Pastor Angus Buchan was due to address an audience in the Volunteer Hall next Monday evening as the guest of the Tweedbank-based evangelical Hope Church.

The £5-a-head event was to have been the 69-year-old’s only Scottish appearance on a tour of the UK and Ireland.

But last week, following a plea from the Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum, Live Borders, the trust which runs public halls on behalf of Scottish Borders Council, cancelled the booking.

“In line with council policy, we have a responsibility to support the wellbeing of the people in the Borders and not hire out any premises to events with the potential to cause public offence,” said a spokesperson for Live Borders.

“Our booking policy clearly states we have the right to cancel any booking at our discretion.”

The complaint had been lodged by the forum after a national newspaper ran a story in which gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell criticised the visit, claiming: “The idea that gay people need help and can be cured of homosexuality by prayer is lamentable and untrue.”

The article quoted comments made by Pastor Buchan in 2008 in which he reportedly stated: “I cannot ever agree that homosexuality is right ... I cannot bless it.

“I love them, though, but they need help. We have prayed for them and God can change their hearts.”

Welcoming the Live Borders decision to cancel the booking, Susan Hart, chair of the forum, said Pastor Buchan’s views “crossed the line between freedom of speech and hate speech”.

She added: “Our organisation encourages diversity and acceptance. Spreading messages of hate towards LGBT people, women and children can only harm rural communities like ours and cause division.”

But Alastair Lings, the co-ordinator of the Borders Bisexual, Lesbian and Gay Group (BBLGG), believes Pastor Buchan should have been allowed to speak.

“I think this is an appalling overreaction,” said Mr Lings. “I am unaware of any quote from Pastor Buchan that indicates he is any more homophobic than, for example, the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland.

“Speaking on behalf of my group, we do not believe he will incite hatred against LGBT people or otherwise cause distress to the people of the Borders.

“On this basis he should be allowed to speak. I would encourage LGBT people to listen to what he has to say then challenge him and demonstrate his ignorance of LGBT matters.

“Freedom of speech is vital to our democracy – without it we would never have achieved the LGBT equality we now enjoy.”

A Galashiels man who breached his curfew by being outwith his home more than three hours later has been ordered to carry out 60 hours unpaid work at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Kevin Wilkinson, 40, was supposed to be in his Balmoral Avenue home between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

But on the night of July 23 his partner contacted the police at 10.10pm, expressing concern about him as he had not returned and asked if he had been taken into custody.

Police officers went to check out the situation and spotted Wilkinson walking along a footpath near his home at about 10.45pm.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: “He appeared to be under the influence of drugs to the extent that he was taken to hospital.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed the unpaid work as an alternative to imprisonment.

A Hawick man who caused a lengthy disturbance in the accident and emergency department at Borders General Hospital has avoided a prison sentence at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Alexander Deans, 35, of Bright Street, pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, told a previous hearing the ambulance service received a call at about 7pm about a man who had cut his wrist and it was bleeding heavily.

The police said he had punched a picture frame in his home while apparently self-harming.

Mr Fraser continued: “He was reluctant to go to hospital, but there was concern about his state of mind and was taken to hospital, where he was put in a side room.

“He would not give personal details to doctors and he started picking at a dressing the ambulance crews had put on him.

“When he was briefly left alone he started smoking, which is not allowed in as hospital, particularly with a lot of oxygen, gases and chemicals in use.

“He was shouting and swearing and calling for for a different doctor.

“There were a lot of people being treated there, ranging from the young to the elderly, and they were distressed by the accused’s behaviour.”

Mr Fraser said Deans eventually had to be put in the caged section of a police van due to his unruly behaviour and eventually, after a period of time, co-operated.

He estimated the incident had been going on for six and a half hours.”

Defence lawyer Robert More said his client had lost control to the extent that he had “imperilled his liberty.”

He said he had suffered a breakdown at the time due to personal issues and had an alcohol problem.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said offences of this nature at the Borders General Hospital, even though the charge was not under the Emergency Workers Act, usually attracted a jail sentence.

However Deans was ordered to carry out 175 hours unpaid work over the next 12 months.

Although sunlight boosts our mood and is good for us in small doses, too much exposure can lead to serious long-term consequences, including skin cancer as well as damage to your eyes.

The UV index measures the intensity of the sun’s rays in a given place and time.

The higher the index, the less time it takes for your skin to burn and the faster damage can happen.

BUPA have gathered together data which shows how much exposure your skin can take - and also looks at the six skin types, which also affects the amount of time you can spend in the sun.

There are around 340 recognised dog breeds in the world.

But how many could you name? Try our fun quiz to find out.

caddonfoot

Parish church

The Reverend Elspeth Harley conducted morning service on Sunday. Along with Anne Grieve, session clerk, she read “A Love Song for the Vineyard”, by F.J. Gaiser, with music to the tune of “Home on the Range”. The Bible reading was delivered by Catriona Bird, and music played by Andy and Catriona Bird. A church community event (games, music, picnic) was held at Glenkinnon on Sunday in fine conditions. There was a barbecue and children played in the burn. Gordon Hume and family organised the event. Bible study will resume on Wednesday, August 24, at 7.30pm in Trinity Church office. Members were saddened to hear of the death of Jessie Johnston, who was remembered in the prayers. Her funeral this week was private.

earlston

Parish church

The service on Sunday, August 21, will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Rennick. The following weekend is the wedding dress exhibition which is in the church and open on August 27, from 10am to 4pm, and August 28,from noon to 4pm. Entry is by donation for church funds and refreshments will be served. The Kirk Session meets in the church hall lounge on Monday, August 29, at 7.30pm.

