Dumfries & Galloway Unites for First Ever Regional Youth Theatre

Jul 27, 2018

Thirty young people are taking part in Dumfries & Galloway’s Ensemble

New youth performance company launched as part of the Year of Young People 2018 to create a major project which will be staged later in the year.

Thirty talented young people aged between 13 and 23 will work together as part of a three-week project between the 23^rd July and 12^th August to create a brand-new piece of theatre reflecting Scotland in 2018 and the imminent exit from the European Union.

Young people have created the vision for the project over the last twelve months, which has included auditioning young people from all over Dumfries and Galloway to take part in the project.

Young people have been mentored to shape and design the entire piece of work, including the creative team who have been brought into deliver the project.

Four Associate Producers aged between 22 and 24 are leading the entire project which will end up becoming a piece of multi-level immersive theatre as part of Scotland’s themed Year of Young People 2018.

They began an intense youth learning journey that will see them taking control of a live performance project over a three-month period.

Young people are being mentored in a range of producing skills which range from playwriting, choreography, devising, technical management and directing.

Young people have hailed from all over Dumfries and Galloway, including Sanquhar, Kirkcudbright, Annan, Lockerbie, Castle Douglas, New Galloway, Newton Stewart, Gatehouse of Fleet and Dumfries.

Graham Main, Executive Producer of Elektronika which is producing the project said:

“This is the next generation of producers in South Scotland, and this project is about providing them with the context and skills to be able to drive our cultural economy into the future. We have embraced the idea that the Year of Young People is an opportunity to help create life-long legacies for young people.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events:

“We are delighted to be supporting Regional Ensemble as part of the Year of Young People celebrations. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in Dumfries and Galloway to get involved with a new youth performance company and to shape it’s creative output. The co-designed programme further reinforces Scotland’s position as the perfect stage for events by handing over the reins to our younger generation and allowing them to showcase Scotland’s incredible young talent.”

Jordan Chisholm, 22 from Dumfries, an Associate Director of the project said

This has been a brilliant process bringing this project together, as we have been given the freedom to bring creative people together from a wide range of different disciplines to connect with each other to make one piece of theatre.

The project is being produced by Elektronika, creators of Big Burns Supper, Carlisle Fringe, Le Haggis and will run for the next three weeks with a final performance culminating in October 2018.

The project is funded by the Year of Young People event fund managed by EventScotland, on behalf of Scottish Government, Awards for All, Holywood Trust and is sponsored by Dumfries & Galloway College.

Don’t Panic – Exam Results Support from Skills Development Scotland

Jul 27, 2018

Scotland’s national skills and careers service is gearing up to deal with calls from pupils as the Exam Results Helpline gets set to open.

Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) results day support services will be available from 7 August.

Around 140,000 pupils across the country will receive their National, Higher and Advanced Higher results.

The dedicated Exam Results Helpline will be available for a week from results day to support young people.

It will be open from 8am until 8pm on 7 and 8 August and from 9am until 5pm from 9 until 15 August. The number to call is 0808 100 8000.

SDS Director of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations James Russell said: “Our message for young people and their parents and carers as the results arrive is not to panic.

“Everything might seem overwhelming, but our experienced advisers and online services are there to help and have information on all the options and opportunities young people can consider.

“Lots of people don’t take a direct route to their chosen career – and our advisers are there to help you find your own route to get there.”

Joanna Murphy, Chair of National Parent Forum of Scotland, said: “Speaking from experience, I know that the Exam Results Helpline offers young people and their parents and carers the chance to talk to someone who is impartial, which helps you to step back and take stock at what can be a stressful time.

“Whether you’ve had unexpected results, or just want to talk over your choices, SDS’s advisers can talk you through the wide range of options available to you.

“A calm conversation takes some of the heat out of the emotion of the day, and reminds young people no matter what results they achieve, there is always a way forward.”

This is the 26^th year of the free helpline which offers advice, information and support for young people, and their parents and carers, who make a third of all calls.

Qualified careers advisers are on hand to help young people who may not have received the results they were hoping for and those who have done better than anticipated.

