Published by the News Group ISSUE 206 - JUNE 2021

‘WALK IT’ GROUP RE-STARTED IN WALKERBURN ‘Walk It’ walks are open to all abilities of walking, safe, social and free. They are led by a trained Walk It Leader and we can We will meet every Wednesday at 10.00am in have different levels of walks, depending on the needs Alexandra Park, beside the children’s playpark. Come of the participants. So, older, younger, fitter, less fit, along and enjoy pleasant company and an enjoyable mobile (or less so!), slower, or faster participants are walk. all welcome! If you wish to discuss this, book in, or have any The Walk It Health Walks take 30 minutes to an hour questions, please get in touch. and, in normal times, would end with the optional offer Alice Pringle, call or text 07974 782016 of a cup of tea or coffee. Our first walk and talk was You can also find out more online by searching on Wednesday, 9th June. This was a gentle walk to ‘ Council Walk It’. discuss what day and length of walks people would like. 'Walk It’ is the ‘Paths for All’ project in the Scottish Details of occasional longer walks for those who wish Borders, supported by Scottish Borders Council and a longer or more challenging route are also planned NHS Borders. The aim is to help people become more and will be publicised on the Post Office notice board. physically active through providing low level and All you need to bring is yourself, with outdoor clothing friendly led walks. We identify local routes suitable for to suit the weather and sensible footwear for walking. most abilities. ‘Walk It’ walks are safe, social, low level, led and free.

PEEBLES TO PEEL BACK ROAD 40MPH TRIAL It has just been announced that Councillors have agreed that, as part of the ongoing to Peel 40mph trial, the stretch of road between Walkerburn (East) and the Craigmyle turn off will revert back to the national speed limit. All other sections of the road will remain at 40mph. cycle lanes along Peebles High Street and at Eastgate Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for and the Council has acknowledged it. Infrastructure, Travel and Transport has reported that The purpose of these trials is to strike the right balance the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a change by considering the public’s feedback and make in travelling habits, leading to an increase in walking changes where appropriate. and cycling. The Spaces for People programme and The Peebles to Peel 40mph trial has been running for the funding obtained has given the Council the some months now and has been an extremely positive opportunity to trial a wide variety of measures across move in helping make our backroads safer for our towns and villages that make these methods of everyone. transport safer and help meet increased demand. As a result of the feedback we have received it is being The feedback from the recent public consultation altered slightly, with a section of the road from overwhelmingly showed there was little demand for Walkerburn to Peel reverting back to the national speed limit.

Community Council AGM The AGM of the Walkerburn and District Community Council will be held on Wednesday 16th June at 6.30pm at Walkerburn Bowling Club, followed by an ordinary meeting. All residents are welcome to attend. Because of Covid restrictions, this will be held outdoors.

Scawd Law Update Julie Aitken, Senior Project Manager of Fred Olsen Renewables, has contacted us regarding the Scawd Law wind farm. They have now received all the required scoping responses and have had fantastic feedback from the virtual public exhibition. The team and have spent the last couple of months reviewing the comments and feeding these responses into the surveys, layout and access. They have now made some revisions to the layout in line with the feedback and are liaising with local Community Councils regarding the changes they have made and to discuss the next steps for the project. Julie Aitken of Fred Olsen Renewables has accepted an invitation to give a presentation for Walkerburn at the 21st July Community Council meeting.

