Marauding youngsters are making Selkirk’s town centre a no-go area after dark for elderly residents.

The town’s community council heard on Monday night’s meeting that a group of youths, aged between 12 and 15, are leaving piles of litter on the streets, shouting and swearing at passers-by and generally creating havoc at all hours of the night and into the morning.

Shopkeeper Janice Rodgerson brought the matter up with community police officer Conal McEwan after his presentation to the community council at the town’s Victoria Halls and brandished a bag full of rubbish and empty bottles that she picked up from the courthouse steps.

She said: “It is becoming intolerable. It’s happening every night, not just at weekends.

“If you say anything to them, you just get foul language and abuse in return.

“One of them was running around in just his underpants.

“I have phoned the police on three occasions. Nobody seems to be able to do anything, and they seem to realise this.

“There are people I know who just won’t go outside.

“We would never dream of acting like that when we were young.”

Making matters worse, gangs of youths are now coming over from Hawick and Galashiels, which PC McEwan said was “not a good mix”.

He said that as well as the High Street, the gangs were congregating in the grounds of the Haining and at the Chinese Hut on Selkirk Hill, where they smash bottles.

PC McEwan said he was aware of the problem and that he had talked to the group several times, but he added: “I have had a word with Graham Marshall at the high school, and between us we are going to try to sort something out. It won’t be a quick fix.

“Behaviour is something that has to be learned.”

And he cautioned: “We have a group of kids who are causing a bit of a headache at the moment, but let’s not demonise all the kids.

“Every generation comes along and has that moment of madness, and we have to try to work through it as a community.”

Community council chairman Alistair Patullo said: “Would it be possible to speak to their parents?”

PC McEwan replied: “I would need to catch them doing something anti-social, and that is not easy as they stop whatever they are doing when I come along.”

Calls are being made for cyclists to be banned from two of Peebles’ public parks.

Peebles Community Council has been asked to consult townsfolk to establish how much support there would be for cycling bans at Victoria Park and Hay Lodge Park.

Concerns over the number of bike-riders using the parks, both Peebles common good fund assets, were raised at a community council meeting there.

It was claimed the number of bikes being ridden along the parks’ paths is adversely affecting other park users.

It was also suggested that there had previously been bans on cycling at both locations, potentially setting a precedent for forbidding bikes in future.

The matter was referred to the town’s common good fund sub-committee, comprising the six Tweeddale councillors on Scottish Borders Council, and it sought a view from the council’s legal services department on the implications of any restrictions on cycling.

After discussing that advice at its latest meeting, the sub-committee, as custodian of the parks, agreed that the opinions of the Peebles public should be sought.

“As the complaint was raised at the community council, we have asked that body to undertake some consultation on whether any changes should to be made regarding cycling in these parks,” said Tweeddale West councillor Catriona Bhatia after the meeting.

“I have no doubt there will be divided opinions on this matter, so a cautious and informed approach is required”.

On the issue of previous cycling bans, the council’s legal team said in its briefing note that no council officer had any record or recollection of there ever having been any management rules at the two parks.

“Officers have advised that there appears to be some anecdotal evidence suggesting that about 40 years ago, there might have been some ban or signage in place at Victoria Park following an accident.

“However, there is no detail of what that was, how long it lasted and, indeed, how the ban was effected.”

The advice makes it clear that a complete ban on cycling would be problematic because the common law rights of landowners are now subject to right-to-roam legislation.

“Under that legislation, everyone has the right to be on, or cross, land for recreational purposes, and these rights of access extend to cycling” stated the briefing note.

“Right of access is, of course, a right to responsible access which must not interfere with the rights of others.

“It is possible there may be some scope for a management approach to the parks which ensures any exercise of access rights is, indeed, responsible.”

Regeneration groups in towns across the central Borders are backing calls for a site in central Galashiels to become a permanent home for the Great Tapestry of Scotland.

Destination Scottish Borders (DSB) – a group set up to promote tourism in Hawick, Selkirk, Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh and Galashiels – makes its support clear in a submission to the 34 elected members of Scottish Borders Council.

On Thursday, September 29, those councillors will decide if a new visitor centre for the giant artwork should be on site council-owned land at Tweedbank or in Galashiels town centre.

They also have the option of abandoning the project altogether.

Until June this year, when what was described as a “new development opportunity” emerged in Galashiels, councillors were told that if the tapestry did not go to Tweedbank, it would be lost to the Borders.

They then voted to commit capital spending of £3.5m towards the creation of a £6m building on the industrial estate.

However, a major factor expected to dictate this month’s decision will be the site preferred by the Scottish Government as it is committed to spending £2.5m on the facility’s construction, as well as the availability of other funding sources.

In its submission, DSB chairman Will Haegeland, a hotelier in Selkirk, says his association seeks to support the development of opportunities aimed at increasing tourism visits and expenditure across the region.

“All management committee members are in agreement that the most advantageous location for the tapestry in the Borders is in Galashiels town centre,” said Mr Haegeland.

“Here, it is supported by the Borders Railway, large car-parking facilities and will provide the added benefit of supporting the further regeneration of the town centre while attracting much-needed increased footfall.

“Visitors will benefit from town centre services, hospitality and shopping opportunities, as well as being able to visit other attractions in the Borders which can be reached by public transport from the Galashiels interchange.

“These are clear advantages over locating the tapestry on an industrial estate from which there is very limited onward public transport, no additional services and no added benefits to the local economy.”

The DSB endorsement has been welcomed by Mike Gray, chairman of Energise Galashiels, a voluntary regeneration trust which has already lodged a six-page submission in support of the tapestry coming to the town.

“The fact this group represents communities across the central Borders means it is a significant intervention which will surely give councillors food for thought, even those who, in all good faith, have up to now voted for the Tweedbank option,” said Mr Gray.

“There has always been a consensus on the council that the tapestry could bring great economic benefit to the Borders as a whole, and it is heartening to know there is now such widespread support for Galashiels as the means of best achieving this goal.”

Borders MP Calum Kerr has joined the chorus of disapproval over the tactics employed by the private firm contracted by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to carry out checks on claimants for tax credits.

Mr Kerr claims he has been approached by several of his Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk constituents complaining of having payments stopped abruptly in recent weeks by US-based business services company Concentrix.

“They are all extremely distressed and are predominantly single parents with young children who are accused by the company of failing to provide proof there is no partner living with them,” said Mr Kerr.

“In order to vindicate themselves, these parents must provide a whole year’s evidence, including bank statements, to Concentrix.

“I consider this onerous, overly intrusive and an abuse of power.

“As a result, my constituents have been left with absolutely no money at little or no notice.

“How can this be considered in any way a fit and proper way to treat vulnerable families who rely on tax credits to pay their essential bills and buy food?”

Mr Kerr has also expressed his concerns in a letter to Edward Troup, executive chairman of HMRC.

“It is simply not acceptable to subject people to such punitive measures and draconian tactics,” writes Mr Kerr.

