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35 YEAR OLD MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN COLLISION NEAR LANGHOLM

Road policing officers are appealing for information following a serious crash near Langholm.

The incident happened around 11pm on Friday, 28 July, 2023  just north of Langholm on the A7 and involved a red Toyota Hilux.

Emergency services attended and a 35-year-old man was taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary with serious injuries.

Sergeant Lloyd Caven said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen what happened to get in touch.
“Likewise, if you were driving in the area at the time and have dash-cam footage that could assist with our enquiries, please make contact.”
Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4819 of Friday, 28 July, 2023.

Engaging Adventures for Young Explorers: Join Michael Howe’s “Have You Seen?” Series in Dumfries and Galloway

Author Michael Howe takes readers on a captivating journey through the picturesque landscapes and fascinating wildlife of Dumfries and Galloway in his enchanting “Have You Seen?” series.

Featuring heartwarming tales of animals and places, Rowe’s books bring to life the lesser-known beauty of this Scottish region.

Within the pages of the “Have You Seen?” series, readers will discover a world of hidden gems, where charming characters and breathtaking locations come to life. Howe’s storytelling shines a spotlight on the lesser-known places of Dumfries and Galloway, inviting readers to explore the region’s wonders.

Animals That Inspire:

At the heart of the series are the lovable animal characters, each with their own unique qualities and charm. From the Summerhill Snail to Glen the Galloway Goat, these endearing creatures offer valuable life lessons and raise awareness of important issues.

Breathing Life into Dumfries and Galloway:

Through evocative storytelling and captivating illustrations, Howe’s books breathe life into Dumfries and Galloway, showcasing its natural beauty and the unique charm of its inhabitants. Readers of all ages are transported to a world of wonder, fostering an appreciation for the treasures that lie within this enchanting region.

Continuing the Journey:

With the success of the “Have You Seen?” series, Michael Howe’s dedication to Dumfries and Galloway’s natural beauty continues to shine.

As the series grows, Howe invites readers to embark on new adventures, exploring more of the region’s hidden wonders and fostering a sense of appreciation for the beauty that lies close to home

https://haveyouseenpicturebooks.co.uk/

Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club Champion Cycling For All

The Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club has secured funding to lead an innovative new initiative to get more young people into cycling.

The Club has been selected by Scottish Cycling to lead the ‘Rock Up & Ride Project in Dumfries & Galloway.

‘Rock Up & Ride’ which is funded by Transport Scotland provides cycle training and bikes for children aged between 5 and 12, to ensure equal access to cycling for all.

The Club will support up to 80 young people with four hours of rider coaching to develop skills and confidence which includes basic maintenance checks. The young people who participate will then be eligible to receive a bicycle, with the intention that they can enjoy and benefit from cycling throughout their childhood.

Pictures show: Councillors Jackie McCamon and Ian Blake join Hillbillies club
Chair, Gavin McHallum (with cycling helmet) and participants at the launch of
the Rock Up And Ride project.

Club Chair Person Secretary, Gavin McHallum said:

‘Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club is delighted to be working in partnership with Scottish Cycling and Transport Scotland to deliver Rock Up & Ride. The main aim of our club is to get as many people on bikes as possible whether mountain bikes, gravel riding or road cycling.

‘This project will allow us to introduce cycling in fun way to young people who might never have had the opportunity to own a bike and the pleasure that this can bring.’

The project was launched with the help of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Chair and Vice Chair of its Communities Committee.

Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ian Blake said:

‘The Galloway Hillbillies is a club right at the heart of the community and is an ideal partner to deliver this initiative across the area. I’m sure it will be the start of a lifelong love of cycling for dozens of young people who otherwise may have missed out.’

The Council has supported the Hillbillies to part-fund and deliver three Summer of Cycling events this summer and is prioritising the promotion of the region as a cycling destination.

