There was a highly impressive run last weekend by Lauderdale Limpers member Callum Stewart at the Stirling Marathon.

He finished Sunday’s race in 03:25:07, with 6500 runners taking part in the event, which started at Blair Drummond Safari Park and passed landmarks including Doune Castle before finishing beneath the ramparts of Stirling Castle.

The Limpers’ Latte ladies, Susan Sutherland and Anne Lillico, were joined by fellow Limpers Naomi Hutchinson, Sheila D’andrea, Sarah McWhirter and Graeme Sutherland at the weekend, along with Paul Lockie and Frank Bruce Birch from Teviotdale Harriers.

They helped plan and guide the group’s ninth coffee shop run, from Jedburgh’s Abbey Bridge Coffee House to The Cream Puff in Denholm, via Dunion and Ruberslaw Hill.

Despite the weather, it was a stunning route enjoyed by all. Full details of the route – and more – can be found on the blog www.beanthererunthat.com

Moorfoot Runners took part in the 2017 Gypsy Glen Hill Race last weekend, which had an outstanding entry of 73 runners.

It was won by Tom Martyn of Edinburgh-based Hunters Bog Trotters, who broke the course record, set only last year, going under the 31-minute barrier for the first time ever to clock 30:46.

First woman home was Peebles’ own Susan Ridley, Edinburgh Athletic Club, winning the women’s overall title for the fifth time in nine years, to add to her recent silver medal in the European Masters Mountain Running Championships at the end of April.

Lots of clubs were represented, with the largest contingents from Portobello, Moorfoot Runners, Pencuik Harriers and HBT. 

Out of the Moorfoots in action this year, Mike McGovern led the way and was first home, closely followed by Darin Dougal (third and fourth veteran respectively). Dave Gaffney had his first outing as a Moorfoot, with a solid performance, and recent Scottish Champs U20 bronze medallist Mairi Wallace placed as first female senior (third female overall) with the standout Moorfoot performance in her first race on the course.

Alan Elder, Pete Hall, Donald Mitchell and Alex Nisbet were all very close, with the order changing depending on the part of the course they were on (up v down v trail v road), with Alex placing as third F Senior, so it was a great result for the first time at the race. Mairi Davidson did very well on only her second hill race ever.

The Moorfoot contingent, their places, categories and times, were: 7 Mike McGovern (MV) 35.36, 8 Darin Dougal (MV) 35.53, 20 David Gaffney (M) 39.7, 32 Mairi Wallace (F) 41.29, 39 Alan Elder (MV) 42.56, 41 Peter Hall (MV) 43.18, 42 Donald Mitchell (MV) 43.31, 43 Alexandra Nisbet (F) 43.42, 72 Mairi Davidson (F) 54.13.

The race was a success and described by organiser Mike Pearson as: “Nice evening, good run, great atmosphere, everybody happy.”

Thanks were extended to Mike for his race organisation again, and Peebles Community Council for providing marshals and registration, and the other Moorfoots helping with the event – Alan MacDonald, Eddie Balfour, Lucy Colquhoun, Ruth McKean, Kenny Davidson, Colin Williams, as course setters, and start and finish line crew.

We all know that we should walk more – to the shops, work, the local park or maybe even further afield.

Every step we take adds up to better health, we’re told constantly by health professionals.

But one group for walkers claims there is a major obstacle to more people following that advice.

Many of the paths people could – and should – follow are not to be found on Ordnance Survey maps.

And that’s not good enough according to Ramblers Scotland, Britain’s biggest walking community.

Core paths are a network of around 20,000 km, designated as such by local authorities and national parks after consultation with communities, land managers and path users.

So they are important paths – but to the frustration of many walkers, cyclists, horse riders and even canoeists, they are often not found on maps.

Ramblers Scotland is campaigning to have all of Scotland’s core paths placed firmly on the map, in one distinguishing colour, by the Ordnance Survey (OS) and is asking people to show their support.

The charity insists that this isn’t about helping experienced hillwalkers venturing ever deeper into the great outdoors – this is a cause for everyone.

Danny Carden, Ramblers Scotland communications and engagement officer, said the core paths campaign is about every day walking.

“Very many core paths are an important link for communities,” he said. “There are lots of them that people don’t even realise they are using.”

The concept of core paths dates back to 2003, when the Land Reform Scotland Act was introduced.

It was a ground-breaking piece of legislation that established rights to access most land – and inland water.

