A 26-year-old man who head-butted a policeman was this week jailed for more than eight months.

Harrison Long also threatened to kill officers and struggled violently with them at Hawick police station on April 18.

Selkirk Sheriff Court heard that Long had returned to Galashiels from the Doncaster area with the intention of handing himself in as there were a number of warrants out for his arrest.

But he was involved in an incident in Galashiels which resulted in police being called out at 5am. As Long was being detained, he head-butted one officer, causing him to be concussed and is still off on sick leave as a result of the assault.

He was taken to Hawick police station and during the journey he was extremely abusive to officers, saying he was going to get them on their day off, snap their necks and kill them.

Long continued to be abusive on arrival at the police station and had to be put in leg restraints and handcuffed as he struggled violently with officers.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: “They may have been empty threats, but is still not acceptable behaviour. He was heavily under the influence of alcohol.”

Long pleaded guilty to three offences.

Defence lawyer Fiona Hamilton said the flashpoint was when her client was handcuffed, but added that Long appreciated his conduct was not acceptable.

She added he had very little recollection of the incident.

Long was jailed for a total of 250 days, backdated to April 20.

GALA LAPTOP THIEF LOCKED UP

A Galashiels man has been jailed for more than six months after being found guilty of stealing a laptop computer and possessing a knife.

Kevin Wilkinson, 41, had denied the offences dating back to last June at a Selkirk Sheriff Court jury trial.

But a charge of assaulting a 66-year-old man in his home in Church Street, Galashiels, by repeatedly striking him on the head with a sex toy was found not proven.

The trial heard that when police visited flats in Gala Park to speak to Wilkinson about the alleged assault, they searched him in the common stairwell and found a knife in his pocket.

Wilkinson, of Balmoral Avenue, claimed he had taken the laptop from the house in Church Street because he wanted to check it for evidence of paedophilia.

Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed a jail sentence totalling 198 days which will run consecutively after Wilkinson’s current 190-day prison term expires.

SPRAYED FLUID AT HOSPITAL STAFF

A Peebles man who used threatening or abusive behaviour at a hospital has been ordered to be of good behaviour for the next three months.

Keith Daly, 44, of Kingsway, admitted acting in an aggressive manner at the town’s Haylodge Hospital by throwing a cup containing liquid over a tablet, spraying cleaning fluid at members of staff, kicking a public telephone and throwing leaflets around.

Selkirk Sheriff Court heard how he turned up at the hospital demanding treatment and was advised to go to Borders General Hospital. He was making inappropriate comments and said he had been hit on the head with a cup.

Prosecutor Graham Fraser said there was concern he might be suffering from concussion and also mental health issues, so one of the nurses agreed to look at the injury. Daly continued to be disuptive and threw a cup in the direction of a WRVS staff member, but it did not her.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said: “He accepts full responsibility for his actions. He has a long history of substance mis-use.”

Sentence was deferred until September 11.

DRUG-DEALING ALLEGATIONS

A male has appeared in private at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on drug-dealing charges.

Domenyk Taylor, 20, from Earlston, faces two counts of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug. He also faces a third charge of the fraudulent evasion of duty under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

Taylor made no plea and the case was continued for further examination. He was bailed.

HOUSEBREAKER SENT TO PRISON

A Selkirk man has been jailed for more than 10 months at the town’s sheriff court.

Paul Turnbull, 38, pleaded guilty to breaking into a house in Woodstock Avenue, Galashiels, on January 20 and stealing a hi-fi system. He had previously denied the charge, but changed his plea shortly before a jury trial was due to get underway.

Turnbull was sentenced to 160 days by Sheriff Peter Paterson. He received another 150 days for reset in December 2015 and stealing electricity by by-passing the meter in his Bannerfield Drive home.

INDECENT IMAGES

A Hawick man who admitted having indecent images of children has been ordered to carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Sean Ward, 20, of Ramsay Road, was given a two-year community payback order with supervision and was placed on the sex offenders register for a similar period.

The offence happened at Dovemount Place, Hawick, in May last year. The court was told that Ward downloaded four indecent images.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond said that due to the small number of images and that Ward was a first offender, he was able to deal with the matter by a community payback order.

Ward was also told he was not able to access internet devices without the permission of his supervising officer.

COCAINE OFFENDER

A chef who was in possession of cocaine in a Kelso pub and nightclub has been fined £315 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Kenneth Taggart, 28, pleaded guilty to having £10 worth of the class A drug at the Queens Head and Vibe nightclub on December 10. A not-guilty plea to assaulting a female employee in Vibe was accepted by the Crown.

Taggart – formerly of the Roxburghe Hotel, near Kelso, and now working at One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow – was allowed to pay the fine at the rate of £5 per week.

DRINK-DRIVER’S SENTENCE DATE

A motorist who was almost five times the legal drink-drive limit will be sentenced next month at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Terence Nichol, 55, of Armadale, near Thurso, was found guilty of the offence which happened in High Street, Town Yetholm, on April 2.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre deferred sentence until July 24 for the production of background reports.

Nichol has been disqualified from driving in the interim period.

APPEARED IN PRIVATE

A Kelso man appeared in private at Jedburgh Sheriff Court facing a charge of assault to injury.

Kieran Hughes, 30, made no plea during the brief hearing.

He was committed for further examination and bailed. The date of his next court appearance has still to be confirmed.

£250 WINDOW DAMAGE BILL

A Walkerburn woman who smashed an antique dealer’s shop window has been ordered to pay for the damage at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Ashleigh Winters, 23, pleaded guilty to wilfully and recklessly breaking the window of The Glory Hole in High Street, Innerleithen, on February 5.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the incident happened at 10pm when the accused was spotted kicking out at the window, resulting in the 8ft x 6ft sheet of glass breaking.

