An employment tribunal judge has slammed Scottish Borders Council bosses following what he called “one of the most woefully inadequate investigations of misconduct I have ever come across”.

The judge, Ian McFartridge, made that claim during his summation of the case between Anthony Carson and the local authority.

Mr Carson, 51, of Hawick, regulatory services manager at Newtown since 2011, claimed he had been unfairly dismissed after allegations of “office bullying” and “micromanagement”.

The tribunal found in favour of Mr Carson, awarding him £56,581 and slamming the council’s handling of both the dismissal and the tribunal.

It was found that no formal or informal complaints had been made against Mr Carson, but he was told a number of allegations had been made about him and his management style.

He agreed to go to meetings to discuss these issues, but he was suspended before they took place.

He was dismissed in December 2016, without properly being made aware of what the allegations were.

He denied any wrongdoing, and the judge agreed with him.

It was the council’s handling of its end of the tribunal that angered the judge, though.

He named in particular, function manager Gillian Young, responsible for the investigation that led to Mr Carson’s dismissal, and David Robertson, the chief financial officer convening the disciplinary hearing ahead of it.

The judge agreed the pair were “inherently unreliable witnesses” and said: “Neither witness appeared to be willing to assist the tribunal by answering questions openly and honestly,”

He added: “Even during evidence in chief, MsYoung was not prepared to answer questions directly but simply leafed through the report and repeated sections which she felt might be of assistance to the case.

“Mr Robertson was also an entirely unsatisfactory witness. Like MsYoung, he was unwilling to answer questions in a straightforward way. He gave the impression of having made up his mind that he was not prepared to make any concessions, and even when the most obvious points were made, he refused to accept them.”

The judge went on to add that the unreliability of the witnesses made no impact on his final decision, but the way the council dealt with the dismissal did.

He said: “In my view, the agreed facts of the case clearly demonstrate the many ways in which the council failed to deal with this matter properly.

“It appears to me that, having belatedly realised this, Ms Young and Mr Robertson were simply attempting to do what they could to limit the damage by giving evasive answers to the tribunal.”

He went on: “The investigation in this case was well outside the range of reasonable responses and was one of the most woefully inadequate investigations of misconduct I have ever come across.

“Given that the circumstances of this case were that an employee with a hitherto-unblemished record was facing, and did in fact require to endure, dismissal for gross misconduct in respect of the allegations, the standard of investigation in this case was utterly shameful.”

After the judgement, Mr Carson said: “This has been very stressful. I am pleased that the tribunal agreed with me, but it’s difficult to take pleasure from this decision as I lost my job, it has ruined my career, and they put me through a lot of stress.

“I want to thank Thompson Solicitors and Unison for representing me. This is a reminder how important it is, even for senior managers, to join a trade union.”

Janet Stewart, Unison’s regional organiser, said: “I am an experienced union official, and I have never seen such a seriously damning verdict.

“This is a serious case. Scottish Borders Council conducts disciplinary procedures in a superficial manner.

“This must change. They do not give their employees the respect of a proper robust process.

“This case reminds them they are not above the law and it must act as a wake-up call.

“Anthony had an unblemished employment record, and Scottish Borders Council has destroyed his career and has cost Borders council tax payers £56,000 in the process.”

A representative of Thompson’s Solicitors, which represented Mr Carson, said: “This is one of the most scathing judgements we have seen from an employment tribunal.

“The judge finds that Scottish Borders Council has failed in almost every regard in terms of the investigation, the disciplinary decision, the process and lack of natural justice. They agreed with every criticism we made in this case.”

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are currently reviewing the judgement and will consider whether or not to submit an appeal.”

H&H Group have announced that they will be holding a public consultation event at Newtown St Boswells Auction Mart.

The event on Monday, March 26 is being held to explain details of the plans for the development of the St Boswells Auction Mart and surrounding site at Newtown St Boswells.

Importantly, the group want to gain feedback on the proposals so these can be considered as part of the planning permission when it is formally lodged with Scottish Borders Council.

Brian Richardson, Group Chief Executive, said: “The purpose of this event is to give people the chance to see for themselves, first-hand, the outline plans and to give them the opportunity to discuss these with our project team. Whilst the development is at an early stage, we would like to hear from as many people as possible and for them to understand the plan and the benefits it will bring to both Newtown St Boswells and the wider Borders economy through investment and jobs.

“The development of this site very much consolidates the Livestock Auction Mart at Newtown St Boswells. The proposed investment in its facilities, ensures its future and ensures that it remains the central focus for livestock farmers in the Borders.”