“They are not criminals. They are ordinary citizens who have the right to expect to be treated decently and fairly.

“I urge you to bring an end to this unfair practice and ensure no family suffers the cruelty of the withdrawal of such crucial support.”

While a reply is awaited, Mr Kerr, along with the rest of the SNP group of MPs at Westminster, this week signed an early day motion calling for an adjournment debate in the House of Commons.

The motion condemns Concentrix for “profiting from stopping payments to those most in need” and calls on the UK Government to investigate the firm’s conduct “before more people experience the appalling consequences of this brutal and disrespectful approach”.

Responding to a national campaign against its tactics, a Concentrix spokesperson said: “We recognise that the re-evaluation of individual tax credits claims can be difficult for all concerned.

“We adopt a rigorous process at every stage to ensure we manage this process responsibly and in full accordance with the protocols and guidance set by HMRC.”

A spokesperson for HMRC said: “Payments to Concentrix are made on the quality and accuracy of their work.

“They will not be paid if the decisions they make about claimants’ awards are wrong.”

The Rotary Club of Kelso recently organised a sponsored walk which was open to all charities, sports clubs and organisations in the town. The walk enabled a variety of groups a chance to raise funds for their individual projects and causes.

Walkers and their canine companions took a gentle, sunny Saturday daunder along the old railway route from Kelso to Sprouston. It was not a particularly difficult walk, but one that suited all ages, from toddlers to evergreens. Participants had a refreshment stop in Sprouston Village Hall before rambling back. This year, charities such as the Sugod School in the Philippines, Mary’s Meals and the Rotary Foundation benefited.

A whisky warehouse worker has taken a picture of what could be one of the most convincing Loch Ness Monster sightings to date.

Amateur photographer Ian Bremner, 58, was driving around the Highlands in search of red deer - but stumbled instead across the remarkable sight of what appears to be Nessie swimming in the calm waters of Loch Ness.

The dad-of-four spends most of his weekends in the region taking photographs of the stunning natural beauty.

But it was not until he got back to his home in Nigg, Invergordon, that he noticed three humps emerging from the water which he thinks could be the elusive monster.

The picture shows a two-metre long silver creature swimming away from the lens with its head bobbing away and a tail flapping a metre away, preparing to swim further on.

The apparent creature was spotted coming up for air close to the banks of the loch on Saturday afternoon midway between the villages of Dores and Inverfarigaig.

Ian said: “It’s a part of the world that always makes you second guess what you’re seeing.

“When you’re up there you’re constantly looking in the water to see if you can spot anything in there.

“This is the first time I’ve ever seen Nessie in the loch. I would be amazing if I was the first one to find her.

“I’m normally a bit of a sceptic when it comes to Nessie and I think it’s just something for the tourists but I’m starting to think there is something out there.

“When I saw it on my screen I said ‘what the hell is that?’

“If you’re fishing there it’s the sort of place where you can get a tingle up your spine and second guess what you’re seeing.

“You start seeing things even when you know fine there’s nothing there.”

Ian’s picture fits in perfectly with the widely believed description of Nessie being a long serpent creature which stretches as far back as 1933.

The image he took closely resembles some of the clearest and most notable examples of the creature.

Encounters from 1933 tell of a 10ft long limbless creature crossing the road leaving behind a slimy trail of undergrowth.

And in 2001 a pair of fishermen spotted a dark 6ft long blob sticking its head out of the water and were adamant that it was not a seal.

There have been five other reported sightings of the monster this year which, including Ian’s latest, is the highest number since 2002.

Some of Ian’s friends think his picture actually shows three seals playing in the water.

Ian said: “I suppose it could be seals - but I’m not so sure. The more I think about it, the more I think it could be Nessie.”

Over the years there have been 1081 recorded sightings of the Loch Ness Monster lurking in the water.

The monster and the tourists who come to look for it are thought to be worth around £30m to the Highland economy.

Hacking and data breaches are, sadly, an everyday fact of life in the 21st century but some people really aren’t helping matters by using simple, easy-to-break passwords.

While a secure password can help protect everything from emails and personal photos to banking details, some people still aren’t getting the message, with millions opting for the same, simple options that are a gift to hackers.

SplashData has released its annual list of the 25 worst passwords and despite high-profile cases such as the Ashley Madison and T-Mobile hacks perennial favourites “123456” and “password” are still top of the list.

Using public dumps of hacked data from 2015, the security analysts found more than two million passwords and studied these to come up with the 25 most popular and, therefore, most easily cracked.

While various versions of the numbers sequence and the old “run-the-finger-along-the-keyboard” technique were also prevalent in the list, sport and pop culture also got a look-in.

“football” moved up three places to seventh on the list while “baseball” held on in the top 10 as well. The return of one of cinema’s biggest franchise prompted “starwars” to enter the top 25 and is probably also responsible for the appearance of “solo” and perhaps “princess” in the list as well.

Releasing the list SplashData said: “Since the most popular passwords are so common, these popular passwords would be among the very first tried by any hacker or malicious ‘cracking’ program. When you choose a password, you want something unique, complex, and unusual, and you want to make sure you use different passwords for different sites.

“Since exposure is constantly increasing - more sites being hacked, more passwords at risk - it’s almost inevitable that some of your logins somewhere will be exposed. You just want to make sure that exposure doesn’t have a cascading effect on your other logins, especially at more valuable sites and services (e.g. email and financial services).”

Here’s the list in full, if you recognise yours on it, it’s time to rethink your logins...

1. 123456 (Unchanged)

2. password (Unchanged)

3. 12345678 (Up 1)

4. qwerty (Up 1)

5. 12345 (Down 2)

6. 123456789 (Unchanged)

7. Football (Up 3)

8. 1234 (Down 1)

9. 1234567 (Up 2)

10. baseball (Down 2)

11. welcome (New)

12. 1234567890 (New)

13. abc123 (Up 1)

14. 111111 (Up 1)

15. 1qaz2wsx (New)

16. dragon (Down 7)

17. master (Up 2)

18. monkey (Down 6)

19. letmein (Down 6)

20. login (New)

21. princess (New)

22. qwertyuiop (New)

23. solo (New)

24. passw0rd (New)

25. starwars (New)

Gala 27, Melrose 43

Melrose collected their fourth successive bonus point to continue leading the Premiership – but it took until the second half for them to douse a fighting Gala side.

Melrose scored six tries, with Jason Baggot converting five and kicking a penalty, but coach Robert Chrystie admitted they had been tested at Netherdale.

“We had to work hard and we took our chances when they came,” he said. “I am pleased. The whole squad is working really hard and putting in a lot of effort, and we will try to get even better. Both teams had opportunities, but we were just a bit sharper.”

Two of the Gala tries were scored when prop James Bhatti was sent to the sin-bin and their third deep into injury time.

Coach Chris Dalgleish, who felt Melrose should have been shown a card before half-time, was disappointed.

