While most of Scotland escaped the worst of Storm Brian last week, forecasters are predicting further severe weather with as many as 13 named storms expected to hit the UK this autumn/winter.

And Scotland looks set to face the brunt of the extreme weather.

The weather warning from independent forecaster AccuWeather will see a record number of named storms batter the UK until January.

Last week, Storm Brian saw gusts hit 80mph (130km/h) with multiple flood warnings in place, but it had little impact north of the border.

However, it appears the worst is yet to come and Scotland is in line for a battering.

Now storm Caroline, Dylan, Eleanor, Fionn, Georgina, Hector, Iona, James, Karen, Larry, Maeve, Niall and Octavia look set to bring more severe weather conditions to the country with flooding and gale force winds likely according to Accuweather.

The forecaster’s Tyler Roys said: “We expect an active storm period until January, with further storms until April.

“Many storm centres are forecast to pass just north of the UK, with a battering of rain in Scotland each time they pass through.”

Roys added: “Many places will see 50-80mph gusts, with some coasts seeing gusts up to 100mph, and we may see well over 100mph on higher ground, especially in Scotland.”

Taxi fares in the Borders have been frozen for another year despite a request by taxi operators to increase charges by 5%.

Scottish Borders Council’s executive committee unanimously agreed to keep taxi rates unchanged at a meeting last week after operators had appealed to increase standard daytime charges from approximately £4 to £4.20, after the first mile of a journey.

Consultations were carried out during August with a total of five operators in attendance and two responding by email. One of those operators had signed mandates representing the views of 22 taxi operators who wanted changes to the current prices.

That operator called for an initial hire rate of £2.40 for between one and four passengers during social hours, with a 10p mileage rate (15p for larger vehicles) kicking in just after 95 yards rather than the current 100 yards. It was also hoped that for larger vehicles an initial hire rate of £3.60 would be implemented.

The operators’ call for an increase of fares, which last occurred in April 2015, was said to be due to the rising cost of fuel and insurance as well as increased maintenance costs resulting from an improved minimum hourly wage.

However, executive committee member and councillor for Hawick and Hermitage, Watson McAteer, said: “Members of the council’s executive committee agreed with officer recommendations to leave current taxi fares across the Borders unaltered until the next statutory review in about 18 months. “The council use a recognised funding formula to determine taxi fares and that has, I understand, resulted in consistent increases since 2010. “Councillors did question the comparison of charges with other council areas and have asked for information to be provided ahead of future fares review.”

Hawick and Hermitage councillor, George Turnbull, added: “There was a healthy discussion on this very important issue and I am satisfied with the outcome. As always the taxi operators have the right of appeal should they wish to pursue this issue.”

The formula used to review the charges for taxi fares, established by the Scottish Borders Council in 2009, showed a total variation percentage of -45% on indicators including the price of petrol and cost of vehicle tax over the last year.

Fnals Night took place recently at Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club, with plenty of spectators for the matches.

The Alex Doherty Memorial Shield and the Club Championship were both being contested.

In the Shield tournament, veteran Andy Waddell was up against student Amir Hosny. Andy, a previous club championship finalist in the 1990s was looking to turn the clock back and prove he could still beat the young ones.

It was a great start for Waddell, as he showed his prowess by winning the first game 15-8. This was with the stalwart playing plenty winners and keeping the ball tight to the walls, so he didn’t have to run about too much.

The second game was considerably closer. Hosny knew he couldn’t match the shot placement and skill of Waddell, so he chose to play full-length shots and prolonged the rallies to try to tire Waddell out, as he knew he had the edge on

fitness and stamina. But, despite that, Waddell took it 15-13 for a 2-0 lead.

Hosny continued his tactic in the third game as he knew Waddell would start to make mistakes if he became tired. Hosny was 14-7 up and serving for the game but Waddell’s head didn’t go down and he fought valiantly to 14-11. However, one drop shot from the youthful Hosny took the third game.

The fans were getting treated to an awesome match now, and several rallies earned rounds of applause and cheering from the crowd. Hosny seemed to be getting into the game the longer it went on, while and Waddell was starting to hit the tin and make more unforced errors. Indeed, this led to 15-11 to Hosny for 2-2 to take it into a decider.

The fifth and final game saw Hosny improve yet again. In contrast, the stamina and fitness of Waddell was fading and, although the game was close till 8-8, Waddell just found the going too tough and Hosny pulled away and took it 15-

8 (Amir Hosny 3, Andy Waddell 2).

In the Club Championship final, Andy Gill was looking to emulate club legend Ian Hogg by winning four in a row, while club championship debutant Tony Elliot was looking to win the title at his first attempt.

Gill had been nursing a sore back since the start of the championship but a decisive 3-0 victory over John Sharratt in the semi-final gave him some confidence coming into the final.

Although Elliot took the first game, it was close at 15-10, and the level of squash was exceptional. But Gill’s back problem persisted and his usual twisting and movement disappeared. Elliot took the remaining games 15-6 and 15-3

For a great 3-0 triumph.

Gill acknowledged his back issue but said: “Tony was just a far better player on the night. My back restricted my movement – but all credit to Tony.”

Sitting down at work is often blamed for poor health, but office workers are less likely to die early than a builder, according to a new study.

Cleaners, factory workers and building site or farm labourers are more than three times as likely to suffer premature death, according to new research.

Mortality rates differ over three-fold between occupational groups, say scientists.

In some jobs - such as domestic cleaning - women are more likely to die early than they were 20 years ago.

The worst jobs for health include those in factories, construction, farm labouring or housekeeping and call centres, the study shows.