These skilled professionals have unique access to information on UCAS course vacancies at UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, advice about Modern, Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships, and employment or volunteering.

As well as the Helpline, SDS offer support online via social media and the award-winning My World of Work website.

In the week following results day, learners can direct message careers advisers via Twitter (@mywowscotland) and Facebook (facebook.com/myworldofwork) with any questions they have about their results or what to do next.

My World of Work, Scotland’s careers website, is also packed with advice and information which young people can access at myworldofwork.co.uk/examresults.

SDS’s careers centres, located nationwide, are open year-round to offer advice and support. Our skilled teams can offer information on the local job market, apprenticeships, training opportunities and career routes. You can find your nearest centre at myworldofwork.co.uk/centres.

Information for pupils and parents or carers on what to do after results day is also available at www.myworldofwork.co.uk. There’s also information about Modern, Graduate and Foundation Apprenticeships at www.apprenticeships.scot.

Students can also access help, advice and support via SDS’s My World of Work Facebook page which has practical help and links to UCAS, SAAS, Young Scot and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Scottish Government Need to Buy Pinneys’ Site, State MP and MSP

Jul 25, 2018

A CALL has been made for the Scottish Government to act swiftly to buy the closure-hit Pinneys factory at Annan.

The proposal is being put forward by Dumfriesshire Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell and Dumfriesshire constituency MSP Oliver Mundell.

Both politicians warned last night that with an expression of interest in the Stapleton Road site by cooked and sliced meat producers Brown Brothers now withdrawn, urgent steps needed to be taken to safeguard the site.

David Mundell said: “The last thing Annan needs after losing so many jobs is to have a large boarded up factory at the entrance to the town being left to slowly deteriorate.

“We are writing to the Scottish Government calling on them to take on the ownership, management and marketing of the Pinneys site after Young’s leave.

“As their contribution to the community, we are asking Young’s to release the site at a knock down price. The new South of Scotland Enterprise Agency or Scottish Enterprise should then promote or redevelop the factory.”

Mr Mundell added: “A proactive approach is needed if we are going to get jobs, in whatever form, back on the site.”

Young’s Seafood announced the closure of the Pinneys factory in April with the loss of 450 permanent jobs and a large number of agency posts.

Oliver Mundell said: “The speed and scale of this number of redundancies in a relatively small town like Annan is devastating, both to those involved and the wider economy.

“It is an exceptional blow to a community, which rightly deserves an exceptional intervention at national level.

“There seems not to be any credible options currently left on the table following the withdrawal of interest by Browns.

“The Scottish Government has taken on sites in such situations before. In the case of loss-making Prestwick Airport they bought the business as well as facilitating financial support to other companies.”

Honorary Burns Howff Club Membership for Stewart Tweedie

Jul 25, 2018

1 a 1 a howf award — Honorary Burns Howff Club Membership

There was widespread pleasure when the Burns Howff Club’s Executive Committee agreed to confer an honorary membership on Stewart Tweedie, the club’s senior surviving past president.

Stewart served with distinction as president in 1970-71 and has been a tower of strength to the club ever since. As he does not enjoy the best of health at the moment, President Bill Graham and Hon. Secretary David Smith called at his home, Woodside Farm near New Abbey where Bill presented his certificate.

Stewart, who was delighted with the gesture, spent a fascinating hour reminiscing of his early days in the club and the characters such as Provost Ernie Robertson, Dr. George Stirling, David Miller (senior) and others who made the Burns Howff Club great.

Young Dumfries Musician Selected to Run Music Stage at Nithraid River Festival

Jul 25, 2018

Young Dumfries Musician - DGWGO Dumfries and Galloway News — Ruari Barber-Flemming performing in 'Frozen Shores_

A young local musician has recently been selected to undertake music stage management at this year’s Nithraid River Festival on Saturday 11^th August. Following a recent call out by the Stove Network, Ruari Barber-Fleming from Castle Douglas has been selected to run a small acoustic stage that is held as part of the festival to showcase up and coming talent from around the region. The previous years have included regulars from the Stove’s monthly open mic nights, Brave New Words, as well as other musicians who are based within Dumfries & Galloway.