He explained the window was not covered by insurance as the excess was more than the damage.

The fiscal added that Winters was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

Fiona Hamilton, defending, said her client did not have a clear recollection of what happened.

Sheriff Peter Paterson ordered Winters to pay £250 in compensation to the shop.

NOT-GUILTY PLEA IS ACCEPTED

Gillian Kennedy, 31, of Croft Street, Galashiels, had her not-guilty plea accepted at Selkirk Sheriff Court to a charge of stealing a leg of lamb from Farmfoods in Bridge Street, Galashiels, on March 10.

SEXUAL ACTIVITY IS DENIED

A Peebles man has been accused of engaging in sexual activity with three teenage girls.

Peregrine Burgess is charged with requesting to the girls – one aged 15 and two aged 14 – that they urinate in cups provided by him in his presence, touching them, lifting their clothing and placing his hand on their bodies over and under their clothing. He is also accused of watching a 16-year-old girl urinate and also watching a 13-year-old girl change her clothing.

The offences are alleged to have happened on May 18 or 19 at an isolated location near Stobo.

The 52-year-old, of Old Town, pleaded not guilty to both charges and a trial date was set for August 29, with an intermediate hearing on July 31.

He was bailed with the special conditions of not having unsupervised contact with any person under 16 years old, not to communicate with five named females and not to approach or enter the curtilage of Peebles High School.

HOSPITAL HOOLIGAN

Background reports have been ordered into a Kelso woman who caused a disturbance at Borders General Hospital.

Jane Bolton, 40, of Jamieson Court, pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner on May 3 by shouting and swearing at staff and throwing a cup of water over them, as well as threatening a police officer with violence. She also admitted assaulting a female police officer by kicking her repeatedly on the legs and body.

Sentence was deferred at Selkirk Sheriff Court until July 17.

TRIAL DATE FOR MOTORIST

A Galashiels man will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court on three motoring offences.

Alan Bell, 32, of Glendinning Terrace, is charged with careless driving by colliding with a stationary vehicle in Meigle Street, Galashiels, on March 26.

He is also accused of driving a car while disqualified and with no insurance.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and the trial was set for July 3.

ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS

Two men have denied assaulting two others in the Tesco car park in Galashiels on December 17.

Paul Edwards, 28, of Tweed Road, Galashiels, and Alistair Munro, 27, of Falcon Drive, Glasgow, pleaded not guilty to punching and kicking their alleged victims on the head and body to their injury.

A trial has been set for Selkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday, July 20.

Ahead of his annual attendance at the Fringe, Fred Macaulay is on the road again and brings his stand-up show to the Borders.

Catch his hilarious new show at the Tait Hall, Kelso, on July 1 or at the Corn Exchange, Melrose, on July 23.

With so much happening politically at home and abroad, there’s no shortage of material for comedians.

Are you worried about the future after Brexit? How do you plan to celebrate the triggering of Article 50. And speaking of ‘triggering’ could Trump really kick off the war that’ll not only end all wars, but the whole planet!

Fred says: “Every comedian worth his salt has Trump material. I’m probably the only comic who has suffered personally as a result of his election. Turnberry is one of my favourite courses, but as a small personal protest against Trump’s blatant racism and misogyny I’ve decreed that I’ll never play the course again whilst it’s under his stewardship!” It’s this kind of gesture that will hopefully make Trump think again.....!!!

As for Brexit, will it lead to the triggering of Indyref2? The gloves might soon be off with Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon. The gloves might, but the shoes won’t.

And who apart from Theresa May saw an unplanned General Election coming….by the time Fred gets this tour started the result will have been declared and the new prime minister might have called another election.

Fred might not have the answers to political questions (or else he would have been on Question Time) but one thing is for sure, after nearly 30 years on stage, he’ll have a right good laugh about it all. And so will you.

Fred’s brand of humour mixes cheek, sarcasm and satire and has entertained people for three decades. If you’ve seen him before, you know it’s good comedy and if you haven’t come along and see what you’ve been missing!

Show starts at 8pm. Tickets (£14) from www.borderevents.com.

Two open athletic meetings are set to be staged this weekend.

The first to take place is the City of Edinburgh Running Festival, at Meggetland, the home of Boroughmuir Rugby Club, on Friday evening (June 23).

On Sunday, the games circuit switches to the Borders for the Peebles Beltane Sports.

In its fifth year, the City of Edinburgh Running Festival has the 110 metres handicap as its top event.

A prize of £3000 awaits the victor of the sprint, which is the biggest purse of the summer games circuit.

There is also big money up for grabs in the 800 metres handicap, which is worth £1000.

The games in the capital begin at 6.30pm.

Meanwhile, Whitestone Park is the venue for Peebles Beltane Sports.

A full Peebles card of senior and youth events has a 1.30pm start.

Runner Emily Dagg has been knocking on the door of victory on the open athletic scene since January.

Third in the New Year 110 metres handicap at Musselburgh racecourse, a beaten finalist in the Earlston 90 metres sprint handicap and placed second in the Hawick Games 110 metres handicap, the teenager has come agonisingly close to entering the winning frame.

At Selkirk Games on Saturday, however, she burst the door off its hinges through some top-notch running which saw her win not just once, but twice.

Coached by Bruce Scott and representing TLJT, Emily, from the outskirts of Ancrum, began her glory day on a sun-kissed Philphaugh track by triumphing in the opening event of a full Selkirk card.

Going from a mark of 19 metres, she soared to victory in the ladies’ 110 metres handicap in 11.45 seconds. Philippa Robertson of Hawick (20.5m) and Samantha Turnbull of Peebles (22m) gained the other places.

