New website provides support During Regions Dental Crisis

Jul 27, 2023

A WEB-SITE aimed at providing advice on maintaining oral and dental health has been launched in Dumfries and Galloway.

The website aims to provide essential information, practical advice, and authoritative resources to support individuals in maintaining their oral health. This is important at any time, but particularly during these challenging times of NHS dentist shortages.

Director of Dentistry Alison Milne said: “We understand the frustrations faced by our community members who are unable to access dental services easily.

“While we are working closely with colleagues at Scottish Government and local dentists to improve access to NHS dental services, we also recognise the importance of reminding local people of the steps they can take to maintain their oral health.

“Through this new website, we want to equip individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to maintain their oral health until they can receive professional dental care.

“Prevention and education are key, and we hope that this website will support people to take control of their oral health and make informed decisions.

“By sharing knowledge and guidance, we aim to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to care for their smiles and overall well-being.”

The new website serves as a valuable resource, offering guidance on oral health maintenance, recognising dental problems and signposting to additional trusted sources of information.

The website provides practical advice on maintaining oral health, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, the importance of healthy eating habits, and the benefits of avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. It also guides individuals in recognising common dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. In case of dental emergencies, the website offers essential information on managing severe toothache, broken or knocked-out teeth, and the necessary steps to take while awaiting professional care.

Alison Milne said: “As we continue to work with Scottish Government colleagues to address challenges around access to NHS dental services, we want to do all we can to help people in caring for their oral and dental health.

“We encourage everyone to explore the website and utilise the available resources to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental problems.”

The website also offers a range of additional resources to further assist the community.

Visitors can access up-to-date information on the availability of NHS dental services in the region through NHS Inform.

The Oral Health Foundation and the British Dental Association are trusted sources of information, providing educational materials, fact sheets, and guidelines on oral health.

For urgent concerns, the Dental Helpline at NHS 24 is available to provide advice and guide individuals to appropriate dental services.

Alison Milne said: “Although we believe that the new website is a welcome and positive resource, it does not replace the need for professional dental care.

“If you are registered with a dentist we encourage individuals to seek regular check-ups as they are able to do so, and to consult with dental professionals for personalised advice and treatment.

“If someone who is not registered with an NHS dentist has a dental emergency, help can be provided by the local Public Dental Service on 0845 602 6417, 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.

“Fundamentally, our aim is to complement existing services and provide support during these challenging times.”

Visit the new NHS Dumfries and Galloway Oral and Dental Health website today at
https://dghscp.co.uk/dental-health/

Ellisland Gets Set For Family Funday This Weekend

Jul 27, 2023

The cream of local youth music talent will play at the home of Auld Lang Syne at Ellisland’s family fun day this Saturday 11am to 3pm.

Spectrum, a group of young traditional musicians from across Dumfries and Galloway led by local teacher Barbara Lewis, will play in the barn built by the poet Robert Burns in 1788.

The Summer Fun day includes traditional games, face painting and nature trails.

Funds raised will support the museum and historic site. There will be tea, coffee and home baking for sale and museum tours will go ahead as normal.

The Fun Day is a repeat of a successful event held last summer and is made possible through funding from The Holywood Trust.

Spectrum will perform from 1.30pm at the Fun Day.

Families are invited to bring their own picnics to enjoy.

Caitlin MacLeod, museum development lead at Ellisland said: ‘The event this year will feature a nature theme and the activities will highlight the biodiversity and beautiful landscapes we have on our doorstep! Visitors can expect a family friendly atmosphere and entertainment for people of all ages.’

Portpatrick Shines Among UK’s Coastal Gems in The Times’ Top 20 Seaside Towns

Jul 27, 2023

ROAD LINK FROM PORTPATRICK TO IRELAND TO BE FOCUSED ON IN NEW TRANSPORT REVIEW — Portpatrick -Copyright DGWGO

Portpatrick has achieved a well-deserved honour – being selected as one of the UK’s top seaside towns by The Times newspaper. This recognition not only celebrates the town’s enduring appeal but also shines a light on the exceptional coastal offerings of our region.

The town was joined by two fellow Scottish coastal destinations, Troon in South Ayrshire, and Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, in claiming well-deserved spots on the list.