The best include those in medicine, business and public services, finance, teaching and IT.

The study - which tracked about half a million Britons for 20 years - showed low pay and social circumstances play a bigger role in premature death than having a sedentary desk job.

Keep on moving

Lead author Dr Vittal Katikireddi said: “That is not to say moving around at work is not important.

“Recent research has focused on the changing patterns of work in the UK and how having a desk job can raise the risk of an early grave by reducing exercise.

“That of course is true. But we have shown labourers for instance - who are active at work - have high mortality rates.

“There needs to be greater emphasis on helping people lead healthier lives at work.

“It goes beyond advice to encouraging HGV drivers for instance to get out of their cabs regularly and offering them the opportunity to eat healthier foods.

“This could be provided by their companies.”

His researchers also found if occupational death rates in England and Wales applied to Scotland - where mortality is higher - almost 1,000 lives a year would be saved.

Dr Katikireddi said: “Excess deaths in Scotland were concentrated among lower skilled occupations - such as female cleaners.”

He added: “Our results show there were very large differences in death rates by occupation with professional occupations such as doctors and teachers faring far better than factory workers and garment trade workers.”

Unemployment risk

The highest death rates for both sexes overall were among those who were unemployed.

Dr Katikireddi and colleagues at the Social and Public Health Sciences Unit at Glasgow University looked at records from 1991 to 2011.

Using census and death records they confidentially compared mortality rates with occupational data in England, Wales and Scotland - the first study of its kind in the UK in 30 years.

Dr Katikireddi said: “Detailed assessments of mortality by occupation are scarce.

“Ongoing changes in the labour market make a reassessment of mortality by occupation timely.

“In particular - trends in the job market - such as the rise of so-called zero-hours contracts - could adversely affect health and health inequalities.

“It cannot be assumed patterns identified in the 1970s - which still underpin our contemporary understanding - continue to apply.”

The results showed doctors and other health professionals have very low death rates while factory workers and cleaners have amongst the highest.

During 4.51 million person-years of follow-up among 20 to 59 year-old working age adults there were over three-fold differences in mortality rates among 63 occupations.

Sick men (and women)

Researchers also compared differences in mortality rates between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

This revealed higher rates of death north of the border were concentrated in the lowest skilled occupations.

Dr Katikireddi said: “We studied trends over a twenty year period where we found that in most occupations mortality rates have fallen.

“However, in some they have remained stagnant and for women in some occupational groups, such as cleaners, mortality rates have even increased.”

The study published in The Lancet Public Health also found men who were health professionals - medical doctors, dentists, psychologists, pharmacists, opticians and vets - had the lowest mortality rates.

Among women, teachers and business professionals had the lowest mortality.

However the highest mortality rates overall occurred in men who reported no occupation.

National differences

Dr Katikireddi said: “Our study has particular relevance to policymakers in Scotland as there has been considerable concern health outcomes in Scotland are poorer than elsewhere in Western Europe.

“Addressing Scotland’s ‘sick man of Europe’ status requires paying particular attention to improving health amongst people working in low skilled jobs and who are unemployed.”

Computer models suggested if mortality rates by occupation in England and Wales applied to Scotland 631 fewer men and 273 fewer women of working age would die in Scotland every year.

Dr Katikireddi said: “Mortality rates differ greatly by occupation. The excess mortality in Scotland is concentrated among low-skilled workers and, although mortality has improved in men and women in most occupational groups, some groups have experienced increased rates.

“Future research investigating the specific causes of death at the detailed occupational level will be valuable, particularly with a view to understanding the health implications of precarious employment and the need to improve working conditions in very specific occupational groups.”

The study was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), The Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office (CSO) and Wellcome.

Ten worst jobs for health: deaths per 100,000 person years

1 Elementary construction occupations - 701

2 Elementary process plant occupations - 672

3 Elementary personal services occupations - 650

4 Elementary agricultural occupations - 623

5 Admin occupations - communications 604

6 Elementary cleaning occupations - 592

7 Textiles and garments trades - 569

8 Housekeeping occupations - 567

9 Metal forming, welding and related trades - 563

10 Elementary sales occupations - 556

Ten best jobs for health

1 Health professionals - 225

2 Business and public services professionals - 228

3 Functional managers - 233

4 Finance institution and office managers - 234

5 Corporate managers and directors - 250

6 Teaching professionals - 262

7 Production managers - 265

8 Protection services occupations - 265

9 IT professionals - 267

10 Business and finance associate professionals - 269

An historic building in Melrose is set to be transformed into a restaurant with a 1am weekend drinks licence.

Owners of the ground floor at the rear of the C-listed West End House in the town’s High Street have been granted a new premises licence with plans to open doors next month.

The Scottish Borders Licensing Board heard on Friday that the family-run Orde Cafés Limited, of Kelso, intends to open a 58-seater coffee shop and restaurant at the establishment which lies between the new Co-operative store and the St Dunstan’s car park.

A retail delicatessen, from which wines, spirits and beers will be available, will also be available.

The firm, which specialises in events catering, will now be able to sell alcohol from 11am till midnight on weekdays and Sunday and till 1am on Friday and Saturday. An off-sales licence from 10am till 10pm has also been granted.

Children aged 15 and under will have access when accompanied by an adult to have a meal, snack or light refreshment or when attending a pre-arranged function. Young persons, aged 16 and 17, will have similar access unaccompanied.

The firm, recently shortlisted in this year’s Vow Awards, is employing a new head chef and sous chef from November.

It was established in the late 1970’s by Gill Orde, who found her passion for cooking at her family home in Johannesburg and who was trained at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu cookery school.

