AUTHORITIES are trying to cut the supply chain to under-age drinkers ahead of the festival season in the Borders.

And they have enrolled the help from members of a Galashiels youth club to drive home the message.

A major part of a campaign launched by Borders police and partners is to enforce laws on supplying anyone under 18 with alcohol.

Fines of up to £5,000 and a three-months stretch in prison can be imposed on anyone found guilty of supplying booze to under-agers.

Members of the TD1 Youth Club came up with the slogan ‘Don’t Buy It Don’t Supply It’ to help promote the Common Ridings campaign.

David Houston, chairman of the Borders Common Ridings and Festivals committee, told us: “We want all followers of Common Ridings and Festivals to enjoy themselves but do so in a responsible manner, which is why we are pleased to support the Don’t Buy It Don’t Supply campaign.”

The Festival season kicked off last weekend in West Linton.

This week Hawick will celebrate its traditions ahead of similar celebrations in Selkirk, Peebles, Melrose and Galashiels.

But authorities hope all of the festivities will pass without alcohol-related incidents.

Councillor Watson McAteer, chair of the Police, Fire and Rescue and Safer Communities Board at Scottish Borders Council, added: “This campaign has proved worthwhile in raising the profile of the issue of adults supplying or buying alcohol to young people.

“It may seem harmless but can put an under 18 in a vulnerable position and can lead to increased anti-social behaviour in our communities.

“Any adult caught supplying or buying alcohol can also be prosecuted via a fine or even a jail term.

“This can be a particular issue during the Common Riding and Festivals season which is why we are reminding everyone of their responsibilities ahead of what we hope will be an enjoyable summer.”

The campaign is backed by the Scottish Borders Safer Communities Team, which incorporates Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Borders Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and Scottish Borders Council.

Inspector Tony Hodges, deputy local area commander, told us: “We recognise the importance of Common Ridings and summer Festivals to the Borders, but they can present challenges for our officers and local communities such as increased incidents of anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.

“We will be proactive throughout the Borders this summer to try to minimise these issues and I believe the Don’t Buy It Don’t Supply It campaign has a strong message which adults should be aware of, and parents and guardians should actively discuss with young people.”