More than 50 affordable homes could be on the way at a Borders town centre site left lying empty for the last seven years.

Scottish Borders Council is proposing handing over the old Earlston High School site to Eildon Housing Association to be redeveloped to provide up to 55 homes for rent.

The council’s executive committee is being recommended to approve that move at its meeting next Tuesday.

If given the thumbs-up, the £7.1m project would also see the creation of a new £120,000 playpark nearby, potentially ending a long-running controversy over the need for such a facility for youngsters.

A feasibility study by the association has identified that the site has the capacity for up to 55 new homes, and, if approved, they could be ready to move into by 2020.

The former high school’s grounds have been identified as a prioritised affordable housing site in the council’s strategic housing investment plan for 2017 to 2022 agreed in November.

That plan estimates that £163m could be invested in affordable housing over those five years, delivering almost 1,200 homes.

Council leader David Parker said: “The council and partners have an ambitious target for affordable housing over the next five years, and by working with Eildon Housing Association, it is hoped the former Earlston High School site will make a significant contribution towards meeting this target.

“If this agreement is approved by the executive committee, this development would provide vital accommodation for local people and families, allowing them to live and work in their communities, while also providing a welcome boost to the local building industry.”

Mid Berwickshire councillor Frances Renton, the authority’s executive member for social work and housing, added: “The strategic housing investment plan is an ambitious one which identifies how local housing needs and priorities will be addressed, including which housing projects are anticipated to be delivered over the five years to 2022.

“It is hoped that during the period of the new plan we will see more than double the number of houses delivered than in the previous five years, with the redevelopment of Earlston High School being a major contribution towards achieving this.”

Nile Istephan, chief executive of the Selkirk-based housing association, added: “Delivering record numbers of high-quality affordable homes across the Scottish Borders is a key aspect of Eildon’s strategy over the next five years.

“Addressing housing need across our communities, including high-demand areas like Earlston, is a vital component in ensuring a thriving Scottish Borders.

“Eildon, working closely with Scottish Borders Council and other partners, is delighted to continue to play a central role in these efforts.”

The report also proposes that the council uses funding of £250,000 from its affordable housing investment budget to make up the difference between the £700,000 market valuation of the site and its £450,000 valuation for affordable housing.

The land to be occupied for the proposed social housing has been lying empty since the current Earlston High School opened in 2010.

It was put on the market in 2011 but has attracted only one offer since, says the council.

Part of the old high school site is now occupied by the new £1.6m Leader Valley School for children with additional learning needs.

The provision of a new playpark would potentially heal the rift caused in the town by plans for a £300,000 playground at Mill Meadow, sparking a row ended only by the rejection of those proposals in 2015 after a public vote.

The Scottish National Party will field a candidate in Selkirkshire at the Scottish Borders Council elections on May 4 – despite the party’s previous incumbent standing as an independent this time round.

Kenneth Gunn, of Selkirk, was elected to the three-member ward as an SNP councillor in 2007.

The retired printer and newspaper publisher again carried the party ticket into the 2012 polls but came fourth out of five hopefuls.

Announcing his candidature as an Independent, Mr Gunn told the Wee Paper: “While I stood as a party candidate for the SNP in 2007, I had previously believed the business of local government should not be controlled or influenced by political parties of any persuasion or colour.

“Nothing I saw in my five years as a councillor convinced me that my first judgement was wrong. I thank the SNP for its support in 2007.

“If elected, my first priority will be to serve the people of Selkirkshire and not any political party.”

All three Selkirkshire councillors elected in 2012 – Conservative Michelle Ballantyne, independent Gordon Edgar and Lib Dem Vicky Davidson – have confirmed their intentions to stand again on May 4.

Asked for his thoughts on Mr Gunn’s decision to stand as an independent, Tweeddale East councillor Stuart Bell, leader of the council’s power-sharing SNP group, said: “I like Kenneth Gunn and wish him well, but I fear his memory is playing tricks on him.

“SNP candidates are not controlled by the party – they are approved by the party.

“Right up until January 31 this year, Kenneth was a member of the SNP and had been seeking approval as a candidate for the party.

“One of the advantages the public has in voting for a councillor is that all parties carefully consider whether an individual has the necessary competencies, skills and experience to be a public representative.

“It just so happened that on the very day the SNP informed Kenneth that he did not meet the standards to represent our party as a candidate, he sent a letter resigning from the SNP and notifying us he would stand as an independent.

“I assure you that the SNP will be putting up a candidate in the Selkirkshire ward. She has a local track record, the necessary competencies, skills and experience and will very soon be declared all with our candidates in other Borders wards.”

It was a busy and successful time for the Lauderdale Limpers last weekend.

The events started on Saturday (February 25), when Leahn Parry recorded an excellent third place in the Northumberland Coastal Half Marathon.

On the Sunday, Ian Turnbull, who is returning from injury, completed the Glentress Trail Half Marathon in an excellent 41st place out of 395 runners in really tough conditions.

Sunday’s gales and driving rain did not put off the 100 runners who gathered in Lilliesleaf for a trail race to raise money for the Borders Exploration Group, although it did make the already difficult 10k course a real challenge.

