Police have launched an appeal for witnesses after a four-figure sum was stolen from a till in Selkirk’s post office yesterday.

The incident happened at around 1.30pm on Thursday, August 2, at the Post Office in Market Place.

A woman was working alone within when two men entered the shop and began looking around.

The pair then left before one re-entered a short time later and requested the assistance of the shop worker at the far end of the store.

When the man then left the premises the employee noticed that a four-figure sum of cash had been stolen from the till and contacted police.

Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their inquiries to come forward.

The first suspect is described as white, in his fifties, 6ft tall with a skinny build, blond hair and wearing a black, possibly leather, jacket.

The second suspect is described as white, in his forties, 5ft 9ins tall with a stocky build, balding but with dark hair at the sides. He was wearing a dark jumper, jeans and spectacles with sunglasses lenses clipped to them.

Constable Claire White from Selkirk Police Station said: “This seems to have been a targeted distraction theft by two men who had been surveying the Post Office before the money was stolen.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activiy around the shop on Thursday afternoon, or who recognises the description of the suspects.

“In addition, anyone with any further information relevant to this investigation should also contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Selkirk Police Station via 101 and quote incident number 2026 of the 2nd August. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There will have been many a farmer thanking their chosen deities when the rain began in earnest last week, soaking their parched crops.

However, it’s not the best weather for a day out at the region’s premier agricultural show. That did not stop people coming, though, and thousands of people from across the Borders and beyond arrived to allow a bit of country into their lives.

The Border Union Show is so much more than kudos for the farmers in the livestock judging – it’s about learning how your food gets from field to fork, instilling a love of the country in children and a chance to see, taste and buy the wondrous produce raised, grown and made locally, and it’s about enjoying the thrills, skills and spills in the main ring.

Mags Clark, the Border Union Agricultural Society’s new executive director, was finally thrown in at the deep end following the retiral of secretary Ron Wilson.

She said: “It really was a fantastic show despite the weather on the Saturday.

“Coming to the Border Union Show each year has been a highlight of my life for as long as I can remember, and having the chance to sit in this chair is a real honour.

“Entries have held up well, just a bit down on last year, but we had two national shows in 2017, which accounted for the high numbers.

“It was also great to see that some new things we have tried, such as the cooking demonstrations and the tractor rides, were really well received.

“We are going to be constantly reviewing and developing things, so it’s exciting times.”

Taking pride of place as champion of champions was a fantastic Clydesdale, West Forth Solo, owned by James Tennant of Middle Oak, Braehead, Lanark.

It rounded off an excellent season for the horse after being crowned supreme overall champ at Biggar the previous weekend and named gelding champion at the Royal Highland Show in June .

Judge Tom Arnott, of Kelso, had no worries in striding up to the huge six-year-old West Forth Solo to present the rosette, saying: “He’s a beautiful, stunning horse, full of style, character and conformation.”

Mr Tennant told us: “It was absolutely awesome to win both shows.

“It’s one thing to win best of breed, but to be named champion is something else.

“It was a busy day, as well, as the horse also took part in the driven section before taking off the harness to appear in the next ring.”

There was a bit of a pleasant surprise as Mr Arnott chose the smallest beast in the ring as reserve champion – the supreme champion chicken, a home-bred six-month-old rumpless game hen, owned locally by Tom Moodie.

Second reserve was given to another local entry – a north country Cheviot named Synton Vesper, a two-shear ram from Willie and Jimmy Thomson, of Hownam Grange, Kelso, gaining them their seventh inter-breed title at Springwood Park.

There was also a superb show of Aberdeen Angus cattle, the winner being Rulesmains Karen – shown with her heifer calf, born in February – from Andrew Hodge and his daughter Emma’s herd at Rulesmains in Duns. It also won the beef interbreed prize, with Limousin bull Dinmore Jollygood, from Redpath Farms, Kelso, in reserve.

In the horse section, Hawick’s Hilary Mactaggart was delighted to retain the Belling Burn Cup with her ridden hunter Harley Street, before heading out to Gilsland Show with Fable, the pair winning their class, being named reserve champion and then reserve show supreme and qualifying for the showing register finals.

There were also very strong entries in the donkeys, rabbits and goats sections.

Jedburgh craftsman Oliver Simpson took a double in the Borders Stick Dressers’ Association Challenge Cup, winning the shepherd’s crook section as well as the reserve place.

There was a strong entry in the industrial section, with Elizabeth Kowbel winning the industrial cup for her efforts.

The trade stalls are always a highlight, and they too are judged, with the champion this year being clothing retailer A Hume of Kelso, with the Forestry Commission as reserve.

For thrills in the main ring, it was tough to beat the Broke FMX motocross riders, who performed unbelievable stunts over their ramp set-up in tricky winds.

The Red Arrows also made an appearance, flying over on their way to East Fortune.

Food also plays a big part in the show, and for those who failed to get full from free tasters in the food hall, there was a large selection available to buy outside.

The show must go on – and going by this effort, it looks like it just might do that, and in style.

RESULTS
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Champion: James Tennant – Clydesdale (West Forth Solo). Reserve: Thomas Moody – rumpless game bird. Third: W & J Thomson – north country Cheviot.

CATTLE

Beef interbreed

Thomas Hodge – Rulesmains Karen. Reserve: Redpath Farms – Dinmore Jollygood.

Aberdeen Angus

Thomas Hodge – Rulesmains Karen. Reserve W D Allen – Stouphill Patsy.

Hereford

B. G. Hutchinson – Bethanfield Lisette; Reserve: B. G Hutchinson – Coley 1 Petrus.

Native beef breeds

Gordon Brooke Estate – Beef Shorthorn.

