Horseshoe Inn wins Gold from EatScotland

Congratulations to Tweed Valley member The Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston, who have been awarded a gold from Eat Scotland, one of only 8 in Scotland and the only one in the south of Scotland!

Sweet Bowhill

Saturday, 29 August, 11am - 4pm

A fine company of entertainers, including some of the Borders’ best, will be at Bowhill at the end of the month to honour Walter Scott, Sheriff of Selkirk, novelist, poet, impresario and inventor of Scottish tourism. The world's first best selling novelist who did more than anyone else to promote the beauty of the Borders and the tenacity and resilience of its people is set to be celebrated himself in this day of talks, tours and trails set in and around the atmospheric home of the Duke of Buccleuch just outside Selkirk.

The key element in Bowhill's latest event, Sweet Bowhill, is Sir Walter Scott: His Life and Times in Words, Images and Song, an illustrated biography of Sir Walter presented by Professor David Purdie with images from the National Archive; readings from Scott by Alasdair Hutton and songs from Scott's 'The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border' performed by Hilary Bell and Henry Douglas. There will be opportunities on the day though to also take a peek inside Bowhill to look at some of the items associated with Walter Scott and to take a gentle stroll into the landscape to find out how some of his ideas influenced the features around the House.

Booking is essential for this event. Further information can be found on our website www.bowhill.org and tickets costing £10 each can be obtained from Bowhill on 01750 22204.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 17 July 2009

Friday 17th July 9am - 12.30pm
Dance
School's Out For Summer (juniors)
A week of dance for primary age children, with tutors from the Fiona Henderson School of Dance. Daily workshops will include ballet, modern jazz, cheerleading, hip and highland dancing; and the week ends with a short performance by all students in the Eastgate Theatre on Friday 17th July at 6.30pm.

Saturday 18th July 7.30pm
Music
Filska
This young Shetland quartet take their name from an old folk word meaning 'high spirited' - a perfect description of their performance. They bring a fresh and dynamic approach to traditional Shetland music, with a combination of fiddles, guitar, piano, accordion and vocals.
Led by award-winning sisters Jenna (fiddle, vocals, accordian) and Bethany Reid (fiddle, vocals, piano) Filska have performed extensively throughout Britain, Europe, Scandinavia and North America. They have played before Prince Charles and an international television audience of millions during the Millennium celebrations. The band also recently recorded several exlusive live sessions for the BBC. Currently writing their fourth album, Filska are touring the British and European festival circuit. "A scintillating set of instrumentals... delivered with intense energy and precision."

Tuesday 21st July 10am - 4pm
Film
Animation Workshop
Join Red Kite Animation for this fantastic day of film making. Create brain sucking blobs or smooth talking superheroes, and make your own 2-D puppets battle it out with 3-D plasticine critters. Suitable for eight to 12-year-olds, the workshop is best for the slightly experienced, but beginners are welcome. All films put online forever! See www.redkiteworkshops.co.uk

Friday 24th July 7.30pm
Music
Matt Seattle Band
Musician, composer, writer, publisher and music historian Matt Seattle brings his four-piece band to the Eastgate for the first time. Although born in Kent, Matt is an expert on Border and Northumbrian pipe and fiddle music, and has become one of the best-known players of the sweet-sounding Border Pipes. Re-visiting many traditional tunes as well as playing some of Matt's self-penned pieces, the band are literally "a breath of fresh air". "It really does seem, when one hears his playing, that the two loose ends of a piping tradition have been picked up and tied together again so that they are an unbroken thread once more."
-William Marshall, Bagpipe Society

Sunday 26th July
Film
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince 2.30 & 7.30pm
The much-anticipated sixth film in the Harry Potter sequence - mixing magic and the black arts with a touch of teenage romance. Don't miss it; book early!

Tweed Valley Bike Bash

Thanks to Tweed Valley Tourism Consortium, St Ronan’s Primary School in Innerleithen enjoyed a biking extravaganza on Friday the 19th June. The Tweed Valley Tourism Consortium, a marketing consortia made up of 67 businesses involved in tourism in the Tweed Valley has recently been part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Scottish Borders LEADER 2007-2013 programme with match funding from Scottish Enterprise. This has given it more opportunity to become more proactive in its marketing and work closely with the local community.

The Mountain bike sub-group, chaired by Richard Latimer, felt that a local school event would really help achieve its aims. Richard said after the event “it has been great to have the chance to put something back into the local community – Mountain Biking is so important to the local economy, it is important to share its success with the future generation of Innerleithen”.

The afternoon began with a fantastic biking display from ‘The Clan’, Scotland’s very own stunt team. Boasting some of the most talented riders in the world, Danny, Nash and Duncan wowed the kids with some amazing jumps, back flips and bunny hops on their locally built trials rig.

The pupils were then given the opportunity to see and try some of the wealth of Mountain Biking that is available in the Tweed Valley.

Following the buzz of the Clan display and some freebies from Cycling Scotland the kids were encouraged to get on their bikes and learn some skills from top mountain bikers Emma and Tracey from the ‘The Hub’ at Glentress.

The one and only Carl Lane from Peebles Cycling Club and Glentress Bike Patrol setup a biking obstacle course where the pupils were encouraged test their skills and balance.

Andy Wardman, a trail building expert from the Forestry Commission at Glentress came along to give the pupils an insight into the construction of a top class mountain biking trail. With the help of pupils and staff at the school he has drawn up plans for an all weather professionally built trail within the school grounds for the kids and community to enjoy.

Ben and Rich from local company bikesandberms.com setup one of their purpose built pump tracks to show the pupils how to have fun without pedalling. With help from local trail builder Richard Hamilton the bikers raced around the track using only a pumping motion to propel the bikes forward. The pupils looked on to make sure there was no cheating and to count the number of circuits the riders could do within a fixed time.

Finally, Elliot from I-Cycles in Innerleithen gave a talk about downhill bikes and biking. Innerleithen is hosting both the British Downhill and Cross Country National Championships on the 18th& 19th July this year and pupils were asked to answer questions all about the downhill bikes and the local downhill courses. The afternoon was a great success, even a spot of rain couldn’t dampen the fun.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 25 June 2009

Thursday 25th June 7.30pm
Music
Elvis Rocks!
Quite simply the most concise musical theatre production to encompass Elvis' incredible musical journey from his humble beginnings at the Sun Studio's Memphis Tennessee, to the iconic world of Las Vegas. Attention to detail is second to none and every song has been meticulously scored and performed to sound as good as it was when originally recorded.

Friday 26th June 7.30pm
Music
Anna Massie Band
Winners of the Best Folk Band award at the 2006 Scots Traditional Music Awards, The Anna Massie Band is a young, dynamic trio finding a very warm welcome amongst Scotland's top groups. With a friendly, engaging and highly musical stage presence, this band is on the up, as their increasing array of nominations and awards proves.

Saturday 27th June 7.30pm
Music
Tam White And The Sermon Organ Trio
If there’s one man who can prove that you don’t need to come from Chicago, Memphis or the Mississippi Delta to sing the blues, it’s Scottish blues supremo Tam White. His repertoire is drawn from experience, and his personal appearances are a master class in how to lift, move and involve an audience.

