Jim Archibald
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
An ‘unsung hero’ and community stalwart in the Borders is to receive much-deserved recognition later this month.
Lauder’s Common Riding is a celebration of community life in the Berwickshire market town.
To recognise that, the Common Riding Committee introduced the Community Spirit Award in 2024.
Presented each year, the award is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the work done within the community, rewarding an unsung hero and recognising the fantastic contribution they make to Lauder.
In 2024 the winner was Ray Theedam Parry, and in 2025 the award went to Margot Douglas.
This year another very deserving name is added to that list: Jim Archibald.
A committee spokesperson said: “Jim is a real community stalwart and a willing volunteer for lots of worthwhile causes over many years.
“He has lent his support to many community organisations, including the church, Masonic Lodge, Rotary, Probus, Lauderdale News and Lauder Over 60s.
“Jim is always there to step up if needed, help out and offer words of advice and guidance to anyone who needs it – truly embodying community spirit.”
Jim will be presented with the Lauder Common Riding Community Spirit Award at the Community Gathering (7pm, Tuesday 28th July, Lauder Public Hall) – everyone is welcome to attend.
Borders pupils
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Pupils from across Hawick have been recognised for their creativity and enthusiasm after taking part in a schools video competition celebrating active travel.
The competition, supported by Scottish Borders Council’s Active Travel Team and the FNY Collective, invited pupils to showcase the many fun, practical and imaginative ways people can choose to travel actively.
The first prize was an active travel-themed fun party for Izzie Graham and her classmates at Trinity Primary School, held in June.
The class enjoyed games, activities, music, fun challenges, a smoothie bike, a picnic and a special RIDONKULOUS donkey guest, with the Active Travel Team and FNY Collective joining pupils and staff for the celebration.
The primary school winners were:
– First prize – Izzie Graham, Trinity Primary School
– Second prize – Elspeth McIntosh, Denholm Primary School
– Third prize – Max Robertson, Wilton Primary School
High school winners have also been informed, with arrangements being made for their prizes.
Councillor Jenny Linehan, SBC’s executive member for Environment, Sustainability and Transport, said: “We had a fantastic response to the RIDONKULOUS competition. We were delighted to receive so many creative entries from pupils.
“Every video showed real effort, imagination and enthusiasm, which made choosing the winners very difficult. A huge well done to everyone who took part and thank you to all the pupils, teachers and school staff who supported the competition.”
The entries highlighted the many creative ways people can travel actively. A compilation film featuring the videos is being prepared and will be shared shortly.
Scottish Borders Council would like to thank Trinity Primary School, Miss Neilson and school staff, all participating schools, pupils and families, and the FNY Collective for helping make the competition such a success.
The new office and nursery plans would see the removal of a tree and grassed area and tree in Beveridge Square, Livingston an are which is largely occupied by light industrial units
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
Councillors have backed plans to extend a nursery in Livingston.
The proposals stalled in April over a dispute in paperwork related to flooding risks.
And, while planners said the risks still existed, West Lothian Council’s Development Management Committee agreed to allow the building to go ahead.
Councillor Willie Boyle, who had urged a decision at an earlier hearing, told a recent meeting of the DMC that mitigation against flood potential risk had been promised by an agent for the developer, David Cowan, and could be added a condition of consent.
The agent told the committee that they would specify minimum flooring levels to protect the interiors of the new buildings from a future flood.
Planners had recommended refusal of a plan by David Cowan to build a 396sqm building of 2 retail/office (Class 1A) and 1 nursery (Class 10) units on land at Beveridge Square in Livingston.
Planners said: “The scale, character and appearance of the proposed building would appear at odds/incongruent with the layout and design of the existing building and wider area.
At the latest meeting of the DMC they maintained the call to refuse permission, also citing the extended buildings would constitute a cramming effect.
Mr Cowan had questioned that assertion from the outset. He told a meeting in April that similar buildings already exist directly opposite the site he owns.
Jenny Fisher who runs the existing nursery on the site said the proposal would double the size of the nursery, opening up space to the dozens of parents she has had to turn away because the facility is full.
In a statement supporting the plans Ms Fisher said: “ABC Nursery is currently operating at full capacity and is turning away approximately three to four clients each week due to the recent closure of several West Lothian Council nurseries.”
She also highlighted the recent closure of council nurseries in Livingston.
Planners had earlier said they would have no objection to one standalone extension to the nursery.
Councillor Boyle said: “I feel we are splitting hairs on the flood risk. I’m minded to grant subject to conditions on the flood risk reports. If we can move this forward.”
Chair of the committee Councillor Harry Cartmill said: “We want to come to a conclusion. We don’t want to leave this hanging here. I’m of a mind to support councillor Boyle’s stance.”
Planning permission was granted.