During the event there will be a display of the proposed plans along with the chance to meet with members of the project team. The event will run from 2pm to 7pm in the mart canteen at Newtown St Boswells and anyone interested is welcome to attend.

A 24-year-old man has been jailed for 240 days at Selkirk Sheriff Court for assaulting his partner and his mother following a festive period bust-up.

Dean O’Donnell pleaded guilty to those assaults, carried out at his mother’s home in Cuddyside, Peebles, on Boxing Day.

He also admitted allegations of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, repeatedly kicking doors and making abusive comments, as well as assaulting a police constable.

The court heard that O’Donnell and his partner of two weeks had been staying at his mother’s home for Christmas, but an argument broke out.

O’Donnell accused her of sleeping with another man and made abusive comments about her and punched her in the face, leaving her with a broken nose.

He also assaulted his mother, although she was not injured.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said O’Donnell, of no fixed abode, was now ashamed of himself.

He had been celebrating Christmas, but had taken drugs, and that led to the assaults, said Mr Dow.

Sheriff Peter Paterson described the festive row as “an appalling catalogue of events”.

O’Donnell’s 240-day jail sentence was backdated to December 27, that being when he was first remanded in custody.

A sheriff has vowed to crack down on offenders causing disturbances in the casualty department of the Borders General Hospital at Melrose.

Peter Paterson said he was shocked to read a recommendation in a social work report that Anthony Geidesz, 65, of Melrose, should be given a fine or deferred sentence for good behaviour.

Geidesz admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner on the afternoon of November 14 at a shoe shop in High Street, Galashiels, and later on at the hospital.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said he was “abusive, drunk and objectionable”.

Sheriff Paterson said: “It is wholly unacceptable. People are in hospital suffering through ill health and staff are trying to do valuable jobs, and they get distracted by this kind of behaviour.”

Geidesz, a recovering drug addict with alcohol issues, was given a restriction-of-liberty order keeping him in his Eildon Crescent home in Melrose for the next six months between 7pm and 7am.

The sheriff told him that sentence was a direct alternative to imprisonment.

A woman has admitted causing disturbances at the Borders General Hospital.

Jodie Sewell, 28, of Wemyss Place, Peebles, pleaded guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to shouting and swearing and making offensive gestures at the Melrose hospital’s accident-and-emergency department on September 18.

She also admitted assaulting her partner by headbutting him on November 16 and the following day causing another disturbance at the hospital by struggling violently with police officers.

Sewell admitted a fourth charge of assaulting a police officer by biting one of his arms.

Sheriff Peter Paterson told her: “These are serious offences. If you commit a further offence at Borders General Hospital, a custodial sentence will follow.”

He put her under supervision for the next 15 months as part of a community payback order also including 100 hours’ unpaid work.

A man has been jailed for over five months at Selkirk Sheriff Court for causing a disturbance at a woman’s house.

Michael Johnston, 27, was visiting his partner’s home in Rodger Fish Gardens in Kelso on September 7 when he targeted the home of a nurse while she was trying to sleep after a shift.

Johnston pleaded guilty to a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person fear and alarm.

He stared through the window and door of the property and then struck its windows and doors.

Johnston, of Woodstock Avenue, Galashiels, was sentenced to 160 days in prison.

Breaching bail conditions resulted in Harrison Long being ordered at Selkirk Sheriff Court to carry out 70 hours’ unpaid work.

The 26-year-old, of Harden Place, Hawick, was allowed bail on the condition that he did not enter Gala Park in Galashiels.

However, he was found there in the company of someone described as an “extremely vulnerable female” on March 9 and 10, the court heard.

Long admitted breaching bail.

A 25-year-old man has admitted hitting a former partner’s buttocks with a dog lead.

Dylan Scott also punched her arm to her injury.

That attack was carried out at his home in Burnfoot Road, Hawick, on December 7 last year.

Sheriff Peter Paterson told him: “This is a serious matter.”

Sentence was deferred at Jedburgh Sheriff Court for background reports.

A motorist in the habit of drinking a bottle of whisky a day has been banned from the road for 12 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Stuart Wilmshurst, 70, pleaded guilty to driving in various streets in Selkirk with a breath-alcohol count of 50 microgrammes, the legal limit being 22, on February 17.

In addition to the ban, he was fined £250.

Wilmshurst, of Mungo Park, Selkirk, was also fined £150 for having an expired driving licence.

