Revellers in Hawick tomorrow night will be offered a helping hand by street pastors as part of a pilot project being extended to the town for the first time.

Borders Street Pastors took to the streets of Galashiels in June last year, and the initiative has proved so popular it is now being extended to Hawick.

Trained volunteers with the group, one of 23 in Scotland trained by the Ascension Trust, have since carried out 35 patrols, from late evening to around 3.30am to aid revellers finding themselves in trouble after overindulging.

Employing an ethos of listening, caring and helping, the team has assisted many drunken revellers and, by doing so, made the streets of Galashiels safer. And from tomorrow, pastors are to operate in Hawick on an initial once-monthly basis.

Duncan Cameron, one of the group’s leaders, said it had always been its intention to roll the programme out to Hawick.

He said: “We’ll be doing what we have been doing in Gala, just talking to folk and offering non-judgemental advice.

“Our work usually starts when the nightclubs come out, and you get the young lasses struggling in their high heels and we’re on hand to offer them flip-flops, rather than them being forced to walk barefoot.

“We also hand out lollipops as an icebreaker.

“Listening, caring and helping – those are the three words associated with us.”

Over the past six months in Galashiels, the volunteers have disposed of more than 1,000 glass bottles and handed out more than 200 pairs of flip-flops and 1,200 lollipops, as well as distributing foil blankets and woolly hats, supplied bottled water and distributed 1,200 lollipops.

Before the street pastors take to the streets of Hawick tomorrow night, a commissioning service is to be staged at the town’s Trinity Church, in Central Square, from 8pm.

The service is open to all.

Duncan added: “A lot of the time if someone has had a bit to drink, they just want to talk, and we are there to listen, as I say, in a non-judgemental and confidential way.

“If they need help, we are there to give it, whether it’s handing out a space blanket, a woolly hat or some bottled water.

“A lot of the time we are seen as offering a safe place when people are a bit confused and intimidated by the busy atmosphere in the early hours.

“In Gala, we’ve had people asking if they can stand next to us, because it makes them feel safe.

“On other occasions they ask you if you would mind walking them to the taxi rank, and, of course, we’re happy to do that too, so they get home safely.

“We don’t judge. We’re just there to help. Aside from everything else, it’s great for us because we have a lot of fun and the work is very rewarding.”

The group’s next patrol in Hawick after tomorrow will be on Saturday, February 11.

Its expansion into Hawick has been welcomed by council chiefs and the police.

Mid Berwickshire councillor Donald Moffat, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for community safety, said: “Street pastors are famed for handing out flip-flops to young women on a night out, but their assistance to the community consists of a lot more.

“It has been proven in a number of areas across the UK that street pastors operate that they help reduce crime by a significant percentage.

“I am delighted that Scottish Borders Council and Police Scotland are supporting them and look forward to the scheme hopefully spreading to other communities.”

Chief Inspector Andy McLean, Police Scotland’s area commander for the region, added: “The street pastors provide a valuable service to members of the public who find themselves in a vulnerable state while out enjoying the night-time economy within the Borders.

“Their early intervention may mean that an individual who would subsequently require police or medical assistance is able to get home safely, and I welcome their deployment within the region.”

The group, part of a UK-wide organisation launched in London in 2003 and now active in more than 270 towns and cities, can be contacted at borders@streetpastors.org.uk

The company behind a major wind farm application close to Bonchester Bridge has come under fire from community leaders over a negative assessment of Hawick and the surrounding area.

Leeds-based Energiekontor UK wants to erect 12 wind turbines at Pines Burn on the Harwood Estate.

As part of its application, the company had to submit a local profile, presenting an overview of the local economy in Teviot and Liddesdale, and Hawick in particular, but the company’s assessment, based on official statistics, appears to have backfired.

It has been attacked by community leaders for being “extraordinarily brutal”, highlighting as it does falling populations, high levels of child poverty, negative crime statistics and the loss of traditional industry.

The lengthy and detailed appraisal has angered Hawick and Denholm councillor Watson McAteer as he believes the figures fail to represent the many positive aspects of Hawick today, including the arrival of a new distillery and two major supermarket retailers, the 3G pitch at Volunteer Park and the ongoing work to transform Wilton Lodge Park.

Duncan Taylor, project manager with Energiekontor, said the firm understood the concerns raised and pledged it would be a good neighbour to the local community.

