Essential maintenance work on the Galafoot Bridge, between Galashiels and Tweedbank on the A6091, will begin on Sunday, August 5, with phased lane closures, lasting for 10 weeks.

The busy bridge – which often saw traffic at a standstill during peak times when the nearby Lowood Bridge was closed for repairs recently – badly needs attention.

The work – planned in consultation with Amey, Transport Scotland, Traffic Scotland, the emergency services, bus operators, community councils, road hauliers, Borders General Hospital and Scottish Borders Council – will include the replacement of the road and footpath surfacing; the waterproofing of the bridge deck; deck repairs and a repair of the expansion joints – all subject to investigations that will be completed at the beginning of the works.

A spokesperson for Amey said: “This work will prevent the deterioration of the bridge structure, by tackling potential issues early and reducing the need for more extensive, and disruptive works, in the future.”

During the works, the eastbound carriageway – heading towards Tweedbank – will be fully closed, with a signed diversion route in operation. Westbound traffic will continue to use the bridge as normal.

Eastbound traffic will be diverted via the A7 to B6360 Abbotsford Road to Tweedbank roundabout. At Kingsknowes roundabout, traffic will join the eastbound A7 to Tweed Road and proceed to Melrose Road; and then to the B6374 to re-join the eastbound A6091 at Tweedbank Drive.

Emergency vehicles will use this same diversion route.

The B6360 will operate as a one-way road from A7 Junction 7 to Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott. The Abbotsford Road will only be open to buses and coaches from Tweedbank roundabout to the Abbotsford visitor centre car park.

A separate diversion will operate for HGVs and other high-sided vehicles via the A7, A699 and A68.

Night-time closures will be required at the start, middle and end of the scheme to allow for the installation and removal of the traffic management system.

During these night closures a signed diversion route will be in operation. Eastbound traffic will be diverted via the A7, A699 and A68.

A planning application to turn a Selkirk eyesore into flats has been approved by Scottish Borders Council – six years after it was first tabled.

The delay was due to a legal wrangle over who owned the Victorian-built High Mill, part of Forest Mill in the town’s Weavers Court, which Matthew Claridge plans to turn into 16 flats.

The planning application sought consent for change of use from redundant industrial mill as well as the alterations to turn it into flats and maisonettes.

When the original owner of the site – George Roberts & Co – went into liquidation, the crown declined to take ownership of the site.

However, Mr Claridge has now had a prospective legal title for the land accepted by Registers of Scotland, so is now in a position to enter into a legal agreement.

However, the years between the tabling of the application and the planning approval have taken their toll on the B-Listed building – which is on the buildings at risk register.

In August 2016, an external inspection found holes have opened up in the roof, and vegetation and saplings were growing through the SE elevation.

It was also found that the guttering and drainpipes were chocked with vegetation and the building’s condition moved to very poor.

Selkirk Community Council heartily recommended approval for the flats back in 2012, and during Monday’s meeting, planning spokesperson Ian King welcomed the approval by council.

However, the community council urged that, “in the interests of road and public safety, the present through access from Dunsdale Road to Weavers Court should be closed to vehicles immediately”.

The planning approval comes with a schedule of 13 conditions attached, which relate to materials used in the redevelopment for windows and doors, landscaping, water supply and drainage, and the correct handling of the current site of a jackdaw nest.

A 26-year-old woman found in possession of two knuckledusters at Galashiels police station has been given a supervision order.

Danielle Valentine, formerly of West Port in Selkirk but now living in Hillside Crescent, Gorebridge, Midlothian, pleaded guilty to committing that offence on April 17.

Jedburgh Sheriff Court was told she’d had a falling-out at the time with her now-deceased partner and the police were called out.

While being searched, she was found to have one knuckleduster in a carrier bag and another in her bra.

Valentine will be under supervision for the next 18 months.

All eyes will fall on Kelso Laddie Sean Hook as the town’s civic week begins this weekend.

Saturday sees the week off to a sporting start with the tennis challenge at Orchard Park and the senior five-a-side football at Woodside Park both at 1pm.

The Kelso Golf Club gents open presentation takes place at 9pm.

On Sunday the Kelso Crawlers 10k run sets off from the Cobby at 11am. That afternoon the family day will be held at Shedden Park between 1pm and 4pm and includes the junior five-a-side football tournament.

That evening at 6pm the Kelso Laddie will lay a wreath at the War Memorial followed by kirking of the Laddie in Kelso Old Parish Church at 6.30pm.

Monday’s children’s pet show opens at 1pm in the Tait Hall while this year’s art exhibition will be opened by Ron Wilson MBE in Town House at 12.30pm. That night sees the Whipman’s ride, incorporating Heiton rideout and the visit to Roxburgh.

