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 Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere in partnership with Upland CIC has announced an autumn/winter events programme aimed at artists, makers, and owners of creative businesses.
Taking place at locations across Dumfries and Galloway, four free workshops invite professional artists and anyone involved in business within the creative sector to come together and discuss how to manage a successful and sustainable enterprise. Topics to be covered include how the UNESCO-designation region provides inspiration, resources, and promotional opportunities, and how artistic practice can be environmentally-friendly and profitable at the same time. The series is also designed to facilitate networking, allowing artists and business owners to make new connections with others who are working rurally and may be impacted by the relative isolation of self-employment and working alone.
As a UNESCO designation, the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere works to protect natural and cultural heritage that is recognised for its globally important. One of two UNESCO Biospheres in Scotland and seven in the UK, the organisation offers business development and marketing support aimed at bringing direct benefits to local enterprise and communities, including the micro-businesses and SMEs that are a key part of the southwest region’s economic landscape. This support includes the Biosphere Certification Mark, a trademarked accreditation for sustainable practice which has made fifty awards as of summer 2023. The GSA Biosphere’s programme is supported by core funders South of Scotland Enterprise and three local authorities including Dumfries & Galloway Council.
Upland CIC is D&G’s leading art, design, and craft development organisation, best known for its flagship annual open studio event, Spring Fling. Upland’s annual calendar includes workshops, exhibitions and collaborations aimed at sharing the excellence and innovation within the region’s creative arts. The organisation strives to nurture artistic development, supporting creative careers for new and established artists and benefiting the economy and sustainability of local communities.
Esther Tacke, the GSA Biosphere’s Business Engagement Officer, said, “Our region is known across Scotland and further afield for having produced eminent artists, writers, musicians and makers through centuries of creative endeavour, and our goal as a UNESCO Biosphere is to support the continuation of this tradition and D&G’s vibrant cultural scene. There are unique challenges to getting a creative business off the ground and making it sustainable, and it’s our privilege to be partnering with Upland to empower local enterprise through the exchange of experience and ideas.”
More information about the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere is available at www.gsabiosphere.org.uk. For more about Upland, please visit www.weareupland.com
To celebrate 10 years of Scottish Environment Link’s Nature Champions initiative, South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth recently met with members of charity Scottish Badgers at RSPB Wood of Cree Nature Reserve near Newton Stewart.
The local MSP has been the Scottish Environment LINK Nature Champion for badgers in the Scottish Parliament for the past seven years.
The Nature Champions initiative was developed by Scottish Environment LINK to encourage MSPs to champion endangered or iconic species and priority habitats, raising awareness and promoting action to restore and safeguard Scotland’s environment. It recently celebrated 10 years of the initiative.
Since 2013, the Nature Champions initiative has partnered cross-party Members of the Scottish Parliament with threatened and iconic Scottish species and habitats.
Colin Smyth said: “It is always great to meet staff and local volunteers from Scottish Badgers, and catch up with the great work they are doing.
“Scottish Badgers and their volunteers work tirelessly across the country, monitoring badger levels and looking at ways of ensuring badgers can live in harmony with the rest of countryside without facing threats from appalling practises such as badger baiting, the destruction of setts and an increasing level of road kills.
“It is fantastic that as part of my role as Nature Champion, I am able to get out and meet with groups like this who are doing amazing conservation work and raising awareness of issues facing our native creatures like the badger. People can have strong views on badgers, not always positive, but my role is to work with groups to make sure that the approach taken to any species is based on evidence not myths.
“We all need to become nature champions if we’re to ensure that some of the amazing creatures and places that we love are still around for our children and grandchildren.”
Scotland’s National Book Town is preparing for loads of Beano-inspired fun during the second fabulous weekend of the 25th annual Wigtown Book Festival.
There’s lots on for all ages and interests, including from the Big Wig line-up of children’s events.
Among them is Two Beano Ed’s Make Mega Mischief, an interactive event hosted by Mike Stirling, Beano’s Director of Mischief, and Craig Graham, Director of Mayhem.
The duo will reveal their top tips for creating laugh-out-loud stories and share jokes from their latest Boomic, Little Menace’s Great Escape.
During the event, children will also find out if they’ve got what it takes to be the next Beano Editor (hint: they do), and they also get the chance to be part of the Biggest Prank Ever Played in Wigtown!
Ahead of the event, Big Wig himself (the children’s festival mascot who lives in the woods just outside Wigtown) got together with local children (and adults) to prepare a warm welcome.
Event details:
Two Beano Editors Make Mega Mischief
Saturday 30 September, 10:30am
County Buildings, Wigtown.
