Ukraine Celebrated at Mool Mix & Mingle Event

Aug 11, 2023

Ukraine Celebrated at Mool Mix and mingle Event

On Wednesday 9^th August, the Mix and Mingle at MOOL morning was dedicated to ‘A Taste of Ukraine’.

A group of Ukrainian guests prepared and shared a number of traditional Ukrainian dishes with everyone who turned up. We had a great response with a good number of both local people and new Scots joining us.

It was wonderful to try dishes such as Borscht, Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), Nalisniki (filled with mushroom, chicken and mushroom as well as curd cheese and raisins), along with devilled eggs and courgettes with mayonnaise and garlic – all of which were delicious. It was fabulous to hear more about Ukrainian traditions and how food is enjoyed at different celebrations throughout the year and for our Ukrainian guests to thank local people for the warm welcome they have received in Dumfries.

Anyone is welcome to join us at Mix and Mingle at MOOL on a Wednesday morning between 10.30 and 12.30 for fun, games, crafts, conversation and of course refreshments. A great opportunity to meet people, make friends and have fun. We meet at St Andrew’s Parish Hall, Brooke Street, Dumfries. DG1 2JL.

South of Scotland Claims Prestigious International UCI Bike Region Label

Aug 11, 2023

The South of Scotland has joined a prestigious list of world-leading cycling destinations after being awarded a UCI Bike Region Label.

The South is the first region in Scotland to be awarded the label by cycling’s world governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The label recognises a city or region’s commitment to both Elite cycling competition and cycling for all.

The label – which is held by just 26 cities and regions across the globe, including the City of Glasgow – acknowledges locations that not only host major UCI events, but also invest in developing community cycling and related infrastructure and programmes.

The award was presented to the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership – made up of local and national partners representing thousands of people across the region – whose submission to the UCI highlighted its ground-breaking ten-year strategy, which was launched last year.

The strategy aims to ensure cycling becomes the most popular choice for shorter, everyday journeys by 2032 and has a ten point priority plan with funding of £94million drawn up.

Investments from partners have included bringing events of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to Dumfries & Galloway (para-cycling road) and the Scottish Borders (mountain bike cross-country), which it is estimated will boost the South’s economy by £1million and have attracted 10,000 visitors.

A number of national and local partners in the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership have welcomed the news.

Scottish Government Tourism Minister Richard Lochhead said:

“I welcome this decision to award UCI Bike Region status to the South of Scotland because of its action to promote cycling in the community and invest in infrastructure. This can unlock the broader benefits of active travel and further improve increasing levels of participation.

“This is what a wellbeing economy is all about – supporting a healthy and just transition to net zero.

“The region is benefiting from a growing reputation as an ideal location for cycling, with visitors and locals alike enjoying our amazing outdoors.”

Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said:

“Becoming a UCI Bike Region provides the South with international recognition in terms of how we are encouraging cycle use amongst local people, but also making us an attractive cycle touring destination.

“We see cycling as an industry which has huge potential in the South, and also believe it presents many other opportunities to help address fuel poverty, transport issues, community isolation, health and wellbeing, workforce and education, inclusion and diversity and equality.

“This new UCI Bike Region label is another step towards achieving the Partnership’s ultimate goal of embedding cycling into the lives of people in the South.”

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

“This is fantastic for Dumfries and Galloway to be part of this prestigious UCI Bike Region Label.

“It is also another feather in our bow where we can promote cycling events, and cycling in general with the added bonus of showcasing what our beautiful region has to offer.”

Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Communities Committee said:

“Our region, and the wider South of Scotland area, can only benefit from this recognition moving forward.

“We will become even more of a positive destination for visitors and cycling enthusiasts.”

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

“This award is recognition of not only the partners’ efforts in developing and delivering the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy but also our region’s rightful position as the ‘Home of the Bike’ and host to many world-class cycling events.

“As a region with an already well-established reputation for cycling, UCI Bike Region status will give us further exposure across the globe and help to drive more cycle tourism.

“With significant ongoing investment into cycling, from hosting events of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to the development of the Kirkpatrick C2C and Destination Tweed long distance routes and a world-leading Mountain Bike Innovation Centre, this is a hugely exciting time for cycling in the South of Scotland.”

