West Tweeddale Parishes

Gaelic Psalm Singing (25/11/2025 - Tue)

Are you interested in learning to sing Psalms in Gaelic? Rob MacNeacail leads a session in Carlops Church on a Tuesday evening from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. No prior knowledge of Gaelic is needed as the lyrics are learned phonetically. You can email Rob at or just drop by one of the sessions.

Advent Studies - Broughton (25/11/2025 - Tue)

Our Advent studies this year will be based on the book by Kelly Nikondeha, “The First Advent in Palestine”. Studies will be held ...

i) on Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am in the Laurel Bank Tearoom in Broughton (coffee/tea and cake/scones provided);

ii) on Wednesday evenings at 7.00 pm by Zoom (the Zoom link will be available nearer the time);

iii) on Thursday mornings at 10.00 am in Colin Herd’s home: Carradale, Deanfoot

Road, West Linton. (Coffee and cake)

All studies will commence the week commencing 24th November.

Traditionally, when we think of that first Advent, we see that Christmas card picture of Mary and Joseph huddled by a manger in a stable, the Angel Gabriel, Wise Men, and shepherds tending their flocks, and a shining star against a night sky. But our study this year draws us into the sharp reality of life in Palestine at that time and the real darkness that had to be navigated to reach

the hope that shining star announced.

We’ll take a fresh look at the Advent narratives of Luke and Matthew, to see the true story of resistance, abusive rulers and oppression, and the real economic hardship of the time. And throughout all this the author also weaves in her personal stories of her relationships with those living in Israel-Palestine. She contrasts the hope and joy of Jesus' coming with the very real struggles of the marginalised and oppressed.

Advent Studies - Zoom (26/11/2025 - Wed)

Our Advent studies this year will be based on the book by Kelly Nikondeha, “The First Advent in Palestine”. Studies will be held ...

i) on Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am in the Laurel Bank Tearoom in Broughton (coffee/tea and cake/scones provided);

ii) on Wednesday evenings at 7.00 pm by Zoom (the Zoom link will be available nearer the time);

iii) on Thursday mornings at 10.00 am in Colin Herd’s home: Carradale, Deanfoot

Road, West Linton. (Coffee and cake)

All studies will commence the week commencing 24th November.

Traditionally, when we think of that first Advent, we see that Christmas card picture of Mary and Joseph huddled by a manger in a stable, the Angel Gabriel, Wise Men, and shepherds tending their flocks, and a shining star against a night sky. But our study this year draws us into the sharp reality of life in Palestine at that time and the real darkness that had to be navigated to reach

the hope that shining star announced.

We’ll take a fresh look at the Advent narratives of Luke and Matthew, to see the true story of resistance, abusive rulers and oppression, and the real economic hardship of the time. And throughout all this the author also weaves in her personal stories of her relationships with those living in Israel-Palestine. She contrasts the hope and joy of Jesus' coming with the very real struggles of the marginalised and oppressed.

Lamancha Community Cafe (26/11/2025 - Wed)

The community cafe run by Lamancha Community Hub is open every Wednesday from 10 am till 2pm and if it's nice weather you can sit outside.

Carlops Café (27/11/2025 - Thu)

Every Thursday afternoon, Carlops Church from 2.30pm until 4.30pm houses an informal tea and chat session. No need to book; come at any time; stay as long as you like; enjoy the company of friends and neighbours.

Advent Studies - West Linton (27/11/2025 - Thu)

Our Advent studies this year will be based on the book by Kelly Nikondeha, “The First Advent in Palestine”. Studies will be held ...

i) on Tuesday mornings at 10.00 am in the Laurel Bank Tearoom in Broughton (coffee/tea and cake/scones provided);

ii) on Wednesday evenings at 7.00 pm by Zoom (the Zoom link will be available nearer the time);

iii) on Thursday mornings at 10.00 am in Colin Herd’s home: Carradale, Deanfoot

Road, West Linton. (Coffee and cake)

All studies will commence the week commencing 24th November.

Traditionally, when we think of that first Advent, we see that Christmas card picture of Mary and Joseph huddled by a manger in a stable, the Angel Gabriel, Wise Men, and shepherds tending their flocks, and a shining star against a night sky. But our study this year draws us into the sharp reality of life in Palestine at that time and the real darkness that had to be navigated to reach

the hope that shining star announced.

We’ll take a fresh look at the Advent narratives of Luke and Matthew, to see the true story of resistance, abusive rulers and oppression, and the real economic hardship of the time. And throughout all this the author also weaves in her personal stories of her relationships with those living in Israel-Palestine. She contrasts the hope and joy of Jesus' coming with the very real struggles of the marginalised and oppressed.

Sip & Share (28/11/2025 - Fri)

Our hours are 2pm to 4pm on Fridays, at the Old Church Hall in West Linton. Come along for a chat, cuppa, biscuits and occasionally cake! Everyone very welcome, although under 16s need to be accompanied by an adult. Well behaved dogs welcome. Free of charge although donations welcome but not expected.

Open Gate Counselling Service (28/11/2025 - Fri)

The Open Gate

The Open Gate counselling service started up in 2019 with financial help from the Church of Scotland’s Go For It Fund, and had been available on Friday afternoons in Newlands Centre, Romanno Bridge for appointments, proving useful for helping a range of problems.

Early appointments will be arranged by phoning or texting 07535 898 244

Please make the most of this opportunity!

Use it for yourself or suggest it to friends. Everyone has some sort of problem in their life that could be helped in a relaxed and pleasant way. Sessions remain free and confidential and the client decides when their problem has been helped – often after only 1 session. Some problems can’t be changed eg death of a loved one, physical impairment etc, but folk can be helped to cope more happily with these issues.