Dean Whiteford continued the Lauder-based club’s extremely successful start to 2017 with a gutsy win. Graeme Sutherland, Rachel McAleese and Sheila D’Andrea also completed the extremely well organised event in excellent times.

Meanwhile, Lauderdale ‘Latte Ladies’ Susan Sutherland and Anne Lillico were joined by fellow runners Naomi, Mary, Cathy and Senga for the fourth leg of their coffee shop challenge on Sunday.

They ran the 7.5-mile trail from Apples for Jam in Melrose, over all three slippery Eildon hills, across Bowden Common and back to Newtown St Boswells, where they enjoyed coffee and cake at Milestone Garden Centre.

More about the coffee shop trail routes can be found on their blog www.beanthererunthat.com

Daily national newspapers will no longer be available in the region’s 12 public libraries from next month.

A spokesperson for Live Borders, the trust that runs the libraries, defended that decision, saying: “In recent years, demand for this service has declined dramatically due to the wide range of media platforms now on offer.

“We felt that to stock a full range of national papers to avoid any political bias would be an unnecessary cost to the service.

“The libraries will continue to provide online access to members of the public which allows them access to all major news providers.

“Local newspapers will still be available in all Borders libraries.”

The trust’s decision to cease stocking national daily newspapers from Saturday, April 1, has been criticised by former Scottish Borders Council leader Drew Tulley.

He recalled that when councillors agreed last year to transfer the running of libraries, museums, public halls and community centres to Live Borders, they were told the move would save the council £400,000 a year in rates relief and protect and enhance services. “I can’t imagine this will save Live Borders a huge amount of money, but I do know it will seriously impact on the quality of life of some of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Mr Tulley, a Galashiels community councillor.

“I am referring to the many older people and those on low incomes who are not on the internet and who like to visit their local library reading rooms to keep up with the daily news.

“Apart from anything else, the social interaction during such visits is very important to them. I hope our councillors will now apply pressure to the trust to have this mean-spirited decision reversed.”

Council leader David Parker replied: “Live Borders is an arm’s-length organisation with its own board of trustees which is responsible for making decisions on how best to run leisure, sport and cultural services in the Borders.

“The withdrawal of national newspapers is entirely a matter for the trustees to determine.

“Councillors can, of course, make representations to Live Borders, but ultimately the trust is responsible for the decisions it takes.”

Live Borders currently receives £6.6m a year from the council – around 60% of its annual budget – but the council has agreed to cut its annual contribution by £326,000 in the next financial year.

Its requirement to save money was highlighted in a recent letter to staff from chief executive Euan Jackson.

“There is a need to achieve significant savings,” wrote Mr Jackson. “We will need to reshape and refocus our valued services.”

Since then, the council has agreed to cut its annual contribution to Live Borders by £326,000 in the next financial year and 18 members of staff have been recommended for “early release from employment” and are due to leave the organisation on April 1.

Edinburgh University Ladies 5s 2, Fjordhus Reivers Ladies 2s 4

Fjordhus Reivers Ladies 2s travelled to Peffermill last weekend to face Edinburgh University 5s, hoping for a similar result to that of the national rugby team watched by the travelling support in the clubrooms prior to pass back.

Fjordhus went 1-0 down in the first five minutes but remained composed and worked hard to regain control.

The young duo of Hannah Miller and Holly Shepherd played some confident and composed hockey at the back with some good breaks down the sideline, supported by experienced players Elena Lunn, Jackie Wilson and Janet Jack, who were all solid in defence. 


Elena Lunn set up Sara Robson in the D to level the score. Lauren Grant brought speed and tenacity in the midfield, giving the Uni midfield no time whatsoever on the ball.

Playing her first game, Ciara Donlevy showed her speed and deserved a well-worked second goal.

Reivers were then caught sleeping, conceding a goal almost immediately after taking the lead. However, Fjordhus had many opportunities from corners and Ashley Robson was on target to make it 3-2 from a well-struck hit from the top of the D.

There was hard work and discipline from Dani Walker, Ashley Robson, Jemma Willans and Jodie Sinclair and some silky skills from striker Sara Robson, who skilfully took the ball round the keeper and scored a fourth goal, which proved to be the killer blow for the Uni.

In the Reivers goal, a confident and solid display from youngster Hollie Grieve throughout saw her pull off some fantastic saves. It was a great team performance and a deserved win for Reivers.

Gala Tempest netted a win in their first Division Two game last weekend as they faced local rivals Earlston in the Border Netball League.

Travelling to Peebles High School, the two teams battled it out in the first of five fixtures which will decide who will be crowned Division Two winners.

Earlston had the upper hand at the beginning of the first quarter, netting the first goal and staying ahead for most of the quarter, until the Gala team, coached by Marion Romeril, rallied to lead 4-3 in an evenly-matched opening quarter.

The second quarter saw Tempest improve their passing, with centre Lauren Thomson (captain) and wing attack Gwen Bradley getting the ball to shooters Sophie Wilson and Sophie Birtwistle, scoring another four goals to Earlston’s two to end the second quarter 8-5.