What else to watch out for in Wigtown this weekend
An Afternoon with Michael Morpurgo, in conversation with Vivian French Saturday, 30 September, 1.30pm
The Magnusson Lecture: Andri Snær Magnason, On Time and Water: A History of Our Future Saturday, 30 September, 4:30pm
Jeremiah Bourne in Time – Nigel Planer – who shot to fame as Neil in The Young Ones – discusses his new time-travel novel. Saturday, 30 September, 8pm.
Aasmah Mir – A Pebble in the Throat: Growing Up Between Two Continents Sunday, 1 October, 10:30am
Remembering Fay Weldon, My Mentor – Nigel Planer reveals how their close friendship was sparked by a short fan letter. Sunday, 1 October, 10.30am.
Storm Agnes has been named by the Met Office as the deep area of low-pressure that will impact much of the UK on Wednesday and into Thursday.
Storm Agnes will move into western areas of the UK and Ireland on Wednesday, with the strongest winds most likely on Irish Sea coasts, though it will be a widely windy day across the UK.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “Storm Agnes will approach southwest Ireland early on Wednesday and track northeast across Northern Ireland and Scotland before clearing on Thursday morning. Gusts of 45-55 mph are expected widely inland and 50-60 mph over hills and around coasts.
“The strongest winds are expected to affect Northern Ireland, southwest Scotland, west and northwest Wales, Cumbria and Lancashire where some places inland may see gusts of 60 mph and 65-75 mph over hills and around coasts. These are most likely during the second half of Wednesday afternoon and through the evening.”
A Yellow Warning for wind has been issued for a large area of the UK, with a rain warning also issued for parts of Scotland. Warnings will continue to be reviewed in the coming days as the exact track and strength of Storm Agnes becomes clearer.
The wind warning highlights the chance of some damage to building from strong winds, as well as the possibility of power cuts for some. Transport disruption is also likely, with some roads and bridges likely to close.
Steve Basterfield, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: “With the stormy weather being forecast, it is important to plan ahead for your journey, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.
“We have a section of our website dedicated to travelling amid storms, high winds and gales, and considerations for different types of vehicle, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather. It’s also a good idea for people to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”
Storm Agnes is the first named storm of the storm naming season, which runs from September to August the following year.
Rain impacts in Scotland
David Morgan, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Storm Agnes, the first named storm of the year, will move across Scotland tomorrow, bringing strong winds and heavy rain in many parts of the country.
“Flooding impacts are possible, particularly in south west and central areas. Along the south west coast, we may see wave overtopping and flooding of causeways, promenades, properties and roads. Impacts are expected to be localised and around high tide. We may also see minor flooding impacts from surface water and rivers.
“Flood Alerts and Warnings are being issued as necessary and we continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7.
“People living and working in affected areas are advised to take care if travelling and consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared and to stay safe.
“We are also encouraging people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates for where they live, or travel through, directly to their phone. People can also check our Flood Updates for all the latest information and the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.”
Further ahead
Storm Agnes’s influence on UK weather is expected to diminish later on Thursday as it weakens and moves further north. Following that system, rain will move into southern areas late on Thursday and into Friday, with some heavy bursts possible for some areas of England and Wales.
However, as we move towards the weekend, a ridge of high pressure from the south is expected to bring a period of more settled weather, though some showers could continue in northern and western areas for a time.
Visitors are enjoying a free exhibition featuring hundreds of pictures – many donated by the public – all about the first 25 years of Wigtown Book Festival.
It covers four main themes: creativity, transformation, togetherness, celebration, and features delightful images of local people, famous authors, key events and behind-the-scenes moments.
Entitled Festival 25 it is being shown in a purpose-built studio space created and donated by Galloway business Iron & Pine which was founded by Luke Mazs and Alastair Fell.
The pair were students at Douglas Ewart High School in Newton Stewart before leaving the area to find better career opportunities, but very much wanted to return so eventually set up Iron & Pine in Dalbeattie.
The company specialises in upcycling steel shipping containers and transforming them into luxury modular buildings of all kinds from holiday homes, residences and garden rooms to offices, bars, shops and event spaces.
In this case they created a chic, black-painted exhibition unit that is positioned close to the front of Wigtown’s County Buildings.
Luke said:“I remember Wigtown 25 years ago – things really weren’t great for the town back then. What the festival has done is amazing.
“We really wanted to contribute something to the festival – our aims and our stories have so much in common. We are both about regeneration, creating new opportunities and promoting Galloway.
“It’s such a great place but it doesn’t shout about itself enough. Perhaps that’s starting to change now.”
The pair now hope that things are looking up.
Alastair said:“When we were young everyone who had any ambition or aspirations left the region. You had to head to the Central Belt or beyond if you wanted to get anywhere.