Ruari has been involved in the Dumfries music scene for several years now, having previously played in local band ‘Gracefell’ as well as photographing live music and working with various artists around the region. He is hoping that through this opportunity he will be able to deliver something unique for the visitors to Nithraid and believes that the stage is a great platform to showcase some local talent.

Ruari commented: “The Dumfries music scene has been thriving the past few years with a gig frequency that is extremely impressive for the size of the region that it is. I feel very strongly about originality and sincerity when it comes to live performance of music, and from this I am hoping to be able to deliver just that – performances that the audience can latch on to and connect with the artist.”

The commission will provide Ruari the opportunity to work with members of the Nithraid team to gain experience of all aspects of running a music stage at a festival including programming, design/build, marketing, sound engineering and equipment hire. There will be extra opportunities to integrate and learn through this commission with support from Euan Macrory, who undertook a similar internship in 2016 and now programs events both as part of the blueprint100 Curatorial Team and other festivals such as Moniaive Folk Festival.

The Nithraid music stage will be part of the ‘Nithraid Village’ situated on the Mill Green on Saturday 11^th August and will run from 12pm until 4pm. Visitors to Nithraid are also invited to join in with other activities happening in the town and around the River Nith. The Salty Coo procession will kick off the day, leaving from Fountain Square on High Street at noon and arriving at the Mill Green at approximately 12.30pm. The Nithraid Village provides a jam-packed day of family friendly activities for all ages, which includes live music, food stalls and creative workshops which include stone carving, public art, zine making, upcycling, origami, badge making and recycling.

New for 2018, Rosefield Mills will play a part in Nithraid, at 4pm Dumfries DJ duo, Double Down Disco, will be presenting their specially commissioned sonic artwork for the Mills, and visitors are invited to get down to a unique Rosefield vibration.

Then at 7pm, members of the public are invited back to the Mill Green for ‘Nithraid Nightime’ which includes music and evening entertainment, flighting competitions, Chinese Lanterns on the Nith, story-telling and campfires, films with Reel to Real and food.

For more information, including how to take part in the races (or anything else!), please visit www.thestove.org/nithraid

Wigtown Festival Company Gives a Platform to Young People

Jul 25, 2018

Four panel debates allowing young people across Dumfries and Galloway to discuss the critical issues of our times are being arranged by the Wigtown Festival Company.

The Young Writers and Readers Reach Outevents, which will take place between November 2018 and June 2019, will explore equality, mental health and wellbeing, life in a digital world and the impact of Brexit.

Two are planned for Dumfries, one for Stranraer and one for Wigtown with tickets free for people aged 14 to 25 who want to take part.

The debates are part of Wigtown Festival Company’s drive to provide a year-round programme of events and activities and have been made possible thanks to £5,700 of Heritage Lottery Fund support as part of Scotland’s Year of Young People.

Anne Barclay, Wigtown Festival Company Operational Director, said:“Young people involved with Wigtown Festival Company came up with the idea of the debates because they feel it is vital to have platforms where they can discuss the issues that are shaping the present and future world.

“Young people often know, think and care a great deal about the changes that are taking place but feel there are too few opportunities for them to make their voices heard.

“We also want to give them the chance to develop their confidence so they feel able to speak out at public events, and are also ready to act as chairs.”

The project also involves running a training day that is designed to give young people the skills they need to participate effectively and to host discussions.

Each debate will begin with a panel discussion before being thrown open to the audience. Dates have yet to be announced but anyone who is interested should keep an eye on the festival company website at wigtownbookfestival.com.

Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Seona Reid, said:“I am delighted that Wigtown Festival Company has been successful in securing an award from the Year of Young People National Lottery Fund.

“This funding will help young people to make a positive change in their lives and I wish Wigtown Festival Company every success as it works to improve young people’s health and wellbeing in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Young People.