But Mr McAteer thinks the statement risks stirring up hostility to an application previously perceived as “slightly less provocative” than the six other potential wind farm sites earmarked for the area.

He said: “Their recent insensitive and unnecessarily selective use of socioeconomic data to support their planning application has generated a very hostile reaction.

“While the statistics may paint a poor picture of our town, the reality is quite different, with new business, industry and leisure facilities combining to reverse declining trends.

“The Energiekontor team has been encamped in the area for the best part of 12 months, and it is surprising they have failed to fully understand and appreciate the unique character of our townsfolk and community.

“One thing is certain – if successful, they may be able to inject some funding into the community, but by their own figures, no more than three full-time staff will ultimately manage the site, which is hardly likely to change any of the data being used to support their planning application.”

Another critic of the project is Philip Kerr, chairman of Southdean Community Council.

He said: “I am sure these problems in our area are well recognised by all elected representatives, but the summary is extraordinarily brutal, and in the context of a wind farm application doesn’t read well, at least to my eyes.

“It is totally unnecessary to go into quite such detail.

“I am not sure building 12 wind turbines necessarily tackles the issues portrayed either.”

Mr Taylor added: “We understand the concerns that have been raised regarding the socio-economic chapter of the environmental statement.

“People rightly have a sense of pride about their communities, and that is sometimes difficult to represent in facts and figures.

“Our interaction with the community as the scheme has evolved over the last 12 months, however, and has helped our understanding of how the Pines Burn wind farm investment will benefit the local area, which we recognise is one among many investments planned.

“Our offer of shared ownership of the wind farm, and a benefit of £180,000 per year, would be substantial contributions to the local economy.

“We believe anyone who has come to know Energiekontor locally will attest to our values and transparency.

“We want to be good neighbours to the community and will always listen to concerns raised.”

Elderly and disabled people living in part of Hawick say they were left virtually housebound because the streets outside their homes were not gritted during recent frosty weather.

Moat Crescent and Ramsay Road are predominantly inhabited by older residents, and during last week’s cold snap, many decided not to venture out because it was a struggle to make it up the hill to the Loan to catch a bus, the Hawick News has been told.

Hawick and Hermitage councillor Davie Paterson has taken up their cause and written to road bosses at Scottish Borders Council to request that they intervene to help.

Residents of the streets have expressed surprise that they were not gritted this year as they were last winter, they say. A spokesman for the council said neither street was a primary route for gritting, but they are on a secondary list to be gritted only when “winter conditions persist”.

Sharon O’Rourke, 49, and her husband John, 68, have lived in Moat Crescent for two years, and they were among those inconvenienced.

Mrs O’Rourke said: “Last year was our first winter here, and gritters were out then, so we thought it would be the same this winter.

“I was afraid to go out last week. Ten years ago, I bust my knee walking in the snow, so I don’t like going out in it.

“My hubby has bad circulation, and he needs to get out for a walk to help that, but he couldn’t because the road wasn’t gritted.

“I know one elderly lady who was unable to get out and had to cancel both a doctor’s appointment and a hairdresser’s appointment as a result.

“Thankfully, a young lad across the road helped clear the paths because most of the people who live around here are in their mid-60s to their 80s.”

Mr O’Rourke added: “Nobody is getting any younger around here, and I think this area should be a priority for the gritters because it can be very serious if an elderly person takes a fall.

“There is no bus service – it’s ridiculous – and people have to walk to catch the bus, but that just wasn’t possible for most people.”

Mr Paterson said: “I have written to Scottish Borders Council roads bosses asking if a special exception can be made for gritting Moat Crescent and Ramsay Road properties that are near the Moat gates.

“I was approached by several elderly constituents living in this area telling me they had been housebound since last week, saying that it was a bit of a struggle for them to walk all the way along Moat Crescent up the hill to get onto the Loan to get a bus.

“I had previously brought this problem to the attention of officers when First Bus had withdrawn the service.

“I was delighted that Perryman’s had taken over the service from First Bus, but it still causing real problems for elderly folk in this area.”

The council spokesperson added: “The council applies winter treatment to its adopted footway network on a priority basis.

“Currently, there are two primary footway routes in Hawick which are treated when freezing conditions occur.

“All other footways not covered as primary are treated when winter conditions persist and when resources become available.

“Moat Crescent and Ramsay Road are included within this second level of treatment.”

Temperatures are forecast to fall to zero centigrade tonight, January 27, and on Sunday, January 29, and to 1C tomorrow, January 28.

