Ron was present at Holyrood on the evening of Wednesday 25^th 2008 for a reception for South of Scotland textiles firms, hosted by South of Scotland Lib Dem MSP Jim Hume. The networking event was attended by the Enterprise Minister, Jim Mather. Ron had the opportunity to speak with representatives of the local factories, and of Scottish Enterprise, and was told of their successes and of some points which they would like addressed. It was an excellent evening, with many of those present commenting that it was good that politicians were showing interest in the industry.

Jim said “Organising the reception was a great pleasure and hugely important because we need to constantly highlight the excellent quality of the textiles industry in Scotland. The textiles industry represents a significant part of Scotland’s economy and this is particularly true in the South of Scotland whose economy is more reliant on manufacturing and land based activities than in the national context, and so it’s crucial to support, retain and develop this traditional industry.

“It’s clear that there are challenges – other parts of Europe and markets further a field are more cost competitive. Scottish design talent and the range of innovative and high quality textiles being produced in Scotland continues to go from strength to strength. Therefore competing on quality and design would seem a sensible conclusion. In the same way that Scotland produces some of the best quality food and drink in the world, I hope that the textiles industry will further excel on the already excellent range and high quality of products sold in and out of Scotland so that we build on our international renown.

“And we need to make sure that our marketing is spot on so that we take every advantage to build on opportunities at home and abroad. I know that Scottish Textiles has been doing a lot of work in that area and I saw quite a few companies from the Cashmere Club, an excellent initiative started in 1998. This initiative recognised that it’s not two companies competing against each other in the same town that we have to address, but the challenge of World competition, as the world becomes smaller with globalisation and competitive advantage of nations.

The MSP continued: “I was delighted to see Hawick and Langholm firms displaying a selection of their excellent products. The House of Cheviot, Peter Scott, Lochcarron, Johnston’s and Hawick Knitwear all from Hawick and Reid & Taylor of Langholm each had tables displaying their products and it was wonderful to see such top quality items on show. It’s really important to keep the focus on the textiles industry and I’ll be taking every opportunity to do so through representations to the Scottish Government.”

For some time, I have been concerned about road safety in the Drumlanrig Square area. Nearby residents have spoken to me on the subject, and it has also cropped up in connection with Drumlanrig School’s Safer Routes to School discussions.

Problems are mainly at the upper end of the Square, and are likely to become worse when the new housing development there is completed.

• On the eastern side of the Square, there is a Give Way arrangement at the bottom, but not at the top. Neither side has ‘Right of Way’ at this point.

• Unofficial parking happens on the lined triangle at the top of the garden, creating blind spots for drivers, who may not be able to see other traffic approaching up the other side of the Square.

• It is difficult for pedestrians to cross the Square at the top, as it is such a wide area.

• The developments at the West Port and at Drumlanrig Hospital at present each have their own outlet to the wide area at the top of the Square. There are therefore five roads coming together at this point.

• Children walking up through the Square to get to school have to cross a wide opening at this point without the safety of a pavement.

• Parking in the area is important and therefore any suggestions for change had to deliver at least the same number of parking spaces.

I have met several times with the Council’s Roads officials to look at what might be done to make the area safer. Proposals have been amended two or three times to try to deliver a workable scheme which would help road safety while hopefully maintaining an attractive appearance for the Square.

The map shows a possible design for such a road layout. The key point is that it confirms the main route through the Square as being on the west side. The east side would still be entirely accessible for deliveries, buses and for parking, and the West Port and Drumlanrig Hospital developments would meet to give only one junction with the road through the Square.

Please let me know what you think . . . . . .

Do you think this layout is workable, or would you like to suggest changes?

I have delivered a leaflet around homes and businesses nearest to Drumlanrig Square, have spoken to the Hawick News and the suggestions will then be brought to meetings of Teviot & Liddesdale Area Committee and Hawick Community Council.

Constructive comments will be considered as they are received and the proposals ‘tweaked’ where appropriate.

Comments will therefore be welcomed and can be sent by e-mail to rsmith@scotborders.gov.uk

or by post to Cllr. Ron Smith, Scottish Borders Council, Newtown St Boswells, Melrose, TD6 0SA

The 2008 Common Riding has come and gone, and, in the local phrase, it was ‘the best ava”.

The year 1979 saw Ron’s first outing as a mounted follower (behind Cornet David Brown) and his last foray was behind Cornet Bruce Richardson in 2000. The newly appointed Councillor in 2007 then saw things from a different perspective, but this year, as one of the four Bailies, the situation was again very different. Much closer involvement emphasised the traditions and the responsibility of those, like himself, in privileged positions. This was felt most of all at the Singing of the Song in front of the farmhouse at St Leonards after the Friday morning Hut, and at the return of the flag to the Council Chambers on Saturday afternoon. This last is always a sombre occasion when sympathies go out to the Left Hand Man in particular who is ending his association with ‘The Big Three’, but Ron felt that it has also to be seen by the LHM as a moment of success! The time when he takes leave, having completed his mission successfully, and with tremendous credit for a job very well done.

Common Riding time is always special, but the feel-good factor was added to this year by an excellent Cornet in Ben Graham and by the splendid summer weather. The Moor was indeed the location for the best party in the world. Ben had been taken to their hearts by the people of the town, and he will be a tremendous ambassador for Hawick at all the other Borders Ridings and Civic Weeks across the summer.

Meanwhile Ron can look back on a wonderful week. Thank you.