Sections of a 2,000-year-old Roman wall have been revealed during work to install a new water main in the Borders.

The stones now brought to light, but since reburied for their protection, were part of the Roman settlement of Trimontium, near the village of Newstead to the east of Melrose.

Trimontium takes its name from the Eildon Hills, that being Latin for the place of the three hills.

The 370-acre site was occupied by the invaders on and off from 80AD to 211AD and was home to a fort and up to four settlements surrounding it.

The Roman stones were uncovered by the Midlothian-based AOC Archaeology Group during work to lay four and a half miles of water main between Newstead and Earlston.

The £4m project, being carried out by Scottish Water partner the Caledonia Water Alliance to improve drinking water quality, got under way in March and is expected to take around eight months to complete.

Project manager Barclay Smart said: “Given the significant Roman history in Newstead, we secured the services of AOC Archaeology Group to supervise the first phases of the project.

“During the initial excavations of the site, we were fascinated to discover parts of Roman wall dating from around 80AD.

“These wall sections were inside a Roman site comprising at least four temporary camps.

“In order to preserve the walls and to adhere to Scottish planning policy and Historic Environment Scotland rules, we have constructed a 5m-wide-by-1.6km-long stone haul road to allow machinery access to the site without disturbing and damaging the archaeology underneath.”

Donald Gordon, secretary of Melrose’s Trimontium Museum Trust, said: “The uncovering of the Roman walls within the great camps complex during this project is significant as Trimontium was a vast settlement.

“The fort itself was started in the first century AD under the governor of Britannia, Julius Agricola.

“At its height, it housed around 1,500 soldiers and comprised the fort and the four settlements surrounding it, which would have included dwellings as well as baths, shops, including trades such as glass and pottery-making, ironworking and weaving.

“Indeed, the fort and settlements were more populated then than Newstead and the surrounding areas are today.

“I’m very pleased that Scottish Water has protected the Roman walls for the next 2,000 years to come.”

Trimontium and its settlements were first excavated in 1905, and there have been three major excavations since, starting in 1947, 1989 and 1996.

Finds made there include a collection of Roman armour said to be the best of its kind, including the ornate Newstead Helmet, an iron Roman cavalry helmet dating back beyond 100AD and known as the Roman face of Scotland.

Those finds are on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh illustrating the history of the Roman army’s occupation of the south of the country.

The Trimontium Trust, established in 1988, is currently involved in a £2m fundraising project with the Heritage Lottery Fund to renovate and extend its Melrose museum.

Borders-based Scottish National Party list MSP Paul Wheelhouse has been handed a new job as part of this week’s Holyrood reshuffle.

The former business, energy and innovation minister will take on the new role of minister for energy, connectivity and the islands as Scottish Government First Minister Nicola Sturgeon makes changes to her cabinet and ministerial teams.

His boss will be new transport, infrastructure and connectivity secretary Michael Matheson.

“I’m delighted to now serve as minister for energy, connectivity and the islands and to be reunited with Michael Matheson as cabinet secretary,” said the 48-year-old, of Ayton in Berwickshire.

Jamie Hepburn will take over part of Mr Wheelhouse’s old brief, becoming minister for business, fair work and skills.

Northern Ireland-born Mr Wheelhouse has been a regional list MP since May 2011, though he did stand unsuccessfully for the Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire constituency seat in 2016, losing out to John Lamont, now MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk.

When not at Holyrood, he is based at an office in Hawick’s Sandbed.

More ministerial appointments are expected to be announced today, June 27.

Five Scottish ministers have been promoted as part of the reshuffle, including Jeane Freeman to the post of health secretary and Humza Yousaf to justice secretary.

Ms Freeman, previously social security minister, takes over from Shona Robison following the Dundee City East MSP’s resignation.

Mr Yousaf, transport minister since 2016, takes over from Mr Matheson.

Brexit minister Michael Russell, further education minister Shirley-Anne Somerville and health minister Aileen Campbell have also been given cabinet roles.

Derek Mackay retains his finance portfolio, with added responsibility for the economy following economy secretary Keith Brown’s departure.

Fergus Ewing will continue as rural economy secretary.

John Swinney, Roseanna Cunningham and Fiona Hyslop retain their current roles with responsibility for education, the environment and culture respectively.

Ms Sturgeon said: “The new cabinet I am announcing brings fresh talent to the Scottish Government and ensures that we are fully equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities facing the country in the months and years ahead.

“With the impact of Brexit on our economy and wider society, it is right that the issues it presents are fully reflected at cabinet level, while the delivery of a new Scottish social security system also requires a voice at the cabinet table.

“I will shortly be appointing a fully refreshed junior ministerial team, which will also include a number of fresh faces and a wealth of new talent.”

Borders Search and Rescue Unit took delivery of its new off-road ambulance this week, following years of fundraising.

The unit – staffed completely of volunteers who are on call at all times to provide an essential emergency service, not just to hillwalkers, but to the whole community, through a wide range on incidents such as festivals and common ridings – is based in Kelso.

The new Mercedes Sprinter EU6 316 CDI has been custom-fitted out to team specifications and has plenty of room for kit, stretcher, casualties and team members inside.