Sunday 28th June
Films
Monsters Vs Aliens (PG) 2.30pm
Susan's wedding is hit by a meteor and then Susan starts to grow. The US Military are interested and a battle ensues between invading alien robots and the forces of good - with Susan in the middle
Gran Torino (15) 7.30pm
Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) sets out to reform his neighbour, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino.

29 June - 1 July; Monday - Wednesday 10am - 12 noon
Art
Children's Art Workshops
Tutor Jo Powell demonstrates how to have fun with paint, cartoons, and card puppets - for children aged six and older. Materials provided, but children should wear scruffy clothes or paint overalls. Places must be booked in advance.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 11 June 2009

Thursday 11th June 7.30pm
Music
Giveway
With repertoire spanning traditional tunes, folk-jazz, rock jigs and reels, GiveWay are making a big impact on the music scene, not only in Scotland but across Europe and America. Since forming in 1998, they have won awards at the acclaimed Scottish music festival Celtic Connections and the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards.

Friday 12th June 7.30pm
Music
Zu2 - The U2 Tribute Show
U2 may have The Edge, but ZU2's guitarist replicates the woolly-hatted one's fluid style to a tee. The lead singer is Bono's doppelganger and has perfectly captured this legendary performer's throaty rasp and effortless falsetto. Never mind a quiet night in - treat yourself to a loud night out.

Saturday 13th June
Music
Ish'uze Youth Action
Fantastic line up includes Craig Jeffrey, Naomi Chapman, Angus Gunn and others. Don't miss this tremendous showcase of local talent giving their all in a fundraiser for the Peebles Youth Action group, Ish'Uze.

Sunday 14th June
Film Sunday
Marley And Me (PG) 2.30pm
Marley is the dog in the Grogan family, helping them to live a normal life, in spite of being a dog who is eats through anything and gets thrown out of obedience school.
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (12A) 6.30pm
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett are the lovers whose lives repeatedly intersect as one grows older and the other younger, in this epic and intimate romance.

15 - 26 June
Exhibition
Hands On At Halyrude
Halyrude Primary School display their achievements in artwork. The exhibition features two tapestries, both made alongside the Hope Group in Peebles, accompanied by a vibrant collection of artwork by Halyrude pupils for you to enjoy.
FREE

Eastgate booking

Late Availability at Innerhaven

We’ve got some late availability in June and if you or your friends are looking for a last-minute getaway that definitely won’t break the bank, please get in touch with your preferred dates to receive information on some superb June offers at Innerhaven!

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 4 June 2009

Friday 5th June 7.30pm
Music
Voyage de Nuit
This exciting five piece band, formed eighteen months ago in New York, visits Scotland for a one-off tour. Combining the rhythm of flamenco with the harmony of jazz and the roots of Celtic music, and featuring guitar, fiddle, bass, accordion, percussion and vocals, this ‘night music’ will dazzle the mind and seduce the senses.
First meeting at the highly prestigious International World Music Residency OMI in New York in 2007, Philippe Guidat (France) on guitar and Nuala Kennedy (Scotland) on flutes and whistles discovered a new musical world where they could combine their compositional styles. Philippe Guidat is an award-winning nylon string guitarist, combining elements of flamenco, jazz and contemporary composition. Nuala Kennedy is a well-known traditional Celtic flautist, singer and composer. They established, Voyage De Nuit as a collaborative ensemble, harnessing the formidable musical talents of Bolivian Diego Landivar (percussion), Mario Caribe from Brazil (double bass) and Luke Daniels, England (accordion).

Saturday 6th June 7.30pm
Drama A Meeting of Minds
Actor and pianist Michael Lunts recreates on stage the remarkable encounters which took place between composer Sergei Rachmaninov and hypnotist Dr Dahl which led to the creation of Rachmaninov’s best-loved composition, his Second Piano Concerto, used as the theme tune for Brief Encounters). The concerto is played live as part of the unfolding action which follows the intriguing relationship which developed between these two remarkable men. (Michael Lunts previously visited the Eastgate with ‘The Last Ballade’, featuring music by Chopin.)

Thursday 11th June 7.30pm
Music
Giveway
With repertoire spanning traditional tunes, folk-jazz, rock jigs and reels, GiveWay are making a big impact on the music scene, not only in Scotland but across Europe and America. Since forming in 1998, they have won awards at the acclaimed Scottish music festival Celtic Connections and the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards. £11 (£9)

Friday 12th June 7.30pm
Music
ZU2 - The U2 Tribute Show
U2 may have The Edge, but ZU2’s guitarist replicates the woolly-hatted one’s fluid style to a tee. The lead singer is Bono’s doppelganger and has perfectly captured this legendary performer’s throaty rasp and effortless falsetto. Never mind a quiet night in – treat yourself to a loud night out.

Saturday 13 June 7.30
Music
Ish'Uze Youth Action
Fantastic line up includes Craig Jeffrey, Naomi Chapman, Angus Gunn and others. A tremendous showcase of local talent giving their all in a fundraiser for the Peebles youth action group, Ish'Uze.

Sunday 14th June
Film Sunday
Marley and Me (PG) 2.30pm
Marley is the dog in the Grogan family, helping them to live a normal life, in spite of being a dog who eats through anything and gets thrown out of obedience school.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 6.30pm
Tells the story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), a man who starts aging backwards with bizarre consequences.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 28 May 2009

Thursday 28th May 7.30pm
Music
Li'l Jimmy Reed
One of America’s top blues artists, Li’l Jimmy Reed has performed at festivals, concerts, clubs and parties all over the USA and in Europe. In 1995 he received the Alabama Blue Treasure Award. Joining him on stage are Scottish band Wolftrain. Born Leon Atkins, Li’l Jimmy Reed got his big break when he stood in for the late Jimmy Reed, one of the big names on the blues circuit. Leon had been a big fan ever since hearing Jimmy on jukeboxes in his home town. He vividly recalls that Jimmy Reed had had a few too many before the show and was just too drunk to go onstage. The promoters snuck the star out the back door and pushed Leon onto the stage. Leon played an absolute blinder to a crowd who neither noticed the difference nor cared and Li'l Jimmy Reed was born!

Friday 29th May 8pm
Music
Stories and the Blues
Borders Guid Crack Club offers this uniquely atmospheric cabaret-style event. Local storytellers will tickle your fancy with wonderful stories. Mud In Your Ear blues band will jam with local afficionados. Savour the sound of vintage guitars, harmonica and boogie-woogie piano galore.

Saturday 30th May 7.30pm
Comedy
Charity Casino
Peebles Rotary Club invites you to find your tux and chance your luck, at another fun-filled charity fundraiser. Pick up a free drink and a bag of chips at the door; try your hand at roulette, blackjack and chuck-a-luck; then trade in your winnings at the grand raffle before the night ends. All in aid of local charities.