The programme

Training Day – August 2018: Giving young people the skills to chair or host the panel events, contribute effectively and introduce and thank the speakers and audience.
November 2018: Equality discussion.
December 2018: Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Spring 2019: Living in a Digital World – the impact of social media, vlogging etc and getting caught out online.
June 2019: Three years after a referendum which saw Dumfries & Galloway vote remain: what does Brexit mean today?

Crichton Carbon Centre Gets Behind Peatland Restoration Projects in Dumfries and Galloway

Jul 25, 2018

Crichton Carbon Centre Peatland Restoration

In Dumfries and Galloway, Crichton Carbon Centre is leading the way in research and restoration of the region’s peatlands. Working with the nationwide Peatland ACTION team, the Carbon Centre has supported restoration and research projects across the region. Peatland Restoration Projects

Peatlands are a vital part of our landscape and the heritage of Scotland. Healthy peatlands contribute to improved water quality, biodiversity, flood management and fisheries, as well as being an incredibly important store of carbon.

The benefits of healthy peatlands are becoming more widely understood as environmental groups come together with rural industries and land managers to understand and manage this important landscape.

Degraded peatlands have typically been drained and are characterised by vast drainage networks and areas of exposed bare peat. In this state, the peat is washed into water courses, which affects water quality for wildlife and our own drinking water. Peatlands also store carbon and when damaged the carbon is released, but by restoring that damage we are contributing to Scottish’s ambitious climate change targets.

On behalf of Peatland ACTION, the Crichton Carbon Centre provides free peatland condition surveys and advice on restoration, as well as supporting funding applications and delivery of restoration projects.

Dr Emily Taylor, project manager at the Carbon Centre told us “since Peatland ACTION first started in 2012 nearly 15,000ha of peatland across Scotland are now on the road to recovery. We are learning more and more every year about which techniques and approaches work best in different situations and how peatland restoration can really have many positive benefits”.

For further information and advice in Dumfries and Galloway, please contact the Crichton Carbon Centre on 01387760612 or email Peatland Restoration Officer, Matthew Cook at m.cook@carboncentre.org.

Dumfries Super School Building Contractor Issues Statement After Ceiling Collapse

Jul 25, 2018

DUMFRIES SUPER SCHOOL - DGWGO Dumfries and Galloway News — Picture Credit DG Council

After a Facebook post that was posted by a concerned parent from Dumfries sharing images of a collapsed ceiling at the new multi million pound North West Community Campus which is being built at Lochside, Dumfries went viral with hundreds of concerned local people commenting today July the 25th 2018, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the construction company contracted to build the school ‘ GRAHAM’ have both issued statements.

The Original Facebook post – posted by Kelly Shanks stated “Can’t see school starting the 21st now thank God no kids were in the school”

There have been hundreds of comments on the original post that has now gone viral.

Mark McMinn posted on Facebook “I’m the last person to be an apologist for D & G Council and often criticise them, but this isn’t a problem unique to our area. The link to the Edinburgh schools project, our own experience with DGOne and now this must raise serious questions about how PPP contracts are preferred, awarded and constructed – it seems to be one disaster after another, with very little accountability and rising costs to the taxpayers. This situation really needs to be looked at”

Vincent Huijing commented on Facebook “This doesn’t fill me with confidence in these new plans.”

Lynn Barbour Commented on the Facebook post “Deary deary me another disaster thank gawd no kids were in there.”

A Spokes person for GRAHAM construction stated “During standard testing toward the completion stage of construction a leak occurred within the staffroom area. This testing was carried out in the evening and in a controlled environment supervised by experienced members of GRAHAM’s staff. The matter was identified and isolated and acted upon immediately. The weight of water over a period of time saturated ceiling tiles and caused sagging and superficial damage. GRAHAM took the decision to remove the ceiling completely in this area to ensure full and robust rectification works could be undertaken.

GRAHAM takes both health and safety; and quality on all of our sites very seriously. That is why we carry out robust testing and commissioning prior to handover. It is not uncommon for issues to be identified during testing so that we can rectify them. We can confirm that full quality assurance procedures have been adhered to on this project. An investigation has been instructed to ensure full understanding of the cause of the leak.