Team members have played an important role in the design of the interior of the ambulance, making regular visits to vehicle conversion specialists Cebotec in Falkirk, where it was being converted from the basic model.

A spokeswoman for the group told us: “This new vehicle replaces our aging S reg Ford Transit minibus and will enhance our capabilities to respond to call-outs throughout the team’s area of responsibility, throughout East Lothian and the eastern Borders.

“As well as donations from a huge number of people, we’d like to thank Mercedes for giving us a generous Mountain Rescue discount; the Joicey Trust, who donated £3,000 to the vehicle fund, and to Kelso and Duns Co-op stores, which recently supported us as their local charities with money raised going directly into the fund.

“We’ll all be doing some familiarisation training over the coming weeks and will be taking the Sprinter along to upcoming events.

“We’ll be providing first aid cover for the Eildon Hill Race on Saturday and for Duns, Jedburgh, Kelso and Coldstream rideouts over the summer, as well as attending Haddington Show at the end of the month.”

The dream of establishing a multi-user trail between Langlee woods and Stow is a few steps closer, although it is likely to cost more than originally thought.

Trail designer Pete Laing told June’s meeting of Galashiels Community Council that the plan is for the pathways to be used by cyclists, walkers and horseriders alike.

However, the topography of Langlee woods, in regards to the steepness of existing paths, could ramp up the costs.

He told community councillors: “The Langlee woods is a marvellous strip of ancient woodland, but the access paths are all too steep.

“The problem is not insurmountable, but the gradient is too steep for people to cycle up it.

“We would need to build new access track to the high ground that would complement the existing network.”

The added length of track required would increase the cost of the project, which Mr Laing said “could be £2million”.

There are also problems as to where the route would fit in between Galashiels and Stow.

Community councillor Bill White, who has been championing the cycle trail, said: “Anyone putting a path between these two points would generally do it at river level, but the railway has taken all the low level access routes north,

“However, there is the added bonus of there being fantastic views of the valley, including the river, from above.”

Further challenges include the land at Langlee mains, and road access to the main points at Langlee and Ladhope.

Community councillor Tom Ingoldsby, who lives in the Ladhope estate, said: “This is a great project, but will you be inviting people to take their cars up to Langlee and Ladhope to go on an use the trails on their bikes?

“Ladhope is a quiet, residential area, and we don’t want it to become a problem ... I don’t want to have to jam on my brakes to avoid a cyclist.”

Mr Laing replied: “You would really want people to base themselves in the town centre, but yes, families with younger kids will want to get as close to the trails as possible with their car.

“There are areas to the west side of the golf course which are suitable for car parking, and it doesn’t need to be high-quality tarmacadam car parks, either.”

Mr White said that it didn’t have to start with all facilities in place.

He added: “Look at what Glentress was like even three years ago and see the modern facilities that are there now, it’s amazing.”

Discussions on the initial trail layouts are expected to take place with affected groups by early August and a report on the proposals will be completed by October.

Borders MSP Christine Grahame is urging Travelodge to choose a town centre location as it looks for a potential site for a new hotel in Galashiels.

The budget hotel chain has confirmed it is pressing ahead with plans to open 20 more hotels in Scotland and hopes one will be its first in the Borders, as reported in last week’s Southern.

Both the Burgh Yard, near the town’s Tesco store, and Tweedbank’s proposed Border Gateway have been suggested as possible sites, tying in with retail park and filling station developments, but Ms Grahame is called for a more central location to give the town centre a boost.

The Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP said: “I would welcome a development such as a low-cost hotel like Travelodge in Galashiels, as I have said previously, but Tweedbank is the wrong place.

“After the fiasco of Scottish Borders Council wanting to put the Great Tapestry of Scotland in a dome there and cutting down protected trees, I hope it has learned its lessons.

“Tweedbank is not a final destination for the railway. In due course, it is my hope it will be just another station connecting with our neighbours across the border.

“The dire need is for a low-cost hotel in Galashiels tying in with the tapestry and being part of the much-needed regeneration of the town centre.

“We also do not need another retail park at Tweedbank or the Burgh Yard. Either of those would be the final nail in the coffin of the small businesses in the town.

“These sites should be used for much-needed social housing, and I will argue forcibly that that should be what happens.

“After all, I had to argue against many to prevent the tapestry going into that dome at Tweedbank.”

It was following Ms Grahame’s intervention that the Scottish Government threatened to withdraw part of its share of funding for the tapestry’s planned home in the Borders, prompting the rethink that will now see the artwork housed in High Street and Channel Street in Galashiels.

Having brought a smile to all the town’s schoolchildren this week by sending them home for the summer holidays, Braw Lad and Lass, Greg Kelly and Kimberley O’May, will be grinning from ear to ear on Saturday.

With plenty of sunshine forecast, everything is in place for one of the best and most memorable Gala Days in recent years.

The culmination of the Braw Lads’ Gathering week brings townsfolk together to celebrate the town’s history and traditions, in supporting its young ambassadors.

In between the school visits on Tuesday and Wednesday, Greg told us: “Everything is going by so quickly this week, it’s all a bit of a blur.

“But I’m really enjoying it all, and it is an amazing feeling to have so much support. To have 144 riders on the Lindean rideout on Monday was absolutely brilliant.”