Technology seems to be winning over traditional family activities, with the family dinner most at risk according to a new survey.

More than half of British parents have revealed that they once planned to continue family traditions and habits, but over time technology and busy lifestyles have taken over.

According to the poll, conducted by home interiors specialist www.hillarys.co.uk, families prefer to sit in front of the television or a computer screen rather than round the table together.

Bedtime stories to children are also more likely to be replaced by technology, as parents struggle to incorporate such traditions into modern day life.

While 53 per cent of respondents said they had planned to carry on their family’s traditions with their children, 27 per cent said they had not while 20 per cent said they had and had succeeded.

All parents who said that they had not managed to carry on family traditions and habits either blamed technology for taking over or said that there were incompatible with their families and lifestyle.

The top five activities which have slipped in popularity are: Eating around the dinner table - 73 per cent, bedtime stories - 55 per cent, travelling games, such as in the car - 43 per cent, family movie night - 25 per cent, family board game night - 21 per cent.

Of those who said technology has replaced eating around the dinner table, 57 per cent confessed that their families now sit together in front of the television, while the remaining 43 per cent confessed that their families go into separate rooms in order to watch different programmes on the television or computer.

The top traditions that had been maintained were weekly meals such as Sunday roasts and fish supper Fridays’ and attending church.

Tara Hall, spokeswoman for www.hillarys.co.uk, said: “Technology is an important part of our lives, but so is spending time with our families, talking, playing and making memories.”

A pioneering youth service in Hawick has landed £10,000 worth of National Lottery funding.

Escape Youth Services is to use the cash to pay for a new heating system for Hawick Youth Centre, in Havelock Street.

The work will pay for the installation of two oil-fired boilers and 20 radiators to help keep warm the 180 young users of the centre.

It is one of 144 groups sharing National Lottery funding worth £1,110,596 this week from the Awards for All scheme, the lottery’s small grants funding stream.

Successful applicants have been handed grants of between £500 and £10,000 for projects that bring communities together to enjoy a range of activities.

Escape Youth Services was established in 2004 with the aim of delivering youth services to Teviot and Liddesdale.

It offers a drop-in facility for young people and provides one-to-one work, youth work, volunteering and opportunities to get involved in arts, sports, creative media and cooking. A spokesperson said: “We work closely in partnership with other providers and agencies, including schools and the police, to ensure an integrated approach to working with and supporting young people.

“Our activities are aimed at increasing young people’s confidence and self-esteem and improving personal, social and life skills.”

An Awards for All spokesperson said: “These awards highlight the wide range of projects that can be funded through Awards for All.

“From providing much-needed services for people with brain injuries in the Scottish Borders through to making sure a community cinema in Argyll and Bute is fully equipped for all audiences, the funding shows how National Lottery money is changing lives across Scotland’s communities.”

Applications are received on a rolling basis and can be received at any time. Groups can download a form from www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/awardsforallscot

Tourette’s syndrome sufferer John Davidson says he is “totally flattered” by calls for him to be honoured in recognition of his work to raise awareness of the condition.

The 45-year-old, a community centre caretaker, has been widely praised on social media following his appearance earlier this month in a BBC documentary.

John, of Galashiels, has lived with the neurological disorder since childhood, and Tourette’s: Teenage Tics showed how he deals with it as well as charting his mentoring relationship with Rory Brown, 12, a first-year student at Jedburgh Grammar School.

Both share the most severe form of a condition which manifests itself in involuntary tics and bursts of uncontrollable swearing.

The film uses flashbacks to 1989 and the first of four documentaries featuring John as an isolated and misunderstood pupil of Galashiels Academy.

Since then, he has become an awareness-raising champion for Tourette’s sufferers.

He founded a Borders support group aimed at helping the families of sufferers back in 2003 and still organises annual residential get-togethers in Galashiels.

After the screening of the new documentary, Borderers took to Facebook to express their admiration for John’s efforts – and to call for his achievements to be acknowledged with an honour.

“John definitely deserves recognition for the work he does raising awareness of Tourette’s,” wrote Lee Green.

John Cummings commented: “Sportsmen get knighted. It’s a joke. People like John Davidson and people who dedicate themselves and their lives to helping others are the people who deserve honours like that.

“John has educated millions of people on Tourette’s and the hard life it can bring with it.”

William Bell stated: “When I see the honours list every year, I always think John should be on there. He’s a great guy.”