More was to come from college student Emily, though, as she emerged victorious in the 110 metres handicap.

Following impressive heat and cross tie wins in 11.51 seconds and 11.45 seconds, she found herself in the final along with TLJT trio Cameron Caldwell (7m), Greg Turnbull (5.5m) and Tommy Finkle (16m) as well as Hawick’s Glyn Desport (6.5m) and Ronan McKean (9.5m).

In what turned out to be a thrilling last run, which conjured up a photo finish, Emily shone again with an excellent run to break the tape in a very fast time of 11.34 seconds.

Desport and McKean finished in second and third.

Emily said: “It’s great to have won a final at last, as I have been in four and not managed to win one until today. It was really close in the final and I wasn’t sure if I had won it or not. I felt more relaxed, and this helped my running. I have my coach Bruce Scott to thank for my win – he has helped me a lot.”

Kobe Stevens of Moorcroft AC (30m) produced a grand stand finish to gain the honours in the 800m handicap.

Winner of the same event a year ago, back marker Stevens (30m) had a lot to do on the last lap as he was well behind front runner Paul Bellingham, of Cramlington (155m).

Nineteen-year-old Stevens, however, got on with the job in hand and in the home straight closed the gap with a great run to snatch a dramatic victory on the tape in 1min 55.65sec.

Bellingham emerged the closest of seconds, while Innerleithen’s Dean Whiteford (60m) was third.

Moorfoot AC also produced the victor in the youths’ 800 metres handicap in Craig Angus (55m), who produced the goods to the full to win in 2:02.43.

Retained fireman Colin Welsh of Kelso burned up the track in the 1600 metres handicap. From the Adie Gray stable, back marker Welsh (55m) whittled his way through the field from the gun to emerge a convincing winner in 4:33.56.

Hawick twosome Jamie Waugh (225m) and Scott Watson (132.5m) grabbed the other place spots.

Caris Brus (85m) made it a double delight for lady senior members of TLJT with a sizzling run in the red hot conditions to take the 400 metres handicap in fine style, in a winning time of 49.59sec.

Following a heat win in 21.94sec, Calum McWilliam of East Kilbride (11m) went on to win the final of the 200 metres handicap from Samantha Turnbull of Peebles (40m) and David Lauder of Hawick (28m) in 21.70.

A member of John Motion’s Leithenburn school, in-form Luke Rathie (13m) showed up extremely well in taking the bragging rights in the junior 200 metres handicap.

Recently crowned Border youths’ 100 metres champion Douglas Young of Kelso (4m) also caught the eye in powering to victory in the youths’ 200 metres handicap.

Samantha Dagg of TLJT (18m) buzzed to a splendid win the junior 90 metres handicap while Chirnside’s Josh Abbott (6m), a young runner of great potential, came out on top in the youths’ 90 metres handicap.

Selkirk Common Riding annual Gymkhana and Show was judged an outstanding success when it took place on a sunny Saturday.

A wonderful day was had at Philiphaugh by around 65 competitors, said the organisers – adding the the show field was in perfect condition and the only complaint of the day was that the ice cream ran out!

It was “an honour and a privilege” to have the trainer of this year’s Grand National winner, One For Arthur – Lucinda Russell – and her partner, ex-Champion jockey Peter Scudamore, as guest judges of the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) section.

“Despite them having another event to attend, they took time out to sign autographs and chat with the children,” said the show’s Aileen Firth.

Aileen explained: “Selkirk Common Riding Gymkhana is headed up by ex-Standard Bearer Stuart Coltherd, supported by a small but hard-working committee. Every year, we endeavour to run a fun, friendly and competitive event and rely heavily on local equestrian enthusiasts to support it.

“We are up against other events and people working with limited budgets, so we try to keep entry fees as low as we can. However, we must be able to cover the costs of judges attending,” she added.

“We always try to have judges from outwith the area who do not personally know the competitors or their mounts – again, not always possible, but that is the target. There are trophies for most classes and we are building our stock each year.”

Thanks went to all the sponsors, judges, supporters, competitors and helpers.

Pictured (by Gordon Newlands) are Peter Scudamore and Lucinda Russell, right, plus Lucy Meikle on Fiesta.

A major children’s charity has seen a huge rise in emotional abuse being reported over the past seven years – soaring by 427 per cent.

And the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children says even those figures don’t reveal the full extent of the abuse that can make children feel worthless and unloved.

NSPCC Helpline staff say they are hearing accounts of parents telling their children they hate them or wished they were dead, threatening them with extreme violence and blaming them for issues such as unemployment or financial problems.

Many callers are fearful that the emotional abuse will become physical.

And experts say it can have a profound effect on a child’s development, leading to issues in later life, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance misuse and suicidal feelings.

The figures were released at the start of the charity’s annual conference as its annual report ‘How Safe Are Our Children’ found that since 2009/10 the number of contacts to the NSPCC Helpline from people concerned about children in Scotland being subjected to emotional abuse has risen from 83 to 438 in 2016/2017.

Of those, 335 were referred to police and/or children’s services.

Now, NSPCC Scotland wants the government to do more research to find out the true scale of abuse.

Joanna Barrett, acting head of service for NSPCC Scotland, said: “Hearing reports from our Helpline about parents or carers who are verbally assaulting, bullying, isolating or humiliating their children is devastating.

“The huge increase in people recognising and reporting emotional abuse indicates people are willing to take action, but the disturbing truth is that the UK has no idea how many other children are suffering from emotional abuse or in fact, any type of abuse.

“We urgently need the Scottish Government in conjunction with the UK Government to step in now, before another eight years go by, and commission a study that gives us the clearest possible picture of the extent of child abuse and neglect in the UK.”

