Rachael Hamilton MSP brought a debate to Scottish Parliament to celebrate Borders Talking Newspaper’s (BTN) 25th anniversary.
Earlier this year BTN celebrated its 25th anniversary. In recognition of this achievement Rachael Hamilton MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, brought forward a members’ business debate to recognise and congratulate BTN for their tremendous achievement.
BTN is based in Duns and Hawick and provides an audio recording of local news, including Border Telegraph, Southern Reporter and Hawick news free of charge to Borderers. BTN sends around 160 memory sticks with the weekly recordings through the Royal Mail. It also has a global audio streaming service.
BTN was founded by Matilda Mitchell, is managed by Wendy Moss and has a strong team of dedicated volunteers to ensure the deadline is never missed.
Matilda Mitchell, Wendy Moss and volunteers were invited to the Scottish Parliament to watch the debate and to a small reception afterwards hosted by Rachael Hamilton MSP.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said: ‘Borders Talking Newspaper is a free local weekly news and information service. It plays an invaluable and vital part to many people’s weekly routine.
‘Without the hard work by Borders Talking Newspapers many would be without access to their local news, at risk of not knowing what had happened nor what was happening now or in the future. This service helps to make sure everyone is informed no matter their circumstance.
‘I hope this debate will raise the importance and valuable contribution such a service has to a community. And I also hope it will encourage more to support such a service. For people to get involved and help their success and growth in the coming years.
‘I felt it right that Borders Talking Paper was recognised and congratulated for its 25th anniversary.’