South of Scotland Progress To Become World Leading Cycling Destination Celebrated

Sep 2, 2023

The South of Scotland’s aim of becoming one of the leading cycling destinations in the world is on track, following a hugely successful first year of the Cycling Partnership Strategy.

The 10-year plan was launched 12 months ago, and a review of the last year has highlighted a significant number of achievements by partners behind the Strategy, most notably the hosting of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Looking ahead, the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership – made up of local and national organisations representing thousands of people across the region – is now looking to capitalise on the recent UCI Bike Region Label title to create further economic, social and environmental benefits for local people.

The group celebrated its achievements today (Thursday 31 August) with Culture Minister Angus Robertson in Selkirk.

Mr Robertson also visited Galashiels-based social enterprise Hike and Bike Hub, who have been nominated for two awards for their efforts to encourage local people to cycle and walk more through the promotion of active travel and healthy leisure activities.

This has included providing free bike hires thanks to Scottish Borders Council’s Community Cycling Fund, which aims to create a legacy from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Since the launch of the Strategy at the Convention of the South of Scotland meeting in Hawick in September 2022, the partnership group has helped take forward a series of projects:

The Scottish Borders hosted the Mountain Bike Cross-country and Mountain Bike Cross-country marathon events for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, while Dumfries & Galloway hosted the Para-cycling. Both were predicted to boost the South’s economy by £1million and attract 10,000 visitors.
The first region in Scotland to achieve the UCI Bike Region Label, which recognises the commitment to both elite cycling competition and cycling for all.
The digital launch of the Kirkpatrick C2C, South of Scotland’s Coast to Coast cycle route which offers 250 miles of uninterrupted joy for experienced cyclists from Stranraer to Eyemouth.
Development and opening of a number of active travel paths, including the opening of the Eddleston Water Path in the Borders and the development of works to create a path between Penpont and Thornhill in Nithsdale area.
Investment and support from various partners in the Destination Tweed project – a new long-distance trail running along the length of the River Tweed from Moffat to Berwick-Upon-Tweed. The Destination Tweed project is developing a business case to secure funding through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and is being led by the Tweed Forum.
Planning permission secured to renovate Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen to be the home of the new Mountain Bike Innovation Centre. The Centre is a key development for the South of Scotland and – subject to approval of the Full Business Case – will be funded as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
Hosting of a series of UCI events during the year at Galloway Forest, Glentress, Hawick, Kirroughtree and Ae, as well the Tour of Britain in 2022.
Dalbeattie Rocks and Wheels successfully secured £6m from the UK Levelling up fund to now progress a new bunkhouse, pump track and climbing wall.
Forestry and Land Scotland providing 14 kilometres of new multi-user and mountain bike trails in a landmark £6m investment at Glentress. This investment is enabling Forest Holidays to progress the construction of 57 eco-sensitive cabins which aim to bring an additional 20,000 visitors a year to the Tweed Valley from winter 2024 onwards.
Scottish Cycling, in partnership with both local councils, have committed funding and support for new cycling development officers for both the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. Scottish Cycling also brought a series of cycling programmes to the South ahead of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Culture Minister Angus Robertson said:

“The award of UCI Bike Region Label status is a prestigious accolade for the South of Scotland to attain. It has been awarded because of the region’s work to promote cycling in the community and invest in infrastructure.

“The successful development and implementation of the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy has played a key role achieving the label and is a great example of what partnership working can produce.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have in helping Scotland become a leading cycling destination following the success of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.“

Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Communities Committee, said:

“The South of Scotland Cycling Partnership is something we’re very proud to be part of here in Dumfries and Galloway. Cycling is a big part of our pull to visitors and we’ve a vast array of cycling options, from gravel and mountain biking to coastal road.

“We look forward to playing our part in developing this strategy in the future.”

Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair of the Communities Committee, added:

“Only a couple of weeks ago, the world got to see exactly what the South of Scotland has to offer in terms of our cycling offer via the UCI World Championship events.

“We want to build on this recent exposure and see the strategy as a key element in assisting us with this development.”

Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said:

“Looking back over the past 12 months since the first regional Cycling Partnership Strategy was launched gives me confidence that by continuing to work together we really can achieve our ambitious aims for cycling here in the South.

“An amazing amount has been achieved, but it is now crucial that we build upon those efforts and investments.

“We need to engage and enthuse our communities and residents to help us realise the power of the bike and what it and our unique history of the bike can bring to the region.”

Paula Ward of South of Scotland Enterprise added:

“The South of Scotland Cycling Partnership has a collective goal to make the South one of the world’s leading cycling destinations and we are well on course to achieving this after a phenomenal year.

“It is incredible what has been achieved and that is purely down to the fantastic partnership approach we have in the South, which was crucial to our successful UCI Bike Region Label bid.

“We want to now use this Label to take the next phase of our strategy forward and make sure we embed cycling into the lives of people in the South.”

David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, said:

“I think it is no understatement to say 2023 has been the year cycling truly ‘came home’ to the South of Scotland.

