New Round In Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund

Sep 30, 2023

New round in Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund

The third round of a fund to support community-based initiatives that promote and develop good mental health and wellbeing in Dumfries and Galloway opens today (Friday 29^th September).

The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults has distributed about £36 million to community initiatives across Scotland.

This year, the total available in the region is £440,217 and is open to projects supporting those aged 16 and over.

The fund has a strong focus on prevention and early intervention and aims to support grass roots community groups in tackling mental health inequalities and address priority issues of social isolation and loneliness, suicide prevention, and tackling poverty and inequality.

There will be a continued emphasis in round three on responding to the cost-of-living crisis and on those facing socio-economic disadvantage.

Applications can be accepted from a range of third sector organisations and funding can support both new and existing groups or projects.

Funded organisations do not need to have to have mental health and wellbeing as their sole focus, but, as this is the purpose of this fund, their application does have to clearly outline how it benefits the mental health and wellbeing of people in their community.

The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 23^rd October. Small grants are available up to £10,000 and main grants to a maximum of £50,000 and projects can last no longer than 12 months.

A scoring panel will meet in November to make decisions on the allocation of funding. The fund will be distributed by Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) to community groups and organisations.

Norma Austin Hart, Chief Executive Officer, of TSDG said: “This fund has benefitted many groups and communities over the last two years. Previous projects were based on local needs and circumstances, which means the funding has been used effectively. We hope the practice will continue in this round as we open applications across the south of Scotland.”

David Rowland, Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership’s Director of Strategic Planning and Transformation, added: “The Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is now well established as a highly effective means to help address the challenge of mental health inequalities at a grassroots level.

“The past two rounds of funding have seen many community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations within our region able to access this financial support, helping them to advance work addressing issues including social isolation and loneliness.

“Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Partnership recognises that so many third sector organisations have the knowledge and the relationships to deliver very effectively in these areas, and hope that many more will be able to access the opportunity for support presented by this third round of funding.”

For full guidance and the application form: www.tsdg.org.uk/cmhwf/r3

‘Balance in Nature’ Learning Resources From The NTS Threave Landscape Restoration Project Are Launched

Sep 30, 2023

Something exciting is happening at National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Nature Reserve… A 100-year landscape restoration project is now underway, with new wetlands, grassland and woodlands on a former dairy farm. This week sees the launch of associated learning materials that allow the project to be plugged into the curriculum and act as a case study for students nearby and far afield!

The Balance in Nature Learning Resources are aimed at second and third levels of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence, ages 8 -17. However, teachers will be able to adapt the resources for younger children and for older young people sitting their Highers. The resources are linked to five beautiful and informative ecological films entitled: Trees, Water, Grasslands, Biodiversity and People, all filmed at Threave Nature Reserve and drawing from their pioneering approach to Landscape Restoration. Each package has three sections: Outdoor Learning, Science and Interdisciplinary Learning (including: expressive arts, social studies, RME, Technology, and Health and Wellbeing). The resources are ground breaking, in that they are linked to a real landscape restoration project that people can visit, and, they are truly interdisciplinary. Primary Schools will be able to use them to cover a diverse group of subjects while also fulfilling their commitment to contextual Learning and Learning for Sustainability. As Secondary Schools move towards a more interdisciplinary approach these resources showcase how subjects can work together under the Learning for Sustainability umbrella to give young people a high quality and meaningful learning experience.

The learning materials, video and supporting information is now accessible to all on the Glenkens Hub website, here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/threave-landscape-restoration-project-learning-materials.

For more information about the wider project, visit: https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/threave-landscape-restoration-project-our-100-year-vision.

The learning materials were created in partnership between the Galloway Glens Scheme and the team at National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Estate. Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education & Community Engagement officer, said:

“We are delighted to share with teachers and educators our groundbreaking ‘Balance in Nature’ Learning Resources linked to five beautiful films about different aspects of the 100-year Threave Landscape Restoration Project by ecological filmmaker, John Wallace. I want to thank all the committed individuals who have helped create them, including, the Threave Nature Reserves rangers, the Crichton Carbon Centre’s education officer, filmmaker John Wallace, and Falu studios for the fabulous user-friendly graphic design.

We invite teachers and educators from across Scotland teaching Learning for Sustainability to use the learning resources in and out the classroom and encourage schools to visit the Threave Nature Reserve to see first-hand the fantastic landscape restoration work that is taking place there.”

Mary Smith, Engagement Ranger on the NTS Threave Team, added:

“We have been delighted to contribute the Outdoor Learning sections to these learning materials, based on John Wallace’s films about the beautiful habitats at Natural Trust for Scotland Threave Nature Reserve, and what they mean for people and nature. The 100-year Threave Landscape Restoration Project is full of opportunities for supporting and promoting biodiversity and climate awareness and making a difference by taking positive action – we hope that these materials will inspire and support educators and learners to make deeper connections with the outdoors locally and across Scotland, just as we are constantly learning and growing ourselves in relation to the landscape here.”

The Galloway Glens Scheme is an initiative of the Council’s Environment Team, funded by a range of partners including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Drax, the owners of the Galloway Hydro Scheme.