Its introduction meant people in Scotland have a right to walk across the vast majority of land – even when there is no trail – as long as they do so responsibly.

However, as Danny explained: “Just because you can go anywhere doesn’t mean we don’t need paths.

“They help more people exercise their rights in an enjoyable and responsible way, especially in lowland areas around farmland.

“Paths give people more confidence to get outdoors and explore places they don’t know, so they can enjoy the health and social benefits that brings.”

And that’s why the campaign is asking everyone for their support.

“Some core paths give you better access than right to roam,” said Danny.

“They might take you very near farm buildings, for example, and they give people confidence to know they can go there.”

Another problem is that some of the core paths are not in good condition.

Local authorities have the power to maintain and promote core paths – although there’s no legal obligation to do so – and keep them free from obstructions.

“There is a disparity between council areas as to what standard core paths are maintained,” said Danny.

Ramblers Scotland holds up Shetland as an example of how well core paths can be looked after and promoted.

And, the charity argues, if core paths were mapped properly, more people would use them.

“Currently, most people aren’t aware of core paths, because they aren’t available in a single, easy-to-access format,” said Danny.

“If they were on OS maps, it would be much easier for people to let local authorities know where and when core paths need to be improved.

“It would also help tourists visiting Scotland know where to walk.”

The walking charity has been in dialogue with the Ordnance Survey.

“We have had positive discussions and are cautiously optimistic that changes will be made,” said Danny.

But the charity believes that more people becoming involved will make a real difference.

“We’re keen to show that there is a demand for change,” said Danny.

“Perhaps OS is worried about the cost but these core paths have already been mapped – it’s just a case of taking that data and using it.”

A spokesperson for the OS said: “For some time we have been working with a number of stakeholders involved in the project including local authorities, the Improvement Service, the Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage and the National Access Forum.

“Many of the paths which make up the large route network already feature on OS mapping but are not attributed as core paths.

“At OS we recognise that there could be benefits for including this information in our products and how valuable this detail is for helping people get outside.

“We are currently working with the project stakeholders on the core path data to see how it might be included in OS products.

“OS manages the geographic database for Great Britain. It is important that any information added to this database meets the highest standard of accuracy and quality.”

Several Borders College students, who are also attributed to the Galashiels-based SRU BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy, have recently been selected for Scotland ‘Unders’ rugby teams.

There was more good news for the college when Rugby Programme student Fraser Renwick was confirmed as a forward in the Scotland U20 squad for the forthcoming World Rugby U20 Championship in

Georgia.

The tournament runs from May 31 to June 18, with the Scots set to play their first fixture on Wednesday against the New Zealand U20s at Kutaisi.

This week, the SRU Academy also announced its selections for the coming year for both Stage 3 contracted players and Stage 2 players.

Both Fraser Renwick, from Hawick, and Gary Munro, of Jedburgh, a carpentry and joinery student at the college, have been promoted from Stage 2 and will now be Stage 3 contracted players.

Anyone interested in furthering a career in professional rugby can visit the Borders College website www.borderscollege.ac.uk to find out more about the Rugby Programme.

Eating plenty of cheese is healthier than you think and does not necessarily increase your risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, say scientists.

Researchers looked into the ‘French paradox’ where a high consumption of cheese is not linked to increased cardiovascular disease.

They discovered that some foods are healthier than you think because of different reactions between the chemicals in them - and any other product they are eaten with.

It means the benefits of a particular food can’t be calculated on the basis of its individual protein, fat and fibre.

Cheese for instance has a lesser effect on blood cholesterol than would be expected from its saturated fat.

The findings follow a controversial report last year suggesting avoiding butter, cream, cheese and other fatty foods is actually fuelling the obesity epidemic.

Now an international panel of medics - including epidemiologists and nutritionists - have added weight to the idea by saying it’s time to rethink food labelling.

They focused on dairy products - and the complex mixture of nutrients and bioactive substances, such as minerals and vitamins.

This can affect digestion - ultimately changing the overall nutritional and health properties of a particular food.

Yoghurt and cheese were more beneficial to bone health, body weight and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases than would be expected from their saturated fat and calcium content.

This is despite the former being notoriously high in salt.

Professor Arne Astrup, head of nutrition, exercise and sports at Copenhagen University, who chaired the workshop of scientists, said cheese is a good example of how a food’s effect on health can’t be judged by single nutrients.

She said: “In contrast to current recommendations that essentially ban full-fat cheese, current research clearly demonstrate important health benefits of cheese for prevention of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancers.

