As the weather starts to get colder it is important to get prepared now rather than waiting until extreme weather affects us.

Recent winters have proven Scottish weather is unpredictable. It can cause a range of problems but everyone can get ready by taking action now.

When it comes to severe weather it is important to stay informed (register for alerts with the Met Office and Floodline or listen to local news reports), be prepared and think if there are others you can help.

Some practical tips to get you started:

• Identify family or neighbours in your community who may need a help if severe weather strikes – have their phone numbers to hand and offer to help them prepare.

• Make a household plan and collect together items that will be important to you and your family in an emergency.

• Pack a few essential items in your car such as an ice scraper and de-icer, a torch and spare batteries, a shovel for snow, warm clothes, boots and a blanket; and some food and a warm drink in a flask.

• Ensure your work place has severe weather contingencies in place.

• If you live in an area at risk of flooding, register with Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

There are many simple actions we can take to get ready. It doesn’t take long and isn’t expensive, but some advance planning could make all the difference.

For more information go to www.readyscotland.org.

A new survey has revealed what Scots don’t know about the most endangered animal species on Earth.

500 people in Scotland were asked by luxury travel specialists Mahlatini which of 12 animal species they believed were critically endangered, in an aim to shed light on how much we have yet to learn about the world’s most vulnerable animals.

With numbers now below 5000, the black rhino topped the survey – as 45% of respondents correctly identified the animal as being critically endangered.

40% of voters also believe that the African elephant – the largest animal on Earth – belongs to a critically endangered species, in spite of its vulnerable status.

However, as a result of poaching for ivory, African elephant numbers have dropped by around 110,000 in the last ten years – and Prince William, patron of the conservation charity Tusk, has warned that the species “will be gone from the wild” by the time Princess Charlotte turns 25.

39% of all respondents mistakenly identified the vulnerable polar bear as critically endangered - making the planet’s biggest land-based carnivore the third most popular answer in the survey.

As climate change threatens the polar bear’s sea ice habitat, organisations like WWF are making the protection of this species a key concern.

Dying breeds?

Sharing 96.4% of our genes, orangutans are another critically endangered species – as 34% of Scots appear to know – with just 31,000 Bornean and around 7,500 Sumatran orangutans left on Earth.

The western lowland gorilla, another critically endangered species to which Cincinnati Zoo’s Harambe belonged, took 31% of the overall vote and almost half of the 35-44 year old vote.

Although the western lowland gorilla is known to be the world’s most widespread gorilla subspecies, its population is unknown – as these animals inhabit some of Africa’s most dense and remote rainforests.

Not long after after 38-year-old Jia Jia, the world’s oldest giant panda, was euthanised at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, 31% of Scots surveyed said they thought the species was critically endangered.

In fact, after almost half a century of conservation efforts, the giant panda lost its endangered status on September 4 this year and is now considered vulnerable.

Reds, whites and blues

Other species featured in the survey included the red squirrel (19%), the great white shark (19%) and the Seychelles blue pigeon (16%).

Noted as species of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, neither the red squirrel nor the Seychelles blue pigeon are currently endangered – although the future of the red squirrel remains uncertain, as the Eastern grey squirrel continues to displace this species.

The world’s largest predatory fish, the great white shark, is classed as a vulnerable species – with numbers dropping rapidly as unregulated fishing continues and shark products are traded internationally for human consumption.

Land and sea

18% of all respondents, and a third of 55-64 year olds, declared the sea turtle a critically endangered animal – while 17% of Scots also classed the Cape buffalo as one of the world’s most threatened species.

Helping to maintain an equilibrium in marine habitats for the last 100 million years, vulnerable sea turtles are slaughtered for their shells, skin, eggs and meat.

With a population of 900,000, the Cape buffalo is a species of least concern – although this African bovine is a highly sought-after hunting trophy and part of the “big five” hunting game.

Hunted for thousands of years for its meat and oil, 17% of participants mistook vulnerable sea-dwelling mammal the dugong for a critically endangered species.

Topline results:

Respondents were allowed to select multiple answers to the following question:

Which of the following species do you think are critically endangered?

Black rhino (critically endangered): 45.1%

African elephant (vulnerable): 39.8%

Polar bear (vulnerable): 38.5%

Orangutan (critically endangered): 34.0%

Western lowland gorilla (critically endangered): 31.4%

Giant panda (vulnerable): 31.0%

Red squirrel (least concern): 19.1%

Great white shark (vulnerable): 18.8%

Sea turtle (vulnerable): 17.5%

Cape buffalo (least concern): 16.6%

Dugong (vulnerable): 16.6%

Seychelles blue pigeon (least concern): 16.0%

Selkirk’s Incorporation of Hammermen are putting their members’ skills to the test by transforming a derelict building into a museum.

The building, in the town’s West Port, has been donated by one of the casting associaion’s members, who wishes to remain anonymous.

And once the building – the entry to which is next door to Brown and Muir’s shop – is rebuilt from roof to floor, it will be used as a museum for the incorporation’s historic artefacts, as well as providing a meeting room for the entire community as and when required.

Kevin Fairbairn, deacon of the Incorporation of Hammermen, said: “This is a very exciting venture for us.

“There is a lot of work to be done – the roof will have to come off, and we are also looking at the possibility of putting in another access round the back to the car park – but we will be doing all the work ourselves.

“We have applied for funding from the Selkirk Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) project, and we are looking forward to possibly linking up with Halliwells’ House Museum close by.

“But it will be a great wee place for other community groups or casting associations to hold coffee mornings in, or perhaps put on a display of their own.

“As a meeting room, it will probably seat around 35 people.”

The group hosted a full launch of their plans for the building on Saturday, December 3, at the County Hotel, where interested parties were able to see what is being proposed.