Vice Chair of Committee, Councillor Jackie McCamon said:

‘Hosting the UCI Paracycling World Championship will give a huge international profile for Dumfries & Galloway as a superb cycling venue and destination. We have hundreds of miles of gravel tracks, first class mountain bike trails and unspoilt quiet roads that cyclists love. We are keen to do all we can to put the area on the international cycling tourism map.’

Young people must meet certain criteria before being eligible for help through Rock Up and Ride. Anyone interested in finding out more about the project and how it works should check out Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club Facebook page or their website Gallowayhillbillies.org

The Summer of Cycling events can be found at https://moo4events.com/

Annan Riding of the Marches Receives Funding from Cunninghame Housing Association

Pictured left to right: Stuart Thompson MBE, Chairperson of Annan Riding of the Marches and Alan Somerville – CHA

Alan Somerville, Senior Development Officer of Cunninghame Housing Association recently presented a cheque for £1,000 to Stuart Thompson MBE, the Chairperson of Annan Riding of the Marches.

Annan Riding of the Marches (organised by a voluntary committee) is one of the largest and oldest historical traditional ceremonies in Southwest Scotland dating back almost 700 years. Now, to present day, a fortnight of culture, ceremonial and community events take place with the culmination of‘Marches Day’. The aim of the Committee is to keep up the tradition of the town and hold the annual programme of events.

Stuart Thompson MBE, Chairperson of Annan Riding of the Marches commented, “We are extremely privileged to receive funding once again from Cunninghame Housing Association. Working in collaboration with Cunninghame Housing, and receiving the substantial amount, allows us to maintain the high standards of events over the fortnight, culminating with Riding of the Marches Day”.

Cunninghame Housing Association are delighted to have supported this year’s events by providing funding to help support the key pieces of infrastructure and ceremonial items to help make the whole event a success.

Lesley Keenan, Chairperson of CHA commented, “We are delighted to have supported another year of, Annan Riding of the Marches, which I am sure will have been as successful as previous years thanks to the dedicated voluntary committee who give up their personal time to make the event happen.”

The funding for Annan Riding of the Marches came from the Associations “Making Our

Communities a Better Place Fund” which operates throughout the year (1st April to 31st March) until the allocated funding is exhausted.

Local Groups or individuals interested in finding out more about the Associations Making Our Communities Better Places Fund can do so by visiting our website http://cunninghamehousing.org where you can also download an application form.

Dumfries Mart Weekly Sales Report – 24 & 26/7/23

DUMFRIES MART WEEKLY SALES REPORT - 24 & 26/7/23
DUMFRIES MART WEEKLY SALES REPORT - 24 & 26/7/23

DUMFRIES STORE CATTLE 24/07/2023

C & D Auction Marts held their fornightly sale of store cattle in Dumfries.

253 Forward – Another good ringside of buyers were in attendance despite the recent slip in the finished beef returns. Demand was strong for all classes,

 

Bullocks to £1550 from H & A Hiddleston, Park Farm and 306.7p/kg Belridding

Heifers to £1440 sold by B M Ramsay, High Auchneel and 295.6p/kg West Lanegate

 

Bullocks per head – AA – £1550 £1370 Park, £1420 £1250 Shenrick, £1265 High Auchneel, £1245 Seafield. Char – £1435 Shenrick, £1400 £1385 £1335 Park, £1285 Millhill. Lim – £1430 Shenrick, £1390 High Auchneel, £1380 Belridding, £1325 £1260 £1245 Seafield, £1165 Lantonside. Siml – £1315 Millhill. BB – £1235 Backburn. Fri – £1170 Park. Sal – £1150 High Auchneel. Gal – £920 Glenlea.

 

Heifers per head – Lim – £1440 £1300 £1200 High Auchneel, £1320 Ballaggan, £1280 Backburn, £1195 Belridding, £1130 Hazelbank. AA – £1430 Ballaggan, £1300 £1200 High Auchneel, £1160 Maxwellbank, £1110 Seafield. Sal – £1300 £1200 High Auchneel. BSH – £1200 High Auchneel. Char – £1185 £1120 West Lanegate, £1140 Burnside, £1140 Millhill. BB – £1170 Seafield. Sim – £1140 Millhill. Her – £1100 Maxwellbank

DUMFRIES PRIMESTOCK 26/07/2023

 

C&D Auction Marts held their Weekly Sale of Primestock in Dumfries.

