Vehicles Worth Thousands Stolen From Farm Near Stranraer

VEHICLES WORTH THOUSANDS STOLEN FROM FARM NEAR STRANRAER

POLICE SCOTLAND are appealing for information following the theft of a pick-up truck and two quad bikes, which were stolen from a farm near Stranraer.

The grey Nissan Navara pick up truck, a red Honda 420cc, and a blue and white Polaris were taken between 1.30am and 4am on Thursday, 28 December, 2023 from a farm near Old Military Road.

Constable Graeme Stewart said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicles to come forward.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 0563 of 28 December, 2023. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Why Is Everyone Looking At Galloway’s Crab Apple Trees?

Why is everyone looking at Galloway’s Crab Apple Trees?

Galloway has a well-kept secret: we have special native crab apple trees – hardy, long lived and much-loved scrubby pasture trees! Experts increasingly appreciate and admire the population of native crab apple trees in Galloway. But why are they here, and why does this matter? This will be explored and better understood at an event on 18th January, with attendees welcomed in person or online.

 

Our crab apple trees are found in rough pasture on hills, along the coast along riverbanks and sometimes in gardens. They bear beautiful pink blossom in spring, in autumn golden globes of fruit, locally known as ‘scroggies’ that sometimes hang on throughout the winter. Galloway, together with a couple of other areas in the UK, has an exceptionally high level of native genetic material in its Crab Apple stock – likely due to the remote nature of our current treestock and the reduced chance of cross pollination with other apple species.

 

However not all of our crab apple trees are true natives, some have been cross pollinated with domestic apples and ornamental varieties. This puts the survival of the true ‘native’ Crab Apples under threat. The South West Scotland Community Woodlands Trust has been leading a project over recent years to identify and better understand our population of native crab apple trees, celebrating their significance through history to present day. The team have been on a mission to find Galloway’s true natives through DNA testing, use this to grow the next generation of native trees and seek to protect this important natural asset.

This event – delivered in hybrid so attendees are welcomed in person or online – will share an overview of the work done to better understand our native crab apples, giving a number of different reasons why we should be proud of the Galloway crab apple trees! Book your free ticket here: https://fienta.com/galloway-crab-apple-action.

 

Jools Cox, from the SWSCWT’s Crab Apple Project will be speaking on the night and said:

The Crab Apple Project has been so exciting. We have proved what we always believed, that our beautiful native Scottish malus sylvestris are really special, not just here but in the whole of Northern Europe! So, now we want to make sure that they are enjoyed, protected, propagated, and given the reverence they deserve.’

 

The event is delivered in partnership with Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, a new initiative seeking to support trees, habitats and the people that depend upon them in Dumfries & Galloway. McNabb Laurie, Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands Officer, said:

“With expert eyes increasingly turning to the Crab Apple Trees of Galloway, it is so important that we take a moment to appreciate why the local native trees are important – and how they can influence lots of contemporary questions around resilience of our food systems and our changing climate.
Never before has a hybrid event actually focussed on a lack of hybridisation…”

 

For more information about Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, follow the facebook or twitter pages or sign up for the newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iAlL6k.

 

Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is registered in Scotland as a SCIO, number 052525.

Local Community Cries Out For Much Needed NHS Dentists 

Castle Douglas In Dumfries and Galloway is seeking two NHS dentists to start providing services from a vacant clinic in their town have taken their message onto video.

Several local residents of Castle Douglas appear in the short film, promoting the opportunity which currently exists within Garden Hill Primary Care Centre.

Alison Milne is Director of Dentistry for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, and she said: “The vacant clinic in Castle Douglas represents a brilliant opportunity for an NHS dentist.

“This is a facility which could see NHS dental services provided to the town and surrounding area, and there’s a huge amount of local interest in attracting two dentists to take up this opportunity.

“This is reflected in the video, where we see a series of local residents including a local vet and minister promoting this fantastic community and all that it has to offer, encouraging dentists who might be thinking about taking up this opportunity to give it serious thought.”