The Galloway Glens Scheme Completes Five Years Of Activity In South West Scotland

Sep 30, 2023

The last five years have seen a buzz of activity in the Ken/Dee Valley in Dumfries & Galloway. Since 2018, the Galloway Glens Scheme – an initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team – has been working with a wide range of partners to ‘connect people to their heritage’, boost the local economy and support sustainable communities.

The Scheme has overseen more than £6million in activity, supporting projects varying from training & education programmes, visitor facilities, outdoor access improvements, activities & events and community development initiatives. Over 75% of expenditure has stayed in the region, being spent with more than 190 Dumfries & Galloway Businesses.

The main funder of the Galloway Glens Scheme is The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the project has aimed to harness the amazing cultural heritage of the valley to tackle today’s problems – from the departure of young people from the region, through to responding to the climate & biodiversity crises. More than 40 headline projects were supported up and down the Ken/Dee valley. These projects often include multiple strands of activity and work, all combining to deliver a landscape scale approach to delivery.

Project highlights include:

10 new or refurbished community buildings
15 Intern positions supported
206 hectares of land brought into conservation management.
Assisting sustainability of local partners, such as Loch Ken Trust
23 miles of footpath installed or improved – including 4 bridges
‘Nature Positive’ projects supported that actually add to the ecosystem and biodiversity value of the area
120 attendees on the ‘Go Wild’ outdoor camps
Support to a wide range of existing and new community events & activities
Place Names, Oral History & Historic Mapping endeavours
Educational assets, including learning materials, and creative projects that deliver health & wellbeing benefits, as well as community confidence and connection
4 years of the national-acclaimed ‘Can You Dig It’ Community Archaeology project

An overview document of five years of work by the Scheme is available here: https://gallowayglens.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Galloway-Glens-An-Overview.pdf.

The Scheme is an initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team. Funding was primarily secured through a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from a range of other partners including Drax, the Owners of the Galloway Hydro Scheme. The Galloway Glens Scheme is supported by the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, and has established itself as an example of the ‘Biosphere In Action’.

As the scheme reached the end of its five-year delivery phase, Ted Leeming, Chair of the Galloway Glens Partnership board, said:

“From small acorns, mighty oaks grow… To see the Galloway Glens Scheme develop and grow in size and ambition over the last five years has been incredibly rewarding. Based around an approach of trust, empowerment and a ‘can-do’ energy, the team has sought to tackle some of the largest challenges we face, delivering tangible and measurable progress.

All of us on the Partnership Board are grateful to everyone involved – from funders through to the delivery team, all project partners and especially to all the Community interest groups of all ages who engaged so passionately to deliver the projects. The legacy of the Galloway Glens Scheme lives on not only in the projects supported and activities undertaken, but also in the increased sense of connection and appreciation for Galloway’s amazing natural & cultural heritage and confidence in our unique identity.”

Councillor David Inglis, Vice Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Economy & Resources Committee added:

“The Council might have facilitated the Galloway Glens project, but the novel approach to oversight and community engagement means it has brought together partners from across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

The main benefit from the Galloway Glens Scheme will be seen in the projects supported, but it is great to note the actual delivery of the scheme itself saw more than 75% of £6million in funding being spent with the businesses in the region.”

The main funder of the Galloway Glens Scheme is The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Caroline Clark, the Heritage Fund’s Director for Scotland, said:

“The Galloway Glens project team can be very proud of what has been achieved in partnership with local people and local businesses over the last five years. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players they have delivered new opportunities to learn and work, supported environmental recovery, improved access to nature and outdoor activity for all, and supported a huge variety of community activity and initiatives.

The Galloway Glens project may be coming to an end but it leaves a legacy that will continue to have a significant and positive impact for many years to come.”

Drax, the owners of the Galloway Hydro Scheme, supported a number of projects and the Galloway Glens Scheme overall with a contribution of £100,000. Martin McGhie, Drax’s Maintenance Manager at the Galloway Hydro Scheme, said:

“Our partnership with the Galloway Glens initiative is rooted in our commitment to be a responsible custodian of the region’s stunning natural landscape and environment. We’re very proud to have partnered with the Galloway Glens Scheme these past five years and it’s wonderful to see the positive impact of the many projects undertaken across the Ken/Dee valley.

A particular highlight has been the Blackwater of Dee Restoration project, which involved the relocation of natural sediment and gravel gathered from elsewhere in the catchment to the Black Water of Dee – the first time in Scotland that targeted support has been provided to recreate the natural movement of aggregate along the length of the river.

Drax is committed to supporting the local communities where we operate around the world, and we hope our partnership with Galloway Glens will leave a positive legacy in the region for many years to come.”

2023 Wigtown Poetry Prize Winners Revealed

Sep 30, 2023

Wigtown Poetry Prize Winners Revealed

International awards celebrate Scotland’s three indigenous languages
Winners unveiled at special Wigtown Book Festival event

The winners have been unveiled for the annual Wigtown Poetry Prize – Scotland’s international poetry awards which celebrate the country’s three indigenous languages.

Yesterday’s awards ceremony, in the County Buildings, Wigtown, was hosted by poet and author Hugh McMillan as part of the Wigtown Book Festival.

Hugh said: “The Wigtown prizes in English, Scots and Gaelic are among the most eagerly sought after accolades and the list of judges and winners read like a who’s who of contemporary poetry’.”

