Tag: Scottish Borders

UK Government kickstarts work with Scottish Government to boost broadband in rural Scotland

Around 11,000 Scottish homes and businesses to gain access to lightning-fast broadband

  • First Project Gigabit contract signed to bring fastest broadband networks on the market to rural Scotland 
  • Around 11,000 homes and businesses in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian will be the first to benefit from the Scotland-wide rollout, with further contracts planned for other parts of Scotland this year
  • Supports UK Government plans to raise living standards and grow the economy across the country, including in isolated rural areas, as part of the Plan for Change

Around 11,000 Scottish homes and businesses will gain access to lightning-fast broadband, as joint efforts by the UK and Scottish governments to supercharge internet access in rural areas across the nation get underway and power the UK Government’s Plan for Change.  

Rural areas in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian will benefit from gigabit-capable internet upgrades, allowing residents to fulfil day-to-day tasks, from rapid access to health advice through remote hospital consultations to interviewing for jobs and working more flexibly.    

The upgrades will benefit some of the most remote areas of Scotland and the UK, including Athelstaneford and Innerwick in East Lothian and St Abbs, Broughton and Ettrickbridge in the Scottish Borders.  

These areas will be among the first in Scotland to benefit from a £26 million contract awarded under Project Gigabit – the UK Government-funded rollout to areas unlikely to receive upgrades through commercial plans due to their challenging location. The contract was awarded to independent Scottish provider GoFibre by the Scottish Government.  

UK Government Minister for Telecoms and Data Chris Bryant said: “As technological advancements race ahead and revolutionise our day-to-day lives, we cannot afford to leave anyone behind.

“It is fantastic to see this UK Government-funded gigabit investment being delivered in Scotland for the first time, not only bringing thousands of people the fastest broadband networks on the market and levelling the playing field but also helping us realise our mission to boost economic growth and improve living standards across the whole country, under the PM’s Plan for Change.”

Scottish Government Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Reliable internet connectivity is a vital part of everyday life – allowing people to work flexibly, engage in education and stay connected with loved ones.

“The Scottish Government has successfully implemented digital infrastructure programmes across Scotland to increase broadband speeds and help grow the economy.

“Expanding upon the achievements of the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband and Reaching 100% programmes, we will deliver Project Gigabit in Scotland to provide resilient connections that meet the needs of people and businesses now and into the future.”

One of Scotland’s leading amateur rugby clubs, Melrose Rugby Club, based in the Scottish Borders, has previously been connected to full fibre network by provider GoFibre.  

Having reliable and fast connection meant the club could stream across the world their annual tournament, the Melrose Sevens.

The event, which is held every April in Melrose, is the oldest rugby sevens competition in the world and is watched by tens of thousands of fans across the globe, with teams coming from as far afield as Japan, Hong Kong, Uruguay and South Africa. 

Malcolm Changleng, Melrose Rugby Club Director, said: “Getting full fibre connection has been a game changer for our club.

“As well as the 10,000 fans attending the event on the day of the tournament, we got about 60,000 people watching games on YouTube and other online platforms, which is why it’s so important to have good WiFi.

“It’s not just rugby fans watching, but people that have left the Borders to go all over the world. Lots of families from the Borders connect back to the area through the Melrose Rugby Sevens, and we’re proud that we allow people to get a little taste of the Borders on an annual basis.”

This weekend, rugby fans in Melrose will be able to support their national team in the Six Nations, with the club streaming Scotland taking on England at Twickenham on Saturday.  

Local restaurant The Hoebridge is set to grow as a business thanks to the programme – contributing to plans to kickstart economic growth. Kyle Tidd, Co-Owner of The Hoebridge said: “This investment in faster broadband would improve our operations.

“It would enable us to streamline our ordering, payment and online booking systems, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.”

Now the £26 million contract is signed, detailed planning and surveying work will begin immediately with the first connections expected in the Autumn.  

Further contracts to be signed this year will see faster broadband delivered to tens of thousands more premises across Scotland, including Aberdeenshire and the Morayshire Coast, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Orkney and Shetland.    

For households, gigabit-capable broadband delivers faster speeds and fewer dropouts, providing a gateway to remote working and online education. Unlike traditional copper-based networks, gigabit connections won’t slow down at peak times, meaning no more battling for bandwidth with neighbours.

Gigabit networks can easily handle over a hundred devices all at once with no buffering, meaning the whole family can seamlessly surf, stream and download at the same time.       

