Doug Tait

These things happen David, don't stress about it

An uncle used to farm on the ranges, when Dad took me visiting as a nipper I used to get to drive once we were off the main road. Remember meeting a convoy of tanks on a single track road and Dad was panicking, they just split to either side and I pootled through the middle like Lord muck, felt like a big man that day

Yes the heat isn't helpful with heart problems, though humidity is the worst thing in my experience. Had heart failure myself a few years back and our wee dog Cassie has it now too, we both struggle for oxygen when it's humid. The good thing I find with dogs is they're usually a good judge of their own abilities, unlike me as I expect to be unstoppable all the time! Keep us posted on how Katie does please

That's really good news Big J, pleased for you. I take it she's not joining you in the woods yet? You must miss having her at work with you

Did that years ago when I ate far too much of a blue bratz kids birthday cake, made for a worrying few days!

Not far off there Khriss, Tait is a Reiving family and I think it's still in the DNA. Just last week we were working over the border near Otterburn and I was tempted to lift some beasts, know an Armstrong that would take them!

I've never visited there but when I worked in the area the boss spoke highly about it, said they'd go there for a Christmas meal. Wish I'd gone myself now reading this thread.

Nice tree.

I'm not sure what cost the climbing course is, it isn't very difficult though, it's intended to teach you a basic level of practical and legal knowledge then assess your competency. Think it's 5day tuition then 1day assessment. I understand your point about not going beyond your limits or getting too brave, but an incident could happen even when you are well within your comfort zone and not using a saw. I've had a sore one falling from 4th rung of a stepladder and I wasn't pushing any boundaries doing that! As for the bar I'm curious, how have you managed to use a saw for so long and never cut with the top of bar. Do you never undercut anything?

I'd guess Matty is referring to, Climbing/rescue course (NPTC 206, 306) And possibly, Basic chainsaw course (NPTC 201, 202, 203) Aerial use of chainsaw (NPTC 308). It's expected that when someone is working in a tree there is someone else on site equipped and trained to perform a rescue if required. Doing the course yourself will give you a much better idea of the big picture, for instance where you position the tail of your rope will be critical if you're injured and need to descend quickly. When I started I climbed recreationally a lot and would challenge myself randomly during a climb. When you've struggled to get to the end of a limb and your rope is running round branches and crotches, imagine you've just broken ribs, cut yourself or been unconscious briefly, how do you get down from where you are quickly? It was an eye opener for me as you can be in a position where it takes time and effort to get down even without an injury. Even opening a carabiner with a broken finger is a challenge. Certainly I have experienced 'minor' accidents on the ground and things become difficult and very stressful quickly. Knowing the guys I work with are capable and have performed actual aerial rescues is a more comforting thought than the times I've climbed alone.

Interested, can he post pics please

Had some difficulty getting home from walking the dogs after work yesterday as there was a few road closures around. Strange, there wasn't the usual information signs posted in advance and the traffic management was very basic, just some hi-vis coats and cones, although a lot of private cars parked on verges with people milling around. Discovered today why it was all low key, Harrison Ford was there filming scenes for the new Indiana Jones movie Harrison Ford spotted in the Scottish Borders; ITV News Border WWW.ITV.COM Harrison Ford spotted filming for new film in the Scottish Borders...

Is it not likely the case that the council have had a trivial complaint from one of their 'customers' (as ours insist on calling people subjected to them) and will go through the motions of appearing to respond. They'd need a full time department to deal with every case. Every other house has work vehicles parked at it, including NHS (sometimes tractors), Fire, Ambulance, Power, Water and yes, council vehicles too.

It would've cheered me up no end if that happened. To save Tommy asking, it's 'loose wheel'

You picked a fine time to leave me... loose heel

Thanks Harvey, much appreciated

Been thinking about her today, was dreading signing in but that's very positive news for you 👍

Sorry to hear this J. Hoping the best for you and Katie, she looks like a great dog and very fit. Good luck

Thanks Will. How many charged batteries do you use in a days work?

That's all very helpful for him thanks. He's been asking around and getting no help apart from stihl v Husky opinions so he'll be grateful for this

He's probably used a 550 as there's one in the work truck. Will tell him about your Makita but I think having a dealer locally is what he'd prefer

Battery was my first thought when he asked. Used Stihl battery stuff a fair bit with a company I worked with and I liked them, think they'd be ideal but having never layed a hedge I may be wrong. Will tell him what you have and see if he's interested, thanks.

Wondering if anyone can offer some advice please. Was talking to my colleague today who I've mentioned before is going to do an apprenticeship with a hedgelayer in the Borders. He's looking to buy his first saw for use when he starts laying but isn't sure what he needs. The feeling is Husky or Stihl because there's a local dealer and he likes the idea of having the dealer support at hand for spares and repair. He'd consider getting a battery saw if they are suitable for the work. Otherwise, any thoughts or suggestions regarding the type and size of saw, bar length or anything else useful would be very helpful.

That's good going Les, especially as there's been so much talk about the difficulties with exams due to covid. Well done to her

The one that befriended me used to sit under the tractor just metres away while I was chipping, giving me the beady eye