She now runs the firm with her two sons Christian Orde, operations director, and Justin Orde managing director.

Justin Orde said he did not want to give further details of the venture.

Scottish Borders’ Council’s bid to create a £4.8million waste transfer station at the site of the current landfill at Easter Langlee continues to hang in the balance, despite SEPA withdrawing an objection this week.

The environmental watchdog had originally, in September, objected to the plans on the grounds that not enough information on foul and surface water had been released.

However, the information required by SEPA has since been relayed by the council, and this objection has been withdrawn.

And, in his latest letter to planning officer Carlos Clarke, SEPA’s Paul Lewis stated that its second objection, regarding odour and stack heights of the waste, could be withdrawn, subject to “further modelling of the stack height assessment and the inclusion of details of retro-fitting abatement measures and a timescale for such work.”

While SEPA seems to be warming to the application, letters of objection continue to be submitted – 19 by Tuesday of this week – most of them pertaining to the C77 road between Galashiels and Lauder being deemed unfit for purpose.

At Melrose Community Council’s meeting last Wednesday, community councillor Tom Douglas, of Glendearg Farm on the C77, asked for the community council to submit an objection.

He said: “The road is extremely dangerous, and while it is not in the jurisdiction of this community council, we have a duty to bring up what we believe is the Achilles heel of the plans.

“It will not just be bin wagons using the road, it will be five-tonne tippers. I think it is an accident waiting to happen.”

Also airing his objections at the meeting was John Birnie, chairman of the Coopersknowe Residents Association, who also made his feelings clear during last month’s meeting of Galashiels Community Council.

In his letter of objection, he states: “I am lodging an objection to the proposed waste transfer station at Easter Langlee landfill site on the basis that no fundamental change is proposed by SBC to the road infrastructure to the planning application refused four months ago.”

He also mentioned his fears over the ability of nearby Lowood Bridge of handling 40-tonne lorries and said the area was more populated, with more families moving into the Melrose Gait housing estate.

Both Melrose and Galashiels community councils have raised concerns over the suitability of the road, with the latter’s vice-chairman Rick Kenney concluding in the group’s consultation reply: “In essence, the view is that the waste transfer station application is flawed, particularly the transport report, and we object to this and also suggest that the council should be looking for another location.”

Finding another place to put the waste transfer station, however, appears to be problematic.

Facing objectors at the Galashiels meeting last month, Martin Joyce, director of assets and infrastructure at SBC, said a team had looked at all other options – including placing the station at Charlesfield – but Easter Langlee remained their best choice.

He said: “The problem we face is that the landfill site will be full at the end of 2018, so we have to find a solution.

“We could open another landfill site, but this wouldn’t be a cheap thing to do.

“The other option is to move all the waste outwith the Borders – also very expensive.”

Delayed discharges of patients from hospital has cost NHS Borders £2.5million in the past year, accounting for 11,565 days of beds being blocked.

A delayed discharge is a hospital inpatient who is clinically ready for discharge from inpatient hospital care and who continues to occupy a hospital bed beyond the ready for discharge date.

This happens for several reasons, mostly because there is nowhere for the patient to go, due to social care issues or delays in assessing care requirements.

Labour MSPs this week blamed the Scottish Government for the failure to tackle the issue, despite Health Secretary Shona Robison’s promise in 2015 to get rid of delayed discharges completely.

South Scotland Labour list MSP Colin Smyth, also his party’s spokesperson for social care, said: “These figures reveal the huge cost to the NHS in the Borders because of the SNP’s failure on delayed discharge.

“The SNP promised to abolish delayed discharge completely. Instead, it has cost £2.5m in the past year in the Borders alone.

“The system is unsustainable. The SNP government cannot continue to slash the budgets of local councils who provide the services that people rely on and not expect it to have a knock-on effect to our health service.”

Fellow South Scotland Labour list MSP Claudia Beamish added: “We would end the cuts to our councils and deliver a national guarantee for care workers. Labour would ensure all care workers are given appropriate training and paid the living wage.”

A spokesperson for NHS Borders said that the health board was working with its partners to ease the problem.

The spokesperson stated: “Patients delayed unnecessarily in hospital is a significant issue for us, our patients and their families, and also for patients awaiting admission for treatment.

“We saw a 44% increase in our occupied bed days in 2016-17 compared to the year before for patients who were ready to leave hospital.

“We are currently working with our partners at Scottish Borders Council and the integration joint board to provide better out-of-hospital care.

“This is in addition to a range of programmes we are supporting in the community to encourage good health and wellbeing to reduce the need to go to hospital in the first place.”

NHS Scotland estimates that it costs £214 a day to keep a patient in hospital who is medically cleared to return home, adding up to £100m a year across Scotland.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with drink driving after crashing his car on the A68 on Saturday.

The incident, which left his maroon coloured Skoda Fabia overturned four miles south of Jedburgh, happened at approximately 5.20am.

The driver was not injured and the car caused no obstruction to the road on which it was travelling southbound.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “A 24-year-old man has been charged with drink driving following a road collision on the A68 on Saturday, October 21.

“A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”

Were you afraid of the dark? Did you have a bin bag costume? Or were you spellbound by Bette Midler?

If you experienced Hallowe’en in the 90s take a trip back down memory lane and remember why all Hallows’ Eve was at its best when you were a kid in the 90s.

Staff at Borders General Hospital in Melrose say they are getting on top of the latest norovirus outbreak, but have warned people to stay away if they have symptoms.

Last week, we reported that wards 4, 5, 9, 10 and the medical assessment unit at the Melrose hospital were all affected.