Defenders Sandra Hendry, Caris Brus and Rosie McLeman worked well to keep Earlston from scoring, winning several rebounds and working well to get the ball out of the shooting circle, denying Earlston the opportunity to score.

Shooters Karen Gillie and Sophie W notched up the goals, taking Tempest to a 17-7 lead going into the final quarter.

Tempest kept up their solid defence in the last quarter, again capitalising by gaining the rebounds as the Earlston shooters struggled to find the net. The Gala team scored another three goals to finish the game with a 21-7 win.

Tempest’s Sandra Hendry, who defended brilliantly as goal defence, goal keep and wing defence, was awarded Fair Play by Earlston, while the Gala team named Earlston’s hard-working wing attack/wing defence and centre Hannah McGowan as Fair Play.

Gala Tempest were due this weekend to face the Pumas, while Earlston were set to take on Storm.

Two teams of Fjordhus Reivers hockey girls braved the rain last Sunday to fulfil their fixtures against CALA/Edinburgh counterparts in the East U16 Girls’ League.

First up was the U16 Performance group, which worked tirelessly for each other to create lots of scoring opportunities.

The CALA goalkeeper was on form and, time after time, denied the girls the opening goal. Against the run of play, a lapse in concentration in the press saw a gap emerge for the visitors and they snatched the opportunity to fast break, scoring from the narrowest of angles to break the deadlock. This inspired the young Reivers to press even higher, with Ellen Keefe, Sophie Laurie and Beth Logan, marshalled by Dani Walker at the back, pushing forward.

Eventually, the girls pulled one back through Hannah Miller, after being awarded a penalty corner.

The game then went into a period of end to end hockey until CALA again found a rare gap in the defence on the break after a quickly-taken free hit and scored from a one-on-one against the home keeper.

Time was running out when Molly Turnbull stole the ball from the CALA defence and set Polly Bell on her way.

She passed to Lindsay Jack on the post, who made no mistake in roofing the ball past the keeper for 2-2.

It was an excellent game of hockey, where the girls showed real discipline in sticking to the game plan and putting in a power of work for each other to secure a well-earned point.

As the driving rain continued, the young U16 Development squad prepared to take on the CALA Development U16 team.

The younger players took on the same attitude as the older girls and threw their hearts and souls into working for each other, on and off the ball.

Chloe Aitchison, Georgia Main, Yvonne Hogg and Isla Goodfellow took control of the midfield, while Blythe Duff and Molly Willmott worked hard up front to create space.

A great break coming from deep in the right saw the ball expertly moved through Kadey Hulme, to Chloe Aitchieson, in to Blythe Duff, who made an inch-perfect pass to Georgia Main. She first-timed the ball past the goalkeeper, who had no chance.

The second goal came short after great linking work in midfield through Hannah Green and Charlie Zavaroni.

Blythe Duff was released and scored with a pinpoint shot through a narrow angle on the right.

The youngsters remained in control for the remainder of the game, solid at the back through Lily Towers and Molly Byers with Amy Davenport in goal having little to do.

Second-half goals by Georgia Main and Blythe Duff were well taken to complete a 4-0 win.

These young players are indeed future stars for the club and many already feature and add to the success of the Fjordhus Ladies’ senior teams.

Recruitment of Scottish construction apprentices has grown every year since 2011, new figures from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) reveal.

In 2016, CITB Scotland directly trained 1925 new Modern Apprentices, up 35 per cent from 1,422 apprentices in 2011 to 1925 in 2016 - making it the single largest training provider of Modern Apprenticeships across all frameworks in Scotland.

With the positive statistics released ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2017 (6-10 March), employers are being encouraged to consider taking on an apprentice for the first time, or to add to their current workforce, to help this upward trend continue.

Up to £10,250 of CITB grant funding is available to employers for every apprentice they employ. And with CITB research released last month predicting that over 12,000 new workers are needed in the next five years, there is no better time to encourage people to join the industry.

Employers and anyone considering a career in construction can get all the information they need via the construction industry’s website, Go Construct.

Ian Hughes, CITB Scotland’s strategic partnerships director, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is the perfect platform to highlight the value of apprenticeships to construction employers and the excellent career opportunities available.

“The industry needs a skilled workforce, with thousands of new people coming into it. Employers of all sizes across the sector have a key role to play in developing the next generation of industry professionals.”

The figures were welcomed by Stephen Sheridan, Key Sector Manager for Construction at Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

He said: “It’s great to see the construction companies, with the support of CITB, continuing to invest in apprenticeships to develop their workforce and to ensure the sector has the right skills for the future.

“There’s no better time than Scottish Apprenticeship Week to find out more about the benefits apprenticeships bring to businesses–large and small–and the head-start they can give young people in their careers that will last them a lifetime.

Further information about apprenticeships can be found online at www.apprenticeships.scot

MSPs are to be awarded a badge by the Scouts when they help to raise youth-related issues in the Scottish Parliament.

The youth organisation’s recently launched Youth Advocacy Award will see MSPs earn the award in the same way as Scouts earn their badges, by completing a number of tasks.