Greg said his favourite experience so far was at Hawick Common Riding, but he’s sure it will be beaten on Saturday.

He said: “Experiencing the atmosphere in the hut on the Thursday morning and riding on the Friday behind Hawick’s Cornet was a great experience,

“But I can’t wait until I am entrusted with the Burgh Flag at 8am on Saturday. I’m sure the morning will fly past, but the Scott Street gallop will etch itself into my memory.”

For those planning to watch proceedings on Saturday, the timings are as follows:

8am: The Braw Lad received the flag from the president of the Gatherning, Bill White on the balcony of the Burgh Chambers. The principals and their followers will then saddle up to ride to Netherdale via Tweed Road.

8.40am: The Raid Stane Ceremony at Netherdale, at the spot where lads from the town attacked and killed a band of Englishmen in 1337.

9am: The mounted cavalcade fords the Tweed at Galafoot.

9.15am: The principals pay a visit to Abbotsford House, before crossing back over the river.

10am: The cavalcade of riders gallop over Gala Hill. At the same time, the town’s bands play back into town towards the Auld Toon cross.

10.30am: The mixing of the roses ceremony at the Auld Toon Cross.

11am: Visit to Old Gala House to meet the Laird.

11.30am: The stunning gallop up Scott Street.

Noon: The Braw Lad dips the flag at the War Memorial, remembering those from the town who fell in battle.

12.15pm: The Burgh Flag is returned “unsullied and untarnished”.

Peebles was a town bursting with passion and pride last week as it celebrated its history and traditions during its march riding and Beltane Festival.

Cornet and queen reigned as the royal burgh took cornet Gregor McGrath and queen Katy Blackwood to their hearts.

Wednesday and the riding of the marches belonged to Gregor and his lass Loryn Paterson when the two gutterbluids, both 24, were installed and sashed at the Old Parish Church by festival chairman Keith Brunton.

Gregor took hold of the standard, relinquished by outgoing cornet Ross Falla, before it was bussed by Loryn and carried at the head of a 200-strong cavalcade around the marches.

Arriving at Neidpath Castle, this year’s Warden of Neidpath, former police chief Douglas Wright, gave the traditional address.

Urging Gregor and Loryn to “make the most of it”, he said: “You will have treasured memories for the rest of your lives. Enjoy the great experiences.”

Addressing Katy and her court, the 81st warden told the youngsters of the importance of living in the moment.

“Make the most of what you have now, and at all times, while you have the chance. Whatever you do, live life with a purpose and enjoy life to the full,” he told them.

He added: “I honestly consider that by putting something into your life, your work and your community, you get something back – not in monetary terms – but in terms of satisfaction with your life, and with your family. That is what will make your lives worth living.”

He told them: “As well as remembering this Beltane week, always remember, whenever and wherever you are, that each tomorrows is the first day of the rest of your life.”

Mr Wright then spoke of his work with the Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society, and he urged all townsfolk, be they cyclists, walkers, drivers or dog-owners, to take pride in their town and respect the responsibility they have for their environment.

He paid tribute to the hard-working volunteer organisations of the town and added: “Let’s encourage responsible conduct by everyone. Remember the slogan ‘Peebles for pleasure’ and take a pride in Peebles.”

This week, Gregor told the Southern his week had been “absolutely brilliant”.

“Every second of it has been amazing. I’ve absolutely loved it, and it’s such an honour to represent the town in this way,” the mill worker said.

“The whole week passed so quickly.

“The only thing that didn’t go to plan was the fording of the Tweed because of the rain on Tuesday night. It was disappointing but understandable.”

Paying tribute to cornet’s lass Loryn Paterson, he added: “I can’t fault her one bit. She was absolutely outstanding supporting me all of last week from keeping me right on the horse to telling me where to be and when and just keeping me right.

“Both Loryn and her mum Lynsey were a huge help.”

Saturday, or red letter day, belonged to queen Katy, her court and the children of Peebles.

More than 500 youngsters – chefs, penguins, sailors, pirates , flower girls and mice – marched to the parish church steps.

With the characters of the festival waiting, visiting principals and dignitaries were escorted into place by the town’s pipe and silver bands, and with dignity the court, including chief maid Jess Colledge, first courtier Callum McRobert and second courtier Innes Cormack, was built up before Beltane queen Katy was crowned by this year’s crowning lady, Katharine Mathison.

“Saturday is all about the kids,” Gregor added. “We watch them as they pass in their fancy dress and give them big hoorays to get the cheers going.

“We tried to get them as excited as we could. They were all absolutely delighted for the queen and her court.

“I reckon there’s been friendships for life made between the four of them.”

The cornet led the grand procession of pipe bands, brass bands and floats filled with youngsters around the town.

Amidst the fun and joviality, though, in the quadrangle, as the parade continued outside, floral wreaths were laid in tribute to the town’s war dead.

The celebrations had begun the previous Sunday evening when the Rev Barry Hughes was installed as warden of the Cross Kirk during a ceremony held at the war memorial.

Thursday night’s junior ride attracted 70-odd followers.

The rest of this year’s court were:

Maids: Natalie Beatton, Stella Davidson, Kirsten Duncan, Amelia Griffiths and Neve Scott.

