Deadline Set for New Pay Offer For School Support Staff

Sep 18, 2023

Leading public sector UNISON has set a deadline of Wednesday next week for a vastly improved pay offer to stop a three-day strike by school support staff.

Up to 1,000 learning support assistants, nursery staff, janitors, cleaners, kitchen staff and admin workers at over 100 schools throughout Dumfries and Galloway have voted to strike on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday September 26, 27 and 28 in their fight for fair pay to beat the cost-of-living crisis.

The increase in the offer was “miniscule” and was rejected unanimously by UNISON.

Jan Andrews, secretary of the Dumfries and Galloway branch said “Our members feel the latest offer was an insult. It’s a slap in the face to all the school staff who play a significant role in schools running efficiently and they deserve to be properly paid.

“We have been inundated with calls from members struggling to get by as their costs continually increase while their pay stays the same. They are angry and desperate to strike to show the strength of their feelings.”

A number of strike activities are planned to include pickets at schools, local rallies, and a national rally. The teachers’ union, the EIS has also given its support and advised teachers and headteachers that they should not undertake any duties of striking colleagues. In addition, school buildings should not be open on days of strike action unless rigorous risk assessments have been undertaken indicating they are safe for pupils and staff to the satisfaction of headteachers, EIS health and safety reps and school reps.

The pay claim submitted by UNISON to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, which represents all councils, was for a rise of 12 per cent or £4,000 a year, and a minimum pay rate of £15 an hour. UNISON members in 24 councils voted to strike.

In its response to COSLA rejecting the latest, “miniscule” offer, UNISON said “Unless a significantly improved offer is received by 5pm on Wednesday 20th September, allowing time for our Local Government Committee to take a view on it the following day in advance of the public holiday weekend, our members working in schools will be taking action on 26th, 27th and 28th September.”

Oldest Post Office In The World At Sanquhar Saved

Sep 18, 2023

sanquhar post office ours — Image Credit DGWGO

News has been warmly welcomed that the future of Sanquhar Post Office has been secured.

Confirmation that the branch in Sanquhar, South West Scotland, acknowledged as the longest running working post office in the world, has been taken over following the retirement of the current postmistress has been received.

Lincolnshire-born Barry Ford has acquired the High Street business and will run the enterprise with his wife Mary, a native of Motherwell.

They succeed former Postmistress Nazra Alam, who along with her late husband, postal historian Dr Manzoor Alam, who died last year, operated the historic branch from 2015.

A local MP and MSP have been active in trying to secure a future for the post office, both as a vital service for the community and a visitor attraction.

A joint statement from David and Oliver Mundell reads: “This is excellent news for Sanquhar and the surrounding area and means the Post Office will remain a valuable community resource into the future.

“Credit should go to Nazra and the late Dr Manzoor Alam, whose valuable service included the years during the challenging pandemic. Throughout their tenure they enthusiastically embraced the historical importance of the branch.

“It is interesting to note that Barry and Mary will be only the 17th owners and operators of the Sanquhar Post Office since it first opened in 1712 and we wish them well.”

In 2020, David Mundell highlighted the historical importance of Sanquhar Post Office during a debate in the House of Commons.

Party with a Purpose: Get Your Tickets for DGMHA’s Anniversary Bash

Sep 16, 2023

The Dumfries & Galloway Mental Health Association (DGMHA) are busy getting ready for their 35th Anniversary Fundraiser, promising an unforgettable evening. Here’s all the essential information:

When and Where 📅 Date: Friday, 6th October 🕖 Time: 7:00 pm to 1:00 am 🏨 Venue: Park House Suite, Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries

What’s Included in the Tickets? Each ticket covers:

🥂 A welcome drink
🍽️ A 2-course meal
🎟️ 5 raffle tickets
🎉 Entertainment by Jingles Disco

Buy Tickets

A Night for a Worthy Cause This event, featuring a red-carpet and black-tie theme, aims to raise funds for activities and events that support the wellbeing of those they assist. Be sure to secure your tickets now to ensure your presence at this fantastic event!

Supporting Mental Health for 35 Years DGMHA has been providing essential support to adults with mental health conditions in the region for 35 years. The organisation is currently undergoing significant transformations.

How You Can Contribute DGMHA warmly welcomes any support. If you’d like to contribute to the raffle or donate a prize for the auction, please contact them via email at [email protected].

Exciting Developments Ahead Stay tuned for some thrilling updates: the launch of a brand-new and improved website next month, and the release of the Association’s new brochures the following month.