Limousin

Redpath Farms – Dinmore Jollygood. Reserve: Gordon Brooke Estate – Romford Missy.

Continental breeds

R & A Crockett (Bacardi Salers) – Bacardi Jessie Jay. Reserve: G & A Hamilton – Ramrig Nimbus British Blonde

Open young handler

16-21yrs winner: Tom Bradley-Farmer. Reserve: Mary Holmes. 15-and-under winner: Kirsty Campbell. Reserve: Lewis Ralston.

HORSES

Lauderdale Challenge Cup for champion mountain/moorland ridden pony: Christopher Grant – Dunedin McSporran.

Waldie Griffiths Challenge Cup for champion mountain/moorland ridden pony: Robyn McGee – Walstead Page Boy.

Riding ponies

Mrs A Hogg’s Challenge Cup: Nicoll Show Team – Romanno Willow the Wisp.

Brood mares

The Edale Trophy (champion): Ms L McGowan - Tygolau Chardonay. The Craiglea Challenge Trophy (foal): Ms L McGowan – Craiglea Amaretto.

Highland ponies in-hand

Strathleven Challenge Trophy/Highland Pony Society Rosette (Champ): Christopher Grant – Dunedin McSporran.

Highland ponies ridden

Ednam House Trophy / Highland Pony Society Rosette (Champ): Gillian McMurray – Trailtrow Tanera. NPS Qualifier: Caroline Redpath - Struan of Inverdarroch. M&M Novice ridden: Christopher Grant – Dunedin McSporran.

Welsh ponies

Overall champion: Lynneann Cameron – Goldenwood Georgie Girl.

Veteran horses

The Gonzo Salver: L. Keay – Coedeneirin Reward.

Native ponies in hand

Transy Trophy: Mr J Watson – Kerloch Rupert. The Haig Douglas Perpetual Challenge Trophy: G Reilly – Nisbet. Sydserff Challenge Trophy: Robyn McGee – Walstead Page Boy. Leithenwater Challenge Trophy: Messrs Smith – Bracklinn Alice.

Hunter pony breeding

Macharg Bowl: Jane Walton – Redesdale May.

Native ridden & part-bred ponies

Border Union Challenge Cup: Nicoll Show Team – Anchor Gooseberry. Dene Rejoice Salver: Louise Younger – Wellbrow Norman.

Working hunter ponies

South Laws Cup winner G Lang – Hilin Fox Trot. R. Hunter Murray Challenge Salver – Tina Edgar – Ardagh Bobby.

M&M working hunter ponies

Duchess of Sutherland Challenge Cup: Mr & Mrs I Somervail – Bellindene Rhuaridh. Major T.H.C Cox Silver Cup (Reserve Champion): Mr & Mrs F. P Cowan – Wannie Mountain Ash.

Show hunter ponies

Rosepark Trophy: Lisa Ogilvie – Longnewton Tiger Lily.

Pony Club team jumping

Ponies of Britain Salver (Junior): North Northumberland hunt Pony Club. Ponies of Britain Challenge Cup (Senior): Duke of Buccleuch Pony Club.

Hunter Championship

Don Challenge Cup Joanne & William Moran – Tiger Trap.

Hunters in hand

Wm Murray Silver Challenge Salver and Ellesmere Silver Challenge Cup Joanne & William Moran – Tiger Trap. Alan Innes Memorial Challenge Cup and Kelso Town Challenge: John Wilson – Kariba.

Ridden hunters

Jedforest Challenge Cup: Mr & Mrs Andrew McCowan – Tredragon. Axminster Rose Bowl: Tina Edgar – Ardagh Airborne. Ian MacKenzie Gray Memorial Cup: V Hankinson – Laighlands Allt A Chruinn. Belling Burn Cup: Hilary Mactaggart – Harley Street.

Donkeys

The Newall Challenge Cup: Lorraine Rae – Frontier Legends Diplomat. Perpetual Cup (best turned-out donkey: G A D Burton – Taka Ra Haka of Todridge.

Retraining racehorses – Eric Gillie Trophy Sandra Smith-Maxwell – Stormion.

Clydesdales

Hendersyde Cup (best exhibitor): James Tennant – West Forth Solo;. William Rennie Perpetual Trophy (opposite sex to champion): M & A Bell – Graitney Hannah Elizabeth.

Shires

Roger Buglass Challenge Cup: Gawin I Holmes – John B.

Decorated harness

The National Horse Brass Society: Gawin I Holmes – Sorbie.

Heavy horse turnouts

Harp Lager Trophy: 627?

SHEEP

Sheep interbreed

Joe Walton Challenge Trophy: W & J Thomson. The Gowanbrae Cup (reserve): N & G Sandilands – Beltex.

Border Leicester

Centenary Challenge Cup: R N Howie & Partners.

Lleyn

Championship rosette: T & I Walling.

Suffolk

Wm Bosomworth Silver Cup: Elaine Wilkie. Hugh Fraser Silver Salver (best opposite sex to champion): Roseden & Lilburn Flock.

Texel

Perpetual Challenge Trophy: J B Renwick & Son. Bell Salver (best opposite sex to champion): J B Renwick & Son.

Zwartbles

Charles Scott Trophy: Stuart Craig. Eildon Hill Salver: Caroline Anderson.

Any other breed

Championship rosette: Robert Rennie, Beltex.

Prime lambs

McAlpine Silver Cup: Hamish Currie, blue texels.

Blackface

Arnott Silver Cup: S McClymont. McTurk Silver Cup (best opposite sex to champion: Tollishill Farming.

Bluefaced Leicester

Scots Gap Cup/BFL Society Plaque: 310 S McClymont.

