SCOTTISH BORDERS AWARDS 2008

The best of the Borders was showcased at this year‘s prestigious Scottish Borders Awards, as the achievements of many Borderers were recognised. The event is all about celebrating achievement, good work and what the Scottish Borders has to offer and is organised by the New Ways Partnership.

 

The winners from a diverse range of businesses and organisations were presented with stunning handcrafted trophies made in the Borders by sculptor Sam Wade, and were cheered to the rafters by an audience of over 400 guests at the Springwood Hall, Kelso on Friday, 3 October.

 

They also received a range of prizes donated by local companies.

 

The Scottish Borders Awards are spearheaded by New Ways, the local authority organisation which brings together public sector agencies, as well as the private, voluntary and community sectors responsible for community planning. The partnership‘s lead agency members include Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Enterprise, NHS Borders, Borders College and VisitScotland Borders.

 

The gala dinner and awards ceremony, whose main sponsor was THUS, was hosted by broadcaster and Borders favourite, Jill Douglas, who presided over a programme packed with entertainment.

 

Talented young members of local music group Riddell Fiddles expertly entertained guests at the drinks reception, which was sponsored by Image Estates.

 

The keynote address was given by General Sir Mike Jackson who regaled guests with many interesting tales of his first hand experiences from front-lines around the world.  His illustrious career includes commanding at Company and Brigade level in Northern Ireland, as a Divisional Commander in Bosnia, and as a Corps Commander in Macedonia and Kosovo. Nigel Brown who is a partner in the St. Boswells veterinary practice of Reed, Brown & Cameron provided light hearted after dinner entertainment.

 

Patrick Haynes, Senior Client Director at main sponsors THUS, a Cable&Wireless business, said of the event: “I am sure that all who attended the awards ceremony were impressed by the quality and diversity of the finalists and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. We offer our congratulations to those that triumphed and wish all the companies and organisations well in their future endeavours.”

 

As well as great entertainment and a superb meal, guests received a range of "Our Scottish Borders" postcards and a Business Gateway USB memory stick (for more information on Business Gateway, click here)

 

 Alasdair Hutton, Convenor of Scottish Borders Council said:

 

“I am delighted to be back at this annual celebration of the excellence achieved in the Scottish Borders. This is the sixth year we have presented these awards and the quality of the entrants increases every year.

 

 

I am also delighted that this year we are able to welcome our guest speaker, General Mike Jackson, one of the foremost leaders in their field in Scotland  and one of the British Army‘s most recognisable figures.  A warm welcome also to our main sponsor THUS, a UK-focussed business telephone communications company at the forefront of the industry, and recently acquired by Cable and Wireless”

 

A prize draw was held in aid of the NHS 60th Anniversary Appeal – “the difference”, with a prize of dinner, bed and breakfast at Burt‘s Hotel, donated by Borders Banquet, and raised raised £2,554 for this worthwhile cause.

 

The Awards were also supported by Strategy Point, Kelso Graphics, Whitadder Sailing Centre, Cross Keys Hotel & Macdonald Hotels, Burt‘s Hotel, James McLean Trust, Ahlstrom, Meigle Print and The Southern Reporter