The cavalcade leaves Woodside Park at 3.45pm after the ringing of the Old Curfew Bell at 3.40pm. Arrive Heiton Square at 5pm and leave again 5.30pm. After the oration at 6.15pm, the equestrian events begin at 6.50pm. The cavalcade leaves again at 9pm.

Tuesday’s ride to Stichill, Hume and Ednam leaves from Springwood Anna at 4pm. Riders will arrive in Stichill at 5.15pm, Hume at 6.30pm, Ednam at 8.15pm and back to town at 9.30pm. The men’s and women’s darts finals will be held at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion Clubrooms.

Wednesday’s children’s sports in Poynder Park begin at 1.30pm. The baby show is held at the Rugby Club from 2pm. That evening Kelso Pipe Band plays in the Square at 6.30pm before the installation of the Kelso Laddie and the colour bussing at 7pm. This is followed by the torchlight procession which leave from Mayfield at 11pm proceeding by Bridge Street and Roxburgh Street to the Cobby where the fireworks being at 11.15pm.

On Thursday there’s a fancy dress party in the Tait Hall between 1pm and 3.30pm. The ride to Floors Castle leaves Woodside Park at 4.00pm as does the cycle fun-run. The cavalcade returns to Kelso Square at 7.30pm.

The Civic Week Ball in Springwood Park function suite begins at 8.30pm, meanwhile the pool competition is the Red Lion at 8pm.

Timings for next Friday’s swimming gala and next Saturday’s rideout to Yetholm and fancy-dress will follow in next week’s Southern Reporter.

Friday’s swimming gala is in the pool at 1.30pm. Saturday’s rideout to Yetholm leaves the Square at 8.30am and will arrive at Yetholm war memorial around 11.15pm where the Kelso Laddie lays a wreath. The cavalcade leave Yetholm at 1.30pm and return to the Square at 4.45pm. The Blackthorne Ceilidh Band will play in the Square between 2pm and 4pm. That evening’s fancy dress procession leaves Tait Hall at 7pm.

The presentation of cups and the return of the Kelso Standard concludes the Civic Week in the Square after the fancy dress procession.

Young riders came from across the Borders on Sunday to follow the Jethart Callant’s Festival first leading rein rideout.

Callant Nick Arnold and his henchmen were on hand to help lead riders as young as two-and-a-half along the short route from Jedburgh to Riverside and back on Sunday afternoon.

For many youngsters it was their first chance to ride up the town’s High Street behind the Jedforest Instrumental Band and it proved a more than successful way to fill the void left for younger riders with the amalgamation of Lanton rideout with Ancrum this year.

Young riders travelled from as far as Kelso, Selkirk and Hawick to join the two-hour parade.

Our photographer Bill McBurnie captured some great images of the next generation cavalcade on the day.

Three players from Melrose, including BT Premiership player of the year, Craig Jackson, are part of Scotland’s 12-man squad for this month’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco.

Jackson, already capped by Scotland 7s, also represented Scotland Club XV last season and won the 2011 Melrose 7s alongside now head coach John Dalziel, who also has Melrose connections.

Shortly afterwards, Jackson was declared star player for season 2017-18 in the BT Premiership.

Sam Pecquer is involved for the first time since the Cape Town World Series tournament, having recovered from a leg injury that kept him out for most of the season, while Greenyards colleague Nyle Godsmark is also in the team.

Scott Riddell captains the squad on July 21-22 at what will be his third World Cup and is the only member of the travelling party to have competed previously at one.

Six of the 12 were also members of the Team Scotland squad that competed at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.

Scotland hosted the first ever Rugby World Cup Sevens back in 1993 and their best ever finish came in Hong Kong in 2005 when they finished fifth.

Their performances and placings up until this season’s Hong Kong tournament secured Scotland qualification and they automatically qualify for the round of 16, where they await the winner of Kenya v Tonga.

The new tournament structure is such that every match counts, and Dalziel’s side will need to win their opening match to qualify for the Championship and be in with a chance of lifting the Melrose Cup.

Dalziel said: “We’re looking to build on the experiences gained by this group so far this season.

“The World Cup is a unique tournament to be involved in, and both preparing for and competing at it will be great development for the young players in our squad.

“Craig Jackson has a great rugby brain that he has displayed when he trained with us at various points throughout the season.

“He has previous Scotland 7s experience and brings a skill set that compliments our other two half backs.

Dalziel added: “It’s great to have Sam Pecquer and Alec Coombes back after injury. They’re physical, versatile players who give us a point of difference and a differnet dynamic in both attack and defence.”

Scotland’s first game kicks off in California at 3.03am UK time on Saturday, July 21, in which they’ll face the winner of the clash between Tonga and Kenya.