“Not only are we paying homage to the inventor of the velocipede, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, through the astonishing new 250-mile coast to coast route linking Stranraer with Eyemouth, we also welcomed the world – in person and on screen – for some of the most adrenaline-pumping events in the first ever UCI Cycling World Championships, at Glentress Forest and in Dumfries.

“Landing the coveted Bike Region Label on top of that was absolutely brilliant, the icing on the cake and richly deserved.

“Now, our shared objective with our partners is to harness the growing popularity of cycle tourism in our short and longer term planning, making sure we bring communities and businesses along on the journey ahead so that everyone benefits and feels part of it.”

Community Has Their Say On The future of Stranraer

Sep 2, 2023

D&G Council agreed in 2021 that five places across Dumfries and Galloway should be included in the Borderlands Place Programme as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. The five places were Gretna, Kirkconnel, Stranraer, Whithorn and Wigtown.

As part of this, a Place Plan for Stranraer has now been prepared. The Place Plan, if endorsed by Members of the Council’s Economy and Resources Committee (5 September), will be presented to the Borderlands Place Programme Board for consideration in September 2023.

With support from our Council and local partners, a Town Team led by local groups has completed an extensive consultation and planning making process that has engaged over 2,000 people. The engagement process consisted of 27 extensively publicised events, over 6 months, at various venues throughout Stranraer. These were often linked with other ongoing projects in Stranraer, such as the developments planned for The George Hotel and the Marina and waterfront.

The Town Team was made up from Stranraer stakeholders, including representatives from private sector, third sector, education, health care, plus youth and community councils. Representatives from Dumfries and Galloway Council, South of Scotland Enterprise and NHS Dumfries and Galloway worked closely with the Team at all stages of the Plan’s preparation.

The Place Plan identifies issues and opportunities for the town, sets out a place-based framework for addressing these and highlights six priority projects that could benefit from funding support from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
The Place Plan has now been prepared and it identifies the key issues and ambitions that the community has for its place. The are set out as five ‘Stands’:
• Quality of Life – Healthcare | Poverty | Drink/Drugs
• Work & Opportunity – Transport | Enterprise | Employment
• Play & Creativity – The George | One Waterfront | Playtime
• Environment & Climate – Climate | Food Futures | Environment
• Pride & Citizenship – Vacant/Derelict Spaces | Democracy

The Place Plan examines the five strands from a place perspective and identifies opportunities to help the town thrive, expressing these as four quarters for particular action:
• Quarter 1 – ‘One Waterfront’ – Featuring the new water sports centre, Marina expansion and Marine research centre.
• Quarter 2 – ‘Uptown’ – The George as a creative hub, bunkhouse and climbing centre.
• Quarter 3 – ‘Enterprise Zone’ – Town centre transformation for mixed use.
• Quarter 4 – ‘Sanctuary’ – Black Stank, a 20-acre sanctuary, wild wellness, growing and learning

Six priority projects have also been identified and ranked by the People of Stranraer as follows:
1. East Pier Event Space – Augment the east pier, create safe public space.
Transport hub.
2. Wet Weather Escapes – Indoor family fun in the town centre i.e., bowling or laser tag.
3. The Big Makeover – transform the town centre i.e., augment shop fronts and streetscapes. Connecting the town to the waterfront.
4. Revive. Town Centre Living – Transform empty retail premises for housing and enterprise.
5. Sanctuary Outdoor Nursery – Outdoor childcare provision Inc. training and work experience/ placements.
6. Dick’s Hill Wellbeing Hub – A shared resource for wellbeing, growing skills, social connection and activities.

Councillor David Inglis, Vice Chair of Economy and Resources Committee and Chair of Wigtown Area Committee said: “This is a great achievement and I’d like to thank all those involved. For over 2,000 local people to have participated is not only a fantastic result but proves that the local community need this and want to be part of it. I look forward to the next steps to regenerate Stranraer.”

Chair of Economy and Resources Committee, Councillor Ian Carruthers said: “This Stranraer Plan, and the Place Plans for the other four areas, gives locals a real opportunity to have a say and shape the towns they live in, so that community need is met, and funding and provision is targeted to where it is required. Providing E&R committee agrees, the next steps will be to recommend the Place Plan to the Borderlands Place Programme Board and the Borderlands Partnership as the basis on which to prepare a Borderlands Town Investment Plan.”

To read the full report, including the Stranraer Place Plan, go to:
Agenda for Economy and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 5th September, 2023, 10.30 am – Dumfries and Galloway Council (moderngov.co.uk)

Castle Douglas Community Centre Gets Set For Open Day

Sep 2, 2023

On 9^th September the Community Centre will be showcasing the achievements they have made since taking over the Cotton Street site in 2019.

The Centre now offers 12 meeting rooms (including the gym where local paralympic judo gold medal winner Sean Allan trains). These rooms have state of the art audio visual facilities and high speed wi-fi. The Centre is staffed at all times and provides IT support.