Cheviot

Centenary Challenge Cup: W N Douglas. Tom Rogerson Trophy (opposite sex to champion): W N Douglas. J Bibby Perpetual Challenge Cup (best group): W N Douglas.

Hebridean

Hebridean Sheep Society Rose Bowl/Ronasvoe Cup: John Mosley.

Jacob

Redpath Trophy/Carochy Bowl and sash: R Locker.. Harbell Trophy (best pair): R Locker.

Lairg type Cheviot

W & J Thomson Cup/Davidson Brother’s (Shotts) Ltd Trophy: Kelsocleugh Farming.

North Country Cheviot

Centenary Challenge Cup/Silver Salver/Messrs Andrew Oliver (best exhibit) W&J Thompson. The Clackmae Cup (best group): W&J Thompson.

Scottish halfbred

Centenary Challenge Cup: G D Pate & Sons.

Shetland

A C Burn Shield: Susan Tyson & Rachel Willan. Frances Fish Cup (Coloured): P. M. L. Playfair. Frances Fish Cup (White): Susan Tyson & Rachel Willan.

Unregistered Suffolks

Cessford Motors Challenge Cup: Stewart Shaw.

Texel, non-MV

Champion rosette: Alan Smith.

Any other breed of sheep (non-MV)

Dun Silver Challenge Cup (best Scotch mule) Euan Waddell.

Prime lambs (non-MV)

McAlpine Silver Cup: Rob Rennie.

Open young handler

MV: Fletcher Renwick. Non-MV: Archie Hendry. Dan Buglass Memorial Trophy: Fletcher Renwick.

Fleece

The Border Union Trophy: Joan Brunton. British Wool Sheep Breeders Book (reserve): Joan Brunton.

INDUSTRIAL SECTION

The Industrial Cup – Elizabeth Kowbel. Templeton Rose Bowl – Elizabeth Kowbel. Jean Wilson Trophy – Jan Little. Margaret Forrest Rose Bowl – Sarah Purves. Shaw Salver – Margaret Plummer. Mary Rogerson Trophy – Margaret Plummer. Kelso Pea Growers Ltd Cup – Ellie Graham. The Turnbull Salver – Fiona Dumma. The Lees Cup – Ruby Pitman. The Margaret College Shield – Carys Jones. Pat Sloan Trophy – Sophia Kowbel & Darcy Weir.

PET SHOW

Champion: Mia Duncan – Tilly. Reserve: Alex – Sausage.

POULTRY

R W Brown Challenge Cup (champion): Tom Moody. Roxburgh House Salver (reserve champion): A.W. Anderson. T F Carrs Shield (best hard feather: M. Crawford. J. Halley Shield (best soft feather or true banta: A&J Robertson. The M. Crawford Cup (best exhibit bred in the current year): Tom Moody. R & L Ramsay Trophy (best waterfowl): Tom Moody. Tankard (best exhibit egg section): V. Renwick. Tankard (best junior): Laura & Eilidh Dickson.

DAIRY GOATS

Jedburgh Goat Group Cup/A. Carr Trophy: Hannah J Campbell – Capitol Artemis. Fionn Mist Perpetual Challenge Rose Bowl: Becky Campbell – Ladeside Lynne. The Richmond Cup: Beth Fairley - Ballingall Kloud. Whitehouse Silver Salver/JGG Rose Bowl: Beth Fairley - Ladeside Ladyriva. Highland Confectionery Cup/The Galloway Cup: Beth Fairley - Ballingall Konnie. St Michael Trophy, SSGS Shield and BGS Rosette for best goat in show: Hannah J Campbell – Capitol Artemis.

SHEPHERD’S CROOKS

The Border Stick Dressers’ Association Challenge Cup winner and reserve: Oliver Simpson. Best Exhibit novice classes: Barry Frizell.

TRADE STALLS

Agricultural: 1, Forestry Commission; 2, A B White. Non-agricultural: 1, A Hume; 2, Pearsons of Duns Ltd. Food Fair/Craft & Gift Hall/Exhibition Hall: 1, Tara Grey Photography; 2, Lindsey’s Farm Kitchen. Champion: A Hume. Reserve: Forestry Commission.

Lauder Common Riding got off to a rather wet start on Sunday, but that failed to dampen the spirits of this year’s cornet, Chris Rogerson.

Lauder Common Riding got off to a rather wet start on Sunday, but that failed to dampen the spirits of this year’s cornet, Chris Rogerson.

The 21-year-old auctioneer and his lass, Caitlin Megahy, were all smiles on Sunday as the week officially got under way with the kirking in Lauder Parish Church.

And while that afternoon’s children’s sports and fun day in the public park had to be cancelled due to the wet weather, the sun reappeared just in time to shine on the little riders taking part in Monday morning’s apprentice ride.

“It was a shame the sports were cancelled, but the kirking went very well and it was a great night afterwards,” Chris said. “The apprentice ride was dry, and it was a great turnout of 54 riders. It was good to see the little ponies going faster than me. Some of them could really run.”

Looking ahead to Saturday, he admitted: “I’m a bit nervous but very excited as well.

“I’m really looking forward to Thursday night’s ride, and Saturday is going to be an amazing experience.”

Saturday’s celebrations start at 7am, with a cornet’s march from the Lauderdale Hotel to the town hall, where the cornet receives the burgh standard at 8am. Riders arrive at the watering stane around 9.50am for refreshments and songs. The cavalcade continues to the war memorial for 11.30am. The concluding ceremony takes place at noon in the town hall featuring presentations and a colour bussing. There’s music and dancing at the Lauderdale Hotel from 3pm, dancing in Market Place at 5pm, and a ball in the marquee at 7.30pm.