Getting Involved in Their Journey As DGMHA continues to expand, there are numerous ways you can participate in their journey, from fundraising and volunteering to becoming a part of their team or board. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any questions – they’re here to assist.

Claire Wilson, Acting Care & Support Manager Claire shared, “DGMHA was founded in 1988 by a group of individuals and their families living with mental health challenges. Over the years, they’ve expanded their support to around 160 individuals with complex mental health needs, covering areas like Dumfries, Stranraer, Castle Douglas, and soon, Newton Stewart.”

“This year, their focus has been on fulfilling the individual wishes of their service users, helping them engage in community activities and outings. They’ve listened to their service users’ ideas and recently organized a fantastic trip to Blair Drummond Safari Park, which was thoroughly enjoyed.”

Lisa Todd, CEO Lisa Todd highlighted what attendees can expect: “Each ticket includes a welcome drink, a two-course meal, and five raffle tickets. They’ll also be honoring deserving staff members with awards and hosting a raffle and auction, featuring fantastic prizes like football memorabilia and signed jerseys.”

“They also operate a charity shop in Castle Douglas and are in need of more volunteers. Your support can make a real difference.”

Please contact the team at [email protected] if you would like to know about volunteering

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate DGMHA’s incredible journey and contribute to their vital mission. Purchase your tickets now and be part of a night to remember!

QR Code For Tickets

Warning Following Reports Of Financial Scams in Dumfries

Sep 16, 2023

Detectives in Dumfries are warning the public to be on their guard following reports of financial scams in the area.

In each of these incidents, the victims have been phoned by someone claiming to be a police officer investigating fraud at their bank and have asked for the account holder’s assistance.

The victim has then been asked to take a large sum of money from their account which will be then collected by a courier. Fortunately, in these cases the victims did not withdraw any money.

Detective Inspector Graeme Robertson said: “The people who carry out these crimes are despicable. They target the most vulnerable members of our community and try and steal their life savings.

“Police will never contact you and ask you to transfer money and would urge people to be aware of these calls and to ensure that their elderly or vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours are also aware of these types of scams.

“These criminals are very well-rehearsed, sound knowledgeable, and can be extremely convincing, particularly to someone who may not be used to handling online accounts that they don’t use regularly.

“I would encourage anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be from their bank or financial institution to make sure the person calling is genuine.

“If in doubt hang up, wait a few minutes and contact the bank using the phone number on the back of your card or official paperwork. When you do make the call ensure that the dialling tone can be heard or use a mobile phone to make the call if possible. If the caller is genuine they will understand your hesitation, don’t feel pressured to handing over details or withdrawing money.”

We are encouraging the public to help us track these individuals down, so please report any incidents of this nature to police by contacting 101.”

Wild, Native Oysters Put Stranraer on the Foodie Map

Sep 16, 2023

Record crowds are turning out for Stranraer Oyster Festival with more than 20,000 people expected at the three day event in south west Scotland that celebrates the wild, native oysters of Loch Ryan.

The packed programme includes demos from celebrity chefs Michael Caines, Julie Lin, Tony Singh and Felicity Cloake and runs till Sunday evening. The festival coincides with the start of the native oyster season, which runs from September till April.

Romano Petrucci, Chair of Stranraer Development Trust, the community organisation that runs the festival, said:

“In a very short period of time Stranraer Oyster Festival has become a hugely important part of Stranraer’s identity, and a real focal point for celebrating the very best the area has to offer. No one should ever doubt our community’s ability to create, produce and deliver the very best, and the very best is what we will always seek to deliver.”

Speaking at the festival Chef Michael Caines said:

“It’s my first time here at Stranraer for the oyster festival, it’s a huge festival and that it’s community led is really important.

“There’s wonderful chef demonstrations, local producers and oysters at the centre of it – the location is absolutely stunning because it is all about these native oysters.

“The festival really is starting to get momentum and put Stranraer on the map, it’s such a great community spirit here and I’m loving being part of it.”

This year Stranraer Oyster Festival has also committed to lowering its environmental impact. Festival organisers have pledged to return the shell of every one of the 10,000 oysters set to be consumed at the festival back to Loch Ryan to help efforts to grow the wild, native oyster bed. Native oysters are ecosystem superheroes, creating marine habitat and boosting biodiversity. Over the last 30 years Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery has grown the oyster bed from 1 million to 60 million oysters, and they hope to hit 100 million by 2040.

