COMMITTEE members, staff and volunteers past and present have joined to celebrate 25 years of Relationships Scotland Borders.

MSP for Tweeddale, Lauderdale and Midlothian South met with members to commemorate the special event in Peebles, which included tributes to Linda Hawthorn who is retiring after 22 years as family mediator.

Chairperson Pamela Gordon welcomed the group, plus Bill Calder who has been involved with the service since its formation, recalled the early days of the charity and its growth over the years.

Ms Grahame said: “I was delighted to have been invited to celebrate the 25th anniversary and retirement of Linda after 22 years as a volunteer.

“I’d like to congratulate the 81 staff and volunteers. As a former solicitor who had clients use contact centres during my time as a family lawyer I know how invaluable this resource is.

“I heard how many clients over the decades now come with more complex problems which requires more counselling time and while appreciating the pressure on all budgets because their work is so valuable ad not the least saves money to the public purse I am writing to the relevant Cabinet Secretaries in support of their application for funding for the next three years.

“I have also lodged a Parliamentary Motion celebrating the work of Relationships Scotland Borders and congratulating them on their 25th anniversary.”

Manager of Relationships Scotland Borders, Isobel Bilsland added: “We have been delighted by all the good wishes we have received from around the Borders and from elsewhere and we are grateful for all the support we have been given over the past quarter of a century.”

The service’s first family mediator, Hazel Robertson who worked for many years as a mediator and contact volunteer, as well as serving on the Executive Committee, cut the cake to start the celebration.

Relationships Scotland Borders is one of the largest voluntary organisations in the region helping and supporting almost 3,000 people throughout the Borders each year providing counselling & psycho-sexual therapy, family mediation, child contact and other types of family support.

For more information about the service contact RSB on 01721 724170 or email info@rsborders.org.uk