The awards attract entries from around the world – nurturing poetry and providing a showcase for poets.

Nicholas Walker, Wigtown Poetry Prize Group Chair, said: “The festival is committed to supporting Scotland’s indigenous languages and promoting poetry alongside other literary forms. We are delighted that this year’s prize attracted over 600 entries, from Scotland, England and as far afield as France, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

“We are grateful to the Gaelic Books Council and the Saltire Society for their support of the prize, and to this year’s judges for their essential contribution. We congratulate all short-listed entrants and this year’s winners in particular.”

The Wigtown Prize

Open to work in English, Scots or Scottish Gaelic. The winner receives £1,500 and the runner up £200.

Winner: My Mother Unwraps My Gift of Frida Kahlo’s Me and My Parrots, by John Wheway
Runner up: Winter Solstice, Rachel Rankin

Donald S Murray, the judge, said: “‘My Mother …’ immediately struck me as the most outstanding poem among many excellent entries. Both moving and enlightening, this is a wonderfully tight and concise piece of verse, providing insight into three lives, including those of the writer, his mother and the artist, Freda Kahlo. Full of craft, skill and even a dash or two of humour, it is a work of astounding vitality and power.

“Out of the many contenders for second prize, Winter Solstice was my final choice. The reason? To quote a line from the poem, ‘it picks the bones of winter clean’ and sums up how many feel about the time of year it describes. Ironically, given the way it praised the winter’s darkness, the poem created its own brilliant kind of light.”

Wigtown Scots Prize

The Wigtown Scots Prize. £500, runner-up £200 (supported by the Saltire Society).

Winner: Juist, by Craig Aitchison
Runner up: Peer Breiths, c [correct]

Len Pennie, the judge, said: “This category was both a pleasure and a pain to judge, because I thoroughly enjoyed every entry and trying to pick winners was extremely difficult. Every entrant should be proud of themselves, their Scots and their ability to put their world into words.

“The winning piece, Juist, captured a beautiful juxtaposition of the personal and universal nature of grief, and a close second place, Peer Breiths, was a powerful and reflective feminist mediation invoking strength and solidarity.”

Susan Garnsworthy, Convenor of the Saltire Society, added: “The Saltire Society is very committed to support for and celebrating the Scots language and this is why we have supported the Scots language prize in the Wigtown Poetry Competition.

“I was also involved in the initial development of this competition and the fundraising back in 2007-8 when it was created as a way of raising the profile of Wigtown both the Book Town and the festival across the UK and internationally. I am really delighted that it has developed and been fully supported by the book festival.”

Wigtown Scottish Gaelic Prize

The Wigtown Gaidhlig Prize. £500, runner-up £200 (supported by Comhairle nan Leabhraichean/The Gaelic Books Council).

Winner: Mapaichean, by Seonaidh Charity
Runner up: Ainneamhag Gheal, by Marcas Mac an Tuairneir

Rody Gorman, the judge, said: “The winning poem Mapaichean is full of deep feelings, with a distinctly local flavour, reminiscent, perhaps, of Donald MacAulay or Derek Thomson. The poem in second place is slightly mysterious and reminded me of Aonghas MacNeacail.”

Alison Lang, Director of the Gaelic Books Council, added: “Bu mhath leam taing a thoirt don a h-uile bàrd a chuir dàn a-steach don fharpais am-bliadhna, a’ dearbhadh – nan robh dearbhadh a dhìth oirnn – gu bheil bàrdachd Ghàidhlig fallain agus tàlant nam bàrd follaiseach. Meal-a-naidheachd don fheadhainn air a’ gheàrr-liosta agus gu sònraichte do Sheonaidh Charity, a bhuannaich leis an dàn àlainn aige ‘Mapaichean’, agus ar taing do Rody Gorman airson a bhith na bhritheamh Gàidhlig.”

“We would like to thank all the poets who entered this year’s competition, proving – as if proof were needed – that Gaelic poetry is thriving and that talent is abundant. Congratulations to those on the shortlist, and particularly to Seonaidh Charity, who won the competition with his beautiful poem ‘Mapaichean’, and our thanks to Rody Gorman for judging the Gaelic competition.”

Alastair Reid Pamphlet Prize

Named in memory of one of Scotland’s foremost literary talents, this recognises a collection of work rather than individual poems. The prize is for the work to be set as a pamphlet by Gerry Cambridge and published by the Wigtown Festival Company.

Winner: Ortelius’s Sea Monsters, by Stephanie Green

Donald S Murray, the judge, said: “The most difficult task of all was shortlisting the works for this award. If I had been allowed, I would have crammed around a dozen into my selection, aware that they all deserved to be considered for the prize.

“‘Ortelius’ Sea-Monsters’ is outstanding in terms of its source of inspiration and the varied ways in which the writer examines the fantastical beings to which the reader is introduced within its pages. I relished each encounter, fascinated by the different ways in which each creature is described. This is a work which is a triumph both for the writer’s imagination and their wide and surprising range of poetic skills.”

Dumfries & Galloway Fresh Voice Award

For poets living in, or from, Dumfries and Galloway who have never professionally published a full length collection. The prize is a package of professional support including mentoring by Wigtown Festival Company and a retreat hosted by Moniack Mhor Writers’ Centre.