The video showcases the many appealing features of the immediate community of Castle Douglas and the wider area, including the Dark Skies Park, Galloway Hills, the attractive shorelines, along with activities including hiking, mountain biking and local drama groups.

In the video, vet Bruce Haggerty said: “Castle Douglas and the surrounding area of the Stewartry are fabulous places.

“It’s a wonderful wee corner of the world that is often overlooked, driven past and ignored, but actually has amazing things to offer in life – things to do, family life, it’s a great wee corner of the world.

“I’m originally from Glasgow, came down in 2009, and I’ve fallen in love with the place; it’s a fantastic part of the world.”

Postmaster Colin Wilson joins others in the video in noting the many appealing features of the area, and a community which has a low crime rate and which provides help to those who need it – pulling together in a crisis.

However, Mr Wilson said: “There is one thing that is missing in the town, and that is dental provision.

“We have an excellent medical centre which is really relatively new, excellent GPs, and we are really missing a dentist. The town is looking for a dentist, and we’d really encourage somebody to seriously consider Castle Douglas – to come down, have a look, have a feel about the place, and see what we can offer you.”

Another resident, Julie Irving, notes the concern about lack of access to NHS dental care.

Julie said: “It would be phenomenal to have NHS dentistry back within the local area.

“I really hope dentists see this and think, ‘This is the place for me, I want to live there, where the quality of life is good, the pace of life is good, we’ve got great schools, we’ve got great communities – come and join us in Castle Douglas.”

Details on the opportunities for two NHS dentists at the clinic at Garden Hill Primary Care Centre can be found at the following location: https://apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/Job/JobDetail?jobid=170633&source=JobtrainRss

 

Women in Photography Exhibition at DGRI To Go On Tour

An exhibition that celebrates of women in photography will tour across Dumfries and Galloway in 2024.

 

Currently on display at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary (DGRI), the exhibition was curated and first showcased at Shambellie House in June 2023.

 

The images displayed were taken by both emerging and established photographers from the UK and beyond. There were more than 100 submissions with 52 images on selected.

 

It is now on display at DGRI until the end of February 2024. The exhibition is for public, staff and patients in a new permanent exhibition space in the hospital. It will then tour other sites which will be announced in the new year. Further locations will be announced in the new year.

 

The exhibition is one of many initiatives by DG Creative Wellbeing across the region. The project has a full programme of artistic and cultural opportunities, events and activities that aim to enhance people’s wellbeing, communities, and healthcare environments.  More details are available on the new website – www.dgcreativewellbeing.co.uk

 

Frank Hayes, Art in Healthcare Co-ordinator said:

“DG Creative Wellbeing is delighted to present the Women in Photography Exhibition in our newly established permanent exhibition area at DGRI. We are looking forward to staff, patients, and visitors exploring the variety of captivating photographs contributed by these talented artists.”

Sports Driving Unlimited wins £1,000 festive boost thanks to Benefact Group

Sports Driving Unlimited wins £1,000 festive boost thanks to Benefact Group

Dumfries and Galloway based Sports Driving Unlimited (SDU) is one of 120 winning charities to receive an early Christmas gift of a £1,000 donation as part of Benefact Group’s seventh annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign.

Members of the public were invited to nominate a charity to win a share of £120,000 and SDU was amongst the winners which were drawn at random.

 

SDU will use the donation to fund pony driving session for over 40 disabled people, many of whom are training for both winter and summer competitions in the New Year.

“We are so grateful to receive these funds” says SDU’s chairperson, Brenda Hodgson, “and of course to all our supporters who nominated us for this award.  SDU currently provides pony driving for over 200 disabled each year.  The donation from Movement for Good and Benefact Group will contribute to giving joy and excitement to many disabled people and give them a challenging fun experience to enjoy.”
Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We know that charities are struggling, and for many, the festive season is a critical time. We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a cause close to their hearts as part of our annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign.  Benefact Group is the third largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, Benefact Trust, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give.  We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this festive financial boost will change lives for the better.”