The inclusion of Portpatrick in this distinguished list is a moment of celebration for all of us in Dumfries and Galloway. It underscores the exceptional beauty and charm that we have long known and cherished. As the news of this recognition spreads, we can take pride in knowing that our coastal treasure has captured the hearts of The Times and the wider UK audience, drawing attention to the splendour that lies right on our doorstep.

Here is the full list of top seaside locations:

1. St Ives, Cornwall
2. Troon, South Ayrshire
3. Brighton, East Sussex
4. Ilfracombe, Devon
5. Margate, Kent
6. Lyme Regis, Dorset
7. Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear
8. Tobermory, Isle of Mull
9. Llandudno, Conwy
10. Portrush, County Antrim
11. St Andrews, Fife
12. Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
13. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
14. Lymington, Hampshire
15. Dungeness, Kent
16. Whitby, Yorkshire
17. Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway
18. Whitstable, Kent
19. Exmouth, Devon
20. Fishguard, Pembrokeshire

New Viewpoint Created on Little Wood Hill at Threave Nature Reserve

Jul 26, 2023

On 15^th and 16^th of July, 22 dykers and willing volunteers congregated for a Joint Dry Stone Walling Association members event at the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Nature Reserve to create a new dry stone feature on Little Wood Hill. Including dyking repairs nearby, more than 19 metres of dyke were worked on in total across the two days.

The South West Scotland Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association invited members from across the country to help build a hilltop view point on 15th and 16th July at the National Trust Scotland’s Threave Nature Reserve. A circular dyke was built to provide shelter for walkers who wish to admire the panoramic views across the countryside. The weekend event attracted 22 people from across southern Scotland and the North West of England to build the new feature and repair nearby field boundaries. Participants and onlookers were able to learn more about the unique character of local stone and tradition building styles.

Nic Coombey, Chairman of the South West Scotland branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association, said:

“It was brilliant to meet dykers from far and wide and create a lasting feature in a fabulous setting.”

Threave Nature Reserve’s Estate Manager, David Thompson, said:

“What a privilege it has been working with the DSWA again at the joint branch meeting. We achieved a great deal over the weekend, showcasing such an important heritage skill and completing a wonderful dry stone feature, as well as 7m of repair including a cheek end. We had many visitors who took an interest in what we were doing, which was absolutely brilliant. I loved to work with all the different individuals. Particular thanks to Garth Heinrich, Nic Coombey and Linda Wilson. Keeping alive an important heritage skill!”

The event was 50% funded by the National Trust for Scotland and 50% by the Galloway Glens Scheme.

The Galloway Glens Scheme is a 5-year project based in the Stewartry region of Dumfries and Galloway. An initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, it is funded by a range of partners including the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Galloway Glens Scheme aims to connect people to their heritage and to support modern rural communities. www.gallowayglens.org.

Wallets Marts Weekly Primestock Sale Report Tuesday 25 July 2023

Jul 26, 2023

Wallets Marts Castle Douglas Limited on Tuesday 25 July 2023 had forward 1220 prime and cast sheep.

991 New Season lambs sold to average 255.72ppk. Top today was £135.50 on two occasions. Firstly, for Texels from Messrs Menzies, Burn and also for Texels from Messrs Craig, Compstonend. Top per kilo was 279.2 for Beltex from Messrs Jardine, Upper Hardland.

229 Cast sheep sold to £163 for Texel ewes from Messrs Watson, High Borgue with Scotch Mules to £111 from the same home and Blackface to £103 from Messrs McMorran, Miefield.

LEADING PRICES

Prime Lambs

240 32.1 – 39 Average 257.32 Top 277.5

Beltex

£102 Cullinaw; £99.50 Lochside; £98.50 Corbelly Hill

277.5 Corbelly Hill; 274.9 Lochside

Texel

£98.50 Barnbackle; £97.50 High Borgue; £95.50 Shirmers

264 Lochside; 257.9 High Borgue; 253.2 Barnbackle

Suffolk

£97.50 Barwhillanty; £95.50 Derrie

254.6, 250.7 Barwhillanty; 249.3 Derrie

644 39.1 – 45 Average 255.21 Top 279.2

Beltex

£126.50, £115.50 Upper Hardland; £116.50 Cullinaw

279.2, 272.2 Upper Hardland; 270.9 Cullinaw

Texel

£116.50 Upper Hardland; £115.50 Little Culmain; £115.50 Southwick; £114.50 Compstonend; £114.50 Valleyfield