 

Prime cattle met a competitive trade selling to 323p/kg for Limousin Heifer from J. Jardine, Yett to R. Johnstone & Sons, Butchers, Annan.

Bullocks to 305p/kg Fauldingcleugh

 

OTM’s comprised a show of leaner type cows and a satisfactory trade prevailed.

 

 

Per Head – Lim – £1588.75 £1289.25 Ballaggan. Sal – £1257.95 West Skelston. BB – £1247.85 West Skelston. Hol – £1096 Muirside, £1021.20 Ryemuir. Fri – £1036.35 Grains.

 

Per Kilo – Lim – 191p Ballaggan, 183p West Skelston. Sal – 181p West Skelston. BB – 177p West Skelston. Fri – 147p Grains. Hol – 138p Ryemuir, 137p Muirside, 132p Brownrigg.

 

Prime Sheep Forward

 

562 Prime Lambs – Trade better than expected.

 

85 Lambs (32.1kg-39kg) averaging 268.8p/kg to 295p/kg Maryholm

Belt – £112 Maryholm

Tex – £111 Whitehall

Mil Blue – £109.50 Townpark

 

328 Lambs (39.1kg-45kg) averaging 262.5/kg to 286p/kg Eastside

Tex – £124 £122 Eastside. £120.50 Rashgill, £120 Shangan

Suf – £117 Netherhall

Dut Spot – £111 Laneside

 

149 Lambs (45.6kg+) averaging 262.7p/kg to 277p/kg Newmains

Tex –  £137 £133.50 Shangan, £134 Eastside & Hunthills, £133 £131 Newmains, £132 Rashgill, £130 Glenlaugh

Suf – £134 Tara, £123 £122×2 Netherhall

 

 

147 Cast Ewes and Rams – Would be sharper on the week for a plainer offering

Ewes

Tex – £180 Newton Bungalow, £146 Shangan, £144 Druidhall

X – £126 Shangan, £124 £118 West Skelston, £122 Druidhall

NCC – £122 Dressertland

BFL – £114 Dalpeddar

 

Rams

Tex – £175 Roshglen, £156 Hall of Drumpark

Suf – £158 Roshglen

BFL – £134 £122 Hall of Drumpark

 

 

 

Get Your Best Friend Ready For All The Fun of Galloway Country Fair

Get Your Best Friend Ready for all the Fun of Galloway Country Fair

  • Great day out for all the family – and that definitely includes the dogs
  • Thrill-packed weekend at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate
  • Meet expert trainer Lee Hartis and his amazing gundogs
  • Sponsors include SP Energy Networks, Foresight, Community Wind Power Ltd, and Lloyd Ltd

Whether your canine companion is a Jack Russell or a Great Dane – it will have huge fun coming with you to the Galloway Country Fair.

The weekend event at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Dumfries and Galloway, on 12 & 13 August is a celebration of family and country life – and that very much includes dogs.

  • The Buccleuch Dog Show, on Sunday, has two categories – one for gundogs and another for everything else.
  • The gundog scurries are open to every kind of dog that wants to have a go – they can even win small prizes.
  • Then there are the retriever and spaniel tests, which are a chance to watch highly trained working dogs put through their paces.

The scurries and tests are organised by the Galloway Gundog Association, which was formed by enthusiasts around 20 years ago and has been involved with the Galloway Country Fair during all its 11 years at Drumlanrig.

Susan Edgar, Club Secretary, said: “The scurries are for fun. Any breed can take part, we’ve had greyhounds, Alsatians, cockapoos and Jack Russells.
“Lots of the dogs are from outside the gundog world, family pets, so they’ve never tried anything like it before.
“They just have to run out, retrieve a dummy and bring it back. There’s a fence they are supposed to go over – though some go under and others go through. It’s great fun, there’s a real comedy element.”