While there are new cases in Kelso and Hawick community hospitals, it is believed that the outbreak is slowing.

Claire Pearce, director of nursing, midwifery and acute service, said: “There are still confirmed cases of norovirus in wards at Borders General Hospital, Kelso and Hawick Community Hospitals, however the situation is improving.

“Please remember, the advice is always to stay away from any hospital ward if you or anyone in your family has experienced symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the past 48 hours.

“Thank you for your co-operation”.

For updates, visit www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk.

Four ambulance technicians from the Borders were this week rewarded by the First Minister for their efforts in saving a newborn baby.

The heroic quartet were presented with the award by Nicola Sturgeon at the Brave@Heart Awards, held at a special event at Edinburgh Castle, which hailed the bravery and heroism of 47 individuals from the emergency and voluntary sectors.

On the day in question, Robert Anderson and Susan Angus were dispatched to a patient presenting a breech birth at her home.

The crew was presented with a footling breech, with the baby’s head stuck and the cord stuck tight around the baby’s neck.

Robert tried some positional attempts to ease the baby out, while his colleague called the obstetrics ward at the local hospital for advice.

It became clear that the baby’s survival rested on the advice from the consultant to pull the baby out.

Robert held the baby’s neck and body and pulled her free.

The wee girl wasn’t breathing when she was delivered and the crew urgently moved to resuscitation mode.

By then, a back-up crew arrived and Mark Neill and Kevin Douglass then assisted with resuscitation and care of the mother.

With Susan driving and Robert and Mark continuing to resuscitate the baby, she began to have a pulse and as they approached hospital she made attempts to breathe.

Shortly after the ambulance left the house the consultant and midwife arrived and helped Kevin with the care of the mum.

The entire incident lasted 26 minutes, and the mother and baby made a full recovery.

The First Minister praised the award winners in her speech.

Mrs Sturgeon said: “Each year I am honoured and humbled to be able to present these awards to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery.

“This is our chance to say a heartfelt thank you to those who, every day risk their lives in their professional roles and to members of the public who have stepped in to help a fellow citizen in danger or distress.

“Everyone who has been nominated for an award is a credit to Scotland and an inspiration to us all.”

Six of the winners also received the St Andrew’s Award for exceptional acts of bravery.

Judging panel chairperson, Lindsay Burley, said: “In my final year as chair of the judging panel I am amazed by the heroism demonstrated by all those nominated for an award.

“We must never forget how privileged we are to have such dedicated emergency professionals and members of the public, willing to assist even when their own lives are in danger. They are an inspiration to us all and I would like to offer my congratulations to all the winners.”.

A teenager has been charged following a suspicious fire at Balmoral Primary School in Galashiles on Saturday, October 21.

The 14-year-old male will now be reported to the Children’s Reporter. Police would like to thank the public for their assistance during this appeal.

A fire crew was called to the school in the town’s Balmoral Avenue at around 9pm on Saturday evening.

Firefighters found rubber matting from the playground had been dragged up to the building and set on fire.

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: “Thanks to the prompt action by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the fire at Balmoral was extinguished before any damage could be done.”

Five players with Borders club connections are among the 36-man Scottish rugby squad named by head coach Gregor Townsend for next month’s Autumn Tests.

Three of the quintet have already made an impact this year in the Six Nations, Summer Tour and British/Irish Lions events, while they are joined by two others with local links.

Selkirk-born winger, Lee Jones, has until now been more associated with the Scotland A and 7s scenes, but has five caps to his credit.

Jamie Bhatti, of Melrose, has also been called up, alongside some familiar names from Scottish campaigns of recent seasons.

Ex-Hawick ace Stuart Hogg, back after injury and surgery during the summer, is named, along with hooker Ross Ford, from Kelso, who became the Scots’ most capped player this year and now has 110 appearances.

Ex-Selkirk player Alex Dunbar, who also featured prominently in Scotland’s 2017 Six Nations campaign, has been selected too.

The Autumn Tests, all at BT Murrayfield, begin on Saturday, November 11 against Samoa with a 2.30pm kick-off – the only game for which tickets are still available.

Then it’s Scotland v New Zealand on November 18, at 5.15pm, and Scotland v Australia at 2.30pm on November 25.

An appeal has been launched for help to restore a 19th century church in the village of Morebattle.

St Aidan’s Church, located on the 62-mile Saint Cuthbert’s Pilgrimage Trail which links Melrose and Northumberland’s Holy Island, has been closed for 55 years, and has been used as a lorry depot since.

Richard Pedersen, 74, and his 56-year-old reverend wife Margaret now hope raise £70,000 to turn it back into a worshipping chapel complete with a cafe and a craft centre for community use.

The couple met in Australia where Danish-born Richard lived for 40 years and to where Margaret emigrated after growing up at the manse of St Aidan’s Church.

Back in 2009, an eight-week holiday led Richard, a retired pastor of Australia’s Uniting Church, to fall in love with the Borders countryside. One year later, they used their savings to buy the former church for £165,000, despite a national wave of church closures at the time.

The building was constructed in 1866 for the congregation of the United Sessional Church of Scotland but closed after a merger with the nearby Morebattle Parish Church.

The father of two has been doing most of the work himself since 2012 when builders estimated a cost of £500,000 to complete the job.

Now the couple are seeking any willing tradesmen to come forward and offer help to complete the project.

Despite being established as a community interest company there are limited funding opportunities available due to the church being privately owned.

Rev Margaret Pedersen, who was ordained in the Scottish Episcopal Church in September, told the Southern: “Our heart’s desire is to restore this beautiful old church building to its former glory and purpose.