Sunday 31st May
Film
Hannah Montana (PG) 2.30pm
Peter Chelsom directs Miley Cyrus in this film that brings the popular Disney Channel character to the big screen. With a crazy double life in California as the secret pop-star persona Hannah Montana, Miley Stewart (Cyrus), an every day teen, has forgotten who she really is. To get her back on track, Miley’s dad, Robby Ray Stewart decides that she needs some time back on the family farm in Tennessee.
Doubt (15) 7.30pm
A brilliantly acted and thought-provoking spiritual drama about faith, openness, certainty and not knowing, with Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Friday 5th June 7.30pm
Music Voyage de Nuit
This exciting five piece band, formed eighteen months ago in New York, visits Scotland for a one-off tour. Combining the rhythm of flamenco with the harmony of jazz and the roots of Celtic music, and featuring guitar, fiddle, bass, accordion, percussion and vocals, this ‘night music’ will dazzle the mind and seduce the senses.
First meeting at the highly prestigious International World Music Residency OMI in New York in 2007, Philippe Guidat (France) on guitar and Nuala Kennedy (Scotland) on flutes and whistles discovered a new musical world where they could combine their compositional styles. Philippe Guidat is an award-winning nylon string guitarist, combining elements of flamenco, jazz and contemporary composition. Nuala Kennedy is a well-known traditional Celtic flautist, singer and composer. They established, as Voyage De Nuit a collaborative ensemble, harnessing the formidable musical talents of Bolivian Diego Landivar (percussion) Mario Caribe from Brazil (double bass) and Luke Daniels, England (accordion).

Saturday 6th June, 7.30pm
Drama
A Meeting of Minds
Actor and pianist Michael Lunts recreates on stage the remarkable encounters which took place between composer Sergei Rachmaninov and hypnotist Dr Dahl which led to the creation of Rachmaninov’s best-loved composition, his Second Piano Concerto. The concerto is played live as part of the unfolding action which follows the intriguing relationship which developed between these two remarkable men. (Michael Lunts previously visited the Eastgate with ‘The Last Ballade’, featuring music by Chopin.)

Horseshoe Inn WIns a New Award

Congratulations to award-winning member's the Horseshoe Inn at Eddleston. Head chef, Patrick Bardoulet, has now been named Rural Chef of the Year 2009 at the Scottish Chef Awards in Glasgow on 10th May.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 14 May 2009

Sunday 17th May
Film
Pink Panther 2 (PG) 2.30pm
Inspector Jacques Clouseau is up against a globe-trotting thief who specialises in stealing historical artefacts.
Milk (15) 7.30pm
Oscar winner Sean Penn stars as Harvey Milk – the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the USA.

Tuesday 19th May 7.30pm
Music
Stairwell Sisters
The Stairwell Sisters are knocking ‘em dead from the shores of Lake Wobegone to the stages of London and Scotland, with their high-energy picking and buck dancing. They are one of America’s most highly regarded old-time Appalachian string bands and their latest self released album, Get Off Your Money, stretches the boundaries of old-time music while still staying true to its traditional roots. Not only a great musical night, this is a rare chance to enjoy some history through music and dance with a demonstration of Scottish clog dancing by John Sikorski (originally from Skye). Joining the line up is Hawick-born master fiddler Wattie Robson, one of Scotland’s leading traditional musicians, who says he is an admirer of the band’s music and is all set for the tour.

Wednesday 20th May 7.30pm
Music
James Yorkston & Lisa Knapp
This show brings together two major names from the contemporary folk world. Lisa Knapp has emerged as a highly distinctive voice with a radiant style of traditional folk and self-penned song, while Fife man, James Yorkston continues at the forefront of the nu-folk scene and as a member of The Fence Collective, spearheading developments in the genre.

Friday 22nd May 7.30pm
Music
Open Mic Variety Night
Whether you can sing, dance, act or tell a joke, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your talent. If you’re interested in performing then contact Jamie Boyd Russell on 01721 722407. Anything goes, so come along and show us what you’ve got!

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 7 May 2009

Thursday 7th May 1pm
Drama
Ploughman's Platters and Plays
Rowan Tree Theatre Company unveil the results of their 21st birthday playwriting competition, at this lunch-hour event. Michael Mackenzie and other Rowan Tree actors will read excerpts from selected scripts before the winner is announced. Sponsored by Playwrights Studio Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association, Scottish Borders Council.
£5 (inc ploughman's lunch)

Friday 8th May 7.30pm
Music
Karan Casey
A legend in her own right, Karan Casey has long been one of the most innovative, provocative and imitated singers in Irish traditional and folk music. ‘Casey's voice is among the loveliest in folk music and she's a wonderful interpreter of both contemporary and traditional material.' (Boston Globe)

Saturday 9th May 7.30pm
Music
Fondoo
Fondoo returns to the Eastgate with an eclectic mix of original live music. Headlining are fantastic Edinburgh based indie / rock band Rieser. Also featured are the shabby chic jazz of The Makin 4 and acclaimed pop / rock Borders band Big Wave; with acoustic sets provided by Kristian Labak, Rob Howell and James Gibson.

Wednesday 13th May 7.30pm
Music
The Chris Stout Theory
This quintet takes traditional music into new and exciting territories. Whilst demonstrating the discipline of a classical ensemble and a jazz group’s sense of adventure this group achieves a celebration incorporating all the spirit, flair and roots of traditional music. Their technique integrates atmospheric solo fiddle airs and intricate quicksilver passages to the kind of rollicking Shetland, Scandinavian hoolie that Chris’s fans know and love so well. ‘They are out there beyond the reach of almost anyone.’ (Maverick magazine)

Thursday 14th May 7.30pm
Family
An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan
Come and enjoy the very model of a modern musical medley – performed by singers from the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Edinburgh. With excerpts from all the favourite operas – Pirates, Pinafore, Patience, and many more – matching Gilbert’s witty words to Sullivan’s seductive tunes, this promises to be a night to remember.

Friday 15th May 7.30pm
Drama
After Mary Rose
Harry, a shell-shocked soldier, is trying to piece his life back together with the help of a psychiatrist. Digging deeper, the psychiatrist uncovers a mysterious secret that takes Harry back to his childhood home for a journey into the past that leads to a suprising encounter in the present. Based on a play by JM Barrie, this is a dark and atmospheric new production by Magnetic North, a theatre company based in Scotland. It was formed in 1999 to create and develop new work with playwrights and other practitioners. The company's work has been funded by Scottish Arts Council, Glasgow City Council, Awards for All, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Peggy Ramsay Foundation.

British National XC Mountainbike Champs 2009

Innerleithen MTB Racing and I-Cycles, along with some help from the TVTC bring you the British National XC Mountainbike Champs 2009. This year it is a combined event, with Descent Gear/MSC Bikes providing the Downhill Champs. Double the fun!

I-cycles are on Traquair Road. Don't forget to call in for any bike or nutrition supplies or last minute repairs, you will drive past on your way to the venue.

Top Five Reasons why you should ride the British National XC Champs
1. The course ! Interesting and challenging, to test the skills of our very best riders
2. Races for all, with the Championship race for licence holders and Sport and Open Fun races for non licence holders
3. Big fat UCI points in the Senior Championship race, the best chance all year in Britain
4. £1000 prize fund and loads of kit to give away
5. A great weekend out, plenty to do in the beautiful Tweed Valley, trade pitches and food stalls in the arena and a quiet camping area for XC

The Championship races are open to BC licence holders, but there is something for everyone with a Sport race open to non-licence holders of any age over 19 on the sunday, and the Fun Open race over one lap on the saturday. If you have entered the Downhill you can ride the Fun Open race for a fiver! Just bring a suitable bike...