Over 50 groups currently use the Centre, including toddlers and children’s activities, language classes, many different hobby groups and sports groups.

At the Open Day there will be a coffee morning (10.00-12.00) and Soup and Sweet (12.00-14.00) using the in-house catering facilities.

Several of the groups that use the Centre will also be exhibiting at the Open Day including the u3a (University of the Third Age) with representatives from some of their 40+ interest groups including hobbies, transport, travel and outings. The CD IT Centre, The Better Lives Partnership and the Golden Day Club will be represented and Trustees will also be in attendance and will be happy to chat with anyone interested how the Centre is being developed for the community, or just join in to help.

The current footfall has risen from 884 in 2021 to over 12,000 currently and it is encouraging to see many local businesses using the meeting and catering facilities. The trustees want to make sure that the Centre continues to develop and serve the Stewartry communities.

D&G Council Looking At Future Housing Provision For Dumfries Town Centre

Sep 1, 2023

At the March 2023 meeting of Economy and Resources Committee (E&R), Members agreed to allocate a £1million Town Centre Living Fund budget that aims to increase the provision of high-quality accommodation.

Members of E&R Committee (5 September) will receive a report on the work being carried out between the Council and Dumfries Partnership Action Group (DPAG). DPAG is a unique collaboration of Dumfries based businesses, community organisations and social enterprises with Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) status. It has worked with the Council to draft a 10 year vision and action plan for Dumfries town centre.

A Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) estimates the number of additional housing units to meet existing and future housing need and demand. It also captures information on the operation of the housing system which can be used to assist local authorities develop policies on new housing supply, management of existing stock and the provision of housing-related services. It is used to inform policy development, decision making and the use of resources.

A Housing Market Partnership (HMP) has been established to oversee the development, production and sign-off of the HNDA. Membership of our region’s HMP includes representatives from registered social landlords, the private housing sector, the NHS and Integrated Joint Board, gypsy travellers, private rented sector, South of Scotland Enterprise, the Councils homeless, economic development, planning and strategic housing services.

The DDD document identifies 5 key place themes that see Dumfries as a place to: Live and Belong; Visit and Experience; Work, Learn and Do Business; Access, be Active and Green; and Grow and Play. Each of these themes is supported by series of drivers which emerged from the extensive engagement process.

To focus delivery and investment, the document also identifies several priority activity areas – High Street, the river and Whitesands, Friars Vennel and Bank Street, independent shopping streets, Shakespeare Street / Nith Place and arrival points and improving connections.

Chair of Economy and Resources Committee, Councillor Ian Carruthers said: “We need to ensure that the housing target meets the housing needs of the people living in the region, but we acknowledge that further engagement is required with town centre stakeholders to develop short, medium and long-term actions that will lead to real change. The future of housing means that we need to plan sustainable, modern homes which are fit for the needs of residents; homes that meet people’s needs and promote physical and mental wellbeing, and the creation of sustainable communities.”

Councillor David Inglis, Vice Chair of Economy and Resources Committee said: “Between January and March 2023 the Scottish Futures Trust facilitated a series of workshops engaging Dumfries stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness and future of its place-based and collaborative approach to regeneration. This confirmed Dumfries as a national exemplar with DPAG and the DDD Action Plan at the core of the future success of the town centre. Very well done to all who participated.”

To read the report in full go to: Agenda for Economy and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 5th September, 2023, 10.30 am – Dumfries and Galloway Council (moderngov.co.uk)

Dumfries and Galloway Flies The Flag at Bikeability Scotland Awards 2023

Sep 1, 2023

The Bikeability Scotland Awards have been presented, recognising outstanding achievement in the delivery of Bikeability Scotland, the national cycle training programme for school children, managed by Cycling Scotland.

In a record-breaking year which saw 60,000 pupils received training – the highest number ever in an academic year – these awards celebrate the outstanding contribution of those trainers and schools working to give pupils essential cycling skills for now and into the future.

Annual Achievement Award: Elaine Skinley (Shetland)

Highly Commended: Peri Wallach (Dumfries & Galloway) & Jenn Ferguson (East Renfrewshire)

Instructor of the Year: Mike Blakeman (Dumfries & Galloway)

Highly Commended: Douglas Kerrison (East Lothian)

School of the Year: Hythehill Primary School (Moray)

Highly Commended: Burnbrae Primary School (Midlothian)

Since Bikeability Scotland began in 2010, more than 450,000 pupils have received cycle training in Scotland. In the 2022-23 school year, a record 60,000 pupils received training.

The Keith Fergus Annual Achievement Award – Elaine Skinley (Shetland)

This year, the Annual Achievement Award is named in tribute to the enthusiasm and energy of cycling tutor and training co-ordinator Keith Fergus, who passed away aged just 49 last year, leaving a lasting impact with his support for the development of the national cycle training programme and contribution to the wider cycling community.

This year’s award has been presented to Shetland cycle training coordinator Elaine Skinley, who has been involved in on-road cycle training in Shetland schools for 20 years and is now Bikeability Scotland coordinator for the local authority area.