Any adult worried about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Relatively speaking, the Bowls Scotland District Finals, held at Abbotsford Bowling Club in Galashiels on Sunday, were a rip-roaring success.

Husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, brothers, fathers and sons from the Borders will head to Ayr at the end of July to contest the National Finals on the Northfield greens, following a fast and furious days’ bowling.

Temperatures soared as 30 teams from east to west of the region turned out to contest 15 sizzling finals, with the Douglas family from Chirnside BC coming out tops in three of them.

It was mother and daughter Sheila (skip) and Lauren, who set the ball rolling with a convincing victory in the Ladies Fours, playing with Kay and Lauren Purves, also mother and daughter, against a Hawick Wilton rink skipped by Irene Bennett.

Patriarch of the clan, Gavin, then put Abbotsford’s Alan Howlieson to the sword in the Gents Senior Singles, before Lauren capped a tremendous day for the Douglases by beating Eyemouth’s Leigh Calder in the Ladies Junior Singles.

Having won a National title with the Chirnside Gents Triple in 2001, father Douglas was delighted that his wife and daughter will have a chance to experience the buzz of Northfield this time around. He said: “There is absolutely nothing like the atmosphere you get at the National Finals, and to have three members of the family going up this year in three separate events is tremendous.”

Hawick Bowling Club also provided some good family entertainment. Alison Clarkson skipped a Ladies Triple to victory against Gordon, ably supported by Suzanne Spalding and Pat Brady, while husband Les notched a double in both the Gents Seniors, alongside Willie Wells, Robin Bell and Bill

Anderson (skip), and Gents Fours, with Anderson (skip), Simon Spalding and Neil MacAskill.

Hawick BC president Colin Spalding, husband of Suzanne and father of Simon, said: “That was just brilliant. Three teams here and three teams won, with my wife and son involved in two. I’m really chuffed for both the club and the family – and I just can’t wait to get to Ayr.

“The club hasn’t been doing too well in the league this season but getting three teams to the National Finals is a huge thing and I’m really proud of the players who made that happen.”

Former National Singles winner Alistair White, skipping older brother Stuart, from Kelso BC ,is eyeing up another title at Ayr, having defeated Melrose BC duo Lee Haldane and Ian Crawford in the Gents Pairs.

Among the many other unrelated but notable performances on the day were that of Gordon Triple, Neil Kellett (skip) Dave Johnston and Arthur Cossar, who beat the Gala Waverley trio skipped by Dave Miller Jnr, while Lauder’s Carol Davidson is delighted to be making her first trip to Ayr this summer following victory in the Ladies Pairs, with seasoned skip Isabel MaCrae, against the Buccleuch BC duo skipped by Mary Martin.

Double victory came the way of Gala Waverley in the final session of the day when Gary Thorburn and Liam Nicholson won their Gents Singles and Gents Junior Singles finals respectively.

Alan Bennie, Bowls Scotland district secretary, thanked all the players and supporters for turning out to support the event, which was the pinnacle of the Borders calendar for many local clubs.

He said: “It’s tremendous to see this event being so well supported. The standard of bowls on offer was exceptional and I wish all the winners the best of luck when they go to Ayr next month.”

Mr Bennie also thanked Abbotsford Bowling Club for hosting the event and for keeping everybody refreshed throughout. Results:

Ladies Senior Fours: Spittal BC (Susan Lee, Isobel Dixon, Linda Renton and Margaret Douglas) beat Berwick BC (Norma Renton, Cath Cochrane, Mary McCann and Dilys Todrick) 19-7.

Ladies Fours: Chirnside BC (Lauren Douglas, Laura Purves, Kay Purves and Sheila Douglas) beat Wilton BC (June Robertson, Lynn Nichol, Betty Gibson and Irene Bennett) 18-10.

Gents Senior Fours: Hawick BC (Willie Wells, Robin Bell, Les Clarkson and Bill Anderson) beat Kelso BC (Dave Soutar, Jack Utterson, Ronnie Paxton and Dennis Poloczek) 12-10.

Mixed Pairs: Eyemouth BC (Liz Dickson and Campbell McNeil) beat Gala Waverley BC (Abi Thorburn and Gary Thorburn) 17-11.

Gents Triples: Gordon BC (Dave Johnston, Arthur Cossar and Neil Kellett) beat Gala Waverley BC (Liam Nicholson, Ralph Nicholson and Dave Miller Jnr) 16-6.

Ladies Senior Singles: Spittal BC (Sandra McLeish) beat Chirnside BC (Jane Carruthers) 21-12.

Gents Senior Singles: Chirnside BC (Gavin Douglas) beat Abbotsford BC (Alan Howlieson) 21-11.

Ladies Pairs: Lauder BC (Carol Davidson and Isabel MaCrae) beat Buccleuch BC (Frances Spalding and Mary Martin) 17-13.

Ladies Triples: Hawick BC (Suzanne Spalding, Pat Brady and Alison Clarkson) beat Gordon BC (Rena Donaldson, Heather Donaldson and Denise Kellett) 15-11.

Gents Pairs: Kelso BC (Stuart White and Alistair White) beat Melrose BC (Lee Haldane and Ian Crawford) 19-12.

Ladies Junior Singles: Chirnside BC (Lauren Douglas) beat Eyemouth BC (Leigh Calder) 21-16.

Gents Fours: Hawick BC (Simon Spalding, Neil McCaskill, Les Clarkson and Bill Anderson) beat Gordon BC (Mark Redpath, Dave Hunter, Billy Donaldson and Alan Redpath) 21-18.