Flower show

Earlston Horticultural Society will hold its annual flower show in the primary school hall on Saturday, August 27. The hall will be open to the public from 2pm, with the presentation of prizes by headteacher Susan Graham at 4.15pm. Entries are still open and show schedules are available from the post office and Donaldson (Butchers), Earlston.

galashiels

Depressed Cake Shop

The Depressed Cake Shop – a volunteer-led movement which seeks to break down the stigma around mental health issues and raise money for mental health charities by baking and selling grey cakes, signifying the depression that can cover up and dampen life – is planning to hold an event in the Volunteer Hall on Saturday, September 3 (11am-4pm). Funds raised will be donated to the Scottish Association for Mental Health and Inspiring Life: Evie Douglas Memorial Fund, a group who are raising money to climb Kilimanjaro in July 2018 as a tribute to Evie, who completed suicide in 2014 at the age of 21. This event will be joined by Walk A Mile (https://letswalkamile.org) to bring people together for a friendly conversation while strolling around Galashiels. The walk begins at 1.30pm. Contact Freda Douglas (01721 723244 or freda.douglas2@btinternet.com) for further information.

Rotary

Gala Rotarians’ Family Fun Day will be held on Sunday, August 21, in the Public Park (11am-4pm). This year’s event includes bands, inflatables, charity stalls and competitions. Gala Town Band and Ex-Service Pipe Band will be playing and will join forces for a musical finale. There will be fun activities such as welly-boot throwing and, new this year, a version of the French bowling game of petanque. The event is in aid of local charities, including the Rowan Boland Trust and guide dogs.

St Peter’s Church

Las Sunday, the Reverend Tim Tunley, of Mission to Seafarers, preached. Thursday, August 18 – 10am, holy communion; Sunday, August 21 – 8.30am, holy communion; 9.30am, Sunday Squad, followed by juice and toast; 10.30am, sung eucharist, followed by coffee and a chat; Tuesday, August 23 – 5.30-7pm, Messy Church; Thursday, August 25 – 10am, holy communion.

Trinity Church

On Sunday morning, minister Elspeth Harley conducted the service and Dorothy Howden led praise. Friends and family of two-month-old Ava Rose Swatton were in attendance to see her being christened. Her sister, Sophie, was baptised last year. The minister presented her with a DVD of Bible stories. After the baptism, Annabelle Lugton said a prayer for Ava and her family. The children in the christening party left the service after the baptism and were entertained in the crèche by Gwen Croan and Cathy Thomson. Margaret Tancock read the lessons. Bible study resumes on Wednesday, August 24, in Trinity at 7.30pm.

hawick

Exhibition

To coincide with Wilton Parish Church annual fete in the church hall on September 3, an exhibition of hats and shoes will take place within the church. Anyone who has been to a garden party, wedding, colour bussing or other special event and would be prepared to lend items, they should contact the Reverend Lisa-Jane Rankin (email LRankin@churchofscotland.org.uk) with their name and contact details.

50+ Walk

Thirteen walkers last Sunday went for a tough climb in the Eildons and a riverside. Starting from the fishing loch on the Bowden road, they climbed the small “fourth” E ildon first, then the third one, missed out the biggest, and then on to the second highest. Fine views all around were enjoyed in a bright, but coolish breeze. Half-way down the last hill, a leisurely lunch was taken and a lively discussion took place on where certain areas of interest were. Nature’s fruits were enjoyed in the way of bluberries and raspberries on the way down. The party then made its way down to the Tweed by way of the bypass tunnel and Newstead. A herd of cows watched the walkers on the way upstream and soon they reached the ‘wall’, when some took the ‘adrenalin’ route and others the easier new path through the undergrowth. Melrose was reached in record time and ice cream was relished in the square, waiting on the cars returning. Next walk is in the Peebles area on Sunday, August 28. – I.C.

innerleithen

Church

The service on Sunday, August 21, will be at 11.30am, followed by one in St Ronan’s House at 4pm.

jedburgh

Bridge club

August 8 – N/S – 1, R.Oates & S. West; 2, V. Johnstone & M. Miller; 3, R. Stewart & D. Graham; E/W – 1, D. & P. Palmer 2. J. Urquhart & S. Graham; 3, K. Jackson & O. Whillans.

Rotary

Jedburgh Rotarians have decided to help with an initiative aimed at disabled passengers on the Borders Railway. A local woman – herself disabled – has created a guide for travellers to make it easier for them to access information they need about the help available for disabled people using the line to Edinburgh. The club will pay for 1,000 copies of the leaflet to be produced.

Badminton

At the grammar school sports hall – adults – Wednesdays, 7-10pm (starts September 7). For further information, contact Christine Wylie (p10caw@aol.com; 07989 584968 or 01835 840246). Juniors – Primary 2-4, Wednesdays, 6-7pm (starts September 7); Primary 5-7, Tuesdays, 7-8pm (starts September 6); secondary school, Tuesdays, 8-9pm (starts September 6). For further information, contact Myra Younger (01835 863160; myrayounger@aol.com).

kelso

Coffee morning

There will be a coffee morning in Kelso North Church Hall on Saturday, August 20, 10am-noon, to raise funds for cancer charity Marie Curie.

Bridge club

August 10 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Lesley Dick & Lynda Douglas; 2, Dominic & Diana Alkin; 3, Rena Stewart & Chris Anthony; E/W – 1, Gerry Eglington & Jon Bridger; 2, Brian Saywood & Ken Ross; 3, Christine McCreath & Kitty Home-Robertson. August 11 – teams – 1, Dominic & Diana Alkin and Gerry Eglington & Jon Bridger; 2, Bob Stevenson & Lee Leeson and Paul Brooks & Eilean Hogarth; 3, Michael Horwood & Alison Ireland and Helenor Pratt & Pauline Smart.

LANGHOLM

Bugsy Malone

The Centre Stage Theatre is bringing another production to the Buccleuch Centre – and Bugsy Malone should prove popular. The community group, mainly made up of young people, was co-founded by Chris Jones and Judith Johnson, and has always attracted appreciative audiences to productions over the years. The director of the show, which runs from Wednesday, August 24, to Saturday, August 27, is Hannah Cumming, who has appeared in past shows for Centre Stage and has now completed a degree in performing arts at Queen Margaret University.