Gordon Smith, VisitScotland Director of Destination Development, added:

“This is a fantastic honour for the South of Scotland and strengthens its reputation as a leading cycling destination.

“This recognition from the UCI will raise the profile of the region to cyclists across the world, helping showcase our offering, attract more visitors and encourage locals to embrace the freedom of riding a bike. This in turn will support the South of Scotland’s valuable tourism and events industry, creating jobs and sustaining communities.”

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

“It’s absolutely brilliant that our joint bid to make our region Scotland’s first ever UCI Bike Region has been successful, especially as it comes in the week when the South of Scotland’s glorious landscapes are lighting up screens across the world as cycling fans are glued to rolling coverage of the UCI Cycling World Championships.

“Adventures on two wheels and ‘slow travel’ are fast-growing visitor trends and something we’re extremely well-placed to embrace in the South of Scotland, which is, of course, the ‘Home of the Bike’ thanks to Dumfriesshire’s own Kirkpatrick Macmillan, inventor of the velocipede.

“This incredible part of the world is home to a wonderfully diverse range of routes, with something to suit everyone – from families discovering the area by bike to the most experienced cyclists in search of a breathtaking new challenge, like the 250-mile Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast.

“At the SSDA we’re working hard to support businesses across the region so that they’re ‘Bike Ready’ and can make the most of the opportunities cycle tourism brings.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chair of Cycling World Championships 2023, said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see the South of Scotland achieve this title and be recognised globally for their commitment to cycling and the benefits it provides to the region.

“With the area being home to a vast number of excellent cycling routes, including Glentress Forest, where this year’s mountain biking competitions are taking place, it is no surprise cycling is already so popular in the South.

“With the South of Scotland playing such a prominent role as a host venue for part of these UCI Cycling World Championships, we hope with the exposure this has created locally and internationally, that even more people will be inspired to get out and explore the area on their bikes.

“The UCI Bike Region Label is a significant accolade and highlights great progress in promoting cycling across the region and delivering on the aims of the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy.”

UCI President David Lappartient said:

“The South of Scotland was quick to promote the power of the bike when the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships were awarded to Glasgow and across Scotland.

“The South of Scotland region has fostered a very solid partnership, that includes major stakeholders, to create a 10-year cycling promotion strategy funded by £94 million.

“This will allow the number of cyclists to increase spectacularly in the coming decade.”

Women’s Cricket: Scotland Claim Tri-Series Win at Dumfries

Aug 10, 2023

Scotland Women U17s claimed a T20 Tri-Series win last week against Ireland and Netherlands at Dumfries Cricket Club. The Scotland side recorded three wins, over Netherlands twice and Ireland, and one defeat in the final game against Ireland. Ireland claimed two wins as the weather resulted in game abandonments and re-scheduling in the six-match tournament across four days but with only one game not successfully completed.

For Scotland the opening batting partnership of Sheikh and Walsingham contributed greatly to two of the wins with a 95-run partnership against the Netherlands and an 82-run opening stand against Ireland. Sheikh also contributed the top score in the final day 57-run win over the Netherlands. The openers’ contributions were missed in the final game against Ireland with wickets falling after Ireland were restricted to 116 all out. It was Dumfries and Galloway player Niamh Muir that got her side close in top scoring with 31 off 33 balls as Scotland fell twelve runs short on 104 for 9.

The message from the teams visiting Dumfries was that the cricket was great and the girls had a great time too. Dumfries Cricket Club appreciated the opportunity to put the focus on female sport and cricket in the region by bringing international teams to the town. If interested in trying women’s cricket taster sessions contact Dumfries Cricket Club on [email protected], or find the club online at www.dumfriescricketclub.com .

Wallets Marts Weekly Primestock Sale Report Tuesday 8 August 2023

Aug 10, 2023

Wallets Marts Castle Douglas Limited on Tuesday 8 August 2023 had forward 1454 prime and cast sheep.

Lambs sold to average 266.8ppk (SQQ 267.25). Top today was £155 and 360.5ppk for a Texel lamb sold for Sarah McDiarmid, Cotland. This lamb was kindly donated to Breast Cancer Research and Support.