The Champs closes a week of festivities in Innerleithen with the St Ronans Games taking place the week before.

Looking for somewhere to stay?
www.visittweedvalley.co.uk

Entry
Online entry available.

Sponsorship opportunities
Contact helenmfindlay@yahoo.co.uk for information on how you can support this event.

Closing Dates
Championship races - BC licence required - closing date 19th June
Sport race - no licence required - closing date 12th July
Open Fun race - closing date 17th July, day entry if places left

Camping
A campsite will be made available, details on this website soon. Camping for the XC riders will be separate from the DH and trade camping, please indicate on your online entry if you will be using the camping. You will need to report to the XC registration to get your camping token, and must have pre-booked. No pre-booking, no token = no camping.

Schedule
Schedule and lap numbers below - this is subject to change so please check the event website for confirmation and the noticeboard at the registration tent. Masters riders will be gridded according to National Rankings as close to the event as possible. Categories may be merged to create a championship. Medals will be handed out for the 5 year age bands in Masters and Vets, with the overall winner in each category taking the Champion's jersey.

Timing
Event timing will be provided by Finishline. Chips issued at registration on the saturday. You must return the chips after your race, missing/non-returned chips will be charged for at £15. Chips attach to the bike, on the frame above the bottom bracket, chip facing downwards.

Schedule
Friday:
12.00 - 16.30 XC and DH course inspection walk only, and DH Comms Inspection
18.00 - 20.00 DH registration

Saturday:
08:00 - 11.00 DH Registration and XC Comms Inspection
11:00 - 16.30 XC Registration
09.30 - 17:00 DH Open practice
17:00 - 17:30 DH Expert and Elite practice only
13.30 - 16.30 XC Marshalled practice
16:45 - 17.00 XC Riders and Teams meeting
17.00 - 18.30 XC Open/Fun race
17:45 - 17:50 DH Riders meeting

Sunday:
09:00 - 10:45 DH Open Practise
09.00 - 11.00 XC Race 1 - Youth/Juv/Jun
11.30 - 12.00 XC Race 1 Podiums
11.00 - 13.00 XC Race 2 - Masters/Vets
13.30 - 14.00 XC Race 2 Podiums
11.00 - 14.00 DH Seeding runs
13.00 - 15.30 XC Race 3 - Seniors/Espoirs/Sport
14.30 - 17.30 DH Race runs
16.30 - 17.00 XC Race 3 Podiums
18.00 - All DH Podiums

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 30 April 2009

Thursday 30th April 7.30pm
Music
Rumba Caliente
Rumba Caliente is one of the UK's most exciting salsa-soul groups, combining musicians from the heartlands of salsa (Venezuela, Cuba and New York) with some of Scotland's most exciting jazz and world music players. The group effortlessly moves from salsa to soul, latin-jazz to funk, raga to rumba and back to salsa again. The group have built a fantastic reputation for thrilling live shows, playing the Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Cork Jazz festivals and have appeared live in session on Radio Scotland, and Radio 3's "World Root's" show.

Friday 1st May 7.30pm
Drama
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story has enthralled and fascinated the world for more than a hundred years. Perhaps because a Mr Hyde lurks deep within us all, watching…and waiting... 'A truly remarkable piece of drama... intriguing and thought-provoking', presented by Isosceles and directed by Jim Dunk. Jim has worked in teaching and spent 24 years as a professional actor, theatre director and more latterly a writer, working in theatre, television, film and radio. Eastgate Book Tickets

Peebles, Saturday 2nd May 7.30pm
Music
Elbow Jane Band
A premiere five-piece acoustic band comprising guitars, bazouki, mandolin, piano, bass, percussion and expressive vocals. From thought-provoking self-penned songs, to unique interpretations of the world's best songsmiths; from the emotion of O'Carolan, to the techniques of Tommy Emmanuel; from sensitive ballads, through infectious rhythms, to luring harmonies, gaining them a reputation as one of the top acoustic roots bands on the live music scene.

Sunday 3rd May
Film
Bolt (PG) 2.30pm
Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) tells the story of a dog who is convinced that his role as a super dog is reality. The perfect family film.
Frost / Nixon (15) 7.30pm
A dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former president Richard Nixon.

Tuesday 5th May 7.30pm
Music
Eliza Carthy
Yorkshire-born Eliza Carthy began touring at the age of 14, and has gone on to perform and record with a stunning array of musical legends including Joan Baez, Damon Albarn, Paul Weller and the Wainwrights. Both as a fiddle player and as a gloriously natural singer, she makes traditional music relevant to new audiences with her intelligent, charismatic and boundary-crossing performances.

Thursday 7th May 1pm
Drama
Ploughman's Platters and Plays
Rowan Tree Theatre Company unveil the results of their 21st birthday playwriting competition, at this lunch-hour event. Michael Mackenzie and other Rowan Tree actors will read excerpts from selected scripts before the winner is announced. Sponsored by Playwrights Studio Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association, Scottish Borders Council.
£5 (inc ploughman's lunch)

Friday 8th May 7.30pm
Music
Karan Casey
A legend in her own right, Karan Casey has long been one of the most innovative, provocative and imitated singers in Irish traditional and folk music. ‘Casey's voice is among the loveliest in folk music and she's a wonderful interpreter of both contemporary and traditional material.' (Boston Globe)

Mountain Bike World Cup at Fort William

The Tweed Valley Tourist Consortium will be exhibiting at the Mountain Bike World Cup at Fort William on the 6th & 7th June 2009. Thanks to Ian at MB7 and The Clan we will have a presence at the biggest and best mountain biking event in the world. Whether your coming to see the 4x, DH, XC, Trials or just for a wander around the biking village call in and see what the Tweed Valley has to offer or just to say hello. See you there?

The Outdoors Show, Birmingham NEC, 27th - 29th March

Phew, just back from promoting Visittweedvalley at The Outdoors Show at the NEC in Birmingham where Scotland’s mountain bike display team, ‘The Clan’ who, along with the help of some of the TVTC members built a mini Glentress with a brilliant ‘have-a-go area’ and a fantastic trials show.

The Outdoors Show covers everything from walking, canoeing, golf and fishing to biking and climbing. Upwards of 30,000 people were there to have a go at some of the activities, shop at the many outlets or to find out more about all the outdoor activities and where best to go, The Tweed Valley we hope!!

As part of the bike arena the TVTC setup a fantastic stand to promote the Tweed Valley and display all the excellent activities and accommodation within the valley.

From early on the Friday to late on the Sunday the stand was busy with enthusiasts, families, groups and clubs all wanting to know more about the Tweed Valley and what was on offer and when to visit. From the response on the stand it certainly looks as though lots people are heading this way to enjoy the best of what the Tweed Valley has to offer.

Kailzie Gardens Osprey Update

New for 2009 - larger live screens, new species on camera including nesting Herons, new wildlife displays and the School Holiday Nature Club for children on Wednesdays afternoons 1-4pm, which offers crafts, games and hands-on fun. Free for Kids – no Booking required.