The squad comprises Scott Riddell (c), Nyle Godsmark, Jo Nayacavou, Jack Cuthbert, Alec Coombes, Robbie Fergusson, Gavin Lowe, Craig Jackson, Harvey Elms, Max McFarland, Jamie Farndale and Sam Pecquer.

Borders Tennis Centre (BTC) in Galashiels has been served an ace by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which has named it among 50 in the UK – and only five in Scotland – which will act as Local Player Development Centres (LPDCs).

It marks the next milestone in the development of a new 10-year performance strategy for tennis in Britain, with the new player pathway specifically designed to enable the best UK players to train and compete regularly with one another at every stage of their development.

The LPDCs provide an important first step on the clear route from beginners’ mini-red level tennis to major tournament success. With the opening of the LPDC network, from September this year, high-potential junior players from the age of seven will receive support and opportunities to play the sport locally.

Declaring ‘We did it!’ on its Facebook page, BTC said it was “incredible news” for Border tennis.

“Great news for the team as, in the last few years, a lot of hard work has paid off,” it added.

BTC’s Al McCulloch, especially, had driven the application and headed the team from day one, said the group.

“Exciting times ahead of us now ... the work is only really just starting!” concluded BTC.

The 95-year-old woman killed in a car crash near Kelso last week has been named by police.

Jessie Cunningham, from Kelso, was killed in the three-vehicle crash on the A6089 Kelso-to-Gordon road last Monday. July 2.

She was a passenger in a Ford Fiesta whichw as involved in a collision with a Seat Ibiza, which also hit a Vauxhall Corsa, at 8.55pm.

She was taken to the Borders General Hospital for treatment, but medics there were unable to save her.

Police Scotland says inquiries are still ongoing into the crash.

Sergeant Neil Inglis, of the road policing unit in Galashiels, added: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Jessie Cunningham’s family and friends, and we are continuing with our investigation to establish exactly what happened during this collision.”

Anyone with information is can contact the road policing unit in Galashiels via 101, quoting incident number 4,423 of July 2.

Although Storm Chris is threatening to bring rain and wind to the UK, the temperatures are still unusually warm and are set to rise again by the end of this week.

Britain’s heatwave has broken multiple records and has seen temperatures soar past 30C, with June being one of the driest month on record for decades.

However, it looks like long-term the warm weather is set to continue, making the rest of July a pleasant month for those who enjoy the warmer weather.

Although the past couple of days have seen a dip in temperatures, with cooler temperatures of around 20C in Yorkshire, the temperature is set to rise again reaching temperatures of around 25C by this weekend.

The Met Office have said that following today, "temperatures will be warming day by day".

This comes after Monday was the 16th consecutive day of temperatures over 28C, making this the longest spell of such hot weather the UK has seen since 2013.

Last Sunday was England’s hottest day of the year so far when temperatures hit 32.4C in Gosport, Hampshire.

The UK Outlook for Monday July 16 to Wednesday July 25 shows that Monday should start dry with sunny spells in southeastern and central areas, but that these warm temperatures may spark off a few thundery showers.

It will be slightly cooler in the northwest, with the potential for rain or showers, which could then extend southeastwards to many parts into Tuesday.

However, brighter conditions will then follow and although fine weather with sunny spells is expected across all parts of the UK, temperatures will still be slightly cooler than the southeast, where it is expected to be very warm.

The outlook for Thursday July 26 to Thursday Aug 9 2018 shows that there is likely to still be a good deal of fine weather around during this period, especially in the southeast where further warm or hot spells are possible.

However, there may also be some spells of more changeable weather with rain or showers arriving from the northwest at times, along with the risk of thunderstorms across some southern parts.

Temperatures overall are expected to be above average for many, but the northwest may then see temperatures returning closer to average in any unsettled spells of weather.

Tomorrow, Yorkshire will see a dry morning with early cloud soon burning away, leaving spells of warm sunshine and a maximum temperature of 25 °C.

Sunny spells and the potential for scattered showers are expected on Friday, with Saturday and Sunday expected to be mainly dry and very warm throughout, with a small chance of a shower on Saturday.

A man in his eighties has paid a four-figure cash sum for minor work after bogus workmen targeted his home in Kelso.

The incident took place in Dyer’s Court, Kelso on Thursday, July 5, when two men attended a house offering to carry out temporary roof repairs.

The resident, a man in his eighties, was convinced to pay an exorbitant amount for the work carried out.

One of the men is described as white, between 40-45 years old, tall, medium build, black hair past his ears. He had an English accent and was wearing a black leather jacket, white t-shirt and black shorts.

The other man is described as white, 40-45, brown neck-length hair, tall, broader build, with a Scottish accent. He was wearing a white t-shirt and brown shorts.

The men are believed to have been travelling in a plain white van.

The incident is currently under investigation.

Anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the Dyer’s Court area, or has information that can help with inquiries, is asked to contact Galashiels CID via 101, quoting incident number 4618 of 5 July, or report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are reminding residents that if they have any concerns about someone who attends at their door, they do not have to engage with them.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Any suspicious behaviour should be reported to police via 101, or in an emergency via 999.

“Please look out for neighbours who may be vulnerable and report any suspicious activity to us.”

An investigation is under way following the death of a 19-year-old soldier from Selkirk.

Highlander Alistair McLeish was found dead last Tuesday at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.

He was serving with the 4th battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Mr McLeish joined the Army after leaving Selkirk High School in 2015.

An Army spokesman said: “We can confirm the death of Highlander Alistair McLeish of the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

“This is currently being investigated, and it would be inappropriate to comment further.

“Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Friends and family took to Facebook to pay tribute to the young soldier.

Darren Boyd, a friend serving in the military, posted a picture of the pair together and wrote: “Gone but never forgotten. I still can’t believe it. Such a good lad to all of us. Always gonna miss that Scottish banter.”

Angie King described Mr McLeish as “my beautiful nephew”. She added: “Gone way too soon but will never be forgotten”, and Janet Mckinlay said the loss was heartbreaking.

David Hume wrote: “Rest in peace, Ali. Till we meet again in the re-org. Stand easy, your duty is done. You were taken far too early.”

Borders MP John Lamont insists that £12,000 he received from the Scottish Unionist Association Trust to help fight for his seat at last year’s general election was above board.

That assertion comes after it emerged that basic details about the trust, the source of a fifth of all Scottish-registered donations to the Conservatives in the months leading up to last year’s June 8 vote, were not in the public domain.

An investigation by Edinburgh-based media co-operative the Ferret last month found that there was no information available about the people managing the organisation and no public accounts to indicate who its donors are or what assets it holds.

There was no official base listed for the trust either, though three different addresses – in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Whiterigg near Melrose, used by Borders Tories to host a drinks party with Horsham MP Jeremy Quin, attended by Mr Lamont, in May – had been cited in official records.

Following those revelations, Ian Blackford, leader of the Scottish National Party group in the House of Commons, claimed the Conservatives were systematically shielding their donations from public scrutiny and accused the trust of funnelling “dark money” into the party.

During Prime Minister’s questions last week, Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Mr Blackford said: “The trust has donated £319,000 to the Scottish Conservatives, yet there is no information available about who the people are who currently manage the trust and no public accounts to indicate who its donors are or what assets it holds.”

Mrs May told him that all donations to the Scottish Conservatives were accepted and declared within the law.

“The Scottish Conservatives worked with the Electoral Commission to make sure that it is all done properly,” she said.

The trust has since published a statement giving an address in Mosspark Boulevard, Glasgow and a list of its trustees, including chairman Robert Miller-Bakewell, owner of Whiterigg in Melrose and also deputy chairman of Scottish Borders Conservatives and U nionists.

However, question marks remain over the unincorporated association, responsible for handing out nearly £29,000 in donations to Scottish branches of the Tory party in the first two quarters of 2017, including nearly £12,000 to the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk branch ahead of Mr Lamont’s general election victory a year ago last month, ousting the SNP’s Calum Kerr.

Speaking to the Southern this week, Mr Lamont said that all donations from the trust had been declared by the Scottish Conservative Party and made public.

“The donations were all permissible donations and properly declared with the Electoral Commission,” Mr Lamont said.

He added that his party would continue to work closely with the commission and comply with rules surrounding political donations.

Under commission rules, unincorporated associations that donate more than £25,000 in a calendar year must register with the body and report gifts of £7,500 or more.

However, the trust is not listed in the commission’s register of unincorporated associations, so the regulator has vowed to investigate.

In a statement issued last Wednesday, the trust said it was formed in 1968 to take over the assets of the then Scottish Unionist Association, primarily derived from property sales.

It continued: “It invests those assets and makes the proceeds available to further the aims of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.

“All UK taxation liabilities have been and continue to be met in full.”

A spokesman for the trust added: “We are in dialogue with the Electoral Commission, and it would be inappropriate to say more whilst that dialogue continues.”

The fact that some of his family called him ‘Marmite’ shows just how former policeman John Hazle presented himself to the world.

On his Facebook page, the Galashiels community councillor listed among his favourite quotes ‘what you see is what you get’ and ‘no airs and graces’.

That seems to sum up a man who in one breath was extremely passionate about local issues and used colourful language to describe those who felt differently and in the next breath was telling one of his legendary silly jokes.

Despite spending most of his working life with the prefix of PC, he absolutely hated political correctness and conducted his life in determined avoidance of it.

A huge fan of Rangers Football Club – a brick on the wall of the Ibrox stand bears his name – he greatly enjoyed some old-school banter with followers of a certain club in Glasgow’s east end.