Project Gigabit will support the UK Government’s plans to kickstart economic growth, creating and supporting thousands of high-paid, high-skilled jobs, empowering industries of all kinds to innovate and increasing productivity by taking up digital technology.    

It will also ensure people can access vital services they need now and, in the future, from giving patients improved access to healthcare through virtual appointments and remote health monitoring to helping pensioners combat loneliness by catching up with loved ones over higher quality video calls. 

 Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, said:  “This landmark contract marks a crucial step forward in our mission to end digital inequality across Scotland. By bringing the fastest possible broadband to our rural communities, we’re not just laying cables – we’re opening up new opportunities for local businesses, improving access to education and healthcare.

“The UK Government, through our Plan for Change, is working to ensure Scotland’s rural communities can benefit from the digital economy and economic growth is seen across the country.”

Neil Conaghan, CEO of GoFibre, said: “As a Scottish company, born in the Borders, GoFibre is proud to be named as the delivery partner for the first Project Gigabit contract in Scotland, bringing transformative full fibre connectivity to thousands more homes and businesses across the region.

“This contract award marks a step-change in our ambition and footprint as a major Scottish telecommunications company.

“We have a sterling track record of connecting communities across Scotland to our ultra-fast broadband network. Delivering this project will build on our successful delivery of Project Gigabit contracts in North Northumberland and Teesdale where we are delivering much-needed broadband in rural areas, ahead of schedule.

“We will bring all that expertise and GoFibre experience to this essential project for people in the Borders and East Lothian.”

Police appeal following A68 crash

SUNDAY 30th JUNE at around 4.20pm

Road policing officers are appealing for information after a crash involving two vehicles on the A68 in the Scottish Borders.

The incident happened near to Camptown south of Jedburgh around 4.20pm yesterday (Sunday, 30 June) and involved a red Ford Transit van and a black Volkswagen Sharan car.

The 14-year-old male front seat passenger from the Volkswagen was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious injuries.

The 47-year-old female driver of the car and two back seat passengers – an 11-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl – were all taken to Borders General Hospital.

The 47-year-old male driver of the van was also taken to Borders General Hospital. He has been arrested in connection with a road traffic offence and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

The road was closed to allow for an investigation and reopened around 8.30pm.

Sergeant Lee Walkingshaw said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and we urge anyone with information or dashcam footage to get in touch.

“We would also be keen to speak to two unidentified people who stopped to give assistance at the scene but left prior to police arriving.

“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 2271 of 30 June.”

A New Tartan for Scottish Borders

The Covid-19 pandemic changed the lives of everyone in Scotland, but the ways by which it affected each community were unique. Remembering Together is a national project which seeks to give each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities their own way to remember and mark their experiences of the pandemic. 

On 31st May, the Scottish Borders Remembering Together project will unveil the new Borders Together tartan marking the varied experiences of the Covid pandemic on the Scottish Borders area. Commissioned artists Two Destination Language worked with around 700 Borderers across an 18 month period to develop the idea and design.

The unveiling event celebrates the weaving of the tartan for the first time along with its use in creative projects across the area as it begins its distribution to community spaces across the Scottish Borders.

Since the Scottish Borders Remembering Together project began last autumn, over 700 contributions have helped shape the decision to create a new tartan, and what that looks like. These resulted in two designs which draw on the experiences that Borderers shared as well as the particular colour and design ideas they contributed. Borderers voted on the final design at the end of 2023.

During the process, many people in the community spoke about Borders landscapes: the sea, rivers, lochs and reservoirs; the brilliant skies of 2020’s spring and summer; and the brightness of gorse, broom, heather and forests.

There were also references to the uniforms of health and care workers, the masks and warning signs of the pandemic. People shared loss, grief and guilt as well as the challenges of isolation, while others spoke of hope and a new-forged community. 

The design draws on colour combinations selected by contributors and incorporates a reference to the five localities of the Borders with many participants wanting the tartan to be something that joins people across the whole region.

Lead artist Katherina Radeva said: “When I saw the new tartan on the loom for the first time, I burst into tears. For me, the design is layered with the hundreds of stories which people have shared across the project.

“It honours lives lost, it respects the extraordinary labour of those whose work filled with new challenges, and it contains the multitude of ways people moved forwards individually and together.”

Following the public vote to select the tartan, a callout was made for community groups to apply for grant funding for creative proposals which enhance the tartan’s accessibility.

Ten groups have now been chosen to develop their ideas.