2009 dates: Open Monday 6th April, closes 31st August. Open 10am- 5pm daily.
Cost £1 per adult, children free but MUST be accompanied.
Large groups and school visits etc also catered for: please contact the Osprey Centre Officer for details: Emma Rawling phone 07530310376 or email tweedvalleyospreys@yahoo.co.uk

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 23 April 2009

23-24 & 26 April, Thursday & Friday 7.30pm, Sunday 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Drama
'Allo'Allo
Tweed Theatre is proud to present 'Allo, 'Allo based on the famous TV series and written by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd. This hilarious play features René Artois, a café owner in Nazi-occupied France, whose efforts to appease a range of opposing factions, without being killed, provides great entertainment. Good moaning - don't miss it!

Tuesday 28th April 7.30pm
Lecture
Plants, Peaks and Passes in the Karakoram
Dave Binns, photographer and plant collector, shares another exploration of wild places. This time the mountains at the Western end of the Greater Himalaya: Nanga Parbat, Kara Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. In aid of the Eastgate sponsored by Cabbage Hall Woodwork.

Thursday 30th April 7.30pm
Music
Rumba Caliente
Rumba Caliente is one of the UK's most exciting salsa-soul groups, combining musicians from the heartlands of salsa (Venezuela, Cuba and New York) with some of Scotland's most exciting jazz and world music players. The group effortlessly moves from salsa to soul, latin-jazz to funk, raga to rumba and back to salsa again. The group have built a fantastic reputation for thrilling live shows, playing the Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Cork Jazz festivals and have appeared live in session on Radio Scotland, and Radio 3's "World Root's" show.

Friday 1st May 7.30pm
Drama
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story has enthralled and fascinated the world for more than a hundred years. Perhaps because a Mr Hyde lurks deep within us all, watching…and waiting... 'A truly remarkable piece of drama... intriguing and thought-provoking', presented by Isosceles and directed by Jim Dunk. Jim has worked in teaching and spent 24 years as a professional actor, theatre director and more latterly a writer, working in theatre, television, film and radio.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 16 April 2009

Thursday 16th April 7.30pm
Music
Cabaret Baby
An international group of outstanding musicians drawn from classical, improvised, electronic, and rock backgrounds enter new territory with Cabaret Baby. They mix an ultra-resourceful nine-piece instrumental line up with live electronics and DJ sets. 'An irreverent stronk that sounds somewhere between the Happy End, The Threepenny Opera and Guys and Dolls.' (The Herald)
NB this show has unallocated seating

Saturday 18th April 7.30pm
Music
DAIMH
This exciting combination of musicians fuse together their individual styles on bagpipes, fiddle, banjo, guitar, bodhran and mandola to create a unique and compelling sound. Their music is a very high energy, fast-flowing mixture of tunes and songs, which knows no boundaries.

Sunday 19th April
Film
Hotel for Dogs (U) 2.30pm
Two orphans set up a Shangri-La for dogs in an old abandoned hotel - much to the annoyance of the local authority dog catcher and the police.
Revolutionary Road (15) 7.30pm
A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Based on a novel by Richard Yates.

20 April - 2 May
Exhibition
Himalayan Journey
An exhibition of photographs taken in Nepal and Pakistan by local horticulturist Dave Binns; images include several of the highest mountains in the world, high alpine plants and portraits.
Don't miss Dave's talk about his travels on Tuesday 28th April at 7.30pm.

23-24 & 26 April, Thursday & Friday 7.30pm, Sunday 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Drama
'Allo'Allo
Tweed Theatre is proud to present 'Allo, 'Allo based on the famous TV series and written by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd. This hilarious play features René Artois, a café owner in Nazi-occupied France, whose efforts to appease a range of opposing factions, without being killed, provides great entertainment. Good moaning - don't miss it!

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 9 April 2009

Friday 10th April 7.30pm
Family
The Top 50 Greatest Scots Of All Time Ever
Both a celebration and deconstruction of the truly great iconic figures of our history and culture. This comic show satirises that cultural nihilism, while at the same time celebrating some of the truly great achievements of a small, northern European colony. Vladimir McTavish's most ambitious work to date incorporating stand-up, songs, poetry, video and visual images.

Saturday 11th April 7.30pm
Dance
Easter Jive Party
The Friends of the Eastgate invite you to the second Jive Party-following the fantastic success of the December fundraiser. If you can jive, or would like to learn how to enjoy dancing to live rock 'n' roll music, this is for you. Ticket includes jive tuition. Book early! A fundraiser for friends of the Eastagate.
NB this show has unallocated seating

Tuesday 14th April 7.30pm
Music
Rachel Harrington
Rachel is a roots musician in the truest and purest sense, an artist who really understands and conveys the deep link between country and soul. She performs as a duo with multi-instrumentalist Zak Borden on vocal, mandolin and guitar to name but a few. A unique blend of inspirational, uplifting and exhilarating music.

14th to 17th April
EASTER Dance School - Fiona Henderson School of Dancing
9.00 AM to 12.30 AM for P1 to P6
1.00 PM to 4.30 PM for P7, S1 - 6

Thursday 16th April 7.30pm
Music
Cabaret Baby
An international group of outstanding musicians drawn from classical, improvised, electronic, and rock backgrounds enter new territory with Cabaret Baby. They mix an ultra-resourceful nine-piece instrumental line up with live electronics and DJ sets. 'An irreverent stronk that sounds somewhere between the Happy End, The Threepenny Opera and Guys and Dolls.' (The Herald)
NB this show has unallocated seating

Saturday 18th April 7.30pm
Music
DAIMH
This exciting combination of musicians fuse together their individual styles on bagpipes, fiddle, banjo, guitar, bodhran and mandola to create a unique and compelling sound. Their music is a very high energy, fast-flowing mixture of tunes and songs, which knows no boundaries.

5th April 2009 - MBUK/BikeRadar.com Demo Day

If you are looking to purchase a new bike and not sure what you want, or have your eye on a particular model and would like to test it in the comfort of the best trail centre in the UK then you need to come along to MBUK/Bikeradar.com Demo Day at Glentress.

The event is totally FREE and will give you an opportunity to test and compare some of the latest and best bikes on the market. There'll be technical staff from What Mountain Bike, MBUK and BikeRadar.com on hand to help point you in the direction of the right bike for you. Booking advised

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 2 April 2009

30 March - 4 April
5 & Kicking!
It's 5th Birthday Week At The Eastgate and In keeping with its strong community ties, the Eastgate invites you to celebrate its 5th birthday. During this week of fun and celebrations, come and take a look at what you can do. Each day you can take part in creative workshops and theatre tours. Come and quiz the project architect about the building's distinctive features. Whether you wish to look behind the scenes, learn an on-stage skill or attend a class in anything from henna painting, portraiture, photography, felt making, etching or body percussioin, this is the week to do it. Book it all now - so you miss nothing!

Saturday 4th April 7.30pm
Music
Tannahill Weavers
Traditional Scottish music at its best - as tight and versatile as any band in the Celtic music scene, the Tannahills can summon rock-n-roll intensity or haunting introspection. ‘An especially eloquent mixture of the old and the new' (New York Times)

Sunday 5th April
Film
The Secret Of Moonacre (U) 2.30pm
The secrets are revealed in a book inherited by a lonely little girl Maria, who discovers a past world about Moonacre Manor, where she lives with her companion and her cold, reserved uncle.
Slumdog Millionaire 5.00pm & 7.30pm
The story of the life of an impoverished Indian teen Jamal Malik, who becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of Who Wants to be A Millionaire?, wins, and is then suspected of cheating.