Rory’s mum Lisa also believes John’s efforts are worthy of recognition, saying: “I echo each and every call that has been made for John to receive an honour. “For decades now, he has supported people with Tourette’s and their families, as well as raising awareness of the condition throughout the world.

“John is a very modest man and would never blow his own trumpet, but I’m in no doubt he has saved lives over the years with his advice and support.

“He really deserves some recognition for the selfless work he has done, and I won’t be surprised if it happens sooner rather than later.”

Johnn told us: “I am totally flattered to get such a positive response, but I’m just a human being who wants to help others, and I have never thought about getting any acknowledgement or reward.

“However, if I were to receive an honour, I would gratefully accept it and be delighted not just for myself but for everyone in the Tourette’s family.

“Any publicity is always welcome.”

Work is to start next week on repairs to a wall in Hawick which partially collapsed last summer.

Repairs to defective sections of the retaining wall in Dickson Street, between the accesses to Mayfield Drive, will start on Monday.

That will include taking down and rebuilding sections of the wall that have partially collapsed or are showing signs of distress and movement.

The aim is to complete the repairs within a month.

Traffic controls and a temporary walkway will be in operation until the completion of the work.

The news has been welcomed by Hawick and Denholm councillor Stuart Marshall as it was him who raised the issue with Scottish Borders Council officers on behalf of residents.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted that, at long last, this collapsed and dangerous wall has now been earmarked for repairs.

“I first raised the matter way back in the summer of last year when residents in the Mayfield Drive contacted me with their concerns.

“At the time, the council acted very swiftly to have the adjacent footpath cordoned off, and they actually had to demolish the most dangerous parts of it in order to make the area safer and thus eliminating any risk to the public.

“It seems to have taken an age to repair, and for some reason slipped off the council’s radar, but now I think that residents and pedestrians in this area will be delighted by the news that work is to commence soon.”

A community cafe set up in Hawick to help young people find jobs and training opportunities has been given a double cash windfall of £22,000.

The Almond Tree, opened in High Street in June 2014, offers work placements and life-coaching, with any profits made reinvested in youth work across the Borders.

Now the cafe, employing four members of staff, is one of five charities to benefit from a share of almost £38,000 being handed out by the Bank of Scotland Foundation.

The Almond Tree’s £9,000 grant comes hot on the heels of a £13,000-a-year funding boost given to the charity by the Robertson Trust.

Much of the funding is to be used to create a new quiet cafe kitchen area on the first floor of the building.

Jenni Green, chairwoman of the board of trustees running the Almond Tree, said the charity takes on 20 placements a year, leading them to a “positive destination”, into work or on to college.

She said: “Some of those on placements can’t cope with the hustle and bustle of the existing cafe, which does get very busy, so we are going to refurbish the first floor to create a quiet training kitchen area.

“Many of our placements come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are vulnerable, and this will be a place they can learn in peace and quiet. If they are under too much pressure, they are unable to do that.”

The charity is also expanding its services to elderly people in the local community.

Jenni added: “We take food to elderly people to meet an unseen need, so we are benefiting another group of people.

“Our ultimate aim is to provide food on a daily basis.

“Despite the pressures on many charities, we are in a very positive place. It feels like a new beginning.”

Philip Grant, chairman of the Bank of Scotland Foundation’s board of trustees, said: “Finding the funding to continue operating is a pressure charities regularly face, so we’re delighted to have been able to provide grants to five Borders charities.

“The work these charities do is invaluable, and the Bank of Scotland Foundation is proud to support them making a tangible difference to the local communities in which they operate.”

Another opportunity to bid for small and medium grants from the foundation is open until Friday, April 17.

For details, visit www.bankofscotlandfoundation.org

Cameron Bryce has become the first Borders curler to win the Scottish Junior Championship.

The Kelso player’s success came at Aberdeen last Sunday, in a tense finish to the five days of competition.

Team skip Cameron had to play a draw with his last stone to clinch victory and avoid the match going to an extra end.

Having gone through the whole competition undefeated, losing out in the final would have been unimaginable.

The pressure was on Cameron this year as it was his last chance to win the Scottish juniors before he ages out.

He has played in the championships for a number of seasons without getting to the knockout stages but this season’s team had a different line-up from previous years, and the balance and dynamics of the rink has worked well all season. The team comes from around Scotland, with third player Robin Brydone from Perth, and the second and lead Euan Kyle and Frazer Shaw both from Stranraer, with coach Colin Morrison from Glasgow.