The North West Community Campus will be completed as per the agreed programme with the Authority, creating state of the art facilities of a high quality for North West Dumfries and GRAHAM are proud in delivering this project.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council Said:

“Dumfries and Galloway Council were informed that there had been a leakage during testing. GRAHAM have given us their assurance regarding the issue being fully rectified and all necessary checks and due diligence being carried out.

At the moment, the facility is still under the responsibility of GRAHAM. The Council will not take ownership of the building until all construction works have been completed to the satisfaction of the Council.

North West Community Campus will be a state of the art, modern learning environment for use by pupils and the community. We look forward to opening our doors to welcome pupils when the term starts on 21 August.”

Full Firefly Lineup Revealed – Moniaive

Jul 24, 2018

The full line-up of live music for this weekend’s third annual Firefly Festival in Moniaive, Dumfries and Galloway has been unveiled.

The Hoolits, Trongate Rum Riots, Rory McLeod, Isaac & Louis will be playing as will Greg Lawson & Pete Garnett (Main Image), San Fran and The Siscos plus Emma Gillespie.

There will also be poetry from Dumfries and Galloway’s much-loved Hugh McMillan and 2017 BBC Poet in Residence Stuart Paterson.

Tim O’Sullivan from Moniaive said: “It’s a really family friendly festival with lots going on to entertain everyone.

“And one of the brilliant things about it is that so much of it is home-grown – with the likes of The Hoolits, Greg Lawson and Emma Gillespie who are among some of the enormously talented musicians who come from the region.

“But we’re equally delighted to be welcoming other performers from elsewhere in Scotland, like the fabulous Trongate Rum Riots, who will be heading down from Glasgow.”

One of the liveliest small music weekends in Scotland Firefly has developed its own identity, character and following.

Gillespie (who has recently had two top 10 singles and a top 20 album) will be performing work from her latest album, Pier Siamese, which was inspired by a four-month road trip from New York to California.

The alt-pop singer songwriter (who used to make a living taking tropical reptiles round Galloway primary schools) has also enjoyed success with collaborations such as So Young, performed with Stereophonics drummer Jamie Morrison.

£10 Million Alone Needed To Mitigate Against Pinneys Closure, MSP Tells Government

Jul 24, 2018

South Scotland MSP and Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy Colin Smyth has told the Scottish Government that £10m of investment alone will be needed in the Annan area to mitigate against the closure of Pinneys in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway.

The local MSP issued the warning in a meeting with Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy in Annan on Thursday (19 July) where he told the Minister and officials that the scale of redundancies that will hit the town in next two months when Pinney’s closes means that any ‘Action Plan’ developed using an allocation of funding of £250,000 from the South of Scotland Economic Partnership will have to be “ambitious” and include measures not only to support growth within existing businesses in the town but also attract new companies to locate in the area.

The MSP believes the DG12 area should be given the status of an Enterprise Area by the Scottish Government which would entitle businesses to claim 100% business rates relief, provide allowances for capital investment, a more streamlined planning process and support with skills and training.

Colin Smyth said, “The clock is ticking towards the closure of Pinneys in a few weeks and both UK and Scottish Government’s need to wake up to the sheer scale of the impact this will have on Annan and the surrounding area. I made clear to Fergus Ewing and officials that I have asked that the Action Plan being developed using the £250,000 funding from the South of Scotland Economic Partnership is ambitious. The level of projects and support it needs to be propose is likely to cost £10m if it is to really make a difference. That is more than the entire budget of the new Economic Partnership, so both the UK and Scottish Government will need to put their hands in their pockets to fund those projects”.