Cheques

Eight projects have received cheques from the Minsca wind farm community benefit fund. The fund, worth around £2,000, is distributed to community groups by Langholm, Ewes and Westerkirk Community Council. The total amount applied for amounted to £4,799 and the main beneficiary was the Buccleuch Park playground project which received £500 towards getting a ground survey carried out. Ewes Hall landed £300 towards a new heating system and the New Town Bowling Club got £225 towards a flat roof for an extension. The town band received £300 which will be used to pay for tuition and sheet music, while the Youth Rugby Trust was awarded £300 for the junior sevens tournament and the information hub £150 to build a cupboard. The Christmas lights committee and A7 Action Group received £235 and £100 respectively.

Charity fundraiser

A charity event will take place in aid of Cancer Research UK in the Buccleuch Centre on Friday, November 11. The Grease charity movie will start at 7.30pm, with the showing of the film at 8pm. The centre will be open from 6.30pm. Tickets are priced at £10.

lauder

Historical society

One of the few remaining women who served at Bletchley Park codebreaking centre during the Second World War, Mary Sherrard, will share her memories with members at their meeting in the Youth Trust Hall, opposite the Lauderdale Hotel, on Wednesday, August 24, at 7pm for 7.30pm.

Church

At 6.30pm on September 4, a summer evening songs of praise will be held in Channelkirk Church, followed by refreshments. All welcome.

melrose

On song

Melrose Amateur Operatic Society went out in a blaze of glory some two years ago with a wonderfully-inventive performance of The Mikado. However, the singing spirit is still alive and a new group – The Phoenix Singers – has been formed to carry on and broaden the tradition. Rehearsals begin on Monday, October 17, in the Ormiston Lounge at 7.30pm for five consecutive weeks. It is hoped to have two concerts per year, the first being on Saturday, November 19, in the Corn Exchange. As many former members of the company as possible have been contacted – all are welcome. The programme is to be arranged by new musical director and group chairman J. Holmes Wilson.

Parish church

It was fair for worshippers at Bowden and Melrose where the interim moderator in the vacancy took the services. The Traidcraft stall did good business. The church fete at Bowden raised more than £300, an excellent result. Sunday, August 21 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); church magazine deadline; September 2 and 3 – Val Miller’s bookshop event; September 24 – Monksford Golf Day.

Trimontium

“A picture is worth a thousand words” never rang truer than on the museum corridor monitor. Last week’s report of the trust’s Antonine Wall outing tried to paint a word picture of an enjoyable and informative day out. The real thing, taken by chairman John Reid’s aerial drone, showed the mound of the wall and its straight-as-a-ruler ditch running away into the distance. Then come, in rapid succession, clips of the Eildons, the Trimontium Trust Trailer in Youtube, last summer’s dig at Burnswark and back to the impressive 14ft-wide stone base of the wall and Bar Hill fort well. The penultimate Sunday Trimontium site walk (2pm) is this weekend.

morebattle

Festival week

On the Monday night at the coffee evening, Marion Dumma won the box of sweets and £227 was realised. Bingo followed with caller Sarah Barbour being assisted by Grace Cessford. Tuesday saw a display of camera club members’ photographs when the public voted for the best group of pictures. Overall winner was Gloria Wilson. The sum of £227.50 was raised. This was f ollowed by the pool competition from which Andrew Scott emerged triumphant. Wednesday – whist and dominoes night when £188 was raised. Ladies – 1, Greta Middlemas; 2, Hannah Wilson; 3, E. McCreadie; 4, Lizzie Thomson; booby, Betty Fleming; longest sitter, Mary Tait. Gents – 1, Christine Gibson; 2, Jock Middlemas; 3, Scottie Wight; 4, Dorothy Currie; booby, Sheena; longest sitter, Mary McTaggart. Dominoes – 1, Lucy Thomson; 2, Dale Adams; 3, Brenda Burke; 4, Morag Thomson. All prizes were presented by Games Queen Lucy Thomson. On Thursday, the teddy bears’ picnic, along with beetle drive for the older children, was held in the institute, owing to wet weather. Teddy bears – 1, Ewan McIntosh; 2, Logan O’Mara; 3, Evie Anderson-Adams – entries judged by Helen Cessford and Mary Pringle. Beetle drive – 6-12yrs – 1, David Douglas; 2 (equal), Megan Douglas and Dale Adams; 3, Emily Anderson-Adams. The pet show was held at night in the school playfield – most gorgeous dog – 1, Wilma Soutar with Maddie; 2, Georgia Thomson with Callie; 3,Lucy Thomson with Robbie; best trickster – 1, Sarena Cook with Gunner; 2, Lucy Thomson with Robbie 3, Alfie Stevens with Suzie; waggiest tail – 1, Sarena Cook with Gunner; 2, Tamara Cook with Patch; 3, Archie Barbour with Freddie; dog

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most like its owner – 1, Beth Thomson with Callie; 2, Wilma Soutar with Maddie; 3, Ellie McBlain with Lola; most exciting small furry – 1, Matthew Little with Gingerbread the Hamster; 2, Emma Thomson with Tigger the cat. A vote of thanks was given to the judge, Sabine from Cheviot Vets. Games Queen Lucy Thomson presented the rosettes. Friday night saw the fancy dress – due to wet weather, judging took place in the village hall by Mr and Mrs Roger Henderson. Children 7 & under – 1, Morebattle in Bloom Scarecrow (Alfie Stevens); 2, Larry the Cat (Evie Leonard); 3, Anna from Frozen (Jessica Brown); Children 8-16yrs – 1, Zika virus (Sam Johnstone); 2, Vinicious the Rio Mascot (Sasha Jackson); 3, Avator (Paulina); Children’s Groups 0-16yrs – 1, Lion, Witch & Wardrobe (Emma, Lucy & Jenny Thomson); 2, Pringles (Ellie & Paige McBlain); 3, Tom & Jerry (Archie & Logan O’Mara); Individual adults – 1, Whittons Garden of the year (Tamara Cook); 2, Mr Blobby (Lizzie Thomson); Mixed groups – 1, Olympic Swimming Team Float (Barbour Family and Kym Cessford); 2, Morebattle 125yr Flower Show (Helen Cessford and Mary Pringle); 3, Three craws sat upon a wa’ (The Village Shop). A disco followed in the Templehall Lounge when the cup presentation took place. Best Overall Cup for fancy dress was won by Emma, Lucy and Jenny Thomson (Lion, Witch & Wardrobe). The pool cup was won by Andrew Scott; Kurling cup, Graeme Lang; shield for best scarecrow, Oyen (Main Street) which was Rapunzel; 2, Fiona Brownlee (Oor Wullie); 3, Helen Cessford (Rio).