Baby Brunch (28/11/2025 - Fri)

Baby brunch is resuming in West Linton on Friday 26th August in the Old Church Hall on the Lower Green during school term time. This is for parents, grandparents, carers or childminders with babies and/or young toddlers.

Baby brunch provides a warm and welcoming place to come to meet and chat with others and to get to know more people in the village. It also provides the opportunity for children to play and socialise.

Carlops Drop-In Coffee (29/11/2025 - Sat)

There is a coffee drop-in meeting in Carlops Church on the last Saturday of every month, from 10.30am to 12 noon. Everyone is invited: come and drink coffee, eat scones and cake, chat, enjoy good company. There is no charge, but donations are invited, for pandemic depleted Church funds initially.

The organisers welcome any help you can offer: moving chairs and tables before and after the event; providing scones, cake, biscuits;serving tables. If you can help from time to time, contact Mary Levison or Mary McElroy. Contact details can be found at the bottom of the July 2022 Carlops Church newsletter.

Wanderings (29/11/2025 - Sat)

Wanderings is being run in partnership with the Church of Scotland parish of Upper Tweeddale. We currently meet twice a month, once on a Saturday afternoon and once on Thursday or Wednesday mornings followed by an option to join in a community cuppa. If you would like to join a Wander just turn up at Broughtonknowe woods main carpark with warm, waterproof clothing and stout boots with good grip.

The wandering for Saturday 29th November starts at 2.30pm.

Scotland Day of Prayer (29/11/2025 - Sat)

Following our moderator, Rosie Frew's call for a day of prayer we have decided to hold a time of prayer and quiet meditation in St Andrews West Linton from 11-1pm next Saturday 29 November. The church will be open and everyone is warmly invited to come in at any point during this time for prayer.

Contemplative Prayer Inspired by Julian of Norwich (01/12/2025 - Mon)

Come and Pray with us. Join us on the first Monday of the month at 9.45 am in the small meetihg room at the back of Broughton Village Hall (entry by the ramp next to the entrance to the car park). Each session lasts one hour and includes prayer and discussion.

For the next few months we will be praying for the future of Broughton Kirk using contemplative prayer inspired by Julian of Norwich. The next meeting is on Monday 2nd June.

Broughton Bite 'n' Blether (03/12/2025 - Wed)

Organised by Upper Tweeddale Community Council, this is held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10 o’clock till midday. Come along to Broughton Village Hall for a hot roll, home baking and tea/coffee. Suggested £3 donation. All welcome

Gathering at Whim Care Centre (03/12/2025 - Wed)

A short, informal little service to be held in the Whim Care Centre on the 1st Wednesday of the month. St Mungos folk have been doing this on the 2nd and 4th weeks. Interested Whim residents are drawn together in the lounge area and have been enjoying this time together.

Margaret Habeshaw will likely be taking her keyboard for some cheerful hymns, but we are in need of folk to lead the singing and we are hoping that we can be joined by one or two from our churches to help with this. Entrance is by the door down the slope at the side of the building. We will be starting at 2 pm, for a service perhaps lasting 30 minutes and we will likely be offered a cup of tea later.”

Blue Christmas Service (08/12/2025 - Mon)

Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult.

The constant message on the radio and television, in shops and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with fam ily and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unem ployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone.

Our spirits sink, as the days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us. For these reasons, the Linkage church offers a special “Blue Christmas” service in St Andrew’s Parish Church, West Linton on Monday 9th December at 7pm.

Come out, and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle - and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it) is welcome.

The short service will be followed by a brief time for light refreshments and fellowship.

Skirling Lunch Club (11/12/2025 - Thu)

For one day each month the Skirling Community hosts lunch in the Skirling Village Hall. Anyone is welcome to come along. This is held on the second Thursday of every month at 12:30.

An Evening of Laughter and Song (13/12/2025 - Sat)

In Newlands Church on Saturday 13th December at 7pm Cresendo and the Wednesdays will be presenting an evening of laughter and song in memory of Doreen Graham MBE. There will be tea, coffee and mince pies.

Tickets are £10 and proceeds will go to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and can be purchased from Jean Howat () or the West Linton pharmacy.

Messy Church (14/12/2025 - Sun)

The theme for this winter is Meeting Jesus

Dates for your diary:

Sunday 9 November

Sunday 14 December
Sunday 11 January
Sunday 8 February

Sunday 8 March

Our first Messy Church Session is on Sunday 9 November. The topic is The Wedding at Cana when Jesus turns the water into wine. The session starts at 4pm prompt in the New Church Hall at West Linton and finishes at 6pm.

All children from babies to P7 are most welcome to come and join in the fun! We will start with a Bible Story and a song and then the children will do a range of craft activities. We will say a prayer and finish off with a meal together. All children MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Please do consider joining us for an afternoon of fun activities and a family meal together.

For more information contact Jean Howat

Prayers for the Church in Broughton (15/12/2025 - Mon)

Your Will Be Done

Come and pray with us for and about the future of Broughton Kirk. We meet from 9.45 a.m. to 10.45 a.m. on the the third Monday of each month at Broughton Village Hall.

Coffee Club at the Old Church Hall (16/12/2025 - Tue)

All are welcome to the Coffee Club from 10 to 12am on the third Tuesday of every month in the Old Church Hall, West Linton. Free hot drinks and cakes! This is run by the Citizens Advice Bureau and funded by Scottish Ministers in conjunction with Scottish Borders Council as the Lead Partner for the Local Action Group.