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Local NHS Is Gearing Up For Busy Vaccination Season 

Local NHS Is Gearing up for busy vaccination season 

A VERY busy vaccination season lies ahead in Dumfries and Galloway – as NHS teams prepare to help protect people against flu and COVID this winter. 

 

Vaccinations are being provided to eligible groups through a gradual programme of delivery, with people being asked to wait until it is their turn.

 

Immunisation Co-ordinator Dr Andrew Rideout said: “Another very ambitious winter flu and COVID vaccination programme is being planned for Dumfries and Galloway.
“Some of the first people who will be receiving flu vaccinations have now started receiving emails, texts or letters, asking them to book their slot through the national portal.
“It’s very important that everyone eligible takes up the opportunity to help protect themselves against flu this winter and cut down on the spread of this virus.
“However, with thousands of people to be vaccinated, it’s very important that everybody waits until it is the time for their group to come forward.
“We know that COVID has not gone away, and both flu and COVID do still pose a risk to health – particularly as we head towards winter.
“The vaccination programmes we have run in the past have been very successful in helping to limit the worst effects of these viruses, and it’s really important that our region maintains a good level of protection.
“So if you’re eligible for either flu or COVID vaccinations, make sure that you take up the chance to increase your body’s defences.”

People aged 50-64 with no underlying health conditions are now being called forward for flu only vaccination appointments, starting from 4 September, along with those in the 18-49 at-risk, flu-only group.

 

The childhood flu programme is for all children age from 2 upwards. Also eligible are children who are at risk and aged 6 months to under 2 years.

 

Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to people most vulnerable to illness and, where possible, administered at the same time.

 

Clinical advice and evidence shows that administration of both vaccines together is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection.

 

For COVID-19, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that protection is highest in the three months following vaccination, so, for those at highest risk, being vaccinated later in the programme provides greater protection over the peak winter period and into the new year.

 

Invites for those eligible for flu and COVID vaccinations will be starting from 18 September, with groups being called forward in line with national guidance.

 

People should wait for NHS Scotland to contact them with details of their appointment, or a prompt to book. Depending on their selected communication preferences, this will be by email, text, or by post in a white, NHS Scotland branded envelope, which replaces the blue envelopes used previously.

 

A graphic has been created which offers people an immediate understanding of the groups which qualify for either flu vaccinations, or both flu or COVID.

 

Details on the vaccination timelines for all of these groups will gradually be announced as the vaccination programme progresses, with the aim that the majority of vaccinations are carried out by early December.

 

More information can be found at the website www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines  and anyone who experiences any problem with this year’s booking system is asked to call the local helpline on 01387 403090 or the national helpline on 0800 030 8013.

 

 

Jobs Blow For Annan As Border Steelworks & Structures Moves Into Administration

JOBS BLOW FOR ANNAN AS BORDER STEELWORKS AND STRUCTURES MOVES INTO ADMINISTRATION

Border Steelworks and Structures was established in 1978, a steelwork and cladding design, fabrication and installation business, based in Annan and Carlisle has fallen into administration with the loss of 43 jobs.

The joint administrators will now market the business and assets for sale which includes plant, machinery and a workshop in Annan.

Administrators have cited unsustainable financial and cash-flow issues due to a downturn in contracts and rising operational costs for the situation.

The latest jobs blow for the Annan area has led to Colin Smyth reiterating his call for a proper economic recovery plan for the area, backed by new investment.

The loss of 43 jobs at the Border Steelwork Structures firm, which has offices in Annan and Carlisle, will be a “huge blow” to the area, according to South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth.

 

Colin Smyth said: “The loss of these jobs will be a huge blow to Annan and the surrounding area, and my thoughts are with everyone who worked at the firm.
“It seems like every week we’re hearing of different companies being forced to lay off staff.
“Industry across our region is facing huge challenges right now, from Brexit and the aftermath of the Covid pandemic to sky rocketing energy bills.
“Unfortunately, I fear that this won’t be the last business to look at closing down its sites and I would urge the Scottish Government and local agencies to provide as much support as possible for staff.
“This latest jobs blow for Annan, which has seen so many in recent years, from the long-term fall in employment at Chapelcross to the closure of Pinneys where the promised re-opening still hasn’t happened and most recently the announcement by Macfarlan Smith of the closure of their pharmaceutical plant in Newbie.
“I have long called for a proper economic recovery plan for the Annan area and if this latest news doesn’t prompt both our Governments to get a grip and deliver one, backed by investment in job creation, then you do wonder what will.”

Man Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison For Sexual Offences In Ayrshire & Dumfries & Galloway

Man sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexual offences in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway

A 52-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for non-recent sexual offences against young females in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

Hugh Derby was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 for crimes that happened between 1999 and 2014.