Coffee morning

The coffee morning in aid of diabetics will be held in the village hall on Saturday, August 20, from 10.30am.

peebles

Exhibition

Moorbrook Textiles has announced a revised date for the second exhibition to update local residents and community groups in Peebles on proposals for the future development of March Street Mill. The event will now be held at the mill on Friday, September 2, from 1-7pm, a change from the initial date which had been planned for the afternoon of August 19. The September event follows the first public exhibition in June at which owners Moorbrook shared the findings of technical and environmental assessment work for the site, and received feedback from the local community. Moorbrook is proposing a mixed redevelopment of the site which would include primarily residential and retirement accommodation, some of which would be affordable housing, potential community/commercial uses, and the continued use of part of the site by local allotment-holders. Andrew Menzies, finance director of Moorbrook Textiles, said: “Our initial intention had been to hold the second exhibition in mid-August, but we believe the sensible approach is to set aside sufficient time to assimilate all the contributions we have received and, for that reason, the follow-up event will now be held on Friday, September 2. Our intention is to present updated proposals at the exhibition which will provide all parties with the opportunity to see refined options for the future of the March Street site. We have already had some discussions with the planning department at Scottish Borders Council and, following completion of the second exhibition and consideration of feedback, our intention is to lodge a formal planning application.” For anyone who was unable to attend the original exhibition, the presentation materials can be accessed at www.marchstmill.co.uk. The site also includes a facility to provide feedback on the proposals.

selkirk

Camera club

The first meeting of the new season will be on Wednesday, September 7. As well as members, anyone who is interested is welcome. The club meets on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the clubrooms at 64 High Street. There will be a short general meeting at the start of the first evening.

Holiday club

Light filled the city of Ancora as around 50 youngsters met daily in Connections, Back Row, for the annual Churches Together in Selkirk and the Valleys Holiday Club. Great fun was had in the playing of games, making of different crafts from get-well cards to the weaving of mats and in the discussion times when they munched healthy snacks.

st boswells

Whist drive

A whist drive to raise money for cancer sufferers is to be held in St Boswells Hall on Friday, August 26, at 7.30pm. Entry (£2) includes supper.

traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on Sunday, August 28, at 10am.

Walkerburn

Service

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

yetholm

Family fun

A family fun day – car boot sale, classic cars, seven-a-side football, children’s sports, music, barbecue – is on August 20, from 10am on the Playing Field. This event also includes an auction and raffle. Proceeds go to cancer charity, Great North Air Ambulance and pavilion upgrade funds. The community council is grateful to all who put time and energy into this event.

Gymkhana

Yetholm Gymkhana will take place on The Haugh on Sunday, August 21, from 9am. Check Yetholm Gymkhana page on Facebook for further updates and schedule.

Shepherds’ show

Catalogues are available from the village shop and online. Closing date for entries is Friday, September 16. The show committee will meet on Thursday, August 25, at 7.30pm in the Youth Hall.

Choir

The choir restarts after summer break on Wednesday, August 24, at 10.30am in the Youth Hall. New members always welcome.

Comedy night

Bowmont Theatre presents “An Evening of Comedy” on Friday and Saturday, August26 and 27, at 7.30pm in the Wauchope Hall. Tickets (£5, including refreshments) are available from the village shop or at the door on the night.

A banned motorist drove his partner’s car to rescue a female friend caught up in a disturbance at a party in Galashiels, Selkirk Sheriff Court was told this week.

Scott Cooper – who received a 15-year ban from the road in 2003 – pleaded guilty to charges of driving while disqualified and with no insurance in Kenilworth Avenue, Galashiels, on July 23.

The 36-year-old, of Wester Row, Greenlaw, was disquailfied from driving until 2018.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: “At round 6.30pm the police got a call about a disturbance in Kenilworth Avenue which included the registration details of a car. As they travelled en route, the officers carried out checks and discovered it had no insurance.”

Mr Fraser told the hearing: “As they arrived in Kenilworth Avenue they saw it being driven away by the accused and two ladies.

“On stopping the car they found the driver was banned till December 2018 and the vehicle belonged to the partner of the accused.”

Cooper’s lawyer said: “A friend of his partner had been at a party where there had been a disturbance.

“She was frantic. She is disabled and was being picked upon by other people she thought were her friends.

“There was no bus available and she phoned her friends for help.”

The lawyer explained that the only reason Cooper drove was to get her away from the scene and pointed out he had not been in trouble for the past two years.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentence for six weeks for background reports, including a restriction-of-liberty assessment.

The case will recall on September 26.

Driver five times limit

A motorist who crashed a car in Hawick while more than five times the legal alcohol limit appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Laurentiu Iordan, 35, of Northcote Street, Hawick, pleaded guilty to driving with a breath/alcohol count of 114 microgrammes – the legal limit being 22 – on Sunday. He also admitted having no insurance for the vehicle.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Iordan works as a farmer and sends money home to his wife and child in Romania.

He added: “He had just bought the car and went for a drive in it, but collided with two vehicles.”