Selkirk FC has turned to the Lowland League in a bid to help deal with the difficulties currently enveloping the club.

A meeting last night was arranged at quick notice by chairman Jay-Dee Sharkey for all committee members and those with an interest and involvement in the Yarrow Park club.

Afterwards, the Souters released a statement on the club Facebook page which said: “Due to a meeting being held with the club, we are seeking advice from the Lowland League on a way forward for Selkirk Football Club.

“At present, the club has not folded and are trying to work at getting issues resolved.

“We shall keep everyone posted in due course, and thank you for your patience.”

The statement concluded by saying no further comments could be made at present.

Responses were posted by a number of supporters, including some with offers of help, some critical, some with different suggestions, and others wishing the club well.

Most of last season’s playing squad has left Ettrickhaugh Road amid claims they had not been paid since the end of last year.

New manager Terry Ferguson and his assistant, Scott Patterson, resigned last Saturday night, saying the predicament over alleged non-payment had made it impossible for them to attract new players of the standard needed.

The Souters had beenbeaten 10-0 earlier that day by East Kilbride in the opening Lowland League game of the season and, on Tuesday, appointed former Hibernian and Partick Thistle player, and Gala Fairydean manager, Gordon Rae, as interim manager.

On Wednesday evening, Selkirk were beaten 8-0 at home by Gretna 2008, having started the game with only 10 players.

Summer can mean many things, and across Scotland, our readers were busy enjoying it in a variety of ways on Saturday, July 21.

From days at the park to working in the garden, enjoying a drink in the sunshine and fish and chips by the shore, we asked you to send us your One Summer’s Day pictures and you certainly delivered!

Have a look through the entries here and make sure to look our for the announcement of the winner on our Facebook page.

A pensioner sent sexual messages via social media to an undercover police officer thinking he was in conversation with a 13-year-old girl, Selkirk Sheriff Court has been told.

Philip McGill engaged on an online chat stream on three separate dates with someone he believed to be a young girl called Kelly.

Despite being told on a number of occasions she was 13 and a schoolgirl, their chat was described as “sexualised”, with the 70-year-old asking her about her school uniform and underwear.

The messages also contained details of acts he said he would like to carry out with her.

However, McGill was actually in conversation with an undercover officer from Police Scotland’s cybercrime unit following a report being received in January about online communications from his mobile phone number.

He pleaded guilty to intentionally sending written communications to a child under the age of 16 and engaging in sexualised conversation with her via social media from his home between July 5 and 11 last year.

A search warrant was obtained for McGill’s home in Bellfield Crescent, Eddleston.

Two mobile phones and a laptop were recovered, with one of the phones being identified as having been involved in the offending online conversations.

McGill told police he recalled the username of the girl he thought was called Kelly but not the content of their chats.

Defence lawyer Mark Harrower said his client lived with his wife and handed over a letter from her outlining how the case had affected her.

McGill was put under supervision for three years and ordered to carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work as part of a community payback order.

His name was also placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Two nursery workers have been accused of forcibly dragging children in their care about and locking them inside cupboards.

Nicola Jeffrey, 22, and Teresa Renton, 34, are charged with behaving in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person fear and alarm on various occasions between January 1, 2015, and August 1, 2016.

That offence is alleged to have been committed at the since-closed Little Reivers Nursery in Duns.

They both pleaded not guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to a charge of shouting, forcibly dragging children about and lifting them off the floor by the arm, as well as locking children inside cupboards and refusing to let them out when they became disorientated.

They are also alleged to have made offensive and abusive comments towards and about young children and behaved in an aggressive, threatening and abusive manner towards youngsters in their care.

Jeffrey is further alleged to have seized hold of the arm of an injured child receiving treatment from a colleague, and it was later ascertained the youngster’s arm had sustained two fractures.

Jeffrey is also said to changed the nappy of a child in view of the public on a concrete floor without using any mat.

Renton, of Ainslie Terrace, and Jeffrey, of Rachel Drive, both in Duns, pleaded not guilty to that charge.

A trial date has been set for October 16 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, with an intermediate hearing on September 18.

A man accused of sexually assaulting a woman has been found not guilty following a trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

John Tunnicliffe, 52, had denied touching and licking the woman’s breasts at his home in Hawthorn Road, Galashiels, in June.

After evidence was heard from the alleged victim and a social worker the woman had complained to, a not guilty verdict was delivered by the sheriff.

He might have produced some of the world’s finest violins despite battling alcoholism for much of his life, but Matthew Hardie, a man dubbed Scotland’s Stradivari in his day, doesn’t merit a mention in either official or unofficial versions of the history of Jedburgh, the town of his birth.

Though geologist James Hutton and scientists Mary Somerville and David Brewster have been rightfully inducted into the town’s virtual hall of fame alongside rugby stars Roy Laidlaw and Gary Armstrong, Hardie’s link to the royal burgh appears to have been overlooked.

Perhaps the time will come to raise the profile of this master craftsman, however, even though his chaotic lifestyle saw him locked up in a debtors’ prison before his death in an Edinburgh poorhouse and burial in a pauper’s grave in Greyfriars kirkyard.

These days, Hardie’s musical instruments command premium prices around the world.

Recently, one of his 1815 violins was advertised on eBay by a US vendor with a price-tag of £55,900, and a Hardie-made cello sold for £28,800 in 2006.

Hardie, alive from 1754 to 1826, was the son of Jedburgh clock-maker Stephen Hardie.

The register of baptisms for Jedburgh parish shows Hardie was christened on November 27, 1754.