The win qualifies them for the World junior championships, which will be held in South Korea next month.

It will be held at the Gangneung curling centre, Pyeongchang – also the venue for next year’s Olympics curling events, giving the junior team the chance to bring back vital knowledge of the ice conditions and the arena for the British Olympic team.

Earlier this season, Cameron represented Scotland at the World Mixed Championships in Kazan, Russia, where he came away with a bronze medal. He’ll be hoping to pick up another medal at the World Juniors, especially as Scotland are the defending men’s champions.

The women’s World Junior Championships are being played at same time in Pyeongchang, with one of Cameron’s team mates from Kazan skipping that team.

Cameron is having his most successful season ever, having won two under-21 slams tournaments on the Scottish circuit. In addition, he has also won two of the tournaments on the European junior challenge series held in Glasgow and in Harnosand, Sweden, while the team currently lies second the European junior rankings table.

Cameron’s sister and brother were also playing in the Scottish championships. Amy was just one win away from qualifying for the knock out stages; her team had changed personal during the season which wasn’t the best preparation but they have claimed this season’s Asham under-21 series championship.

Cameron’s youngest sibling, Angus, was last season’s runner-up at the Scottish Juniors Championships but, after coming through a tie break in this year’s event, he lost out in the semi-finals.

All the Bryce family learned the art of curling at Border ice rink and continue to support the venue.

The entire curling community in the Borders is immensely proud of their achievements and the positive representation they give the ice rink through their continuing success.

Plans are being drawn up to build 28 affordable homes in Jedburgh.

Houses offering two, three and four bedrooms, plus a block of flats, are being proposed by Kelso-based building firm M&J Ballantyne for a site to the east of Howden Drive and rear of Howdenburn Court.

The plans, submitted by Galashiels-based Aitken Turnbull Architects on behalf of Eildon Homes, also include pedestrian and road links to potential future phases of the housing development.

The houses would be arranged to promote pedestrian and bike access, with shared parking areas providing 56 spaces for vehicles.

Access to the development would be off Howdenburn Drive.

The 28-home estate proposed is part of a larger potential site identified within Scottish Borders Council’s current local development plan.

The 28 homes proposed would be made up of 17 with three bedrooms, eight with two bedrooms, one with four bedrooms and two flats with two bedrooms.

Jedburgh Community Council has already expressed its support for the development.

Its secretary, Susan Elliot, said: “We have no objections to this application and indeed welcome the new development.”

In a report to councillors, council landscape architect Jim Knight added: “The site is the northern part of a larger paddock of grassland on the south east side of Jedburgh.

“It is gently to moderately sloping, with the south eastern site boundary roughly coinciding with the top of an existing ridge.

“The principle of development is already established, and the proposed layout seems appropriate.”

The planning application will be considered by the council over the coming weeks.

A hearing into circumstances of the death of a Heiton man at Bowmont Saw Mill will take place at 9.45am on Monday, February 6, at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Andrew Marshall, who was 71, died on June 11, 2015.

The inquiry will begin on March 14, 2017, also at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

The preliminary hearing of the fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of three people at the James Clark Rally in 2014 will take place at 10am on Tuesday, February 7, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Elizabeth Allan and Iain John Provan, both of Barrhead, Glasgow, and John Leonard Stern of Bearsden, Glasgow, all died on May 31, 2014, at a grassy area near the B6461 Kelso to Swinton Road, when a car participating in the rally left the road.

The inquiry is also investigating the circumstances of the death of Joy Paula Robson, of Portree, Isle of Skye, who died during the previous year’s Snowman Rally.

She died on February 16, 2013, at Glenurquhart Forest.

The inquiry into both incidents will be held at 10am on July 17, 2017, also at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Preston Athletic 3, Gala Fairydean Rovers 4

Six weeks ago, Gala Fairydean Rovers were staring at a potential relegation battle.

Now, after a run which has seen them pick up 10 points from their last four games, they are looking for their highest ever Lowland League finish.

Their latest win was the most dramatic yet, with Stuart Noble’s 90th minute goal securing a victory that the visitors looked to have thrown away, when Preston Athletic pulled themselves level after being 3-0 down.

And manager Stevie Noble is now preparing his team for the visit of fourth-placed Dalbeattie Star.

He said: “We are now aiming for that fourth spot and that makes the Dalbeattie match a huge game. They are a good team and it will be another tough match, but we are on a good run at the moment.”