Gents Singles: Gala Waveley BC (Gary Thorburn) beat Chirnside BC (Jamie Mitchell) 21.18.

Ladies Singles: Berwick BC (Margaret Robertson) beat Newtown St Boswells BC (Marie Todd) 21-18.

Gents Junior Singles: Gala Waverley BC (Liam Nicholson beat Chirnside BC (Joe Condy) 21-10.

VIRGIN Media is advising more than 800,000 customers with a specific router to change their password immediately after an investigation found hackers could gain access to it.

Virgin Media said the risk to customers with a Super Hub 2 router was “small”, but advised them to change both their network and router passwords if they were still set as the default shown on the attached sticker.

The advice followed a Which? snapshot investigation which found that hackers could access to home networks and connected appliances in as little as four days.

Ethical security researchers SureCloud gained access to the Super Hub 2, although Virgin Media said the issue existed with other routers of the same age, not just their model.

A Virgin Media spokesman said: “The security of our network and of our customers is of paramount importance to us.

“We continually upgrade our systems and equipment to ensure that we meet all current industry standards.

“To the extent that technology allows this to be done, we regularly support our customers through advice and updates and offer them the chance to upgrade to a Hub 3.0 which contains additional security provisions.”

The Which? study tested whether popular smart gadgets and appliances, including wireless cameras, a smart padlock and a children’s Bluetooth toy, could stand up to a possible hack.

Some of the devices proved harder than others to infiltrate, such as the Amazon Echo, but eight out of 15 appliances were found to have at least one security flaw.

The test found that the Fredi Megapix home CCTV camera system operated over the internet using a default administrator account without a password, and Which? found thousands of similar cameras available for anyone to watch the live feed over the internet.

The watchdog said that “worse still” a hacker could even pan and tilt the cameras to monitor activity in the house.

SureCloud hacked the CloudPets stuffed toy, which allows family and friends to send messages to a child via Bluetooth and made it play its own voice messages.

Which? said it contacted the manufacturers of eight affected products to alert them to flaws as part of the investigation, with the majority updating their software and security.

It did not receive a response from the manufacturers of either Fredi Megapix or CloudPets.

The consumer group said the industry needed to take the security of internet-enabled and smart products seriously by addressing the basics such as ensuring devices required a unique password before use, using two-factor authentication, and issuing regular security updates for software.

Alex Neill, Which? managing director of home products and services, said: “There is no denying the huge benefits that smart-home gadgets and devices bring to our daily lives.

“However, as our investigation clearly shows, consumers should be aware that some of these appliances are vulnerable and offer little or no security.

“There are a number of steps people can take to better protect their home, but hackers are growing increasingly more sophisticated.

“Manufacturers need to ensure that any smart product sold is secure by design.”

Last Sunday proved a most enjoyable day out for the ladies of Hawick Golf Club.

They won the Handicap Cup at the Border Ladies Team Tournament, held at Torwoodlee Golf Club in Galashiels.

The victorious line-up featured, from left, Laura Spalding, Susan Coltman, Anne Teague and Mags Morrison.

After a seven-week break, the British Sidecar Championship returned for round three at the 1.2-mile Knockhill circuit in Fife.

And Lauder’s Kershaw Racing team, with driver Stephen Kershaw and Penicuik-based passenger Stuart Clark, was looking forward to racing on Scottish ‘home’ soil.

Having started the season in spectacular style with three superb third-place finishes, with only the reigning champions Stevens and Charlwood and multiple World and British Champions the Reeves brothers in front of them, the duo was looking forward to another successful weekend.

With warm-up sessions, practice, qualifying and three 15-lap races,they knew they would have a busy weekend ahead of them.

Qualifying placed them in third place for race one – this was all the more impressive because of a punctured front tyre, which was found after qualifying.

Last Saturday’s first race was a two-part affair, with oil on the circuit causing it to be stopped after five laps.

From the restart, they went about their business, finishing in a superb second place behind Championship leader Tim Reeves.

With a reverse grid for the second race, they started in ninth place and, to add to this, the race was reduced to 10 laps.

This didn’t deter the pair, howeer, and they set about the field again, finishing behind Reeves who broke the lap record during the race.

Sunday’s televised race was in front of a huge crowd and the pair didn’t disappoint the home crowd, finishing in second place, again behind Reeves.

These results moved them into second place in the Championship behind Reeves.

Afterwards, Stephen said: “What a fantastic weekend. To ride like we have done, getting the fastest lap in the race and in front of the home fans – Stuart has been amazing and we are improving all the time.”

The next round is at the Snetterton 300 circuit in Norfolk over the weekend of June 30.

The latest recipient of the Gala Fairydean Rovers Youths ‘Services for Football in the Community Award’ has been hailed a hero.

Normally, the winner of the coveted shield is someone who has put in many years of outstanding service, helping to develop the game locally.

But, this season, it was presented to 22-year-old Stewart Robertson.

While Stewart is an up-and-coming coach with the 2001 Squad and a player with Gala Hotspur, he unanimously won the award for one heroic act.

Earlier this year, he was playing fives at Tweedbank when team-mate David Sanderson collapsed on the pitch. Stewart immediately came to his rescue by performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on him with skills learned at a first aid course just days earlier.

This proved extremely vital in the crucial period before paramedics arrived on the scene, and undoubtedly saved David’s life.

Presenting the award, Gala Fairydean Rovers Youths administrator Fred Blackie said: ”Hero is a word that is too readily used nowadays. People can be admired for what they do, but are they really heroes?

“However, we do have a genuine hero sitting here among us today. When you save someone’s life through your actions and quick thinking, then you are lifted to hero status.