Fiscal Graham Fraser said Wilmshurst told police he was an alcoholic and consumed a bottle of whisky a day.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said his client had reached 70 years of age without ever having been in court before.

Wilmshurst added that he had cut out drinking since the incident.

A West Linton woman has been banned from the road for 15 months at Selkirk Sheriff Court for driving while almost three times the legal alcohol limit.

Karel McCoy, 46, pleaded guilty to that offence, committed near the Co-op store in her home village on December 28.

She gave a breath-alcohol reading of 57 microgrammes, the legal limit being 22.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the mother of two entered the Co-op smelling of alcohol and bought a bottle of booze before driving off, and the police were then alerted.

He continued: “Police went round to her home address, but she was not there.

However, they had a look round the village and eventually came across her and she had two boys on board.

“She got out of the vehicle and went up to the police car, and they could smell the alcohol off her,” said Mr Fraser.

Defence lawyer Sophie Russell explained that her client had a lot of alcohol to drink the previous night and into the early hours and then had slept into the afternoon.

She said that when she rose about 3.30pm, she had a bottle of cider, but had had nothing to eat that day.

Ms Russell said: “She was stopped by the police at about 9.25pm. She had received a telephone call from her son. Both her sons had been dropped by a bus stop three miles away and needed picked up.

“It was night-time, but she should have told them to walk or get a taxi the rest of the way.

“She did not think she would be over the limit.

“This will have a significant impact on her husband as she is the main driver in the family and the nearest bus stop is three miles away.

“He depends on her to drive to the doctor’s and to pick up prescriptions.”

McCoy was also fined £250.

The former Scottish Borders Council manager who won damages of £56,581 from the local authority has said the whole experience left a “catastrophic” black mark on his career.

Anthony Carson, 51, who was sacked from his £44k a year job as regulatory services manager in December 2016, maintains that the allegations against him of office bullying and micromanagement were untrue.

Anthony Carson, 51, who was sacked from his £44k a year job as regulatory services manager in December 2016, maintains that the allegations against him of office bullying and micromanagement were untrue.

After his appeal to the council failed, he took the authority to an employment tribunal.

And while the tribunal’s judge, Ian McFatridge, did not go as far as to clear Mr Carson of wrong-doing, he slammed the council for their handling of the situation as “woefully inadequate”.

Read more on this story by clicking here.

Mr Carson, from Hawick, told us: “You can imagine the stress and anxiety me and my family have been put through during this process.

“My mother and father are still alive, and it has been an extremely challenging time for them and my partner.

“My partner and I were thinking of starting a family when all this began, but with the uncertainty of it all, it had to be put on a back burner.

“But such a clear statement from the judge vindicates the stance we have taken throughout.

“When you lose your job in the Borders, it’s not something you can easily rectify.

“I have had a career of 27 years in public service, and this process has had a catastrophic effect on that.”

Mr Carson, who is now a director of an environental consultancy, is in the process of setting up a kilt-making business.

He said: “I think that is one of the few things I have taken from this process. Life is short, so you really should spend it doing the things you love doing.”

He added: “The only reason I managed to get through this appeal process is through the support of Unison, especially Janet Stewart, the regional organiser.”

In a statement today, Tracey Logan, chief executive of the council, insisted sacking Mr Carson was the correct one, and that she believed the council did follow it’s own “rigorous procedures” throughout the process.

She also talked of “factual inaccuracies” in the judgement and said the language used was “unnecessarily personal and emotive”.

She told The Southern: “Notwithstanding the decision of the employment judge, we are content that the decision to dismiss Mr Carson was the correct one for our organisation. This decision was also upheld by the appeals committee.

“While acknowledging that there are lessons to be learned from the judgement, we believe there are a number of factual inaccuracies within the judgement and the language used is, in many parts, unnecessarily personal and emotive. We are taking advice on the possibility of an appeal and will provide feedback to the employment tribunal service on the language used in the judgement.”

Ms Logan said that the council would continue to have a “zero-tolerance approach to bullying behaviour” and claimed that history had shown there were “no flaws” in its procedures for handling this.

She said: “As an employer of over 5,500 employees, it is unfortunately inevitable that there will be instances when investigation and disciplinary action is required into allegations raised by staff concerning bullying and intimidation by management. The council has a duty of care to thoroughly investigate such allegations and we have a zero tolerance approach to bullying behaviours.

“We pride ourselves on dealing with these matters fairly and thoroughly, using rigorous procedures agreed with the recognised Trades Unions. We believe we followed agreed process in this case.