Entry is on the day, and dogs can have more than one go in case they don’t get the idea first time.

The tests are for trained gundogs – with entries taking place in advance. It’s a chance to see around 36 dogs display their obedience, patience and ability to track down dummies that have been thrown or hidden from sight.

And Sunday’s Buccleuch Dog Show (entries need to be registered in advance) is one of the most popular events of the entire weekend – with dogs of every possible shape and size gathering in the main arena.

The well-known trainer Lee Hartis will also be showing off the skills of some of his remarkable gundogs.

Lee, who has taught all over the UK and Europe and has trained numerous Labrador field trial champions, said: “I’ll be showing the full range of training, starting with young pups and how to teach them to get used to the lead and to sit and stay, right through to everything that a fully trained adult gundog can do.

“And after the demonstrations I’ll be happy to chat to people and offer some training tips either at the ringside or down at the Chapel Farm Premium Dog Food tent.”

Anna Fergusson, Drumlanrig Estate Director, said: “It’s a great family weekend where dogs aren’t simply allowed – they are at the very heart of many of our activities and events.
“In fact, one of the big attractions for many people is to see all the wonderful dogs that have come along for a day out at Drumlanrig.
“As ever there will be a huge amount to see and do in this big annual celebration of country and family life. And by taking advantage of the advance booking discounts it’s even better value.”

The fair will have an abundance of stalls, including ones where you can buy everything a dog could want.

Pop into the Chapel Farm Premium Dog Food tent and you can chat to David Lisset, Buccleuch Kennels Manager and his team, about the food he originally had formulated for the estate’s own gundogs and is now available to the public with recipes to suit all breeds.

He said: “It’s like running a football club – you have them all there, the juniors, the reserves, the premiership team.
“And you get all sorts – with their different personalities. There are the ones that are really keen to learn, the ones that won’t pay attention and the ones that are always up to mischief. So you have to get the training right for each of them.”

Weekend highlights will include:

  • Riders of the Storm – daredevil equine acrobatics.
  • Flyin’ Ryan – amazing motorbike stunts
  • The Lamb National – sheep racing, with the chance for you to take part
  • The Sheep Show – fun facts and dancing sheep
  • The free children’s fun area
  • Great food and drink plus cooking demos
  • The Craft Marquee
  • Defender Jam, the giant annual get together for fans of all things Land Rover.

Galloway Country Fair sponsors include SP Energy Networks, Foresight, Community Wind Power Ltd, and Lloyd Ltd.

Pearse Murray, SP Energy Networks, said: “SP Energy Networks is delighted to be one of the principal sponsors for the Galloway Country Fair 2023.
“We are currently investing over £2 billion in our transmission infrastructure as we carry out the required changes to achieve a cleaner and greener future for us all. The Dumfries and Galloway region is a key part of that, with plans to invest more than £100 million around the Thornhill area, which will bring significant benefits to the local economy and support local people and communities.
“Please join us at Drumlanrig and chat over the plans and work we are doing in the region to make Net Zero a reality.”
Diane Wood, Community Benefits Director at Community Windpower, said: “Community Windpower Limited are proud to sponsor this year’s Galloway Country Fair, a fantastic fun-filled event aimed at families and rural businesses within Dumfries and Galloway.
“CWL are pleased to be supporting another event located close to our operational Sanquhar Community Wind Farm and our in development Sanquhar II Community Wind Farm. We hope that everyone visiting has an amazing time.”

Visit www.gallowaycountryfair.co.uk for further information and keep up to date with the latest news, or check out @GallowayCountryFair on Facebook and Instagram.

McGrath Bowls His Way To Season’s Best for Dumfries – Cricket News

Tommy McGrath took six wickets for Dumfries for the season's best bowling figures

Dumfries Cricket Club came away from their visit to Uddingston in Western Premiership One with a defeat despite the season’s best bowling figures from the Icon Sports Player of the Match Tommy McGrath.