“We, as coaches, hate doing the first aid courses, as they take two days and mean guys taking two weekends out of their already busy schedule. But, for this particular young man, what he had learned only five days previously helped him save a life.

“It does give me particular pleasure to present this award, as I have known this young man almost all his life. I have coached him as a kid, through the youths, and now as an adult at Gala Hotspur. He has come

through the ranks at this club and is now a coach himself.

Fred added: “When David collapsed playing football one Friday night, it was obvious he was in serious trouble. Stewart came to his rescue and performed CPR on him until the paramedics arrived.

“That, for me, is the mark of a true hero. What greater thing can you do for someone than to save their life?”

David is on the road to recovery, and he and his wife Isobel sent a message to the awards ceremony.

They stated: ”We are both eternally grateful to Stewart. We were speaking to the doctor the other day and he described David as a walking miracle. He said the young man who had performed first aid on him had done an amazing job and undoubtedly saved his life.

“We totally agree with the decision of Gala Fairydean Rovers Youths to give this award to Stewart and, if it encourages more people to attend these first aid courses, we would be delighted.

“We will always be forever grateful for what he did that day and congratulate him on being the latest recipient of the Gala Fairydean Rovers Youths Services to Football in the Community Award.”

Stewart was just one of a number of trophy recipients at the annual presentation awards held in the Gala Fairydean Rovers stand. The full list of winners is:

Under 13s Player of the Year – Dougray Seggie; Players’ Player of the Year – Tor McGillivray. Under 14s Player of the Year – Dylan Curran; Players’ Player of the year – Adrian Kulik. Under 15s Player of the Year – Lewis Smith; Players’ Player of the Year – William Seeley. Under 15s Colts Player of the Year – Ewan Taylor; Players’ Player of the Year – Daniel Hollywood. Under 16s Player of the Year – Robbie Johnston, Players’ Player of the Year – Matthew Johnston. Under 17s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year – Andrew Callow.

Colin and Keir Rafferty Trophies for Top Scorers – Under 13s, Damian Knowalski; Under 14s, Adrian Kulik; Under 15s, Daniel Hollywood, Under 16s, Lee Macrae; Under 17s, Fraser Jackson.

Services to Football in the Community – Stewart Robertson.

Tweedbank Thistle FC has celebrated 22 years in existence wiht its end of season presentations for 2017.

The Galashiels club now has over 100 players and over 20 SFA qualified coaches. 

The group’s success and sustainability allows it to offer innovative coaching to youngsters, with Box Soccer, and to run its own day camps, according to chairman David Moffat.

Summer camp last year was a huge success, he noted. 

“We strive continually to give our players of all ability the opportunity to play and enjoy football at affordable prices,” added Mr Moffat. 

“Our players’ passion, drive and determination has given them some phenomenal exposure. 

“As a club, we are committed to nurturing our players’ future and giving access to opportunities that will not just further their football career but set them with a solid foundation.”

A record number of players attended the club’s annual end of season awards recently at Tweedbank Community Centre, with the youngsters receiving their prizes, medals and certificates in front of their peers, coaches, family members and sponsors. 

Players’ awards for each age group were also given for Coaches’ Most Improved Player (P1-P7) and Players’ Player (P3-P7).

The full list of awards winners featured:

Coaches Most Improved Player of the Year – 2011 team, Liam Beaton; 2010 team, Max Selkirk; 2009 team, Joey Nixon; 2008 team, Kaiden Scott; 2007 team, Toby Rankin; 2006 team, Cara McHutchison; 2005 team, Harry Brotherston.

Players’ Player of the Year – 2009 team, Jamie Green; 2008 team, Cameron Revels; 2007 team, Ellis Brotherston; 2006 team, Sam Ostle; 2005 team, Kia Macrae.

Best wishes were extended to the P7 players as they prepared to continue their football journey at Gala Fairydean Rovers.

“It’s been an honour to watch their progression and development,” said Mr Moffat.

“They have had a great attitude and shown commitment to the sport and have represented the club impeccably.”

Mr Moffat also conveyed thanks to the sponsors, raffle donors and anyone who assisted Tweedbank Thistle in any way – “ making a small club achieve big things”. 

The chairman concluded: “In every aspect of our club, we pride as ourselves as a united team, from coaches to committee members, parents to players, and all our phenomenal sponsors too.

“We are all part of the club’s monumental success. From this, it can only lead to even greater growth and success.” 

Lindsay Maguire, from Melrose, is hooked on rugby, after taking up the sport last year and helping Edinburgh University to a once-in-a-generation-season.

Her success comes at a time when Scottish Rugby is supporting Women’s Sport Week 2017, to inspire more women and girls to give rugby a go and come along to a taster session.

The week, which is just concluding, aims to celebrate, raise awareness and increase the profile of women’s sport across the UK.

Scottish Rugby also recently launched a new marketing campaign to highlight the positive benefits of playing rugby to women and girls.

The #BeTheBestYou initiative is designed to help change perceptions about women’s rugby and encourage women regardless of their experience, age, or fitness levels, to find a club near them and get involved.

Lindsay, in her maiden season, helped Edinburgh University make it all the way to Twickenham for the 2017 British Universities & College Sport (BUCS) final, where they cemented their position as the best university women’s rugby team in Britain with a memorable 48-5 win against Northumbria University.

They were the first Scottish team to reach the final in 19 years.

As well as winning the most prestigious competition in student rugby, at the home of English rugby, the women also won the BUCS Championship sevens and the BUCS Premier North League in one magical season.

The team featured five Scotland Women internationals – Sarah Law, Rhona Lloyd, Lisa Thomson, Katie Dougan and Megan Gaffney.

Lindsay, an 18-year-old chemistry student, who attended Earlston High School, started playing rugby after deciding on a change of sport.