The court heard Iordan apologised to one of the car owners, but had the keys taken from him.

Sheriff Peter Paterson banned Iordan for 14 months and imposed a £300 fine.

CLOCKED AT 90MPH

The director of a property repair firm was driving a van restricted to 50mph at a speed of 90mph on the A68 just outside Lauder, Selkirk Sheriff Court has been told.

Gordon Hill, 27, of West High Street, Lauder, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened on the evening of May 14.

The court was told Hill already had three live points on his licence which was essential for his business.

Sheriff Peter Paterson endorsed Hill’s licence with six penalty points and fined him £200.

ROAD CRASH JURY TRIAL

A 25-year-old woman has been accused of causing a motorist to be severely injured by culpably and recklessly seizing and pulling the steering wheel of the car while he was driving it, causing the vehicle to crash.

Portia Wilson, of Fern Dene Road, Gateshead, denies the offence which is alleged to have happened on the A1107 road near Eyemouth on September 21.

The charge states that the action caused Dale Robertson to lose control of the vehicle which ended up in the opposite carriageway, struck road furniture, left the roadway and overturned, and repeatedly rolled in a field. It adds that Mr Robertson suffered severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment, and the vehicle was extensively damaged.

The case is due to be the subject of a jury trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court next week and expected to last two or three days.

CARAVAN PARK DISTURBANCE

Background reports have been ordered into a 28-year-old man involved in a bust-up at a Coldingham caravan park.

Paul Gillies, from Bathgate, West Lothian, pleaded guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to a charge of using threatening or abusive behaviour earlier this year. The case will recall on September 12.

SEX ASSAULT ALLEGATION

A Galashiels man has appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court charged with sexually assaulting a child.

William Barry Ormiston, 38, faces an allegation under section 19 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.

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

Ormiston was released on bail by Sheriff Peter Paterson.

HEARING DATE FOR ACCUSED

Christopher Cameron, 33, of Glenburn Road, North Berwick, will stand trial on October 11, accused of driving a car while unfit through drink or drugs in Currie Road and Abbotsford Road, Galashiels, on November 21.

An intermediate hearing will be held on September 12.

TEENAGER DENIES CHARGES

An Ancrum teenager has been accused of recording a naked girl doing a private act in her bathroom with the intention of enabling himself or another to look at the image.

Robert Horne, 18, of Causewayend, also denies stealing ladies’ underwear.

The offences are said to have happened at a house near Lauder between September 1 and June 16.

A trial date was set for October 25 at Selkirk Sheriff Court with an intermediate hearing on September 26.

THIEF ‘UNDER THE INFLUENCE’

A man caught shoplifting claimed he was under the influence of alcohol at the time, Selkirk Sheriff Court was told.

Scott Chisholm, 25, of Beech Avenue, Galashiels, pleaded guilty to stealing earphones and toiletries, with a total value of £5.50, from the town’s Home Bargains store on March 16. The court heard there was no recovery of the items.

CCTV captured him putting the items down the front of his jacket.

Chisholm told police: “When it happened I was under the influence and it was a silly mistake.”

Robert More, defending, said Chisholm was under the influence of alcohol at the time. But he accepted it was his client’s third shoplifting conviction in recent times and said he had been attempting to combat his difficulty with drugs for the past eight or nine years.

Sentence was deferred until September 12 for a drug treatment and testing order assessment to be carried out.

BREACHED PAYBACK ORDER

A Galashiels woman who breached her community payback order by not carrying out unpaid work has been handed a £250 fine instead.

Charley Yule, 29, of Langlee Drive, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court and admitted the breach.

TRIAL FOR EARLSTON MAN

An Earlston man will go to trial next month on a charge of uttering racially-offensive comments in a St Boswells hot-food takeaway shop.

Andrew Wood, 37, of Summerfield, also pleaded not guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to being in possession of an offensive weapon and brandishing a screwdriver at a man in the Scott’s View takeaway on July 13.

The trial was set for September 15.

METHADONE CASE

A 31-year-old woman will stand trial next month accused of drug dealing at a residential addiction clinic in the Borders.

Emily Monaghan is charged with being concerned in the supply of methadone to Charlene Todd at the Castle Craig Hospital in Peeblesshire on October 20. She pleaded not guilty to the charge at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Monaghan, from Grantham, Norfiolk, had her trial date fixed for September 13.

Castle Craig is the largest private residential drugs and alcohol rehabilitation clinic in the UK.

FACING EIGHT ALLEGATIONS

A 33-year-old man is due to stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court next month accused of committing eight offences in Innerleithen.

Colin McLean, described as being of no fixed abode, is alleged to have thrown glass bottles at windows in High Street on July 1, damaging the windows and creating potential danger to the public as there were pedestrians around.

He denies wilfully or recklessly damaging the windows of the Allotment Shop and Tweeddale Thrift Shop before walking into the path of an ambulance and then entering the rear of the vehicle without permission and refusing to leave while rummaging through an equipment bag and being aggressive towards paramedics.

McLean further denies being in possession of an offensive weapon, namely a glass bottle, brandishing a broken bottle at a man and lunging at him and struggling violently with two police constables.

The trial is scheduled for September 13.

SENTENCING DELAYED

Sentencing has been delayed on a 35-year-old man who sat the driving test theory exam, pretending to be someone else.

Chung Fung Chung induced two staff members at the Driving Standards Agency offices in Galashiels to allow him to take the exam under the name of Qiao Hua Jiang, also 35.

Chung, of Colintraive Crescent, Glasgow, pleaded guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to a charge of attempting to obtain a pass in a car theory test by fraud on January 28.

The court heard background reports previously ordered were not available and the case was deferred until August 29.

SELKIRK MAN ADMONISHED

A 36-year-old Selkirk man has been admonished after being of good behaviour during a period of deferred sentence, the town’s sheriff court has been told.