“Would You Like To Improve The Way You Feel?” TWEED THERAPY CENTRE (Est. 1994) (Free Consultation)

WILLIAM KENYON HYPNOTHERAPY | MASSAGE REFLEXOLOGY PAINTER & DECORATOR Sue Tickner MNSPH.; Dip TM All interior, exterior and floor tiling work undertaken to the Walkerburn EH43 6AF highest standard. 01896-870440 or 07771934965 Telephone/Fax 01896 870757 [email protected]

Walkerburn Bowling & Petanque Club News The club follows the Bowls and Scottish Petanque Covid advice and is particularly well set up for members to be safe, with electronic monitoring and adequate disinfectant available. It has been a pleasure to see an increase in all facilities at any time and it is good to also see people membership, and new members (Ladies, Gents and playing and practicing privately. youngsters) are very welcome. The club has all the The Petanque section is celebrating 15 years of necessary equipment for both games. Do come along Petanque in the Scottish Borders region. Members and have a try at Bowls or Petanque (‘Boules’). are busy with their regular games and also enjoying Bowls: The Bowlers are making the most of the fine the use of the new extension to the piste. weather and enjoying some very good games. We now have some smaller size Boules, which will be Informal ‘Wappenshaw’ games are held at 2.00pm more suitable for ladies and for younger people. each Monday and Saturday and 11.00 am every The club will keep everyone updated with the progress Wednesday. Members are invited to turn up and pick we are making in future issues of ‘Burning Issues’. a number at random to be allocated a partner each For more details please contact George Thornton on time. Games usually last about an hour, with a coffee 01896-870251 or e-mail [email protected] break half-way through. Members also have access to

USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS Childline number is 0800-1111 Electricity SBNetworks 0800 0929290 Pollution Report Line 0800-807060 Gas 0800 111999 St Ronans Health Centre 01896 830203 Scottish Water 0800-0778778 NHS 24 Tel 111 or 0845-242424 www.nhs24.com www.scottishwater.co.uk Samaritans phone or text 116123 Floodline 0845-9881188 www.sepa.org.uk/flooding www.samaritans.org.uk Scottish Borders Council 0300-1001800 Police non-emergency 101 www.sbalert.co.uk Police emergency 999 Community Action Policing Team https://scotborders.citizenspace.com/customer-communities. email: [email protected] Please let your Community Council know about specific problems so that the Action Team can be informed

Walkerburn Pensioners Association It seems a long time since October 2019 and our ‘Afternoon Tea’ in the Hall when we were delighted to welcome members and friends, and were pleased to have some new members join us. Unfortunately, since then the pandemic put paid to any activities we might have had with them. However with the prospect of getting back to normal, hopefully after the summer, we are beginning to think about what we could plan and organise for our meetings. With this in mind, we are asking all our members to think about any trips, activities or topics they would enjoy, and let us know. Please phone Mary on 870246 or Anne on 870747, or email Anne at [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you.

Craft in Walkerburn “A Free Crafts Class for Senior Citizens” We would like to invite you to come and try some free crafting classes. You don’t have to have any experience. We will use different materials and try different skills each time. We take our time – there’s no rushing. At the end, you can take away your craft to put in your home. We might make tissue flowers, or a decoupage cat, or a fabric book. Whatever we try, it is always quite easy and a lot of fun. WHERE? in Walkerburn - WHEN? Monthly, to start with - HOW MUCH? It’s completely free. If you think you would be interested in this class please let Jenni know (at the Post Office) or give me a call on 07958 158 181. I hope to see you soon! Mandy Durkin (Red Button Arts)