Mr Fairbairn said: “It was a fantastic turnout – we were delighted to see so many townsfolk who were interested in our project, people who could make use of the facility when it opens.

“It was also good to welcome MSP Paul Wheelhouse and MP Calum Kerr, who both endorsed the project.

“We are now just waiting for paperwork to be finalised and the funding to come through.

“We have guys just itching to get started.”

Members of the Scotland supporters’ association have been warned to ignore an email from the organisation today.

The Scottish Football Association have distanced themselves from a message, purporting to be from the national football teams’ official fan club claiming supporters owe the association money. However it is understood to be a fraudulent phishing scam.

An invoice for £170 has been sent to members which the SFA says is “spam” after a third-party email account was compromised.

In a website message today (Monday) the national football body said: “We would like to apologise to those who have received a spam email this morning purporting to be from the Scottish FA.

“The email asks recipients to click a link where they can pay an outstanding bill. This has occurred due to a third-party email database being compromised.

“We urge all recipients to delete the email immediately and recommend that anyone who may have opened it run a security check on their computer to ensure no malware has been installed.

“We would like to assure all supporters that no bank or credit card details have been shared. We have moved to delete this account and the issue has been raised with our suppliers.

“We will provide an update in early course.”

Hawick youngsters are being offered hope of following in the footsteps of the likes of rugby union internationals Stuart Hogg and Jim Renwick and becoming sports stars of the future by the news that a £40,000 fund is to be retained despite the imminent demise of the body in charge of it.

Hawick Sports Initiative is to be wound up as it has decided it is no longer needed after playing a leading role in securing a series of improvements at the town’s Volunteer Park, including the creation of 2G and 3G sports pitches and new tennis courts.

The charity was given £40,000 by Scottish Borders Council as a sinking fund to cover maintenance of the 2G pitch, but thanks to staff at Hawick High School helping out, it did not need to dip into that cash.

Now it is shutting up shop, the initiative has secured the council’s agreement for that five-figure kitty to be transferred to Live Borders on condition that it is spent on improving the facilities in Volunteer Park.

The Volunteer Park Sports Club Group will continue to represent the clubs that use the park.

Initiative chairman David Davidson said: “I am delighted that we have been able to deliver sports facilities at Volunteer Park, and through this agreement, it is assured that any unused capital can be passed on for the next phase of maintaining the 2G pitch and to upgrade changing facilities at our new 3G pitch.

“It is important to note that all of our funding, not just the £40,000, will stay in Hawick at the Volunteer Park to support future development and help to fund a development officer to increase participation in sport by not only the public but especially the high school, which has no outdoor facilities of its own.”

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Live Borders, added: “One of our priorities is to ensure that sports facilities in the region are of a high standard and widely available to all.

“We are delighted to be involved with the Volunteer Park project. It is a great example of how working together with local clubs and organisations can benefit the community as a whole.”

Hawick and Hermitage ward councillors Davie Paterson, Ron Smith and George Turnbull visited the finished 3G facility at Volunteer Park last week and were enthusiastic about the prospects it offers for sport in the town.

Mr Paterson said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that after a lot of fighting for this at the council’s executive this has now come to fruition in Hawick.

“Hopefully, local youngsters can be encouraged to become fit and active and, in time, become the next generation of sports stars.”

Mr Turnbull said: “This has truly been a win-win situation, in a spirit of working in partnership.

“All of the groups involved have pulled together for the betterment of what could, and will, happen at the Volunteer Park, and here’s hoping that we can continue to improve the facilities for the benefit of all users.

“The Volunteer Park and Wilton Lodge Park complex will really put Hawick on the map as a place of excellence for sport and leisure pursuits.”

Mr Smith, alluding to the controversy that led to plans for a similar facility in Peebles being ditched, added: “Townsfolk in Hawick can take great satisfaction from the level of co-operation which has been seen.

“There have been no disputes over the preferred site, and no disagreements between clubs and organisations which have not been sorted out through amicable discussion.

“The result is a top-class facility for Hawick at least a year earlier than was expected.”

One year on from a devastating deluge that wreaked havoc in Hawick, the town remains at risk of a repeat performance, a flood response co-ordinator has admitted.

No fewer than 500 properties were evacuated as Storm Desmond unleashed floods on homes and businesses on December 5 last year.

The devastation was even worse than previous floods that caused large-scale destruction in 2005.

Scottish Water is only just reaching the end of sewer repair and flood defence works in Mansfield and Duke Street, the areas worst affected.

Some residents have still not returned to their homes, and many townsfolk are living in fear of the same thing happening again.

Stuart Marshall, chairman of Hawick Volunteer Flood Group, admitted there is no guarantee that it won’t, and there won’t be until a multi-million-pound flood defence scheme is up and running in a few years’ time, he conceded.

One year on, Mr Marshall still has serious concerns over the security of parts of the town, particularly the Mansfield and Duke Street areas.

He said: “There is no cast-iron guarantee until a flood protection scheme is in place and it’s fit for purpose, but there is one thing I can assure townsfolk – Hawick Volunteer Flood Group has never been better prepared.

“If the emergency planning division of Scottish Borders Council work to the way they did last year, then I think we are in good shape.

“They were magnificent in their response and had obviously learned lessons from the past.

“What last year reinforced for me is what a tremendous community spirit we have in Hawick.

“When I saw the hundreds of people wanting to help, that’s a memory that will stick with me forever. It brought the best out in Hawick.”

Looking back 12 months, Mr Marshall recalled a town “under siege” and fearful of what was coming next.

He added: “I remember the lump I had in my throat when I saw what was happening to our town.

“It was under siege, and you were at the mercy of nature. It was heart-rending.

“I remember touring the destruction. That will live with me forever, especially at the bottom of Duke Street when I saw the wall had collapsed.