“Thomas Pilkington built this church for the community to use and we intend for it to be returned to the community in a way that will benefit as many people as possible.

“St Cuthbert was a Celtic saint whose love for the locals and the travellers meant that he became guest-master at Ripon Priory. In his memory we hope to serve both the local community and those who are visiting the area.

“We are situated right on the St Cuthbert’s Way Walk which gives us a unique opportunity to offer hospitality to the walkers, and to be available to them with prayer and encouragement for their journey.”

The couple’s appeal has been backed by Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont.

He told the Southern: “I was delighted to pay a visit to St Aidan’s in Morebattle and I was amazed with the work which Richard and Margaret have carried out.

“Once it’s fully restored, this will be a fantastic facility which has the potential to bring in lots of visitors and prove popular with walkers on the St Cuthbert’s Way.

“However, in order to get it up and running, Richard and Margaret need some practical help. It would be great for any local tradespeople who want to see St Aidan’s restored to get involved.”

To make a donation or get in touch visit www.gofundme.com/StCuthbert-s-Coffee-Stop

Borderers wanting to improve their communities are being urged to bid for shares in a new £500,000 kitty.

The first phase of Scottish Borders Council’s new localities bid fund has now opened, with applications being sought for each of the region’s five localities, with the amounts allocated being based on population.

Berwickshire has been allotted £91,300, Cheviot £85,500, Eildon £153,600, Teviot and Liddesdale £78,000 and Tweeddale £91,400.

Once applications have been submitted, they will be reviewed by panels of councillors and council staff before going to public votes early next year.

The council set up the fund in response to the 2015 Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act, and applications are now open until Friday, December 1.

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar, chairman of the authority’s Eildon locality committee, the old area forum given the biggest budget, said: “We are wanting folk to come up with ideas, and it has to be community-based.

“We are looking for as many people as possible in our communities to send their ideas in to the council between now and December 1.

“Applications will be voted on by members of the public in the locality itself so they can have a real say on how that money is spent.”

Applicants must match their ideas to one of the themes in the council’s community plan, and they include economy and skills, children and young people and health and wellbeing.

Galashiels councillor Sandy Aitchison, also the council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and locality services, said: “We are urging people to come forward with ideas to improve community life in the Scottish Borders.

“This is an opportunity for them to have a real say on how money is spent in their area and what the priorities in their community should be.”

Hawick and Denholm councillor Stuart Marshall, chairman of the Teviot and Liddesdale locality committee, says there has already been strong interest in the funding there.

He said: “I’m delighted that this fund is now open, and we are now seeking local people and groups to come forward with their ideas on improving our communities between now and the start of December.

“This new funding stream will give groups and individuals a real opportunity to support whatever projects that will make a difference to their communities.

“As chairman of the Teviot and Liddesdale locality committee, I know that there has already been great interest on accessing the £78,000 available, and I personally can’t wait to see this money spent on good causes.

“Projects can be as big or as small as they wish, and once approved by the assessment panel, it is then over to the public to have the final say by way of a voting procedure.

“I am also quite pleased that the application form is quite straightforward, and council officials will be on hand to give guidance and support through this particular process.”

The plans were approved for the council to create the fund at the start of the month.

Anyone aged 16 and over who lives, works, volunteers or studies in the Borders, as well as community groups, is eligible to apply.

To find out more visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/localitiesbidfund

Pressure is mounting for the English and Scottish governments to agree to have the Borders Railway extended into Cumbria.

It was agreed at the Campaign for Borders Rail’s 2017 annual meeting, held at the Heart of Hawick on Saturday, that calls for the extension of the Edinburgh-Tweedbank track to Carlisle should be kept up until they are heeded.

Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP Rachael Hamilton was among four panellists taking part in a question-and-answer session, along with ScotRail managing director Alex Hynes, Carlisle City Council leader Colin Glover and Hawick honorary provost Watson McAteer.

She said: “It was a real honour to be invited as a guest to the Campaign for Borders Rail’s AGM.

“It was a spirited and lively event, and we were all agreed that the Borders Railway must be extended to Hawick and then onto Carlisle.

“An extended rail line would play a crucial part in a creating an integrated transport network in the Borders. It will bring more visitors to the Borders and help grow our local economies.

“In the Scottish Borders, we’ve seen the Scottish Government drag out other rail projects with repeated studies and assessments. It’s now time it took action and agreed to extending the Borders Railway.

“This can be a real cross-border initiative that will benefit both sides of the border.

“It’s an exciting opportunity, and I think we should grab it with both hands.”

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont agreed, saying: “I have been lobbying the UK Government to take the next steps to facilitate the extension of the Borders Railway down to Carlisle.

“I am keen that the Borderlands growth deal includes some work on the costs and benefits of this investment. It is important that we get this right.

“Last week, I met the MP for Carlisle, John Stevenson, and he is very keen on a rail link between his constituency and the Borders.

“The extension of the Borders Railway will require co-operation between Scotland’s two governments, and I look forward to helping with that in any way I can.”

A unanimous vote by representatives of its 1,000-strong membership gave the campaign a mandate to continue pressing the case for extending the 30-mile Borders Railway through Hawick to Carlisle.

Mr McAteer said that a restored rail link would bring many benefits to the community in Hawick and provide a catalyst for economic growth.

Mr Glover reiterated the importance of improved communications between the Cumbrian city and the Borders.

Simon Walton was elected for a second stint as chair man of the campaign, and he said he believes the coming year will be a pivotal one for it.

He said that with a Scottish Government-backed transport study expected early in 2018, it is crucial that the campaign be ready with a response.

