Borders trainer George Bewley, who won with Chicago Outfit at Hexham on Tuesday night, recorded another win yesterday when 12-1 shot Carter's Rest powered home at Cartmel.

A group of animal-lovers mounted a rescue for four orphaned ducklings - on pedalos.

Image source, Scottish SPCA

The young birds were saved after their mother was killed by a dog in Station Park, Moffat.

They were pulled to safety by a family on pedalos in the park's pond.

Organisers of the Jim Clark Rally are gearing up for a one-day event this weekend.

It can't take place over the closed public roads of Berwickshire as had been the case for the past 15 years.

Scottish Borders Council withdrew the required permission for a closed-road event while it awaits the outcome of police investigations into last year's accident in which three people attending the rally were killed.

The Jim Clark Reivers Rally, based in Kelso on Sunday, will be a round of the Scottish Rally Championship.

The back page of today's Southern Reporter highlights the start of the Border Games at Earlston Rugby Club.

Image source, Southern Reporter

Don't miss the local radio bulletins for Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders at 12:30.

More news, sport, travel and weather coming up at 16:30 and 17:30 today.

The back page of today's Galloway News is dedicated to trophy celebrations for Abbey Vale.

Image source, Galloway News

Berwickshire News

Following the huge success of the 2015 Jim Clark Weekend in Duns, details have emerged of plans to update the town's museum dedicated to the motor racing legend., external

Vicky Davidson, Scottish Borders Council's executive member for culture, sport, youth and communities, gave an overview of the development.

Video footage from hunts in the Borders makes the front page of today's Southern Reporter.

Image source, Southern Reporter

Aitken Scott emails: From personal experience I would have thought that 1st Group would be the ones to worry about passenger numbers following the opening of the Borders Railway.

I for one will never be back on the bus after the railway opens in September despite not being able to use my OAP concession card. Looking forward to a quiet, warm, safe trip to Edinburgh and back.

The Galloway News today leads on concerns in Kirkcudbright over housing provision for homeless people.

Image source, Galloway News

Jenny Mollison emails: I've watched progress with mounting excitement. Since childhood I've enjoyed train rides as much for the journey as the destination and I'm eagerly looking forward to exploring all the options travelling on this new line. Happily I live close to the station at Shawcross.

NHS Borders has reported phone line problems at the Knoll Hospital in Duns and the Duns Medical Group Practice.

Image source, Google

It said it was working with BT to resolve the disruption "as soon as possible".

Patients have been advised to contact the NHS helpline on 111 or dial 999 if their condition is life-threatening.

Scottish League One side Stranraer have set a deadline of Monday for applications for the post of manager at Stair Park.

Image source, SNS

It follows confirmation yesterday that Stephen Aitken had accepted a two year deal to take over as boss of Championship side, Dumbarton.

John Bennett emails: Just a shame the line didn't end a mile and a half further on at Melrose which is such a great place to visit! Certainly the most tourist friendly of all the towns in the Borders. I guess they will run buses to connect but it's not quite same.

Winifred Cumming emails: I am a stitcher of the Scottish Tapestry. I think that Borders Council have made a wonderful decision to house the Tapestry near the train terminus. Now there should be Mini buses to take visitors to the many and various attractions of the Borders. The trains will facilitate wonderful days out, as in the past. I remember in the 50s having a runabout rail ticket and going to different Borders towns each day. Looking forward already.

The Scottish Parliament is hearing evidence on the problems facing the dairy sector.

You can follow the debate on our Scottish Parliament live page.

Anonymous emails: I am travelling to work 5 days a week to Galashiels from Dalkeith. Would I use the train as a tourist instead of the car ...sorry no. Why..because there is no need there's is nothing for me to see or do in Galashiels.

Alan Hughes emails: I rather think that 1m users a year, one fifth of the entire population of Scotland, is aiming high but ambition is good. However may I bravely mention the Edinburgh tram system?

As one who remembers the original trams in the 60's I tried to board one after getting off a train at Waverley Station.

Not only could I not find directions to a tram stop, timetable info etc I watched as trams of four carriages trundled past carrying only four to seventeen passengers, whilst also observing countless full buses trying to avoid them.

The author of a book about the Borders to Edinburgh railway has said tourist and leisure passengers could be "a crucial factor" in its success.

Image source, Borders Railway

David Spaven said that was in contrast with the original "downbeat verdict" on the route's potential for such traffic.

Traffic Scotland report that the earlier accident on the A74(M) north of Beattock has been cleared.

Elsewhere today there's a selection of road works scheduled on the A75 Gretna to Stranraer road.

Stop-go boards will be out for lining work between Dumfries and Crocketford, and there'll be progressive lights in use from Springholm to Haugh of Urr. More Stop-go boards in use at Glenterry at Gatehouse and at Creetown.

BBC Scotland Weather
Latest

Today will bring a mixture of sunny intervals and showers being brought in on the fresh westerly winds.

Some of these showers will be sharp with the risk of hail and thunder although moving through fairly briskly in the fresh west north west wind.

A cool feel despite any sunnier spells. Temperatures still cool - particularly for the time of year. We're looking at around 10 to 12 Celsius generally.

Giancarlo Rinaldi
South Scotland reporter, BBC Scotland news website

Good morning and welcome on board.

Coming up all the news, sport, travel and weather for the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

Get in touch with us via dumfries@bbc.co.uk or selkirk.news@bbc.co.uk.

Or join us on Twitter @BBCSouthScot., external