June Wild Side This month, I’m going to start with heavenly events, so to speak, and venture a bit into July due to publication dates. My first date to note is June 10th with a new moon and lessons on feeders from their parents and a young an annular eclipse although we’ll only see a partial greenfinch learning how to crack open a sunflower eclipse here in the UK. The Moon will located on the seed! We’ve had quite a lot of greenfinches this year same side of the Earth as the Sun, and will not be although one less than we started with as I saw the visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 11.54 pm sparrowhawk grab it and whisk it away as it drank from here in the UK. the old fry pan I keep water for birds in. The hawk must This is the best time of the month to observe faint have young to feed too but I couldn’t help but cringe objects such as galaxies and star clusters because just a little. I did have a superb view from the window there is no moonlight to interfere. though and it was just so quick, sleek and efficient. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is too They are quite something to see in action. We get far away from the Earth to completely cover the Sun. seven visit here still and they dominate the sunflower This results in a ring of light around the darkened Moon, feeder given the chance. We’ve had a good turnout of although we’ll only be able to see a partial eclipse here birds still and I see them doing the rounds on the and in Northern Europe and the north-eastern USA. garden plants particularly roses so they should be The path of the eclipse is extreme north-eastern parts clear of aphids. We get at least 3 different of Russia, western Greenland, the Arctic Ocean and woodpeckers individuals come to the nuts and suets Canada. The Sun's corona is not visible during an still, two females and one male but we’re yet to see annular eclipse. any young of those. Our outstanding visitor during the June 21st is the summer solstice here in the Northern last month has been a redpoll. They are pretty rare Hemisphere, closely followed by the next and last visitors to the feeders but it too found the sunflower Supermoon of the year on 24th, which I was always seeds irresistible. led to believe was the actual Midsummer’s day (or Our feeders remain in use throughout the year now night!). The moon should be fully illuminated and at its although we’ll be finishing using fat balls/blocks and best at 7.40pm UK time. Part of me hopes it will be too suets. They are only meant as supplementary feeders sunny still to see it! We’ll be back to midnight meteor during the summer months anyway. There are now showers by the end of July. many insects about for them to eat and of course our Here on earth, we’re getting through the birds breeding midges should soon be appearing in greater numbers. season and the occupation of my nest boxes has been It would be Festival this month in a normal year and very poor, to my knowledge. I haven’t actually seen they are always out in force on the Friday evening many young birds yet, just a couple of blue tits getting enjoying a meal near the bonfire!

BURNing Issues Contributors Please remember to submit any articles, letters or other material for inclusion in the July 2021 issue by the end of June. Thank you.

MD MOWERS “Garden Tools and Machinery Service and Repair” A reliable and experienced Walkerburn based business Mob: 07517 154 868 Email: [email protected]