She said: “I wanted to try a new sport and the club encouraged me to give it a go, regardless of past experience.

“It’s one of the sports you just have to throw yourself into.

“I played district level tennis, hockey and netball when I was younger, but playing rugby and winning at Twickenham was unreal. It’s definitely my proudest sporting achievement.

Lindsay added: “Being part of the team has been the best thing about rugby. They are all so encouraging and motivating.”

In the past three years, the number of women’s and girls’ teams in Scotland has grown from 130 to 192.

At the elite level, Scotland secured its first Women’s Six Nations win since 2010 this season and Jade Konkel of Glasgow’s Hillhead Jordanhill became Scotland’s first professional player

For more information about #BeTheBestYou, and how you can start playing rugby, visit www.scottishrugby.org/bestyou

Hawick Scout Pipe Band hit new heights to mark their centenary by performing a gig at the top of Ruberslaw on Sunday.

Blessed with beautiful weather for their trek, 14 band members, ranging from around 11 years old to their mid-seventies, enjoyed spectacular views as they entertained a crowd of around 50 walkers on Ruberslaw’s summit.

Band chairman Sandy McLaren said: “When we were organising our centenary celebrations this year someone had the idea that the whole band should go up to mark the occasion.

“We thought, if it’s a good day it will be great, and if it’s a bad day, it will be a disaster, but thankfully it was a great day for it. We had a picnic and played a while and there was a reasonable number of folk there to watch us, so we were quite happy with that.”

Two organised walks from Denholm and Hawick guided supporters to the summit where the Rev Douglas Nicol delivered a short address from Peden’s Pulpit and spoke of the area’s association with the covenanters

The band has been forging ahead with centenary celebrations this year despite a miscalculation which means they are a little belated.

An exhibition on the band opens at Hawick Museum on Sunday, August 20, and a celebratory beat retreat in the town is planned for Saturday, September 23.

Six Borderers have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s birthday honours list for helping others.

Barbara Frost, of Darnick, has been made a dame for services to the provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene in developing countries, and Brian Evans, of St Boswells, has received a British Empire Medal for his voluntary services across the Borders.

Two Peebles residents are also on the list – Claire Garnett, made a Member of the British Empire, and Kathleen Mason, made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.

Mary Brownlie also received a BEM for services to the community in Broughton and Upper Tweeddale, as did Burnmouth Community Council founder member, Margaret Driscoll.

Barbara, 64, held the position of chief executive at London-based Wateraid for 11 years before retiring in May.

During her time with Wateraid, she has been credited with protecting children from potentially fatal waterborne diseases, releasing women and girls from the daily drudgery of fetching dirty water and helping communities to escape extreme poverty.

The charity also expanded its work into 37 countries and more than trebled its income to more than £85m under Barbara’s leadership.

Prior to joining Wateraid, Barbara was chief executive at Somerset-based charity Action on Disability and Development for nine years.

She said: “I am delighted to be accorded this honour.

“The team of spirited trustees, staff, volunteers, supporters and partners are WaterAid’s life blood, and together they collaborate and inspire action.

“Witnessing lives transformed and communities lift themselves out of poverty as a result of access to safe water, hygiene and decent sanitation is the most rewarding experience. WaterAid has a big vision of a world where everyone everywhere has access to these most basic of services.

“It is determined to see this vision become a reality.

Brian, 79, worked as a civil engineer at Scottish Borders Council’s water and mains department for 17 years before retiring in 1996, and he has been credited for the success of the St Boswells-based Roxburgh Landward Benevolent Trust.

He joined the committee as treasurer 16 years ago when the small charity, set up to help people in need in the landward area of the former Roxburgh County Council, was struggling to clarify its aims. It has since widened its remit to help those in small towns or villages.

Brian has also dedicated 12 years to Citizens Advice Scotland, carrying out the role of treasurer between 1996 and 2008 for the Borders branch in Galashiels, with three of those years as treasurer of the Scottish Association of Citizens’ Advice Bureaux.

Now he dedicates his time to St Boswells Parish Church, where he has been secretary since he moved to the region 30 years ago.

He said: “I am very pleased to receive the award, though I’m not too sure as to why I have been awarded it as there are plenty of others who could have been. It was a huge surprise to find out that I had been nominated.

“I first came to the Borders area about 30 years ago when I first visited for a holiday and loved the look of it. I was lucky enough that it just happened to be the right time as there was a job going.

“I now plan to stay at the church and help out for as long as I can.”

More than 1,110 people were honoured altogether.

Crowds turned out at Selkirk’s Victoria Halls to watch as Kieran Riddell was sashed in by lady busser Dilys Wheelans on its balcony last Friday, but that’s a location which could be set to change.

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar told this month’s community council meeting that Selkirk Common Riding Trust is to consider plans to move the ceremony away from the town’s Victoria Halls due to increased health and safety costs.

They have resulted in a new scaffolding structure being used for the first time this year, and that has led to complaints from onlookers that their view is now restricted.

Mr Edgar said that he wants to encourage public discussion on the matter before it is subject to talks by the trust.

He told the Wee Paper:“No formal discussions have taken place. I commented on this at the community council to try and gauge the community feeling and to, if you like, start a broad discussion on the matter.

“This was to see if the community of Selkirk would accept a change or not .

“I have as yet not been able to come to any conclusion on the matter. Time will tell.”

Alistair Pattullo, the community council’s chairman, reportedly agreed that proposals to change its location must be talked about by the public before it is discussed by the trust.

The trust will discuss the issue at its meeting next week.

A founding member of Burnmouth Community Council has had her dedication to the community recognised as she has been named in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Burnmouth’s Margaret Driscoll has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her 50 years of service to the community.