Immediate Entourage: Erin Blacklaw, Lois Findlay, Aliya French, Lara Little, Neve Reed, Ruby Ridley and Chloe Williamson.

Court admiral Jack Gordon-Duf; Casket bearer Dylan Greens; Crown bearer Oliver Furness; 1st herald Andrew Duncan; 2nd herald : Louis Whyte; Royal herald Morgan Hamilton; Queen’s Highlander Robbie Hardie; Sceptre bearer Charlie Franklin-White; Standard bearer Thomas Hilton; Sword bearer Rory Clark; Telegram girl Emma Tennant.

Queen’s pages: Benny Bennett, Reuben Cassidy, Charlie Davidson, Frazer Harvie, Alfie Johnstone and Oliver Rand.

The Eildon Medical Practice in Newtown is facing an uncertain future.

Its fate will be decided following what is described as an option appraisal process currently under way.

That follows the decision of the practice’s partners in January to withdraw from the premises as of the end of 2019.

Residents are now being written to, offering four option – that the existing practice will be purchased by NHS Borders and services will continue, a new GP practice building will be built elsewhere in the village, the building is sold and patients will have to travel to Melrose or a new building will be built for all patients in Melrose and Newtown.

At stake in all these outcomes is the future of the Melrose practice as well.

Explaining the next stage of the process, medical director Dr Cliff Sharp said: “An option appraisal is a standard tool we use in the decision making process for setting objectives, creating and reviewing options and analysing their relative costs and benefits.

“By following an option appraisal process we can give our stakeholders assurance that the strengths, weaknesses, risks and issues of a range of different options have been fully considered to identify a ‘preferred option’.

“During July we will be writing to all households who have patients registered with the Eildon practice to share this update with them, tell them where and how we will be giving future updates and give them the opportunity to be directly involved in the process.

“Until the conclusion of this process the planned redevelopment of the Melrose Health Centre building will remain on hold.”

Selkirkshire councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol said: “I would prefer a service in Newtown St Boswells to be the priority for NHS Borders.

“We have over two thirds of the patient numbers of the combined service registered at the Eildon Medical Practice. The area covered is large and geographically spread and transport, for those who do not have access to a car, would become an even greater issue than it is currently and since NHS Borders does not fund any transport provision for access to GP services, this would be at the cost of the individual patient, which may be prohibitive to some.

“This creates an increased risk of people not attending their frontline heath service and conditions possibly going untreated, leading to unnecessary hospital admission or far more costly treatments being required.

“We have an outstanding Community Pharmacy in Newtown St Boswells, run by a very committed pharmacist and his team.

“While they are prepared to extend their services if it came to a crunch situation, I feel NHS Borders ought to be considering not only the existing patients of Eildon Medical Practice, but those who will be moving to the catchment area as house building continues apace.

“There is a need for the practice to remain sited within the village, especially if we take into account the drive towards preventative medical care and encouraging early attendance to prevent longer term illness.”

For further information, or to express your interest in being involved, call NHS Borders on 0800 731 4052, or email public.involvement@borders.scot.nhs.uk

A police investigation has been launched after a 30-year-old man was found with serious injuries in a Hawick street.

The man was discovered early Wednesday morning in Fairhurst Drive and was taken by ambulance to Borders General Hospital.

No details are known as to how he suffered the injuries and police say investigations into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

A police spokesman said: “Police in the Borders were called to the Fairhurst Drive area of Hawick at around 7.40am on Wednesday, June 27, following reports a man had been found with serious injuries.

“The 30-year-old was taken to Borders General Hospital by the Scottish Ambulance Service and inquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing.”

A driver responsible for smashing a Ford Focus car through a fence and colliding with a house was under the influence of drugs, Jedburgh Sheriff Court has been told.

Tristan McCuaig, 34, of Drumlanrig Square, Hawick, was disqualified from the road for 18 months and fined £250 after admitting driving while under the influence of drugs.

That offence was committed in Ramsay Road, Hawick, on January 31.

The court heard that a neighbour heard a loud bang at around 11.15pm and felt the building shake.

When he looked out, he saw McCuaig get out of a dark-coloured car, saying that everything was sorted and that he would pay for the damage.

However, depute fiscal Tessa Bradley said McCuaig appeared incoherent and walked away from the scene and police were then called.

She said that the vehicle had gone through an iron fence and caused some masonry damage to the house.

Police officers launched a search for the father of two, a scaffolder by trade, and eventually he reappeared at the scene of the crash.

He confirmed he was the driver of the car at the time, and officers noted that he appeared drowsy and had dilated pupils.

McCuaig gave a sample of breath for alcohol and it was negative but he failed an impairment test “fairly spectacularly”.

Ms Bradley said that McCuaig needed assistance when he was walking “such was his state of impairment”.

He then gave a blood sample revealing traces of drugs.

Defence lawyer Stephanie Clinkscale said her client had been going through a difficult patch with his wife and had taken drugs before getting into the car.

She added that his employer was aware he was going to lose his licence.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said the level of McCuaig’s impairment was significant.

He reduced the length of his ban from 21 months to 18 due to his guilty plea, however.

Opposition councillors are asking for a power-sharing deal with Scottish Borders Council’s Conservative-led administration.

Opposition councillors had previously been given seats on its executive committee, but that ended after council leader Shona Haslam and her Tory colleagues took control of the council in May last year.