Detective Inspector Gavin Chisholm said: “I want to thank each survivor of Derby’s crimes who assisted us with our investigations. This has been a very lengthy and distressing time for them to finally see their perpetrator face justice. He will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“I hope this provides some form of comfort as they try to move forward with their lives.

“We treat all reports of sexual crime seriously and I would urge anyone who has been a victim to come forward, no matter how much time has passed, and report it to police.

“Be assured we will fully investigate, and you will be supported by police and our partner agencies.”

Anyone with any concerns or information can report them to police by calling 101 or calling Crimestoppers, where anonymity can be obtained, on 0800 555 111.

Improved Pedestrian & Cycle Access At Castle Douglas Round-About To Be Discussed

The survey results are in for Castle Douglas Active Travel, and the team behind the work would like to share their concept designs with you.

Dumfries & Galloway Council  are working towards improving public spaces and providing better infrastructure for people to choose to walk, wheel or cycle more often for their short journeys. 

As a result of the comments received during the development of the Community Street Audit back in 2017 and further evidenced by a later consultation during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Council, via  SWestrans  funding, has commissioned  Stantec  to carry out engagement and develop concept designs to create a north active travel gateway into town, focusing on the following:

  1. Improving active travel crossings at the roundabout for pedestrians, wheelchair or mobility scooter users and cyclists.
  2. Proposing additional dropped kerbs and improved surfacing of the footways.
  3. Improving accessibility to the playpark adjacent the roundabout.
  4. Improving active travel connection to NCN7.
  5. Improving bus stop facilities on King Street and Market Street.
  6. Recommending future cycling infrastructure linking to the roundabout.
  7. Investigating opportunities for one-way streets. 

Click For More Info

The designs which will emerge in conversation with the community, will aim to create a fully accessible junction which will connect key destinations to existing facilities, providing a more vibrant environment for residents, businesses and visitors.

Drop-in to Castle Douglas Town Hall this Thursday, 24 August, between 4-8pm and see the designs.

Queens Ladies Off To A Great Start In National League 1

Queens got their first season in National League 1 off to a winning start on Sunday against BSC Glasgow Ladies at Peterson Park, Yoker. 

Queens didn’t really know what to expect at the higher level, but they started well and had the better of the early play, playing some lovely passing football.  Queens suffered a blow after only 10 minutes when influential midfielder Alexandra Connon had to go off with a thigh strain, with Jordyn Gallagher coming on to replace her.  Queens were creating chances but failing to take them, with the BSC keeper in excellent from.  It took until the 38th minute for the deadlock to be broken when Jordyn Gallagher’s neat turn and pass released Holly Ovens who fired home high past the advancing goalkeeper.

 

The second half continued in the same vein, with Queens controlling the game but unable to add to their slender lead.  However Queens’ defence held out against everything BSC could throw at them and the three points came back to Dumfries.

 

Next week, Queens travel up the M74 again to take on Giffnock Ladies in a first round League Cup tie.

Dumfries Defeated by Wests – Cricket News

Dumfries defeated by Wests - Cricket News
Dumfries's Chris McBride hits out for his fifty against West of Scotland

In their final Western Premiership One fixture at home at Nunholm, Your Move Dumfries were defeated by second placed West of Scotland after setting a target of 220 in a reduced 40-overs-a-side match with Chris McBride the Queensberry Events Dumfries Player of the Match.

Put into bat the Dumfries top three all contributed runs with openers Alan Davidson and Adam Malik scoring 58 and 36 respectively. They had an opening partnership of 87 before Malik was out lbw. Chris McBride then batted aggressively, and the home side were in a promising position in passing 150 for that one wicket by the 27th over.

However, Davidson tried to clear long-on off spinner Umeed and was caught, followed by two more quick wickets and when McBride was caught also trying to clear long-off Dumfries were 183 for 5 and  Umeed had claimed the four wickets to fall.

The hopes of a dominating total largely went with the dismissal of McBride, but Fergus Bainbridge batted well for his top score for the side with a run-a-ball 31 not out as Dumfries finished on a useful 220 for 6 after the forty overs.

After a promising position for Dumfries of 35 for 2, with both wickets to Alan Davidson, the West of Scotland middle order then managed the run chase well. That started with a 115 run third wicket partnership. With Dumfries searching for a wicket, it only came to an end when Sharma, on 51, was brilliantly run out by a direct hit by Tommy McGrath for 150 for 3.

Despite two further wickets to Chris Brockwell the experienced Moneeb Iqbal then controlled the chase with 44 not out to get the visitors home with one over to spare to win by 5 wickets. That defeat consigned Dumfries to finish in one of the two Western Premiership One relegation places with only one away fixture at Prestwick remaining.