“In the last six years, 18 employment tribunal claims have been brought against the council, including that of Mr Carson. Of the other claims, one was settled, five were withdrawn by the claimant before a hearing and 11 resulted in judgements in the council’s favour.

“It is therefore extremely disappointing to see the comments from Unison, as clearly the council’s record demonstrates that there is no fundamental flaw in the process that the council has in place. However, lessons can always be learnt, and we will look at the judgement in full and reflect on where any improvements to the process can be made.

“I have already agreed to meet Unison and hope that we can go forward in a constructive manner.”

Janet Stewart, the regional organiser for Unison said: “I have worked with Scottish Borders Council for seven years. Anthony’s case was being handled terribly and I did everything I could to stop what was happening. There was complete ineptitude from the very start of the process and arrogance on the behalf of the investigating officers

“I have since contacted Tracey to see how we move on from this, but her reply was disappointing at best. She said merely that the decision to dismiss Anthony was the right one.

“I’m not really sure how we go forward with this.”

A 37-year-old man has had his name placed on the sex offenders’ register for three years after admitting being in possession of indecent images of children.

David Keddie, of Ladywood, Selkirk, also pleaded guilty at the town’s sheriff court to causing or permitting indecent images of children to be taken.

The offences happened at a house in Back Row, Selkirk, between January 2003 and June 2017.

Keddie was also given a three-year community payback order with supervision and conditions controlling internet use.

Sheriff Peter Paterson told him the sentence was an alternative to imprisonment.

Melrose player Rory Darge is in the starting line-up as Scotland’s U20 squad faces Italy tomorrow (Friday) in the final match of the U20 Six Nations.

The match kicks off at 3pm, local time, in the Stadio della Vittoria in Bari.

Head coach Stevie Scott’s team selection includes two changes to the side which secured a losing bonus point away to Ireland last weekend and features 13 players who are products of the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy.

Hawick player Guy Graham has not made a reappearance after injury, but Darge has retained his place in the back row, wearing number seven.

In the backs, Stirling County’s Logan Trotter replaces the injured Rory McMichael on the wing, with Sam Yawayawa named on the bench.

Up-front, Glasgow Hawks’ Paul Cairncross makes his first start of the campaign at hooker, as influential captain Robbie Smith – who suffered an ankle injury in Dublin last weekend – has been unable to recover in time for the trip to Italy.

Scott said: “Our attack against Ireland was the best it has been in the tournament so far. We created a lot of opportunities and thoroughly deserved the bonus point but we are disappointed that we didn’t win the game, because we had a chance to do that.

“This group has grown considerably from the start of this process. Where they are now, compared to when they first came into camp, is a credit to them as a team.

“It would be a really good championship for us if we can win this game in Italy. It will be a challenge, but the squad have trained well this week and we’re really looking forward to the fixture.”

The inclusion of Trotter is the only alteration to an otherwise unchanged back three, as Paddy Dewhirst and Kyle Rowe keep their spots at fullback and wing respectively.

In the midfield, Northampton Saints’ Fraser Strachan once again links up with Stafford McDowall, who is named as captain. Ross Thompson – who notched up 10 points in the defeat to Ireland – keeps his place at stand-off and is partnered by Gloucester’s Charlie Chapman.

Prop pairing Shaun Gunn and Finlay Richardson continue in the front row, alongside hooker Paul Cairncross, who features for the first time this Six Nations campaign.

An unchanged second row sees Jamie Hodgson and Ewan Johnson continue their impressive partnership, while Darge is in the back row with Martin Hughes and Devante Onojaife.

Melrose head coach Rob Chrystie has surrounded himself with Greenyards team mates once more – plus a sprinkling of other Borders players – in his capacity as head coach for Scotland’s Club XV internationals.

He has made two changes to his starting team to play Ireland Club XV tomorrow (Friday) at Netherdale, Galashiels (kick-off 7.30pm).

The sides will compete for the Dalriada Cup, which was first introduced in 2011.

The Melrose contingent includes Fraser Thomson, as skipper, George Taylor, Craig Jackson, Russell Anderson and Iain Moody, with Nick Beavon and Murdo McAndrew on the bench, while Shawn Muir of Hawick is also in the starting line-up.

The last two occasions have seen the men in dark blue lift the silverware – 2015 at Netherdale and 2016 at Temple Hill in Ireland.