“All the positive effects are due to a complex interaction between beneficial bacteria, minerals and bio-active cheese ingredients.”

Another example is almonds which have been described as a ‘superfood’ - despite containing a lot of fat.

This is because they release less during digestion than would be expected.

The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition said food must be evaluated as a whole - rather than individual nutrients.

It said the composition of a food can alter the properties of the nutrients contained within it,

This cannot be predicted on the basis of an analysis of the individual nutrients because there are interactions that are significant for their overall effect on health.

Study leader Dr Tanja Kongerslev Thorning, of Copenhagen University, said we consume foods and meals - not nutrients.

She explained scientists have long wondered why the actual effects of a food are at variance with those expected on the basis of its nutrition content.

She said: “Researchers have become more skilful over the years, and we have acquired more methods for exploring what specific nutrients mean for digestion and health.

“But when we eat, we do not consume individual nutrients. We eat the whole food. Either alone or together with other foods in a meal. It therefore seems obvious that we should assess food products in context.”

Ultimately this means the composition of a food can alter the properties of the nutrients contained within it.

Dr Thorning said: “Another example is almonds, which contain a lot of fat, but which release less fat than expected during digestion, even when chewed really well.

“The effects on health of a food item are probably a combination of the relationship between its nutrients, and also of the methods used in its preparation or production.

“This means some foods may be better for us, or less healthy, than is currently believed.”

Professor Ian Givens, a nutritionist at Reading University who co-chaired the group, said the findings shed fresh light on the ‘French paradox’ of high cheese consumption failing to fuel a hike in cardiovascular disease.

He said the team pooled data from studies carried out mainly in Denmark which suggested hard cheese - in particular - had protective effects.

Prof Givens said: “Hard cheese is more than 30 percent fat but we think because of its combination of nutrients a higher proportion passes straight through the gut - meaning it’s not stored by the body.

“More studies are needed, but ultimately it seems some areas of nutrition science need to be rethought.

“We cannot focus on a nutrient without looking at how it is consumed - and what else is eaten at the same time.”

Borders Disabled Swimming Group could be left high and dry after 27 years if it can’t secure new volunteers to help it keep going.

Around 25 Borderers who have minor disabilities or are wheelchair-bound currently rely on the service to get to weekly swim sessions in Kelso and Jedburgh via free transport.

The Kelso-based group, known as the Dippers, was founded in 1990 by Pat Tait, and at one point it had a membership of 158 with its roll call of volunteers reaching into double figures.

However, now a lack of volunteering interest has left the club with just one helper at Jedburgh’s Laidlaw Memorial Pool and no driver for the Wednesday session in Kelso, where there are just two helpers.

Its most recent driver for Kelso, Michael Lothian, left at the end of February when he moved to the west coast.

Morag Sharp, the group’s vice-convener, told the Southern: “The group’s important because it offers friendship and support to encourage each other to do more and work towards what can really be achieved.

“We help people and their families to change up routines and give them a break too as caring for someone you love can be distressing.”

The group offers memberships to anyone over 18 across the Borders.

Its volunteers also provide basic support such as help with dressing, exercise guides and taking members for a nearby lunch after the swimming session.

Morag, 52, of Haughhead Avenue, Earlston, added: “I started in 1999, when we had a lot of local help, with volunteers into double figures.

“There doesn’t seem to be that much interest now for people to help the general public, and it’s not just us but in general. We are a bit desperate.”

Calum Kerr, the SNP’s candidate to retain his Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk seat in the House of Commons, said: “I was glad to have the chance to visit the group not long after I was elected as an MP in 2015 and I saw what a big difference they make to the lives of disabled people in our community.”

The group is now seeking a driver for to take members from their homes in Galashiels, Earlston and Coldstream on Wednesdays to Kelso Swimming Pool and a pool helper for Jedburgh on a Monday.

No driver is required for the Jedburgh session.

Anyone interested in helping out should call Morag on 01896 849235.

Around 30 Peebles youngsters are now a step closer to reaching their potential, thanks to a cash boost of more than £9,500 from BBC Children in Need.

Secondary school children in the Peebles area affected by poverty or deemed to be at risk of isolation will now be able to benefit from a seven-week long course organised by the Cavalry Park-based Peeblesshire Youth Trust.

The money will be used to deliver its eighth annual course encouraging youngsters to achieve their potential, to be run on Friday evenings from October.