At today’s full council meeting at Newtown, councillors will vote on a motion from Scottish National Party opposition leader Stuart Bell to clear the way for the executive to welcome back nationalist members.

Tweeddale East councillor Mr Bell said: “I have long held that an organisation makes better decisions if it takes into account all points of view, even those it disagrees with.

“Taking account of opposing views is not only one of the principles underpinning John Stuart Mill’s views on free speech, but a society, or a committee, or a council, cannot legitimately call itself democratic if it doesn’t countenance opposing viewpoints.

“These were driving forces behind my support in the last administration for opening up three places on the council’s executive for the opposition.  

“The Tories were the principal opposition in the last council and at first they took up those three places.  

“Although after a couple of years, Conservative members resigned from the executive, they did so with no formal explanation, and we left the places open.

“I was deeply disappointed that the first practical decision of the incoming Tory-led administration in 2017 was to abolish opposition places on the council’s executive, again with no substantive explanation.”

Out of Scotland’s 32 local authorities, only five draw their executives solely from their ruling administrations.

The full council meets at 10am today, June 28.

Scottish Borders Council’s ruling administration faces further criticism today, June 28, over what are claimed to be disrespectful cutbacks to maintenance of cemeteries.

The council recently changed much of its grass-cutting from a 10-day cycle to a 20-day cycle, meaning grass on roadside verges and in parks and cemeteries is cut just once every three weeks in the Borders.

Those changes have triggered widespread protests from opposition councillors and community councils, many of them claiming that not enough consultation was carried out beforehand.

At today’s full council meeting at Newtown, Jedburgh councillor Jim Brown will ask the ruling administration: “Now that there has been time to fully appreciate the effects of the changes recently made to the Borders’ grass-cutting regime and, given the strength of complaints about the tatty state of our cemeteries being disrespectful to those no longer with us, will you now give serious consideration to reversing the decision to cut the grass in our cemeteries on a 20-day cycle?”

A similar question was put to the authority at last week’s meeting of the authority’s Teviot and Liddesdale area partnership in Hawick as council officers came face to face with residents and community councillors outraged by the cost-cutting measures.

Faced with questions from an open forum, the council’s neighbourhood manager, Jason Hedley, explained the rationale behind the decision saying: “The council agreed, as part of its budget-setting, that significant savings could be made with this service, some of which derived from grass-cutting and maintenance, but some also derived from the provision of annual floral displays and savings to come from the access team.

“They did so on the back of a successful trial which me and my team ran across the Scottish Borders last year, looking at changing the frequency of grass-cutting maintenance across 50 sites, which were changed from a 10-working-day cycle to a 20-working-day cycle.

“We also changed the type of equipment which we utilised. Clearly, though, if you don’t cut the grass as often, then between those cuts the grass will be longer.

“As service manager, I do have to concede that there have been some challenges for us, many of which stem from us learning to cope with the new equipment that we have.”

Speaking ahead of today’s full council meeting, Mr Brown, a Scottish National Party councillor, said: “I raised the general question of this new council policy last month after hearing of numerous complaints from the public and community councils about the overgrown public areas and the disgraceful state of Castlewood Cemetery in Jedburgh.

“I complained then that there has not been consultation with communities in advance of changes, so officers could make an acceptable change.

“The problem isn’t just confined to the Cheviot area. Across the Borders, from Peebles to Chirnside, there is anger from the public specifically at the long grass and the unsightly state of our cemeteries.

“There was even a group of callants in the Peebles Beltane parade last Saturday dressed as skeletons who were mocking the mess that has been made of our cemeteries.

“But there is a serious side to this. The public are complaining, with justification, that they pay the council for a burial plot, and that payment should be used, in part, to maintain cemeteries to an acceptable standard.

“Our cemeteries are not being maintained to an acceptable standard. They are a disgrace to the council.

“The Tory-led administration should rethink this policy and revert to a sensible maintenance regime.”

Melrosian Harry Fletcher fulfilled a lifelong ambition last week.

The 21-year-old graduate led his home town in its annual celebrations on horseback, bike and foot.

Festival chairman Douglas Hardie installed Harry with his sash of office in a poginant ceremony at Melrose Abbey on Thursday night.

And the importance of the occasion was not lost on the young graduate.

Harry said: “Throughout my time growing up in Melrose, I have walked down Coulters Road behind us to watch the crowning ceremony.

“Leaving my house, I was always excited to watch the event. I never failed to observe in slight awe as I took in this great, ancient tradition under the abbey walls.

“To be standing here with the famous yellow and black sash around my chest is a truly amazing and surreal feeling.

“I do assure you I am deeply conscious of the great honour you have bestowed on me and my family.”

“These past few weeks, I have had the privilege to represent the town at Hawick and Selkirk and look forward to doing so at the festivals and common ridings yet to come.”

He described the well wishes and generosity from the Melrose community as “overwhelming” and added: “I hope our 2018 festival will continue to generate many fond and happy memories for us all.”

Last week was an important one too for festival queen Thea Foulkes and her court, who carried out their part of the ceremonies faultlessly on Thursday and Saturday.