“Do people still feel safe? It depends if you’re in Mansfield and Duke Street. We still have big issues there to resolve.

“There is still a third of the town’s sewage being pumped over land, and we need to get that infrastructure back in place as soon as possible.

“The winter is upon us now, and when river levels start to rise and flood alerts get issued, so people get nervous, and quite rightly so.

“Down Mansfield and Duke Street, I have huge concerns.

“We really do need to get this back to rights.”

Mr Marshall believes new extra-high kerbing in Mansfield and Duke Street will help bring some reassurance.

He added: “I’ll never forget that day. I went to bed at midnight and I wasn’t in bed 15 minutes when the council phoned.

“It was the emergency planning division, and they told me that with the rainfall expected for Hawick in the next 48 hours it was on a par with October 12, 2005, which saw this town devastated, and would you please make your way to the police station because we were going to have a conference call up there.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was up there within 20 minutes, and by the time I got there, the Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team was moving into the police station.

“We saw dinghies coming in, the fire and rescue service was there. All the emergency services were.”

Mr Marshall added: “You can never protect totally against nature, and as the provost, I shed a few tears last year over the shape Hawick was left in, but the town has responded magnificently.”

About this time last year, I was writing about how much of a nightmare it was just trying to get out of Selkirk for a walk, due to the ongoing flood protection works.

What with route closures, traffic lights, mud, noise etc it was all a bit trying to say the least. With most of the work now complete, I decided to have a walk down one side of the river and back the other, along the tarmac walkway on top of the new flood banks.

I joined the route on the north bank of the Ettrick just above Bannerfield and here I paused to study the shingle island in the middle of the river, where several birds had dropped in for a bath. It was mainly gulls, but not all the same species. They were mainly black-headed in their winter plumage without their usual black heads. I also picked out a couple of herring and common gulls amongst the group. Also present were some jackdaws, a heron, a dipper, a goosander and several mallard – a good start to the walk.

After ascending the rather grandiose steps onto the new footbridge, I crossed to the other side and set off down the south bank, on the new footpath between the flood wall and the river. From this new more elevated position and shielded from the road by the wall, it is a more pleasant walk than before, giving good views of the river and birdlife in the streamside trees. Here I spotted moorhen, another dipper and things like wren, chaffinch, blackbird etc. in the alders on the bank.

After crossing the footbridge by the call centre, I headed back upstream on the tarmac path, paid for several years ago by the Rotary Club. It was here I began to realise that the new footpath network provided a brilliant gateway for disabled people to access huge areas of the lovely countryside around Selkirk. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are now able to travel three or four miles virtually without following the same route. I hope those trying to encourage visitors to the town make the most of this unique feature.

Before reaching my starting point again, I was able to enjoy watching such things as bullfinches feeding on dock seeds and a charm of goldfinches high on an ash tree, extracting seeds from the ash keys. All in all I must have seen between 20 and 30 species.

The whole area is still a bit ‘new’, but once things settle down, the new grass grows, the newly planted trees come into leaf and the colour of the concrete walls weathers down a bit, I’m sure it will have been worth the inconvenience. People of Hawick bear with it because you are next!

Crowds turned out in Hawick last night to celebrate the town’s Christmas parade and Christmas lights switch-on.

More than 350 Teries of all ages turned out full of Christmas spirit in their fancy-dress costumes as hundreds more cheered them on.

Hawick fire brigade led the way as the parade marched through the town from Duke Street, through Trinity Gardens and up to High Street.

Santa Claus followed in his sleigh while the Hawick Scout Pipe Band, dressed in Santa outfits, played Christmas tunes.

The parade stopped at the Christmas tree, where Santa received a big welcome as he kicked off the countdown to the town’s festive lights switch-on.

Community councillor Greg McLeod said: “It’s been tremendous, and it’s great for the kids. There has been a fantastic turnout, and the schools have all put in a big effort.

“A big thank-you goes to the parents for the great costumes and to all the volunteers and to everyone involved. It’s a great way to kick-start the season.”

The parade comprised floats and fancy-dress displays from pupils at the town’s Trinity Primary School, Burnfoot Community School, Drumlanrig St Cuthbert’s and high school.

The children lit up the parade with coloured lights incorporated into costumes of Christmas presents, angels and penguins.

Maxton’s Beat Pulse Dance studio also illuminated the parade, with fluorescent outfits and glowsticks, while Hawick’s Young Farmers, dressed up as penguins, roared through on a decorated tractor.

The costumes were praised by onlookers, with Hawick News columnist Suzanne Neilson saying: “it wasn’t long enough. I loved it, and the costumes were very good. The kids looked great”.

Marj Stokes, a newcomer to the town, said: “This is my first Christmas here as we have just moved to the area. It was a lovely show with all the kids.

“The effort the kids and the schools have gone to with the costumes is great.”

Representatives from the fire brigade also handed out sweets to all the children along the way.

Fireman Derek Gordon, of the town’s fire station, said: “ It’s been an exceptional evening.

“We gave out sweets and it’s great to see the joy on the kids’ faces and those of the parents too. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”

Look out for more photos in next week’s Hawick News and Southern Reporter.

Health experts have said that the office Christmas party should be scrapped in favour of no-booze leisure treats for staff.

Research carried out by charity Alcohol Focus Scotland believe staff get-togethers over the festive period can be both dangerous and embarrassing, and have had support from Alcohol Concern and British Liver Trust.

They found that as many as 200,000 people per day show up to work nursing a hangover and can take the entire morning to recover after a staff party.

Alcohol Focus Scotland also highlighted that many drivers could be dangerous to other road users during the commute to work.

Alison Douglas, chief executive of AFS, instead believes that staff members should take trips to places such as the theatre, panto or bowling alley.

She said: “The impact of alcohol in the workplace can range from sickness absence, hangovers, accidents and injuries and lost productivity.