Gala’s ranks were boosted by the capture of defender Jason Krones, on loan from Rangers, although he was on the bench at Prestonpans as Fairydean Rovers raced into a 3-0 lead.

Playing down the considerable slope at a sodden Pennypit Park, they went ahead after just two minutes when Des Sutherland started and ended a flowing move.

Fairydean Rovers went further ahead as a simple through ball beat Preston’s backline and allowed Noble to finish well beyond Craig Pennycuick.

Gala were now in complete control and Noble made it 3-0 before the half hour, as he superbly controlled a deep Darren Smith free kick and slammed the ball high into the net.

But basemetn club Preston refused to give up and, eight minutes after the break, the impressive Fabio Neto set up new signing Jason Young to score from close range.

Gala needed one more goal to kill the game but Pennycuick made two outstanding stops from Pringle and Miller, before David McLeod cleared off his own line in the same goalmouth scramble.

Wright produced a fantastic fingertip save from Daniel O’Rourke’s skidding long-range effort, before Preston’s Young made it 3-2 with 12 minutes left.

And the fears of the visiting supporters came to fruition with five minutes to go. Substitute Brandon Archibald’s outstanding crossfield ball was lashed home by Robbie Carter to send Preston players and supporters into wild celebrations.

The homesters now sensed three points rather than one but, instead, Pennycuick’s mis-hit clearance fell straight to Noble, who showed the composure of a player who was previously on the books of Fulham and St Johnstone by racing through and finishing well beyond the distraught keeper.

Shaun Conway was then sent off for a late tackle on Noble, to complete a painful afternoon for Athletic.

Gala Fairydean Rovers: K. Wright, L. Stephen, L. Swaney (J. Krones 72), S. Main, G. Windram, B. Miller, D. Smith, S. Pringle (S. Bonnington 82), S. Noble, D. Sutherland, S. Paliczka (R. Clapperton 82).

The Gala Fairydean Rovers Walking Football team has a new weekly evening training slot, and they keen to welcome anyone who is thinking of trying out the sport.

The squad meets at Langlee Community Centre every Monday afternoon from 2.30-3.30pm, but with the sport being open to anyone over 50, there was a large number of potential players missing out through work commitments.

However, they have now procured a slot in the Gala Academy games hall on Wednesday nights, from 6pm-7:30pm, beginning on Wednesday, February 1. It is hoped these sessions will also be attended by the day players, to ensure they can get a game on and to fill in any new players on how it all works.

For more information, call Lynne Marshall on 01835 825080, or Graeme McIver on 07738 615562.

A Borders housing associatio has been recognised through the award of Investors in Young People accreditation (IIYP).

Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) has become an “employer of choice” for young adults, with 32 apprenticeships, 65 work placements and three internships offered since 2013.

Investors in Young People recognises organisations which “demonstrate excellence in recruiting and retaining young people, while encouraging others to begin working with young people.”

During an on-site review, IIYP assessed SBHA against a number of criteria, including how effectively their young employees are mentored and supported, the extent to which their career path is clearly structured, and whether or not they are able to realise their aspirations.

Kyle Brunton, Rachel Morgan and Rian Taylor are three of the young people currently working with SBHA, who have benefited from the association’s strategy to support young people into employment.

IT intern Rian, from Hawick, said: “It’s a great opportunity. What I like is that my opinion matters – I’m making a direct impact on decisions within the IT department.

“It’s going to make a huge difference to my future career.”

Peter Russian, chief executive of Investors in People Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Scottish Borders Housing Association.

“I would like to congratulate the organisation and its people on their commitment to continuous improvement.

“I hope that more organisations in the area will be encouraged to sharpen their competitive edge by choosing to work with us.”

SBHA chief executive Julia Mulloy added: “We are very pleased to have been awarded IIYP Accreditation. This is a great achievement, reflecting our work to support young people within SBHA and the wider community.

“Young people bring fresh thinking and new ideas, and their contribution is greatly valued.

“We will go on developing our People Strategy to ensure that we continue to be viewed as an employer of choice by young people, and that we support and generate training and employment opportunities.”

Selkirk ex-standard bearers are to abseil from Edinburgh’s Forth Road Bridge to raise money for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance to thank it for helping out at the town’s annual common riding.

The group hopes to raise more than £2,000 for the charity at the abseil on Sunday, May 21, one of two a year organised by Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.

