By John Lamont MP
Local pubs are at the heart of many communities across the Scottish Borders, providing people with a welcoming place to come together, socialise and enjoy each other's company.
Every year I run a competition to recognise those pubs that offer excellent service and play a pivotal role in our economy by supporting many local jobs.
This year’s awards once again attracted hundreds of nominations for favourite local establishments, with the eventual winners being the Black Swan in Kelso, The Auld Cross Keys Inn in Denholm, The Blackadder in Greenlaw, The Plough in Yetholm, the Swan Bar in Earlston, and the Templehall Inn in Morebattle.
Pubs across the Borders, like many small businesses, have faced significant challenges in recent years. Rising energy costs, increasing business rates and broader economic pressures have made it harder than ever to keep doors open.
These awards are a small way of celebrating the resilience and ability to keep thriving through dedication and hard work. Please do keep supporting local pubs and recognising the fantastic efforts of their workers and owners.
On another note, I want to make you aware of a very worthy local cause that could use your support.
It's incredibly inspiring to see families and friends turn the grief and pain of losing a loved one into a time of generosity and philanthropy.
I've got great admiration for people who selflessly raise money for charity in the memory of someone who has passed away.
I recently had the privilege of meeting with the friends and family of the late Jamie Tweedie, a local farmer and former soldier who sadly lost his life to a brain tumour last May at the age of just 50.
Those who knew him best described him as a fit, active and warm man who was struck down with a terrible illness out of the blue. They say he was "the kindest, funniest, humblest father, husband, son, brother and friend you could meet."
So, in his honour, his friends and family have decided to raise money to invest in charities seeking to research a cure and advance treatments to prevent it claiming so many lives.
Over the weekend, they walked St Cuthbert’s Way from Melrose to Holy Island and have raised over £25,000 so far for the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence.
If you can, please make a donation to support their outstanding efforts by visiting this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/walkfortweedie.