Stranraer Oyster Festival is supported through Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Major Events Strategic Fund and Coastal Benefit Fund, and EventScotland’s National Events Funding Programme. The work of Stranraer Development Trust is also supported by Kilgallioch Community Fund and South of Scotland Enterprise are supporting the long-term sustainability of the festival.

More information can be found at www.stranraeroysterfestival.com

Dumfries Mart Primestock Sale Report 15/09/2023

Sep 16, 2023

C&D Auctions Ltd held their Wednesday sale of Prime Lambs and Cast Ewes in Dumfries

922 Prime Lambs – Well fleshed lambs easily sold whilst leaner types meeting resistance.

13 Lambs (25.5-32kg) Averaging 221.1p/kg to 244p/kg Little Fenwick

116 Lambs (32.1kg-39kg) averaging 251.4/kg to 284p/kg Mallyford

Char – £103 Mallyford Cott

Tex – £102 Shancastle

624 Lambs (39.1kg-45kg) averaging 256.3/kg to 285p/kg Netherton

Tex – £118.50 Eastside, £117.50 £117 Druidhall/Braco

Suf – £111 Hallmeadow

Belt – £108.50 Netherton

147 Lambs (45.6kg-52kg) averaging 255.7p/kg to 268p/kg Shambellie Grange

Tex – £133 Druidhall/Braco, £131.50 Shambellie Grange, £131 Eastside, £129 East Polquhirter

Suf – £118 Newbarn, £117.50 Eastside

22 Lambs (52.1kg+) averaging 239.8p/kg to 248p/kg Newbarns

Suf – £140 Woodcroft, £134 Newbarn, £131 Corrie Mains

Tex – £135.50 Eastside, £132.50 Shancastle, £131 Woodhead

NCC – £129 Druidhall/Braco

543 Cast Ewes and Rams forward all classes a similar trade on the week.

Rams

Tex – £188 Beltonhill £165 Woodcroft

Suf – £170 Ragithwhaite

Ewes

Tex- £160,130,£116 Shambellie Grange £110 Eastside

Suf -£98 Druidhall

X – £96 Kilbrook House £92 Shambellie Grange

Chev Mule-£108 Nether Dargavel £98 Marwhirn

Chev – £80 Archbank £78 Druidhall

Lle – £96 Laneside

Report Exploring How To Support Employability For Region’s Youth Published

Sep 16, 2023

Dumfries and Galloway Local Employability and Skills Partnership (DGLEP) and The Galloway Glens Scheme have launched a report which will help employability services to support young people and their employers in the region.

Sleeping Giants, a local social enterprise which was commissioned to lead the project, heard from young people about their aspirations and experiences of the workplace and from employers about employing young people and the Young Person’s Guarantee (YPG) support they receive.

The Young Person’s Guarantee (YPG) is a commitment to bring together employers, partners and young people. It aims to connect every 16-24 year old in Scotland with an opportunity – this could be a job, apprenticeship, further or higher education, training or volunteering.

The research looked at ways more young people can gain the skills and experience they need to reach their goals and make a good life for themselves. It will help to find out how best to match young people with employment, training, volunteering and educational opportunities that will help them build the life they want, as well as what support employers need to recruit young people into the region’s workforce.

The report, called Opening Doors, is available here: https://www.sleeping-giants.org.uk/uploads/1/3/7/0/137055108/ypg_report_final.pdf.

Findings included the fact that young people and employers are keen to interact more with each other through school and other employability services. Non-academic career paths, such as apprenticeships and vocational training, were also highlighted as important across the board. While employers appreciated the enthusiasm and skills in things such as IT and social media that young people could bring to their businesses, young people particularly valued the encouragement they received from third sector support organisations and apprenticeship programmes, along with strong relationships with staff in the workplace.

“It was really beneficial to be able to talk to a wide range employers and young people in the region who shared their experiences with us. We heard lots of stories of things that are working well, as well as suggestions and recommendations to make things better in the future, such as clearer recruitment processes and creating opportunities for young people and employers to come together to design services that work for everyone,” Lesley Sloan, DGLEP Partnerships Officer, said.

Chair of the Local Employability Partnership, Councillor David Inglis said, “This work is invaluable and will help us make a positive difference to our workforce.”

Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education and Community Engagement Officer added, “As the Galloway Glens Scheme comes to an end, we are pleased to have been involved in something that will make a lasting difference. Our young people are such an asset to the region and it’s important that we make the workplace a positive environment for them.”