Cast sheep sold to £151 for Texel ewes from Messrs Graham, Irelandton with Mules to £115 from Messrs Jardine, Upper Hardland and Blackface to £87 from Beoch Farmers, Cairnryan. Rams sold to £139 for Texels from Messrs Locke, Park of Tongland.

LEADING PRICES

Prime Lambs

138 32.1 – 39 Average 264.36 Top 285.9

Texel

£110 West Barmoffity; £105.50 Shirmers; £103.50 Old Cluden; £102.50 Boreland of Girthon; £102.50 Carleton

285.9 Shirmers; 282.1 West Barmoffity; 271.1 Roan Farm; 270.9 Old Cluden

Charolais

£104.50 High Borgue

282.4 High Borgue

Suffolk

£103.50 Roan Farm

268.1 Roan Farm

Blue Texel

£93.50 Buittle Mains

246.1 Buittle Mains

826 39.1 – 45 Average 267.69 Top 360.5

Texel

£155, £145 Cotland; £134.50 West Barmoffity; £131.50 Glentoo

360.5, 322.2 Cotland; 305.7 West Barmoffity

Beltex

£125.50 Compstonend; £122.50 Cullinaw; £119.50 Torhousekie

291.9 Compstonend; 275.6, 275.3 Cullinaw; 271.4 Torhousekie

Suffolk

£120.50, £113.50 Backfell; £113.50 Cullinaw

268.3, 267.8 Backfell; 264 Cullinaw; 260.3 Balannan

Charolais

£120.50 Meikle Barncleugh

270.8 Meikle Barncleugh

Ryeland

£120 Cotland

272.7 Cotland

Cheviot

£113.50 Park Farm

264 Park Farm

Scotch Mule

£111.50 Beoch, Cairnryan; £110.50 Boreland of Girthon; £103.50 Hannaston

256.8 Hannaston; 253.4 Beoch, Cairnryan; 251.1 Boreland of Girthon

Kerryhill

£110.50 Upper Dullarg

245.6 Upper Dullarg

Blue Texel

£109.50 Buittle Mains

274.4 Buittle Mains

Cheviot Mule

£103.50 High Borgue

256.2 High Borgue

158 45.6 – 52 Average 265.16 Top 288

Texel

£137.50, £132.50 Carseriggan; £135.50 Glentoo; £133.50 Kenmure, Dunscore; £132.50 Beoch, Cairnryan; £131.50 Grange

288 Carseriggan; 287.1 Kenmure, Dunscore; 282.1 Kenmure, Dunscore; 282.8 Upper Hardland; 281.9 Beoch, Cairnryan

Blue Texel

£133.50 Buittle Mains

281.1 Buittle Mains

Beltex

£123.50 Mains of Collin

280.2 Mains of Collin

Cheviot Mule

£121.50 High Borgue

258.5 High Borgue

Scotch Mule

£120.50 Hannaston

258.6 Hannanston

15 52+ Average 248.01 Top 262

Texel

£146.50, £141.50 Douganhill; £145.50 Chapelcroft; £143.50 Hannaston

262 Douganhill; 259.5 Hannaston; 256.1 Nether Corsock; 255.7 Torhousekie

EWES

Texel

£151, £145 Irelandton; £147 Park of Tongland; £143 South Quintinespie; £141 Carseriggan

Suffolk

£137 Loaningfoot

Cheviot

£131 Irelandton; £127 Ashfield; £119 Torhousekie

Beltex

£123 Mid Croft

Scotch Mule

£115 Upper Hardland; £109 Torhousekie; £109 Kenmure, Kirkcowan; £107 Ashfield; £103 Beoch, Cairnryan

Cheviot Mule

£111 Kenmure, Kirkcowan

Blackface

£87, £73 Beoch, Cairnryan

Charolais

£85 Carnavel

BFL

£83 Culdoach

RAMS

Texel

£139 Park of Tongland

Ryeland

£115 Cotland

Dumfries Mart Monthly Pig Sale Report 7/8/23

Aug 10, 2023

C & D Marts Dumfries held their monthly sale of all classes of pigs on Monday 7^th August 2023. A smaller entry was forward but demand was strong with a total clearance effected. More pigs could have been sold to advantage.