On Monday night, more than 200 riders followed Harry on horseback around this year’s new rideout route, before cyclists young and old donned their helmets for Wednesday’s community bike ride and barbecue in Annay Road.

Wet weather on Tuesday night failed to deter townfolk from enjoying a fancy-dress contest while the sun made a welcome reappearance on Friday for the Melrosian’s visit the town’s schools and hospital before that evening’s ball.

Saturday’s tour of ceremonies went without a hitch, with the party receiving a warm welcome at each historic site before the ceremonies concluded with Thea laying a wreath at the burial site of King Robert the Bruce’s heart within the abbey.

An afternoon of sports, music from the pipe band and the festival dinner followed, drawing the festival to a close.

Harry said afterwards: “It was such a busy week but an absolutely amazing one.

“It’s amazing how much you can actually fit into a week from the kirking to the dinner.

“It was great to see so many friends and family there. The rideout was very well attended, and I think a lot of people were quite intrigued by the new route.

“On Thursday evenin,g it was quite surreal being up there myself after being at the installation so many times as a youngster.

“The queen and her court did a great job. They are all a very good group of kids.”

Joining Thea in her court were attendants Grace McWhinnie and Sophie McGarry, courtiers Jamie Whiting and Toby Swan, heralds Brodie Henderson and Mario Gee and train-bearers Emma Wear and Ruby Jackson.

Harry was supported by his parents, sister, grandparents and his visiting wider family.

“Some of them were from London,” he added, “so it’s all quite new to them. They were shocked by just how big the Melrose Festival is.”

Mr Hardie added: “The 2018 Melrose Festival was extremely successful with our outstanding young principals, Melrosian Harry Fletcher and Queen Thea and her court, carrying out their duties superbly well. In addition a special mention for our principal guests Liam and Marnie Harvey who proved to be extremely popular. The festival happens as a result of a lot of hard work and I am indebted to the festival executive for their ongoing time commitment and effort. Thanks also to our patrons, those who participated and all who came along to support.”

Jedburgh Pipe Band made its annual visit to Normandy this month to play for veterans of the 1944 D-Day landings.

Pipe major Tosh MacDonald also played and was made custodian of the Bill Millin pipes, bringing them home to Jedburgh for safekeeping until the band returns for the 75th anniversary commemorations next year.

The band played, as they do each year, at Colleville Montgomery next to the Bill Millin memorial statue, erected in 2013 to commemorate piper Millin’s bravery in playing up and down Sword Beach.

Other engagements included a ceremony north of Colleville Montgomery for those from the Suffolk Regiment that fought to take the Hillman Bunker, a reception with local school children and veterans in Thury Harcourt, a small town within the Falaise region which was heavily hit during August 1944.

The band also provided entertainment for Thury Harcourt’s mayor Paul Chandelier, at a lunch. It was here that Tosh was presented with the Millin memorial pipes from D-Day Revisited chairman John Phipps MBE.

They are an authentic replica authentic replica of the Peter Henderson military pipes used by Bill and made by RG Hardie of Glasgow. They feature a chanter from an original set of pipes owned and played by Bill.

Band secretary Mo MacDonald said: “Somewhat astonished but gratefully accepting the pipes, Tosh agreed to keep them safe for the next year and will be very happy to return to play for the Veterans before handing them back to D-Day Revisited.

“To top off the week in Normandy the Pipe Band returned to Sword Beach on the 8th June with the veterans and D-Day Revisited to perform a small ceremony in front of the Bill Millin statue where a wreath was laid to commemorate their fallen comrades.

“Here Tosh took the chance to play the Millin Pipes on Sword Beach where Piper Bill Millin had done so himself 74 years earlier. Both Tosh and the veterans were very touched by this moment of remembrance.”

Galashiels Braw Lads’ Week kicked off in style on Sunday at Netherdale as its annual sports day was blessed by fabulous sunshine.

All the top performers from individual school sports days were brought together to represent their primaries in various races.

And at the end of the day, it was St Peter’s Primary that led the field, followed by Clovenfords, with Burgh and St Margaret’s in joint third place.

There was also a gymkhana held.

Judged by former braw lad and lass Mark Hood and Alex Mundell, it was reinstated last year after a lapse of 30 years.

Rugby sevens and football fives took place too, making the whole area buzz with excitement.

There were also pony rides, a Punch-and-Judy stall and several other attractions to keep the young ones happy in the heat.

Stella Daly, from Langlee Primary School, was chosen to present a bouquet of flowers to the Braw Lass, Kimberley O’May, who incidentally won the principals’ race on the day.

Results

P1 boys: 1, Lucas Turner (L); 2, Aaron McLeod (T); 3, Tommy Pringle (St P). Girls: 1, Isla Woodburn (C); 2, Roni Blackie (B); 3, Kaya Kulinska (L).

P2 boys: 1, Finn Bayne (C); 2, Blake Mitchenson (St P); 3, K. Hewitson (T). Girls: 1, Lara Abdrabbo (B); 2, Leah Murdoch (St P); 3, Demi McLaughlin (Bal).

P3 boys: 1, Aaron Deloteau (C); 2, Robbie Douglas (C); 3, Arik Howitt-Tynkowski (B). Girls: 1, Isabella Palepoi (T); 2, Melisa Matiukaite (L); 3, Brooke Donaldson (Bal).