Simon McIntosh had previously been convicted of assaulting a woman at his home in Linglie Road on December 7 by headbutting her on the face, pushing her into the bathroom, lifting her up and pushing her onto a bed, all to her injury.

DRUG ORDER FOR WOMAN

A 20-year-old woman is to be the subject of a two-year drug treatment and testing order.

Nacisha Jones, of Whitefield Crescent, Newtown St Boswells, pleaded guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to assaulting a woman by repeatedly seizing her by the hair and pulling her to the ground in Kenilworth Avenue, Galashiels, on February 5.

Later that day – in Winston Place, Galashiels – she obstructed two police officers by seizing an arrested male’s handcuffs and refusing to let go, assaulting a constable by seizing him by the arm and threatening violence at Hawick police station.

BEHAVED HERSELF

Lara Faris has been admonished at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

This comes after the 32-year-old’s good behaviour during a period of deferred sentence.

It follows her conviction for behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, and shouting and swearing at her home in Primrose Bank, Galashiels, on March 11.

PARTNER ‘PUT IN THE STREET’

A bust-up with his partner following a boozy barbecue resulted in a painter and decorator being fined £350 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Thomas Monaghan, 57, pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, shouting and swearing, and throwing items around a garden and at a window at a house in Eildon Terrace, Newtown St Boswells, on July 17.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, said: “The circumstances here are that the accused and his partner had been drinking quite a lot at a barbecue hosted by some friends.

“The partner felt he was being disrespectful and cheeky, and she decided to go home at 11pm.

“When the accused returned to his partner’s house he found she had put bags of his clothing outside the house.

“He lives in Edinburgh and she told him to go away. He threw an unknown object against the window and was shouting and swearing.”

Mr Fraser said police were called and Monaghan taken into custody.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said Monaghan had come back to see his belongings in the garden and started to throw things around the garden as he was searching for his keys and wallet.

Mr Dow added: “He was put in the street essentially. This is at the lower end of the scale.”

But noting he already had a previous domestic conviction involving the same woman, Sheriff Peter Paterson told Monaghan, of Boswell Parkway, Edinburgh: “If you are back in court for a third domestic matter it won’t be treated the same.”

The fine was reduced from £425 due to Monaghan’s guilty plea.

CANNABIS CRIMINAL

A Galashiels man has admitted a charge of drug dealing at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Forty-seven-year-old Bryan Dickson pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis after police found £400 worth of the class B drug in his Wood Street home on May 19. A total of £890 was found in cash and there was also evidence of drug dealing from messages contained on his mobile phone.

Dickson’s solicitor, Ross Dow, said his client used cannabis regularly and sold it to a close group of friends to make it cheaper for himself.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentence until September 12 for background reports and ordered that £500 of the cash recovered be forfeited under Proceeds of Crime legislation.

HAWICK BAR ASSAULT CASE

A Hawick man will stand trial by jury at Selkirk next week accused of severely injuring a man to his permanent disfigurement in a bar.

Garry Douglas, 34, of Paterson Gardens, is charged with assaulting George O’Rourke in the Exchange Bar, Hawick, on September 12.

It is alleged he acted in an aggressive manner towards him, left the premises before returning, put his head against Mr O’Rourke’s head, pulled him from his chair, held his head down and then forced his (Douglas) thumb or finger into his mouth.

He has pleaded not guilty and lodged a special defence of self-defence.

JAIL FOR ROWDY BGH PATIENT

A Galashiels man who swore at a doctor who was trying to treat him and threatened to throw a cup of water over him has been jailed for eight months at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

John Chapman, 25, of Kenilworth Avenue, was taken to Borders General Hospital by police officers last week because of concerns over a cut hand. But Chapman caused a disturbance in the accident and emergency department by shouting and swearing at the doctor.

He pleaded guilty to breaching the Emergency Workers Act when he appeared in court from custody.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said behaviour of this sort at the hospital could not be tolerated and he had no option but to impose a custodial sentence.

Chapman also admitted other offences, including stealing a mobile phone and four fishing rods from a property in Talisman Avenue, Galashiels, struggling violently with police officers, possession of cannabis and breaching a home night curfew.

REMANDED IN CUSTODY

A Selkirk man has been remanded in custody after being accused of breaking into three business premises with intent to steal.

Daniel Hamilton, who is 27, of Buccleuch Road, is also charged with entering a car parked in Tweedbank View, Tweedbank, and stealing two items.

The alleged break-ins at the end of last month were at Dalgleish’s garage in Melrose Road, Galashiels, and Herges by The Loch in Tweedbank, where he allegedly smashed glass doors to gain entry. The other break-in is said to have taken place at Bread Works Organic Bakery in Tweedbank.

Hamilton made no plea or declaration at Jedburgh Sheriff Court last week and his case was continued for further examination. A motion for bail was refused.

HEROIN OFFENDER FINED

Being found in possession of heroin in Melrose Road, Galashiels, cost Stephen Milliken £100.

The 33-year-old, of Abbotseat, Kelso, was initially given 70 hours’ unpaid work for the offence which happened in June 2014. But after not carrying out the work, the sentence was replaced with a fine of £100 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court last week.

KICKED OUT AT POLICE OFFICERS

A 23-year-old woman who was verbally abusive to police officers and kicked out at them appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Sarah Scott pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at her Woodstock Avenue home in Galashiels last Wednesday evening.

The court heard that Scott’s friend had alerted the emergency services over concerns she had mixed up her medication and had been feeling down. But when police and ambulance personnel turned up at her home, she refused treatment and tried to make off after grabbing a bag of medication, but was stopped by an officer.

Sentence was deferred until September 26 when Scott has other matters calling.

She was given a night curfew, keeping her in her home between the hours of 8pm and 7am.

DENIES DRUGS POSSESSION

A 22-year-old man will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court next month accused of being in charge of a car while unfit through drink or drugs on the A72 near Cardrona.