In a rain-affected game the match started late with the overs reduced to 35 overs-a-side and with Uddingston asked to bat first. Openers Mughal and Awais managed to set the platform for their side with a fifty opening partnership before McGrath came on to take the first of his six wickets with Awais caught by Hobman. Mughal went on to the top score of the day with 56 and had taken the total past the hundred when he was well caught by Robert McBride at long-off off the bowling of Vaughn Staples.

Dumfries then came back into the game with wickets to give the prospect of a reduced final total. Chris Brockwell claimed two wickets within a few runs and then took the next catch off McGrath, and a further wicket caught and one more bowled by McGrath took the home side to 156 for 7. However, the final three wickets were able to muster a further forty runs, despite two further McGrath wickets and one to James Hobman, to reach 193 all out in the final 35th over.

In reply, Dumfries’s batting tribulations continued when a wicket fell on the very first ball. After that wickets fell on a regular basis and only number three Maritz occupied the crease and when he was bowled for 20 the side had struggled to fifty for seven wickets in sixteen overs. McGrath and Bainbridge did stay to provide some later order runs before the side were all out for 81. The consolation for the Nunholm side was the excellent bowling effort from McGrath who bowled just over six overs for 27 runs and 6 wickets for one of the league’s best bowling figures so far.

The next Dumfries fixtures are home to Clydesdale on Saturday in Western Premiership One and Nunholm play away at Langside in Western Championship One.

Women’s Cricket: Next week sees an International T20 Tri-Series taking place at Dumfries Cricket Club involving Scotland U17 Girls playing Ireland and the Netherlands with two T20 games scheduled each day for Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at the Nunholm ground. Scotland play their first game at 3:30 on Monday afternoon against the Netherlands and their fourth, and final, game is against Ireland at 1pm on Thursday.

For participants and interest, Dumfries Cricket Club can be contacted on [email protected] or find the club online at www.dumfriescricketclub.com .

 

Happy Hooves, Sanquhar Launches Appeal For All-Weather Indoor Arena

Sanquhar 27/07/23 – Happy Hooves Sanquhar CIC, a local community interest company dedicated to providing riding lessons and support to disadvantaged and disabled riders, announces the launch of their ambitious crowdfunding campaign.

The campaign aims to raise £10,000 towards the building of a state-of-the-art all-weather indoor arena, opening doors to new possibilities for young individuals in need.

Why an All-Weather Indoor Arena?

The Happy Hooves team believes that horses have the power to change lives. Through equestrian therapy, they have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact it can have on mental health, well-being, confidence, and motor skills. However, the unpredictable weather in the region often limits the number of sessions they can offer, hindering their ability to support more individuals.

The all-weather indoor arena will be a game-changer, allowing Happy Hooves to provide year-round riding lessons and therapeutic sessions, irrespective of weather conditions. It will create a safe, inclusive, and accessible space, ensuring that all riders, including those with disabilities, can experience the joy and benefits of equestrian therapy.

Generous Funding and Inspiring Vision

Happy Hooves Sanquhar CIC has already secured £100,000 from Sports Scotland and an additional £100,000 from The Holywood Trust. The unwavering support of these organizations has propelled the project forward and ignited hope in the hearts of many.

“We are incredibly grateful to Sports Scotland and The Holywood Trust for their belief in our mission,” said Laura Wilson, Founder and Director of Happy Hooves Sanquhar CIC. “Now, we embark on the final leg of our journey, with an ambitious goal of raising £10,000 through crowdfunding to complete the project.”

A Platform for Community Empowerment

Beyond providing riding lessons, the indoor arena will create employment and volunteer opportunities, foster education, and improve the overall health and well-being of young, disadvantaged individuals. It will be a hub for the community, offering a café and retail space, Changing Space accessible toilet facilities plus opportunities for the community to hire the space for other activities such as dog agility, archery and more.