“Many workplaces decide to do different things to the traditional Christmas night out, choosing to go bowling or to a panto or Christmas show, so drinking is not the focus.”

However, Dave Roberts, of the Alcohol Information Partnership, feels that office parties must remain.

He said: “The traditional workplace Christmas bash is often an event when one or two drinks can help lubricate the atmosphere, generate conviviality and enable the chap from accounts to chat with a colleague from the second floor.

“These parties can be great fun as long as people remember not to go too far, to respect boundaries and don’t drink and drive.

“I am not sure many employers hold a Christmas bash of any sort and expect the next day to be the most productive on record.”

Brits are turning up their noses at ‘trending’ veg people post in recipes on social media - with celery named as the most hated.

Celeriac, avocado, sprouts, turnip and kale were also singled out as the least loved vegetables.

Parsnips, squash, beetroot and leeks rounded out the top 10 in a survey of 2,000 people by family-owned farming and food production company Mash Direct.

The humble spud was crowned the nation’s favourite veg, beating carrots, peas, tomatoes and broccoli.

The poll reveals that although the avocado was named as the most ‘pinned’ ingredient on Pinterest in 2015, one in five adults has never actually eaten one.

Children voted Brussels sprouts their least favourite veg and - like their parents - spuds as their favourite.

And despite the huge variety now available, a third of adults said they stick to the same vegetables that their parents did.

Mash Direct’s Director of Marketing and Food Trends Jack Hamilton said: “It just goes to show that the old favourites are still the first choice when it comes to family meal times.

“As family budgets might not stretch to seemingly popular vegetables, parents are serving their families the classics that they know and were served in their childhood.”

Favourite vegetables (adults)

1. Potato

2. Carrot

3. Peas

4. Tomato

5. Broccoli

6. Cucumber/salad leaves

7. Cabbage

8. Spring onions

9. Corn

10. Green/French beans

Least favourite vegetables (adults)

1. Celery

2. Celeriac

3. Avocado

4. Brussels sprouts

5. Turnip

6. Kale

7. Parsnips

8. Squash

9. Beetroot

10. Leeks

Favourite vegetables (children)

1. Potatoes

2. Carrots

3. Peas

4. Cucumber

5. Corn

6. Tomatoes

7. Broccoli

8. Lettuce/salad leaves

9. Sweet potato

10. Green/French beans

Least favourite vegetables (children)

1. Brussels sprouts

2. Celery

3. Celeriac

4. Beetroot

5. Avocado

6. Kale

7. Turnip

8. Spring onions

9. Leeks

10. Cabbage

It is indeed true that we occasionally admit dogs into our centre that have been physically abused or willfully neglected. Way more common by far, however, are the dogs that arrive with more subtle, yet equally damaging, psychological and behavioural issues.

We believe most of these are caused not by design but often through a worrying lack of understanding of a dog’s most basic needs and the damage caused if these are not met.

Separation anxiety, poor socialisation, lack of basic training, and poor fitness are the most common issues we see on a daily basis to varying degrees; with many dogs, far too often, exhibiting all four at once! Today we will cover the first two with the final ones next week.

Separation anxiety, caused mainly by being regularly left alone for long periods, can lead to an extremely stressed, depressed, unpredictable and unhappy dog. When Borders Pet Rescue look for potential new homes for a dog we look for households where the maximum time left alone would be around four hours. Indeed, for dogs with existing separation anxiety we would look for the dog to be very rarely left alone at all (certainly for a good while).

So if, as a household, your new dog would be left alone for say five hours or more on a regular basis please seriously consider the potential damage you could be doing to it.

Lack of socialisation, caused mainly by a dog’s lack of involvement, stimuli and experience of the real world, is seen in dogs that are either not sufficiently exercised or not exposed to a healthy variety of locations or situations.

People are being urged to check their new fivers after engraved bank notes worth as much as £50,000 were circulated in a Willie Wonka-style ‘Golden Ticket’ giveaway.

And it has been revealed that one of the notes was used in a shop in Kelso on Monday.

Tiny portraits of Jane Austen have been added to four of the new Bank of England £5 notes by talented micro-engraver Graham Short.

The 70-year-old painstakingly carved tiny 5mm portraits of the novelist onto the polymer cash, next to the images of Sir Winston Churchill and Big Ben.

Classic quotes from Emma, Pride and Prejudice, and Mansfield Park have also been engraved onto the notes, which went into circulation last weekend.

The outline of the golden engraving is visible to the naked eye - but a microscope will be needed to see it properly.

Art experts are estimating that the four fivers could be worth up to £50,000 after collectors forked out thousands to buy notes with unusual serial numbers.

Graham previously hit the headlines when he engraved the words of the Lord’s Prayer on to the head of a pin.

And his last work - a portrait of the Queen, engraved on a speck of gold inside the eye of a needle - sold for £100,000.

Graham, from Northfield, Birmingham, said: “I’m always looking to do something different.

“When I saw the new £5 note, I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be good if I could engrave something on it.

“I didn’t know what at first, but then I found out that next year is going to be the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death and her image is also going to be on the new £10 note, which is coming out next year, so it ties in quite nicely with that.

“The beauty of this is that in the right light you can’t see the engraving at all, but when you turn the note and the light comes at a different angle, it appears.

“I’ve no idea how much they will be worth if people try to sell them. But previous pieces I have worked on have been insured for more than £50,000.

“If somebody finds one I hope they will maybe put it on eBay. If they can get some extra money for Christmas I’ll be thrilled.”

The four notes will all be distributed across areas of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland by Thursday, December 8.

One fiver has already been used in Kelso while another is destined for a pub in Northern Ireland.

Graham said he may spend the other two in either Warwickshire or Gloucestershire before he puts the final one into circulation in south Wales.