Ryan Fisher, of James Lean Avenue, Dalkeith, also denies being in possession of cannabis on May 28.

On the first day of his week-long constituency campervan tour, Borders MP Calum Kerr met Burnfoot Community Hub project manager Jan Pringle and other local people in order to find out more about the project.

The MP was delighted to learn that the Hub’s cafe – he is pictured sampling a portion of its cheescake – has exceeded its initial estimate for visitor numbers by a substantial margin since it opened last year.

Mr Kerr commented: “I think this is an inspiring project and was very impressed to hear that it’s doing so well. I was also delighted to learn that the Hub is drawing people in from other parts of Hawick too.”

The MP’s day was also taken up by visits to Bonchester Bridge, Newcastleton, Whithaugh Park and Hermitage. He then stopped off at Burnfoot before visiting Ashkirk.

He said: “I understand people in Hawick and Liddesdale sometimes feel that other parts of our region take priority, so it was very important for me to start the first day of my tour in this area.”

A butcher in the north east of Scotland has given his customers some food for thought with his new range of weird and wonderful sausages.

Gavin McIntosh, of Rosehearty butcher I J McIntosh, has created a few daring new flavours of sausage - including White Twix, Santa Burns (Turkey and Haggis), Meatfeast and Pork and Smokey Maple Bacon.

And yes, White Twix really does contain white twix - and turkey.

Talking about the inspiration for his chocolate based sausage Gavin said: “It came from nowhere really.

“We just decided that we were going to get creative.”

The new range of sausages were available at the last Super Saturday market in Fraserburgh and he said Brochers were eating them up.

Gavin said: “They were getting good feedback from our last Super Saturday, they’re all doing well.”

The butcher will be back at next month’s Super Saturday with a whole new batch of creations - though he’s keeping them to himself for now.

Gavin said: “I think they could be even more crazy.”

Rural areas like the Borders must be adequately and effectively policed and must not lose out to more urban parts of Scotland.

That was the message sent to Holyrood this week by the executive committee of Scottish Borders Council.

Councillors were responding to the Scottish Government’s consultation on draft strategic priorities which will set the direction for Police Scotland over the next three to five years.

These revised priorities are based on the six broad themes of localism, prevention, response, collaborative working, accountability and adaptability.

However, when asked if these aims summed up their ambitions for the police service or reflected the needs of local communities in this region, councillors emphatically answered in the negative.

“The detail of the implementation of these priorities is important ... and they need to be accompanied with an equitable distribution of resources to allow effective and responsive frontline policing to address the different priorities within each police division and ensure rural areas do not lose out to urban areas,” stated the council’s response.

“The priorities should also take account of the priorities of the police on the English side of the national border to ensure close cross-border working.

“There is a need to empower local police to operate much more flexibly to deal with local priorities focusing on early intervention and prevention.”

Questions have been raised over the quality and quantity of information made available to elected members of Scottish Borders Council when they consider major capital projects.

The issue is highlighted in the findings of a small working group of councillors who have been probing the decision-making process which saw the local authority in 2014 commit £3.5million to a new visitor centre for the Great Tapestry of Scotland at Tweedbank.

Their report will be presented today (Thursday) to SBC’s watchdog scrutiny committee, which ordered the investigation last October.

Significantly, that was before the Scottish Government announced in February this year that it was subjecting the business case for Tweedbank to a process of “due diligence” before releasing its funding share of £2.5m, and June’s announcement that a site in central Galashiels had now emerged as a likely alternative.

The report casts light on what happened before councillors sat down for the first time to consider the project on May 29, 2014.

It had all begun in “late 2013” when SBC convener Councillor Graham Garvie, after informal discussions with the tapestry trustees, asked council officers to follow up the possibility of the Borders permanently hosting the artwork.

This work was duly carried out between February and April 2014 involving senior officers across a range of departments.

An initial feasibility study was prepared and, from a desktop exercise “in respect of possible sites” Tweedbank emerged as the most viable option.

That work formed the basis of a report to councillors on May 29 when it was agreed, by 21 votes to 7, to commission Jura Consultants to draw up a detailed business case, concentrating solely on Tweedbank.

When that £40,000 report came back with upbeat predictions on viability to the full council on December 18, 2014, councillors voted 21-10 to allocate £3.5m from its capital programme to the venture at Tweedbank.

Focusing of these key decision-making meetings, today’s report states: “The working group has concluded that the details provided to elected members in reports – based on the information that was available at the time – were sufficient to allow members to make their decisions.”

However, it notes: “With hindsight, it is possible to identify areas which could have enhanced the information in reports [to councillors].

“Where potential projects, such as the tapestry, are at the stage of evolving from a conversation into a concept/idea, before proceeding to the project stage and into the capital plan, it would be helpful if all material conversations between officers and elected members could be summarised and noted. This would aid transparency.

“When officers are producing the first formal report to be considered by members on a major project, they should include sufficient and appropriate information on the origin of all the [location] options which have been considered and any which have been subsequently dismissed.”

Union talks with IT staff at Scottish Borders Council are continuing this week in a bid to address “major issues” over their impending transfer to a private company.

The 49 employees are due to switch to Canadian-owned business process service provider CGI on October 1.

But a “comparison matrix” obtained by The Southern shows significant differences in the terms and conditions offered by the two organisations.

According to the document, council staff currently work a 35-hour week, but under CGI the standard contractual hours are 37.5 hours a week.

With regard to holiday entitlement, SBC staff with more than five years’ service get 33 days per annum, while those with less service get 28 days.

The annual holiday entitlement for all CGI employees is 25 days.

On sickness absence, council staff are entitled to six months on full pay and six months on half-pay, whereas CGI will only pay a maximum of three months full pay in any 12-month period for both short and long-term sicknesses.

And while salaries are reviewed every year by both organisations, CGI offers no guaranteed pay or cost of living increases.

“Increases are based on individual performance and take into consideration demands of the market, retention/motivation of employees and affordability to the business,” states the matrix.

