Lang may their lum reek!

Calton would like to congratulate the residents of Tweedsmuir who have managed, in the nick of time, to raise enough money to buy the Crook Inn. It's a while since Calton has been down that way, however he has fond memories of sitting in the bar at the back, by the log fire, with a pint of Guinness and a steak pie or sitting in the art deco lounge at the front, by the log fire, with a pot of tea and a jam scone. It would be good if the place could open again, serving the same old-fashioned Scots fare - a great meeting place for locals and travellers alike, with its strategic location right on the A701 Moffat road. Calton would like to raise a glass to the Crook Inn locals this Hogmanay - lang may yer lum reek!

Keep the Borders beautiful

It is a pity that the bid by the John  Muir Trust and the Borders Forest Trust for the Talla and Gameshope Estate was not successful. The Borders contains some wonderful scenery which is under threat as much, if not more, than the Highlands from the iniquitous ubiquitous windfarm. Judicious planting of mixed woodland and management of overgrazing by the afore-mentioned trusts would have done much to improve the estate, encouraging recreation and tourism plus providing sustainable forestry. Calton hopes that the successful bidder will take on board at least some of their plans and will resist the temptation to earn a quick buck by desecrating some wonderful hills with wind turbines.