“Just after half-time, we conceded a couple of soft tries. We finished well but we need to do better than that as we didn’t get out of the blocks.

“Melrose are very clinical and we were chasing the game after that.”

The warm, sunny afternoon was ideal for open, running rugby, and with nine tries scored, both clubs kept the game moving.

Gala fell behind to an early Russell Anderson try, and a score by Neil Irvine-Hess gave the visitors a 17-6 interval lead, Gregor Hunter responding with two penalties.

The two tries early in the second half from Iain Moody, the first of his two, and Jason Baggott saw Melrose lead 36-6 before Ross Combe and Chris Weir touched down twice in three minutes, Hunter converting twice.

In the final minutes, Ross McCann and Rory Scholes exchanged tries. Baggott converted five for Melrose while Hunter added one and Graham Speirs drop-kicked Gala’s last points.

Hawick 28, Ayr 43

It’s been an agonising start to the season for Hawick but, on Saturday, against an unbeaten Ayr side – made even stronger by the inclusion of Scotland stand-off Finn Russell – the Greens’ first championship point from a four-try tally suggested a nascent recovery.

A week earlier, Hawick had suffered a heavy and damaging defeat to Heriot’s at Goldenacre but their performance seven days later offered hope to the Mansfield Park fans that the season is not yet dead.

“I’d like to think we’ve turned a corner,” said skipper Bruce McNeil. “It wasn’t a win but we got a bonus point. We were looking to get a victory. We believe we’ve got the boys in this team to out there and get wins.”

He added: “It’s a stepping stone from where we were last week. That was a low for this club.

“The boys though have reacted well. Scoring four tries against Ayr is not too bad. We’ve got a lot of youngsters in the team.

“They’ve had to become senior players really quickly. We’ve not been able to use them off the bench as we would have liked. They’ve been chucked in at the deep end and, to be fair, it was either sink or swim and a lot of them are swimmers.”

Outstanding for Hawick was veteran prop Matt Landels, skipper McNeil, who played in three different positions on Saturday, and flanker Stuart Graham, whose tackle count was impressively high.

Finn Russell showed why he is an international stand-off in a fitness-confirming 60-minute stint of skilful passing and calcualted kicking, while Ayr’s physical forward pack dominated possession. However, Hawick defied the odds stacked against them to achieve some great scores.

A try and conversion by Neil Renwick after Darcy Graham and Lee Armstrong had opened up the Ayr defence set the tone and then a second try, this time by McNeil, and the conversion by Renwick, sent Hawick into half time level with the Millbrae men at 14-14. Ayr had scored through flanker Gregor Henry and Russell’s younger brother, Archie.

Hawick then conceded a soft try, a missed tackle giving Ross Curle the touchdown, and then it was the turn of Finn Russell to write his name on the scoresheet. The stand-off looped round Curle for a fine try, before kicking the extras.

Matters looked darker for Hawick as number eight Blair MacPherson profited from a well-directed Finn Russell kick, taking the score to 31-14 in favour of Ayr.

Hawick, however hit back as McNeil barged over from close range, with youngster Kirk Ford making the score a seven pointer.

But Ayr pulled away again, as Archie Russell and MacPherson completed their doubles.

A losing bonus point seemed out of the question for Hawick but a try bonus remained a possibility.

It became a reality when Hawick pressure produced a break by the admirable Keith Davies, whose pass to Wesley Hamilton gave the wing a run to the line for Hawick’s fourth and bonus point try, again converted by Ford, and nothing less than the Greens deserved for their competitive effort against an Ayr side surely destined to be in the end-of-season play-offs.

Hawick: N. Renwick, D. Graham, G. Johnstone, G. Huggan, W. Hamilton, L. Armstrong, B. Campbell, M. Landels, F. Renwick, C. Mackintosh, D. Harlen, M. Robertson, B. McNeil, S. Graham, K. Davies. Subs: T. Skeet, R. Gibson, N. McColm, D. Redpath, K. Ford.

The Met Office has announced the names of this year’s winter storms.

The Name Our Storms pilot scheme began last autumn/winter when members of the public were asked to suggest names for wind storms with the potential to cause substantial impacts.

And it proved popular with thousands of names being suggested.

As the scheme got underway with Storm Abigail in November, the names were quickly adopted by the public, the media and the Met Office’s partner organisations.

Derek Ryall, Head of Public Weather Services at the Met Office, said: “By naming storms more people were made aware of the approaching threat of severe weather and were able to act on this information.

“A YouGov survey based on the first seven storms showed that 55 per cent of those surveyed took steps to prepare for stormy weather after hearing that a storm had been named. People were therefore better informed.”

The next phase of the project will run for a year from October 1 and will see some changes, including adding more than one weather type, specifically rain if its impact could lead to flooding.

So in future, storm systems would be named on the basis of impacts from wind but could also include the impacts of rain and snow.

Storms will be named, alternating between male and female, when they have the potential to cause an amber ‘be prepared’ or red ‘take action’ warning.

Despite that satisfied look on their faces when they are busy gnawing away on them, dogs should not be given bones, vets are increasingly warning.

The UK’s leading veterinary charity the PDSA has taken to instructing owners not to give their dogs either cooked or raw bones, which it says can become lodged in their throats or splinter, damaging their stomach or intestines and sometimes killing them.

Its spokesman said: “We don’t recommend bones as treats because we often see dogs with digestive tract damage and blockages caused by splinters or larger pieces of bone becoming stuck.

“Surgery is usually needed to remove any blockage and, in some cases, the damage is so serious that it can be fatal.

“Similarly, if they swallow a large piece of rawhide chew this can become stuck and cause serious problems.”

The warning runs contrary to widely-held beliefs about the benefits to the animals’ dental health and digestion of chewing on a bone.

A lobby group called the Raw Meaty Bones Action Group claims vets are biased in favour of prepared commercial food.

Meanwhile, The Dog’s Trust states in a factsheet about feeding that while cooked bones are “very dangerous”, large meaty bones have benefits and can even reduce some dogs’ anxiety by causing particular chemicals to be released in their brains.

The British Veterinary Association has said there is no scientific evidence to demonstrate any benefits of feeding dogs raw meat and bones, however, and has highlighted further risks including salmonella.

Three years ago Tesco withdrew a type of ham bone dog treat from sale after a miniature schnauzer died when it splintered, rupturing his stomach.

The PDSA earlier this year said stones, babies’ dummies, socks and kebab sticks were among hundreds of items its vets had surgically removed from the stomachs of dogs over 12 months.

All of the major vehicle manufacturers have been setting out their planned timescales for launching sales of driverless vehicles. Many people are surprised at the pace of change under which increasing numbers of cars are operating on our roads with less control by the driver. The UK Department for Transport (DfT) roadmap to encourage autonomous vehicles (AVs) on our roads envisages that the UK can be a world leader in AVs.