He was born on March 13, 1955, in Lady Home Hospital in Douglas and spent his early years at the family home in Glespin with parents James and Mima and big brother Jim.

He went to Stablestone Primary School in Douglas and Douglas Junior Secondary School.

When he left school at 15, he took on an apprenticeship as a mechanic with Wilson’s Coaches, before moving on to DJ Mckenzie Haulage, where he serviced and repaired heavy goods vehicles. He moved to Ravencraig steel works, but soon decided he’s had enough of getting his hands dirty and joined the police, following in brother Jim’s bootsteps.

He joined the Lothian and Borders force and was posted to Galashiels after completing his training at Tulliallan.

He loved the town and the job, working in the traffic section and completing his advanced and tactical driving courses. At last, he had found a career his no-nonsense personality was perfectly suited to, and he spent nigh on 30 years in it.

Once, he booked a rally driver for speeding on a public road between stages.

Legend has it he also stopped a speeding Range Rover. He asked the driver his name, to which he replied: “I’m the Duke of Buccleuch.”

John said: “I didn’t ask for your title. What’s the name on your birth certificate?” before booking him for speeding.

His love of football extended to his new life in Galashiels, and he took his coaching badges while working with Tweedbank Thistle FC.

He coached many players over the years and enjoyed working with youngsters, taking various teams abroad to tournaments in France and Belgium, as well as all over the UK.

Shortly after his retirement, he and his second wife Moira moved to Paphos in Cyprus, such was his love of Mediterranean air. They were there for eight months before John had a health scare and the pair moved back to Galashiels.

He began working for Scott and Co, the sheriff officer’s in the town.

The health scare raised its ugly head again around nine years ago, and he underwent a quadruple bypass.

He carried on regardless, and enjoyed his time on the community council, where he campaigned on issues that he cared deeply about, such as the state of the A7, rowdy youths, and, latterly, the attempt to save historic artefacts from the abandoned St Aidan’s Church in the town’s Gala Park Road.

On Monday, July 2, he was heading up to Edinburgh on business. However, it appears he soon felt unwell, parked his car near Torwoodlee Golf Course, and suffered a massive heart attack.

He was found by a passer-by, who called an ambulance, but they were unable to save him.

His death at the age of 63 came as a huge shock to his family and friends, who say their goodbyes to John at his funeral today at the Borders Crematorium at noon, to the tune of Simply the Best, the Tina Turner hit adopted by his beloved football club.

John is survived by his two sons, Alan and Craig – from his first marriage to Elizabeth – his wife Moira and her children Aaron, Lee and Stacy, plus grandchildren Keira and Lucy.

● Stacy has launched a Just Giving page in memory of John in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stacy-hazle1

A Polish woman has told of her delight after being reconnected with her long-lost relations in the Borders.

Last week, we reported how Ewa Sochaka had been trying to find the family of Josef Ciechanowski, her great uncle.

Josef was a tank commander in the Polish army, who had, during the Second World War, been based in Belgium, England and finally Scotland, where he met and married a Galashiels woman, Agnes McLaren.

He changed his surname name to Hamilton, which was the family name of Agnes’s mother.

They had two daughters, Janette and Kazimiera, and both went to school in Galashiels. However, those two sections of the family lost contact after Josef’s death.

Ewa has spent years trying to trace Janette and Kazimiera but to no avail.

When she contacted the Southern, in a last-ditch attempt to find them, we published her story in the paper and online.

While several school friends of the two women commented to say they knew both girls well at the time, they too had lost contact.

However, we also shared our story on the Bygone Galashiels Facebook page, and within an hour, Kazimiera’s daughter Dawn Elliot was tagged and she got in touch.

Dawn told us: “Unfortunately, my mum, who was known as Miera, died in 1980 when she was 36.

“I had no idea we had any family over in Poland, so this has come as quite a shock.

“It will be interesting to hear more about my grandad from Ewa.”

We gave Ewa Dawn’s contact details and now the two are catching up via Facebook.

Ewa told us: “I cannot believe it, but this has really happened – you found my grand uncle’s relatives, and she wants to connect with me.

“I am so happy. I told this great news to my mum. She is happy and excited.

“Thank you so much for your help. You have done a great job.”

There was not a cloud in sight as Jethart Callant Nick Arnold galloped atop Carter Bar on Saturday roaring the immortal battle cry ‘Jethart’s here’.

He led his cavalcade south on the town festival’s longest ride in blazing sunshine on what is a curtain-raiser for the Jethart Callant’s Festival, set to unite the town in celebration tomorrow.

A cavalcade of 47 riders, eight of whom, including callant Nick Arnold, were first-timers gaining their coveted Redeswire badges, rode to Carter Bar to commemorate the last bloody encounter between Scotland and England on July 7, 1575.