Elaine is recognised for her commitment to personal and professional development, ensuring the programme in Shetland has continued to evolve. Judges also praised for her strong rapport with her instructor network and her wider support for cycling in the local community and being part of the authority’s consistent record in Bikeability Scotland delivery, which every year sees all primary schools and pupils in Shetland provided with the opportunity to participate in on-road cycle training.

Elaine Skinley shared her happiness at winning the award, reflecting on her twenty years of instructing school pupils across Shetland: “I had no clue it was coming. I’m completely shocked.

“I can remember years ago when I was going into the town one night. There was one of the pupils cycling on the road and she was doing everything perfectly and I was just so proud to see that. She was so confident, happily cycling in amongst the traffic. That’s why I like doing what I do.”
“It’s been brilliant fun. I’m thrilled to get this award and achieve it, especially with Keith’s name on it as well. He was actually my tutor for my BSIT (Bikeability Scotland Instructor Trainer) course. It makes it a bit more special.”

Peri Wallach (Bikeability Scotland Coordinator, Dumfries and Galloway) and Jennifer Ferguson (East Renfrewshire based instructor) were Highly Commended in this category.

Peri Wallach, said: “It’s a great surprise to have been recognised in this way. I love cycling and every part of my job, particularly working with the most enthusiastic volunteers. We have so much fun, and they contribute so much to providing new opportunities for young people across Dumfries and Galloway. It’s a joy to see the impact we’ve had, and more pupils come away with newfound confidence and skills.”

Jennifer Ferguson, said: “It’s such an honour to be Highly Commended in this year’s award. It’s particularly meaningful for me with this award named in honour of Keith Fergus, who I was very fond of and who I learnt a lot from.

I love what I do and Bikeability is a big part of my life. My daughter, who is now in 6th year, completed her level 3 on-road training in P7 with Keith and myself. This year she went through her own Bikeability Scotland instructor training and volunteered during study leave back at her old primary school to deliver training along with myself in East Renfrewshire. It’s great to see the pupils gain confidence and pass their skills and knowledge into others.”

Instructor of the Year – Mike Blakeman (Dumfries and Galloway)

Mike Blakeman of Dumfries and Galloway Active Schools was presented with the Bikeability Scotland ‘Instructor of the Year’ award in recognition of his success in delivering fully-inclusive and engaging training throughout the year, with judges noting Mike’s additional classroom based input helping put pupils at ease and developing their confidence even before getting on their bikes.

A former teacher, known affectionately as ‘Mikeability’ for his personal dedication to delivering cycle training, judges also commended Mike’s passionate advocacy for cycling which has helped inspire pupils and fellow instructors alike over the past year.

Mike Blakeman commented: ““Winning this award is very special and unbelievable to be honest. We have a very special, close little team of instructors in Dumfries and Galloway, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone to deliver Bikeability Scotland at 18 different schools these past nine months.

“Teaching Bikeability around Dumfries and Galloway doesn’t feel like work, ever, and I always slump into the armchair at home at the end of the day with a warm glow. All of this gives you an amazing buzz, especially seeing children’s excitement when sharing their achievements with parents and teachers at home time, it’s just incredibly rewarding. Hopefully I have encouraged many pupils to get their bikes out to explore the local environment with increased confidence.”

Douglas Kerrison of East Lothian Council was Highly Commended in the ‘Instructor of the Year’ category.

Douglas said: “I was surprised and delighted to receive this unexpected award for doing something I love and want to pass on my thanks to the East Lothian outdoor learning team who have been very supportive and encouraging as we teach new cycling skills to P6s and 7s.”

School of the Year – Hythehill Primary School (Moray)

As one of hundreds of schools delivering Bikeability Scotland training to primary school pupils, Hythehill Primary School in Lossiemouth, Moray has been awarded ‘School of the Year’.

In awarding the prize, judges commended the school’s ongoing commitment and dedication to cycle training and the development of a wider cycling culture.

Judges also commended the school’s proactive and full inclusive approach to training in including specific support for those with additional support needs and transient pupils associated with the local RAF base. Additionally, the school was recognised for its efforts to deliver numerous and wide-ranging cycling activities, including bike maintenance classes, learn to ride sessions and mountain biking for P7s.

Martin Collins, Deputy Headteacher of Hythehill Primary School, said: “To hear that we’ve had this recognition, I’m over the moon and very proud. The school staff, parents and the local community will be really pleased, because they’ve all really bought into and supported what we’ve done through Bikeability Scotland.

“If you can get Bikeability Scotland up and running and help young people to get on bikes, it can change a whole idea of life. These are life skills, and these are ways that people think about how they live and that can all begin within a primary school.

“When you see all the parents with their children cycling out, it’s like a switch has changed. All of a sudden people are just doing it now, they’re just cycling, with many parents and teachers now working towards their own Cycle Trainer qualifications.”

Burnbrae Primary School (Midlothian) was Highly Commended in the ‘School of the Year’ category.