With great enthusiasm, the 80-year-old has served on Burnfoot Community Council since its inception 27 years ago and was also a founding member of the Burnmouth Village Hall Committee which she joined 25 years ago.

The former Post Office employee has been credited with working on various projects including improving the community’s environment and amenities and is well-known for her involvement in the organisation of the annual children’s Gala Day.

Alongside that, she has been the driving force in the creation of footpaths, the erection of notice boards and seats, as well as the planting of flowers and the upkeep of the village hall.

Margaret told the Berwickshire: “It came completely out of the blue, very much a surprise and of course, I am absolutely delighted.

“I don’t know if I deserve this as over the years, you just do what you enjoy doing really.”

What she has enjoyed the most over those years is: “Just being able to do things for the village and being one of the many that has served on both the community council as well as the village hall committee.

“I have also enjoyed helping out where I can and helping to run events such as holding functions in the hall.”

And her efforts to help the community do not stop there.

Having moved with her family from Norham in Northumberland to coastal Burnmouth when she was just six weeks old, Margaret has grown up with a keen interest in the sea.

That interest led her to dedicate more than 60 years as a committee member of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, with 58 of those holding the position of secretary. Back in 2010 her service to the RNLI was recognised when she was awarded charity’s the highest accolade, Honorary Life Governor.

Margaret says she will now continue to raise funds for the service and will continue to help the community through the hall committee.

Builders are set to return to Selkirk’s £31.4m flood protection scheme to carry out repairs just four months after it was officially unveiled.

Glasgow-based contractor RJ McLeod will return to the Ettrick Water in the next few weeks to carry out work to concrete coping on parts of the new walls.

The flood defences have been safeguarding the town from damage caused by the bursting of the Ettrick Water’s banks since they were unveiled at the end of February.

The scheme was launched in March 2014 following six years of planning and design work.

Now Souters are being warned that they can expect to see RJ McLeod operatives in action again as they attend to landscaping and ongoing maintenance.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson confirmed, however, that none of the concrete copings need to be replaced at any location.

He said: “In four locations across the scheme, the top-surface finish of the concrete coping to the flood defence wall has deteriorated and, as such, cosmetic remedial works are required to improve the appearance.

“The structural integrity of the wall and the standard of protection provided are not affected by these superficial issues.

“This remedial work will be undertaken by RJ McLeod as part of their ongoing snagging works programme, which will be concluded by the end of this year.

“These snagging works are normal for projects of this size and complexity.

“The scheme is delighted to have again been of assistance in helping Selkirk Common Riding.”

Alistair Pattullo, chairman of Selkirk Community Council, told the Wee Paper: “I think it is like any major project where there’s a snaggging period where anything that needs to be looked at is repaired, so I am not surprised by that.

“I think it is understandable given the reasons that we were given for the problems, whereby the weather was not suitable when the concrete was poured.

“I would rather see them carry out the works, and I am glad that it is going to be done soon and in appropriate weather.”

The contractor is also being asked to have another look at landscaping work carried out around Victoria Park, Raeburn Place and Corbie Terrace, including relocating a fence to improve visibility, to address issues raised by residents.

For the second season in succession, Gala Fairydean Rovers start their pre-season friendly calendar with a visit of the Airdrieonians first team.

The Lanarkshire side have recently parted company with nanager Mark Wilson and the squad will be looking to impress any new coach before the start of the Betfred Cup in mid-July.

Fairydean Rovers boss Steven Noble said: “We are delighted that we have Airdrie down again – we played them at the same time last season and played reasonably well, despite losing 3-1.

“It will be a great fitness exercise for our players and all of the lads will get a good run out.

“We also have a couple of ex-Airdrie players in our squad, in Stuart Noble and Darren Smith, and both of them will be looking to put in a good performance against their old club.”

The game kicks off at 3pm this Saturday (June 24) at the 3G Arena in Netherdale, Galashiels.

A gardening initiative aimed at aiding the treatment and recovery of Borderers with mental illnesses was given a celebrity seal of approval on Sunday.

Carol Klein, a main presenter on the BBC Two show Gardeners’ World since 2005, took time out ahead of a sell-out talk at this year’s Borders Book Festival to visit the Space to Grow project at the Huntlyburn Ward near Melrose.

The Greater Manchester-born 12-year-old was said to be “very impressed” by the transformation of waste ground adjacent to the 19-bed NHS Borders facility for acute mental health patients into a therapeutic garden and allotment.

Accompanied by festival director Alistair Moffat, the bestselling author met staff and patients during a tour of the greenhouse and planting beds.

She also heard how the project had helped boost the confidence and self-belief of patients.

Huntlyburn Ward charge nurse Richard Turnbull told the Southern: “We are all delighted with the progress of the project and the benefit that it has for patients.

“We are very grateful that Carol took time out from her busy schedule to come and visit us and pass on some of her gardening knowledge and wisdom.”

A spokesperson for NHS Borders said: “Even on this small scale, the uptake and impact of the Space to Grow project has been promising, with many patients wishing to volunteer in the garden after their discharge.

“This demonstrates how the project can encourage social inclusion and provide life skills and long-term benefit to patients.”

“However, the condition of the land means it is difficult to access for some patients and hard to maintain.

“The intention is to landscape the majority of the area so it has safe, accessible paths and defined areas for gardening as well as quiet reflection.

“Funding has been secured for the initial excavations and groundworks, and it is hoped money can now be raised for the paving of paths and the erection of raised planters.”

Volunteers prepared to help maintain the garden and share knowledge with patients and staff, or anyone wishing to donate to the project, are urged to call 01896 825542.