After the callant arrived at the historic spot, having bellowed the battle cry ‘Jethart’s here’ to the hundreds waiting to greet him, it fell upon the 1973 Melrosian Roy Mack, this year’s guest speaker, to give an oration.

Recounting the raid of Redeswire, he said: “Tensions were tinder-dry, and soon a bloody battle took place. At the height of the battle, strangely enough, the English forces stopped because they raided all the Scots’ merchandise.

“That gave the Scots lads a wee chance, and they reformed and they rallied, and just at a crucial time reinforcements arrived from Jethart with drums beating and banners flying and crying ‘Jethart’s here’.

“And how poignant today to watch the horses coming over the hill and think of that time.”

He added: “Things change. We move on. The cries may not come through the Borderlands in the way they used to, and we certainly won’t see a beacon blaze on the Dunion top any more, but what we do, without doubt, have is a Borders spirit.

“It’s community spirit as we know nowhere else in Scotland.”

Speaking afterwards, callant Nick added: “It was absolutely amazing. It was overwhelming actually. I was stalked by nerves all the way out there because it meant that much to me to do it.

“The whole thing has stepped up a notch from Saturday as this is the start of it all now. I’m very excited for Friday, but it’s a slightly bitter-sweet feeling as I don’t want it to be over. Nerves are definitely high, but I can’t wait.”

Nick’s duties continued this week with Sunday’s lead-rein ride, followed by a kirking that evening, and Monday’s Queen’s ride, when he led 114 riders in glorious sunshine to Fulton Peel Tower.

A combined rideout to Lanton and Ancrum followed last night.

Tonight sees an investiture ceremony and callant’s walk take place from 7.15pm in Market Place.

Tomorrow, Nick, supported by his right and left-hand men Brodie Irvine and Gary Hogg, plus herald Brian Marshall, will lead the town in its main celebrations.

They begin in Abbey Place at 8.45am, when the lady provost pins a rosette to the Jethart flag borne by the callant. From there the cavalcade proceeds to Ferniehirst Castle, where a recital of Walter Laidlaw’s The Reprisal will be given at 10.10am. The president of Jethart Callants’ Club pins a sprig from the capon tree to the callant’s sash at 11.10am before the cavalcade continues back to the Toll at 11.30am.

The Jed is forded at Auld Brig at 11.40am. A ceremony of remembrance will takes place at 12.30pm before the callant returns the flag at Abbey Place. A family fun day follows on Murray’s Green between 1pm and 5pm.

Sunday sees the ceremonial return of the sashes at Mary Queen of Scots’ House at 2pm.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in the Scottish Borders were called to an address in Hillend Drive, Hawick at around 6.10am on Thursday, July 12, after a man was found unconscious within a garden area.
“The Scottish Ambulance Service also attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The death is currently being treated as unexplained and inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101.

Tributes have been paid to a Hawick man killed by a motorcycle accident in Burnfoot on Saturday.

Kyle Christensen died in hospital after crashing his motorbike into a parked car in his home town’s Eildon Road.

Mr Christensen sustained fatal injuries after riding his KTM motorbike into a parked blue Kia Sportage in Eildon Road at around 5.15pm on Saturday.

The 30-year-old was taken to the Borders General Hospital at Melrose but medics there were unable to save his life.

Flowers have been placed next to the road and messages left on Facebook.

Shawny Walker wrote: “It still hasn’t sunk in that we won’t see your face again.

“You grew up like a brother to me, my brother’s best friend. You were thick as thieves. You will be a huge miss, Kyle Christensen.

“I’m going to make sure wee kicking Kai knows how much his dad loved him. Sleep tight. Love you.”

Loren Williamson added: “I can’t believe this either. It’s so sad.

“Thinking of everyone who loved Kyle. He was a good one.”

Kyle’s cousin James Mckenzie wrote: “It still doesn’t feel real. I can’t get my head around the fact you’re gone. I am absolutely broken.

“I am still sat looking at my phone hoping you will ring one last time and tell me all the antics you’ve been up to. Rest in peace, cuz. Love you.”️

Rose McCusker said: “I just can’t believe this. Life is so cruel at times, heartbreaking.”

Jay Gallagher wrote: “Ride free, Kyle son,” and Carla Hunter added: “It’s very sad. Condolences to all.”

Eildon Road was closed for around five hours while emergency services carried out inquiries, and officers are urging potential witnesses to come forward.

Constable Peter Scott, of Police Scotland’s road policing unit at Dalkeith in Midlothian, said: “This incident has tragically resulted in the death of a man, and our sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.

“Inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision, and anyone who witnessed it, or who saw the motorcycle beforehand, is urged to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can contact police via 101, quoting incident number 3,277 of July 7.