Its recommendations, he warned, are by no means assured to be positive towards further railway development.

Remaining focused, committed and confident would be the keys to seeing the campaign’s ultimate goal achieved, he added.

A former soldier was fined £300 at Selkirk Sheriff Court this week for directing homophobic abuse at a group of people leaving a Galashiels nightclub.

Paul Hobden, 34, of Gala Park Court, Galashiels, pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing and making homophobic comments in the town’s Overhaugh Street on September 24.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the incident started at around 2.30am as a group of people were leaving the club, and Hobden appeared to have deduced that they were all gay.

Hobden started shouting about how he hated gay people and that he had once been chatted up by a man of that persuasion.

He continued to be abusive, causing offence to the club-goers, and the police were eventually called.

Mr Fraser said Hobden continued to be offensive about gay people even after officers arrived.

Defence lawyer Mark Harrower said the argument could have started after comments were directed towards Hobden about the colour of his hair.

Mr Harrower added that the incident happened at a time when Hobden was at a low ebb.

The lawyer said Hobden had spent eight-and-a-half years in the British Army, including two tours of Iraq, and he also served in Bosnia.

He had only just moved to Galashiels for a fresh start when this incident occurred.

HAWICK OAP DENIES ASSAULT

A Hawick pensioner has been accused of assaulting a female social worker at the town’s secondary school.

Rose McHugh is charged with repeatedly striking the woman on the arm and throwing envelopes at her at Hawick High School on June 26.

The 68-year-old, of Ancrum Court, pleaded not guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

A trial date has been fixed for January 23, with an intermediate hearing on December 1.

MAN ‘A DANGER TO HIS PARTNER’

A man described as a danger to his most recent partner after he admitted his 11th domestic-related offence has been ordered to stay away from her for the next 10 months.

Keiran Davies, 21, pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour in Eyemouth last month, having made abusive comments and threatened to injure the woman.

Jedburgh Sheriff Court was told it was the third offence relating to the same victim, and background reports described Davies as a danger to her.

Davies’ lawyer, Mat Patrick, said his client has “significant shortcomings”.

In addition to a 10-month non-harassment order, Davies was given a four-month night-time curfew at a property in Kelso.

JED WOMEN ON THEFT CHARGE

A Jedburgh woman has been accused of stealing £450 worth of clothing from a shop.

Lisa Harper, 37, denies the offence, said to have happened at the David Thomson and Son shop in High Street on May 16.

A trial date has been set for January 23 for Harper, of Exchange Street, Jedburgh.

A warrant was granted for the arrest of Nicola Harper, 35, also of Exchange Street, after she failed to appear at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to answer a similar charge.

She is also alleged to have attempted to pervert the course of justice by giving police a false name and address.

MAN DENIES THEFT FROM HOTEL

A 31-year-old man has been accused of stealing five kegs of lager and various foodstuffs from a Kelso hotel.

Paul McLean, of Heiton, pleaded not guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to the theft, alleged to have been committed at the Ednam House Hotel on August 28. He also denied a second charge of struggling violently with police officers.

A trial date has been set for November 14, with a continued intermediate hearing due to take place on October 30.

Bail conditions include not entering the grounds of the Ednam House Hotel.

MAN STOLE BUS DRIVER’S TAKINGS

A Hawick man has been fined £225 for stealing a rucksack containing a bus driver’s takings in what was described at Jedburgh Sheriff Court as an “opportunistic theft”.

Dean Palmer, 44, of Earl Street, pleaded guilty to the offence, committed in Mart Street, Hawick.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said the bus had broken down, and a number of people were outside the vehicle, when Palmer entered the cabin window and stole the rucksack, containing £32.15 in coins.

CCTV footage showed a man wearing the same clothing as Palmer enter the bus, and Ms Bradley said it was an “opportunistic theft”.

The rucksack was later recovered from a nearby wheelie bin, minus the coins.

When apprehended by police, Palmer told officers: “I suffer from schizophrenia. I hear voices, and they tell me to do stuff. I can’t remember what I did.”

Palmer, paid £250 a week in benefits, was also ordered to pay £32.15 to the bus company in compensation.

DRIVER SIX TIMES THE BOOZE LIMIT

A Peebleshire driver appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to driving while six times the legal alcohol limit.

Graeme Haddon, 37, pleaded guilty to the offence, committed at his home at Lamancha, near West Linton, last weekend.

He recorded a breath-alcohol leading of 132 microgrammes – the limit being 22.

Haddon was fined £665 and banned from the road for two years.

MAN FINED OVER DISTURBANCE

A Hawick man involved in a town-centre disturbance has been fined £250 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Daniel Bouglas, 32, pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening and abusive behaviour.

He admitted striking a door, shouting and swearing, threatening to damage property and acting in an aggressive manner at a property in High Street on July 18.

However, Bouglas, of Cross Wynd, had his not-guilty plea to being concerned in the supply of cocaine in Laidlaw Terrace, Hawick, earlier that day accepted by the crown.

ASSAULT CASE DESERTED

Christopher Murray, 35, of Princes Street, Hawick, had his case deserted after originally being charged with assaulting his partner, Donna Baxter, by seizing her by the neck in Trinity Street, Hawick, on July 25.

He was also admonished at Jedburgh Sheriff Court after admitting breaching a bail condition by being in her company on August 8 when he was supposed to have no contact with her.

STRUGGLING ALLEGATION

A Hawick man has been accused of threatening or abusive behaviour by struggling violently with his wife.

Andrew Parr, 29, is also said to have thrown a shoe at her, poured beer over her and broken a mobile telephone.