Wednesday 8th April
Family
Animation Workshop
Learn how cartoons and films are made and how animation works with Red Kite Animation.
10.00am - 1.00pm for 8-12 year olds
2.00pm - 5.00pm for 13-18year olds

Friday 10th April 7.30pm
Family
The Top 50 Greatest Scots Of All Time Ever
Both a celebration and deconstruction of the truly great iconic figures of our history and culture. This comic show satirises that cultural nihilism, while at the same time celebrating some of the truly great achievements of a small, northern European colony. Vladimir McTavish's most ambitious work to date incorporating stand-up, songs, poetry, video and visual images.

Book tickets.

Bowhill gets Gold for Going Green

Congratulations to Bowhill House who are the latest member of the Tweed Valley Consortia to get a Green Tourism Award, theirs is the gold award.

Caddon View Wins ‘Guest House of the Year 2009’ at the Scottish Hotel Awards

At the sixth annual Scottish Hotel Awards, Innerleithen Guest House Caddon View was named as ‘Guest House of the Year 2009’. The Awards ceremony took place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Glasgow on the evening of Sunday 1st March and was attended by several hundred of Scotland’s leading hoteliers.

Owners of Caddon View, Lisa and Steve Davies, were delighted to receive the accolade at their first attempt, beating off stiff competition from all over Scotland.

‘Since taking over Caddon View almost two years ago we have worked very hard to create a place where our guests can relax in comfort and enjoy the best food that the Borders can offer’ says Lisa Davies. ‘It’s good to know that our efforts in launching the restaurant and refurbishing the rooms have been recognised. Receiving this award judged by a panel of people who are extremely experienced in the hospitality industry is a real honour’.

‘We just treat people the way we would like to be treated when we stay away’ added Steve. ‘A friendly smile and a warm welcome cost nothing but make the difference’.

Vivien Devlin, Co-Chairman of the awards committee, commenting on Caddon View’s award says "From the warm welcome at the front door, a pot of tea and homemade cake by the fire, to pre-dinner G &T and superb, innovative good food, Caddon View offers an exceptional standard of hospitality. With Steve and Lisa's personal touch and welcoming, homely ambience, they certainly deserve the accolade of Guest House of the Year 2009."

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 26 February 2009

Saturday 14th March 7.30pm
Family
Quiz Night
Brush up on trivia, make up a team (four to eight competitors), enjoy a complementary drink at the bar, and battle for prizes! Have fun at this Eastgate fundraiser, organised by Friends of the Eastgate.

Sunday 15th March 7.30pm
Music
A Voyage In Music And Words
Pianists Beryl Seal and Maureen Taylor present a selection of music from Polish mazurkas to Latin American sambas, with poetry and prose readings by Eva Bissett and Anne Taylor, in the Eastgate studio. A fundraiser for the Eastgate.

Sunday 15th March 8pm
Comedy
Jerry Sadowitz
It's hard to understand how he gets away with it, but he does. Brilliantly! Not for the easily offended. Not for the slightly-hard to offend. Not even for the downright difficult to offend, if you like shock comedy and can leave your sense of offence at home, then this is a must-see show for you.

Tuesday 17th March 7.30pm
Music
Peebles High School Ceilidh Band
Young musicians from the National Centre of Excellence for Traditional Music based in Plockton High School meet Peebles High School Ceildh Band for an evening of traditional music.

Wednesday 18th March7.30pm
Music
Hawick Psa Male Voice Choir
First created in the early 20th century to entertain young folk, this is one of the few male voice choirs left in the area. The 30 strong group will perform for the first time in the Eastgate and musical director, Ann Witherington will conduct their programme of show songs, hymns and Scottish songs. A fundraiser for the Eastgate.

Thursday 19th March 7.30pm
Drama
So Long Lives This...
Elizabeth and Essex, Shakespeare and Southampton - fair youths, player-playwrights and dark ladies - all touched each others' lives and left amazing marks on ours. An evening with Shakespeare and his circle, dramatised in sonnets, song and dance. Devised by Jenny Chapman and presented by Shakespeare at Traquair.

Friday 20th March 7.30pm
Music
Breabach
Scottish firebrands Breabach are one of the most talked about bands on the folk scene. Their innovative celtic style, blending double bagpipes, flute, fiddle, song and Scottish stepdance, brings to the stage flare, excitement and diversity rarely seen from such a young group.

www.eastgatearts.com/events/booking

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 26 February 2009

Friday 27th February 7.30pm
Music
Tom McConville Band
Primarily known as the Newcastle fiddler, this virtuoso musician and fantastic singer delivers a performance that combines a rollercoaster of musical delights with fast, rhythmic dance tunes through beautiful slow airs and of course, great singing-all presented with his inimitable sense of humour and style. Whilst he has shared stages throughout the world with the very best in the business, Tom has never forgotten his roots and is as happy in the intimate atmosphere of a small folk club as he is at the largest festivals.

Saturday 28th February 2 - 5pm
Music
Choral Workshop with Capella Nova
If you love singing, or would love to try, come along and get some expert tuition from Alan Tavener and Edward Caswell, from Scotland's acclaimed early music choir Capella Nova. Suitable for beginners and experienced singers alike, this will be a fun afternoon ending with a short 'concert' for friends and families.

Saturday 28th February 7.30pm
So Long Lives This ... (Shakespeare at Traquair)
Elizabeth and Essex, Shakespeare and Southampton - fair youths, player-playwrights and dark ladies - all touched each others' lives and left amazing marks on ours. An evening with Shakespeare and his circle, dramatised in sonnets, song and dance. Devised by Jenny Chapman and presented by Shakespeare at Traquair.

Tuesday 3rd March 2pm
Music
Tam O’Shanter
A musical interpretation of Robert Burns' famous poem created and performed by Peebles Players and directed by Claire Garnett.

Thursday 5th March 7.30pm
Music
Marais Ensemble (Music In Peebles)
A woodwind quintet, including three orchestra principals, plus the pianist Alexander Taylor, will play the Quintet for Piano and Wind by Beethoven, the Mother Goose Suite by Ravel, Kleine Kammermusik by Hindemith, the Sextet for Piano and Wind Quintet by Poulen, and L’Heure du Berger by Francaix.

Friday 6th March 7.30pm
Drama
Juno And The Paycock (Odd Productions)
‘The whole worl’s in a state of chassis!’ slurs drunken Jackie Boyle, summing up the human folly and humour which has given Juno and the Paycock its staying power. Produced by Kath Mansfield, this classic tale of a Dublin family brought to its knees by debt is as fresh today as ever. www.eastgatearts.com/events/booking

Investing in Borders Tourism

There's a Tourism Exchange Day organised by the Scottish Borders Tourism Partnership at the Springwood Hall, Border Union Showground Kelso on March 3rd 2009.

10.30 - Hall opens, coffee and arrival
10.55 - Welcome
11.00 - Investing in the Borders - Manor Kingdom and De Vere Hotels
11.15 - Applying for Investment - Abbotsford
11.30 - Investment and Support Now! Homecoming 2009
12.00 - Questions and Summary
12.15 - Leaflet Exchange Opens

Invitation and Application forms can be downloaded here.