He added: “I’ll probably just buy a coffee somewhere and hopefully it will find its way to somebody.

“We just wanted to spread them as far as possible and give people across the UK the chance of getting hold of one.”

A fifth engraved note will be donated to the Jane Austen Society to mark the 200th anniversary of the classic novelists death next year.

Quotes and their notes:

“ If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.”

- Emma - Serial number: AM32 885551

“To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.”

- Pride and Prejudice - Serial number: AM32 885552

“A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of.”

- Mansfield Park - Serial number: AM32 885553

“I hope I never ridicule what is wise or good.”

Pride and Prejudice - Serial number: AM32 885554

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has chosen “national treasure” Oor Wullie as the illustration for her official Christmas card this year.

In the snowy scene, Wullie is sitting in front of his shed with the First Minister peering round the side after leaving a present for him.

The original illustration by Peter Davidson and text by Morris Heggie will be auctioned next year and the proceeds will be shared between four charities - The Archie Foundation, SiMBA, Christine Witcutt Memorial Fund and The Dixon Community.

The comic character, along with The Broons, is celebrating his 80th anniversary this year.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Oor Wullie is a much-loved national treasure, adored by both children and adults across Scotland.

“His witty banter and mischievous character have been keeping people entertained for generations, and the marvellous artwork and timeless storylines mean that everyone recognises a little of themselves in these classic tales.

“I am delighted that on Wullie’s 80th anniversary, Peter and Morris have created a unique illustration for my 2016 Christmas card.

“Christmas is a time when we can all take a moment to slow down and spend time with our family and friends. However I also hope over the next few weeks people can take time to give comfort, companionship and support to those who need it. The charities chosen to benefit from this card are a reminder of the work done by others who do this valuable work all year round.”

Mr Davidson said: “I feel very honoured to have been asked to design this Christmas card. Oor Wullie has amused and delighted Scotland for over eighty years and hopefully this scene captures some of that joy.”

Morris Heggie added: “I am delighted that the First Minister wanted to include Oor Wullie on her Christmas card. I feel very fortunate to be the cog that currently takes this iconic strip forward and am delighted that the wee laddie from Auchenshoogle is getting such recognition in the year of his 80th anniversary.”

It’s the festive season, so time once again to dust off all the old Christmas songs and ask the question - which is the best of all time?

Here is a shortlist of the most popular Christmas tunes, but which one is your favourite?

Two incidents of suspected hare coursing have been reported to Borders police.

Police revealed that on the morning of Thursday, December 1, a white Ford Transit van with the registration number BN07 HPZ and containing three males and dogs was seen on farmland between Birgham and Eccles.

A Mercedes Silver Estate with the registration number X46 DVV was also seen around Harcarse Farm near Swinton.

Poilice enquiries are ongoing, however, if members of the public see either vehicle (or other vehicles in similar circumstances) they are asked to please contact Police Scotland on telephone number 101 quoting incidents 0782 or 1147 of December 7, 2016.

Please note as much detail as possible, including the vehicle’s registration number, type, colour and direction of travel along with any descriptions of those involved.

Police Scotland’s detailed guide to rural crime prevention can be viewed at http://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/rural-crime

Poultry farmers in the Borders are being told to keep birds indoors as a precaution against a deadly bird flu strain recently found in Europe.

The Scottish Government has declared an avian influenza prevention zone, meaning that all poultry and captive birds should be kept separate from wild birds.

That move comes after a type of avian flu, H5N8, was found in dead wild birds in countries across Europe.

Although no cases have been reported in the UK, poultry farmers have been ordered to keep their birds inside and separate from wild birds.

It will be the first time that organic poultry farmer Anne Rae, of Ednam West Mains, near Kelso, has faced such an edict, and implementing it across her 4,000 hens, with a further 4,000 in rearing, will be a challenge, she said.

She has worked with poultry since 2004, but Anne and her team have never come been affected by a move such as this until now.

She said: “We have had warning before, but this has never happened before, but it’s just what we have to do.

“If it keeps my hens safe, then we’ll just get on with it.

“We are going to find it hard, but we will give them as much enlivening as we can and hope that it will go well.

“My older birds are very good rangers, so they are going to find it very hard. We are going to have to work with them more to provide them with another distraction.”

Anne supplies eggs to supermarket chain Waitrose via Stonegate, and while that is not affected for now, she is aware that should the virus reach Scotland, protection measures could tighten.

“It is a concern at the very edge of my mind,” she said. “I will worry when it comes to Britain.”

The UK Government’s chief vet professor, Nigel Gibbens, said: “While no cases have been found in the UK, and the Public Health Executive advises that the public health threat is low, we are closely monitoring the situation across Europe and have scaled up surveillance in response to the heightened risk.

“Even when birds are housed, a risk of infection remains, so this must be coupled with good biosecurity – for example, disinfecting clothing and equipment, reducing poultry movement and minimising contact between poultry and wild birds.”

Poultry keepers are being advised to be alert for signs of bird flu and to call a vet promptly if they are concerned.

Harry the Viking sailed home on Sunday to land the £40,000 Persimmon Homes Scottish Borders National at Kelso’s richest race day of the season.

His successful raid gave Greenlaw trainer Sandy Thomson his third consecutive win in the contest, and Selkirk jockey Rachael McDonald the biggest win of her career.

The 5-1 chance proved his stamina to record his first success since 2011 with a gutsy performance in the four-mile marathon.

“It´s fabulous to win this race again,” said the Lambden-based trainer, who won the 2014 and 2015 Borders Nationals with Neptune Equester.

A £14,000 purchase from Goffs Sales in 2014, Harry the Viking had been aimed at the prestigious title, following the untimely death of his stablemate.