MSPs will have to complete four out of seven requirements that include learning a skill, raise issues relating to young people in the parliament or in the media, and visit a local Scout group.

The actions for the badge were decided by young people in Scouting and will ensure that politicians get a greater insight into the work carried out by the organisation – the largest volunteer-led mixed youth movement in Scotland.

Scottish Parliament presiding officer Ken Macintosh, who is also the honorary vice-president of Scouts Scotland helped to launch the new award.

He said: “Scouting has long been a way for young people to experience adventures, build friendships and learn new skills. And, as a former Cub Scout, I know what you learn in Scouts stays with you for life.

“So I was delighted to take the first steps towards gaining my Youth Advocacy Award today.

“With the launch of this new award, many of our MSPs can show their support for the Scouting movement whilst engaging with young people across Scotland.”

Tudor Westwood, chairman of the National Youth Advisory Committee for Scouts Scotland which came up with the seven tasks MSPs have to complete, said: “The exciting thing is that this badge encourages politicians to see and engage with, first-hand, the extraordinary work Scouts Scotland does every single day in Scotland.

“Our Scouts are active citizens and I believe this advocacy award will help to inspire more of our young people to engage with democracy and work towards social change.”

The hackneyed old saying about a ame of two halves was vividly in evidence last Saturday as Selkirk FC trudged off the Edinburgh University pitch.

The Souters had headed for some half-time refreshments hoping they were about to add another fine result to an already impressive roster under coach Ian Fergus – only to experience the other extreme of footballing fate.

The Borders men were deservedly 2-0 up, and probably merited being even further ahead, against the uber-fit students, who never had a shot at goal in the first half.

“The second period was the complete opposite of that,” reflected Fergus.

“We played OK for about 10 minutes but we sort of switched off and, as soon as they scored, they had the ascendancy. It was just one of those games – it was a bad 30 minutes that really cost us.”

Edinburgh ladled some of the pressure back on to Selkirk at the foot of the table with a 3-2 win.

“Not making excuses, but having the challenge of such a small squad, two of our better players (Unpha Koroma and Phil Addison) missing through suspension and the heavy pitch – although it was the same for both teams – was maybe just a bit too much for us,” said Fergus. “But we were close. It was close. We did really well in the first half – we played to a proper game plan – but, in the second half, they changed their template and their game management was good. They changed their formation, playing three up top, and it changed the whole pattern of the game. They kind of bombarded us.”

Gary Nicholson opened the scoring in six minutes with a neat, side-footed finish in the box. He then provided the assist for Selkirk’s second goal, swinging in a cross from the right which was headed home from six yards by Jordan Hopkinson. But they succumbed to the students’ fightback and also lost Fraser Neave through injury. “We certainly had two or three chances to go 3-0 up and, had we taken them, the game would have been over,” said Fergus.

“It’s never over at 2-0 – it’s a funny scoreline,” said Fergus. “The team that gets the next goal usually wins it. If you get back to 2-1 and you can turn the tide, that third goal is crucial for whoever scores it.

“If we’d got a third goal on Saturday, it would have been over. They got the third goal and it was game on. Very much one of those games of two halves.”

Fergus said Selkirk had been quite dominant in spells but he had two infield substitutes who, positionally, were difficult to introduce to effect a change. “I was really relying on the 11 on the park but Fraser Neave came off injured with about half an hour to go and that was very difficult for us. Edinburgh were so offensive-minded after they scored their first goal that it was difficult to move the players around, while the pitch was cutting up and getting heavy as well. I didn’t want just to hold on for three points – I wanted to play a little bit of football. We should have had at least a point from the game but these things happen in the Lowland League. If you are not 100 per cent for 90 minutes, you can lose a game. Any team can lose there.”

Every game was a learning curve, added Fergus – win lose or draw, you had to take something from it and mould it into something positive. “The positive was that, for 45 minutes, we dominated a team above us in the league and, for 30 minutes, we kind of switched off and got punished.”

Another tough test awaits Selkirk tomorrow (Saturday) as Dalbeattie Star come to Yarrow Park. The Dumfries side have around six players on loan from pro clubs and will pose a formidable task, reckoned Fergus. Pitch conditions could be tricky at this time of year, and Selkirk faced three home and two away games to conclude the season, all on non-artificial surfaces. Nevertheless, Fergus was hoping again for character and hard work from his players.

Neave’s condition was being checked this week, while Addison and Koroma would be available for selection again and Fergus hoped to give the squad even more depth by recruiting a couple of new players.

Selkirk RFC manager Tom Ramage says he’s glad the team is due back in action tomorrow (Saturday) and expects a “tight game” at home to BT National League Division 1 leaders Marr.

The Souters’ boss reckons Selkirk have a strong side and their game plan could pay off if it goes the way they want it.

“We had a lot of injuries up at Marr at the beginning of the season (when Selkirk lost 32-19 in October) but we have a much more settled back line – although there’s a bit of a mismatch with the forwards regarding injuries and suspensions,” said Ramage. “But our strongest team is out there now.”