The team of 30 volunteers will offer a range of activities including mountain biking and fishing, as well as a one-to-one mentorship programme lasting three years.

The trust works with secondary schools to decide who it can best benefit through its activities and mentorship opportunities to raise self-confidence.

Katie Buckingham, the project’s co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted to receive funding from BBC Children in Need as it will help us give local children a safe place to go and be inspired by each other and their mentors.”

It’s one of eight Borders charities to receive funding from the BBC Children in Need small grants programme.

The total invested in the Borders by the scheme is now stands at more than £468,000.

A Selkirk sheep farm is hosting a free evening event to showcase the progress of an exciting commercial sheep genetics project.

The RamCompare open evening at Carterhaugh Farm on Bowhill Estate on Monday, June 19, will highlight how an innovative breeding programme could help farmers improve the genetic performance of their flocks.

Bowhill Estate is one of six commercial farms involved in UK-wide RamCompare project. This two-year breeding project aims to improve genetics in commercial flocks and is part-funded by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

According to Sion Williams, farm manager at Bowhill Estate, the results of the project are set to give commercial farmers a clear indication of the difference a ram can make to the productivity and efficiency of their flocks.

Mr Williams said: “At a time when more and more producers are looking for ways to improve their profitability, this project will help close the gap between commercial and pedigree producers in terms of desirable traits in a stock ram. This can only be good for the industry.”

The on-going project is divided into two phases. Phase I runs over two breeding seasons and is analysing the performance data of the lambs from 70 tups from five different terminal sire breeds (Texel, Charollais, Suffolk, Hampshire and Meatlinc). Phase 2 will continue from this year’s mating season and will follow lamb performance for a further three years until 2020.

At the end of the project all the tested rams will be ranked, based on commercially important traits.

The second crop of lambs from the RamCompare rams were born at Bowhill Estate in March. The June 19 event will be opportunity for farmers with an interest in sheep genetics to learn more about the project and see the Bowhill sires and their progeny as they embark on their 12 week assessments.

The RamCompare event at Carterhaugh will begin at 4pm. Bridget Lloyd from AHDB and Steve West from Signet will give an overview of the RamCompare project at the meeting and Sion Williams will give an overview of how the project is progressing at Bowhill.

This informal event will end at 7pm with a Scotch Lamb PGI roast. For catering purposes, if you would like to attend please contact QMS by email info@qmscotland.co.uk or phone 0131 472 4040 by Monday, June 12.

The RamCompare project is about to move towards Phase 2 and is currently looking to recruit additional flocks as well as nominations for natural service rams and AI sires for the project.

For further information about the project and how you can get involved, please contact bridget.lloyd@ahdb.org.uk. More details can be found at signetfbc.co.uk/ramcompare

Livestock representatives from the UK Farming Unions and the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) have met in Belfast to discuss Brexit and the trade implications for the livestock sector.

The organisations agreed it is essential that free trade is maintained between the United Kingdom and the European Union post-Brexit. This must include securing a soft border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (ROI).

Speaking after the Belfast meeting, NFU Scotland’s livestock committee chairman Charlie Adam said: “The UK’s decision to leave the European Union has brought into focus many issues for the cattle and sheep sector in the UK and ROI. Our countries have strong trade links for both livestock and red meat products and it will be essential we have a free trade agreement in order to secure a healthy future for these vulnerable sectors.”

Existing trade links between the UK and ROI are well established and play a vital role in each economy. Mr Adam said politicians must take this into consideration during Brexit negotiations.

“Nearly 40 per cent of the UK’s beef exports go to ROI while 50 per cent of Irish beef exports are marketed in the UK. In terms of sheep, the fact that over 40 per cent of Northern Ireland’s lambs are processed in the Republic of Ireland and 90 per cent of the UK’s lamb exports are destined for the European market show that there is a lot hanging on achieving a progressive free trade arrangement.”

The Unions agree that to achieve favourable trading conditions between the UK and EU post-Brexit, there must be equivalent standards for agricultural practices and processing.

“The existing standards that are in place will give us a solid foundation to work from and help ease the negotiating process. The UK and Irish farming unions are committed to finding practical solutions that allow for the harmonious trade of livestock and red meat products between the UK and the EU to continue post-Brexit,” said Mr Adam.

Six ex-standard bearers have raised more than £2,500 for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance by abseiling off Edinburgh’s Forth Road Bridge.