Bowhill House & Country Estate Joins the Consortia

The latest member to join the Visit Teed Valley website is the Scottish Borders home of the Duke of Buccleuch - Bowhill House - which displays an outstanding art collection with works by Canaletto, Claude, Raeburn, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Ruysdael. Its fine rooms display tapestries, superb French furniture, Sevres and Meissen china and silver. There are a variety of peaceful walks on offer as well as Adventure Playground for the young at heart. The Courtyard also has a range of interesting things to do and see - from a James Hogg Exhibition, Victorian Kitchen, Visitor Centre and Courtyard games, to a gift shop and Minstrel Tearoom - there is something for everyone. Bowhill also hosts an intimate 72-seater theatre transformed from the old Victorian Game Larder. Click here to visit the Bowhill page on the website.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 19 February 2009

Thursday 19th February 7.30pm
Music
Moon River To The Days Of Wine And Roses : The Genius Of Johnny Mercer
The Eastgate is delighted to welcome back Todd Gordon - one of Britain's top jazz and swing singers - and this time he brings a new show to mark the centenary of the birth of the Great American Songbook lyricist, Johnny Mercer. The finest of classic popular songs are featured, including That old Black Magic, The Summer Wind, Too Marvelous for Words, Blues in the Night, Dream, One for My Baby, as well as the Oscar-winning songs in the title. Intriguingly, Mercer was particularly proud of his Scottish roots which he traced back to the Battle of Culloden. He therefore represents the only legitimate Scottish connection to American Songbook royalty.
'Impeccable choice of music and Todd and his band interact wonderfully.' (Sir Michael Parkinson)
'Gordon's made the American songbook his own.' (The Guardian)

Sunday 22nd February
Film
Beverly Hills Chihuahua (u) 2.30pm
A pooch is kidnapped and rescued from certain death in a dog fight by a German Shepherd. Voices over by Drew Barrymore and Andy Garcia.
Easy Virtue (PG) 7.30pm
An adaptation of Noel Coward's classic play, starring Ben Barnes, Jessica Biel, Colin Firth and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th 7.30pm
Family
Reach For The Stars
The youngsters of the Scottish Theatre Music School present a new musical comedy about talent, celebrity and disappointment - exploring the territory between X Factor and Pop Idol. The show isdevised and directed by Derek Douglas, and stars the pupils who attend his weekly classes at the Eastgate.

Friday 27th February 7.30pm
Music
Tom McConville Band
Primarily known as the Newcastle fiddler, this virtuoso musician and fantastic singer delivers a performance that combines a rollercoaster of musical delights with fast, rhythmic dance tunes through beautiful slow airs and of course, great singing-all presented with his inimitable sense of humour and style. Whilst he has shared stages throughout the world with the very best in the business, Tom has never forgotten his roots and is as happy in the intimate atmosphere of a small folk club as he is at the largest festivals.

Saturday 28th February 2 - 5pm
Music
Choral Workshop with Capella Nova
If you love singing, or would love to try, come along and get some expert tuition from Alan Tavener and Edward Caswell, from Scotland's acclaimed early music choir Capella Nova. Suitable for beginners and experienced singers alike, this will be a fun afternoon ending with a short 'concert' for friends and families.

Saturday 28th February 7.30pm
So Long Lives This ... (Shakespeare at Traquair)
Elizabeth and Essex, Shakespeare and Southampton - fair youths, player-playwrights and dark ladies - all touched each others' lives and left amazing marks on ours. An evening with Shakespeare and his circle, dramatised in sonnets, song and dance. Devised by Jenny Chapman and presented by Shakespeare at Traquair.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 12 February 2009

Thursday 12th February 7.30pm
Music
Poet in New York
A concert of unique and evocative music, featuring material by Leonard Cohen, Federico Garcia Lorca, Vladimir Nabokov, Laura Nyro, Bob Dylan, Suzanne Vega and Pablo Neruda. Keith James and Rick Foot explore the fear, fascination and vulnerability that a fragile and creative person experiences when confronted with somewhere as exciting and unsettling as New York City. The evening also includes a bio-documentary about the life and work of Leonard Cohen.
New York grew from its position of vast commercial turnover and naturally became an unprecedented magnet of migration. Of all the village-like communities and marginalized vocations that have prospered, that of Poet is the most rare. During the 20th century Lorca, Borges, Nabokov, Plath, Dylan emerged, transient, out of step and almost invisible.
Performers Keith James and Rick Foot have received critical acclaim for their Lorca album and concerts.

Saturday 14th February 7.30pm
Dance
Viennese Valentine in the Burgh Hall
Put on your best bib and tucker for an evening of wine, women and song – as the Friends of the Eastgate invite you to enjoy a 'St Valentine’s Day Dance' in the company of Peebles Orchestra, with leader Tony Kime, conductor John Howden, and guest sporano Marcella Holmes. This fantastic fundraiser includes singing, dancing and buffet supper. Dress up if you want and simply listen to to the music or waltz and polka your partner round the room to music from Vienna and beyond.

16th February - 7th March 2009
Exhibition
Plum!
An exhibition featuring jewellery, paintings, sculptures and other art forms produced by artists working at Borders Development Studios, Galashiels.

Thursday 19th February 7.30pm
Music
Moon River To The Days Of Wine And Roses : The Genius Of Johnny Mercer
The Eastgate is delighted to welcome back Todd Gordon – one of Britain’s top jazz and swing singers – and this time he brings a new show to mark the centenary of the birth of the Great American Songbook lyricist, Johnny Mercer. The finest of classic popular songs are featured, including That old Black Magic, The Summer Wind, Too Marvelous for Words, Blues in the Night, Dream, One for My Baby, as well as the Oscar-winning songs in the title. Intriguingly, Mercer was particularly proud of his Scottish roots which he traced back to the Battle of Culloden. He therefore represents the only legitimate Scottish connection to American Songbook royalty.
'Impeccable choice of music and Todd and his band interact wonderfully.' (Sir Michael Parkinson)
'Gordon's made the American songbook his own.' (The Guardian)

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 5 February 2009

Thursday 5th February 7.30pm
Music
Emily Smith
Multi award winning Scottish singer-songwriter Emily Smith returns to the Eastgate with her band. Raised in rural Dumfriesshire, Emily’s songs – both traditional and self-penned – reflect the beauty and diversity of her own part of Scotland.

Sunday 8th February
Film
Inkheart (PG) 2.30pm
Characters from story books come to life with dramatic results.
Man On Wire (12A) 7.30pm
A dazzling documentary about high wire walker Philippe Petit, who decided to cross between the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Centre.

Tuesday 10th February 7.30pm
Lecture
Halkett Hendrie Memorial Lecture - 500 Years Of Scottish Printing
Dr Brian Hillyard, head of the Rare Books Division of the National Library of Scotland will talk about the 500th anniversary of printing in Scotland and Dr Hillyard will explore the birth and spread of Scottish printing. A lecture sponsored by Tweedale Society and Tweedale Archaeological Society.