This was with the exception of Gavin Craig, who injured an ankle in the 21-16 loss to Stewart’s Melville two weeks ago.

“I’m looking for it to be an open, exciting game, because they (Marr) play open, exciting rugby and they are obviously full of confidence because of their position in the table, looking for promotion to the Premiership,” added Ramage.

“If we can match them up front, or beat them up front, and let the backs do the running in the open country, we will score some tries.

“Our defence lately has been really good,” added the manager. “We have leaked a couple of tries now and then, but our defence is on top of its game just now.”

The side had been working hard in esxtra training sessions and had one or two things up its sleeve, said Ramage.

Police, politicians and council bosses have come together to try to put the brakes on speeding traffic in Denholm.

The issue of cars travelling at dangerous speeds through the village was brought to the attention of Hawick and Denholm ward councillors Stuart Marshall and Watson McAteer.

They were left in no doubt that villagers have had enough and are anxious for action.

In an effort to gain a consensus on a way forward, the councillors invited police representatives and road officers at Scottish Borders Council for a site visit to assess the problem first hand.

And the meeting this week proved to be constructive, with a reduction in the speed limit at both ends of the village now a real option.

Mr Marshall said: “The site visit went very well. There were around a dozen or so residents in attendance with the police, council road officers and Councillor McAteer.

“It was agreed that this area of my ward should be included in the 2017 Scottish Borders Council speed review, which, after a consultation exercise, may well see a reduction in the speed limit on the approaches to both ends of the village.

“It was quite clear from the villagers in this area that they have had enough of speeding traffic.”

Also agreed at the gathering was a move to put traffic monitoring devices across the main A698 near to the hotspots.

The hope is the data will help assess the speed vehicles are travelling at.

Mr Marshall added: “The issue of speeding in and around the village has again been brought to my attention by villagers and community leaders.

“These people are quite rightly very concerned that this issue seems to be progressing without any real resolution, and the site visit with both Police, and Scottish Borders Council roads safety officers was helpful in terms of trying to address this worrying situation.

“There can be no doubt that traffic has increased dramatically on the A698 through the village, and unfortunately so have speeds.

“I am hoping now that the police and council officials will be able to assure us all that plans will now put in place to help try and curtail speeds and also alert motorists to the dangers that they face when driving through the village.

“Further consultation with both villagers and the council will take place soon.”

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Scotland is urging young people and parents to consider an apprenticeship as a way to work, learn, and earn on the way to gaining high-performing and highly qualified jobs.

The call comes as ICE Scotland encourages and supports Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 6-10) with a series of events and activities promoting civil engineering and the apprenticeship route to qualification.

Sara Thiam, ICE Scotland director, said: “An engineering apprenticeship offers the opportunity to work in an exciting industry, gain a recognised qualification and develop professional skills, all while earning a salary.

“In addition, a company taking on an apprentice grows their business and develops their skills base by investing in talent while helping strengthen the economy of Scotland by creating the much-needed civil engineers of the future.”

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2017 focuses on the benefits apprenticeships bring to young people, businesses, and the wider economy.

ICE is playing its part by featuring the personal stories of Scotland’s civil engineering apprentices, attending careers fairs across Scotland, and organising hands-on activities with school pupils, such as constructing a bridge at their school.

The week will help dispel some of the myths about apprenticeship including the perception that it is somehow a lesser route to full-time study at university. Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to work, learn and earn, all at the same time, and still achieve the goal of becoming whatever they want, without the burden of student debt.

ICE provides financial assistance for young people in college through their annual QUEST scholarship and the Into Civil Engineering Award.

Sara Thiam added: “Continued support for apprenticeships from government is welcome, but it is important apprenticeship schemes in engineering are of a good quality and provide access to professional qualifications, such as the industry standard Engineering Technician qualification.

“Schools in Scotland are increasingly playing their part by encouraging take-up of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) subjects and improving careers guidance.”

The family of a man who died within weeks of hanging up his Royal British Legion banner after 14 years last November has handed over more than £2,380 to Borders General Hospital’s stroke unit.

The donation was made in memory of Tom Jones, from Darnick, who died on December 8, following a stroke, just eight days before his 70th birthday.

The cheque was handed over to Dr Paul Syme on behalf of the unit by Tom’s wife Iris and their son Brian. The funds were raised through donations given by family and friends at a Service of Thanksgiving held at 12.30pm on December 19, at Melrose Parish Church.

Iris said: “I couldn’t believe just how many people turned out for his funeral. We really didn’t expect that many people to show never mind such a large amount of donations. It really is an incredible amount to be able to hand over.”

Tom, who was born in Fife, had spent all of his childhood in Melrose where he went to school. In 1965 he met his future wife Iris when working at the Waverley Castle Hotel in Melrose, the same year that he joined the Parachute Regiment of the Royal British Legion.

During his six years in the unit he saw action in Bahrain, Aden, Radfan, Singapore, Malaya and Northern Ireland.

While serving, he and Iris married in 1969, before Tom retired from the regiment in 1971.

The couple, whose only son Brian went on to become a police inspector, were known well across Melrose for their running of Hetties hairdressers on Melrose’s High Street.