How to Support the Campaign

The crowdfunding campaign is live on Crowdfunder https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/happy-hooves-sanquhar-cic-indoor-arena-project-2. Supporters have just 8 weeks, starting from 27th July to make a meaningful contribution and help Happy Hooves reach their target.

Rewards for Supporters

Happy Hooves is excited to offer rewards to supporters making larger pledges. Pledge £100 for a free riding lesson and experience the magic of equestrian therapy firsthand. For those pledging £500, enjoy an exclusive Pony Experience Day, engaging with their gentle equine friends in a truly unforgettable way.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Happy Hooves Sanquhar CIC invites everyone to be a part of this incredible journey. By contributing to the crowdfunding campaign, supporters become champions of change, empowering disadvantaged youth and transforming lives.

Contact Information:

Kirsten Scott (Fundraising Coordinator) Happy Hooves Sanquhar CIC [email protected] 07764998425

Laura Wilson (Founder and Director) Happy Hooves Sanquhar CIC [email protected] 07742 082006

About Happy Hooves Sanquhar CIC:

Happy Hooves Sanquhar CIC is a community interest company based in Sanquhar. Committed to providing riding lessons and support to disadvantaged and disabled riders of all ages, Happy Hooves believes in the transformative power of equestrian therapy. The company is now raising funds to build an all-weather indoor arena, enabling them to expand their reach and make a lasting impact on the community.

Follow Us:

Website: https://happyhoovessanquhar.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063747512019

Alexander Romance Launches New Single ‘Top Down’

Alexander Romance Launches New Single 'Top Down'

Dumfries and Galloway Music sensation, Alexander Romance returns from a spell away from the spotlight with the first single of his new sound and catalogue produced and engineered entirely by ZDO (pronounced en-do).

Since January Local farmers son William McTurk AKA ‘Alexander Romance’ has been working relentlessly in pursuit of artistic integrity and TOP DOWN is the first fruit to bear from this period.

Since meeting ZDO, Alex has entirely reinvented his sound, seeking a more energetic and high tempo feel that creates chaos in the live circuit. Fresh off an explosive set at YouthBeatz 2023, Alex is ready to prove himself as one of the most exciting acts in the Scottish music scene, with ambitions that stretch much farther.

 

You can see Alexander Romance Live at these Upcoming shows

 

  • ‘Atlas Works’ @ Bloc+, Glasgow, 3.8.23.
  • ‘Central Belters’ @ Broadcast, Glasgow, 31.8.23.
  • ‘Neverfine’ @ Sneaky Petes, Edinburgh, 2.9.23.
  • ‘Kirkcudbright Fringe’ @ Harbour Square, Kirkcudbright, 4pm 3.9.23.
  • ‘LUzA CULT’ @ The Poetry Club, Glasgow, 9.9.23

For more info, To download Alex’s Music and for tickets click HERE

4 Year Old Seriously Injured & 3 Others Hurt In Kirkton Collision

4 YEAR OLD SERIOUSLY INJURED AND 3 OTHERS HURT IN KIRKTON COLLISION

POLICE Officers are appealing for information following a serious road traffic collision on the C11n, Dumfries to Auldgirth road, north of Kirkton village, Dumfries.

About 9.10 am on Wednesday 26 July 2023, police received a report of a road traffic collision involving two cars, a black Audi A6 and a black BMW 1 Series.

A 4-year-old male passenger from the Audi was taken by Air Ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where he remains for treatment. Medical staff describe his condition as serious but stable.

The 35-year-old female driver of the Audi, her female child passenger, aged two years, and the 52-year-old male driver from the BMW were all taken to the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary where medical staff describe their condition as stable.

The road was closed for several hours to allow officers to conduct enquiries at the scene, however, it is now open.

Constable Callum Kingstree, Roads Policing Unit, Dumfries, said:

“An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the collision and I would appeal to any motorists in that area to contact us with any information they may have. If anyone has any dash cam footage, please pass it on as it could assist our enquiries”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0730 of 26 July 2023.