Douglas Gunn, Rory Monks, Scott Tomlinson, Gary Guthrie, Stuart Coltherd and Gavin Henderson smashed their £2,000 target on Sunday at the event organised by Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.

Douglas, of Clovenfords, told The Wee Paper: “It was 165ft, so we were all fine until we climbed the barrier which was a bit scary to go over.

“However, everyone took it in their stride.

“Over the last few weeks the amount folk have given has been tremendous, so we are all really chuffed.”

Fiona Dennis, community fundraiser with Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, said: “Without support such as this from the public, SCAA simply wouldn’t be there for everyone in Scotland and the funds the Selkirk riders have raised will help to keep us flying into the future and continuing our life-saving work.”

The group is now in talks with the charity regarding future fundraising events.

Scottish Borders Council will consider proposals for flats in Hawick.

Ronnie Murray, of Hawick-based letting agent D and R Murray, is planning to build six two-bedroom flats at vacant offices at the town’s Annfield Business Centre.

Andrew Cleghorn, of Cleek Poultry, hopes to build a shed for rearing chickens at Kirkburn, Cardrona.

Last year, the company was denied permission to build machinery storage at the site.

Paxton House marks the 25th anniversary of opening to the general public on June 4, this year, having welcomed over 250,000 visitors to the house and grounds since becoming a trust.

Extensive restoration to return Paxton House to its 18th century state has allowed one of the largest collections of William Trotter and Thomas Chippendale furniture in the UK to be displayed for future generations to enjoy. Highlights of the house tour include the largest purpose built Picture Gallery in Scotland, which is home to an award winning music festival every July, Music at Paxton.

There have been some key milestones along the way, helping Paxton House to become a very popular visitor attraction in the Scottish Borders and north Northumberland.

This includes unique partnerships created throughout the 25 years which have strengthened Paxton House’s offering to those who visit it.

The National Galleries of Scotland has been a main partner for the 25 years, resulting in some of the finest paintings in the country being displayed in Paxton House’s grand picture gallery.

The Royal Horticultural Society has promoted the stunning grounds and gardens filled with beautiful herbaceous borders, wild woodland and riverside walks for many ages and abilities to enjoy.

Connecting with the Tweed Commission has allowed Paxton House to remain one of the last netting stations on the River Tweed, catching and tagging wild salmon to aid research and conservation.

In more recent years, Paxton House has continued to grow and expand its attractions, including boat trips down the River Tweed, glamping units in the woodland and a new marquee for the ultimate wedding venue. The tearoom and shop now have a fantastic range of goods that the locals enjoy on a regular basis and the playpark has recently been updated to include more equipment.

Every season, local artists display fantastic exhibitions in the Hayloft and Regency Gallery. Without doubt there is something for every age and interest at Paxton House.

Chairman of the Paxton House Trust, Ian Marrian, said: “The trustees are proud of the work that has occurred in the last 25 years at Paxton House, and they continue to have more plans for development and growth over the next quarter of a century.

“They would like to thank all of the employees and volunteers who have helped thus far, and appreciate the endless support of the general public who continue to enjoy visiting the house.”

Paxton House will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of opening to the general public with an afternoon tea in their new marquee on June 4, at 3pm. Go along and enjoy some delicious sweet and savoury treats, a chilled glass of prosecco and the stunning view over the Union Chain Bridge. Tickets are £16.50 per adult and £7 per child and can be purchased from www.paxtonhouse.co.uk.

A former sweet factory site is to become home to a new zero-waste facility being built in conjunction with the new £10m Borders Distillery in Hawick.

Scottish Borders Council chief planner Julie Hayward has granted permission for the £3m plant to be constructed in Commercial Road.

It will incorporate an anaerobic digester, incoming feeds and balance tank, a main equipment building housing a laboratory and an office and boiler room.

All those facilities are needed to ensure the development of the adjacent distillery, granted planning approval last year.

The bio plant site is situated on the western side of Commercial Road, with the distillery, currently under construction, being on the north.

In her report, Ms Hayward says: “The site was formerly occupied by the sweetie factory, but all the buildings on that site have been demolished as part of the distillery development.

“The proposal is to install a bio plant to provide a zero-waste facility in association with the adjacent facility.

“This would comprise an anaerobic digester that would take the co-products generated by the distillery to convert them into biogas that will be converted into energy to be used for heat and power within the distillery.”

The report reveals that screens will be put up to prevent a negative visual impact on the surrounding area.

Ms Hayward adds: “The development is industrial in appearance with the majority of the structures constructed to steel with a grey finish.