Kyle’s death, and that of another motorcyclist killed near Jedburgh the following day, took the tally of fatalities claimed by our region’s roads up to three in just one week.

Last Monday, July 2, 95-year-old Jessie Cunningham was killed in a three-car collision in Kelso.

Police are appealing to witnesses to those accidents too.

A 53-year-old man, yet to be named, was pronounced dead at the scene following Sunday’s three-vehicle crash at around 4.45pm on the A68 two miles south of Jedburgh, between Fair’s Houses and Glendouglas Lodge.

The 53-year-old biker, travelling north on a Triumph Thruxton, collided with a southbound Audi A6 and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 45-year-old male motorcyclist also then collided with the Audi. His injuries are said by police to be serious but not life-threatening.

The road was closed for around seven hours to allow for a full investigation to take place.

Sergeant Fraser Wood, of the road policing unit at Edinburgh, said: “Tragically, as a result of the collision, a man has lost his life, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this time.

“I am eager to hear from anyone who may have been travelling on the A68 and who saw the vehicles immediately prior to the collision, or who witnessed what happened, to contact us as soon as possible.

“Similarly, anyone who may have any information that can help with our investigations is asked to come forward.”

Anyone with information can contact police, quoting incident number 3,330 of July 8.

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont and Rachael Hamilton, his successor as MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, are in the midst of what they bill as the largest summer surgery tour the Borders has ever seen.

The pair kicked off their joint tour, taking in 84 towns and villages, in Ancrum last Friday, heading on to Lilliesleaf, Midlem, Bowden, Newtown, St Boswells, Maxton, Roxburgh, Kelso and Sprouston.

The following day, Mr Lamont went solo to Earlston, Blainslie, Oxton, Lauder and Newstead.

The next date on their 10-day summer advice surgery tour – scheduled to run until Friday, August 3 – is this Saturday, July 14, and it will take them to destinations including Duns and Ednam.

After that will come trips to Kirkhope, Ettrick, Cappercleuch, Yarrow Feus, Yarrowford, Selkirk and Ashkirk next Wednesday, July 25.

Borderers are being encouraged to take advantage of the tour to raise any issues of concern with either of the pair or both.

Mr Lamont said: “During our summer surgery tour, we expect to see hundreds of constituents, which is great in itself, but it’s also about making sure we get out to every community, no matter how small.

“It’s really important for me to be as accessible as I can be to all of my constituents.”

Mrs Hamilton added: “It’ll be great to get out and about to so many communities to speak to constituents face to face.”

“This is the most extensive summer surgery tour that has taken place in the Borders, so everyone will have an opportunity to speak to their MSP or their MP without having to travel too far.

“It’s an incredibly busy timetable, but anyone who comes along will get to speak to us and will receive follow-up appointments if necessary.”

Dates to come:

Saturday, July 14

9am Leitholm Village Hall

9.45am Eccles Village Hall

10.30am Ednam Village Hall

11.15am Birgham Village Hall

Noon Duns Southfield Community Centre

1.30pm Swinton Wheatsheaf Hotel

2.15pm Allanton Village Hall

3.00pm Whitsome Ark

4.00pm Preston Village Hall

Wednesday, July 25

9am Kirkhope Parish Hall

10am Ettrick, Boston Memorial Hall

11am Cappercleuch, St Mary’s Hall

11.45am Yarrow Feus Hall

12.30pm Yarrowford Hall

2.30pm Selkirk Victoria Hall

3.30pm Ashkirk Village Hall

Thursday, July 26

9am Coldstream Community Centre

9.45am Greenlaw, Fairbairn Hall

10.30am Westruther Village Hall

11.15am Gordon Village Hall

1.30pm Stichill Village Hall

2.15pm Smailholm Village Hall

3pm Makerstoun Village Hall

Monday, July 30

9am Denholm Village Hall

9.45am Bonchester Bridge, William Laidlaw Hall

10.15am Chesters, Southdean Public Hall

11.15am Hermitage Village Hall

Noon Newcastleton Village Hall

2pm Teviothead Village Hall

2.45pm Hawick Office, 25 High Street

3.45pm Wilton Dean Hall

4.30pm Roberton, Forman Memorial Hall

5.15pm Burnfoot Parish Church Hall

Tuesday, July 31 (John Lamont only)