Young Hardie trained as a joiner, but in 1778, together with his brother Henry, he entered military service, enlisting in the South Fencible Regiment commanded by the then duke of Buccleuch.

The Buccleuch family were to come to his rescue as his patrons over 20 years later.

He was discharged from the regiment in 1782. From 1788 onwards, he is mentioned in several Edinburgh directories, described as a musical instrument maker working from a number of different addresses.

Most of Hardie’s work appears to have been for the Edinburgh Musical Society, but after the society closed in 1798, he embarked on a downward spiral into financial chaos and grinding poverty.

He could no longer always afford the premium-quality cuts of wood required to manufacture top-class violins even though benefactors tried to help him maintain his high standards.

Hardie certainly had confidence in his own ability, claiming that his violins were “inferior to none of the London-made ones”, but by then he faced competition from a growing volume of imported instruments of inferior quality helping to meet the burgeoning demand for violins in Scotland.

In May 1800, with Hardie’s fortunes close to rock bottom, the text of a poster reproduced on the informative Patrick’s People advertises a “subscription concert and ball for the benefit of Matthew Hardie and his family, who have been honoured with the patronage of her grace the Duchess of Buccleuch, Lady Charlotte Campbell, Mrs Dundas of Arniston, besides several other ladies and gentlemen of distinction, to be held in Bernard’s Rooms in Thistle Street on Tuesday, May 9, curt at eight o’clock in the evening”. Tickets were three shillings each.

Hardie’s fall from grace was complete, but at least he had the support of the Buccleuchs, and there was to be a repeat performance the following year.

This time, the advertisements – again reproduced at www.patrickspeople.scot – declared: “A ball under the patronage of the Earl and Countess of Dalkeith will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 1801, in Bernard’s Rooms, in Thistle Street, for the benefit of Matthew Hardie, violin maker.

“Since the conclusion of the American war, when the South Fencibles were discharged, in which corps MH had the honour of serving, he has applied himself to making violins, but, on account of his numerous family, has never been able to acquire a sufficient stock to carry on trade to advantage, therefore the Earl and Countess of Dalkeith, with the officers of the regiment commanded by his lordship, have generously agreed to patronise him.”

Despite such interventions by the nobility, Hardie seemed unable to regain and hold on to financial stability.

For example, he was a member of the Edinburgh Musical Fund but apparently could not keep up his subscriptions, and when he was unable to pay off arrears dating back to 1817, his name was, after several warnings, removed from its membership list in April 1825.

The end of Hardie’s tortured life came a year later. The following entry is from the Greyfriars burial register: “Matthew Hardie, violin maker, died August 30, 1826, in a charity workhouse and was buried in Greyfriars on the 31st.” He was 71 years of age.

How good was Hardie, though, and did he merit the title of the Scottish Stradivari?

According to William Honeyman, author of Scottish Violin Makers Past and Present, written in 1910, “it is evident that the graceful lines of his violins and the perfect contour of his scrolls have come intuitively from the man’s brain more than from his patterns”.

He adds: “In every one of his violins, there is apparent in every line that subtle something which no one can define.

“It is the same with the tone. The trained ear at once notes that it is not a commonplace tone, though it sometimes takes a firm hand to show its real grandeur.”

Hardie’s customers, among them members of Edinburgh’s elite, were paying as much as six guineas for one of his sought-after instruments in the early 1800s. That’s the equivalent of £600 today.

And his reputation and popularity as a craftsman were such that he had his portrait painted by the noted Edinburgh artist William Allan in about 1822.

That picture has been in the ownership of the National Galleries of Scotland since 1960, but it is currently in storage rather than gracing a gallery wall. The galleries’ website wrongly claims Hardie to have been born in Edinburgh in 1755.

His son Thomas, alive from 1803 to 1856, inherited his father’s skills, along with his liking for strong drink, and he was no slouch when it came to instrument-making, but critics did not always afford him rave reviews.

Most experts, however, say his instruments possess excellent sound quality and are well made, though their craftsmanship is less precise than that displayed by his father.

Like his father, he had problems in maintaining a steady existence, and he died after falling down some stairs near his final residence at Advocate’s Close, Edinburgh, aged just 52.

A modest plaque tells its readers: “Buried in this kirkyard are Matthew Hardie (1755-1826), the Scottish Stradivari, and his son Thomas (1804-1858), master violin makers of Edinburgh.”

The dates might be wrong, but at least the Hardies’ last resting place is marked in some way.

A 23-year-old woman from Jedburgh has died after falling off a motorbike in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Bronte Sarona Hutchison sustained serious injuries after she came off of a motorcycle, that she was travelling on as a pillion passenger, on the A6091 Melrose Bypass during the early hours of Sunday, August 5.

The incident happened at the junction with the Tweedbank Roundabout at 3.40am.

Both the rider and Ms Hutchison fell from a black Kawasaki ZX636 motorcycle, which was travelling eastbound from Galashiels.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Ms Hutchison was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 27-year-old male rider was taken to Borders General Hospital, but was later released having not sustained any serious injuries.

Inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this collision are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Sergeant Ross Drummond from the Lothians and Scottish Borders Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with Bronte’s family at this time and our investigation to establish why both she and the rider of the motorcycle came off of the bike are continuing.

“Any motorists who were on the road at the time and witnessed what happened, or who have information relevant to this investigation, should contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact the RPU via 101 and quote incident number 973 of 5th August.

Police in Peebles are appealing for witnesses after the theft of two high-value mountain bikes at the weekend.

The break-in and theft happened between 6.45pm on Saturday and 12.10am on Sunday in Carlops.

Entry was forced to a garage and two high-value mountain bikes worth over £8,000 were stolen.

Inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and recover the stolen bikes and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

The first bike is a red YT Capra CF Carbon with 27.5inch wheels, Maxxis tyres, 11 Scram gears, red HOPE bakes and a front mud-guard with ‘Mud-Hugger’ written in orange.

The second bike is an orange Trek Slash 9 with 27.5inch wheels, WTP tyre on the rear and Schwalbe on the front, 11 Scram gears, black bottle cage with RL in white writing and a front velcro/rubber mud guard with ‘Rapid Race Product’ written on it along with two white eyes.

Constable Nicola Robb from Peebles Police Station said: “The owner is extremely upset at the theft of these very valuable mountain bikes and we’re appealing for anyone who can help us identify the culprits to contact police.

“In addition, anyone who is approached and offered the opportunity to buy a bike matching the descriptions of these ones should also contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Peebles Police Station via 101 and quote incident number 407 of the 5th August. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Selkirk singer-songwriter Scott Hutchison might be gone but he’s far from forgotten as fellow musicians continue to pay tribute to the tragic star.

Tributes were paid to the Frightened Rabbit frontman at the double at this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, held in Inverness-shire at the weekend.

Not only did alternative rock veterans the Charlatans invite Scott’s brother and bandmate Grant Hutchison, along with keyboard player Billy Kennedy, on stage to perform a version of their 2008 song Head Rolls Off, but the album it came from, The Midnight Organ Fight, was also played to the crowd in lieu of the second-stage headline set the band had been booked to perform.

Members of both acts spent the afternoon rehearsing in a makeshift practice room on the Beauly festival’s farm before playing together on Friday night.

“Frightened Rabbit have always been firm favourites at Belladrum and had a special place in the hearts of festival-goers and our extended festival family,” said a spokesperson for the event.

The band had previously appeared at Belladrum in 2008, 2012 and 2014, with Scott also giving an impromptu solo acoustic performance in the Tomatin Whisky Bothy in 2012.

A collection was also taken for the Scottish Association for Mental Health in memory of Scott at this year’s festival.

“We have grown with Belladrum. We started off in a small tent here and then we have gone up and up every time,” said Scott in 2014.

“It’s down to Belladrum giving us the chance to do that and the chance to say, yeah, we are a main-stage act.”

Scott was found dead in the River Forth at South Queensferry in May after taking his own life following struggles with depression dating back years.

Festival organiser Joe Gibbs said: “It felt really special to hear a Frightened Rabbit song being played on the main stage this year.

“The band have always said Bella had a special place in their hearts and, likewise, we have felt the same about Frightened Rabbit.”

Scott’s other band, Mastersystem, were due to play at this year’s Electric Fields festival in Dumfries and Galloway, and it too is planning tributes to him.

A spokesperson for the event said: “Scott was due to play at the festival again this year with his newer musical project, Mastersystem, as well as popping up across a few more stages, as Scott tended to do.

“After speaking with Grant and the rest of the Mastersystem team, we’ve decided in their Saturday-night slot we’ll be playing back their debut album, Dance Music, in full.

“Also, as a nod to last year’s breathtaking headline show, Frightened Rabbit’s The Loneliness and the Scream will be played on the main stage on Friday evening at 7.45pm.”

This year’s Electric Fields festival takes place from Thursday, August 30, to Saturday, September 1, and James, Leftfield and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will be headlining.

For further details, go to electricfieldsfestival.com

It may only be the opening week of August, but Melrose were in a class of their own at the Gytes on Saturday as they comfortably claimed the opening round of the 2019 Kings of the Sevens.

It is no exaggeration to say that, courtesy of convincing victories over Selkirk, Gala, Peebles, and Heriot’s in the final, Melrose are well on their way to reaching peak performance ahead of the new rugby season.

The Greenyards men played a relentlessly vigorous, high-intensity, pressing game – not to mention with a kaleidoscopically flexible style – that bewildered and tired out their opposition.

They were a class above and sent a message to rivals ahead of the new league season.

“We didn’t expect anything going into Saturday. It’s still only the first week of August, so guys are only now just coming back, but we are thrilled with the overall result and how the lads looked,” said delighted head coach, Rob Chrystie.

Considered an outlier for shifting their Kings tournament from its usual spot among the crowded April/May schedule, Peebles’ move to August has proved to be a raging success among supporters, sponsors and the players.

The move has other Kings clubs, who have militantly resisted changing their own tournament dates in the past, suggesting a change to August could be discussed.

If not for a last-minute cancellation from Bigger, this year’s event – which featured rolling substitutes and squads of 12, an increase from 10, for the first time in its history – would have passed without issue.

After a number of competitive ties, Melrose, Heriots, Watsonians and Peebles all easily progressed out of their groups into the semi-finals.

In the opening semi-final match-up, Melrose were pushed to their limits by a determined Watsonians. The Myreside outfit led 12-5 at half time but a second-half flurry from Fraser Thomson, who had crossed the whitewash in the opening period, and Ian Sim, helped Melrose hold off their rivals, who could have sent the game into extra-time if not for a wayward conversion.

Hosts Peebles fell agonisingly short against Heriot’s in the second semi. Tries from Ross Combe, Tom Bramwell and Iain Wilson sealed the Goldenacre side’s finals berth.

In the final, Melrose’s class shone through. Converted scores from Craig Jackson and Gavin Wood helped Melrose take a 12-7 advantage into half-time before a third score from Stuart Hutchison after the break clinched the Peebles title for the Greenyards men.

“We are pleased with how everything went. The boys did exceptionally well against some very tough sides, especially Watsonians, who came with a very strong side,” added Chrystie.