“The main issue is the visual impact of the structures when viewed from Commercial Road and from the opposite side of Teviot and also on the setting of the adjacent listed building, which houses the distillery and visitors’ centre.

“A scheme has been designed to partially screen the development by erecting a brick wall along the frontage, with the brick chosen to match the stone of the distillery building, although the structures would be clearly visible above this.”

The Three Stills Company was given planning permission in July last year to convert the former Hawick Urban Electric Company building into a distillery, creating an estimated 20 jobs,

When the Borders Distillery opens later this year, it will become the first distillery in the region operating on a commercial scale for 180 years.

A council report said the distillery development was considered to be “sympathetic and sensitive” and would “respect and enhance the character and setting” of the buildings.

It found that flooding and archaeological issues had been addressed and that the overall benefits outweighed a lack of on-site parking.

The development received a warm welcome from the town’s elected representatives, with councillor Watson McAteer declaring it “just what the town needs”.

The buildings on the land in Commercial Road date back to the early part of the last century.

The finest of these is the complex built in 1900 to house Hawick Urban Electricity Company, consisting of a two-storey stone administration block with two industrial stone-built sheds to the rear and a courtyard between.

By 1938, the factory had seven boilers and a facility to store electricity generated by water power.

After 1945, the new national grid made local supply increasingly irrelevant, and the works were wound down and sold to the council in 1945.

They were subsequently passed on to Turnbull and Scott, which manufactured heat exchangers there until six years ago.

Three Stills is one of a number of firms establishing distilleries in the region ending an absence of such enterprises since 1837.

Mossburn Distillers has plans for a £40m distillery south of Jedburgh, and last year a competition by R&B Distillers saw the public pick Peebles as their preferred site for a distillery.

The new Argos store within Hawick’s Sainsbury’s supermarket opened this week, securing the jobs of almost a dozen staff formerly employed at the chain’s old outlet in the town.

The Argos staff had previously been based at the Homebase do-it-yourself store on Galalaw Business Park.

Their move closer to the town centre follows Homebase being taken over by Australian retailer Wesfarmers last year.

All the 11 Argos staff previously based at Homebase have now been transferred to the new digital store within Sainsbury’s Hawick store in Commercial Road.

On hand to perform the official opening honours on Wednesday was Hawick and Denholm councillor Stuart Marshall.

Mr Marshall, formerly the town’s honorary provost, said: “It is fantastic news for our town to see the transistion of Argos now complete, and I am sure that they will fit in very well within Sainsbury’s.

“This is also a very good news story for Hawick as it not only secures the exisiting 11 jobs but also adds to the 76 jobs already created by Sainsbury’s.

“More importantly, it will create a choice for not only townsfolk but also for the many visitors who choose Hawick as their destination.

“This news also can complement the huge retail and commercial investments that are already under way in the Commercial Road area of the town, and I wish both management, staff and customers the very best for the future.”

Argos had been at the Homebase site since August 2015.

Its new store will “bring extra choice and convenience to customers”, according to a spokesman for the catalogue firm.

He added: “It will offer thousands of popular products for immediate pick-up.

“20,000 products can also be ordered to collect in store within hours, and 20,000 extra products can be ordered for home delivery.”

David Mills, a spokesperson for Sainsbury’s, said: “We are really thrilled to welcome Argos and its team to the Hawick store.”

“The new shop is great news for customers who are looking for easier, more convenient ways to shop.

“We’re looking forward to offering them an increased range of products at great value, all under one roof.”

A 10-year-old Borders boy will complete a feat of endurance this Saturday, May 27, by spending his 365th consecutive night under canvas, and he might even mark that milestone by carrying on camping for an extra night.

Yarrow schoolboy Braden Collins has astounded friends and family by trading his cosy bedroom for a tent in the garden of his home near St Mary’s Loch for the last year.

It all began on May 27 last year as his mum Claire celebrated her 44th birthday.

“We had quite a full house, so Braden and his older brother Eden thought it would be a good idea to pitch up their tent and camp out for the night in the garden,” recalled Claire.

“Braden slept so well and enjoyed the experience so much he said he wanted to do it again the next night.

“After a week, he told us he was determined to spend a whole year camping out.

“He thought that if he could achieve that goal, he could help raise some funds for Diabetes UK. It’s a cause close to his heart because his dad Paul is diabetic.