Thursday 12th February 7.30pm
Music
Poet in New York
A concert of unique and evocative music, featuring material by Leonard Cohen, Federico Garcia Lorca, Vladimir Nabokov, Laura Nyro, Bob Dylan, Suzanne Vega and Pablo Neruda. Keith James and Rick Foot explore the fear, fascination and vulnerability that a fragile and creative person experiences when confronted with somewhere as exciting and unsettling as New York City. The evening also includes a bio-documentary about the life and work of Leonard Cohen.
New York grew from its position of vast commercial turnover and naturally became an unprecedented magnet of migration. Of all the village-like communities and marginalized vocations that have prospered, that of Poet is the most rare. During the 20th century Lorca, Borges, Nabokov, Plath, Dylan emerged, transient, out of step and almost invisible.
Performers Keith James and Rick Foot have received critical acclaim for their Lorca album and concerts.

Traquair Celebrates a Silver Green Tourism Award and the Return of the Red Squirrel

Traquair has been awarded a prestigious Silver Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme in recognition of the work undertaken in the fields of energy saving, recycling and sourcing of local products.

Catherine Maxwell Stuart commented, "We are thrilled to have gained a Silver Award on our first grading and have worked hard last year to implement a range of new energy saving and recycling initiatives. We are also looking to introduce biomass heating system for the main house in the near future".

As if to celebrate Traquair' new green award red squirrels also been sighted in the Traquair grounds for the first time in a generation and it is hoped they will re-establish themselves in the ancient woodlands.

The efforts to control the grey squirrels which were damaging a number of trees at Traquair seem to have finally paid off and at least one pair of red squirrels have made their home at Traquair again.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 29 January 2009

Thursday 29th January 7.30pm
Drama
The Tailor of Inverness
‘I come from a farm, from the forests and fields of green Ukraine, from the ruins of Germany, from the beaches of the Adriatic, from the grimy streets of Glasgow and the cool air of Inverness.’ Words, music, dance and video combine to tell the moving story of this ordinary man caught by the murderous tides of the Second World War. Evoking poignant memories of post war Scotland, this is a story of journeys, of how a boy who grew up on a farm in Galicia (Eastern Poland, now Western Ukraine) came to be a tailor in Inverness.

Friday 30th January 7.30pm
Music
Auvo Quartet
British melodeonist Julian Sutton and flautist Tom Oakes are joined by Swedish singer/fiddler Suvi Oskala and fretted instrument player Rooper Aarnio. Together they create a distinctive, fresh sound with excellent playing, finely judged vocals and elegant, free-thinking arrangements. ‘A feast for the ears.’

Saturday 31 January7.30pm
Drama
Haughtie Hizzies and Haughmagandy
IDEOMS Theatre Company has a fine reputation for delivering the works of Robert Burns in a fresh and palatable way, with a unique blend of drama and music. Rounding off the show is the traditional Burns Supper, where the entertainment continues – always light-hearted and with no speeches.

Tuesday 3rd February 7.30pm
Music
Trio Ecossaise (Music in Peebles)
Jennifer Brown (clarinet), Harriet Davidson (cello) and Claire Haslin (piano) have delighted audiences across Britain since they launched their careers at the 2001 Edinburgh Festival. They will play Beethoven Trio op11, Bloch cello pieces, Muczynski Fantasy Trio, and Brahms Clarinet Trio.

Thursday 5th February 7.30pm
Music
Emily Smith
Multi award winning Scottish singer-songwriter Emily Smith returns to the Eastgate with her band. Raised in rural Dumfriesshire, Emily’s songs – both traditional and self-penned – reflect the beauty and diversity of her own part of Scotland.

Visit the Eastgate website.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 22 January 2009

Thursday 22nd January 7.30pm
Music
The Hot Seats
This white-hot five-piece band from the hills of Virginia caused a sensation at the Edinburgh Fringe last year when (as Special Ed and the Shortbus) they carried off a Herald Angel for their outstanding performance. 'The show is so stuffed full of multi-faceted delicacies.' (Maverick magazine)

Saturday 24th January 7.30pm Comedy
Shaggy Dog Stories
Comedian, compere and actor Raymond Mearns is larger than life and twice as much fun. Sharp gags and observations, first class audience interaction and masterful storytelling. A Raymond show is a more memorable event than simply a comedy gig as anything can, and often does, happen. Come and enjoy a comedy masterclass.

Sunday 25th January
Film
The Tale of Despereaux 2.30pm
A misfit mouse, an unhappy rat, and a servant girl with cauliflower ears – whose fates are intertwined with the castle’s princess.

I've Loved You So Long (12A) 7.30pm
A beautifully-acted family drama about two sisters, their children, and a terrible family secret.

26 January - 14 February
Exhibition
Winter Landscapes
Following on from their highly successful summer exhibition, Andy Blackie and Ian Porter will be again exhibiting their photographs at the Eastgate.These emerging photographers have received international acclaim and will this time be showing largely landscapes and cityscapes.

Wednesday 28th January 7.30pm
Peebles – Transition Town?
Literary
Green activist Mandy Meikle talks about the movement sweeping the country to find practical actions to reduce our carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Thursday 29th January 7.30pm
Drama
The Tailor of Inverness
‘I come from a farm, from the forests and fields of green Ukraine, from the ruins of Germany, from the beaches of the Adriatic, from the grimy streets of Glasgow and the cool air of Inverness.’ Words, music, dance and video combine to tell the moving story of this ordinary man caught by the murderous tides of the Second World War.

Friday 30th January 7.30pm
Music
Auvo Quartet
British melodeonist Julian Sutton and flautist Tom Oakes are joined by Swedish singer/fiddler Suvi Oskala and fretted instrument player Rooper Aarnio. Together they create a distinctive, fresh sound with excellent playing, finely judged vocals and elegant, free-thinking arrangements. ‘A feast for the ears.’

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 15 January 2009

Thursday 15th January 7.30pm
Music
Africa To Appalachia
A stunning new show tracing the roots and routes of the banjo. 2008 Juno Award winning banjoist Jayme Stone with Malian griot singer and kora player Mansa Sissoko build a musical bridge spanning from Africa to Appalachia.

Friday 16th January 7.30pm
Drama
Sex And Chocolate
Jan has just turned 50, she's all alone, the rest of the office is off clubbing, the kids have flown the nest, and it's a holiday weekend. Faced with the prospect of defrosting the fridge she makes a decision which will change her life forever... Award-winning actress Fiona Knowles stars in this warm hearted comedy written by Rona Munro. The show is preceded at 7pm by a sponsored demonstration of chocolate moulding with Cocoa Black... the best bit is that you can sample the goods!

Saturday 17th January 7.30pm
Music
Salsa Celtica
This vibrant 11 piece musical group returns to the Eastgate, bringing a fusion of sizzling salsa music with a traditional Scottish twist. Their unique Scottish and Irish mix plus all the Latin Elements of salsa has taken them and their music all over the world.

Thursday 22nd January 7.30pm
Music
The Hot Seats
This white-hot five-piece band from the hills of Virginia caused a sensation at the Edinburgh Fringe last year when (as Special Ed and the Shortbus) they carried off a Herald Angel for their outstanding performance. 'The show is so stuffed full of multi-faceted delicacies.' (Maverick magazine)