Baconers sold to £235 and £230 for Saddlebacks from Kelso and £235 for a Large White cross from Earlston. A Pertshire consigned pen of four Large Black gilts realised £198 per head. Boars made to £172 and £170 with cast sows to £158. Young boars were making £95 for Pietrain and £90 for Oxford Sandy Blacks. Oxford Sandy Black growers made £90 for a pen of six with a pen of seven at £75.

The next monthly pig sale is on Monday 4^th September with the autumn special sale of pedigree and non-pedigree breeding pigs scheduled for Monday 16^th October.

Essential Resurfacing On The A75 Between Henderland & Bettyknowes Farm Commences Monday 21st August 2023

Aug 10, 2023

ESSENTIAL RESURFACING ON THE A75 BETWEEN HENDERLAND AND BETTYKNOWES FARM COMMENCES MONDAY 21ST AUGUST 2023

Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland as part of the Network Management Contract for the South-West Trunk Road Unit, are undertaking essential resurfacing on the A75 between Henderland and Bettyknowes Farm from Monday 21st August until Wednesday 30th August 2023, between the hours of 8pm and 6am, each night.

This scheme will benefit around 10,000 vehicles using this route each day, by improving the condition of the carriageway and reducing the need for more extensive maintenance in the future.

The work will be carried out using overnight road closures and a signed diversion will be in place. There will also be daytime temporary traffic lights in place during this work, with all traffic management to be removed by 6am on Wednesday 30th August. We thank road users for their patience and co-operation while this essential work takes place.

The signed diversion will be in place from Monday 21st until Wednesday 30th August, between the hours of 8pm and 6am, and will operate as follows:

Southbound A75 traffic will leave the A75 at Garroch Roundabout and travel east to Cargenbridge. At Cargenbridge, traffic will turn right at the roundabout to join the A711 southbound to Dalbeattie. At Dalbeattie, traffic will turn right to join the B794 Northbound and continue onto the A75.

Northbound A75 traffic will join the B794 and continue to Dalbeattie. At Dalbeattie, traffic will turn left to join the A711 northbound to Cargenbridge, before turning left at the roundabout to re-join the A75 at Garroch Roundabout.

Please note, there will be a Traffic Restriction Order in place to stop traffic joining School Brae Road (Old Military Road) from the B794.

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

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

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

Clash of the Centuries in Annan

Aug 10, 2023

Vikings and Normans come together in Annan on the 19^th. and 20^th. August as one of the main events in Annan’s Summer Festival takes place on the Everholm, by the banks of the river Annan.

Festival director Graeme MacGregor explained, “As far as we are aware, this is the first time that Vikings and Normans have been on Annan land at the same time. They are setting up re-enactment camps at the Everholm Sports track where visitors to the event can witness how they lived centuries ago.”

Both groups will demonstrate combat battles as well as teach visitors some of the fighting skills. Each day, the final act will be an exciting, but unusual, climax. To the victor, the spoils!

There will be much more taking place at the ‘Historic Battles of the Centuries’ including the arrival of King Robert the Bruce who will recalling his days of power. For the younger members of the family, there will be kiddies’ rides and bouncy castles. Refreshments will also be available.

The event, organised by Annan The History Town group, takes place from 12 noon to 4pm on both days. There is also the opportunity to save money by buying Early Bird tickets (adults £5; schoolchildren £1) for either day. These tickets are available up to Thursday 17^th. August both online at www.annanthehistorytown.org or Little Angels Gift Shop, 108 High Street, Annan.

Tickets will be available on both days (choice of day) -adults £7.50; schoolchildren £2.50.

Dumfries and Galloway Council Launches Survey to Shape Future of Local Schools

Aug 10, 2023

Dumfries and Galloway Council is inviting local residents to participate in a survey to help shape the future of schools in the area. Building upon a decision made in 2018, this initiative focuses on addressing the specific challenges faced by rural communities and an ageing population.

Currently, the council oversees a mix of schools—98 Primary Schools and 16 Secondary Schools. Importantly, 62% of these schools are located in rural or remote areas, reflecting the distinct character of our region.

Furthermore, nearly a third of our school buildings serve a dual purpose, benefiting the community beyond school hours.

In Primary Schools, 66% have a shared Headteacher or work collaboratively. Additionally, 73% of children attend schools within their immediate local catchment areas, highlighting the strong connection between our schools and the communities they serve.