Their Irish counterparts take a three-point lead into the aggregate decider at Galashiels, as the last encounter saw the Irishmen narrowly claim victory in the final moments of the game at Dubarry Park two weeks ago by 26-23.

Back-row forward Thomas Gordon comes into the team to start on the openside flank, while Jack Turley moves to number 8 to replace the injured Pete McCallum.

George Taylor will start in the centre in place of Robbie Nelson, who drops to the bench, and Jamie Forbes joins the squad among the replacements, while forwards Jonathan Matthews and Hamish Bain could debut if called upon from the bench.

Steven Longwell and Shawn Muir pack down at prop, and Russell Anderson completing the front row at hooker.

Iain Moody once again links up with Robert McAlpine in the engine room, while Blair MacPherson combines with Gordon and Turley in the back row.

Charlie Shiel and Craig Jackson will pull the strings again through their effective half-back partnership and will feature alongside Taylor and the experienced Ross Curle in the midfield.

In the back three, captain Fraser Thomson. of Melrose – who scored two tries against the Irish a fortnight ago – retains the full-back spot, with Jordan Edmunds and Craig Gossman on the wings.

Chrystie said: “I think the Irish side were really sharp in the last game and their back three worked really well together. We need to identify opportunities quickly and we need to have the ability to execute those chances as well.

“We will be looking to play with a quicker pace and we will try to put them under a lot more pressure. Hopefully, we will have a good home crowd at Netherdale to support all the club players who are representing their country.”

Scotland Club XV team: 15 Fraser Thomson (captain, Melrose), 14 Jordan Edmunds (Boroughmuir), 13 Ross Curle (Stirling County), 12 George Taylor (Melrose), 11 Craig Gossman (Ayr), 10 Craig Jackson (Melrose), 9 Charlie Shiel (Currie Chieftains), 1 Shawn Muir (Hawick), 2 Russell Anderson (Melrose), 3 Steven Longwell (Ayr), 4 Iain Moody (Melrose), 5 Robert McAlpine (Ayr), 6 Blair MacPherson (Ayr), 7 Thomas Gordon (Currie Chieftains), 8 Jack Turley (Heriot’s). Replacements: 16 Jonathan Matthews (Boroughmuir), 17 Nick Beavon (Melrose), 18 Struan Cessford (Heriot’s), 19 Hamish Bain (Currie Chieftains), 20 Ruairidh Leishman (Stirling County), 21 Murdo McAndrew (Melrose), 22 Jamie Forbes (Currie Chieftains), 23 Robbie Nelson (Currie Chieftains).

Despite extensive consultation over the past few days, the organising committee of the NCS Border Counties Rally regrets to announce the event will NOT go ahead in 2018.

It has not been possible to find a new date which suited all championships, land owners and key rally officials.

The Jedburgh-based rally was originally planned for March 10 but was postponed in the week leading up to the rally, because of the extreme conditions experienced in the south of Scotland and Tweed Valley forests where the stages were located.

Forestry operations were suspended and access became impossible because of unprecedented snowfall and ice, which covered the region, and the executive committee of the Hawick and Border Car Club and Whickham and District Motor Club-organised rally would not have been able to guarantee the safety of competitors, marshals, volunteers and officials.

The full organising committee met last weekend to consider the current position and the options available for rescheduling the event.

In an already packed British Rallying calendar, the choice of dates available was extremely limited and did not offer a realistic chance of running a rally in similar stature to that organised for last weekend.

Finding a date to suit both the Prestone MSA British Rally Championship and the ARR Craib MSA Scottish Rally Championship was also proving difficult and, with options being limited to a congested end of season, it could have meant organising two Border Counties Rallies in just four winter months, which was an unrealistic prospect.

Sadly, the conclusion from the committee was that cancellation was inevitable. All competitors who entered this year’s event have been fully refunded.

Clayton Lackenby, clerk of the course of the Border Counties Rally, was looking to the future.

“It’s certainly not a position we wanted to be in but the organising team will now turn its thoughts to 2019 and decide how, and when, to run a viable event” he said.

“Among other ideas, we are exploring routes which may allow a Rally 2WD format and we will watch with interest how other rallies progress with this during the year.

“We would like to thank our sponsors NCS, local and regional councils, championships and, of course, our competitors, for their ongoing support.”

Young Borders rugby players are going ‘forward’ to represent Scotland U18s in a match with England this weekend.

Five south of Scotland players have been named among the forwards who’ll hope to have an up-front role when the young Scots play the English at Bridgehaugh in Stirling on Sunday (kick-off noon), ahead of the U18 Six Nations in Wales at the end of the month.