Winner: Sunshine Against Shadow, by Robin Leiper
Runners up: One Moonless Night, Diane Schofield and That Day Jane McBeth

Susi Briggs, the judge, said: “Fresh Voice Award winning poet Robin Leiper reminded me to be ever watchful for the signs that connect us and what it is to be human. Their collection Sunshine Against Shadow reminded me to maintain that sense of resilience within myself by responding honestly to past memory, to art and everyday things.

“Runners up Diane Schofield and Jane McBeth submitted poems of great validity and truth that moved me emotionally and offered healing reflections.

“Choosing a winner was not easy and I savoured every word offered. It was an honour to judge the Fresh Voice Award this year for Wigtown Book Festival.”

The 2023 judges

Donald S Murray (author and poet)
Lennie Pennie (Scots language poet)
Rody Gorman (renowned for his Scottish Gaelic poetry)
Susi Briggs (author, poet, storyteller and musician).

Get Involved In Scotland’s Fifth Annual Great Scottish Squirrel Survey

Sep 28, 2023

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is calling on people in Scotland to take part in the fifth nationwide Great Scottish Squirrel Survey between 2-8 October (National Red Squirrel Week).

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, working in priority areas to protect red squirrels from the spread of the invasive non-native grey squirrel. Between 2-8 October they are encouraging members of the public to explore the outdoors, get squirrel spotting, and add sightings of red and grey squirrels to scottishsquirrels.org.uk.

The annual Great Scottish Squirrel Survey is the most important public event for comparing yearly distributions of red and grey squirrels. Last year the charity received 10,484 sightings in total with the help of the survey, its third highest year since they began collecting public squirrel sightings in 2010. The highest year to date was in 2020 when 3000 sightings were recorded during the survey, and 22,772 were recorded overall.

Programme Manager Nicole Still said:

“Public sightings play an essential role in informing and directing our strategic efforts. Whilst we recognise 2020 was an unusual year with an increase in people spending time in the Scottish outdoors, we would love the public to once again head outside and help us increase our sightings to improve our understanding of Scotland’s squirrel populations”.

Conservation Officer for Tayside Susie McNaughton said:

“With ample nature food sources available and leaves falling, autumn is an ideal time to spot squirrels. We want to especially encourage people to visit woodlands and areas where less sightings have been recorded before, as well as better-known squirrel stomping grounds.”

Eileen Stuart, Deputy Director of Nature and Climate Change at NatureScot, said:

“With invasive non-native species costing Scotland at least £499m a year and posing one of the biggest threats to Scotland’s nature, we’re pleased to support the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey and all the important work of the Scottish Wildlife Trust led Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project. We encourage everyone to record their sightings and help this important project. It’s a wonderful way to spend time in nature, while helping protect our much-loved red squirrel.”

Grey squirrels were introduced to Scotland in Victorian times and have since replaced our native red squirrel in many parts of the country. They out-compete reds for food and living space and can also carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn’t harm them but is fatal to reds.

Squirrel sightings, which are collected year-round, help the SSRS project to understand how the distribution of each species is changing over time, and can also alert staff to situations where grey squirrels are posing an immediate threat to the local red population.

The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey week will feature a programme of events across the country as well as self-guided opportunities. More information can be found at scottishsquirrels.org.uk/great-scottish-squirrel-survey.

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and supported by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, along with other partners

The DGWGO Rugby Round-Up 28/09/23

Sep 28, 2023

In this weeks DGWGO Rugby Round-Up, Newton Stewart get Back to back wins, Dumfries saints Have a Bad Day, Stewartry Suffer First loss Of The Season, Wigtownshire V Annan Clash, Tough Trip Away for Langholm plus news from Wigtown and Annan Ladies teams.

Newton Stewart made it back-to-back wins in National 2 with a 27-22 win over a strong
Aberdeen Grammar side. Despite trailing the game going into the final minutes, Martin
Wallace’s men were able to pull through for the bonus point victory. Gregor Gaw, Thomas
Quigley, Robert Service and Russell Morton provided the tries.

Dumfries Saints scored just two penalties in a 42-6 loss on the road to Allan Glen’s. They nowsit second-bottom in National 3 but are level on points with both Cartha Queens Park and Hamilton above them.

Sandy Currie’s Stewartry suffered their first loss of the season with a 45-13 loss to Dunfermline at McKane Park. Ben Spence got their only try, with Andrew Picken providing the rest of the
points from the tee.

In an all Dumfries & Galloway clash, it was Wigtownshire that got the better of Annan 37-15 at London Road. Both sides have had good starts to the 2023/24 season but that five-point win moves Shire up into second place in West Region 1.

Langholm had a tough trip away from home to top-of-the-table Haddington in East Region 1 and fell short 43-26. They sit fifth in the league having won two and lost two.
Moffat are now third in West Region 3 after a 47-26 away win to Hyndland and have a game in hand on the sides above them that could see them move to the summit.
Stewartry Sirens managed just one try through centre Phaedra Snailham as they lost 47-5 to Hillhead Jordanhill and Greenlaw.

Wigtownshire Women, unfortunately, had to concede their game at home to Biggar, handing the away side an automatic 28-0 win.

Ayr hosted Annan Warriors in Women’s West 1 and came away with a 66-0 win, leaving the
D&G side somewhat struggling in seventh place.