Jon Purdie, Burnbrae Primary School teacher said: “Bikeability has been a fantastic way for our pupils to learn and grow outside of the classroom environment and is a superb opportunity for those who struggle with academic learning to achieve and see themselves in a positive light.”

David Collins, Bikeability Scotland Manager said: “We are so pleased to celebrate each of the winners’ contribution to delivering Bikeability Scotland cycle training in their local areas, and the brilliant impact each have had in helping more young people gain important lifelong skills.

“It has been so rewarding to see a record of over 60,000 pupils receive Bikeability Scotland cycle training this year, a testament to the work of instructors across Scotland who are giving the next generation the skills and confidence to travel by bike, feel healthier and help tackle the climate emergency.”

Elected Members Vote Not to Support Increase in Council Tax for Higher Bands

Aug 31, 2023

Members of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Finance, Procurement and Transformation Committee (FPT) received a report this week (Tuesday 29 August) on the contents of the Joint Scottish Government and COSLA Consultation on a Fairer Council Tax.

Elected Members agreed that council tax has been subject to criticism and concern due largely to its regressive nature – when council tax charges are expressed as a proportion of property values, the tax rate is higher for lower value properties and lower for higher value properties.

The report stated that proposed changes to band-multipliers would only partially address the regressive nature of council tax.

After a lengthy discussion, Elected Members decided to respond to the consultation proposals, which would mean an increase in council tax in the 25 per cent highest-valued properties in the region that fall into council tax bands E to H – and to indicate that the Council does not support the proposals.

The Committee recognised that inflation and higher interest rates associated with the increased cost of living are affecting all households and accepted that the proposed changes would only increase these pressures for those whose properties fall into council tax bands E to H.

Chair of FPT Committee, Councillor Ivor Hyslop explained: “Although the proposals were designed to cover properties within the region with the highest value, we know that some families in these bands are in receipt of assistance because of low income.
“We recognise that some people will be asset rich but cash poor and the increase in council tax would provide additional burdens on these families and individuals.
“Our Council will not knowingly disadvantage anyone in our region, so the decision was made to not support the proposals within the consultation.”

A motion was agreed by the committee that stated that one in four households in Dumfries and Galloway – including larger families and older residents – would be subject to this rise, whether or not they are at risk from poverty or struggling with cost-of-living increases.
The motion went on to say that data from the Office for National Statistics shows that weekly earnings in Dumfries and Galloway are 8.4% below the Scottish average.

Vice-Chair, Councillor Richard Marsh said: “Further review and potential reform of the current council tax system is required, but an increase in taxation on higher value homes is not the answer to the overall problem and this would only provide additional financial impact to low-earning and large families.

“Members from across the political spectrum voted at committee not to support the proposals within the consultation. The multiplier measures being proposed do nothing to address the requirement for a more progressive form of taxation and we will continue to look into this further.”

To read the full report go to: COMMITTEE REPORT TEMPLATE & GUIDANCE (moderngov.co.uk)

Student Praises D&G College for Support with Neurodiversity

Aug 31, 2023

A Dumfries and Galloway College (DGC) student has praised staff for their help and support after recently graduating from the South of Scotland education establishment.

Anita Hall, from Dumfries — a neurodiverse student who completed her Business Administration SVQ at SCQF Level 6 at DGC — thanked college staff for helping her achieve her goal and for also allowing her to find the ideal “learning style”.

The student worked in the Covid Test and Protect Team when she began the SVQ qualification, before moving back to her previous role as an AHP (Allied Health Professions) Assistant Practitioner in the NHS. They supported Anita by allowing time to dedicate to completing her qualification, which along with the support and guidance from the college, was a huge help as she passed the course in style.

Anita struggled to put pen to paper to begin with and her Assessor, Andrea Muir, recognised this and adapted the standard assessment methods and the entire way she worked with Anita to enable her to get the best out of the course and overcome the obstacles of learning.

The delighted student said the course helped her recognise her individual learning technique and she has a new-found confidence thanks to understanding more about the best way she can work and learn.

Anita said: “The biggest thing I took from the experience was a sense of achievement and the realisation of my learning style, which will enable me to work better in all areas of my job.

“Now I’ve realised my style, it is also easier to communicate this to others. Understanding it and being open about it helped me to achieve my SVQ.

“If it wasn’t for my Assessor, Andrea, I’d never have completed my course.”

Andrea Muir, Work Based Assessor and Internal Verifier, said: “Scottish vocational qualifications are entirely work based and support is given by the Assessor on a one-to-one basis. This worked exceptionally for Anita and allowed me to focus entirely on how best to deliver the qualification to suit Anita’s learning requirements.

“Working with nationally set standards, I knew exactly what I needed as evidence from Anita’s work in practice. It was clear from discussions with Anita that this evidence was there.

“My role was to determine what assessment methods to use and how to adapt these to fit with Anita’s learning style which would allow me to demonstrate the criteria being met.

“The use of online facilities such as screen sharing has been invaluable, such progress in technology has helped me support the college’s ambition to reduce our carbon footprint with a huge reduction in travel.”