The Galloway Glens Scheme is an initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment team, seeking to ‘connect people to our heritage’, boost the local economy and support sustainable communities. The Galloway Glens Scheme is 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 has separately previously published a report giving an overview of the Intern Programme it has been supporting, available here: https://gallowayglens.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Galloway-Glens-Intern-Programme-Overview-Findings-FINAL.pdf.

Resurfacing On The A75 Eastbound At Collin Bypass Commences Sunday 17th September

Sep 16, 2023

Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland as part of the Network Management Contract for the South-West Trunk Road Unit, are undertaking essential resurfacing on the A75 eastbound at Collin Bypass from Sunday 17^th September until Friday 22^nd September 2023.

This scheme will benefit around 6,600 vehicles using this route each day, by improving the condition of the carriageway and reducing the need for more extensive maintenance in the future.

The work will be carried out using a contraflow from 8pm on Sunday 17^th September until 6am on Friday 22^nd September 2023. There will be lane closures during the day on Sunday 17^th September 2023 to install the contraflow and there will be four-way temporary traffic lights in place for the duration of the contraflow to allow access from Collin and the B724.

Access for emergency service vehicles will be maintained throughout these works.

Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable.

A free Road Work Alerts service is available from our website: https://swtrunkroads.scot/roadwork-alerts/ An email address is all that is required to sign up for the service.
To report a problem on the network please visit: https://swtrunkroads.scot/report-a-problem/
Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting https://www.traffic.gov.scot/ or via Twitter: @TrafficScotland

Dumfries & Galloway Children Learn About Tolerance With New Book

Sep 16, 2023

Dumfries and Galloway children learn about tolerance with new book

CHILDREN in four Dumfries and Galloway schools will learn more about different cultures and beliefs thanks to a Scottish charity.

Nil by Mouth, a leading equalities charity in Scotland, has been backed by Wheatley Homes South to provide copies of its ‘Neeps & Tatties’ education resource to St Columbus Primary in Annan, North West Community Campus in Dumfries, Park Primary School in Stranraer and Kelloholm Primary school.

The resource tells the story of two groups who put their differences aside, and the past behind them, to focus on a better future.

The book looks at discrimination, prejudice and how some issues can span generations.

Neeps and Tatties, written by Carey Morning and illustrated by Anna York, also has a series of games and activities to run alongside it, created by the charity, to encourage youngsters to explore different cultures and traditions.

Nil by Mouth director Dave Scott said: “We are delighted to be able to provide this book to four schools across Dumfries and Galloway and we are grateful to Wheatley Homes South for their support in making this happen.

“Their support means that we can share copies of this book with teachers in these schools and the resources required to help them bring the story to life in the classroom.

“Last year more than 1000 schools across Scotland used the resource to help pupils discuss and better understand difference. So much of our work challenging bigotry deals with how words can be used to hurt or belittle others. The stories we tell our children help shape how they see the world and make sense of the differences that exist around them.

“It’s fantastic to have Wheatley Homes South’s support and help in bringing our message of tolerance and change to young people in Dumfries and Galloway.”

Alan Glasgow, Managing Director of Wheatley Homes South, said: “At Wheatley Homes South, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we are pleased to have been able to help Nil by Mouth ensure that schools across the region can benefit from this resource.

“Neeps and Tatties is a fun story with an important meaning and is a clever way of helping children learn more about their own culture as well as understanding more about those of others.”

Youth Beatz Celebrates Volunteers

Sep 16, 2023

On Thursday 14 September, youth and adult volunteers who dedicated their time to Youth Beatz 2023 came together for the annual Youth Beatz Volunteer Celebration. The event was held as a thank you for the efforts and dedication of all those involved.

Youth Beatz was held over the weekend of Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July, at Park Farm Showfield in Dumfries. The event weekend was a huge success, with the festival continuing to pride itself on providing high quality volunteering opportunities to both young people and adults, some of whom attended the Celebration Event.

Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of Communities Committee said: “Youth Beatz provides those who kindly choose to volunteer their time with many opportunities to develop new skills, to broaden their horizons, and to get valuable experience within the events industry. Our Council is incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of all of those who volunteered their time at Youth Beatz 2023.”