Fixtures for Saturday, September 30th:
Berwick v Newton Stewart
Howe of Fife v Dumfries Saints
Stewartry v Garnock
Annan v Cumnock
Ardrossan v Wigtownshire
Langholm v Linlithgow
Mid Argyll v Moffat

DGWGO Rugby Round-up brought to you in partnership with Ross and John from Dumfries and Galloway Rugby Podcast. Follow The Dumfries and Galloway Rugby Podcast HERE

If you have a report/article that you would like to have shared by DGWGO please contact Robin on [email protected]

Actions Agreed To Address Bed-based Intermediate Care Needs

Sep 28, 2023

ACTIONS to address the region’s bed-based intermediate care needs were agreed at this weeks meeting of Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB).

Members agreed a flexible model for some beds in settings such as care homes, along with proposals to work with communities on plans for how facilities, such as cottage hospitals, will play a role in meeting health and social care needs in the future.

IJB chairman Andy McFarlane said: “As we plan for the future, it is very clear that we face a massive challenge in meeting the increasingly complex needs of our population.

“Continuing with the existing approach to bed-based care which sits between the two acute hospitals and people are able to manage independently in their own home is not going to work.

“We know we have to adapt, and make strategic use of all our available resources in order to provide the treatment and care our population will require over the next 15 to 20 years.

“I’m very pleased, therefore, that the report which came to the IJB today provides us with the best way forward, working together with our communities to develop an approach that best meets their needs.”

The Right Care, Right Place report results from extensive community engagement earlier in the year which was then followed by 12 weeks of formal public consultation in the summer focused on four areas:

The findings of the Right Care, Right Place: Intermediate Care engagement programme earlier in the year
A description of how intermediate care is delivered, and the forecast of what will be required in future

The proposal to introduce a flexible approach to intermediate care, to allow bed capacity to be allocated to different roles depending on demand
Ideas on how intermediate care should be delivered in each local area, over three timescales – 1-2 years, 5 years and 10-15 years

Director of Strategic Planning and Transformation David Rowland said: “We’re extremely grateful to everyone who took part in Right Care, Right Place.

“During the consultation we heard a strong and clear message from people across the region that they want to see bed-based palliative and end of life care delivered within their local communities as a matter of priority and that we also need to make provision for local step-up and step-down care.

“The approach agreed at IJB today means we can start implementing a flexible approach to bed usage.

“We will now be working closely with local care home owners to support them to expand capacity to deliver bed-based intermediate care within local communities.

“We will also now be looking to build on the conversations we have had throughout this year and will be sitting down with local communities to start planning how we make best use of our wider facilities to meet their health and social care needs in the medium and longer-term.

“As always, we need to undertake this work with our communities with a mutual appreciation and recognition that we don’t have boundless resources, and that within Dumfries and Galloway, as nationally, we face major challenges in areas such as finance and recruiting to vacant posts.

“As the Right Care, Right Place consultation set out, we believe that key to meeting this increasing and increasingly complex need is flexibility – both in the way our care provider organisations are structured and positioned to deliver care, and also in the way that our populations adapt to ensure that finite resources are employed as effectively as possible, and that we all work to support each other as members of our communities.”

A Volunteer Led Study of Galloway’s Stately Homes Is Published

Sep 28, 2023

The ‘Can You Dig It’ community archaeology project – part of the Galloway Glens Scheme – has worked with hundreds of volunteers over the last 4 years to inspire and understand the archaeology and history of the Ken/Dee valley in Galloway – showcasing archaeological processes and approaches. From digs to field walks, from self-led covid friendly study work to the phenomenally popular series of online events, the project has been wide ranging.

Recent months have seen the ‘Building Biographies’ project underway, with volunteers recruited to undertake research into some of the large country houses within Galloway. The findings are now published, marking the end of the Can You Dig It project.

Each volunteer was given their own specific house to research, piecing together timelines from their initial construction through to how they stand today. The project included houses that were still in use, ruinous or even demolished, featuring a variety of functions dating back to the 19^th century or earlier. As more volunteers signed up the study area expanded to include a mix of country houses from across Galloway, and even a few from Dumfriesshire.

By the end of the project, 32 volunteers submitted their findings as summary reports, which covered 42 country houses across Galloway. The volunteers included people from Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire, Glasgow and America. Their results revealed stories of the people who designed, lived and worked within these houses, stories which reflect both local history and connections to far-flung places during times of peace and war.

The passion and commitment shown by the volunteers in uncovering the stories of these houses, both good and bad, has been inspiring, and they have created an impressive record which will be shared for many years to come.