9am Macfie Hall, Heriot

9.30am Fountainhall Village Hall

10am Stow Town Hall

11am Caddonfoot Hall, Clovenfords

11.45am Galashiels Focus Centre

12.30pm Tweedbank Community Centre

2.15pm Darnick Village Hall

2.45pm Melrose Corn Exchange

3.30pm Gattonside Village Hall

Wednesday, August 1

9am Jedburgh Town Hall

10am Oxnam Village Hall

10.45am Edgerston Village Hall

11.30am Glendouglas Community Hall

12.15pm Lanton Village Hall

1.45pm Crailing Lothian Hall

2.15pm Eckford Village Hall

2.45pm Heiton Village Hall

3.30pm Morebattle Institute

4.15pm Yetholm, Wauchope Hall

Thursday, August 2

9am Paxton Village Hall

9.45am Hutton Village Hall

10.30am Chirnside Community Centre

11.15am Foulden Village Hall

1pm Burnmouth Village Hall

1.45pm Eyemouth Community Centre

3pm Coldingham Village Hall

3.45pm St Abbs, Ebba Centre

4.30pm Gavinton Village Hall

Friday, August 3

9am Cockburnspath Village Hall

10am Cranshaws Village Hall

10.45am Longformacus Village Hall

11.45am Abbey St Bathans Village Hall

12.30pm Grantshouse Village Hall

2pm Auchencrow, The Craw Inn

2.45pm Reston Village Hall

3.45pm Ayton Community Hall

A 22-year-old woman has been jailed for four months at Jedburgh Sheriff Court for spitting at security staff at the Borders General Hospital in Melrose.

Cassie Robotham pleaded guilty to those two assaults on hospital workers in the space of three months.

Sheriff Peter Paterson told her he had no alternative but to impose a jail sentence.

Outlining the details of the first offence in the hospital’s casualty department on March 10, depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson described how security officers started their shift at 10pm.

She said: “Shortly after that, they were required to attend at accident-and-emergency as the accused was causing problems and refusing to leave after being discharged.

“There were a number of people in the waiting room requiring treatment who witnessed this.

“The accused was shouting ‘f*****g doctor’ and was asked to calm down but started kicking equipment.”

Robotham then started shouting: “This is f*****g ridiculous. I want a doctor now. You are not helping.”

Ms Robertson added:”She was escorted out of the department but kept making attempts to run back in and then spat at a security officer which landed on his body.”

Robotham, formerly of Burnhead Road in Hawick and Grieve Avenue in Jedburgh, also pleaded guilty to a similar assault at the hospital on June 10.

She was abusive and made threats towards a security officer trying to calm her down and spat in his face.

Robotham spat again at the male guard just as police officers were arriving at the accident-and-emergency department to arrest her.

Her lawyer admitted: “Behaviour of this sort is bad enough, but when it happens at a hospital involving people trying to help you, then it is an aggravated offence.

“These are serious offences, and my client admits it is poor behaviour.”

Robotham was described as having mental health problems and it was said she had not taken her medication at the time of the offences.

Mr Paterson said that if it had been an isolated case, the court could have considered a community-based disposal, but he added: “Three months later, you commit the same offence at Borders General Hospital, where you again spit at members of the security staff in an environment where there are sick people waiting treatment.

“In my view, there is no alternative to a custodial sentence.”

A bid to convert a former frozen food outlet in Hawick into an Indian bar and grill has been withdrawn after locals kicked up a stink about it.

Raj Kuma, of Birmingham-based Punjabi Grill, had put in an application to Scottish Borders Council for change of use of the old Farmfoods premises at 39 to 41 High Street.

However, that conversion bid raised concerns among residents living above and beside the proposed site.

Views were raised in particular over potential for the smell of spicy foods getting into their homes and over safety fears in the event of a fire at the property.

In the face of the objections, Mr Kuma this week informed council planners he had decided to withdraw the application.

One of the objectors was Kerry Parker, a resident of High Street for a decade.

She said: “I have been here over 10 years and bought my property over six years ago.

“There have been many things in the property since Farmfoods moved out and many different problems that have been reported to the council over the years.

“My main concern is the smell of cooking that will infiltrate into my property and that is an ongoing concern.

“I know there is no proper insulation between me and the shop.

“There is also no fire exit out back, so this is a concern for my property if there is a fire.”

Another High Street resident, Andrew Rae, added: “I don’t mind shops getting filled, but another food restaurant on the High Street underneath my flat? No.

“Sorry, but I don’t want the smell of spicy food through my home. As they need a flue to take the smell from the kitchen, I would like to know where they are going to put it on their building as I am sure that would knock down the value of my property.”

Hawick and Hermitage councillor Davie Paterson also spoke up for other concerned residents, saying: “They said they are absolutely delighted that more shops are being filled in the High Street, but they stressed they have some real concerns about the prospect of a change of use to a grill and bar.

“There are problems at the moment with lack of soundproofing installed and, as you will appreciate, a bar and grill is completely different to what it used to be.

“They are also concerned about shutters being directly below their bedroom and that they will be awakened late at night when this premises closes.”

Leanne Huggan, another High Street resident, added: “It is great to see so many shops being filled on the high street, but why another restaurant?”