“But nowadays all our mates who moved away when we did are desperate to come back. They love the place, the quality of life and the fact that it’s a brilliant place for families.
“With all the changes taking place in communications and the ability to work from home the prospects could be really good for business in Galloway. In fact, I think the sky’s the limit.”
This year’s 25th annual festival, which runs to 1 October, is an ideal moment to look back at all the marvellous moments and memories that it’s provided.
Adrian Turpin, the festival’s artistic director, said: “Wigtown’s journey to becoming Scotland’s Book Town was an unusual and imaginative response to an urgent problem – how to reinvigorate a community facing hard times.
“That mission gave the festival a sense of purpose and has been part of its DNA for 25 years. This exhibition gives a sense of that DNA, of what makes the festival and the community special.
“Thousands of photos have been taken over the years and we are very grateful to all those members of the public who contributed their own pictures. Choosing what to include was truly daunting.
“The end result is a fabulous exhibition which you can enjoy while getting away from the hurly burly of the festival – and we are really grateful to Iron & Pine for making it all possible with this brilliant exhibition space.”
Dumfries to be honoured as part of World Funfair Month: town set to receive certificate for its longstanding support for the historic Rood Fair on Thurs 28 Sept 4:15pm
September is World Funfair Month, and Dumfries is set to be honoured for its longstanding support of the historic Rood Fair. The town is to be presented with a certificate that “acknowledges the close associations that Dumfries has to the fairground industry and Showpeople”, and to “recognise the work that the local authority does to make sure this fairground tradition continues for future generations”. The certificate will be presented by Chair of the Scottish Section of the Showman’s Guild, Alex James Colquhoun. The ceremony will take place at the East end of the Suspension Bridge on Thursday 28th September at 4:30pm, before the start of what has become an annual heritage walk, the ‘Fairground Walkabout’.
Showpeople whose families have been operating in Dumfries for generations will gather to mark the occasion, including the former National President of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain Philip Paris, Dumfries Fair Organiser Raynor Codona, members of the Fair Scotland Charity, alongside local artist Dr t s Beall. This event celebrates the close of #WorldFunfairMonth #WFFM in September, a UK-wide campaign highlighting the importance of funfairs and the fairground industry.
Alex James Colquhoun says, “The fairs are an important part of Dumfries’ histories, and many local people have fond memories of riding the waltzers or winning prizes. Showpeople across Scotland consider themselves to be ‘coming home’ when they set up for the Rood Fair – we want to thank the town for their support, which has been consistent for hundreds of years!”
Members of the public are invited to come to the PhotoCall at 4:15pm, and to sign up for the free fairground heritage walk by accessing this eventbrite link: Bit.ly/FairgroundWalk. The walk is part of The Stove Network’s Wild Goose Festival 2023 and supported by The People’s Project. The event is hosted by Fair Scotland, a charity which promotes the heritage of Scotland’s fairgrounds, and advocates for the future of the Showpeople who operate them.
The Haill Six Incorporated Trades hold their Annual General Meeting in the ancient Tolbooth in Kirkcudbright on Friday 6th October.
The Incorporated Trades have existed unbroken since they were instituted by Charter granted under King Charles II on 20th July 1633. The history before Incorporation however dates from 1425 when it was enacted that every craft in the Burgh choose a “Wise man” (Deacon) to “Govern and Assay all its handiwork”. They were in essence, an early form of Trade Union and were set up in direct opposition to Mercant Guilds who through their position, amassed great wealth and held disproportionate influence in the community. The Trades soon found themselves falling foul of the Government of the day who termed the meetings and powers of the Deacons seditious. There was much resentment and rebellion amongst the Trades who in defiance, continued to meet. In 1456, by Royal Proclamation it was enacted that every Trade be allowed to elect its own Deacon. The powers of the Trades were greatly reduced in 1846 by Act of Parliament and its powers and priveleges were abolished. The Trades have played an important part in the history and development of the town of Kirkcudbright.
Today, their role in the town is a ceremonial but never the less important one. The Kirkin’ of the Deacon Convener takes place annually as does the Kirkin’ of the Cornet and his Lass. They play an important role in the street theatre re-enactment of Kirkcudbright’s 17th Century in “Maggies Tours”, performed every Friday in August. The Deacons meet monthly at the Deacons Court to discuss business. The organization was male only for most of its 600 years until Provost Lesley Garbutt became the first female member and Deacon in 2015. The Trades now have a number of female members and for the first time in its history the position of Box Master (Treasurer) is held by Lynda Meechan.
There are still extant, seven Incorporated Trades in Scotland. Kirkcudbright is the smallest but holds great reputation across Scotland and England. Friendships have been formed with Trades and Guilds across the country. There is a danger that these ancient, historic and honourable organisations will cease to exist.
