John Lamont MSP tweets, external: Great reception for the @kelsowheelersCC arriving at the Kelso finish line. @TourofBritain #AvivaToB2015

Image source, @John2Win

@jongill9 tweets:, external Certainly one of the more impressive media centres I've ever been in! #AvivaToB2015 @TourofBritain

Image source, Jonathan Gill

Carrutherstown trainer Iain Jardine is in action again this evening hoping to add to his list of winners.

Push Me is set to run at Perth and is rated a 4/1 chance in the 6.40pm race.

If you are on the route of the Tour of Britain this afternoon, we'd love to see your photographs.

If you are happy to have them published, send them to selkirk.news@bbc.co.uk or tweet us @BBCSouthScot.

Colin Colthart
BBC Radio Scotland, Dumfries

There's been a marked rise in the cancellation of hospital operations in Dumfries and Galloway, according to the latest set of officials figures.

Image source, Thinkstock

Of the 1,680 scheduled operations in July, 151 didn't go ahead. That equates to a call off rate of 9% - up from 6.8% in June.

A spokeswoman for the NHS board said: "There is no pattern in relation to sickness. Over the last few months we have had a number of complex procedures that have resulted in us having to make some last minute changes to our scheduling.

"Due to the complexity of theatres there are a number of elements that play into these figures. We do however review these figures on a monthly basis to explore if there are any trends or most importantly areas for improvement."

The Tour of Britain tweets, external: We've just caught up with the peloton at Chapelknowe https://instagram.com/p/7XmU5sKJPb/, external #AvivaToB2015

Duncan Sillars emails: St Abbs is a popular harbour and having a presence there increases the opportunities to educate and hopefully prevent accident, for me this is the substantial loss to community.

I have received assistance from a lifeboat on one occasion, my engine failed catastrophically and there was no wind to sail. They kindly towed me into harbour before a disaster occurred, or my situation became uncomfortable.

People I know have had more dramatic help from the lifeboat and I can not fully express my admiration for the people who sacrifice so much to provide a service none of us would wish to receive.

The people manning and running the lifeboats are without exception very knowledgeable on matters of the sea and rescue, and in providing the best service possible. Although not anyone's first choice I think the best decision has been made.

Jonathan Gill tweets, external: Stunning location for the podium at the end of Stage 3 at Floors Castle. But who will be on top?? #AvivaToB2015

Image source, @jongill9

Buses on route 62 from the Borders are once more running to and from Edinburgh's bus station.

Operators First Bus had been terminating the service at stances outside and had reduced its frequency.

But following a campaign by local MSP Christine Grahame, they've agreed to restore the 62 to the bus station, at least during the winter months, and to increase it to a half hourly service.

A 16:33 bus will also run to Edinburgh from Borders College in Galashiels during the day in term time.

BBC Scotland Weather
Latest

In the Borders, it will be a dry afternoon and fairly cloudy at first, but things should improve.

The rest of the afternoon is more promising with brighter conditions developing with some sunshine lending a warm feel. Areas along the coastal strip will hold on to stubborn areas of cloud holding temperatures at 14 or 15C. However, inland any sun will lift the temperature to around 18C.

Low cloud in the south-west will burn off and it will be a bright and sunny day with pleasant warm temperatures of 17-19C inland.

There will be a light south-easterly breeze though it will be a little stronger around the north Channel and the Rhins of Galloway. Cloud around the coastline will be stubborn to clear and may take a while to shift.

It looks like the leaders in the Tour of Britain have just crossed into Scotland.

You can track them live here., external

Our local radio bulletins are coming up at 12:30.

Tune in on 92-95FM or 810MW to hear all the latest news, sport and weather for Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders.

Aidis Kruopis has taken the first sprint of today's Tour of Britain stage ahead of Russ Downing with Tyler Farrar in third.

St Abbs residents said goodbye to their lifeboat this morning.

Image source, David Riley/RNLI

The RNLI has closed the station in the village with cover to be provided by an additional boat at nearby Eyemouth.

Jamie McIvor
BBC Scotland education correspondent

Scotland's largest teachers' union, the EIS, has warned that Scottish government plans for new assessments in schools are a "damaging, retrograde step".

So, could the disagreement lead to a boycott of the tests by teachers?

Image source, Thinkstock

Hawick jockey Craig Nichol added to his winning tally at Perth races yesterday aboard Robin's Command.

It was his 12th winner of the season and he has three more mounts at Perth this evening - Hitman Hearns for Hawick-born Keith Dalgleish, Donapollo and Gleann Na Ndochais, also for a fellow Borderer in trainer Alistair Whillans.

The Tour of Britain tweets:, external A few final adjustments to ensure a clear run through at the finish #AvivaToB2015

Image source, Tour of Britain

South of Scotland sides have found out their fate in the first round of the Scottish Cup with many landing long away trips.

Gretna travel to Formartine United, Dalbeattie Star head to Fraserburgh and Selkirk make the trip to Nairn County.

Gala Fairydean Rovers have a home draw with Linlithgow Rose, Threave Rovers host Stirling University and Hawick Royal Albert will welcome Huntly to the Borders.

Finally Coldstream are on the road to Spartans with the ties to be played on 26 September.

People who have appropriate clothing and household items to donate to refugees can drop them off at one of two centres in Dumfries.

The Oasis Youth Centre in Newall Terrace is open between 09:00 and 21:00, Monday to Friday. The North West Resource Centre in College Drive is also accepting donations.

Appropriate items needed include:

• Clothes, including t-shirts, underwear, trousers, socks, hoodies, jackets, hats, gloves and scarves

• Shoes (not high heels)

• Nappies

• First aid kits

• Tents

• Sleeping bags

• Blankets

• Toiletries bags, including toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, tissues

• Food, including tins, rice, cooking oil, onions, garlic, tomato-based sauce (such as sugo/ragu), spices, sugar, flour

Debbie Muir
BBC Scotland, Dumfries

Dumfries and Galloway Council has thrown its weight behind a bid by a local group to get supplies to Calais for refugees fleeing war-torn Syria.

Image source, Dumfries and Galloway Council

D&G Refugee Action, external was set up just last week to gather items such as clothes, tinned food and toiletries for people.

Council leader Ronnie Nicholson said: "They have had a fantastic response. They have been overwhelmed.

"We are providing storage, we are providing transport to various areas within the region and we are looking at drop off points as well."