Lynsey Fitzpatrick, Equality and Diversity Lead, NHS D&G, said: “I’m delighted for Anita that she has been successful in achieving this SVQ.

“The flexibility offered by Dumfries and Galloway College demonstrates the importance and value in providing a person-centred approach to learning.

“This allows students the opportunity to work towards achieving their full potential.”

Net-Zero Cabinet Secretary Sees SRUC Climate Research In Action At Barony

Aug 31, 2023

Màiri McAllan MSP at Barony College SRUC — 30th August 2023 SRUC Barony Campus Màiri McAllan MSP - Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Pictured during a visit and tour of the SRUC Barony College campus near Dumfries, Scotland. Picture Phil Wilkinson SRUC

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition has been learning about some of the cutting-edge climate change research being carried out at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

On a visit to the Barony Campus near Dumfries, Mairi McAllan MSP also found out more about the SRUC-led Digital Dairy Chain, as well as the organisation’s work with NatureScot to deliver a unique peatland restoration course.

Meeting with senior staff at SRUC, including Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive; Provost Jamie Newbold and Mary Thomson, Vice-Principal – Skills and Lifelong Learning, Ms McAllan saw first-hand SRUC’s investment in disruptive technology, including its N2 Unit.

Purchased with support from South of Scotland Enterprise (SoSE), the N2 Unit uses revolutionary technology to practically eliminate methane and ammonia emissions from slurry production. Infrastructure is now in place, with the unit expected to be fitted later this year.

On a tour of the campus, Ms McAllan was shown how SRUC is blending its forestry, woodland and environmental expertise to optimise land management practices, while it is also undertaking proof of principle research into on-farm hydrogen generation utilising renewable sources of energy and waste water.

Ms McAllan said: “Tackling the twin crises of climate change and nature loss is the collective fight of our lifetime, and the lifetime of generations to come.

“It is crucial that we continue to develop new skills and find innovate solutions to help drive down carbon emissions and improve our resilience in the face of the global warming that we are already experiencing.

“The research and development being undertaken by staff and students at Scotland’s Rural College will be vital in helping our agriculture sector develop sustainable and nature positive farming practices. I look forward to seeing the impact that this important work will have as our farming sector helps lead us to a net zero future.”

Professor Powell said: “We were delighted to welcome Ms McAllan to Barony to find out more about the steps SRUC is taking to combat climate change. Through our world-class research and teaching, and through hugely innovative projects such as the Digital Dairy Chain, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of climate resistance and net-zero are at the very heart of our work at SRUC.”

Dr Martin Valenti, Director of Net Zero, Nature & Entrepreneurship at SoSE, said: “It was fantastic to have Ms McAllan come to the South of Scotland to see some of the innovative climate change research being carried out by SRUC.

“SRUC’s N2 Unit is such an innovative move for the agriculture sector, which we believe can be another step towards Scotland’s Just Transition to Net Zero, and creating a fairer, wealthier and greener economy in the South.”

To find out more about courses and research at SRUC, visit www.sruc.ac.uk

‘Ask For Natives’ Call As The UK’s Native Oyster Season Opens

Aug 31, 2023

Seafood lovers are being invited to help play their part in safeguarding the UK’s critically important indigenous oyster beds by asking for native oysters when they dine out. The call comes as the native oyster season officially opens tomorrow, Friday 1st September.

Scotland’s only native oyster boat, The Vital Spark crewed by local fishermen Rab Lamont and John Mills, will then be in a race against time to harvest the thousands of Loch Ryan native oysters needed ahead of Stranraer Oyster Festival later this month.

The Loch Ryan oyster bed is one of the most important native oyster beds in Europe. It’s the last wild native oyster fishery in Scotland, and the bed has been protected by Royal Charter since 1701. Native oysters help marine ecosystems by providing important habitat for coastal wildlife. With almost all of the UK’s native oyster beds overfished to near-extinction in previous centuries, the oysters from Loch Ryan are now being used to help ‘re- seed’ native oyster restoration projects across the UK and in Germany.

Tristan Hugh-Jones of Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery said members of the public can support native oyster bed restoration by specifically asking for native oysters in restaurants. He said:

“We know that native oysters are important in marine ecosystems. In fact, right across Europe, there’s a huge amount of interest in the restoration of native oyster beds, but to do that sustainably we need to be able to sell them. Which means we need the public to ask for native oysters specifically.

“The more people eat and enjoy natives, the more they’ll support native oyster breeding and growing. It really is that simple. Stranraer Oyster Festival has done an incredible job of shining a spotlight on the ecological treasure that lies beneath the water of Loch Ryan – and demand for Loch Ryan natives is soaring.

“We’ve already seen Loch Ryan native oyster numbers grow from 1 million to 60 million over the past 30 years, which is an incredible turnaround for the species.

“Our goal is to increase the number of oysters in the loch to 100 million by 2040. We think it’s achievable, and the more demand there is, the more hands-on management of the bed we will be able to carry out to nurture that growth.”