Like many other clubs, societies and groups, it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract younger people to take on roles as Deacons and Office Bearers. Deacon Convener Ian D. Swan said “It is unconceivable but realistic that this generation could be the last to uphold the ancient rituals of an important and influential part of the history of the town.
We need younger people to reach out to us to ensure succession planning for the future and to secure the continuation of our wonderful Incorporated Trades of Kirkcudbright. Further information is available on our Facebook page or by contacting Ian McIntyre, General Clerk by email [email protected] or by calling on 07761285910.”
Ross still in Pro-Am title hunt with two races remaining next month
Thornhill’s Ross Wylie brilliantly recorded his fifth Porsche Carrera Cup Pro-Am race victory of the season in his Glenturret 911 in the latest double-header event last weekend (24 Sep).
Wylie’s magnificent win at Silverstone, the Scotsman’s seventh podium of the year from 14-races, has thrown the Pro-Am title race wide open.
It sets up an exciting, nail-biting final, two-race event of the season at Brands Hatch next month (8 Oct). Second-placed Wylie trails the Pro-Am championship leader by 18-points with a maximum of 24pts up for grabs at the final event.
Wylie held Pro-Am “pole-position” for a time during qualifying but ultimately had to be content with a third position class start for the opening race, demoted from a front row place in the closing minutes.
Denied his sixth front row start from seven events, Ross endured an opening race of two halves which ultimately ended in disappointment. Having gambled on Silverstone’s 1.64-mile “National” circuit remaining wet, Wylie initially scythed through the field, gaining four overall places and into fifth on the opening lap, dicing for the class lead at one-third distance.
But the track quickly dried and as his wet-treaded tyres lost their grip and the ‘slick’ tyred runners gained pace, Wylie slipped down to an eventual fifth in class after 30-laps. Starting the second race from 13th on the 21-car grid in dry conditions, Ross immediately made up places after the green light. Running third in class Wylie, who missed out on fastest class lap by a mere 0.025secs, was classified a fine seventh overall and a worthy Pro-Am victor. Ross Wylie (GB): Age 32. Born & Lives Thornhill nr Dumfries, Scotland:
“I’m still in the championship title hunt but being realistic, I need a massive slice of luck to snatch the title at Brands but I’ll not give up fighting.
“Even though I missed out on a Pro-Am front row grid slot, I was pretty happy with the way quali went and felt that I had a good car set-up for the two races.
“But the first race, staged in mixed weather conditions, was painful to endure with all of the team’s cars opting for wet weather tyres and half the grid starting on ‘slicks’ at the start.
“In hindsight, ‘slicks’ were obviously the correct choice. After the opening laps as the track dried, I had no grip and dropped places.
“I made a good start in the second race, making up positions, and drove a good, clean race. It was good to get another victory at Silverstone especially as I had a large group of sponsor guests attending.”
The region’s largest social landlord is helping tenants furnish their home thanks to an innovative partnership in the town.
Wheatley Homes South is working with Newstart Recycle, an Annan-based charity, to provide tenants across Annandale and Eskdale with furniture for their home through its Home Comforts service.
Home Comforts – funded by Wheatley Foundation, the charitable arm of Wheatley Group – works with partners to collect and up-cycle used furniture and then distributes it to tenants in need.
The service takes unwanted furniture and white goods, which may otherwise have been dumped, and donated items and cleans them up before distributing to customers.
Wheatley Homes South customers who are in need are being encouraged to speak to their housing officer who will help families access the furniture they need.
Home Comforts is another way Wheatley is driving the green agenda in homes and communities throughout Scotland.
Wheatley Group is investing £100m on sustainability initiatives as part of its ‘Greener Homes, Greener Lives’ campaign.
Alan Glasgow, Managing Director of Wheatley Homes South, said: “We always do everything we can to support our customers.
“Some of our tenants have very little furniture when they move into their new home and, thanks to our partnership with Newstart Recycle, will be able to benefit from this new initiative. Our staff refer customers to the scheme and help them find the basics they need to turn their house into their home.”
“I would encourage any of our tenants who needs support accessing furniture for their home to speak to their housing officer. We are here to help.”
Chair of Wheatley Foundation, Professor Paddy Gray OBE, said: “We are delighted to be able to support customers in the south of the country. We know it is a tough time with the cost-of-living crisis but schemes such as our Home Comforts service is making a difference to people across the region.”
Any Wheatley Homes South tenant who needs support should call 0800 011 3447.
Home Comforts is one of a range of wraparound support services offered by Wheatley Group to help tenants, including welfare and fuel advice.
Wheatley Homes South has similar partnerships with SHAX in Dumfries and with Community Reuse in Stranraer.