P4 boys: 1, Jensen Mains (St P); 2, Kenzie McLaughlin (Bal); 3, Jack Broatch (L). Girls: 1, Lili Mundell (C); 2, Darcie Liddle (C); 3, Leen Aldib (B).

P5 boys: 1, Lewis Gillie (St P); 2, Hamish Seggie (St P); 3, Max Black (St P). Girls: 1, Holly D’Agrosa (C); 2, Jodi Alexander (B); 3, Isla Train (G).

P6 boys: 1, Luca Rudge (St P); 2, Rowan Tuft (C); 3, Shane Ross (G). Girls: 1, Molly Turnbull (St P); 2, Kelly McCraw (Bal); 3, Amy Owenson (St P).

P7 boys: 1, Nairn Moncrieff (St P); 2, Addison Bell (T); 3, Danny Allison (G). Girls: 1, Evie Renwick (St P); 2, Kiera McCall (St P); 3, Rojin Barskanmay (B).

P5 boys sack race: 1, Lewis Gillie (St P); 2, Fraser Paterson (B); 3=, Cory McColl & Lewis Brownlee (St P).

P5 girls egg and spoon race: 1, Isla Duncan (St P); 2, Ellie Thomson (St P); 3, Skye-Machara Henderson (C).

Swinton Purves Memorial Shield Relay: 1, St Peter’s (Nairn Moncrieff; Gregor Balmer; Evie Renwick; Kiera McCall); 2, Burgh (Lewis Duncanson; Finlay Downie; Rojin Barskanmay; Isla Paterson); 3, Clovenfords (Rowan Tuft; Oisin Beard; Lucy D’Agrosa; Ella Mundell).

Results from the Potted Sports: 1, St Peter’s; 2, Clovenfords; 3=, Burgh & St Margaret’s.

Rugby 7s results: P6/7 winners Glendinning; P4/5 winners Burgh/St Margarets.

School code: Balmoral (Bal); Burgh (B); Clovenfords ( C); Glendinning (G); Langlee (L); St Peter’s (St P); St Margaret’s (St M); Stow (S); Tweedbank (T)

The area’s rugby clubs have been carefully scrutinising the new national league fixtures recently announced by Scottish Rugby for the 2018-19 season in the newly-sponsored Tennent’s Leagues.

And there is a cracking Borders derby with which to start the new Premiership season – the last before the advent of the Super 6 structure, which will transform Scottish club rugby .

Defending league and cup champions Melrose will begin their double defence with a visit to geographical rivals Hawick on September 1.

The two had contrasting fortunes last season and it somehow seems fitting that a new campaign should start with a Borders-flavoured face-off.

There is plenty of opening-day intrigue in Tennent’s National League Division 1 as well. Newly-promoted Kirkcaldy and Hamilton travel to face Borders opposition, with Kirkcaldy visiting Selkirk and the Lanarkshire side heading to Gala.

Kelso are at home to Musselburgh, while Jed-Forest, whose superb campaign in 2017-18 came unstuck in a torrid Premiership play-off with Glasgow Hawks, face the lengthy trip to Aberdeen Grammar.

Tennent’s National League Division 2 kicks off with league newcomers Glasgow Accies travelling to Peebles, after taking the second-top spot in last season’s National League 3.

The first round of Tennent’s National League Division 3 sees St Boswells, who made a valiant bid for promotion last term, play host to rivals from Glasgow’s west end, in Hillhead/Jordanhill.

The structure of the Tennent’s Premiership and Tennent’s National Leagues 1, 2 and 3 remain the same as last season.

The top two finishers in the Tennent’s Premiership earn a home semi-final against the two teams finishing in third and fourth place.

The highest placed winner from the semi-finals will then become the host of the final, where the Tennent’s Premiership league champions will be decided.

A top four finish is the target for Selkirk as a fresh rugby season looms into view, characterised by the newly-sponsored Tennent’s Leagues.

The Souters have added a sprinkling of forwards to their scrum and lined up a few pre-season fixtures, ahead of the main league kick-off on September 1.

The Philiphaugh side ended last season in fifth spot in League One, and manager Tom Ramage said he was looking for “a wee improvement” on that, if possible.

Prop forward Joe Anderson, from Tynedale, and middle row Andy MacKay, have joined the pack, while back row forward Sam Murdoch, a history teacher, is also on the club’s books.

Selkirk will also be turning to its South African connection in the hope of bringing in a couple of new players from the continent around the end of July, with the departure back home of Clinton Wagman, Siphamandla Dama and David Anderson.

Two other players have headed through the Philiphaugh exit to join Premiership clubs – Steven Hamilton has gone to Currie Chieftains, while Australian prop Nick Hall is with newly-promoted Edinburgh Accies.

Earlier this summer, it was confirmed that Ewan MacDougall would be the new team captain, assisted by Darren Clapperton and Luke Petty.

Selkirk are involved in the Peebles Sevens on August 4 and have a practice game lined up against Sandal, from Wakefield in Yorkshire.

They also have a Borders League game against Peebles on August 18 and are looking to arrange a match for August 25, the weekend before the new league campaign starts.