Following the narrow 32-30 defeat to Wales last Sunday, U18s head coach Iain Monaghan has selected a 26-man squad, which once again includes home-based and Scottish Qualified players.

Man of the match Nathan Chamberlain is selected, along with Sunday’s other try-scorers, Rory Jackson, Dan Lancaster and Ollie Smith.

The selection of forwards includes Thomas Jeffrey of Peebles, Mak Wilson of Duns, Daniel Gamble and Cammy Brown, both of Kelso, and Gavin Wilson from Dumfries Saints.

Monaghan, said: “This weekend, we’ll be working hard on what we learnt in the narrow defeat to Wales and looking to build on that performance.

“We have another group of guys coming in this weekend, who we want to have a look at. The more players we can look at the better, so we can take a strong group to the U18 Six Nations tournament at the end of the month.

“Playing England is always a big challenge and the games are physical and fast. These are the games you want to play in and these boys really strive in a competitive environment.

“The players will experience some real highs and some real lows, but this will stand them in good stead when they move on to U19 and U20 squads.”

Scotland U18 squad: Forwards – Thomas Jeffrey (Peebles), Mak Wilson (Duns), Daniel Gamble (Kelso / Merchiston Castle School), Alex Maxwell (Brooksby Melton College / Leicester Tigers), Rory S. Jackson (Edinburgh Academy), Scott Clelland (Ayr), Cammy Brown (Kelso), Tom Morris (Dollar Academy), Kieran Watt (Watsonians), James Barker (Newcastle Falcons / Gosforth Academy), Archie Smeaton (Yorkshire Carnegie / Hymers College), Jack Hill (Sedbergh School / Sale Sharks), Cameron Henderson (Strathallan School), Gavin Wilson* (Dumfries Saints).

Backs – Kristian Kay (Stowe School / Wasps), Jamie Dobie (Merchiston Castle School), Nathan Chamberlain (Bristol / SGS College), Robbie McCallum (Loretto), Dan Lancaster (Yorkshire Carnegie / Bishop Burton College), Scott Robeson (George Heriot’s School), Ollie Smith (Strathallan School), Jack Blain (Stewart’s Melville College), Paul Cunningham (George Watson’s School), Rufus McLean (Merchiston Castle School), Charlie Hudson (St Peter’s, York), Femi Sofolarin (Dulwich College / Harlequins).

The two Borders sides in the BT Premiership, at opposite ends of the table, are preparing for a massive game with each other this weekend.

Front-runners Melrose are looking to sign off with a flourish before they enter the play-off stages.

Hosts Hawick, however, know their remarkable revitalisation could hinge on this one game as they battle for their Premiership lives.

A win at Mansfield Park should see them safe, if Glasgow Hawks lose, while defeat will consign them to a second successive relegation play-off.

Rewinding to the first half of the campaign, the clubs’ fortunes could not have been more in contrast.

Melrose won every league game with a bonus-point tally before the turnaround, while Hawick lost them all.

Melrose then stumbled slightly, losing two back to back before recapturing regular winning form, while Hawick strung together a consistent series of wins which scraped them away initially from the drop zone.

Hawick captain Bruce McNeil said it was a “massive game” and a “big test”, which the squad had been building up to and was now fully fit.

“We know how good Melrose are – they can go pretty much anywhere in Scotland and get five points,” he said. “But, generally, this season in a must-win game, we have come through it. We have taken a lot of heart from our resurgence in the second half of the season. It’s remarkable how we have turned things around.

“We know what’s at stake and how big a challenge it is. If we’re going to get beaten, we’ll get beaten by a better team and not by our own mistakes.”

McNeil added: “We are the home team – since the halfway turning point, we’ve only lost one out of 10 at Mansfield. Hopefully, there will be a big crowd to spur us on. It certainly helps, and having a full team to choose from is good.”

Melrose could have players involved in the Scottish Club International, so it was a big weekend for the club, said head coach Rob Chrystie.

“We know how good Hawick can be at Mansfield,” he said. “We’re under no illusion how tough it will be. Hawick are on a bit of a high and they are confident under George (Graham, head coach). There will be a big, vocal crowd at Mansfield – they’ll give us a good welcome. It’ll be a battle.

“Our focus is on this weekend,” he added. “Once we get past that, we’ll prepare for Watsonians in the play-offs.”