The Royal Burgh of Selkirk Ex-Standard Bearers’ Association’s chairman, Douglas Gunn, 42, said: “We first heard about this event following one of our rideouts last year when we handed over a donation to the charity.

“I have never done anything like this before, but to be honest, I think my wife is more nervous about it than I am.

“I know it will be a fantastic day, and it will be great for the air ambulance especially.

“We rely on these guys who are an integral part of ensuring that people can get to the Borders General Hospital.”

The association handed over a £400 cheque to the air ambulance back in August as part of the £2,500 raised from the success of the previous year’s charities and good causes rideout.

2016 standard bearer Rory Monks said he “jumped at the chance” to take part.

The 29-year-old, a banker with Lloyds Banking Group, said: “I’ve abseiled off Leaderfoot Bridge on the road to Earlston, but that was years ago. I am not even sure if I have a stomach for heights anymore. Right now, I’m fine, but on the day, I expect to have some shaky legs.

“However, I won’t let that stand in the way of me completing the challenge.

“We should all be getting a lot of support from each other as none of us will want to let the others down.

“The air ambulance gives vital support to our common ridings throughout the summer, and it’s the least we can do to give something back.”

They will be joined by fellow ex-standard bearers Scott Tomlison, Gary Guthrie, James Cheyne and Gavin Henderson.

This is the fourth year that the charity has had cash raised for it at the event, and so far the team has raised more than £310 .

Fiona Dennis, community fundraiser with Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, said:“We are delighted that our friends in Selkirk are continuing their support with this exciting challenge.

“We have already received a £400 donation as one of the chosen charities to benefit from a previous Selkirk rideout, and it’s wonderful that those involved in the equestrian world in the Borders appreciate the work we do and the help we often bring to riders who are ill or injured in remote and rural areas.

“We’re really appreciative of the fact that they are not only raising money for us, but also facing a huge challenge on our behalf.

“We can’t thank the team from Selkirk enough for backing us. Without support such as this from the public, we simply wouldn’t be there for everyone in Scotland, and the funds they raise will help to keep us flying into the future.”

Donations can be made online at acefrb-may2017.everydayhero.com/uk/help-ex-standard-bearers-charity-abseil-scaa

On Wednesday, February 8, ex-standard bearers will hand over money to charities at Selkirk Conservative Club at 7pm following the success of last September’s rideout.

Members of the public are invited. Tickets, priced £8, are available from Colin Turnbull Shoe Repairs in High Street.

Scottish Borders Council is to be given a £3.8m handout to help cover the cost of damage caused by last winter’s storms.

The emergency funding, being paid out by the Scottish Government via the Bellwin scheme, will pay for work required in the aftermath of the flooding that hit Hawick and other parts of the region in December 2015 and January 2016.

This latest payout follows the £2.39m given to the council last year ensure that every household, business or charity directly affected by flooding could be helped out.

More than 200 households and businesses were given £1,500 grants, and a further 38 businesses received payments of £3,000 apiece.

Scottish Government funding is also helping pay for flood protection works in Hawick.

South of Scotland SNP list MSP and business, innovation and energy minister Paul Wheelhouse announced the funding during a tour of the town last Friday.

He said: “There’s no doubt that the Scottish Borders was among the areas hit the hardest by last year’s flooding, which is why this £3.8m of funding will be welcome news to the council and communities affected by the storms.

“I witnessed the effect of the flooding in Hawick during Storm Desmond, and I know how traumatic it was for many here and in communities elsewhere in the Borders affected by the floods.

“This support through the Bellwin scheme will help Scottish Borders Council meet the majority of the immediate and unforeseen costs of the flood damage and it supplements the help given to 200 households and many local businesses.

“The Scottish Government is committed to working to reduce flood risk across Scotland and has committed £420m over the next 10 years to protect homes in many of our most flood-prone areas, including the future Hawick flood protection scheme.”

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar, the council’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has supported this council by releasing the full funding we applied for through the Bellwin scheme for the eligible costs we incurred during and following last winter’s storms.

“The scale of the damage to the region’s roads, buildings, parks, open spaces, footpaths and bridges was quite simply the biggest challenge we have ever had to date.

“Many of the repair works were challenging and time-consuming, and I would like to thank our staff for their efforts, and the public for their patience and understanding during what was an extremely difficult and challenging time for the Borders and the council.

“In the 12 months since Storm Desmond, two flood schemes have been completed in the Scottish Borders, and the Hawick scheme is getting closer to entering its next phase before construction.