In May a Tesla car in Florida was the first high-profile example of a fatal accident involving a car in autopilot mode. In reality, most of the current generation of cars still require a driver to override the car in case the automated controls don’t get things right. Many people already drive long distances without touching the pedals using adaptive cruise control, and it may not be long before more of us are willing to let our cars do some of the steering too – not just when parking.

The potential advantages of vehicles driving themselves are huge. Most road accidents are due to driver error. Although one fatal crash with over 100 million miles of Autopilot experience is a better record than with human error, much better safety than this is needed before we can rely fully on these technologies.

For the manufacturers making huge investment in AVs there are strong pressures not to fall behind their competitors. Although, there does not seem to be much demand yet from the public, the potential benefits are so great that few doubt that self-driving cars are here to stay. The manufacturers don’t know yet know what types of AV will become popular first, but they are all expecting mass markets to emerge quickly.

Automation allows much better use of road capacity since vehicles can travel in road trains. This is particularly attractive for lorries where huge improvements in fuel economy are possible. Some freight operators are already participating in trials on the country’s motorways. Google’s AVs have been designed with an autonomous taxi-style transport service in mind and nuTonomy are already piloting autonomous taxis in Singapore. These fully automated vehicles provide a completely new type of transport system, automating the fast-growing ride hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. AVs are coming fast, so CILT as a professional institute needs to ensure standards and training help professionals adapt. This means going back to the core values and basic principles of mobility and access which were used when designing the current standards. Who should get priority? How do we accommodate human error within increasingly automated systems? How do we manage liability?

CILT has published its vision of the future of transport to 2030 and seeks to facilitate debate within the industry and with the travelling public about our transport future. Many of the myths that create the greatest concern have already been thought through, and the future is not nearly as scary as it might seem. AVs will not replace public transport. Particularly with high capacity systems such as rail and tram it would be very difficult to put all these people into individual vehicles, even with the better allocation of vehicle space that would come with AVs. The issue is not replacing high capacity vehicles but using AVs to connect people with the public transport services. AVs could expand the coverage of public transport to rural areas and places with dispersed populations, which could be a particular advantage for older people and low mobility groups.

Some early plans for AVs allow for more signs and road markings, but as the technologies develop, the roadmaps envisage no lanes, no signs, and no need for traffic control at all, helping to make places more attractive.

One of the greatest challenges relates to security. The most serious issue relates to people’s privacy as they can be tracked wherever they go. However, this is already a challenge with existing technologies. People are being tracked through mobile devices such as phones, watches, and navigation systems. Urgency is needed to resolve these security problems, and the approaches taken to data ownership and management will then work for AVs as well.

Changes in liability laws will be driven by the insurance industry, which will be keen to see clearer presumed liability for AVs as a means of lowering accident risk, reducing their greatest costs.

Vehicles with AV capabilities are already on Scotland’s roads with drivers checking and overriding as needed. Over the next 20 to 30 years the need for driving skills will increasingly be replaced with a need for better customer service and social skills. CILT is helping to set the standards for training the next generation of transport employees to encourage more social behaviour when travelling.

Derek Halden is chair of the Scottish branch of CILT, www.dhc1.co.uk

Toy experts at Britain’s biggest toy store have unveiled their very own list of 14 Superstars, which are expected to dominate kids’ Christmas lists this year - and it’s going to be a hard-fought battle between tech toys versus popular collectibles and characters.

The must-have Superstars guide has been published by Toys ‘R’ Us, and includes everything from a £20 Shopkins Truck to a £200 Robotic Dog called Chip.

A Jedburgh man who has collected an amazing 2,000 bricks has been shortlisted for a major heritage award, for keeping alive an important chunk of Scottish history.

Mark Cranston, of Scottish Brick History, is one of three entries in line for the Investigating and Recording category of the 2016 Scottish Heritage Angel Awards, for his ongoing dedication and work involving a unique part of Scotland’s industrial past – brick making.

This one-of-a-kind initiative has seen 53-year-old Mark discover more about the industry and its manufacturers, which were once world renowned for the quality and diversity of their bricks, in particular the refractories.

Mark, who runs the Scottish Brick History website, said: “I’m delighted and humbled that the much under-appreciated brick is at last finding a little piece of limelight.

“I believe that all the products manufactured at Scottish brickworks were an integral part of Scotland’s industrial, agricultural and social heritage.

“It is with great pleasure that I accept this nomination.”

Mark is one of more than 50 nominations to go through to the finals, funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, and held at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, on Thursday, October 18.

Mark said the collection started when his father began finding them while doing contract work.

He added: “Scottish bricks turn up all over the world ... Scotland helped build the industrial revolution across the globe. Unfortunately, there is only one brickworks left in the country, whereas a hundred years ago there were hundreds.

“They didn’t just make bricks ... anything used to build our houses today that is plastic used to be made out of clay.”

Mark’s knowledge has been called upon by archaeologists to help date a certain brick.

He said: “I was recently contacted by an underwater archaeologist who has found a ship full of Scottish bricks under the sea, and a contact in St Petersburg has found 22 differently-marked bricks on the Russian shoreline.”

John Pelan, director of the Scottish Civic Trust, said: “This shortlist once again demonstrates the great scope of volunteer-led heritage work that is being undertaken throughout the country.

“It’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm and passion that Scotland’s heritage ‘Angels’ contribute to the sector.”

Author and broadcaster Vanessa Collingridge, photographer and chair of the Scottish Civic Trust Colin McLean and Georgia Vullinghs, of the Scotland’s Urban Past Youth Forum, will join returning judges Professor John Hume OBE and Andrew Wright OBE, one of Scotland’s foremost conservation architects, to decide on this year’s winners.

More information at www.scottishheritageangelawards.org.uk and find out more about Mark’s collection at www.scottishbrickhistory.co.uk

School riders from the south did the Borders proud last Saturday against teams from throughout Scotland and the north of England, competing in the National Schools Equestrian Association qualifier at Selkirk.

Kelso High School topped both the novice and intermediate show jumping sections at Ian Stark Equestrian Centre, which attracted teams from as far afield as Sedbergh School and Dollar Academy.

Their winning intermediate team of Louise Hebdon, Emily Edgar, Katy McFadzen and Molly Howlett qualified for the National Schools Championships at Addington in Buckinghamshire next month.

Sixteen-year-old Louise Hebdon from Coldstream, also rode Sam – a six-year-old gelding she has only owned for seven weeks - to land the advanced open class in the individual competition.

Their winning novice team comprised 13-year-old twins Vicky and Katie Edgar, Alex Edgar, and Katy McFadyen (13).

The McFadyen family, whose mother Gillian is team manager for Kelso High School, dominated in the opening warm-up class, won by Katy, riding Smokey, with brother Rory finishing second and third.

Katy also partnered Mileage for Milo to land the mini competition and qualify for Addington as an individual.

Amy Morris (11) from Lauder rode Bramble to qualify in the open as an individual, and also formed part of the victorious Earlston High School team with her 12-year-old sister Megan, Gabby Purves (14) and Katie Rourke (15).