In League I, second-placed Jed-Forest have a huge home game against leaders Edinburgh Accies. A win for the hosts would put them level on points with the side which has a 100 per cent sequence of wins this season. Jed’s head of rugby, Ali Campbell, said they were boosted by Friday’s physical game at Kelso, only their second match in eight weeks. “Edinburgh are a strong, formidable side but we have home advantage and everything to play for. It’s a huge end to the season for the club from this Saturday onwards. We will try and get the win and take it from there.”

The Northern Area Point-to-Point season resumes after a three-week break with the Duke of Buccleuch’s fixture at Friars Haugh, Kelso, this Sunday.

It has attracted 71 entries, including 20 from Yorkshire, on a seven-race card- starting at 1pm.

The six entries for the Duke of Buccleuch’s Conditions Race are headed by dual course winner, Eco Warrior.

Unpenalised for last month’s Berwickshire victory, Nick Orpwood’s mount receives a minimum of 5lb from three of his main rivals, Oscar Stanley, Pyjama Game and Whats Left, who all hold other engagements on the card.

Will Ramsay’s Pyjama Game beat Whats Left by half a length in the Berwickshire NPPA Conditions Race, while Oscar Stanley, who has shown his best form on a sounder surface, finished five lengths 3rd to Pieceoftheaction at Corbridge last time.

Experienced ex-chaser, Settledoutofcourt has been in the first four on all three starts this term for Ailsa McClung and must go close again if reproducing the effort which saw him go down by a length to Always Tipsy in the Jedforest Conditions Race.

The two leading entries in the Connolly’s Red Mills Intermediate Race, Chanceiton (96) and Glittering Love (104), are also entered in the NPPA Conditions Race. Both of Chanceiton’s victories this season, at Alnwick and Corbridge, came on a sound surface, while the progressive Glittering Love seems to act on any ground and is chasing a four-timer.

The ultra consistent Worcester Pearmain survived a last fence mistake to bear Raleagh Mountain by a length in last month’s Percy Maiden Race, Yoohoof won twice in Yorkshire last season but is returning from a 10-month break, while Denbigh raider, Indigo Island, often makes the frame here.

There are more letters than numbers in the form figures of the nine entries for the Jockey Club Mares Maiden Race, including seven from Yorkshire stables. Aine’s Choice was placed twice in Ireland prior to June 2017 but has been pulled up on all three outings this season. Euro Bond, Melanger and Miss Carney were all pulled up last time.

One For Martha finished a remote seventh on her second career start in the Maiden contest, won by Ancient Empire at Duncombe Park last month, while the top-rated Steel’s Cotton shaped well on her first start for Jane Clark’s yard when finishing seven lengths fifth to Fair Exchange at Corbridge.

The Ladies Open Race has 13 entries and the highest rated are Abbeyview, Clues And Arrows, Nine Altars, Scarlet Fire and Winged Crusader. Scarlet Fire won five Points in a row in 2014 as well as two Handicap Chases in 2015 and made an impressive return from an eight-month break when beating Knocklong by four lengths at Corbridge in the hands of owner/trainer/rider, Joey Richards.

Ex-chaser, Winged Crusader (also entered in the Men’s Open) made all to win at Alnwick in December and was then placed in hunters’ chases at Kelso and Musselburgh. Dual 2 mile hurdles winner, Nine Altars finished five lengths third to Scarlet Fire at Corbridge. Clues And Arrows ran well when placed in the first two Ladies Opens of the season at Alnwick and Friars Haugh, while Abbeyview should also be in the mix under Laura Fenwick.

Shantou Magic is second top-rated in the Men’s Open Race (12 entries) but Will Ramsay’s mount is an intended runner in the Cheltenham Foxhunters’ Chase on Friday. The aforementioned Winged Crusader would have 12lb more to carry here than in the Ladies Open. Pieceoftheaction, a dual course winner in 2018, is still on the upgrade and is chasing a four-timer.

Whisperdale posted a career-best effort when a close third in the 3m5f Tynedale Men’s Open and seems much better on a sound surface. Forge Valley finished three lengths third to Leavethelighton in the Berwickshire Open, Kings Lodge made all to land the Brocklesby Club Members Conditions Race four weeks ago, while Wizadora was only headed inside the last hundred yards when runner-up to Dance Of Time at Duncombe Park.

The leading entries in the NPPA Conditions Race are the aforementioned Glittering Love, Pieceoftheaction, Pyjama Game, Chanceiton and Whats Left. In addition, Summoned comfortably beat Indigo Island on his reappearance here in January, while Royal Chatelier, who loves plenty of cut, was running his best race for some time when falling two out at Corbridge.