“There is nothing better than playing meaningful matches like these at this time of year. The new system of rolling subs and bigger squads meant we could have a lot more flexibility. It meant we could give guys a rest after long runs, bring in guys when we need a bit of something and make changes when needed.

“Overall, it was a great event and gives us a good start ahead of a busy three weeks.” Results:

Pool A – Melrose 29, Selkirk 14; Selkirk 22, Gala 27; Melrose 47, Gala 7.

Pool B – Watsonians 26, Hawick 12; Hawick 12, Jed-Forest 19; Watsonians 20, Jed-Forest 5.

Pool C – Edinburgh Accies 10, Heriot’s 32; Biggar withdrew.

Pool D – Peebles 14, Kelso 0; Kelso 7, Berwick 17; Peebles 14, Berwick 5.

Semi-finals – Melrose 19, Watsonians 17; Heriot’s 17, Peebles 12.

Final – Melrose 17, Heriot’s 7.

The forthcoming creation of an enterprise agency for southern Scotland is set to trigger revived calls for the construction of an east-to-west road through the Borders.

Priorities being flagged up to the Scottish Government ahead of the arrival of the agency in 2020 include improving transport links across the region and upgrading minor routes to cope with planned expansion of the forestry industry here.

Calls for the creation of an east-west highway linking Berwick and the M74 motorway from Glasgow to South Lanarkshire have died down since first being made in the 1960s, but they now look set to be given fresh impetus.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise says in its submission to ministers about the new agency: “Despite the region being relatively well served by strategic transportation links, there remain significant challenges, particularly east-west links, which are a barrier to regional cohesion and growth.”

Plans for a high-speed east-west route were drawn up by surveyors in 1969, but little progress has been made on them since, though the former Berwickshire County Council did give them its backing in 1972, and the year after a report to its planning department concluded: “Without improvement to this part of the infrastructure, Berwickshire and the whole region will continue to be in difficulties in providing work opportunities for their existing population and population decline will continue unabated.

“There is no doubt that a communications system compatible with an industrialised society is a key factor if the Borders region is to play an important part in the economic growth of Scotland.”

The Scottish Government’s commitment to expanding the country’s timber industry might prove to be the spur that finally gets plans for an east-west highway back on track and secures more investment in our road network, however.

Roland Stiven, projects officer for the Timber Transport Forum, has advanced a case for significant investment in our B and C-class roads to accommodate lorries transporting wood further afield.

In a submission to ministers ahead of the arrival of the agency, Mr Stiven explains that forestry accounts for 18% of land cover in the Borders and timber production is forecast to rise by half to 1.5m cubic metres a year over the next decade.

In Dumfries and Galloway, its 26% forest cover will increase production from 1.5m cubic metres to two million over the same period, he adds.

He writes: “Most roads are either single-tracked with passing places or very narrow twin-tracked roads with poor geometry and limited strength, with limited capacity for the modern 44-tonne lorries that are the industry standard.

“Two and a half million tonnes per year is equivalent to 100,000 lorry loads, so 300 to 400 lorry loads each day.

“We would like to see south Scotland use this demand for improved infrastructure to focus investment in rural road infrastructure, addressing the needs of the timber sector and providing benefits for the wider rural economy and ensure the modern forestry and timber processing sector can continue to develop and expand, with more forests, more investment in modern processing, skilled labour and added value to timber products, creating more employment and more economic activity.

“Forestry and timber can provide a spearhead for wider rural economic activity and productive land use.”

Mr Stiven adds that the Borders’ road and rail infrastructure is far from good.

It has good north-south links for those passing through but internal connectivity and east-west links are very poor, he says.

Borderers nearing 60 will have breathed a sigh of relief this week, following the Scottish Government confirming they’ll still get their bus pass.

The announcement by cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity Michael Matheson on August 2 flew in the face of prior speculation that either the goalposts would be moved or the scheme would be phased out.

In fact, the national concessionary travel scheme, as it’s known, will be extended to companions of eligible disabled children under five, which could result in over 3000 families and children additionally benefitting from the bus pass.

Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale SNP MSP Christine Grahame has welcomed the move, saying: “Particularly in rural areas the bus pass is a benefit which is a lifeline for many, enabling them to keep their independence, and I’m delighted that this government will expand the scheme to include companions of eligible disabled children aged under five as well as keeping the eligibility age at 60.

“At a time when we are investing and encouraging more people to use public transport, it’s right that we review the national concessionary travel scheme to make sure it best meets people’s needs and offers value for money.”

Mr Matheson also announced that the options to provide free bus travel for modern apprentices will continue to be considered.

The consultation on the scheme closed in November 2017, with nearly 3,000 responses received from people and organisations all across Scotland.

Two thirds of respondents felt that that the free bus pass should remain available from the age of 60.

A similar number of respondents felt that modern apprentices should also benefit from free bus travel, and an overwhelming number of respondents were in favour of providing companion cards for eligible disabled children aged under five.

Ms Grahame urged people to use public transport or risk losing some services.

She added: “It’s worth bearing in mind that a bus pass is an entitlement – if people choose not to use their bus pass, no money is paid out by the Scottish Government – but it’s there for those who do want to use it.

“Concessionary travel also helps bus companies by getting people onto buses, and for that they receive a payment, which is very important if the essential, but less profitable bus routes are to survive in the long term.”

Four Borders tourist attractions are being promoted across Scotland on a new tourist map designed to encourage families out and about by rail this summer.

ScotRail’s new child-friendly ‘Destination Decider’ map and app has pulled together a list of destinations scattered from Glasgow and Balloch to North Queensferry and Stirling all of which can be reached by train.

And amongst them, accessible from the Waverley Line, are Traquair House near Innerleithen, Go Ape treetop adventure park outside Peebles, Floors Castle in Kelso and Abbotsford House near Tweedbank.