Benefact Group has donated over £200million to over 10,000 charitable causes since 2014. The organisation aims to reach £250million in donations by 2025.

Earlier this year, 300 £1,000 awards were donated followed by £480,000 of larger grants in October. Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Local Man Chris Thomson Runs 800 Miles To Raise Mental Health Awareness

In a remarkable display of resilience, Chris Thomson, a local resident of Loch Ken, has undertaken an extraordinary challenge to promote mental and physical health awareness. Following the tragic loss of a close friend to mental health issues last year, Chris ran an impressive 500 miles (804km) in December, building on his earlier achievement of completing a 300-mile run in November for Movember charity. This ambitious endeavour not only encourages open conversations about mental health but also addresses the heightened struggles of loneliness, anxiety, and depression often experienced during the festive season.

 

As of today, Chris has covered an astonishing 445.7 miles, with the remaining marathon scheduled for December 27th. The grand finale of his epic journey will conclude at The Lochinvar Hotel in St John’s Town of Dalry. All are invited to join Chris, run alongside him, gather at the pub, and share in the celebration of his monumental achievement.

 

Chris Thomson said “I have run with lots of different people over the challenge and it has been fascinating to hear everyone’s struggles no matter how big or small and that by sharing it takes a weight off their chest. Running not only helps with your physical health but also with your mental health by allowing the mind to be cleared. I hope to continue these challenges in the future”.

 

Over the course of these two months, Chris will have completed a staggering 800 miles (1,287km), including 5 half marathons, 13 marathons, and 5 ultramarathons, ranging from 33 miles (53km) to 60 miles (96km). Chris has split his running between Scotland and London where he is now based. The finale will feature an impressive feat of endurance—10 marathons in a row.

 

Chris invites everyone to follow his ambitious challenges and journey on social media. You can stay updated on his progress by following @TourDeThomo on Instagram and TikTok, as well as @tourdethom0 on Facebook.

 

In the spirit of fostering conversation around mental health, Chris hopes that his journey will inspire others to open up about their struggles, seek support, and collectively work towards encouraging people to talk.

Have You Seen The Cairndale Bow?

Dumfries is aglow with festive spirit, courtesy of “The Cairndale Bow” adorning the local hotel.

Inspired by the holiday charm of New York, this festive installation has become a festive focal point, enchanting both locals and visitors alike.

The story behind “The Cairndale Bow” harks back to Matthew Wallace Jr, one of the hotel directors, whose time in the hospitality industry in New York left an indelible mark. The grandeur of New York’s festive season, particularly the iconic red bows along Fifth Avenue, became the muse for this holiday spectacle in Dumfries.

Community Response:
Since its unveiling at the end of November, “The Cairndale Bow” has received a warm reception from the local community. Both children and adults have expressed delight, with cars often slowing down to allow passengers a closer look. The hotel aimed to bring an authentic festive feel to Dumfries, and the community’s positive response indicates the success of this endeavour.

Logistics and Team Effort:
Creating this festive landmark was no small feat. Stretching about 50 meters wide and towering at approximately 20 meters, the installation required a team effort. The result is not only visually striking but also well-illuminated, ensuring its impact even after sundown.

Duration and Festive Programs:
“The Cairndale Bow” isn’t just a fleeting spectacle. It’s set to grace Dumfries until the 6th of January, when the lights will be switched off, and the physical bow removed from the 8th of January onwards. The festive season at Cairndale Hotel is a bustling time, accommodating a range of guests from Christmas party nights to residential stays, Twixmas, and the fully-booked Hogmanay celebration.

Local Testimonials:
Guests and passersby have shared positive remarks about the bow. A friend’s relative even expressed a desire to drive by the Cairndale Hotel specifically to witness the festive adornment, highlighting the installation’s impact on both locals and those visiting the area.

Region’s Charity Thanks Retiring Chief Executive Officer

Charity Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway has held a special event to wish a happy retirement to its chief executive Norma Austin Hart.

Colleagues and friends were invited to the celebration at The Usual Place to thank her for her near six years in charge.

