That being the case, it is bewildering and annoying that the location of Hawick and the Borders in general seems to go unnoticed by certain sections of the media. For example, in television weather forecasts, particularly on BBC Scotland, the presenter is likely to lump the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway together with a wave of the hand as all one area, while Border Television usually manages to separate the two areas.

Also, national newspapers are inclined to report more on matters affecting central Scotland and Aberdeenshire than in any other parts of the country.

The ongoing story of the future of Pringle's is different but surely there are other happenings in the town that would benefit from coverage in national broadcasting and the press.

There is so much going on in Hawick from one season to the next that there are bound to be stories that would inform, amuse or entertain readers elsewhere.

Each town likes to be known for what it has achieved, what it stands for and what its future hopes are. Hawick is no exception. The loss of major manufacturing in knitwear is a blow to the town and there must be continued effort to maintain the existing employment in that industry. But there is much more to be done! The Heart of Hawick and Hawick Hosts use the appropriate slogan: "Stop, Shop, Explore".

They could add to that, "Settle, Join us, Open your own business, Provide jobs for others". With an intake of settlers, as well as passers-by, the strength of the town could be greatly increased and the future for our young people generally enhanced.

Now is the time to blow the trumpet in a reveille to the townsfolk and as a reminder to the rest of Scotland that Hawick is not asleep but full of vigour and ready to attract willing settlers and investors. Will our national broadcasters and press echo the call? We will wait and see, but not with much patience. That time is past!