Alongside running the business, Tom maintained a keen interest sports including golf which he played regularly around Melrose. His passion however, was horses and show-jumping of which he took part in numerous events. This, according to his wife, “was his life”.

Although Tom had retired from the business more than 14 years ago, he continued show a dedication to the community by carrying the banner for his local British Legion branch on Remembrance Sunday for 14 years.

When he gave up his standard bearers role in Darnick last year, on Sunday, November 13, he said he was “very proud and honoured” to be given the role, which he said he kept on doing “because they couldn’t find anyone else!”

On his final day as Standard Bearer, Tom’s dedication shone as he continued to carry out duties at remembrance services in Newstead, Gattonside and Melrose.

Iris said: “The staff at Borders General Hospital were absolutely brilliant and they kept Tom so very comfortable. The care he received was really excellent and we want to thank them and allow them to pass that care onto others.”

She added: “You just have to keep on going and I am doing that by keeping busy through continuing to work.”

Tom will also be remembered by his 12-year-old granddaughter Lucy.

Karen Wilson, Fundraising Manager at The Difference, official charity of the Borders General Hospital, said: “We are so very grateful to the Jones family for their kind donation. Donations help fund enhancements to NHS Borders services such as patient comforts, improvements to patient environments as well as specialist equipment. At the moment staff at the stroke unit are looking at making improvements to their garden so that patients can enjoy this outdoor space, this donation will go a long way to helping make that happen.”

Jedburgh’s doonies got the upper hand over its uppies this year, doing the double over their rivals as the town hosted its annual game of hand ba’.

Dozens of the town’s mensfolk young and old took to its streets to take part in the traditional event yesterday, cheered on by an equally large crowd of supporters.

Boarded-up shops and rough and tumble resulting in occasional bloodshed are usually a turn-off for tourists, but clearly not when it’s for Jedburgh’s traditional Fastern’s E’en hand ba’ games as plenty were in evidence alongside locals.

About 50 boys took part and around 40 men, all eager to secure bragging rights for the next year, and the event saw a double win for the doonies this year, leaving the uppies feeling down in the dumps.

They won by seven hails to five in the men’s game and 7-2 in the boys’ clash starting earlier in the day.

The long-standing event, traditionally held on the first Thursday after Shrove Tuesday, got under way at the Mercat Cross at noon with the throwing up of the first boys’ ba’, followed by the first men’s ba being thrown up at 2pm.

A total of 21 ba’s were hailed this year, all sponsored by businesses, couples celebrating milestone anniversaries or put up in memory of Jethart folk no longer there to enjoy the day.

Ba’ day veteran Billy Gillies, also the man behind the smooth running of the boys’ ba, said: “We’ve had a great turnout, and the boys ba’ is getting better every year.

“There’s people coming from all round. People have travelled from Workington in Cumbria here today and we’ve even got a boy all the way from Aberdeen. He’s originally from Orkney, and I met him on holiday, so he’s paying me that visit he always promised me.”

Taking time out from organising the ba’s, keeping the rucks out of the flowerbeds and playing part-time traffic marshall, he added: “It’s like everything else – the ba’ is only as good as the people that play in it.

“The way the boys have conducted themselves and the sporting attitude they have had there has not been a problem, with the cars or anything.

“And when there’s not a problem, it’s just a case of getting on with the game, and I’m looking forward to getting a break at 2pm and going to play with the men’s ba’.

“That’s me for the year, but it’s been a great pleasure once again.

“The Jethart folk should be proud of what they’ve got here.”

The game, played in the town for centuries, sees townsfolk split into two sides, uppies and doonies, to fight over a small leather, straw-stuffed ba’ said to resemble the head of an Englishman.

The uppies, those who first entered the town from the south or were born south of the mercat cross, must hail the ba’ at the top of Castlegate by throwing the ba’ over a fence at the castle, and the doonies, those who first entered the town from or were born to the north, must hail the ba’ over a gundy at the Skiprunning Burn, the town’s underground burn, at the foot of the Pleasance.

There are no boundaries, rules or time limits on the games, but most of the play takes place in the town centre, with the High Street and Castlegate being the main thoroughfares on the way to the hailing points.

In the past, some parents have gone to extreme lengths to ensure their children are of a certain side, diverting for miles to take their newborn home to Jedburgh either by the north or south.

The tactics and skulduggery don’t stop there either as previous games have even seen the ba’ smuggled in a variety of ways through the town, from being stuffed up jumpers to hidden inside children’s prams.

The boys’ ba is often faster in pace, with ba’s sometimes hailed in a matter of minutes, while the men’s ba’ can last well into the evening, relying more on ploys than pace, wrapping up at around 8pm yesterday.

Ancrum’s annual hand ba’ contest will be played tomorrow, March 4 with the boys’ ba’ starting at 11am and the men’s at 1pm, both from the village green.

Next week, Denholm’s yearly hand ba’ game will follow on the village green on Monday, March 6, from around 4pm.

The river defences Hawick needs to protect it from a repeat of the floods that engulfed it in December 2015 could be in place within five years.