The Council is actively seeking local opinions through a survey. Your insights could play a vital role in shaping the considerations for the future of our schools.

To participate and contribute your views, please visit https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/schoolmodel

Your engagement will contribute to gathering important data for the region’s education planning.

Saints Walking Football Show How It’s Done

Aug 10, 2023

Saints Walking Football played a fun mini-demonstration game in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Stewartry Show in Castle Douglas last weekend.

Organiser Craig Fabian said “Walking Football is fast-growing in popularity, so many people have heard of it and show interest, but we still get a lot of questions about what it actually is! So we thought we should ‘show rather than tell’ and the Stewartry Show gave us the perfect opportunity”.

Walking football is a slower version of the beautiful game for adults over 50 and exactly as the name suggests, it’s a standard game of football on a smallsize pitch where players walk instead of running. Player safety is a top priority so no physical contact is allowed and no heading the ball. It’s a stay-on-your-feet passing game.

It’s designed to help people get fit or to maintain an active lifestyle whatever their footballing ability, as well as get retired players back into the game. Older people who play regularly have enjoyed lower heart rates and reduced blood pressure, reduced fat, greater muscle strength and improved mobility.

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One onlooker at the Show, Derek, said “It looked like good fun out there. It wasn’t as intense as I thought it might be – I haven’t played football for many years so I worry I will’ve lost it, but I was encouraged by what I saw and I’m going to give it a go”. Another spectator, Alison said, “I hadn’t realised that this is for women as well. It’s great to see them offer us the option to play in a mixed group or a women-only group. I’m going to go to a try out the Women’s group first because they said it is a much more gentle pace. That suits me because although I used to play hockey, I haven’t played football before” Craig Fabian added, “Anyone, of any ability is welcome. And it’s not just about football and fitness, it’s also good fun, social and friendly. There’s a positive and supportive vibe. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, enjoy a breath of fresh air, have a laugh and a blether”.

Saints Walking Football, at St Cuthbert Wanderers FC in Kirkcudbright offer Free Taster Sessions every week. If you’re interested in giving it a go or finding out more about it call Craig Fabian on 07493 777855 or email [email protected]

Local Jobs At Risk – Administrators Take Over As Wilko’s Collapses

Aug 10, 2023

Wilko, the homeware retailer, has today officially moved into administration putting 12,000 jobs nationally, including a number of jobs at their Castle Douglas Store at risk. Mark Jackson, wilko CEO has issued a letter.

The letter stated “Over the past six months wilko has been very open that we’ve been considering options to accelerate a turnaround plan given that we needed to make significant changes to the way we operate to restore confidence and stabilise our business. We left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede that with regret, we’ve no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration.

We’ve a history steeped in serving customers and communities going back to 1930. Our founder JK Wilkinson started with a single hardware shop in Leicester and for over 90 years busy, hard-working families have come to us to get their household and garden jobs done quickly, simply and at the best value prices possible.

We thrived and successfully grew from one to 400 stores. We did this by listening to our customers – working out what they needed and then making sure we gave it to them. Whether it was recognising the demands for DIY products in the 1950’s, creating our first wilko product range in the 1970’s, launching online shopping in the 2000’s or being the first to sell 100% plastic-free wipes across our whole range.

Wilko is a business built on strong values. We started out in the great depression and the second world war, we’ve been there for our customers through highs and lows, recessions and coronations. Our loyal team members past and present have always been our biggest asset, our average length of service across our stores is 10 years and, in many places generations of team members have been on hand with advice or even just a friendly smile. We recently remained open as an essential retailer during the Covid-19 pandemic, staying open to serve our communities when they really needed us the most.

The turnaround plan included a new Chair, bringing experience in retail turnaround situations and a newly refreshed and streamlined senior team. Since January and with the help of retail advisers and experts, we’ve been facing into problems and have seen real progress against many areas of our plan.

We’ve made significant savings across our cost base and have been considering various options based on advice given regarding our store costs. Alongside this we’ve continued to move forward with strategically accelerating our omnichannel offer, improving the digital customer experience and opening up new marketplaces for our great value wilko products. We believe that wilko has distinct characteristics with over 50% of sales in wilko brand products (over 10,000), our value, local shopping locations and ever-expanding digital capabilities.