Native oysters, Ostrea edulis, are famously only available in months that contain the letter ‘R’ (1st September to 30th April). Beds are left undisturbed during the important summer breeding months to allow the oyster larvae – spats – to be fertilised and settle.

Native oysters are distinct from the more commonly found ‘farmed’ rock oysters, being slower to grow with a flatter shell and a more refined flavour.

A healthy native oyster bed requires the oysters to be densely distributed. When an oyster is physically close to its neighbour, it fertilises the offspring well. Sustainable management of Loch Ryan oyster bed involves harvesting only the largest oysters, then returning 95% of each ‘catch’ back to a densely laid, well-marked area of the loch to maximise oyster fertility.

This year Stranraer Oyster Festival has also committed to playing its part in growing the wild, native oyster population. Festival organisers have pledged to return the shell of every oyster consumed at the festival back to Loch Ryan to provide more ‘shell’ material on the floor of the loch for young oysters to stick to.

Allana Hardie of Stranraer Development Trust, the community organisation that runs the festival, explained how this one measure will reduce the environmental footprint:

“Collecting back the oyster shells to return them to Loch Ryan has so many benefits. It reduces waste from the festival, it will create valuable shell habitat for young oysters which will help the oyster bed grow, and it will naturally sequester the carbon that’s embodied in the oyster shells.”

Taking place on 15th-17th September, the festival programme includes demonstrations and events by celebrity chefs Michael Caines, Tony Singh, Julie Lin and Felicity Cloaks among the chefs travelling to Stranraer.

The Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships takes place on Saturday 16th September, and will see chefs, oyster growers, producers, fishermen and industry professionals pitting themselves against each other in a bid to claim the title of Scottish Oyster Shucking Champion! The winner will go on to represent Scotland at the World Oyster Opening Championships in Galway, Ireland in late September.

The event will also see live music, extreme pond dipping, an artisan market, children’s entertainment, and a massive oyster bar. This year an evening pyrotechnic aerobatic display is set to wow the crowds with illuminated night displays over Loch Ryan on the evenings of Friday 15th and Saturday 16th September.

Stranraer Oyster Festival was launched in 2017 by community organisation Stranraer Development Trust to mitigate the deeply damaging economic impact of the moving of the ferries from Stranraer formerly the main ferry port for Northern Ireland to nearby Cairnryan in 2011.

Recent independent economic analysis demonstrated that the festival has generated almost £5 million for the local economy so far, supporting hundreds of jobs, showcasing multiple local businesses and organisations, providing volunteering and training opportunities for members of the community, and stimulating tourism development in the area.

Romano Petrucci, Chair of Stranraer Development Trust, says the importance of the festival to the town cannot be overstated.

“Stranraer Oyster Festival has become a hugely important part of the town’s identity, and a real focus for showcasing the very best that Stranraer and the wider Galloway area has to offer visitors.”

Former professional footballer Allan Jenkins heads up the team organising the major event in his home town of Stranraer. He said:

“This is such an important event for the whole community. We can’t wait to welcome people to our beautiful town to celebrate some amazing local produce.”

About Stranraer Oyster Festival

Stranraer Oyster Festival takes place from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th September in Stranraer, south west Scotland. Tickets cost £6 per day or £12 for the full three-day event for over 12s, with concessions available. Additional charges apply for selected chef demonstrations.

More information and ticket booking can be found at www.stranraeroysterfestival.com

Stranraer Dentist To De-register NHS Patients

Aug 31, 2023

A DENTAL practice at 21 St Johns Street, Stranraer has issued letters to around 1000 patients, informing them of plans to de-register them from NHS services.

Noting that the move has been made reluctantly, the practice states that all outstanding NHS appointments will be honoured and that any unfinished courses of NHS treatment will be completed. This applies to both adults and children.

It adds that no further NHS appointments will be available for routine dental care, and that provision of NHS emergency care – for example, for acute pain – will come to an end on 30 November 2023.

The practice notes within the letter that it offers private dental plans.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway director of public health Valerie White said: “The situation regarding access to NHS dental services in Dumfries and Galloway is a significant concern and one the Board is taking very seriously.

“We continue work to encourage and support dentists to provide NHS general dental services and are working closely with Scottish Government colleagues on these matters.

“However, lack of dentists coming to work in the region is a key issue, and challenges in dental workforce is being seen across the UK.”

Anyone who is not registered with a dentist and requires emergency dental care can access that by contacting the Dental Helpline on 0845 602 6417.

“The award of UCI Bike Region Label status is a prestigious accolade for the South of Scotland to attain. It has been awarded because of the region’s work to promote cycling in the community and invest in infrastructure.

“The successful development and implementation of the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy has played a key role achieving the label and is a great example of what partnership working can produce.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have in helping Scotland become a leading cycling destination following the success of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.“

Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Communities Committee, said:

“The South of Scotland Cycling Partnership is something we’re very proud to be part of here in Dumfries and Galloway. Cycling is a big part of our pull to visitors and we’ve a vast array of cycling options, from gravel and mountain biking to coastal road.