“When he died we decided that this race had to be the target for Harry the Viking,” said Sandy,” and for a change the handicapper gave us a chance.

“He jumped well for Rachael at Carlisle and he was great for her again on Sunday. He was a cheap buy and, like Neptune Equester, an ideal type for this race,”

concluded Sandy.

In a drama-packed race, Scotswell crashed out at the first, while Grove Silver fell five out, bringing down Millicent Silver.

Brian Hughes has been in unbeatable form and was again the man to follow, riding three winners at the well-supported festive family fixture.

He took the opening Black Swan Kelso novices’ hurdle race on Malcolm Jefferson’s hot favourite Mount Mews.

Unbeaten in bumpers, the winner was making a victorious hurdling debut to hold Sam Spinner by four lengths.

“He didn´t really like the tacky ground as he´s such a good mover and we could have done with a bit of rain,” said the Malton trainer.

“He´ll tell us where to go next but he will be sticking to novice company for the time being,” he added.

The Hughes/Jefferson partnership was also successful an hour later when Kelka headed the Iain Livingstone 60 th Birthday mares’ novices’ hurdle race.

She cruised home seven lengths clear of Oscar’s Prospect.

“She´s a decent type and we are aiming her at a mares’ event at Haydock later in the month,” said Jefferson.

Brian Hughes completed his hattrick in comfortable style, when 3-1 chance Gas Line Boy was the 11-length winner of the Scotty Brand Veterans’ handicap chase.

The John Wade Group Paris Pike novices’ chase also went to a southern raider, when Aux Ptits Soins was another winning favourite for Paul Nicholls.

Runner-up at Exeter on his chasing debut, he was stepped up in trip to score by a length.

“The idea was to bring him here to give him more experience and there are no plans for him at present,” explained Nicholls’ assistant Andrew Doyle.

Nicky Richards rarely leaves Kelso without a winner, and saddled the longest priced winner of the afternoon when One for Hocky posted a 9-1 success in the Happy 70 th Berwick Speedway’s Dennis McCleary handicap hurdle race.

“I didn´t expect them to finish that way round,” conceded the Greystoke trainer, who also had the second-placed favourite Caius Marcius.

“He was coming back from a little injury and I thought he might need it,” he explained. “They will both come on for the run.”

Fourteen went to post in the concluding Kristoffersen Carpets & Flooring novices’ handicap hurdle race, won by newcomer Bako De La Saulaie, ridden by Hawick jockey Craig Nichol.

Runner-up in an Irish maiden point-to- point, the five-year- old is trained at Alnwick by Rose Dobbin for her parents Sarah and Duncan Davidson.

“He is a lovely horse and I can´t wait for him to go chasing,” enthused the trainer’s husband, Tony.

Racing returns to Kelso on Thursday, December 29.

RESULTS: 12.20 – MOUNT MEWS (B Hughes) 8-15 fav; 2, Sam Spinner 9-4; 3, Katalystic 66-1. 14 ran. M Jefferson, Malton.

12.50 – AUX PTITS SOINS (S Bowen) 6-4 fav; 2, Westren Warrior 9-4; 3, The Dutchman 5-1. Five ran. P Nicholls, Somerset.

1.20 – KELKA (B Hughes) 1-5 fav; 2, Oscar’s Prospect 7-1; 3, Moscanisi 28-1. Six ran. M Jefferson.

1.50 – ONE FOR HOCKY (R Day) 9-1; 2, Caius Marcius 7-2 fav; 3, Sudski Star 66-1. 14 ran. N Richards, Greystoke.

2.20 – HARRY THE VIKING (Miss R McDonald) 5-1; 2, Carrigdhoun 18-1; 3,Itstimeforapint 33-1. 11 ran. A Thomson, Greenlaw.

2.50 – GAS LINE BOY (B Hughes) 3-1; 2, Cloudy Too 9-1; 3, Jet Master 16-1.

Eight ran. I Williams, Worcs.

3.20 – BAKO DE LA SAULAIE (C Nichol) 13-1; 2, Late Date 11-2; 3, Paddy’s Yarn 66-1. 14 ran. R Dobbin, Alnwick.

Sporting stars from the Roxburgh area were honoured on Friday night when the final ClubSport Awards of the season took place in Hawick’s Buccleuch Bowling Club.

ClubSport Roxburgh chairman Norman Anderson led the proceedings that saw 10 individuals and organisations recognised for their efforts within sport and in keeping the region more physically active.

Addressing the large continent there to support the event Mr Anderson firstly paid tribute to Hawick Athlete Leon Ali who died in a car accident the previous week.

“A talented sportsman who will be a huge miss,” he said.

Mr Anderson continued: “Once again we have had some huge success stories in our region over the past year and that is down to the hard work of the athletes themselves and the many people who give their time and effort to coach and support them.”

Making a big splash on the night was Kelso swimmer Ryan Brown who was named 2016 ClubSport Roxburgh Sports Personality of the Year.

After a fairly average start to the season the former Borders Elite Swim Team (BEST) and Kelso ASC member really came into his own in April when he took Silvers in 200 fly and 400 individual medley at the Scottish Age Group Championships before notching a Gold with his City of Glasgow Swim Team teammates in the 4 x 100 medley relay.

At the Target Tokyo Olympic Trials Ryan had an outstanding swim in the final of the 200 fly to win by over 1.4 seconds. Because of this swim he was selected to represent Great Britain at the European Junior Championships in Hungary where he finished just outside the top 10 in both the 200 fly and 4 x 100 medley relay.

Next up was the British Championships in Sheffield at the end of July and once again the Borderer finished top 10 in the 400 IM and 100 fly and took the title of British Champion in 200 Fly, narrowly missing a Scottish record but beating his opponents by over a second and consolidating his position as British No 1. He was awarded top junior performer of the year by Scottish Swimming for his age group.