Up to two kids aged 5-15 can travel for free with a paying adult and additional discounts on entry are on offer at 25 attractions, simply by showing a train ticket from that day.

The Borders listings feature alongside attractions such as Edinburgh Zoo, Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium, the Wallace Monument in Stirling and The Edinburgh Dungeon.

The ‘Destination Decider’ is free to download from the ScotRail blog: www.scotrail.co.uk/blog

Graham Heald, Head of Customer Experience and Hospitality at ScotRail said: “We know the school holidays are an expensive time and trying to find ways to keep the kids entertained can be challenging, so we commissioned our survey to understand how we could support and help boost the summer fun with minimum prep for parents.

“As our survey shows, gaming is obviously really popular with kids in Scotland, but parents want them to spend more time outdoors. Our ‘Destination Decider’ puts the power of day plans in the kids’ hands, with parents not under pressure to cough up large entrance fees.

“Our Kids Go Free ticket entitles up to two children aged 5-15 to travel for free with an adult and we’ve got deals in place with 25 operators in Scotland to offer free or discounted entry, when showing your train ticket from that day.

“We’d encourage all parents to download the itinerary and challenge their kids to put the consoles down and embrace the real world and all that can be enjoyed and accessed by train.”

Hundreds of passengers enjoyed a trip back in time at the weekend, when they chugged into Tweedbank aboard a vintage steam train.

The Black Five locomotive travelled from Linlithgow via the Forth Road Bridge, Fife coast and Edinburgh, before traversing the 31-mile Borders Railway.

Run by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, the service hauled vintage carriages carrying train enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Passengers had over two hours to take in Borders attractions, with stops at Galashiels and Tweedbank.

The journey marked the beginning of a series of summer trips, with the West Coast Railways Lothian-Borders steam service running each Sunday in August.

Paula Ward, regional leadership director at VisitScotland, said: “The steam train special from Fife, through Edinburgh and travelling down the Borders Railway to Tweedbank last year proved a runaway success with many of the days completely selling out.

“The return of the steam train experience provides an important boost to the local economy and continues to shine the spotlight on the quality of tourism offering in these regions.”

Designed by Sir William Stanier for the London, Midland & Scottish railway, a total of 842 Black Five locomotives were built between 1934 and 1951.

This year’s Morebattle Games Week is a proving to be a real family affair, not least for its programme packed with family friendly activities.

For this year’s main young lady, Sasha Jackson, being crowned 2018 Games Queen on Saturday, saw her follow in the footsteps of her mum, Denise, who was centenary Games Queen 25 years ago.

Sasha got the village’s big week got off to a successful start with the sun shining as she officially opened proceedings having received her sash from former queen Tilly Bourne.

Sasha and piper Alistair Currie led a procession to the school playing fields for a family fun day filled with races, games, a bouncy castle and refreshments before presenting the prizes for the week so far.

Adult boules winner was Libby Thomson and runner-up Eric McNulty while junior winner was Kym Cessford. The adult’s welly throwing winners were Andrew Scott and Denise Jackson. Dale Adams and Emma Thomson won the junior competition.

Friday’s indoor curling was won by Morag Thomson with Lucy Thomson runner up and Sunday’s scavenger hunt was won by Wideopen, followed by Village Nasa Team and Royal Family. The racing derby, was won by Village Nasa Team with the Royal Family as runner-up.

Games week concludes on Saturday with sports at Morebattle Tofts from 1pm.

It’s almost a year since Edinburgh-based Whiteburn Projects submitted an application to Scottish Borders Council to provide 44 houses and flats at Caerlee Mill in Chapel Street, Innerleithen.

In the subsequent months issues were raised over actions needed to prevent flooding on the proposed housing site, address ground contamination issues and further street planning issues.

However, conditions have now been put in place to allow the development to proceed and planning approval has been granted by the council’s planning officer Scott Shearer.

Caerlee Mill was built by Alexander Brodie in 1788 and was the first water-powered textile mill to be built in the Borders and the first woollen mill of the industrial revolution in Scotland.

The mill site has always occupied a central location, within the settlement and much of the expansion of Innerleithen over the last two hundred years has kept the mill at its centre.

The mill finally closed in March 2013, after JJ and HB Cashmere Mills Limtied was placed into administration. The factory sheds were demolished in 2016.

A spokesman for Whiteburn Projects said: “With our Caerlee Mill project we hope to show that new build housing can be designed and built with consideration for the heritage of the site at the heart of the proposals.

“We believe that Caerlee Mill offers an opportunity to live in an incredible location in the heart of Innerleithen.”

Rugby fans flocked to Peebles on Saturday as the first round of the 2019 Kings of the Sevens tournament took place at the Gytes.

It was the second staging of the summer tournament after last year’s change of date, which club secretary and sevens organiser, Jim King, has proved popular.

“Numbers-wise we had a great turn out,” he said. “Our decision to move from our traditional date of April into August has proved a success financially and rugby-wise too.

“Because the weather was good we got a good turnout. The later we have them in the year the better chance of getting a good day.

“Clubs like Peebles rely on the sevens income as a massive boost to the revenue stream.

“Every other club is the same.”
Off the pitch entertainment included a visit from Border Segways and a government ‘Safety on the road’ campaign aimed at young drivers.

“We almost had two clashes of personality there,” Jim joked, “but both were well supported by the public.”

The public bar was also kept busy, as was the So Stobo marquee, where ladies enjoyed a more decadent afternoon. The two were separated by the sponsors area, which housed around 200 club supporters, including Sir John Campbell, who was presented with a life membership to the club.