That offence is alleged to have happened at a house in Borthwick Road, Hawick, on July 16.

Parr pleaded not guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, and a trial date was fixed for January 11, with an intermediate hearing on December 11.

MAN, 21, DENIES ABUSING HIS EX

A man will stand trial on a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour towards his ex-partner at Kelso Racecourse and Melrose Rugby Club.

Keiren Renton, 21, of Hawthorn Bank, Duns, denies shouting and swearing, and verbally abusing the woman.

The offence is alleged to have happened on various occasions between April 8 and May 28 at the two sporting venues and elsewhere in the Borders.

A trial date has been set for January 11 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, with an intermediate hearing on December 11.

TEENAGER HAD KNIFE ON HIM

A teenager has been ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work for causing a disturbance and later being found in possession of a knife.

James Dawson, 18, of Ploughlands Farm Cottages, Crailing, pleaded guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour in Thornfield Avenue, Selkirk, during the early hours of January 8.

He was later found to be in possession of the offensive weapon in West Port, Selkirk.

The sentence, imposed at Selkirk Sheriff Court, was a direct alternative to custody, he was told.

TEEN DENIES SEXUAL ASSAULT

A Fountainhall teenager will stand trial on a charge of sexually assaulting a female in a static caravan on a farm.

Alasdair Saunders, 19, of Fleming Place, denies the offence, alleged to have happened on October 9 last year near Stow.

A trial date has been set for November 20 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

OFFENDER OWNS UP TO DEALING

Background reports have been ordered on a Peebles man after he admitted drug-dealing.

Kevin Robertson, 29, was concerned in the supply of cannabis at his North Street home between August and October last year.

The court heard he was found to be in possession of around £450 worth of the class-B drug.

Sentence was deferred until November 20 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

WOMAN DENIES POLICE STRUGGLE

Sarah Scott, 23, of Woodstock Avenue, Galashiels, will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court on November 21 on a charge of struggling violently with police officers at the Borders General Hospital in Melrose on July 3.

£200 FINE FOR SHOPLIFTING

Stealing groceries worth £144 from Tesco in Galashiels cost Jonathan Streets a £200 fine at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

The 31-year-old, of Maxmill Park, Kelso, pleaded guilty to the offence, committed on April 7.

His co-accused – Shauna Young, 24, of the same address – was admonished after being of good behaviour during a period of deferred sentence.

MAN ORDERED TO STEER CLEAR OF EX

A Selkirk man has been given a two-year non-harassment order requiring him to stay away from a former partner.

Lee Dickson, 24, of Bannerfield Drive, admitted placing the female in a state of fear and alarm in Eyemouth on October 5.

TEEN DENIES STRUGGLE CHARGE

A Peebles teenager will stand trial on a charge of struggling violently with his father at a house in the town’s Ballantyne Street.

Glen Todd, 18, of Cuddysidem, denies the offence, said to have happened on August 30. He also pleaded not guilty to breaking a window at the property.

The trial is scheduled to take place at Selkirk Sheriff Court on November 9.

The teenager had his case continued without plea on a charge of stealing a bottle of wine at Sainsbury’s in Peebles on August 18.

Arrest warrant issued for teen

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a teenager who previously admitted assaulting his partner and then brandishing a knife at her and her friends the following day at a caravan park.

Aidan McCardle, 19, had pleaded guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to committing the offences at Angecroft caravan park in the Ettrick Valley over the course of a weekend in February.

The court heard that McCardle was with a group of friends who had hired out two lodges, but following a bust-up with the woman during which he pushed her against a wall, the partner and her friends moved into the other lodge, leaving McCardle on his own.

The following day, McCardle knocked on the door of the other lodge and was refused entry. He was seen brandishing a black-handled kitchen knife and was shouting and swearing and kicked the door, causing minor damage.

The partner and her friends were unable to call the police as there was no mobile phone reception in the area, but the incident was reported to a warden, who inspected the damage and called police.

McCardle, formerly of Dundee but now living in Gallowhill in Paisley, had sentence deferred until Monday for the production of background reports, including a psychiatric assessment, but following his non-appearance, an arrest warrant was issued.

BUS WINDOW ALLEGATION

A Hawick man has been accused of smashing the window of a X95 bus while he was on board by punching it.

James Jackson, 27, of Havelock Place, also pleaded not guilty to being in possession of a knife in Stirling Street, Galashiels, on February 3.

A trial date has been set for November 23 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

GALA MAN FACES ASSAULT TRIAL

James Sutherland, 50, of Balmoral Road, Galashiels, denies assaulting a female by seizing her by the neck and repeatedly punching and kicking her and stamping on her body, causing her to have a seizure, on July 2 at his home address.

Trial has been set for November 21 at Selkirk Sheriff Court, with a further intermediate hearing on November 6.

PAIR CHARGED WITH DEALING

A Galashiels man and woman face trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court on a drug-dealing charge.

Tasha White, 25, of Torwoodlee Road, and Alan Bell, 32, of Glendinning Terrace, both deny being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

White is also charged with being in possession of diazepam in Torwoodlee Road.

Their trial date has been set for November 7.

MAN ON TRIAL IN NOVEMBER

Andrew Sneddon, 35, of Roxburgh Street, Galashiels, is accused of breaking a shop window at Macari’s cafe in the town’s High Street on May 23.

Trial has been set for November 21 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

TEEN REFERRED TO HOSPITAL

A teenager has been referred to the Huntlyburn Ward at the Borders General Hospital for treatment after he admitted smashing windows at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Rene Miller, 19, of Bannerfield Drive, Selkirk, admitted three counts of smashing windows at the court between June and last week.