More information of the selected groups from across Scottish Borders can be found here:  https://www.twodestinationlanguage.com/rtb 

Five areas in the running to be Scotland’s new National Park

Assessment of nominations will now begin

Five areas – in the Scottish Borders, Galloway, Lochaber, Loch Awe and Tay Forest – are in the running to be Scotland’s next National Park.

The Scottish Government committed to designating at least one new park by 2026, to join Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Each proposal will now be appraised by the Scottish Government against the published criteria and further consultation will be held once a preferred site is identified, expected to be in the summer.

Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater said: “The Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Parks have shown how valuable National Park status can be.  Both Parks are recognised for their incredible landscapes, their outstanding natural and cultural heritage.

“National Park status has boosted their economies, supported local business and engaged communities to make the parks work for those who live and work in them. Once we have a site identified, we will engage again with the people in the area to look at determining things like park boundaries and balancing environmental protection with helping the communities and local enterprises thrive.

“I want to thank everyone who has worked so positively and proactively with their local communities to discuss and explore local priorities and the opportunities that National Park status can bring, including those who ultimately chose not to nominate their area.

“I look forward to meeting with those who have led the nominations to hear directly from each community what they would want to see from becoming a National Park.”

Kat Jones, Director of Action to Protect Rural Scotland (APRS), said: “Scotland has some of the richest and varied natural and cultural landscapes in the world and is, rightly, world famous for them.

“Of the 15 National Parks in the UK, Scotland has only two and we are pleased that, 20 years since the first Scottish National Park was designated, we will soon have another.

“National Parks in Scotland, in contrast to those in many other parts of the world, are tasked to deliver for people, nature and landscape. This recognition of how important people and livelihoods are for our landscapes, means National Parks are in a unique position to lead the way on the nature and climate crises while also supporting thriving, sustainable communities.”

John Thomson, Chair of Scottish Campaign for National Parks (SCNP), said: “The process of inviting nominations from communities has revealed widespread aspiration and interest in National Park status.

“It’s a strong signal that this should be the start of a process for creating a suite of National Parks in Scotland, so that communities can build on the fruitful discussions they have had.”  

The value of National Parks in Scotland | NatureScot

Introducing the Scottish Borders first Winter Light Trail: Monteviot Lights

Prepare to be enchanted as Monteviot House & Gardens unveils its inaugural winter light trail event, Monteviot Lights, illuminating the natural beauty of the Scottish Borders on nine dates between November 30th to December 10th, 2023.

This captivating spectacle promises to be a magical experience for families and visitors of all ages.

Monteviot Lights is not just another light show; it’s a unique opportunity to witness the first lighting and audio spectacle in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Unlike traditional light installations, Monteviot Lights embraces the natural backdrop of Monteviot Gardens, accentuating the beauty of nature itself. Visitors are in for a treat, with an unforgettable evening of wonder and enchantment.

This captivating outdoor illuminated journey unfolds within Monteviot House’s spectacular gardens as dusk settles over the historic grounds. Starting at Harestanes Visitor Centre, you’ll walk a 1.5km route through beautifully lit gardens and woods. Creative lighting brings nature to life, complemented by breathtaking soundscapes.

Pass through the magic doorway to encounter a symphony of twinkling lights, casting a spellbinding glow. Each step reveals a new spectacle, inviting you to immerse yourself in the ethereal ambience.

Follow the illuminated pathway winding through the grounds, leading to a captivating winter fairytale.Visitors are invited to take their time and to enjoy locally sourced food and drink also available at the event.

The light trail seamlessly incorporates the garden’s natural surroundings and key features, creating immersive experiences, produced by NL Productions, who have over 50 years’ experience of delivering large-scale events, including The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry; Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle; and Edinburgh Zoo’s Halloween Spooktakular and Christmas Nights.

The event aims to attract 7,500 visitors in its inaugural year while focusing on long-term growth and sustainability, aiming to preserve the natural environment that the event beautifully illuminates.

The family behind the event has been instrumental in its creation and eagerly invites visitors to share in the experience. Michael, 13th Marquis of Lothian, expresses excitement about hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail.

He commented: “We are delighted to be hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail; it is thrilling for me to see the gardens my family and I have spent many years creating come to life with the beautiful lighting trail that is planned.

“As a family we have had a vision for this event, and it is such an exciting time to see it all come to life. It will not only be a wonderful event for us at Monteviot but we hope for everyone across the Borders. We look forward to welcoming you to Monteviot Lights.”