Course designer Neil Foster set competitors an interesting course, with riders opting for the shortest route in their bid for a good score.

Team qualification at novice went to Peebles High School (Daragh Ramage, Alice Bryce, and Persia Bhatia) and Jedburgh Grammar School (James Smith, Millie Scott and Anna King).

Earlston High School (Laura Brown, Katie Rourke, Lewis Marshall and Amy Morris) took the second qualifying ticket at intermediate. Results:

Individual warm-up – 1, Katy McFadyen, Kelso High; 2, & 3, Rory McFadyen., Morebattle Primary Mini – 1, (Q) Katy McFadyen; 2, Rachel Keddie, Selkirk High; 3, (Q) Katie Edgar, Kelso High. Novice – 1, Amy Ralston, Kelso High; 2, (Q) Katy McFadyen; 3, (Q) Vicky Edgar, Kelso High. Intermediate – 1, Vicky Edgar; 2, (Q) Katie Edgar; 3, (Q) – Becky Forster, Jedburgh Grammar. Open – 1, (Q) Amy Morris, Earlston High; 2, (Q) Rebecca Buckley, Kelso High; 3, Gabby Purves, Earlston High. Advanced open, pony – 1, (Q) Elizabeth Gale, Sedbergh; 2, (Q) Gabby Purves; 3, Megan Morris, Earlston High. Horse – 1, (Q) Louise Hebdon, Kelso High; 2, (Q)Gabby Purves; 3, Megan Morris.

Teams, mini – 1, (Q) Kelso High, Linton (Vicky Edgar, Katie Edgar, Alex Edgar, Katy McFadyen); 2, Kelso High, Floors (Olivia Straford, Georgia Buckley, Katy McFadyen, Amy Ralston); 3, Kelso High, Morebattle (Vicky Edgar, Katie Edgar, Alex Edgar, Katy McFadyen). Novice – 1, Kelso High, Morebattle (Vicky Edgar, Katie Edgar, Alex Edgar, Katy McFadyen) ; 2, Kelso High, Linton (Vicky Edgar, Katie Edgar, Alex Edgar, Katy McFadyen); 3, Kelso High, Floors (Olivia Straford, Georgia Buckley, Molly Howlett, Amy Raltson). Intermediate – 1, (Q) Kelso High (Louise Hebdon, Emily Edgar, Katy McFadyen, Molly Howlett); 2, Jedburgh Grammar (Lucy King, Becky Forster, Jodi Gregg, Elllie Meldrum); 3, (Q) Earlston High (Laura Brown, Katie Rourke, Lewis Marshall, Amy Morris). Open – 1, Earlston High (Gabby Purves, Megan Morris, Amy Morris, Katie Rourke).

Selkirk Vintage Rally chairman Gordon Edgar said Sunday’s event, held at Sunderland Hall, was the best they have had in years.

The rally’s tagline ‘There’s something for everyone’ could not have been more apt, with 28 classes of vehicle on show, including veteran, military, steam and commercial, and enough displays and activities to keep the whole family amused.

And this year, the one extra element which can be the difference between a cracking event and a no-go area – the weather – made it one not to be missed, as the sun and wind dried up the north field on the Saturday, and the shiny ball in the sky kept shining down for the event on the Sunday.

Mr Edgar said: “It went brilliantly ... definitely the best rally we have had in years, if not the best show ever.

“We have had no complaints – there was a good turnout. Everybody was just chilling out.

“Usually, at the end of the shows, people are just about falling over themselves to get out of the field and on the road home, but this year, they were just all sitting around having picnics.

“I hope the event has helped bring some economic prosperity to the town, as it has been brilliant.”

Other attractions included a show and shine award (open to all entries), car club displays, a children’s treasure hunt, autojumble, crafts, trade stalls, on-site catering and bar, quad bike rides, and a Borders College green power display.

The overall winner of the show was a Triumph TR6.

Sponsors for the event included: Adam Purves, Morris Leslie Auctions, Crossburn Caravans, Pearsons Coal, Whitmuir Hall and Arpal.

The Countess of Wessex, right, got on the saddle for her Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Diamond Challenge this week, pedalling 445 miles from Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh to London in six days – and stopped for cake in Lauder before crossing the border.

and passed over the Scotland/England border yesterday afternoon. She also stopped for a cake stop in Jedburgh to ‘refuel’ before continuing on the journey! She will be cycling 445 miles from Edinburgh to London over the next six days. The money raised by the Countess and the DofE Diamond Challenge, will enable more young people to start their DofE, including those from disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds.

Peter Westgarth, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “Being able to push yourself past boundaries and overcome challenges is an essential part of personal development – inspiring confidence, skills and knowledge.”

Organisers of a bid to boost golden eagle numbers in the south of Scotland want a good variety of people to attend their public meetings.

Julie Nock of the Southern Uplands Partnership said: “We want gamekeepers, farmers, bird lovers and, most importantly, given the long-term effects of the plans, young people.

“We currently have just one pair and a chick in the south of Scotland and we want as many people as possible from all walks of life to attend the meetings.”

The meetings take place on Monday, September 26 in the Burgh Hall, Peebles, and Tuesday, September 27, in the Victoria Halls, Selkirk. Drop-ins are available on both dates from 3-6pm, while the main meetings are from 7-9pm.

BOWDEN

Camera group

Camera group members meet on Monday, September 26, at 7.30pm when photographer John Parris, the guest speaker, will give a travel documentary, including portraits.

CADDONFOOT

Parish church

The Rev Elspeth Harley conducted the service on Sunday when she spoke about the need to support the mentally ill. The Bible reading was delivered by Anne Grieve and music played by Andy Bird. Bible study takes place this week in Caddonfoot Church, not Trinity. The kirk session meets in the church on Thursday, September 22, at 7 pm. A brief meeting will be held on Sunday after the service to discuss arrangements for the sale of work. It is hoped to make a visit to Iona to learn of ways to refresh one’s faith. Details are available from the minister.

DARNICK

Coffee morning

On Saturday, September 24, the Smith Memorial Hall will host a Macmillan coffee morning from 10am to noon. Not only will cakes, tray bakes, tea and coffee be available, but also a raffle, various guessing games and a book stall, all designed to boost the funds for the cancer charity. The village hall has disabled access at the side entrance and helpers will be available to assist anyone. Jenny Anderson is co-ordinating the event and can be contacted on 07986 644661 with offers of help, home baking, raffle prizes and donations for those who are unable to make that date.

EARLSTON

Parish church

Saturday is Messy Church in the church hall 10.30am to 1pm. On Sunday the service at 10.15am will be conducted by Rev Julie Rennick. After the Harvest Service on October 9 there will be a soup and traybake lunch in the church hall from 12noon. Next Communion is October 16 at 10.15am.