“We look forward to playing our part in developing this strategy in the future.”

Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair of the Communities Committee, added:

“Only a couple of weeks ago, the world got to see exactly what the South of Scotland has to offer in terms of our cycling offer via the UCI World Championship events.

“We want to build on this recent exposure and see the strategy as a key element in assisting us with this development.”

Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said:

“Looking back over the past 12 months since the first regional Cycling Partnership Strategy was launched gives me confidence that by continuing to work together we really can achieve our ambitious aims for cycling here in the South.

“An amazing amount has been achieved, but it is now crucial that we build upon those efforts and investments.

“We need to engage and enthuse our communities and residents to help us realise the power of the bike and what it and our unique history of the bike can bring to the region.”

Paula Ward of South of Scotland Enterprise added:

“The South of Scotland Cycling Partnership has a collective goal to make the South one of the world’s leading cycling destinations and we are well on course to achieving this after a phenomenal year.

“It is incredible what has been achieved and that is purely down to the fantastic partnership approach we have in the South, which was crucial to our successful UCI Bike Region Label bid.

“We want to now use this Label to take the next phase of our strategy forward and make sure we embed cycling into the lives of people in the South.”

David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, said:

“I think it is no understatement to say 2023 has been the year cycling truly ‘came home’ to the South of Scotland.

“Landing the coveted Bike Region Label on top of that was absolutely brilliant, the icing on the cake and richly deserved.

“Now, our shared objective with our partners is to harness the growing popularity of cycle tourism in our short and longer term planning, making sure we bring communities and businesses along on the journey ahead so that everyone benefits and feels part of it.”

The Keith Fergus Annual Achievement Award – Elaine Skinley (Shetland)

Instructor of the Year – Mike Blakeman (Dumfries and Galloway)

School of the Year – Hythehill Primary School (Moray)

Anita said: “The biggest thing I took from the experience was a sense of achievement and the realisation of my learning style, which will enable me to work better in all areas of my job.

“Now I’ve realised my style, it is also easier to communicate this to others. Understanding it and being open about it helped me to achieve my SVQ.

“If it wasn’t for my Assessor, Andrea, I’d never have completed my course.”

“Working with nationally set standards, I knew exactly what I needed as evidence from Anita’s work in practice. It was clear from discussions with Anita that this evidence was there.

“My role was to determine what assessment methods to use and how to adapt these to fit with Anita’s learning style which would allow me to demonstrate the criteria being met.

“The use of online facilities such as screen sharing has been invaluable, such progress in technology has helped me support the college’s ambition to reduce our carbon footprint with a huge reduction in travel.”

Lynsey Fitzpatrick, Equality and Diversity Lead, NHS D&G, said: “I’m delighted for Anita that she has been successful in achieving this SVQ.

“The flexibility offered by Dumfries and Galloway College demonstrates the importance and value in providing a person-centred approach to learning.

“This allows students the opportunity to work towards achieving their full potential.”

Ms McAllan said: “Tackling the twin crises of climate change and nature loss is the collective fight of our lifetime, and the lifetime of generations to come.

“It is crucial that we continue to develop new skills and find innovate solutions to help drive down carbon emissions and improve our resilience in the face of the global warming that we are already experiencing.

Dr Martin Valenti, Director of Net Zero, Nature & Entrepreneurship at SoSE, said: “It was fantastic to have Ms McAllan come to the South of Scotland to see some of the innovative climate change research being carried out by SRUC.

“SRUC’s N2 Unit is such an innovative move for the agriculture sector, which we believe can be another step towards Scotland’s Just Transition to Net Zero, and creating a fairer, wealthier and greener economy in the South.”

“We’ve already seen Loch Ryan native oyster numbers grow from 1 million to 60 million over the past 30 years, which is an incredible turnaround for the species.

“Our goal is to increase the number of oysters in the loch to 100 million by 2040. We think it’s achievable, and the more demand there is, the more hands-on management of the bed we will be able to carry out to nurture that growth.”

“Stranraer Oyster Festival has become a hugely important part of the town’s identity, and a real focus for showcasing the very best that Stranraer and the wider Galloway area has to offer visitors.”

“This is such an important event for the whole community. We can’t wait to welcome people to our beautiful town to celebrate some amazing local produce.”

NHS Dumfries and Galloway director of public health Valerie White said: “The situation regarding access to NHS dental services in Dumfries and Galloway is a significant concern and one the Board is taking very seriously.

“We continue work to encourage and support dentists to provide NHS general dental services and are working closely with Scottish Government colleagues on these matters.

“However, lack of dentists coming to work in the region is a key issue, and challenges in dental workforce is being seen across the UK.”

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“We continue work to encourage and support dentists to provide NHS general dental services and are working closely with Scottish Government colleagues on these matters.

“However, lack of dentists coming to work in the region is a key issue, and challenges in dental workforce is being seen across the UK.”