“Last summer, we visited my family in Cambridge and Paul’s family in Worcester, and Braden camped out in their gardens.

“It was the same story at the new year when we spent a week visiting relatives on the south coast.”

Claire says Braden has developed his own routine, explaining: “Every bedtime, he goes out to his tent with his headtorch, his hot-water bottle, his toy dog Alan and his real pet, our young Border terrier Maisie, who sleeps out with him.

“In the morning, he comes in for his breakfast and gets ready for school.

“He takes it all in his stride and has never once said he didn’t want to camp out, even during the cold nights of winter.”

To mark Braden’s achievement – and Claire’s birthday – the family are holding a hog roast party at their home on Saturday night.

“We’re hoping friends will come along and camp out with Braden and Maisie,” said Claire.

“We will put out a donation bucket and anyone else wishing to donate can go to the Just Giving website and search for ‘Braden’s campaversary’.

“Paul and I are so proud of Braden.

“It shows great strength of character to endure something like this for so long without any complaints.

“In our eyes, he’s a little superstar.”

Braden told us: “I really like camping and would like to raise money for Diabetes UK because my dad has diabetes and I wish he didn’t.”

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Claire-Collins15

Scottish National Party councillors in the region claim they are being left out in the cold and have been as good as gagged after losing out to the Conservatives at this month’s local election.

It has now been confirmed that there will be no opposition representation on Scottish Borders Council’s executive committee despite a plea last week by new SNP councillor Heather Anderson for her party to be given more of a say.

One of nine SNP members returned on Thursday, May 4, Tweeddale West councillor Mrs Anderson led her party’s assault on plans by the incoming Conservative-independent ruling coalition to exclude opposition councillors from its 11-strong executive.

That, she said, was a departure from the policy of the last SNP-Lib Dem-independent administration as it had made three executive places available to what was then the Conservative opposition.

“The executive committee is where all the action is in terms of policy and decision-making, and for opposition voices to be silenced in this way is galling,” said Mrs Anderson.

“It does not augur well for this council that the first key decision it is being asked to make is to effectively diminish democracy.

“To the Conservatives, I say ‘what are you afraid of?’, given that, by including three members from the opposition, you will still have an inbuilt majority on the executive, and to the independents, I say ‘you should respect the core values of this council, which include openness and accountability’.”

Outgoing Tory group leader Michelle Ballantyne defended the new set-up as a better way to do business, though.

“For this council to be effective – and reflect those people who voted for change in the way we do things – there needs to be clarity between the administration and the opposition,” said Mrs Ballantyne.

“However, there will be places for opposition councillors on our committees, and I can assure you their voices will be heard.

“When good ideas come forward, they will be listened to and considered by this administration.”

On a division at last Thursday’s full council meeting, Mrs Anderson’s amendment to include opposition members on the executive was defeated by 19 votes to 10.

Later, SNP group leader Stuart Bell, a Tweeddale East councillor, assembled the party’s other members for a photocall wearing gags to reflect their dissent at being excluded from the executive.

“Unlike the Conservatives, SNP councillors were elected to follow up a clear manifesto which was presented in advance to the Borders electorate,” said Mr Bell.

“We have the ideas and initiatives for building a better Borders, but at the first meeting of the council, we have been gagged by the Tories and effectively prohibited from presenting our proposals.”

The Tories made five gains at this month’s election, taking their tally of seats from 10 to 15 of the 34 available in the council’s 11 wards, and independents claimed one extra seat, taking their haul to eight.

The SNP stayed steady with nine, and the Lib Dems’ share of seats fell four to two.

A Hawick wood sculptor wasn’t stumped when he was asked to leave a lasting legacy in his home town.

Mark Hume, a tree surgeon and self-taught chainsaw artist, has carved dozens of artistic creations from tree stumps, including depictions of bears, Border terriers, hawks and squirrels.

But the Hawick Museum-commissioned trio of works he has now completed in the town’s Wilton Lodge Park was one of his biggest challenges yet, says the 37-year-old.

The 7ft heron sculpture now on view at the park follows a trout carving in front of the museum and a trout-themed bench to be sited between the new playpark and forthcoming cafe.

Mark spent five days in the park turning the stump of a silver maple tree into his heron artwork, and the result is proving to be a big hit.

He said: “I worked from some photographs of herons as a guideline and gradually just worked it down with the use of four different-sized chainsaws, using the smaller saws for the detail of the feathers.

“I’ve been a tree surgeon 11 or 12 years, but I love doing the carvings. I’m happy doing a bit of both.