SWI

New president Heather Smith welcomed members old and new to the September meeting. She then introduced Rachel, from Duns Kilt School, who gave a talk on the history of the kilt. Competitions: Tartan item – 1, Brenda Knox; 2, Janice Whiteford; Kilt pin – 1, Julie Rennick; 2, Isy Gillie. The October meeting features a cookery demonstration and is being held in the bowling club.

Wednesday Club

The latest gathering was hosted by Mrs A. Penman, who welcomed members, including newcomer Izzy Gillie. She also introduced Aileen Orr, who told the story of Wojtek the Bear – a Polish war hero who worked with Polish soldiers all over Europe and came to the Borders after the war. Members also welcomed William Driver – a sixth-year student from Earlston High who is helping in the community. Competition: Teddy bear – 1, Mrs W. Moffat; 2, Mrs O. Moffat; 3, Mrs A. Halliday. The next meeting of the club will be held on September 28 and the competition is for a letter opener.

ETTRICKBRIDGE

SWI

Ettrickbridge SWI saw a great turn out for their open night on Wednesday, September 14. Alice Mackay and Lucy Black of Beau Boutique, Clovenfords, entertained with a product presentation and make up demonstration followed by a tester session. A good night was had by all! The Annual General Meeting is next on Wednesday, October 12, when members’ competitions are ‘Three Gypsy Creams’ and a ‘Tiered Cake Stand’.

Coffee morning

The next coffee morning and sale in aid of village hall funds will take place on Saturday, October 1 (10am-noon). Anyone with anything to sell should simply turn up, take a table and give a small donation to the hall.

GALASHIELS

Camera Club

Last Wednesday saw the opening night of Gala Camera club’s 2016/17 season at Langlee Community Centre. It was a good turnout despite a few members still being away on holidays. The club was particularly pleased to welcome three new members and hopefully they enjoyed their evening. After a welcome introduction by the chairman, members old and new got a chance to show off some the work they’d done over the summer. A good mixture of subjects was covered, both formal and fun. The club meets most Wednesdays in the Red Room at Langlee Community Centre. Treasurer Ford Renton is now collecting annual subscriptions - £20 for full membership and £15 for those who are retired, students or in full time education. A full club syllabus can be found on the website at http://www.galacameraclub.co.uk//.

St Peter’s Church

Thursday, September 22, sees Holy Communion at 10am, while on Sunday, September 25, at 9.30am, it’s Sunday Squad, followed by juice and toast. Beginning at 10.30am, sung eucharist, followed by coffee and chat. Tuesday, September 27 –Messy Church (5.30-7pm); Thursday September 29,10am, communion.

Trinity church

The Reverend Elspeth Harley conducted the service on Sunday morning and Andy Bird, from Caddonfoot Church, led the music. Bill Cheyne, session clerk, welcomed everyone to the service. He announced that the church is looking for a volunteer to take on book-keeping duties, which include paying in cheques, writing cheques and passing information onto the accountant. Lorna Jones read the lessons. The guild meets on Tuesday, September 27, in the church hall at 2.15pm when the speaker will be the minister on the theme of “Go in Joy”. Next Sunday sees Harvest Thanksgiving at morning service. Food items will be gratefully received for the foodbank and there will be envelopes available for donations for Christian Aid’s Food Crisis Appeal for Malawi. There will also be a Fair Trade stall at the conclusion of the service in the vestibule.

GLENDOUGLAS

Whist

Last week’s whist drive results: Ladies – 1, Robert Ellwood; 2, Hannah Wilson; 3, Janet Rodger; booby, Chrissy Patterson. Gents – 1, Peter Hedley; 2, Christine Gibson; 3, Cath Turner; Booby, June Lyall. Bingo – Janet Rodger.

Lunch club

The lunch club was very busy and extra tables were needed. Organisers are grateful for all the support at these functions.

HAWICK

Rotary Club

President Jim Walker welcomed two visitors from Selkirk Rotary Club to last week’s meeting of the Rotary Club, president Adam Borwick and vice-president Ferdous Ahmed. The speaker Steven Ellins was introduced by vice-president Scott Elliot and he gave a talk on youth football in Hawick. Steven has been involved in the sport in Hawick for 30 years from player to coach co-ordinator recruiter. He started coaching all age groups from 11 to 17 which is under the SFA and coaches are certificated in age grades. Over 160 youths, boys and girls, are involved and, indeed, numbers have surpassed rugby players in the town. Training and matches are played at Wilton Lodge Park in the evenings and at the weekend and the new 3G pitch at Volunteer Park has been a great boon. He has seen players progress to age-group caps for Scotland and a few are on the books of senior Scottish clubs and it is his wish that in the near future one of his proteges will succeed in winning a full cap. Funding is essential and they are dependent on sponsorship and the efforts of parents. President Jim gave the vote of thanks and he congratulated Steven for giving of his time and effort in helping the youth of the town.

Bridge Club

Hawick Bridge Club results from Tuesday, September 13: 1. Valerie Johnstone and Marion Miller, 2. Mary Millar and Patsy Gilligan, 3. 3. Kenneth Auckland and David King.

HEITON

Gaelic evening

The wonderful Gaelic singer from South Uist, Gillibrìde MacMillan, will be performing at a Harvest Cèilidh in Heiton Village Hall on Friday, September 23, starting at 7.45pm. This will be an informal evening of music and Gaelic song and includes a light supper (BYOB). Fàilte oirbh uile! (Everyone welcome!).

SWI

Twenty-three members enjoyed a talk (and ice-cream!) given by Kerry Waddell from Giacopazzi’s, a family firm now in its fifth generation of ice-cream producers in Eyemouth. Competition: Three sweeties – 1, Rosie McDonald; 2, Verity Mutch; 3, Gill Harrop. Gill Harrop, president, had represented Heiton at the H&H conference in Perth. Lesley Abernethy was presented with a certificate as runner-up in the nationally-contested Warnock Trophy Competition for creative writing.

INNERLEITHEN

Harvest Thanksgiving

There will be a Harvest Thanksgiving service in Innerleithen Church on Sunday, September 25, at 11.30am.

Coffee morning cash

St Ronan’s School PTA raised £418.30 at a coffee morning.

Historical walk

As part of Robert Smail’s Printing Works 150th anniversary celebrations, there will be a conducted historical walk, starting at 10.30am on Saturday, September 24. It leaves from Traquair Road, opposite the old railway station. Based on a hand-written town guide composed around 1914 and discovered in the printing works archives, the tour will follow the described route, which was aimed at visitors to Innerleithen alighting at the station. Contemporary photographs will be used to illustrate and explain what has changed (and what has not) in the intervening hundred or so years since the guide was drafted. The walk will be conducted by staff from Robert Smail’s Printing Works and members of Innerleithen Community Trust. There is no set charge, but donations to the trust are welcome.

Countdown Club

The new session begins on Wednesday, September 28, at 10.30am in the Hall of Friendship of Innerleithen Parish Church. All welcome – bring pen and paper.