Phil O’Halloran, NL Productions Event Producer, shares his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the magical experience of creative lighting and soundscapes, created in collaboration with Serena Foyle, amidst Monteviot Gardens’ natural beauty.

He commented: “We are very excited to be producing Monteviot Lights and can’t wait for everyone to experience the beauty of the trail in these stunning natural spaces.

“It is thrilling that this will be the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail. Monteviot Gardens is a wonderful location with paths meandering through historic woodland, past ponds, and amongst awe-inspiring gardens.

“Families will have the chance to experience an evening of pure magic as creative lighting and soundscapes bring the winter landscape to life.”

Event Details:

  • Dates: November 30th – December 3rd and December 6th – 10th, 2023
  • Time: 16.30 – 19.30
  • Tickets: Sold in 15-minute timeslots
  • Location: Monteviot House & Gardens, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
  • Parking: As you arrive at Harestanes Visitor Centre, enjoy food and drink along with toilet facilities. Support small local businesses like Buy Design Gallery, Out-There Artisan, Rub-A-Dug-Dug, Harestanes Glass Studio, and Mary’s Dairy, all based at Harestanes Visitor Centre.
  • Supporting Charity – Meetings of Minds

Join us at Monteviot Lights for a winter wonderland like no other.

For more information, ticket bookings, and updates, visit our website:

www.monteviotlights.co.uk

Monteviot Lights – A magical winter wonderland illuminating Monteviot House & Gardens

Prepare to be enchanted as Monteviot House & Gardens unveils its inaugural winter light trail event, Monteviot Lights, illuminating the natural beauty of the Scottish Borders on nine dates between November 30th to December 10th, 2023.

This captivating spectacle promises to be a magical experience for families and visitors of all ages.

Monteviot Lights is not just another light show; it’s a unique opportunity to witness the first lighting and audio spectacle in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Unlike traditional light installations, Monteviot Lights embraces the natural backdrop of Monteviot Gardens, accentuating the beauty of nature itself. Visitors are in for a treat, with an unforgettable evening of wonder and enchantment.

This captivating outdoor illuminated journey unfolds within Monteviot House’s spectacular gardens as dusk settles over the historic grounds. Starting at Harestanes Visitor Centre, you’ll walk a 1.5km route through beautifully lit gardens and woods. Creative lighting brings nature to life, complemented by breathtaking soundscapes.

Pass through the magic doorway to encounter a symphony of twinkling lights, casting a spellbinding glow. Each step reveals a new spectacle, inviting you to immerse yourself in the ethereal ambience.

Follow the illuminated pathway winding through the grounds, leading to a captivating winter fairytale.Visitors are invited to take their time and to enjoy locally sourced food and drink also available at the event.

Monteviot Lights Near Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, Scotland. Picture Phil Wilkinson

The light trail seamlessly incorporates the garden’s natural surroundings and key features, creating immersive experiences, produced by NL Productions, who have over 50 years’ experience of delivering large-scale events, including The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry; Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle; and Edinburgh Zoo’s Halloween Spooktakular and Christmas Nights.

The event aims to attract 7,500 visitors in its inaugural year while focusing on long-term growth and sustainability, aiming to preserve the natural environment that the event beautifully illuminates.

The family behind the event has been instrumental in its creation and eagerly invites visitors to share in the experience. Michael, 13th Marquis of Lothian, expresses excitement about hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail.

He said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail; it is thrilling for me to see the gardens my family and I have spent many years creating come to life with the beautiful lighting trail that is planned.

“As a family we have had a vision for this event, and it is such an exciting time to see it all come to life. It will not only be a wonderful event for us at Monteviot but we hope for everyone across the Borders. We look forward to welcoming you to Monteviot Lights.”

Phil O’Halloran, NL Productions Event Producer, shares his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the magical experience of creative lighting and soundscapes, created in collaboration with Serena Foyle, amidst Monteviot Gardens’ natural beauty.

He commented, “We are very excited to be producing Monteviot Lights and can’t wait for everyone to experience the beauty of the trail in these stunning natural spaces. It is thrilling that this will be the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail.

“Monteviot Gardens is a wonderful location with paths meandering through historic woodland, past ponds, and amongst awe-inspiring gardens. Families will have the chance to experience an evening of pure magic as creative lighting and soundscapes bring the winter landscape to life.”