262.5 Little Culmain; 260.9 Burn; 260.4 Slatehouse; 260.1 Byrecroft

Cheviot

£114.50 Mardhu

254.4 Markdhu

Suffolk

£111.50 Cullinaw; £107.50 Palmallet

253.4 Cullinaw; 251.8 Palmallet; 251.2 Glensone

107 45.6 – 52 Average 251.76 Top 261.5

Texel

£135.50 Burn; £135.50 Compstonend; £127.50 Killochy; £126.50 Douganhill

260.6 Burn; 260.2 Killochy; 255.4 Culdoach; 254.3 Castlehill

Suffolk

£125.50 Palmallet

261.5 Palmallet

EWES

Texel

£163, £155 High Borgue

BFL

£135 Hannaston

Scotch Mule

£111, £107 High Borgue; £109 Glensone; £105 Miefield; £105 Shirmers

Blackface

£103 Miefield

RAMS

Texel

£90 Mid Croft

Dumfries & Galloway NHS Staff Honoured at 75th birthday Event

Jul 26, 2023

Huge congratulations to a group of NHS Dumfries and Galloway nursing staff who were honoured at a glittering ceremony to commemorate 75 years of NHS Scotland.

The group of individuals from the community and acute settings across the region were invited to a special reception hosted by the First Minister, Humza Yousaf, at Edinburgh Castle.

Exceptional frontline staff members were recognised for their invaluable contribution to the NHS’s legacy.

They included: Siobhan Stewart from Ward C6 DGRI, Derek Beeton from Ophthalmology, Carol McLelland from Neonatal Unit and Sharon Vallance from Thomas Hope Hospital in Langholm.

Nick Morris, Chairman of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, was delighted to have been asked to make a speech in support of the address from the First Minister.

He said: “I want to give special thanks to all of our local staff, past and present from the range of practitioners and clinicians caring for our loved ones, to the cleaners, porters catering staff and engineers keeping our hospitals in order, and our social care workers, paramedics, allied health professionals, administrators, our volunteers and many more who do an outstanding job, each and every day and have dedicated years of their lives to the NHS.

“The event was remarkable, and I was so honoured to attend with a group of our amazing staff who go the extra mile in their roles every day.”

Sharon Vallance, Senior Charge Nurse at Thomas Hope Hospital in Langholm, said: “I was delighted to be nominated to attend this event and to receive this prestigious recognition at such a landmark time for our NHS.

“The event itself was extremely thought-provoking and it reinforced my pride to work for the NHS and to lead the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care with an outstanding team.”

A Massive Thank You To All Volunteers, Marshalls & Contributors At Celebration Of Cycling

Jul 25, 2023

The weekend’s wet weather did not stop eager cyclists heading to Gladstone Park at Penpont, Dumfries and Galloway on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the KPT Development Trust – Celebration of Cycling .

There was action packed cycling fun, games and activates all weekend. Smoothie bikes and Muckmedden pump tracks were a hug hit. Sunday saw over 50 riders on the mass led bike ride.

Fancy dress was won by Laura Young as a flamboyant flamingo!

Senga Greenwood, Development Officer, KPT Development Trust Said “Now that our weekend Celebration of Cycling event’s all over I need to thank the people that made it all possible ; all of you who contributed and gave so freely and happily of your time! I apologize that this is a little impersonal but I’m sure you’ll understand, writing to everyone of you individually would be time consuming.

Given the weather forecast we were very happy with the turn out, and more importantly everyone who participated had a great time and had lots of fun. A strong representation from young families, who are the future of cycling in our area!

Without singling out, I feel I do need to recognise our main funder Ian Barr and D&G Council Events, Ross from Frothy Bike Co. for all the cool prizes and DGWGO as a fab media partner that really got the event out to a wider audience. Our KPT FB page has had a really strong following both in the lead up, and during the event.

A big shout out to Maureen, for the amazing BBQ both days, just the sustenance the riders needed after the mass bike ride.

A heartfelt thank you again from myself and the KPT team.

Kind regards as always,

Eardley Explored: The Art Of Joan Eardley With Photography By Audrey Walker

Jul 25, 2023

Joan Eardley’s (1921-1963) portrayal of the streets and children of Glasgow first brought her work to public attention in the early 1950s, but it was her love affair with the tiny fishing village of Catterline and its surrounding landscape near Aberdeen that brought her both creative frustration and artistic fulfilment.