JEDBURGH

Rotary

Last Thursday, Rotarians enjoyed an illustrated talk about the Crailing, Eckford and Nisbet Jubilee Path from Charlie Robertson of Eckford. Charlie was a former history teacher, depute head teacher at Earlston High School and, latterly, Kelso High School rector. He delivered a presentation concerning this newly-opened 12.5 to 13-mile circular walk, encompassing all three villages. There were fascinating insights into the history of the area, its topography and the beauty of Teviotdale. He fielded many questions, as well as distributing copies of the full-colour guide to the walk. Members also enjoyed a talk given by John Roberts on the charity, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. He brought his hearing dog, Widget, with him and explained how the charity works. Hearing-impaired from birth, John became aware in later life that he was losing his hearing completely. The charity was able to help him by providing a fully-trained hearing dog and Widget – a small poodle – is his third one. The charity is based at the Saunderton Centre in Buckinghamshire where it was started in 1983. There is also a Scottish centre in Morningside, Edinburgh. There are over 900 hearing dogs in the UK and, initially, the charity took rescue dogs, but now breed animals for the particular qualities required for the work. The whole training process takes 18 months, beginning at age eight. On average each dog is retired after 10 years, but this can vary. The dog then becomes a pet or is rehomed. Most users of the service keep their dogs. At another meeting, Adam Bolam-Peel, of Jedburgh Scouts, explained about the activities of the Scouts and how they are grouped according to age. Some activities include camping, adventure activities and residential visits to Hawkhirst Scout Centre at Kielder. Scouts are divided into: Beavers (age 6 to 8), Cubs (age 8 to 10½) and Scouts (age 10-½ to 14). Girls also take part in Scouting.

Bridge club

September 12: N/S – 1, J. Urquhart & V. Wilson; 2, M. Weightman & H. Long; 3, K. Sanford & A. Greenleaves; E/W – 1, D. & P. Palmer; 2, S. West & O. Whillans; 3, K. Jackson & P. Nichol.

KELSO

Thursday Group

The autumn programme opens on October 6 when historical novelist Margaret Skea will speak on “The Dreaded Sequel” at the Abbey Row Centre (2pm). For more information and a syllabus, phone 01573 224753.

Dance class

The Scottish Country Dance Class restarts in Kelso North Parish Church (Bonar Room) on Tuesday, September 27, from 7.15pm–9.15pm. All welcome. Queries to J. Hewie on 01573228514.

Bridge Club

This week’s results from Kelso Bridge Club are as follows: Wednesday, September 14, Teams-of-Four - 1. John and Marian Miller and Mary and Nigel Lindsay, 2. Dominic and Diana Alkin and Brian Saywood and Ken Ross, 3. Maureen Weightman and Helen Long and Miles Browne and John Urquhart. Thursday, September 15, Calchou Cup - N/S 1. Val Johnstone and Mary Millar, 2. Rena Stewart and Maureen Weightman, 3. Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; E/W 1. Avril Ronald and Donald Swanson, 2. Vanessa Wilson and John Urquhart, 3. David Harris-Burland and Sheila Urquhart.

FutureKELSO

The AGM of futureKELSO will be held to night (Thursday, September 22) at 7pm in the Abbey Row and will include an up-date on the Kelso Community Action Plan. All are welcome.

Farmers’ market

A farmers’ market will be held on Saturday, September 24, in The Square from 9.30am-1.30pm.

Indoor bowling

Kelso senior citizens’ indoor bowling starts on Monday, September 26 (1.30-3.30pm). New members welcome.

LANGHOLM

Fiddle Club

The accordion and fiddle club held the opening meeting of the new season last Wednesday in the Social Club, formerly the British Legion, and Adam Grant was compere. There was an enthusiastic audience to enjoy some fine Scottish music and there was a good number of musicians present. The special guest for the evening was Gordon Gunn from Wick who was on fiddle and supported by Brian McAlpine on keyboard and Mark Clement playing guitar. Among the accordion players present were Newby Park, David Bell and Les Hurst from Carlisle; Kenny Jackson from Stonehouse, James Lawrie of Brampton and Robin and Deryn Waitt from Claygate. Locals Roger Dobson and Robert Willens were on accordion and drums respectively and also on drums was Jock Thompson from Roberton. Willie McRobert from Moffat played the piano and the fiddle players were Roddy Matthews from Newcastle and Ian Wood of Alandale. Borders player Ewan Galloway will be the guest at the next meeting on October 12.

Camera Club

The Camera Club has changed its meetings this season to the third Monday of the month and they will be held in the day centre. The meetings do not always involve competitions, and members can enjoy showing their own photographs and seeing what others have been doing. Even people who do not take photos are welcome to go along and enjoy the meetings and more experienced members are available to give advice on how to get the best out of various equipment.

Special tartan

Arctic convoy veteran Irving Stuart has been presented with a special tartan. The tartan was commissioned for the Royal Navy veterans to honour their involvement of taking supplies to Russia in World War Two. Irving received the tartan on the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith at a reception laid on by the Russian Consul General for Scotland for the veterans. The design was donated by the Scottish Tartans authority and researched and designed by Brian Wilton. The tartan has a single silver thread which represents the wake of a torpedo.

LAUDER

Church

Worship will be celebrated on Sunday at Channelkirk (10am) and Lauder (11.30am). The Rev Rae Clark will lead worship at both services.

Choir

Lauderdale Community Choir was on song at Holy Trinity Church, Melrose, on Saturday evening and now returns to its regularly weekly rehearsal on Thursday, September 22, at 7.30pm in Lauder Public hall. Members are working hard to polish up their repertoire for the forthcoming annual concert, “Any Way The Wind Blows”, at Earlston High School on October 22, looking forward to singing a mix of popular songs from Queen to Billy Joel. New members are always welcome – there are no auditions and no need to read music. Email ContactUs@lauderdalechoir.org.uk for more information.

SWI

President Sheila Hardie welcomed members, new members and visitors to the first meeting of the season. She then introduced Isabel Gordon from Kelso. After reading botany and zoology at London University, Isabel’s two interests came together, looking at “plants that changed the world”. Her talk was entitled “A history of Tea”. Christine Brandeschi, hostess for the evening, gave the vote of thanks for Isabel’s presentation. The president thanked Christine Riddell and Jane Thomson for doing the raffle, Christine Brandeschi and helpers for supper, and all who provided raffle prizes. Isabel judged the competitions – tea caddy spoon – 1, Sheila Hardie; 2, Wendy Bryson; 3, Christine Riddell; three small meringues – 1, Wendy Bryson; 2, Liz Dalgliesh. Secretary Liz Dalgliesh intimated an invitation to members from St Boswells SWI regarding a talk by vet Nigel Brown on Tuesday, October 11, in St Boswells village hall. Any members interested should contact Liz (01578 722521). Liz also read out an invitation from Anne Clark for a flower festival in Gorebridge United Free Church of Scotland on Thursday, September 29 (1-4.30pm), Friday, September 30, and Saturday, October 1 (10.30am-4.30pm). The next meeting is on Tuesday, October 4, at 7.30pm in Lauder primary school, featuring “Witchcraft in the Borders” by Mary Craig. Competitions – a Halloween poem and two Halloween cupcakes.