Selkirk are at home to Kirkcaldy that day and Ramage knew it would be a tough test. “They have obviously done well to get promoted – it’s a sticky league to come out of, the second league,” he said. “So we’ll take each game as it comes – Cartha QP came up last year and they have established themesleves in the league.

“We won’t be holding back – put it like that.”

The championship form of not one but two youth football teams last season was sheer poetry to their parent Borders club.

The 2002s and 2005s squads attached to Earlston Rhymers Youth FC have both won their respective leagues.

The U13s (2005s ) had a very successful first season playing at 9-a-side in the SBJFA league.

Not only were they victorious at a festival in Hawick in November, they also managed to reach the cup final at Netherdale before winning the league with a last-game victory over Hawick.

The team has been in existence for over seven years but, with the move to 9-a-side, they had to bring in players from Melrose, Tweedbank and Gala to ensure they had a big enough squad for the season.

After being beaten in the cup final at the festival of football on a Sunday, the team bounced back brilliantly to beat Hawick 7-3 the following Tuesday night to win the league title.

The U16s (2002s)have been playing in the SERYFA league in Edinburgh for the last three seasons.

After reaching a cup final last season, where they were unfortunately beaten, the players were looking forward to having a competitive season. They ultimately won the league, reached a semi-final and also a quarter-final in two all-division cup competitions.

The team was two points behind St Bernards with a game in hand, against Currie Star, so it really was a must-win encounter. A hard-fought 3-0 victory saw Earlston take the league title.

They dropped only eight league points all season and went from the end of August to the last week in May without losing a league match.

The U14s (2004s) also reached a cup final and had a great fourth-place finish in the in the Edinburgh league.

Club chairman Robert Anderson said: “The club is going from strength to strength, with numbers attending training and games rising every year. We have recently had to lease another field to ensure we can accommodate everyone. Hopefully, when the children come to Earlston, they not only enjoy themselves but they can also see a pathway from children’s football through the youth ranks and, ultimately, on to the adult game.”

A touring summer series of junior tennis contests – known as BAT – has concluded after seven weeks of action, mainly at the Borders Tennis centre in Galashiels.

The events attracted 109 entries in total, with competitors travelling from around Scotland and northern England.

All age groups were covered, from eight and under through to 18 and under, and some very high-quality tennis was on show.

Thanks were extended to organiser Ian Main for running each event flawlessly and to Elspeth Whitelaw and Christine Lawrie for assisting with refereeing duties.

The tournament series was also generously supported by Galashiels Tennis Club, which ran an on-site tuck shop some weeks for spectators and competitors, to raise funds for the club.

Gratitude was also expressed to Judith Gray and other volunteers for taking the time to run this aspect.

District coach Jonny Adamson said: “To have seen so many girls and boys having the opportunity to compete and enjoy their tennis weeks has been the best part.

“We attracted more entries than we could ever have expected and this created an excellent atmosphere at the centre alongside the generally great weather.

“Even when it did rain, the kids still wanted to go out and play, which was really encouraging to see.

“The events were well supported by most clubs, so well done to all of the local players who came along.

“We also attracted some high quality opposition from around the country in some age groups.

“It was an amazing experience for our players to have the chance to play against them.

“Going forward, I hope we will be able to keep running these types of events, and more.”

Weekly winners from the Borders included:

8/9 years & under mixed – Rory Mackenzie (Innerleithen), 10 & under mixed – Louis Kirkpatrick (Peebles), 8 & under mixed – Cal Lynch (Melrose), 14 & under girls – Mhairi Buchanan (Earlston), 14 & under boys – Daniel Main (Selkirk), 16 & under boys – Lewis Watt (Galashiels), 18 & under girls – Felicity Walls (Earlston), 18 & under boys doubles – Lachlan Ferguson and Ivan Burt-Smith (both Selkirk).

Selkirk-based Borderghost Archery will be sweeping into Jedburgh over the next two months to host Come and Try events at the town’s most historic venues.

Elaine and Mike Pearson, who run Borderghost Archery, will be heading up drop-in sessions at Mary, Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre gardens on Thursday, July 19 and again, at Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum grounds on Thursday, August 9.

The fully qualified Level 2 coaches believe the sessions will offer an exciting opportunity to take part in archery and give both children and adults the chance to try their hand at a sport which is new to them, or brush up their skills if they already have some experience with archery.

“Archery is an inclusive sport, suitable for any ability and a great activity for someone who may not want to do a team sport,” said Elaine.

“Come and Try’ sessions like the ones we are running in Jedburgh are a good way to test your bow skills.”

Elaine and Mike have been practising the sport of archery for 20 years and take part in many competitions across the country.

Both are looking forward to taking the sessions at the Jedburgh venues, which make a fitting setting for this ancient sport.

“This is an unusual opportunity to try a different sport, in an historic setting,” added Elaine.

Participants will use recurve bows – the style of bow most often used in target archery and the only kind of bow allowed in the Olympics.

These bows have curved tips at the top and bottom – a design first developed by the Ancient Egyptians – which gives more energy and speed to the arrow.

Archery requires technique, rather than strength, and is suitable for a wide range of age and ability.

There will a small charge for the sessions.

Mary, Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre and Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum are run by charitable trust Live Borders.

For more information phone Jedburgh Castle Jail on (01835) 864750 or go towww.liveborders.org.uk