“The projects in the Action Plan will need to be radical. It should include small, but nonetheless important initiatives such as help with transport costs for people who will have to travel for employment when Pinney’s closes but also major investment to bring new companies to the area. The Pinney’s site is an excellent location but it is clear no one wants to buy the current factory as its design, layout and size aren’t suitable and it can’t easily be divided. Young’s should show some corporate responsibility, hand over the site which will avoid them having to be pay rates on an empty factory for the next few years, it could then be demolished and appropriate business units built to accommodate new businesses because there is clearly interest. If the area was given Enterprise Area status, which happens in other parts of Scotland, that would attract 100% business rates relief as well as other support to make it more attractive. Other parts of Scotland have Enterprise Area status, so why not our area”.

“It is also crucial that initiatives such as the Jobs Fair held in Annan last week become a regular event, not just a one off, and the support from Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) being given to workers at the moment, needs to continue well beyond the day Pinney’s closes”

Jordan Chisholm, 22 from Dumfries, an Associate Director of the project said

This has been a brilliant process bringing this project together, as we have been given the freedom to bring creative people together from a wide range of different disciplines to connect with each other to make one piece of theatre.

David Mundell said: “The last thing Annan needs after losing so many jobs is to have a large boarded up factory at the entrance to the town being left to slowly deteriorate.

“We are writing to the Scottish Government calling on them to take on the ownership, management and marketing of the Pinneys site after Young’s leave.

“As their contribution to the community, we are asking Young’s to release the site at a knock down price. The new South of Scotland Enterprise Agency or Scottish Enterprise should then promote or redevelop the factory.”

Mr Mundell added: “A proactive approach is needed if we are going to get jobs, in whatever form, back on the site.”

Oliver Mundell said: “The speed and scale of this number of redundancies in a relatively small town like Annan is devastating, both to those involved and the wider economy.

“It is an exceptional blow to a community, which rightly deserves an exceptional intervention at national level.

“There seems not to be any credible options currently left on the table following the withdrawal of interest by Browns.

“The Scottish Government has taken on sites in such situations before. In the case of loss-making Prestwick Airport they bought the business as well as facilitating financial support to other companies.”

Anne Barclay, Wigtown Festival Company Operational Director, said:“Young people involved with Wigtown Festival Company came up with the idea of the debates because they feel it is vital to have platforms where they can discuss the issues that are shaping the present and future world.

“Young people often know, think and care a great deal about the changes that are taking place but feel there are too few opportunities for them to make their voices heard.

“We also want to give them the chance to develop their confidence so they feel able to speak out at public events, and are also ready to act as chairs.”

Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Seona Reid, said:“I am delighted that Wigtown Festival Company has been successful in securing an award from the Year of Young People National Lottery Fund.

“This funding will help young people to make a positive change in their lives and I wish Wigtown Festival Company every success as it works to improve young people’s health and wellbeing in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Young People.

Vincent Huijing commented on Facebook “This doesn’t fill me with confidence in these new plans.”

Lynn Barbour Commented on the Facebook post “Deary deary me another disaster thank gawd no kids were in there.”

The North West Community Campus will be completed as per the agreed programme with the Authority, creating state of the art facilities of a high quality for North West Dumfries and GRAHAM are proud in delivering this project.”

“Dumfries and Galloway Council were informed that there had been a leakage during testing. GRAHAM have given us their assurance regarding the issue being fully rectified and all necessary checks and due diligence being carried out.

At the moment, the facility is still under the responsibility of GRAHAM. The Council will not take ownership of the building until all construction works have been completed to the satisfaction of the Council.

North West Community Campus will be a state of the art, modern learning environment for use by pupils and the community. We look forward to opening our doors to welcome pupils when the term starts on 21 August.”

Tim O’Sullivan from Moniaive said: “It’s a really family friendly festival with lots going on to entertain everyone.

“And one of the brilliant things about it is that so much of it is home-grown – with the likes of The Hoolits, Greg Lawson and Emma Gillespie who are among some of the enormously talented musicians who come from the region.

“But we’re equally delighted to be welcoming other performers from elsewhere in Scotland, like the fabulous Trongate Rum Riots, who will be heading down from Glasgow.”

“It is also crucial that initiatives such as the Jobs Fair held in Annan last week become a regular event, not just a one off, and the support from Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) being given to workers at the moment, needs to continue well beyond the day Pinney’s closes”

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