The concluding Open Maiden Race has seven entries, including four from Yorkshire. Another Day Done finished one length second in an Irish Maiden four months ago before changing hands and probably needed the run when pulled up at Duncombe Park.

Ask Jd’s winning turn cannot be far away after finishing runner-up to Pieceoftheaction and Left Back at Friars Haugh this term. Bite The Biscuit finished one and a half lengths second to Ancient Empire at Duncombe Park and his stable companion, Leopards Leap, placed four times under Rules in Ireland for Noel Meade, might need the run after an 18-month absence from the track.

Flower Ball (placed in Ireland in April 2016) and Marauder (ex-Henry Candy) are open to improvement, while the Tony Dobbin-trained Treliver Manor finished two and a half lengths second to Fair Exchange at Corbridge last month.

Concerns are growing for a Borders student missing since Wednesday night, March 14.

Duncan Sim, a first-year chemistry student at St Andrews University in Fife, was reported missing following a night out in the town.

The 19-year-old, from Duns, was last seen in the town’s Old Station Road at 11.15pm on Wednesday after socialising with friends at Madras College’s rugby club.

The teenager, a resident of the university’s Agnes Blackadder Hall, is described as white, 6ft tall and of medium build, with brown hair and green eyes.

He was wearing a grey-coloured suit jacket, white shirt and a blue and white tie.

Sergeant Sharon Holmes, of Fife police, said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Duncan’s welfare and are eager to trace him as soon as possible.

“I would urge anyone who may have seen Duncan, or a man matching his description, to contact us immediately.

“In addition, anyone with information that can help us trace his whereabouts is asked to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can contact St Andrews police station via 101, quoting incident number 2,987 of March 15.

It’s certainly one of the most fascinating places to visit in the Borders, with its Roman fort, Cistercian abbey and its rugby sevens tournament.

But Melrose has now been named the best place to live in Scotland, by the Sunday Times newspaper.

See the feature on the Sunday Times website here

The news comes ahead of the full reveal in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, which is published on Sunday, March 18.

The supplement assesses a wide range of factors, from jobs, schools and broadband speed to culture, community spirit and local shops, in order to compile the definitive top locations to live.

The methodology uses robust statistics, but also the knowledge of the newspaper’s expert panel. The judges said they combined the hard data with their own on-the-ground experience and insight to ensure the chosen locations truly are places where everyone can thrive.

Other towns which made the list include Wigtown, Orkney and the Black Isle, but Melrose came out on top.

Judges said: “It’s a country classic, with a beautiful setting in the Eildon hills, a dramatic ruined abbey and a handsome town centre of stone and pristine whitewash.

“For a town of just 1,700 people, there’s a huge selection of restaurants and shops, including a bakery spanning five generations, two great butchers, a fishmonger, a greengrocer, a deli and a wine shop.”

The award, however, comes as no real surprise to any who actually live there.

In fact, you get the impression they believe it’s just been an oversight before.

Douglas Hardie, president of the town’s very successful rugby club, said there were five main reasons Melrose is by far the best,

He said: “It’s down to a huge amount of people, like a big jigsaw. If all these people didn’t fit together like Melrose people do, it won’t work.

“We are very fortunate in that we have five claims to fame: we are the oldest continuously inhabited town in Scotland; we have Scott’s Abbotsford; we have the abbey, where Bruce’s heart is buried; we have the first masonic lodge; and, of course, the thing that is giving us most profile recently is that we are the founders of rugby sevens, which is now an Olympic and Commonwealth sport.

“The Melrose Sevens is the biggest sporting event in the south of Scotland and the biggest rugby event in Scotland, outside of Murrayfield. On the day the town is completely transformed.

“Online ticket sales for this year’s sevens have completely outstripped last year’s by 140% ... and last year was a record.”

And Mr Hardie had an idea why Melrose is able to keep its small shops thriving.

He said: “When I was with the traders; association, we always used to preach the shop local message, and it shows that it works.

“We also have a great range of restaurants and hotels in the Borders. Even on a week night, there are cars lining the streets.

“We have a great selection of properties to buy, and above all that, the people in the town are willing to give their time free of charge to keep community groups such as Melrose in Bloom running.”

Check out what judges had to say on www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/bestplacestolive. Non-subscribers can gain complimentary access to two articles a week when they enter an email address and register.

Readers can also join in the conversation online by sharing their favourite places and why they love them, using the hashtag #STbestplaces