Event Details:

  • Dates: November 30th – December 3rd and December 6th – 10th, 2023
  • Time: 16.30 – 19.30
  • Tickets: Sold in 15-minute timeslots
  • Location: Monteviot House & Gardens, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
  • Parking: As you arrive at Harestanes Visitor Centre, enjoy food and drink along with toilet facilities. Support small local businesses like Buy Design Gallery, Out-There Artisan, Rub-A-Dug-Dug, Harestanes Glass Studio, and Mary’s Dairy, all based at Harestanes Visitor Centre.

Join us at Monteviot Lights for a winter wonderland like no other. For more information, ticket bookings, and updates, visit our website:  

www.monteviotlights.co.uk

Murder of Peter Coshan: Police appeal for information

Detectives investigating the murder of Peter Coshan are appealing for information to trace the movements of a motor vehicle in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland area of England between Monday, 15 Aug, 2022 and Tuesday, 16 Aug, 2022.

They are particularly interested in sightings of an older style dark coloured Vauxhall Vectra, with a 57 registration plate, as enquiries continue to find Peter.

Detectives believe the movements of this vehicle are central to the investigation and are appealing for the public’s help in trying to find out more about them.

Officers are urging people to think back and consider if they saw something unusual during the hours of darkness on Mon, 15 Aug, and Tues, 16 Aug, in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland areas.

Police have set up a portal that gives the public access to send information directly to the Major Investigation Team. You can remain anonymous when submitting information.

Portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT22S27-PO1

Peter was last seen in the Seafield Rd area of Leith, Edinburgh around 11.50pm on Thurs, 11 Aug, and was reported missing the next day.

Peter, of Edinburgh, is believed to be dead and officers are treating his death as murder. However, his body is yet to be recovered.

Peter’s family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This is obviously a very distressing time for Peter’s family and our priority is to find him.

“I am therefore seeking the public’s help in trying to find Peter’s body.

“I am appealing for anyone who may have been in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland, including travelling on the A7, the A68 or any others roads in these areas, during the hours of darkness on Monday, 15 August, and Tuesday, 16 August.”

Anyone with info call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 1745 of 12 August. Information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

New TransPennine Express connects communities between Edinburgh and Newcastle

Communities in East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland have today been connected via rail for the first time in almost decades thanks to new services operated by TransPennine Express (TPE).

The train company has launched five services per day (Monday to Saturday) in both directions, calling at Edinburgh Waverley, Dunbar, Reston (once opened), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, Morpeth, and Newcastle, with one service per day calling at Cramlington.

The introduction of the new services means that for the first time in decades, communities in Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick and Dunbar now have a rail link, providing new journey opportunities for residents between towns in the regions and into Edinburgh and Newcastle.

Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TransPennine Express said: “We are thrilled that, as of today, communities across East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland are connected once again, and we are looking forward to welcoming customers onboard.

“Working with Transport Scotland and Rail North Partnership we’re delighted that these additional services will now significantly improve connectivity on this route, providing communities with enhanced access to work, education and leisure opportunities.”

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Our railways are vital in connecting communities and empowering our towns and cities to flourish, which is why we have announced our historic £96bn Integrated Rail Plan to help level up the North and Midlands.

“It’s fantastic that Transport Scotland and the Rail North Partnership have come together with TransPennine Express to launch these new services, which will bring people together, drive growth, and provide an important link between two of the UK’s greatest cities.”

Transport Minister Graeme Dey said: “This is very good news for the local communities along the route and a great example of collaborative working.

“Improving access to work, education and leisure opportunities by connecting communities is at the heart of our transport priorities. These additional rail services, particularly at intermediate stations, will also make a real difference in encouraging more people out of their cars and onto trains as we strive towards achieving our Net Zero goals.”

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “I’m pleased to welcome this new TransPennine Express service which will help to improve connectivity for local people – particularly for communities in Northumberland.

“Better access to employment, education and leisure is a key objective of our regional Transport Plan, so I’m delighted to see this additional service begin.”

The new services will be operated by TPE’s modern, five carriage Nova 1 trains featuring spacious interiors, plenty of leg room, free Wi-Fi in both Standard and First Class as well as access to onboard entertainment system, Exstream.

Customers can travel with confidence onboard TPE’s services with enhanced cleaning in place to keep everyone safe. Face coverings must be worn on trains and at stations (unless exempt).

For those looking to travel, tickets can be purchased online via our website or using the TPExpress App where people can pay using Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal.

E-tickets are also available allowing customers to use their phone instead of a paper ticket.