Some highlights:

Fludha, Kirkcudbright:
- WWII – one of the Intelligence Agencies commandeered one of its annex rooms to put nearby Ellenbank under surveillance due to suspicions of them spying
- WWII – only bombing incident in Kirkcudbright happened on an abandoned farm near to Fludha, with the blast waking up the residents. It dislodged some plaster off the bedroom ceiling and cracked the base of the water fountain
Neptune Park, Kirkcudbright
- Home of William Hanna Clark, the landscape and figure artist, between 1918 and 1923
Broomlands, Troqueer
- 1854 bought by Mary Dalgairns and opened as an asylum catering to female patients and run by female staff;
- WWI – Red Cross Hospital for soldiers with 788 soldiers being treated there in 1917
- WWII – occupied by War Department and King Haakon of Norway dined there in 1942 when large numbers of Norwegian soldiers were stationed in Dumfries
Hensol House, Balmaghie
- Built in 1822 for John Cuninghame – a keen hunter who became friends with American President Theodore Roosevelt who he once saved from being killed by an elephant whilst hunting
Slogarie House, Balmaghie
- Wallis Simpson was friends with the owners, William Archer and Mary Ann Milner Gibson, and it is rumoured that Edward VIII proposed to her in the garden of Slogarie
Senwick House, Borgue
- WWII – gardens were altered by Prisoners of War who were called upon to create terraces; a plaque commemorating them was placed in the garden at the end of the war
- Owned by Innes Ireland from 1972-1976 – the first Scottish driver to win a Grand-Prix first place and remembered locally for driving his car out onto the ice of Carlingwark Loch as a young man
Over Courance, Kirkmichael
- 1906 – bought by James Weir, one of the founders of the Weir Group in Cathcart
Lochbank, Castle Douglas
- WWII – used as a command post for troops stationed in Castle Douglas, the Raid on St Nazaire was planned and executed from here
Corsock House
- John ‘The Martyr’ Neilson owned the lands of Corsock in the 1600s, took part in the Pentland Rising and was captured at Rullion Green and imprisoned in Edinburgh. He was tortured with ‘The Boot’ and then hanged at The Mercat Cross on 14^th December 1666
Castledykes, Dumfries
- 1820s – Owners Ebenezer Stott scandalised the Dumfries population by paying the Town Council the huge sum of £100 for soil from the Merse to enhance his gardens
- 1875 – owner Dr James Bruce tried to remove the ancient roots of trees on his property by blasting them out with cotton patent gunpowder to the alarm of all living nearby

The Building Biographies project was the final strand of the Can You Dig It project. The Full ‘Building Biographies’ report is available here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/gglp-cydi-building-biographies.

A number of the initiatives undertaken have been documented or recorded for subsequent use; this varies from YouTube recordings of events, through to latest work exploring the history of Galloway Milestones and Lost Wells.

Accessible reports include:

Barhill Wood, Little Wood Hill & Upper Gairloch Booklets (and others), here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/galloway-glens-booklets.
Grave Encounters at Kells (A 2022 volunteer research project into the people memorialised at Kells, New Galloway), here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/galloway-glens-can-you-dig-it-grave-encounters-at-kells.
Data Structure Reports for Chapelyard (Dalry), High Ground Wrecks of Galloway and the Royal Observer Corp, Upper Gairloch (2 seasons), here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/community-archaeology-project-data-structure-reports.
Data Structure Report for excavations at Little Wood Hill in Threave, here: https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/library/browse/issue.xhtml?recordId=1187770&recordType=GreyLitSeries
Data Structure Report for test pitting at Castledykes in Kirkcudbright, here: https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/library/browse/issue.xhtml?recordId=1182516&recordType=GreyLitSeries
Data Structure Report for test pitting at Moat Brae in Kirkcudbright, here: https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/library/browse/issue.xhtml?recordId=1184064&recordType=GreyLitSeries
‘Nuhin new unner the sun’, a poem commissioned by Dig It! Scotland using the excavations at Upper Gairloch as inspiration, here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/nuhin-new-unner-the-sun.
The Lost Wells of Galloway (An Online research project) here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/galloway-glens-can-you-dig-it-the-lost-wells-of-galloway-an-online-project.
‘My Galloway’, adding info to Canmore Sites, here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/can-you-dig-it-my-galloway-canmore-sites.
Are we there yet? A study of Galloway Milestones, here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/galloway-glens-can-you-dig-it-are-we-there-yet.
Technical Notes: Web-based research, 3d Models from photographs, Survey Skills, here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/galloway-glens-can-you-dig-it-community-archaeology-project-technical-notes-1.
Technical Notes: Polmaddy, Carminnow Fort, Glenlochar Roman Fort, Hut Circles of Moss Raploch, here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/galloway-glens-can-you-dig-it-community-archaeology-project-technical-notes.

3D models generated from the work of Can You Dig It, here: https://sketchfab.com/GGLPArchaeology

Video Recordings on the Galloway Glens YouTube Channel, including:

Galloway Clearances & Future land Ownership: https://youtu.be/efkOhvlWEI8?si=oo6OGbAXgUi43biU.
Tourists or Conquerors: Romans in South West Scotland: https://youtu.be/pGOqBfRsVCY?si=f-7PybhOpwi3ENS7.
Woodhead Lead Mines – A Walking Tour: https://youtu.be/7M57GHwBTaQ?si=5rQHfp4A6Efm82mj.
Coastal Archaeology: https://youtu.be/Id7KYVjQsQc?si=KuqEwSHLvL6Eg_i0.
Stags, Saints & Skulls: https://youtu.be/6blaT3THr_U?si=0T8yREcUNbzopy1z.
Castles of Galloway: https://youtu.be/ramwsnVYu_k?si=aFxgGeiSvMIKdYbx.
Kirkcudbright Kirkyard Tour: https://youtu.be/szpuOeRO7yQ?si=nsebsC2fOADd0RHA.
Haunting Tales about the Galloway Glens: https://youtu.be/J4aTJlg5gW4?si=4K5XlVZU8B0REY2D.
When Sparks Fly: https://youtu.be/i9yjBXGkOcE?si=Ou9J3McDqmmOxzPj.
David Currie of Newlaw: Merchant, Smuggler & Slave Trader: https://youtu.be/_fPUl2adRLI?si=z66vhjsCwwuqJyWO
Sacred Wells: https://youtu.be/GgakV9iGaDM?si=DlpzJBcVuBhqspml
The Galloway Hydro Scheme: Past & Present: https://youtu.be/NbL6cquk6qA?si=4Wkep-pvKUprJfm7
Viking tales from the Galloway Glens: https://youtu.be/3Hu34-IAyB0?si=GBQHi0_syMIUTjrd
The Lost Wells of Galloway: https://youtu.be/0wUUgzE_q2Y?si=hD91MPthiIknzoYx
The Torrs Pony Cap: https://youtu.be/7a-HQk_LfvM?si=Ehj0IZntUQ9DqUbH
3D Galloway – LIDAR for Archaeology: https://youtu.be/3gZgVRQyxKk?si=wJz21mwYJU82MIiO
Threave Estate Through the Ages: https://youtu.be/42tJa3zw34U?si=tyzAZWF7ZjsXtClN
Barhill Wood: Past, Present & Future: https://youtu.be/WoFfGhMjb3g?si=cThv-thMoP8F7Lpk
Wrecks of Kirkcudbright Bay: https://youtu.be/5kHzMdiVwPI?si=rahDY4SN-wc67kjI
Rock Art in Scotland: https://youtu.be/C8FKtiiT280?si=WFyeNYi3zfxbeupX
Woodhead Lead Mine: A Story of People and Ruins
Folklore of the Galloway Glens: https://youtu.be/jJhlfuKMzuI?si=MIjhcZDeItgvdVOB
The Tongland Excavations: https://youtu.be/0e3jrcAPJUY?si=gqhxBrTChpHKooiU
In Conversation: The Regional Archaeologist discusses his role: https://youtu.be/tQuk9u63rEM?si=h9CMbwM0VFjoZPsp

Claire Williamson, from Rathmell Archaeology, has led the work of the project since inception in 2019. Looking back at the range of work undertaken, Claire said:

“Over the last four years, the Can You Dig It volunteers have investigated rock art, Iron Age enclosures, castle sites, farmsteads and a lead mine. They have tracked down milestones and high ground wrecks, mapped lost wells and delved into the good and bad of Galloway’s past, and they have done it all with an unwavering enthusiasm and commitment. Working on the Can You Dig It project has been a highlight of my career, and I am grateful to the Galloway Glens team, and to each and every volunteer, for being such a truly fantastic group of people.”

Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education & Community Engagement Officer, oversaw the Can You Dig It project, and added:

“’Can You Dig it’ has been a remarkable Community Archaeological project and I feel really honoured to have been able to work with Claire Williamson and her hugely knowledgeable and enthusiastic teams of volunteers. Can You Dig It is like being on a real-life Indiana Jones type adventure (without the mythical animals and danger) uncovering, exploring and investigating many different landscapes, rural places, diverse subject areas (through the events and online talks) and allowed us all to appreciate how people lived with the land in the past. The project has grown an audience from across the globe and up skilled communities of researchers so they can continue the great work that Claire and her team began in this special landscape. We are very grateful to everyone who took part and a massive thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland Lottery for their support, engagement in the project and encouragement.”

Dumfries High School Opens Its Doors to the Public for Holocaust Education Event

Sep 28, 2023

In a collaboration between Dumfries High School and Vision Schools Scotland (UWS), an exceptional event is set to take place on Thursday, 5th October 2023, at Dumfries High School and the school has extended the invitation to members of the community.

To secure a place at this event, interested individuals are encouraged to email the school office at [email protected].

Guest Speakers and Their Background

The event will feature guest speakers Hilary Hodsman and Gillian Field, who are the daughters of Holocaust survivors Henry and Ingrid Wuga. Their parents, Henry and Ingrid, arrived in Scotland on the Kindertransports in 1939, escaping the tumultuous period of World War II. Hilary and Gillian, who grew up in Glasgow, will share their parents’ extraordinary stories.

At the heart of their family home was their parents’ Jewish kosher catering company, an integral part of their upbringing. Growing up, they were always conscious of their German heritage. Unfortunately, due to Henry’s age, 99 years, he is no longer able to travel to schools to narrate his experiences. Regrettably, their mother passed away three years ago, making it imperative for Hilary and Gillian to continue sharing their parents’ stories with the younger generation.

The Presentation and Q&A Session

Hilary and Gillian will address the audience during the event. They will provide insights into their parents’ experiences on the Kindertransport, the evacuation of 14 and 15-year-olds from Germany just before or during the outbreak of World War II. The speakers will highlight their parents’ journey to the UK, settling in Glasgow, and starting their family.

Following their presentation, the floor will be open for questions from the audience, which includes pupils and members of the public attending the event.

Interactive Session and Refreshments

After the presentation by Hilary and Gillian, there will be an interactive session where pupils and members of the public can ask questions and engage in discussions. The event will conclude with teas and coffees, providing an opportunity for attendees to interact with the speakers on a more personal level.