Currently studying sports science at Glasgow University the 18-year-old paid tribute to the many organisations in the Borders and his coach Ian Wright who have helped him both financially and in terms of his performance.

“I’m really happy to have been given this award. These last couple of years have been a bit of a rollercoaster in terms of my swimming.

“I had a tough year and then moved up to Glasgow and things began to improve again.

“I have had a lot of great support in the Borders which has helped me on my way to this improvement.”

Ryan’s focus now will be towards the Commonwealth Games trials next year.

“I know what I have to do and I have five months to work on that,” he added.

“I just have to work hard and do it.

Ryan’s former BEST teammate Kirsty Armstrong, 17, took the Junior Coach of the Year title having made a huge impact since taking over as head coach at her local club Kelso ASC.

Riding high in the Equestrian Vaulting arena Kelso’s Minta Younger, 12, was given the Junior Sports Personality award after winning every national competition she entered for her age group, apart from one where she came second, over the last year including the Scottish and British Championships, as a result she is now ranked first female in Britain for her age.

Kelso Orchard Tennis Club proved a big hit among the judging panel. The club won the Team of the Year award while Kate Bull picked up the Coach of the Year title for her work not only at the Kelso club but with Tennis Borders also.

Rounding off a hat-trick for the tennis club was head honcho David Laing who was awarded the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils Service to Sport trophy for his unstinting service to sport not only in the Borders but all over Scotland.

Double Paralympic Gold medallist Libby Clegg, from Newcastleton, was named Disability Athlete of the Year while Derek McLachlan (Jed Legion AFC), Christine Wylie (Jedburgh Badminton Club) and John Taylor (Jedburgh Bowling Club) all received Special Recognition awards for all the hard work and dedication they have put into their sports over many years.

A man who breached his home curfew then got into a struggle struggled with police officers will spend the festive period behind bars.

Jordan Cunningham, 21, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to the offences, committed on Saturday night.

The court was told that police received a call around 8pm to say Cunningham was in the Bridge Inn in Galashiels, breaching his home curfew.

When two officers turned up, the accused tried to hide behind the bar, then struggled violently with them, kicking out with his legs.

Prosecutor Tony Bonnar said that during the course of the struggle, Cunningham managed to evade the police and ran off.

He added that the male and female officers sustained scratches and bruises during the incident, saying: “They gave chase, but were not able to catch him.” Cunningham handed himself in at midnight the next day.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said Cunningham suffered from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and had volunteered to work in the Bridge Inn collecting glasses.

He had lost the keys to his Church Square home in Galashiels and had been in the pub looking for them.

Mr Hulme added: “He panicked when the police arrived. He is sorry for what happened.”

Calling for background reports, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told Cunningham he was on bail at the time of the offence and would be remanded in custody until Thursday, January 5.

Cunningham is also due to stand trial on that date on a charge of engaging in a course of conduct likely to cause a named female fear and alarm at a house in Wood Street and elsewhere in Galashiels between August 12 and October 1.

POLICE ASSAULT CHARGE DENIED

A man appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court accused of assaulting a police constable with his own incapacitant spray.

Ryan Williams, 22, is charged with grabbing the can from the officer during a struggle with him and then spraying the officer in his left eye at close range, to his injury.

That followed a disturbance in Lawfield Drive in Ayton, Berwickshire, on Saturday.

Williams, of Greenwood, Berwick, pleaded not guilty.

He also denies allegations of obstructing police and resisting arrest, driving with no insurance and possession of cannabis.

Williams was released on bail for his trial date on February 14 on condition that he does not enter the Scottish Borders unless on court business or meeting his lawyer.

MAN JAILED OVER THREAT TO HIS EX

A man has been jailed for 130 days at Selkirk Sheriff Court for threatening to smash his ex-partner’s face in shortly after being released from a previous prison senetence.

Michael Hawthorne, 34, was at the home of the mother of his former girlfriend in Talisman Avenue, Galashiels, during the early hours of Saturday when he made the threat.

The court heard he had only been let out of prison the previous day and had a 70-day unexpired sentence.

He met his ex’s mother, Donna Baxter, in Galashiels and after he told her he was going to be homeless, she allowed him to stay at her home.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said Hawthorne tried to clear the air, and it was decided to telephone his former partner, Jemma Baxter, at 2am after alcohol had been consumed.

The call was on loudspeaker when Hawthorne made the threat that “he was going to smash her face in”.

Mr Dow added that it was an empty threat.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told Hawthorne he would need to go back and serve the 70 days of unexpired sentence and also added another two months, rounding it up to 130 days.

BACKGROUND REPORTS SOUGHT

Background reports have been ordered on a 33-year-old man found in possession of a lock-knife at Galashiels Interchange. Colin McLean, of Forley’s Field, Selkirk, pleaded guilty to the offence, committed on September 6.

Selkirk Sheriff Court was told that police officers saw McLean in the building and he was clearly intoxicated.

He was carrying a plastic carrier bag, and a search of it revealed the lock-knife.

McLean told police he had no idea there was a knife in the bag as he was so drunk.

A psychiatric assessment on McLean was ordered before he next appears appears in court on January 16.

A trial date on a charge of breaching his home curfew on August 31 has been set for February 14.

TEENAGER DENIES OFFENCE

Teenager Peter Morey, of Dalatho Crescent, Peebles, faces a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

Morey, 18, pleaded not guilty to repeatedly kicking and throwing glass bottles, breaking them, and repeatedly shouting and swearing, as well as throwing a park bench.

That offence is said to have taken place in Tweed Green, Peebles, on May 8.

The case was continued without plea at Selkirk Sheriff Court until December 19.

ARREST WARRANT FOR 35-YEAR-OLD

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 35-year-old man who admitted withdrawing £250 from his mother’s bank account without permission.