Norma is well known in the region having also been the lead officer of the tourist board for six years until 2005.

She was born and brought up in Dumfries followed by spells in further education in Edinburgh and Birmingham, where she also worked for the City Council, before her return to Dumfries and Galloway and her role with the tourist board.

She was in this position when foot and mouth disease brought devastation to the region, before helping the area to emerge again as a tourism destination.

Norma was later seconded to Visit Scotland and then launched her own business where she quickly earned a reputation as a sought-after trainer for the management technique PRINCE2, training hundreds of organisations across the UK.

A move to Edinburgh also saw Norma step into the world of politics in 2007 as a Councillor for City of Edinburgh. One of her main achievements in that time was helping to secure Living Wage Employer status for the Council, seeing it introduced to all of its activity, including procurement and contracts – one of the first local authorities in Scotland to achieve this award.

After a short period of consultancy with Buccleuch Estates, Norma then became the Chief Executive Officer of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway in 2018.

Speaking at the celebration event, the organisation’s board Vice-Chair, Jo Shearer, said: “Her achievements, working with her team, are many, including a surge in meaningful engagement with the sector, real advancements in social enterprise, community health and wellbeing, employability, digital inclusion, community transport, communications, and fund administration. The list goes on, as will her legacy.”

The charity’s new Chief Executive Officer is Alan Webb, who has now started in post.

Dumfries Station Progress Report: Footbridge Officially Removed

Significant Milestone Achieved: Successful Removal of Dumfries Station Footbridge Paves the Way for ‘Access for All’ Project

Dumfries station’s footbridge was removed on the 16th of December. The bridge deck was lifted with the assistance of a 300-tonne crane and the retired Victorian footbridge, currently in storage awaiting a suitable new location, is making way for a modern structure designed to enhance accessibility, particularly for those with limited mobility or travelling with children.

It’s all part of the ‘Access for All’ project to provide step-free access at the station, making it easier for those with limited mobility or travelling with children, luggage or cycles to move between the platforms.

The new bridge is planned to open in August 2024.

 

 

New Brow Well Bridge Completed

New Brow Well Bridge Completed
• Councillor Blake and Head of Engineering Duncan McDonald

The Brow Well Bridge is once again open to traffic following the completion of the replacement bridge in November. The bridge, which is situated near Ruthwell close to the site of Brow Well – a landmark of reputed healing powers and associated with Robert Burns, was originally built around the early 19th century.

The 200-year-old bridge was regularly subjected to both the effects of the tide and rapid surface water run-off causing it’s eventual collapse on the west side in September 2019. A temporary bridge, supplied by Retro Bridge Ltd, was installed in November 2019 allowing the B725 road to be reopened. Due to the historic nature of this site, there then followed an extensive period of investigation, consultation, design, procurement and approvals – resulting in the work starting on the replacement bridge in May of this year.

The new bridge has been sympathetically designed and reconstructed using parts of the original structure. The design incorporates the original arch form that spreads the load to the foundations in the same way the 19th century arch would have done. The stone clad exterior has been created using original stone recovered upstream of the bridge, together with local reclaimed stone. The fundamental difference between the 1800s Brow Well bridge and the 2023 Brow Well bridge is their foundations. While the original bridge was built on a timber and stone foundation, the new bridge has been built on top of 18 reinforced concrete piles. This modern slant on bridge structure should help make sure that the new bridge will be overlooking the historic, healing Brow Well landmark for at least another 200 years.

Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of Communities Committee said: “The previous damage to this bridge highlights the risks to our infrastructure from coastal and flooding impacts that the council manage to keep the roads network open. We were fortunate in this situation to be able to install a temporary structure while we progressed a robust design and construction process to provide a replacement bridge that will be in use for a long time to come.”
Vice Chair of committee, Councillor Jackie McCamon, added: “This project is a great example of the work undertaken through the Roads Service and Engineering Design in its programme of inspections and repairs to bridges across our road network, with a commitment to protecting and enhancing the heritage of the region.”

 

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