Walkerburn & District Community Council Because of current Covid restrictions, the Walkerburn Community Council has been unable to hold its usual monthly meetings in the village hall. However, the Community Council has had to deal with an exceptional number of issues over the past year. Regular e-mail and telephone contact has been ongoing. Following the latest relaxation in regulations, although a formal village hall meeting was not permissible, members got together informally on Wednesday 24th May at Walkerburn Bowling Club to discuss present issues and plan for the AGM on 16th June. Details of the discussion are set out below. Chairman’s Introduction Mr Waller welcomed those present and stressed that this was an informal meeting, within Covid Restriction rules, to allow members to discuss a number of current issues relevant to Walkerburn Members Present Peter Waller, Lesley Thornton, Mary Daykin, Sheila Horsburgh, Irene Ogilvie-Wilson, George Thornton. Apologies Emma Guy, Colin Grahame, Stephanie Jones-Berry, Mike Wilcox. Response from members to ‘Annexe B’ of Local Business Plan (LBP) This is an action plan for the village and it is hoped that it will be of use in support of future grant applications etc. The Walkerburn Community Development Trust has taken the lead role, together with Peter Waller, in producing this document and they have asked for input to update it by adding to or removing from anything in the draft copy. WDCC members have already made a number of suggestions. Any further suggestions should be sent to Peter Waller. Members also agreed that the final copy to be displayed on the Walkerburn website if possible. Local Management Plan (LMP) Forestry Scotland has invited comments on their Land Management Plan for Tweed Valley forest proposals. The only section relevant to Walkerburn concerns West Bold. Members agreed that this has already been dealt with to our satisfaction and that there was no need to add further comments. We will, however, look carefully at any work that is carried out to ensure that it does not exceed the agreed parameters. Lesley Thornton will forward any final comments. Neighbourhood Watch In view of the recent spate of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the village, members agreed that the community council should investigate the possibility of starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the village and will liaise with local Police to find out what might be involved. Mary Daykin recalled that there used to be a local scheme some years ago, but that it required an active co- ordinator and had been allowed to lapse because of a lack of volunteers. This matter will be discussed by Community Councillors in the next session after the AGM. Car Parking for Visitors Erica Hume Niven (a local resident and SBC Pathways Officer) contacted WDCC by email to include a plan of the village with a number of suggested possible areas for visitors to park locally. With the growing popularity of tourism in the Borders, this is a potential problem in Walkerburn. A number of residents have recently complained about camper vans and cars being left for long period of time and taking up spaces or blocking views outside local premises. Members acknowledged that this needed more consideration and that suggestions regarding metered parking etc. were simply not viable. Peter Waller wondered why Alexandra Park had been omitted from the plan and suggested that this was the most practical solution. As a regular user of the park, he was aware that residents tend to use the small area adjoining the Bottle Bank and memorial plaque. The larger adjoining area is always unattended and could accommodate quite a few vehicles. It is off-road, central and next to walking, cycling and other routes. Members agreed that this was the best solution. George Thornton will speak to Erica Niven regarding this and report back when the matter is brought up again. Scawd Law Wind Farm Update Peter Waller gave members an update on the proposed Scawd Law windfarm project. He pointed out that there were problems concerning access to the site, especially from the A72 road. Fred Olsen Renewables were also looking at alternate plans to enter the site from the B709. Peter Waller pointed out the difficulties this entailed and the amount of mountain bikers and tourists who have been camping and parking in large numbers along that stretch of road. Both suggested routes are likely to fall foul of local planners. It is likely that plans will ultimately be referred to the Scottish Parliament. George Thornton mentioned that we should bear in mind that we can also ask for help and advice from our MSP, Christine Grahame. She has supported Walkerburn admirably in the past. This is a situation that needs careful evaluation. Members voiced concerns about suggestions that neighbouring communities may be more concerned with potential grants benefits and ignore the landscape impact etc. as it does not affect their communities directly. Peter Waller said that Mike Wilcox had expertise that was invaluable in liaising with the developers and presenting local concerns and was co-opted to act for WDCC. Chairman and Secretary WDCC are in regular touch with him. Lesley Thornton mentioned that Fred Olsen have been asked to keep Mike Wilcox directly informed about any matters arising, but that WDCC secretary should also be copied in to any updates and queries. Members expressed their thanks for all he has done. 40mph Back Road Speed Limit Local residents, in particular, have raised concerns about the 40mph trial speed limit currently in place on the Back Road. Unlike the faster stretch between Peebles and Traquair, the stretch from the Red Bull car park in to Peel Bridge does not lend itself to a 40mph limit. Most of this section requires a very much slower speed and the 40mph signs appear to be encouraging drivers to travel much faster than is safe. An increase in tourist traffic along the road has led to instances of near accidents caused by motorists driving too fast. Philippa Gilhooly of SBC Roads Dept. is still assessing data regarding these concerns and we will continue to liaise with her to get this section declassified. It is expected a decision will be made quite soon. Proposed Village Clean Up Peter Waller mentioned that he had mentioned to Tom Rawson of Melrose that the village would be carrying out a village-wide litter pick later in the year, as we have done on previous occasions. A supply of yellow vests and litter-pickers is kept in the resilience shed for this purpose. Never the less, Tom Rawson decided to carry out the recent litter clean-up in Walkerburn and Lesley Thornton reported that volunteers had managed to collect a quantity of rubbish. Members suggested that this year’s litter-pick should be organized for a date later in the year, after the tourist season had ended and possibly on a Sunday. It was then agreed that September would be a suitable month. Proposed Overnight Camping Site in Field adjacent to Innerleithen Cemetery Peter Waller mentioned that he had been surprised to read an article in the local paper suggesting that a field adjoining the cemetery in Innerleithen could be used to accommodate French-style ’aires’ (basic overnight service areas) for self-contained motorhomes and campervans. He was disappointed that Walkerburn had not been consulted about this as the cemetery is shared by Walkerburn. He had received a number of strong objections from villagers. Members agreed that this suggestion was highly inappropriate. Lesley Thornton will write to Marshall Douglas of Innerleithen Community Council to express our objection to this site being used. Invitation to Ed Shoote WDCC has received an offer from Ed Shoote from ‘Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland’ (DMBinS), a project, hosted within Scottish Cycling, which is implementing the National Strategic Framework for Mountain Biking in Scotland. The project aims to aid co-ordination, spread good practice and sustainably increase the benefits which mountain biking brings to Scotland. Mike Wilcox has already spoken to Ed Shoote and believes that there are potential benefits for Walkerburn from the Borderlands project as it is such a major investment and he has offered to speak to us as a group and do a presentation about what the investment actually means for the area. Among other benefits, there are possible immediate solutions around parking etc. and they are planning to instruct a traffic management survey this summer which will include Walkerburn. If we can flag up what our local challenges are at this early stage there is an opportunity to possibly access some of the investment for infrastructure. Members thanked Mike Wilcox for this advice. They agreed that this was of interest and that we should invite Ed Shoote to the August meeting. AGM Wednesday 16th June at 6.30pm at Walkerburn Bowling Club, followed by an ordinary meeting. Chairman will present report concerning past year activities etc. Mike Wilcox to be co-opted. George Thornton to be re-elected. Sheila Horsburgh, Helen McIntyre and Helen Maniam elected as new members. This meeting will be followed, as is usual, by an ordinary meeting. Police presence will be strongly requested in order to address on-going vandalism and other problems and Lesley Thornton will write to P.S. Stephen Granger of Community Policing. Notice of AGM will be published in Peeblesshire News. Any Other Business Rathburn Chemicals ‘Health & Safety’ report update – George Thornton has spoken with Rathburn in the past week and they are still awaiting a full report from investigators. We are advised that this is entirely under the control of H&S and we should speak to H&S direct if we have any queries. In the meanwhile, Rathburn have carried out all improvements as requested by H&S. They still await Planning permission from SBC to build solid brick structure on ground adjoining offices.

