Molly Armstrong

Scottish Borders Council officers have recommended that councillors do not object to IB Vogt UK's Stirches Renewable Energy Park near Hawick. The proposed facility would combine up to 30MW of solar generation with 30MW of battery storage, supporting Scotland's renewable energy and 2045 net-zero goals. Although officers acknowledged significant local landscape and visual impacts from the panels, storage units, substation and related infrastructure, they concluded that the project's renewable energy, economic and environmental benefits outweighed those effects. If councillors support the recommendation, the application will go to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit for a final decision.

A Ukrainian veterinary surgeon who fled Kherson with her family after Russia’s 2022 invasion has established a successful bakery in Dumfries. After arriving in Scotland through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, she shifted from veterinary work to baking due to qualification barriers and began selling traditional Ukrainian breads and pastries at local markets. The business grew into a permanent shop rooted in family baking traditions, now attracting loyal customers, including those seeking gluten-free and sourdough products. She remains focused on securing her family’s future and hopes to stay safely in the UK.