“The council put up some temporary fencing so I could get on with the work and for risk assessment so people wouldn’t get too close.

“People would stop for a few minutes to watch me work, and everyone was very positive. They seemed to think it was lovely.

“It was quite a challenge trying to get the beak pointed down just right, but I’m happy with the finished work, and I hope people in the town and visitors to the area will be too.

“There’s so much happening in the park with the new cafe and the play park, and it was great to be asked to create something that adds to what’s happening there, especially as it’s my home town.”

The heron should prove a visitor attraction for many decades to come, he believes.

Mark added: “There is no reason why it shouldn’t be there for decades, as long as the stump would have been there, especially if it is treated from time to time.”

To find out more about Mark and his work go to his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Mark-Hume-Tree-and-chainsaw-carving-sculpture-services-1419500108360805

Cafe culture could be heading to Hawick now the world’s second largest coffee chain has announced plans to move into the High Street’s former WH Smith store.

The stationer closed its doors in the town at the end of 2014, an exit seen at the time as a hammer blow for the already-struggling High Street.

A spokesman for the chain expressed both disappointment at the closure and the hope of a return “should a suitable alternative premises become available”, a move that has not yet transpired.

Hawick and Hermitage councillor Watson McAteer is delighted at the news of Costa’s potential arrival.

Mr McAteer, also honorary provost, said: “It’s just great news for the town. I know it is early days for this planning application, but it would increase footfall and attract other businesses into the town.

“It’s something myself and councillor Stuart Marshall have been pushing for from company owner Whitbread for some time. I’m not looking to claim all the credit, but we’re delighted with this development.

“Yes, it will create competition, but Costa is a bespoke company and the second biggest coffee chain in the world. It is brilliant that it’s planning to come to Hawick.”

If the planning bid submitted to Scottish Borders Council this week is successful, it will continue the company’s expansion through the region.

Costa, now running more than 2,000 outlets across the UK, opened in a former outfitter’s building at Veitch’s Corner in Peebles last year.

The news of the potential move into Hawick has received a generally positive reaction on social media.

Laura Scott, of Peebles, wrote: “News of Costa coming to Peebles was met with doom, gloom and disaster for local businesses.

“One small restaurant did close, but now we have Fat Face in Peebles, attracted by the success of Costa, so two empty shops have been filled.

“The one in Peebles is busy. I hope it works out in Hawick.”

But an opposing view was expressed by Paul Brough, who said: “It won’t bring people in. It’ll just displace trade from other places. The High Street needs a diversity of businesses not more eating and drinking.”

Costa, billed as the “nation’s favourite coffee shop”, was founded in London in 1971 by the Costa family as a wholesale operation supplying caterers and specialist Italian coffee shops.

Acquired by Whitbread in 1995, it has since grown to run more than 3,400 cafes in 31 countries. Besides its cafe in Peebles High Street, it has a franchise within the Next clothes store in Galashiels and operates Costa Express outlets at the Co-op in Lauder and Jedburgh’s Shell garage.

A new Costa in Hawick would also help fill the gap left by the closure of two of the town’s cafes within weeks of each other earlier this year, Turnbull’s, in Oliver Place, and the New Howegate Cafe, in Howegate.

An orphaned baby weasel is being nursed back to health after being found at Newcastleton earlier this month.

The tiny creature, thought to be less than a month old, is now being looked after by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at its national wildlife rescue centre at Fishcross in Clackmannanshire.

Given the name of Susie by staff there, she is being given milk to drink and will soon be weaned onto solid food.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “Susie is only 16 grams at the moment and is being given milk every two hours.

“She has been showing an interest in chewing recently, so we’re hoping to try her with solid food soon as weasels start to wean before their eyes are open.

“We have successfully reared other members of the mustelid family before, including badgers, otters, pine martens, stoats and weasels.

“Don’t let how cute Susie is fool you – weasels are Britain’s smallest carnivore. Once fully grown, they are fierce hunters and, due to their size, they are able to pursue mice and voles in their burrows.

“We expect that Susie will weigh approximately 60 grams as an adult, whereas males can weigh up to 170 grams.”

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal can call the SSPCA on 03000 999999.

A spokesman for the charity said: “Every year, the Scottish SPCA rescues thousands of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

“In 2016, we cared for over 9,300 wild animals – a new record.

“We help every kind of wild animal in Scotland and are the only national animal welfare charity which rescues birds.”