On Sunday, Dumfries won a close T20 game at Langholm by eight runs after being put into bat. The Dumfries openers started strongly with Wahid Jabarkhil hitting 52 off just 27 deliveries before retiring. He was backed up by a run-a-ball 43 from Max Corbett-Byers. Scott Muir and Simon McIntyre, on debut, then were not out with 18 and 16 runs respectively for Dumfries to reach 135 for the loss of one wicket off the twenty overs.

Jabarkhil then continued his form with an opening bowling spell of two wickets for five runs and tight bowling from various Dumfries bowlers kept the run rate in check. However, Langholm’s Donaldson and Wilson launched a comeback with Donaldson finally falling on 43, caught by Corbett-Byers off the bowling of Adam Malik. With Wilson still there, but with a required run rate of ten an over, the Dumfries fielders managed three run outs. Ultimately Langholm fell short by eight runs after needing eighteen off the final over. Wilson finished not out on 41 after nearly getting his side home. For his hard-hitting batting Jabarkhil was the Andrew Dawson Horticultural Dumfries Player of the Match.

 

 

Music At The Multiverse Reaches New Heights With Record Ticket Sales

MUSIC FEST REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

  • Record ticket sales ahead of local music festival
  • Scouting For Girls, Big Country, Skerryvore, Shambolics
  • Dance Tent featuring Ultrabeat, N-Trance and Team GBX
  • Two-days of live music at one of Scotland’s most amazing venues
  • Festival, bus and off-site parking tickets available via the Crawick Multiverse website

 

With less than two weeks to go until Music at the Multiverse takes place at Crawick Multiverse, event organisers are experiencing a surge in support for the two-day music festival in Upper Nithsdale. As one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues set within the rolling hills of the Nithsdale Valley, the family-friendly festival has not only secured big-names to take centre stage, but more local businesses and organisations are getting on board to back the festival, which is now in its third year. Ticket sales are at an all-time high as the festival continues to establish itself within the South of Scotland music scene.

 

On the 2nd and 3rd September, Crawick Multiverse, the 55-acre environmental artland between Kirkconnel and Sanquhar on the Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire border, will be transformed into a lively festival site.

 

Headline acts including feel-good festival favourites Scouting For Girls; multi-award winning Celtic trad-rockers Skerryvore; Glasgow-based indie rock band Shambolics; and Scottish rock legends Big Country will entertain the audience from The Main Stage at the Sun Amphitheatre.

 

Meanwhile, The Big Top Dance Tent will host performances from Ultrabeat and N-Trance and will be supported by Team GBX – Michael Smith, Cassi and Macca, Stevie Lennon, Joe Deacon and MC Rowlands.

 

Local DJ Malcolm X from Kelloholm is also set to return to entertain the crowds and will be joined by other local performers including; The Dangleberries, Mary Barclay Band, Big Time Louie and Pedro and the Pirates. Together they represent some of the best live music from across Dumfries and Galloway.

 

Following sell out gigs, up and coming Glasgow five-piece band Rodeo Club will also take to the stage.

 

There will be a fully licensed bar and a choice of locally-produced food from The Tin Van Pizza, Knockenhair Hospitality and Sweet Sadie’s Ice Cream and Desserts.

 

The Crawick Multiverse Trust has also attracted a high-profile line-up of local sponsors who are all generously investing in the third Music at the Multiverse festival this year. Sponsors include; The Globe Inn, David Hardie Engineering Ltd (Community Sponsor), The Holywood Trust (Youth Sponsor), Shaw Contract EMEA, Lloyd Ltd, J & J Currie Ltd, McGowan Miller Construction Consultants, Asher Associates Ltd, Genesis OHS Ltd and Alba Printers Ltd. The festival has also received a funding contribution from the Dumfries and Galloway Council Major Events Fund 2023/24.

 

With such fantastic support for festival tickets, on-site car parking and motorhome pitches are now sold out, but off-site parking and a shuttle bus will now be available nearby at Sanquhar Academy. A private coach service will also run between Dumfries and Crawick on both Saturday and Sunday. The coach will leave Dumfries at 11am on both days, will pick up in Thornhill and will take passengers to the festival site at Crawick Multiverse. The return trips will leave Crawick Multiverse at 7.30pm. Pre-booking is essential. Anyone buying a coach ticket, must also have a valid festival ticket. For more information and to book, follow the link below.

 

Sharon Glendinning, Crawick Multiverse General Manager, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support for Music at the Multiverse this year, so we are gearing up for what will be our largest event  so far at Crawick Multiverse! We can’t wait to welcome well-known performers, home-grown talent, locals, visitors and sponsors to our third Music at the Multiverse festival in September. Crawick Multiverse is a unique festival venue and we are sure that everyone who comes along will not only enjoy the entertainment, but will also have a fantastic experience exploring and discovering our amazing landforms and everything else our local area has to offer. We are extremely grateful to all our performers, sponsors, visitors and supporters!”