Reserving Seats

To secure a place at this event, interested individuals are encouraged to email the school office at [email protected]. It’s important to specify the number of seats required and provide the names of attendees. Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Event Schedule

The event is scheduled to commence at 1:55 pm, and guests are requested to be seated by 1:45 pm. It will begin with a short introduction from UWS representatives and the head teacher of Dumfries High School, followed by the main presentation by Hilary and Gillian.

The Significance of the Award

Dumfries High School’s achievement of the ‘Excellence in Holocaust Education’ award, in collaboration with Vision Schools Scotland (UWS), is a testament to their dedication to ensuring that students from S1 to S6 have a profound knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust. This award signifies the importance of recognizing the relevance of this historical event both in the past and for the future. The school’s three years of hard work have culminated in this recognition, and they are committed to continuing their efforts in Holocaust education.

In conclusion, the event hosted by Dumfries High School in collaboration with Vision Schools Scotland (UWS) serves as a significant educational opportunity for the local community to learn about the experiences of Holocaust survivors and to commemorate an important period in history. By sharing these personal stories, the event aims to ensure that the memory of the Holocaust remains alive and relevant for future generations.

One Of Britain’s Most Photographed Trees Cut Down Overnight

Sep 28, 2023

Across the border form Dumfries and Galloway the Northumberland National Park Authority have confirmed that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s wall has come down over night. They have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled.

A spokesperson stated “We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark and will issue more details once they are known.

Sycamore Gap was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 in the Woodland Trust’s awards and is much-loved by people from across the world.The tree wass made famous in the Keven Costner film ‘Robin Hood Prince of Theives’.

Northumberland National Park Authority would like to ask the public not to visit the site at this time whilst we work with our partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe.”

Guy Opperman MP stated “Sadly it is true that the iconic tree at Sycamore Gap has been deliberately cut down overnight.

Too early to speculate who did it, but this is criminal damage, and an attack on one of the nations most famous trees. I was here only ten days ago: everyone in shock.

The police are very much involved, and I am liaising here on the Wall with Northumberland National Park.

This was not an act by any of the official organisations who are responsible for Hadrians Wall, the World heritage sites or the national park, who are all devastated.”

“The past two rounds of funding have seen many community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations within our region able to access this financial support, helping them to advance work addressing issues including social isolation and loneliness.

We invite teachers and educators from across Scotland teaching Learning for Sustainability to use the learning resources in and out the classroom and encourage schools to visit the Threave Nature Reserve to see first-hand the fantastic landscape restoration work that is taking place there.”

“The Council might have facilitated the Galloway Glens project, but the novel approach to oversight and community engagement means it has brought together partners from across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

The main benefit from the Galloway Glens Scheme will be seen in the projects supported, but it is great to note the actual delivery of the scheme itself saw more than 75% of £6million in funding being spent with the businesses in the region.”

The Galloway Glens project may be coming to an end but it leaves a legacy that will continue to have a significant and positive impact for many years to come.”

Drax is committed to supporting the local communities where we operate around the world, and we hope our partnership with Galloway Glens will leave a positive legacy in the region for many years to come.”

“With ample nature food sources available and leaves falling, autumn is an ideal time to spot squirrels. We want to especially encourage people to visit woodlands and areas where less sightings have been recorded before, as well as better-known squirrel stomping grounds.”

IJB chairman Andy McFarlane said: “As we plan for the future, it is very clear that we face a massive challenge in meeting the increasingly complex needs of our population.

“Continuing with the existing approach to bed-based care which sits between the two acute hospitals and people are able to manage independently in their own home is not going to work.

“We know we have to adapt, and make strategic use of all our available resources in order to provide the treatment and care our population will require over the next 15 to 20 years.

“I’m very pleased, therefore, that the report which came to the IJB today provides us with the best way forward, working together with our communities to develop an approach that best meets their needs.”

“The approach agreed at IJB today means we can start implementing a flexible approach to bed usage.

“We will now be working closely with local care home owners to support them to expand capacity to deliver bed-based intermediate care within local communities.

“We will also now be looking to build on the conversations we have had throughout this year and will be sitting down with local communities to start planning how we make best use of our wider facilities to meet their health and social care needs in the medium and longer-term.

“As always, we need to undertake this work with our communities with a mutual appreciation and recognition that we don’t have boundless resources, and that within Dumfries and Galloway, as nationally, we face major challenges in areas such as finance and recruiting to vacant posts.

Guest Speakers and Their Background

The Presentation and Q&A Session

Interactive Session and Refreshments

Reserving Seats

Event Schedule

The Significance of the Award

A spokesperson stated “We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark and will issue more details once they are known.

Sycamore Gap was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 in the Woodland Trust’s awards and is much-loved by people from across the world.The tree wass made famous in the Keven Costner film ‘Robin Hood Prince of Theives’.

Northumberland National Park Authority would like to ask the public not to visit the site at this time whilst we work with our partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe.”

Guy Opperman MP stated “Sadly it is true that the iconic tree at Sycamore Gap has been deliberately cut down overnight.

This was not an act by any of the official organisations who are responsible for Hadrians Wall, the World heritage sites or the national park, who are all devastated.”

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