RED SQUIRREL ALERT; SUSPECTED CASES OF SQUIRRELPOX Multiple suspected cases of squirrel pox have been reported in Walkerburn. In order to ensure we can protect red squirrels in the local area, we would advise you to please: • Take bird/squirrel feeders in if you live in/near Walkerburn • Take feeders in if you see a grey squirrel/sick red squirrel in your garden • Use Virkon S to disinfect any feeders you cannot bring in • Report sightings of grey squirrels at scottishsquirrels.org.uk • Report sightings of sick red squirrels to [email protected] • If a sick red squirrel is caught, please also contact your local vet or the SSPCA Signs to look out for • Lesions around the eyes, mouth and paws • Difficulty eating or drinking • Difficulty climbing or moving Please abide by Covid 19 restrictions and do not travel to check on or pick up squirrels. There is no evidence that squirrel pox can harm humans, but please take care when approaching wild animals.

WCDT PUMP TRACK PROPOSAL Thank you to those who took the trouble to complete the survey on the idea for a pump track in the village. 90 responses were received and the vast majority were supportive of such a facility for the young people of the village. Concerns were expressed about the siting of a track and also about the additional parking that might be needed if a track were built. WCDT is well aware of these concerns and one of our next steps will be to ask further questions of resident about where the best site would be. It is not the intention to build a large facility which would attract people from out of the village, but to give something to the local youngsters to enjoy. Look out for more information about the track idea, here in BURNing Issues and on the WCDT Facebook page, and make sure your opinion is heard.

GARDEN BENCHES Have you been Indoors far too long? Treat yourself to a garden bench. Benches made from wrought iron. Singles, doubles and family sizes available. A free cover with every bench. For more information and prices, contact: Brian Lees on 01896 870364 or 07801 297806

Contact BURNing Issues at [email protected]