This year, the festival was incredibly thankful to have 186 young and adult volunteers, who worked on a variety of aspects of the event, from staff welfare to the Youth Work Tent, backstage and production, and the box office to name a few. For the duration of the build and de-rig, 12 young Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants from across Dumfries and Galloway and the rest of Scotland came along to undertake their Gold Residential section, working on several elements of the event alongside event staff.

The Toon also saw many volunteers help with the design and delivery of the immersive youth drama production which delivers powerful messages of youth information on a variety of topics and issues that affect young people in their day to day lives. A regional youth events group set up in Newton Stewart and Moffat were responsible for designing certain aspects of the festival, including social media content, parts of the Fringe Festival and working alongside event staff in the areas they were responsible for that involved young people. The group were also volunteering in different areas across the event weekend. Local environmental organisation DG Eco Warriors were also on hand for the entire event weekend to keep Park Farm clean, dedicating a large number of volunteers who carried out litter picking.

Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair of Communities Committee said: “Our Council truly appreciates the hard work and dedication of all volunteers involved with Youth Beatz. Thousands of volunteer hours were tallied up in the lead up to the festival and over the event weekend, further emphasising the point that Scotland’s largest free youth music event would not be possible without all our volunteers.”

Max Heughan, young volunteer and member of the Newton Stewart Events Group said: “I really enjoyed volunteering at Youth Beatz 2023. Through my role I got to work on designing parts of the festival in the lead up, and on the event weekend I worked on gathering social media content, and even got to interview Sunday headliner Callum Beattie which was amazing. If anyone is thinking about volunteering next year, my advice would definitely be to go for it!”

Leading public sector UNISON has set a deadline of Wednesday next week for a vastly improved pay offer to stop a three-day strike by school support staff.

The increase in the offer was “miniscule” and was rejected unanimously by UNISON.

Jan Andrews, secretary of the Dumfries and Galloway branch said “Our members feel the latest offer was an insult. It’s a slap in the face to all the school staff who play a significant role in schools running efficiently and they deserve to be properly paid.

“We have been inundated with calls from members struggling to get by as their costs continually increase while their pay stays the same. They are angry and desperate to strike to show the strength of their feelings.”

The pay claim submitted by UNISON to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, which represents all councils, was for a rise of 12 per cent or £4,000 a year, and a minimum pay rate of £15 an hour. UNISON members in 24 councils voted to strike.

A joint statement from David and Oliver Mundell reads: “This is excellent news for Sanquhar and the surrounding area and means the Post Office will remain a valuable community resource into the future.

“Credit should go to Nazra and the late Dr Manzoor Alam, whose valuable service included the years during the challenging pandemic. Throughout their tenure they enthusiastically embraced the historical importance of the branch.

“It is interesting to note that Barry and Mary will be only the 17th owners and operators of the Sanquhar Post Office since it first opened in 1712 and we wish them well.”

Detective Inspector Graeme Robertson said: “The people who carry out these crimes are despicable. They target the most vulnerable members of our community and try and steal their life savings.

“Police will never contact you and ask you to transfer money and would urge people to be aware of these calls and to ensure that their elderly or vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours are also aware of these types of scams.

“These criminals are very well-rehearsed, sound knowledgeable, and can be extremely convincing, particularly to someone who may not be used to handling online accounts that they don’t use regularly.

“I would encourage anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be from their bank or financial institution to make sure the person calling is genuine.

We are encouraging the public to help us track these individuals down, so please report any incidents of this nature to police by contacting 101.”

“It’s my first time here at Stranraer for the oyster festival, it’s a huge festival and that it’s community led is really important.

“There’s wonderful chef demonstrations, local producers and oysters at the centre of it – the location is absolutely stunning because it is all about these native oysters.

“The festival really is starting to get momentum and put Stranraer on the map, it’s such a great community spirit here and I’m loving being part of it.”

Nil by Mouth director Dave Scott said: “We are delighted to be able to provide this book to four schools across Dumfries and Galloway and we are grateful to Wheatley Homes South for their support in making this happen.

“Their support means that we can share copies of this book with teachers in these schools and the resources required to help them bring the story to life in the classroom.

“It’s fantastic to have Wheatley Homes South’s support and help in bringing our message of tolerance and change to young people in Dumfries and Galloway.”

Alan Glasgow, Managing Director of Wheatley Homes South, said: “At Wheatley Homes South, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we are pleased to have been able to help Nil by Mouth ensure that schools across the region can benefit from this resource.

“Neeps and Tatties is a fun story with an important meaning and is a clever way of helping children learn more about their own culture as well as understanding more about those of others.”

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