Significant work has been completed to streamline costs and transform the way the business operates and our robust turnaround plan, based on annualised cost savings would have delivered the most profitable wilko ever recorded within 24-months. While we can confirm we had a significant level of interest, including indicative offers that we believe would meet all our financial criteria to recapitalise the business, without the surety of being able to complete the deal within the necessary time frame and given the cash position, we’ve been left with no choice but to take this unfortunate action.

I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of the directors and the Wilkinson family to thank all of our customers, suppliers, partners and our hardworking team members across our stores, logistics and support centre who remained loyal to wilko. We’ve all fought hard to keep this incredible business intact but must concede that time has run out and now, we must do what’s best to preserve as many jobs as possible, for as long as is possible, by working with our appointed administrators. It’s been an honour to have worked alongside you all as we fought to realise and to maximise the significant opportunities that existed to re-establish a profitable wilko.

“I welcome this decision to award UCI Bike Region status to the South of Scotland because of its action to promote cycling in the community and invest in infrastructure. This can unlock the broader benefits of active travel and further improve increasing levels of participation.

“This is what a wellbeing economy is all about – supporting a healthy and just transition to net zero.

“The region is benefiting from a growing reputation as an ideal location for cycling, with visitors and locals alike enjoying our amazing outdoors.”

Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said:

“Becoming a UCI Bike Region provides the South with international recognition in terms of how we are encouraging cycle use amongst local people, but also making us an attractive cycle touring destination.

“We see cycling as an industry which has huge potential in the South, and also believe it presents many other opportunities to help address fuel poverty, transport issues, community isolation, health and wellbeing, workforce and education, inclusion and diversity and equality.

“This new UCI Bike Region label is another step towards achieving the Partnership’s ultimate goal of embedding cycling into the lives of people in the South.”

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

“This is fantastic for Dumfries and Galloway to be part of this prestigious UCI Bike Region Label.

“It is also another feather in our bow where we can promote cycling events, and cycling in general with the added bonus of showcasing what our beautiful region has to offer.”

Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Communities Committee said:

“Our region, and the wider South of Scotland area, can only benefit from this recognition moving forward.

“We will become even more of a positive destination for visitors and cycling enthusiasts.”

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

“This award is recognition of not only the partners’ efforts in developing and delivering the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy but also our region’s rightful position as the ‘Home of the Bike’ and host to many world-class cycling events.

“As a region with an already well-established reputation for cycling, UCI Bike Region status will give us further exposure across the globe and help to drive more cycle tourism.

Gordon Smith, VisitScotland Director of Destination Development, added:

“This is a fantastic honour for the South of Scotland and strengthens its reputation as a leading cycling destination.

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

“Adventures on two wheels and ‘slow travel’ are fast-growing visitor trends and something we’re extremely well-placed to embrace in the South of Scotland, which is, of course, the ‘Home of the Bike’ thanks to Dumfriesshire’s own Kirkpatrick Macmillan, inventor of the velocipede.

“This incredible part of the world is home to a wonderfully diverse range of routes, with something to suit everyone – from families discovering the area by bike to the most experienced cyclists in search of a breathtaking new challenge, like the 250-mile Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast.

“At the SSDA we’re working hard to support businesses across the region so that they’re ‘Bike Ready’ and can make the most of the opportunities cycle tourism brings.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chair of Cycling World Championships 2023, said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see the South of Scotland achieve this title and be recognised globally for their commitment to cycling and the benefits it provides to the region.

“With the area being home to a vast number of excellent cycling routes, including Glentress Forest, where this year’s mountain biking competitions are taking place, it is no surprise cycling is already so popular in the South.

“With the South of Scotland playing such a prominent role as a host venue for part of these UCI Cycling World Championships, we hope with the exposure this has created locally and internationally, that even more people will be inspired to get out and explore the area on their bikes.

“The UCI Bike Region Label is a significant accolade and highlights great progress in promoting cycling across the region and delivering on the aims of the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy.”

UCI President David Lappartient said:

“The South of Scotland was quick to promote the power of the bike when the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships were awarded to Glasgow and across Scotland.

“The South of Scotland region has fostered a very solid partnership, that includes major stakeholders, to create a 10-year cycling promotion strategy funded by £94 million.

“This will allow the number of cyclists to increase spectacularly in the coming decade.”

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