The construction of a long-awaited flood protection scheme to protect the town from the River Teviot and Slitrig Water moved a step closer yesterday after councillors approved the final outline design of the project.

That decision was taken at a full meeting of Scottish Borders Council postponed from the week before, and it means the publication of the scheme, a crucial phase of the project, can now go ahead this April.

It came just three days after Selkirk’s £31.4m new flood defences were officially unveiled by Scottish Government environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham and on the same day that our sister paper the Selkirk Weekend Advertiser revealed they had already saved the town from flooding six times prior to that launch ceremony.

Publication in April will open the scheme up to potential objections, but the project team responsible for the defences has tried to minimise any risk of that by carrying out extensive proactive engagement with statutory consultees and the community over the last two years to identify and overcome key concerns.

Upon publication of the scheme, a formal 28-day objection period will begin, and after that, councillors will be asked to give final approval for the works, a decision expected to be made in September.

Approval will determine how the scheme unfolds and how much of the bill for it will be picked up by the Scottish Government.

The estimated overall cost of the scheme continues to be refined as its detailed design work continues, but it is expected to be about £36m.

The completion of the project is currently scheduled for March 2022.

It is expected that the Scottish Government will pick up four-fifths of the overall bill, with the council footing the remainder of the tab.

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar, the authority’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, said: “Significant progress has been made by the council on the Hawick flood protection scheme in recent months.

“The process has been aided by engagement with the public, community groups and businesses in order to overcome key issues, which, if raised as objections after publication of the scheme, could have led to delays.

“The support from members of the Hawick community has been invaluable, and the council is committed to delivering a flood protection scheme for townsfolk who have suffered from flooding in recent years.

“With the opening of the Selkirk flood protection scheme this week, we can see the tangible benefits of such a project, with 600 homes and businesses now protected from major flood events.

“We believe Hawick flood protection scheme can provide similar opportunities around business growth and employment, as well as providing protection to people’s homes from major flood events.”

No fewer than 500 properties had to be evacuated after Storm Desmond hit Hawick on December 5, 2015, causing large-scale destruction.

Though the town will remain vulnerable for years to come, the potential flooding already averted by Selkirk’s defences months prior to their completion will offer hope to Teries fearful of a rerun of the events of 15 months ago.

Britain is a nation of super snoozers desperate to enjoy another five minutes in bed rather than attacking the day, according to new research.

A study of 1,163 adults carried out by interiors retailer Furniture123.co.uk found 78 per cent snooze every day, on average 4 times-a total of 36 minutes-before they actually get up.

The survey quizzed the nation on their sleeping habits, and found that 51 per cent of respondents claim they sleep talk and 24 per cent said they sleep walk.

Of those surveyed who are married, one in three say they would prefer to sleep alone due to their spouse’s sleeping habits, and nine per cent say they currently sleep in separate rooms because of this.

Stealing the bed sheets topped the poll as the most irritating sleep habit experiences for married adults, while snoring came in second place; 45 per cent sleep with more than two pillows, while 41 per cent sleep with one leg out of the duvet.

Mark Kelly, Furniture123.co.uk’s marketing manager, said: “What I find interesting from the research, is the length of time Britons are snoozing for in the morning as oppose to just getting up - it would be so much more beneficial for them to just set their alarm later and get up immediately.

“It’s also interesting to see how the nation consider sleeping with their other halves. It’s clear that Brits value their sleep, and by sharing a bed with somebody who has bad habits such as snoring, wriggling around in bed and stealing the duvet, it’s impacting on the quality of their sleep which is annoying.”

Habitually lonely people are four times more likely to fall victims of scammers than those who do not feel isolated, according to new research.

The study, conducted by Nationwide, also reveals that a disproportionate number are willing to trust strangers to feel accepted, whether in person or online.

Loneliness and social isolation are highlighted as a common feeling that touches around four in five of the adult population during their lives but while feelings of loneliness are generally short-lived, lasting less than a week for around half of people, more than one in 10 endure bouts of loneliness for more than a year – equating to around 4.6 million people across the UK.

The national survey, which polled 2,000 respondents, suggests that seven per cent of the UK could suffer loneliness on a continuing basis with more than a third of this group falling victim to fraud. This compares to fewer than one in ten of those who do not consider themselves lonely.

Loneliness can lead to other problems, impacting health and well-being, and might also compel someone to develop relationships with people who could take advantage, potentially leading to exploitation by fraudsters and increasing chances of financial abuse.

Nationwide is signed up to the national industry-wide Take Five anti-fraud campaign3 to help educate people about scams. The building society has also established a Specialist Support Service to help customers in vulnerable circumstances manage their finances.

Nationwide’s campaign is being supported by Falklands War veteran Simon Weston, who has experienced social isolation.

He said: “As someone who understands the feeling of being lonely and struggling to fit in with society, it’s easy to see how vulnerable people can fall into financial scams as they are much more likely to seek acceptance or friendship. My journey is far from ordinary and has been difficult. But I have found ways to overcome loneliness by reaching out to my family and friends. It is also about seeking support when you need it, such as getting help with sorting out your finances at a time when life might be getting in the way. Recognising that I am not alone in what I am going through has made a big difference.”