He also pleaded guilty to breaking a window at Melrose police station on July 14.

MAN FACES DRUG ASSESSMENT

A Galashiels man is to undergo a drug treatment and testing order assessment after pleading guilty to four charges.

Michael Dodds, of Hawthorn Road, admitted being found in houses in Langlee Road and Kingsknowe Gardens in Galashiels and Riverside Drive in Tweedbank earlier this month in circumstances where it could be reasonably inferred he intended to commit theft.

He also admitted stealing toiletries from Asda in Galashiels on October 5.

The case will recall at Selkirk Sheriff Court on December 5.

OAP PLEADS NOT GUILTY

A pensioner has been accused of three motoring offences.

Ray Haynes is accused of failing to co-operate with a breath test at Eildon Holiday Cottage, Dingleton Mains, Melrose, on August 27 and also failing to tell police who the driver of his vehicle was.

He also denies failing to give two specimens of breath at Galashiels police station.

The 65-year-old, of Betley Road, Reddish, Stockport, will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court on November 21.

TRIAL DATE SET FOR PENSIONER

A Selkirk pensioner will face trial at the town’s sheriff court on three charges.

Nicholas Weeks, 65, of Newburgh Farm Estate, is accused of engaging in a course of conduct likely to cause fear and alarm towards his wife by texting her repeatedly and threatening to have her visa removed and benefits stopped.

He also denies threatening or abusive behaviour towards her and assaulting a young child.

The alleged offences date back to January and February 2016.

Trial is scheduled for November 23.

TEEN ACCUSED OF DAMAGE

David Bradley, 19, of no fixed abode, will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court next month on charges of breaking a laminated door panel at the Borders General Hospital’s accident-and-emergency department and breaching the peace by butting a wall.

MAN FAILED TO APPEAR AT COURT

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Peter Sell, 23, of Buccleuch Street, Glasgow.

He failed to show at Selkirk Sheriff Court to answer charges of being in possession of class-A drugs cocaine and ecstasy at Nutwood, East Port, Melrose, on April 8.

Galashiels jobcentre is to stay put for at least another year, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed.

In a written response to a Parliamentary question from Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont, employment minister Damian Hinds confirmed that the department is still considering options for relocation but that staff and services will remain at New Reiver House, behind High Street, at least until this time next year.

Jobcentre bosses are looking to relocate, but Scottish Borders Council rejected a proposed move to the former Internacionale store in Douglas Bridge, despite it having been unoccupied for the past three years, arguing that the site should be retained for retail use.

The department has lodged an appeal against that decision.

Mr Hinds said: “We announced on July 5 that this jobcentre’s staff and services were to relocate to a new DWP office. This plan has now changed.

“We are still progressing the options to locate a new office, so our staff and services will be staying in the current location for a period of at least 12 months whilst we conclude this activity.”Mr Lamont has welcomed the news that the jobcentre is going nowhere for now and is calling on its bosses, the Scottish Government and the council to work together to secure the long-term future of the service in Galashiels.

He said: “Planning decisions are a matter for local councillors, who have their own valid reasons for blocking the move from New Reiver House.

“This news provides some welcome certainty to job centre users and staff. The DWP is sincere in its desire for a more accessible, more modern jobcentre for Galashiels.

“Over the coming months, I would urge the Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Council to work with the Department for Work and Pensions to find a solution satisfactory for all.

“Considering the amount of empty space in Galashiels, this is surely achievable.”

Galashiels councillor Euan Jardine added: “I am happy to hear that the DWP are remaining in their current building for at least 12 months.

“I hope that this will also encourage the DWP to work alongside the council to formulate a new approach in their quest to find suitable accommodation, one which will ensure the needs of the DWP are met while also factoring in the progressive and positive regeneration of Galashiels over the next few years.”

They’re spooky, they’re furry and they’ve almost definitely got a better Hallowe’en costume that you.

Here are 16 dogs that prove that Hallowe’en isn’t just for humans.

The ‘Living Wild at Kielder’ project offers exciting high-tech treasure hunting for all the family to enjoy right through the year.

Just because summer is over it doesn’t mean we have to stay indoors. Kielder is at its most beautiful at this time of year and the Wild at Kielder geocaches hidden around the park’s lovely ‘Wilder Walk’ route allow you to enjoy fabulous scenery, learn more about wildlife and discover hidden treasure.

It won’t cost you a thing and you’ll gain tons of fresh air and a new zest for exploration!

So, wrap up warm this autumn, grab a smart phone or GPS system, sign up free to www.geocaching.com, head to Kielder and start searching.

Geocaching is increasingly popular worldwide and there are an estimated 1.4 million caches across the globe. It’s a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game, played using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS co-ordinates, downloaded from the website or app, and then hunt for the geocache container hidden at the location.

These “caches” - often airtight containers – usually contain a logbook for hunters to record names and dates of the find (which should be logged online and added to your record) – as well as trinkets and souvenirs.

If the finder decides to take anything away, they’re required to leave something of equal or greater value for the next person to discover - and the chain begins!

So far at Kielder, there are four geocaches in place between Kielder Castle and Bakethin Nature Reserve. Another is to be placed near Bakethin Nature Reserve and a further cache will be hidden at Tower Knowe peninsula next year.

Two “trackable” creatures, a red squirrel and a salmon, have started journeys from the Kielder geocaches, with instructions for players on how they can help them achieve their goals of moving around the forest and migrating along the River Tyne.

It’s a great family activity for all ages and gets everyone out into the open air with a shared mission and sense of excitement so sign up now to www.geocaching.com and get hunting.