Extract from ‘Exiles Return’

“Ye’re welcome, sakes ye’re welcome
Where ye’re gled nae doubt to be;
The wanderlust has held ye lang
Across the wide saut sea;
The freemit friends ye neebor there
Are neebor-like and grand,
But ye’re back now wi’ your ain folk,
And we’re gleg to grip your hand
Written by William Landles
By kind permission of Ian Landles, Hawick

RETURN TO THE RIDINGS

Return to the Ridings (June-August 2009) invites you to experience the exciting traditions of the Scottish Borders Common Ridings. The Common Ridings are a manifestation of centuries old tradition, civic pride and stunning spectacle unique to the Scottish Borders. Viewwww.homecomingscotland2009.com/scottishborders or email Kpearson@scotborders.gov.uk for more information.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE REIVERS

In the Footsteps of the Reivers Festival (5 -13 September 2009) Take a walk through the stunning Scottish Borders countryside and follow in the footsteps of the Border Reivers. In the Footsteps of the Reivers is a fascinating look at the rich and bloody history of the Border Reivers across the distinctive landscape that was their home. View www.homecomingscotland2009.com/scottishborders or emailKpearson@scotborders.gov.uk for more information.

CLAN SCOTT GATHERING

The first ever international meeting of Clan Scott. Held at the family’s ancestral home in Bowhill, Scottish Borders, from 25 to 28 September 2009 the Gathering offers an exciting four day programme full of history, music, colour, drama – and fun! Scott or not though, there is something for everyone.

Please contact Helen Currie, Education and Events Manager, Buccleuch Heritage Trust (Registered Charity No SCO 14915), Bowhill, Selkirk, TD7 5ET

www.bowhilltheatre.co.uk

hcurrie@buccleuch.com

Since 2008 the people of Selkirk, the traders and the shoppers have fully embraced the idea of a plastic bag free town. 

 A walk down the High Street shows people carrying their own shopping bags and 96% of traders are committed to supporting the campaign.  Local primary school children were involved in the design of the free fair-trade, recycled, reusable cotton shopping bags which were distributed to traders and shoppers as a gesture of thanks to the town for their positive support of the initiative and for helping to make Selkirk the first Plastic Bag Free town in Scotland.

It is this level of commitment to changing perceptions and habits that won the campaign the prestigious award for Innovation in Environmental Improvement at the recent Scottish Borders Awards.

Selkirk can be proud of the work it has done to create change in our environment and to protect the countryside. As a result there is a noticeable reduction in the amount of litter on our streets, in the hedgerows and river.  The town centre is cleaner and tidier for it. Organisers of the campaign say that they are contacted regularly by other towns and villages from all over Scotland.

 Please visit www.selkirkplasticbagfree.co.uk for further information on the campaign.