Chad Rogerson, Nationwide’s Head of Customer Vulnerability and Diversity, added: “Loneliness is often invisible and isn’t uniquely felt by older people or those who are bereaved. As our research shows, those who do feel socially isolated are more willing to respond to someone they don’t know on social media or via email, actively be on dating sites and strike up conversations with strangers.

“While human contact is essential and should be encouraged, particularly where feelings of isolation are involved, we’d always urge people to be mindful of the risk of falling victim to a scam. Nationwide is focussed on protecting customers through offering supportive services but also in putting our weight behind industry-wide efforts such as the Take Five anti-fraud campaign. It is only by working together than we can make a real difference.”

Controversial plans for a 15-turbine wind farm near Hawick face being given the thumbs-down by Scottish Borders Council over fears it could blight an area of natural beauty.

County Durham-based Banks Renewables’ South Lanarkshire operation has submitted an application for the 132m-high turbines on land north, south, east and west of Birneyknowe Cottage, two and a half miles south east of Hawick and one mile west of Bonchester Bridge.

Members of the council’s planning and building standards committee will be recommended today, March 6, to tell the Scottish Government it opposes the application, however.

A report to councillors concludes that the application would lead to Hawick’s setting becoming “wind farm-dominated”, particularly on the approach from the north.

In it, lead planning officer Julie Hayward adds: “While the wind farm design has helpfully sought to mitigate direct impacts, the introduction of a wind farm in this highly historic landscape will significantly affect the ability to experience, appreciate and understand the setting of several designated monuments that add to the sense of deep time and place in the area.

“Most important and significantly impacted is the setting of the ancient citadel on the summit of Rubers Law, though there are other major significant impacts within 10km of the development.

“The wind farm, due to its extent and turbine height would be prominent in the landscape when viewed from the top of Bonchester Bridge looking west.

“There would be clear, open views, and the turbines would break the skyline and draw the eye away from Rubers Law, currently the most distinctive feature in the landscape when viewed from the summit looking north and west.

“While some limited mitigation is possible, this will not overcome the major significant impacts of the scheme on the historic environment.

“The council continues to support wind energy proposals in appropriate locations, but this proposal raises considerable policy issues in terms of its prominence within the landscape and from iconic viewpoints and scheduled monuments.”

The report also outlines objections to the scheme from five community councils, those representing Hawick, Upper Teviotdale and Borthwick Water, Denholm, Southdean and Hobkirk.

Philip Kerr, chairman of Southdean Community Council, is a long-term opponent of the proposed Birneyknowe wind farm, describing it as a “ghastly application that should have no hope of approval”, adding: “Under new guidelines issued by Scottish Borders Council, Birneyknowe is wildly unsuitable.

“If agreed, it would be open season for all applications.”

Mr Kerr plans to attend today’s planning meeting, and he has been heartened by the council report.

He said: “I have seen the thorough planning officer’s report, which raises many of the issues that we had as a community council notably on the unsuitable location.

“We now await the planning committee’s deliberation.”

Colin Anderson, development director for Banks Renewables, said the firm had been encouraged by its consultation with the local community.

He said the wind farm would “enhance the local economy, increase the prospects of a significant number of local people and business and support our country’s progress towards a low-carbon future with very low-cost clean energy”.

The planning and building standards committee meets at the council’s Newtown headquarters at 10am today.

An application for a £125,000 upgrade at St Leonard’s Park Racecourse on Hawick Town Moor has crossed the finishing line.

A joint application was submitted in January by Hawick’s common good fund and common riding committee to provide new accommodation on site to replace and supplement its existing facilities.

The plans include a new room for use by the common riding committee, plus new public toilets, a jockeys’ changing room, weighing room and stewards’ room.

Those facilities already exist but are considered to be past their sell-by date, besides being scattered around several buildings on the site.

It is anticipated that a number of the existing sub-standard structures will be removed on completion of the proposed project.

Now the proposals, described as “very exciting” by Hawick and Hermitage councillor George Turnbull, have been agreed following a recommendation from Julie Hayward, the council’s lead planning officer.

In her report, she says: “This is a long-established racecourse. The building would be used during the common riding weekend in June and for race meetings.

“The proposal would improve and consolidate the existing facilities.”

Due to the limited use of the facility, it is intended that the building will be of basic construction of an agricultural form, with concrete strip foundations, concrete floor and concrete block external walls and internal partitions.

The site to be redeveloped is located within the current paddock area of the racecourse and immediately south of the existing service road.

The new facility will principally be used during the annual common riding weekend in early June and for four or five race meetings to be held over the course of the summer.

Mr Turnbull, chairman of the common good fund, said: “Some of the old buildings there are past their sell-by-date.

“Fortunately, the Hawick Common Riding Committee is in a good financial position and is donating £125,000 to the common good fund to manage the construction of these new agricultural buildings, including new male and female toilets, which will reduce the cost of providing portable loos.

“The longer-term plans are to provide other events on the moor and to rent out the buildings.”