Joan met Audrey Walker, a talented violinist and photographer, in 1952 through a mutual friend and their shared love of music created an immediate bond. Audrey was born in Doncaster, but her father was from Dumfries. Audrey documented Joan at work at the Walker’s holiday cottage in the Ettrick Valley in the Scottish Borders, at Joan’s Glasgow Studio, and in the wild landscape of the Northeast. Her striking black and white photographs not only add up to a remarkable archive of her artist friend’s life, but also show Audrey’s considerable talent for seeing a good picture.

Joan Eardley died aged just 42 from cancer in August 1963, with her mother, sister, and Audrey by her side. Audrey and her husband Allan eventually retired to Dumfries in 1975 where she lived until her death in 1996.

Eardley’s paintings and drawings remain very special in that they reflect urban and rural Scotland in an expressive language, unlike any other artist. The cheeky grin of a Glasgow schoolchild, or the raw power of one of her seascapes, engage audiences today as much as they did when they were first exhibited over fifty years ago.

This exhibition features a selection of Eardley works bequeathed by Lady Audrey Walker in her will in 1997, works owned by The Dumfriesshire Educational Trust supplemented by loans from The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, and selected loans from The Walker family.

Although many of Audrey’s photographs and her letters to Joan have been gifted to the National Galleries and National Library of Scotland, some of Audrey’s vast photographic archive was also generously gifted by her family to the Gracefield Collection in 2004.
Speaking on the exhibition, Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Communities Committee Ian Blake said: “It’s great that Kirkcudbright Galleries has been able to collaborate with Gracefield Arts Centre on bringing this exhibition to Kirkcudbright. Because of the Dumfries connection with Audrey Walker, Gracefield Arts Centre has a fascinating Eardley collection alongside special photographs of Eardley which really set the scene and the environment behind some of the paintings that Eardley produced. This exhibition is not to be missed.”

Vice Chair of Communities Committee Jackie McCamon said: “Despite the sudden tragedy of Eardley’s death, her volume and skill of her work meant that she was quickly becoming a very prolific Scottish artist. This exhibition gives visitors a real insight into her career spanning from Glasgow to Catterline, and her great friendship with Audrey Walker. It’s fantastic that two spotlight pieces from the exhibition have been loaned to Kirkcudbright Galleries from The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, continuing our regions relations with partner galleries across Scotland.

Eardley Explored: The Art of Joan Eardley is on show at Kirkcudbright Galleries’ Gallery Two until 1 October. Suggested entry donation £3.

Do You Have What It Takes to Appear On ‘The Piano’?

Jul 25, 2023

Are you or someone you know a talented amateur pianist? Channel 4 are looking for all types of piano performer who play any style of music, from across Dumfries and Galloway, maybe you play jazz or Boogie Woogie or perhaps you sing or rap. So long as the piano is at the heart of your performance, they would love to hear from you!

You can be any age to take part:

If you are OVER 18, please head to takepartinthepiano.co.uk.

If you are UNDER 18, please head to takepartinthepiano.co.uk/under18

Please note that your application will be received by a member of Love Productions. Love Productions will process your personal data in accordance with the Privacy Policy on those sites.

To read the Terms and Conditions for Under 18’s please CLICK HERE

To read the Terms and Conditions for Over 18’s please CLICK HERE

Love Productions Privacy Policy can be found for Under 18’s HERE and Over 18’s HERE

Virgin Money Announce Newton Stewart Branch Closure

Jul 25, 2023

Disappointment and concern has been voiced by Local people surrounding the news that another local bank branch is to close in the region.

Virgin Money has confirmed plans to close in Victoria Street, Newton Stewart in November – leaving customers who wish to engage face to face with their bank staff, a 43-mile trek to Ayr for the next nearest Virgin Money branch.

The news comes just weeks after Barclays announced the closure of its branch in Castle Street, Dumfries.

Finlay Carson, The Galloway and West Dumfries said it was disappointing that Virgin had taken its decision especially, as with all rural branch closures, it will most seriously impact on older customers.

He said: “It is extremely worrying that another local bank branch is to close its doors after being part of the community for so many years.

“It will obviously seriously affect elderly customers who much prefer the personal touch and seeing a friendly face when they are going about their banking business.

“While I accept that more and more people are banking online or digitally, this is not always an option for some people in rural areas as they often don’t have the necessary broadband back-up to do this.”