 

  • Main Stage: Saturday – Skerryvore, Shambolics, Malcolm X, Mary Barclay Band and Big Time Louie
  • Main Stage: Sunday – Scouting For Girls, Big Country, The Dangleberries, Pedro and the Pirates and Rodeo Club
  • Dance Tent: Saturday – Ultrabeat, Michael Smith, Cassi and Macca, Jamie Benson and Brett Lawrie
  • Dance Tent: Sunday – N-Trance, Joe Deacon, Stevie Lennon, Malcolm X, Elliot Boyce, Stephen Holland and Steven Allan

 

Tickets can be purchased online: https://www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk/music-at-the-multiverse/music-and-the-multiverse-2023/

 

Funding Announced To Help Improve Animal Health & Welfare

Funding Announced To Help Improve animal health and welfare

Funding to help improve the health and welfare of cattle and sheep is now available for farmers and crofters.

Up to £1250 is available over two years to support a review of a flock or herd, and help farmers consider health and welfare interventions that improve performance.

In addition, the Scottish Government is providing additional funding in 2023-24 to help increase the provision of Official Veterinarians across Scotland.  OVs undertake a range of statutory duties on behalf of Scottish Ministers, including Tuberculin Testing and the investigation of notifiable animal diseases.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“Research shows healthy livestock produce less emissions, require less veterinary treatment and fewer antibiotics. Sheep and cattle make up a significant amount of the greenhouse gas emissions contributed by agriculture in Scotland.

“This new animal health and welfare payment is one of the first steps in this process and will reward farmers who take an active role in improving the health and welfare of the animals they keep.

“Official Veterinarians also play an important role in improving the health and welfare of our national herd, through Tuberculin Testing and the investigation of notifiable animal diseases. That’s why we’re providing more funding this year to help increase this important provision across the country.”

Background

Any farming or crofting business that has an active Business Reference Number, is Rural Payments and Services online registered, and has a flock/herd number can undertake up to two interventions in each scheme year of the Programme. Each intervention will attract a standard payment of £250. With the first claim an additional £250 to cover personal development.

The online claim platform has now been updated to allow claims for AHW claims to be submitted in addition to carbon audit and soil analysis support. The process is quick and easy to use and can be accessed through the Preparing for Sustainable Farming Guidance page at www.ruralpayments.org where guidance and case studies can also be found.

Veterinary surgeons in Scotland are now able to apply for funding to complete the relevant qualifications to become Official Veterinarians (OVs).  More information can be found at: Official veterinarians training support – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Police Probe Spate Of Thefts From Vans – Dumfries & Eastriggs Areas

POLICE PROBE SPATE OF THEFTS FROM VANS - DUMFRIES AND EASTRIGGS AREAS

Police are appealing for information following numerous reports of break-ins to and thefts from work vans in the Dumfries and Eastriggs area.

On Saturday, 19 August, 13 reports were made to police that either tools had been stolen from the vans or that attempts had been made to break into them in the Summerhill, Maxwelltown and Summerville areas of Dumfries and Durban Road, Eastriggs.

Officers are keen to trace the occupants of a silver Volkswagen Golf seen in the Dumfries area around 1.45am on that date.

Detective Constable Craig Flint said:

“We believe at this time that these break-ins and thefts are linked. There has been a significant number broken into.
“The thieves obviously knew what they were looking for and seem to have specifically targeted works vans.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen this car in these areas, or any persons seen acting suspiciously, to please get in touch. Similarly, if your vehicle has been tampered with but you’ve not reported it to police, then please do so.”

Information can be passed to officers via 101. Please quote incident number 0359 of 19 August. Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Man sentenced For Attempted Murder of Motorcyclists on A7 Selkirk to Langholm Road

Man sentenced For Attempted Murder of Motorcyclists on A7 Selkirk to Langholm Road

A man has been sentenced for attempted murder in Selkirk.  Barry Smith, aged 42, was sentenced to eight years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, 21 August, 2023 for attempted murder.

On Saturday, 24 July, 2021 two men sustained serious injuries after Smith deliberately drove a van at a group of motorbike riders on the A7, just south of Selkirk.

At the time, Barry Smith was acting as a support driver for a ride out involving around 100 motorcycles. The men injured were part of a different motorcycle club.

Detective Sergeant Barry Roebuck, of Galashiels CID, said: “This was an entirely avoidable and needless incident, which will have long-lasting effect on both the victims and now the perpetrator who will  face the consequences of his actions with this sentence.
“This kind of violence will not be tolerated in our communities and I hope the court outcome sends a clear message to those involved in serious crime that we are committed to seeking out those responsible and bringing them to justice.”
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