MELROSE

Parish church

Sunday, September 25, services – Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am).

Activities

Saturday, September 24 – Monksford Golf Day; 7.30pm, “Freedom from Torture” ceilidh, Corn Exchange, byob; October 21 – Arthritis Research musical evening, Victoria Halls, Selkirk.

Trimontium

Melrose is busy with visitors – and Trimontium museum and walks are having their share, including returnees from way back who are astonished at the changes. Holidays and illness occasion volunteering changes, but new people come forward to ease the load. On Thursday, September 22, a Trimontium walk will set off at 1.30pm from the Square.

MIDLEM

Dance classes

Wednesday dance classes start again on October 5 in the village hall (8-10pm), featuring ceilidh, old-time and set dances, with live music, tea and biscuits. All proceeds go to charity.

MOREBATTLE

Flower show

Flower show president Nigel Walters on Saturday unveiled a Haddon Stone flower vase donated to the village by Morebattle and District Horticultural Society to commemorate 125 years of the show. Dr Walters went on to open the show and in welcoming everyone, pointed out a few interesting changes gleaned from the old minute books. Jean Douglas presented the trophies. Prize winners – floral art, HelenCessford; most points in flower section, Wullie Bowie; roses exhibit, Mary Pringle; most points in vegetable section, Jock Cessford; vegetable exhibit, Jock Cessford; most points in industrial section, Janette Stenhouse and Jeannie McNulty (equal); industrial section runner-up, Nancy Anderson and Mary Mann (equal); rock buns, Nancy Anderson; best individual pasta, Audrey Sharp; most points in classes 85, 86, 87 and 88, Emily Edgar; garden on plate, Lucy Thomson; creation, Lottie Wilson; vegetable collection, Jock Cessford; exhibit of vegetables, Jock Cessford; playgroup plate, Lilae O’Brien; pot plant, Pat Dawson; school poster, Tilly Bourne; best hand-writing (Morebattle school), Jason Ralston; stick section exhibit, Ian McGillvaray; deer-horn stick, Cliff Worrell; photograph: Jeannie McNulty; decorated biscuits, Haidyn Thomson.

Coffee morning

A coffee morning in aid of the Macmillan cancer charity will be held in the Institute on Saturday, September 24, from 10.30am.

SWI

President Mary Pringle welcomed Steve and Tom from Blood Bikes to give a talk on their work with Blood Bikes Scotland, in partnership with the NHS. Helen Cessford gave a vote of thanks. Competitions – keyring – 1, Mary Pringle; 2, Andrea Dickson; 3, Margaret Blackmore; carrot cake – 1, Nancy Anderson; 2, Angela Cook.

SELKIRK

Souter Quilters

Guest speaker at Souter Quilters’ gathering on Wednesday, September 28, is Joanna O’Neill. Her topic is “Bite-Sized! – art, quilts and embroidery on a friendly scale”. The Quilters meet in the Argus Centre at 7pm and visitors, or new members, are welcome.

ST BOSWELLS

AmDrams

At its recent Annual General Meeting, the officials were re-elected and the past year’s accounts, subsequently audited, were approved. Unfortunately, no budding actors had come forward so it was agreed to hold monthly meetings throughout the winter as had been started last year. The social evening which followed the AGM began with the reading of a short melodrama which raised laughs as the participants put their all into it, including booing, hissing and cheering as appropriate. After a reading entitled “Trees” by Howard Nemerov, discussions followed on various subjects including some of local interest and concern. Future meeting dates were agreed as October 27, November 17, December 8, January 19, February 16 and March 16, for which the Village Hall’s Upper Room was subsequently booked. So, if you’re interested in the written word and in socialising, please come along on October 27, whether or not you bring a reading on that evening’s subject ‘Nature’. Refreshments will again be provided by the Drama Club at no cost to participants.

TRAQUAIR

Flower Festival

As part of the 900 years celebration at Traquair Kirk there is a Flower Festival of ‘Harvest Themes’ from Friday, September 23, to Sunday, September 25. The Kirk is on the B709 beyond the village. The festival is open for entry by donation on Friday 2-5pm, Saturday 12 noon to 5pm and Sunday for the morning service at 10am and from 2-5pm. 50% of the proceeds will go to the church and 25% each to The Mission Aviation Fellowship and Syrian Refugees.

Cheers!

Traquair House Ale from Traquair House Brewery has been selected by ALDI for inclusion in the supermarket giant’s 10th Scottish Beer Festival. The in-store event is expected to generate sales worth more than £175,000 for the breweries involved. ALDI’s buyers have chosen 35 different beers from some of the best breweries in Scotland.

WALKERBURN

Service

The next service in Walkerburn public hall will be held on Sunday, October 16, at 10am.

YETHOLM

Romany Ramblers

Romany Ramblers’ next walk is on Saturday, September 24 – meet 9.30am at Wauchope Hall for car sharing. Route (10 miles) – Crailing, Brownrigg, Wooden Hill, Eckford, Kalemouth, Ormiston Mains, Nisbet.

Coffee morning

Macmillan Biggest Coffee Morning will be held on Saturday, September 24, from 10.30am in the Wauchope Hall.

Council

Community councillors meet at 7pm in the Youth Hall on Tuesday, September 27.

Scrabble

The Scrabble club restarts on Wednesday, September 28, from 2-4pm in the Youth Hall. New members welcome.

A research doctor who admitted failing to give two samples of breath after being suspected of drinking and driving was banned from the road for three years at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

Claire Leiper, who is aged 38, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened at Kelso police station on Saturday, August 13.

A not-guilty plea to failing to give a sample of breath when requested to do by the police on an unclassified road south of the village of Heiton, near Kelso, was accepted by the Crown.

The court was told she had a drink-driving conviction in 2012.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said her vehicle had come off the road at about 7.30pm.

He added: “She did not have any life in her phone. A passer-by offered to phone, but could not get a signal.

“Eventually, the police came on the scene and officers noticed a strong smell of alcohol coming from the accused who appeared agitated. They noticed she had a bottle of vodka in her handbag.”

Mr Fraser said that when Leiper, of Woodville Terrace, Edinburgh, was asked to give a sample, she told them she had “concerns”.

When she was charged with the offence of refusing to give samples, she replied: “I am beyond tired.”

Defence lawyer Fiona Hamilton said her client had been feeling dizzy on new medication and had to leave her employment, and was now trying to sort out her benefits.

She added that Leiper would struggle to get new employment without her licence.

Ms Hamilton said: “She wishes now she had taken the test as she did not know if she was over.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson said Leiper had a history of driving offences and imposed a three-year disqualification period. In addition, he imposed a community payback order involving 12 months supervision as an alternative to a fine.