The Scottish MSP has written to Virgin seeking more information as to how it will support local customers and the assistance the bank will provide prior to the closure.

Mr Carson continued: “It is important that Virgin engages directly with customers to ensure that they know exactly what other forms of banking will be available locally, including using the local post office.

“I have also asked Virgin what procedures are in place to make sure that the building is properly maintained in the event that it doesn’t get taken over in the short or long term.

“The last thing we want to see is another building fall into a state of disrepair and become an eyesore for the local community.”

In a letter to the local constituency MSP, Virgin Money said it had been a “difficult decision and was not taken lightly”.

The bank said it was contacting all customers to advise them on alternative ways to bank, including online, mobile and telephone channels. It would also direct them to the location of the nearest Post Office and ATM.

It insisted the decision to close a branch is based on a number of factors, including footfall, transaction volumes and the number of potentially vulnerable customers in the area.

Careful consideration is also given to the impact on the local areas as well as the needs of vulnerable customers and the accessibility of alternative services such as free-to-use ATMs and Post Offices.

Postmistress Arlene Da Prato said she had not been contacted personally by Virgin Money but was aware of the closure plans.

She said: “We helped many local people with their day-to-day banking needs when the Royal Bank of Scotland closed its branch. The vast majority of customers appreciate the personal touch that we provide and will continue to do so.

“If anyone requires any banking assistance then they only have to ask and I will help them in any way I can.”

Director of Dentistry Alison Milne said: “We understand the frustrations faced by our community members who are unable to access dental services easily.

“While we are working closely with colleagues at Scottish Government and local dentists to improve access to NHS dental services, we also recognise the importance of reminding local people of the steps they can take to maintain their oral health.

“Through this new website, we want to equip individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to maintain their oral health until they can receive professional dental care.

“Prevention and education are key, and we hope that this website will support people to take control of their oral health and make informed decisions.

“By sharing knowledge and guidance, we aim to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to care for their smiles and overall well-being.”

Alison Milne said: “As we continue to work with Scottish Government colleagues to address challenges around access to NHS dental services, we want to do all we can to help people in caring for their oral and dental health.

“We encourage everyone to explore the website and utilise the available resources to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental problems.”

Alison Milne said: “Although we believe that the new website is a welcome and positive resource, it does not replace the need for professional dental care.

“If you are registered with a dentist we encourage individuals to seek regular check-ups as they are able to do so, and to consult with dental professionals for personalised advice and treatment.

“If someone who is not registered with an NHS dentist has a dental emergency, help can be provided by the local Public Dental Service on 0845 602 6417, 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.

“Fundamentally, our aim is to complement existing services and provide support during these challenging times.”

“It was brilliant to meet dykers from far and wide and create a lasting feature in a fabulous setting.”

“The event was remarkable, and I was so honoured to attend with a group of our amazing staff who go the extra mile in their roles every day.”

“The event itself was extremely thought-provoking and it reinforced my pride to work for the NHS and to lead the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care with an outstanding team.”

Given the weather forecast we were very happy with the turn out, and more importantly everyone who participated had a great time and had lots of fun. A strong representation from young families, who are the future of cycling in our area!

A big shout out to Maureen, for the amazing BBQ both days, just the sustenance the riders needed after the mass bike ride.

A heartfelt thank you again from myself and the KPT team.

Kind regards as always,

He said: “It is extremely worrying that another local bank branch is to close its doors after being part of the community for so many years.

“It will obviously seriously affect elderly customers who much prefer the personal touch and seeing a friendly face when they are going about their banking business.

“While I accept that more and more people are banking online or digitally, this is not always an option for some people in rural areas as they often don’t have the necessary broadband back-up to do this.”

Mr Carson continued: “It is important that Virgin engages directly with customers to ensure that they know exactly what other forms of banking will be available locally, including using the local post office.

“I have also asked Virgin what procedures are in place to make sure that the building is properly maintained in the event that it doesn’t get taken over in the short or long term.

“The last thing we want to see is another building fall into a state of disrepair and become an eyesore for the local community.”

In a letter to the local constituency MSP, Virgin Money said it had been a “difficult decision and was not taken lightly”.

She said: “We helped many local people with their day-to-day banking needs when the Royal Bank of Scotland closed its branch. The vast majority of customers appreciate the personal touch that we provide and will continue to do so.

“If anyone requires any banking assistance then they only have to ask and I will help them in any way I can.”

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