“We welcome continued support from the Scottish Government on these projects too.”

Gala RFC is celebrating having a new full international sevens capped player in its ranks.

Gregor Hunter has been called into the Scotland squad for the next round of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Sydney.

He is due to fly out to Australia very shortly to join the squad, which is currently sitting in fourth place in the in the standings after a creditable display last weekend in Wellington, where they finished in the bronze medal position.

Gala club president Graham Low said: “This is a fantastic honour for Gregor and Gala to get a call-up to international rugby from club level – something that is very rare nowadays.

“I am delighted for Gregor and will be getting up through the night to watch the World Series Australian section, to cheer on Gala RFC’s stand -off and youth development officer.”

Borders MP Calum Kerr has hit out at new US president Donald Trump’s decision to turn away refugees and visitors from northern Africa and the Gulf.

Mr Kerr has also criticised UK Prime Minister Theresa May for not initially speaking out against the controversial policy.

“I’ve been contacted by a large number of constituents concerned about the actions of Donald Trump’s government over the weekend,” said the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP.

“I condemn the ban on refugees and citizens of certain countries and was dismayed to see the Prime Minister’s failure to speak truth to power in the wake of it.

“This failure diminishes the UK’s standing in the world and shows the folly of the Government’s rush to cosy-up to a world leader who has already come into conflict with his own judiciary.

“However, it was inspiring to see the response from governors and members of Congress from across the US who protested against this ill-judged measure.

“Of course, we will need to have a dialogue with the new president, but we must also have clear red lines in any diplomatic relationship.

“There are certain core principles that we should never hesitate to defend.

“The UK Government has also refused to cancel, or downgrade, a state visit from Mr Trump this year.

“In my view, this should be taken off the table until the president’s executive order is rescinded.”

Mr Kerr has co-sponsored an early-day motion by fellow Scottish National Party MP Tasmina Ahmed Sheikh today condemning Mr Trump’s decision to close America’s borders to all refugees and to all people born in Iran, Iraq, Syria , Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Libya.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also slammed the travel ban and urged Mrs May to take more of a stand against it, saying: “I think we all have a duty in these instances to speak up when we consider values that we all hold dear to be under threat.”

“I think many people would like to hear a stronger view from the UK Government about the immigrant and refugee ban that was announced towards the end of last week.

“I don’t think it would be appropriate in these circumstances for a state visit to go ahead while these bans are in place, given the understandable concern that people have about them and the messages they send and the impact on people.

“I made both of those points clear to her.”

Asked if she would be prepared to meet Mr Trump herself, Ms Sturgeon said: “The relationship between Scotland and America is an important one.

“I’m not going to start getting into refusing to meet people, but, equally, nor am I going to maintain diplomatic silences over things that are really important in a values and principles sense.”

Bearded Dragons are from Australia and are generally considered one of the best lizards as pets, which have led to them being a very popular choice for beginners.

They are known for being hardy and tame (providing they are well handled). They are a fun lizard to own as they are often seen watching their owners from their vivarium. They get their name from the spiny ‘beard’ they have.

The average captive lifespan is between six and ten years, although they have been known to live to double this, so they are a long term commitment.

A vivarium of 4ft x 2ft x 2ft is a good size for an adult Bearded Dragon although they will enjoy having more space if possible.

Being from mostly central Australia, Bearded Dragons are used to desert environments and like it hot. A basking area of around 37°C works well and using a ‘dayglow’ bulb allows your lizard to know where the heat source is (this should be guarded to prevent them from touching it and burning themselves).

The bulb should be placed on one side of the vivarium so there is a hot and cooler side. You will need to provide hides in both sides of the vivarium so your lizard can thermoregulate. At night when the ‘dayglow’ bulb is off you can keep the vivarium warm by using a heat matt or ceramic bulb and the temperature can drop down to around 18°C. As with any heating equipment they must be controlled with a thermostat for safety.

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous so they need to be fed on live insects and fresh fruit and vegetables every day. They also need to have the insects dusted with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement. This is something really important to remember, everyone in your house might not like the idea of live cricket or locusts in the house.

Fresh water in a shallow bowl should be available for your dragon, you can also mist the vivarium lightly which will them to get the water droplets from the walls, rocks and even themselves.

Bearded Dragons make can make great pets if you do the correct research and provide them with everything they need for a happy and safe life in captivity.