Responding to these variations, Tony Trench, regional organiser of the trade union Unite, presenting the council staff, said: “Understandably, these are major issues for our members.

“The feedback we have been given is that to lose out to such an extent on terms and conditions is totally unacceptable, so we will be doing our best in the short time available to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

“Our talks with the affected staff will continue this week. We appreciate that there may be some relative advantages in the transfer with CGI operating a discretionary profit participation scheme which the council does not, but, overall, our members will clearly be losing out.”

The transfer is part of a 13-year contract announced earlier this year between the council and CGI which, as part of the deal, has chosen the Borders as the base for a new delivery centre with the potential to create up to 200 IT jobs, with Tweedbank the likely location.

The outsourcing has its roots in a report in April last year which claimed SBC’s IT department was not fit for purpose. The talks with CGI began in earnest last August when the company was awarded the City of Edinburgh Council’s IT contract, worth £186million over seven years.

A total of 684 complaints were lodged with Scottish Borders Council about its performance in the year to March 31, 2016 – down by 10 on the previous year.

Although 120 of the gripes were deemed invalid, 251 of the remainder were upheld, councillors heard this week.

A report from customer services officer Claire Tracy, noted at Tuesday’s meeting of SBC’s executive committee, stated of the 684 complaints received, 49 were voiced in person at council offices or library/contact centres, 268 were made by telephone, 209 were lodged online, 72 were conveyed by letter and 86 by email.

The report states that 480 complaints (85%) were “closed”, with a response sent and no further action required, at the first stage of the new procedure – where resolution is normally an on-the-spot apology or an explanation that something has clearly gone wrong.

Of these stage one complaints, 213 were upheld and 267 were not upheld.

Stage two, which requires a detailed investigation, a discussion with the complainer and a full response within 20 working days, was required for 80 complaints of which 31 were upheld. Another 17 complaints were upheld during the “escalation” period between stages one and two.

This week’s report gave case study examples of how council services can be improved as a result of complaints from the public.

In one instance, a customer telephoned to book an appointment to register the death of a family member and was left hanging on in a long queue.

“This was not acceptable at such a difficult time for them and, as a result of the complaint, we have worked closely with two local funeral directors to develop an online booking system,” stated the report.”

Residents living close to landfill operations at Easter Langlee are to be consulted over plans to build a £5.5million waste transfer station on the site.

A “public event”, at a time and place still to be arranged, will be held in September before Scottish Borders Council submits a detailed planning bid for the 2,000m2 facility from which 40,000 tonnes of household rubbish will eventually be transported annually out of the region for treatment.

Meanwhile, a so-called proposal of application notice (PAN) regarding the new plant has been distributed for discussion to the community councils of Galashiels and Melrose and the Coopersknowe and Easter Langlee Residents Association.

It follows last year’s decision by the council to cease dumping at the site next year and to phase in the waste transfer station by 2021 when the Scottish Government imposes a band on all untreated biodegradable waste going to landfill.

Councillors heard it would cost £5.5m to develop the station over that period and, once operational, £5.1m a year to run.

The transfer option became inevitable when plans for a heat-generating waste treatment plant at Easter Langlee were abandoned in February last year, at a write-off cost to the council of £2.4m.

The PAN paperwork reveals that the waste transfer building – measuring 57m x 34m (1,995m2) – will be designed so it can be adapted in the future to deal with all the waste generated in the Borders.

Around 6,800m2 of roads and hardstanding will also be created on the former landfill site to service the operations.

The facility is described in the PAN as a “medium-term solution to deal with central Borders waste until the council completes the review of the current Waste Management Strategy … to meet current and future legislative targets and aspirations”.

Next month’s public event, which will be advertised in The Southern Reporter and on the SBC website at least seven days in advance, will not preclude members of the public making representations once the detailed planning application is submitted later this year.

Ever fancied performing on stage? Singing, acting or dancing your heart out? Or maybe you’d prefer a vital role behind the scenes?

Well, now is your opportunity. Following the outstanding success of this year’s show, The Producers (pictured), KAOS Musical Theatre Company’s 2017 production will be the Tony Award-winning production of Monty Python’s musical Spamalot – book and lyrics by Eric Idle, music by John du Prez and Idle.

The KAOS committee has invited anyone interested to come along and meet current company members on August 22 at 7.30pm in the Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso, where they have the chance to learn about the show and all that’s involved in. Young people who are aged 14 years before March 22, 2017, are also invited to attend.

KAOS is also interested in recruiting a wardrobe manager. It would suit someone who has had experience as a theatrical costumier or fashion production, and who is quite creative and nifty with a sewing machine.

For further details, contact Heather Coupek at kelso.opera@hotmail.co.uk.

Youngsters turned into eco investigators as they got up close and personal with a host of creepy crawlies recently.

The kids were able to hold many exotic beasts during a series of exhilarating Zoolab workshops which took place at Bowhill House and Country Estate.

Zoolab sessions allow kids to see, touch and handle an array of creatures while learning about their ecosystems and habitat.

The mini petting zoos include animals such as an African land snail, Madagascar hissing cockroach, corn snake, cane toad, emperor scorpion, Caribbean hermit crab or a Chilean rose tarantula.

Bowhill welcomed a trained Zoolab ranger to host a unique sensory workshop for kids between the ages of two and seven.

Rory Powell, learning and engagement ranger at Bowhill, said: “We offer an array of ranger activities at Bowhill throughout the year and we were delighted to welcome the UK’s number one animal handling experience company to offer unique workshops for our young visitors during the summer.

“Zoolabs are such an innovative and exciting way to help children learn more about creatures and wildlife – some of which can be spotted around the grounds at Bowhill.

“All the children were very enthusiastic and engaged with all aspects of the workshop, with many of them being brave enough to handle some of the exotic animals.”

For more information on Bowhill this season, visit www.bowhillhouse.co.uk.