Michael Dodds pleaded guilty to stealing a bank card from his mother’s home in Gorse Lane, Galashiels, last month.

He then went to the Spar shop in Langlee and withdrew sums of £40 and £50 from its cashpoint before heading to the Asda store in the town centre at 3am and withdrawing another £160.

Dodds, of Gun Road, Earlston, failed to appear at Selkirk Sheriff Court for sentence.

SENTENCE DEFERRED AGAIN

Sentence has been deferred on a 23-year-old man for a further month to allow him to recover from breaking both legs in a car accident and appear personally at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Ryan Brodie, of Corton House, Ayr, admitted acting in a racially-aggravated manner at Reivers Sports Bar in High Street, Galashiels, on September 8 last year.

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman there.

Brodie admitted that a few hours later, he spat at a woman in Market Square, Galashiels, and acted in a racially-aggravated manner, intending to cause alarm to another woman.

He also pleaded guilty to a further complaint of assaulting an employee to his injury at Reivers Bar on September 13, 2015.

The case was deferred until January 16 for vouching on Brodie’s medical condition.

KNUCKLEDUSTER ALLEGATION

A Peebles man has been remanded in custody after being accused of being in possession of a knuckleduster in a Galashiels pub.

Raymond Thomson, 21,of Violet Bank, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court charged with having the offensive weapon in the Bridge Inn on Sunday.

He pleaded not guilty and also denied behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in Kingsland Square, Peebles, in August and possessing an offensive weapon, namely a piece of wood.

A trial date was set for January 5, with an intermediate hearing on December 19, and Sheriff Derrick McIntyre remanded the accused in custody.

22-YEAR-OLD 
TO STAND TRIAL

Galashiels man Michael Brown will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court on January 5 in connection with three alleged offences.

The 22-year-old is charged with assaulting a man at a house in Gala Park, Galashiels, on October 7, and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

He is also accused of failing to give police officers his name and address when requested to do so.

SENTENCING DUE IN JANUARY

Sentence has been deferred on a 30-year-old Hawick man until next year.

Jamie Cairney, of Sandbed, is due to be sentenced on a charge of engaging a course of conduct which caused a named female fear and alarm at a house in Wood Street, Galashiels, on May 13.

Selkirk Sheriff Court was told that resident sheriff Peter Paterson had previous knowledge of the case, so sentence was deferred until January 16, when he will be sitting on the bench and can hear the case.

DRIVER DENIES CARELESSNESS

A motorist is due to stand trial accused of injuring an OAP cyclist at the entrance to Borders General Hospital in Melrose.

Ros Henderson, 50, of Lauder Road, Stow, denies a charge of careless driving on July 19.

It alleges that she failed to maintain a proper lookout and collided with the 65-year-old cyclist, causing him to fall from his bicycle and sustain an injury.

A trial date has been set for Selkirk Sheriff Court on January 5, with an intermediate hearing scheduled for December 19.

STRUGGLE CASE 
IS CONTINUED

An Innerleithen man has been charged with struggling violently with his father during an alleged disturbance at the town’s Waverley Mills.

Andrew Tidder, 26, of Plora Terrace, is alleged to have used threatening or abusive behaviour on October 15, wilfully and recklessly damaged property and struggled with two police constables.

Tidder’s case was continued without plea at Selkirk Sheriff Court until December 19.

BAIL CONDITION BREACH PLEA

Background reports have been ordered on a Walkerburn woman who pleaded guilty to breaching her bail conditions by telephoning her partner.

Rebecca Skene, 25, of Hall Street, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court and admitted committing the offence over the weekend.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre deferred sentence until January 16 for a criminal justice social work report to be prepared.

HOSPITAL ATTACK CASE CONTINUED

A Jedburgh woman faces three charges following an alleged disturbance at the Borders General Hospital in Melrose.

Stacey Tennant, 37, of Blair Avenue, is accused of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner on July 25 and two counts of police assault.

Tennant’s case was continued without plea at Selkirk Sheriff Court until December 19.

Galay Fairydean Rovers gaffer Stevie Noble has apologised to all associated with the club for the shambolic display on Satiurday which handed a record defeat to the Braw Lads.

But he is determined he won’t quit – and he thinks the side will emerge stronger from the other side of the crisis.

Gala FR haemorrhaged 10 goals – five in each half – to an East Stirling side who could well challenge runaway leaders East Kilbride for the Lowand League title this season.

It’s only the second time in the league’s history that a team has shipped a double-figures total.

But for Noble, there are to be no panic-induced changes or knee-jerk reactions – he has enough faith in his players to know they’ll respond.

And he believes this may even trigger an impressive run from the Netherdale side – just as their last heavy defeat did.

Gala FR bounced back after losing 7-1 to Selkirk three months ago – so they know they can do it.

Many key players were missing on Saturday and a lot who had not played, or trained, for a while, had to turn out against ‘Shire.

“All that has contributed and we don’t have the depth of squad,” said Noble. “I am sure the lads will knuckle down – it’s going to be a tough few weeks for us. To do well against teams like East Stirligshire, Spartans and East Kilbride, we need to to be at virtually full strength.

“I’m not taking anything away from East Stirlingshire – it was a great performance from them and they destroyed us.”

Gala FR were hungry to pick up points in the next two away games, against Edinburgh University this Saturday and then Whitehill Welfare, and Noble was “looking for a reaction”.

“Saturday’s result really hurt,” said Noble. “It hurt me and it hurt people at the club.

“I am sorry for them and I’m sorry for the supporters and everybody involved.

“Results like that make you question yourself, question the team and question everything. But I am determined at least to see out the season and take it from there. I am not quitting – I have never quit in my life and I am not about to start now. My aim is for us to finish as high as we can.”