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Historic Maps Reveal Land Use Changes In The Glenkens

The Glenkens Rectified Estate Mapping and Land Information Network (‘GREMLIN’) project has interpreted 44 estate maps from the 1800s, using the contents to measure and classify land use in the Glenkens 200 years ago. These maps and the land use details from them can now be interactively searched on the National Library of Scotland Mapping website, in what is a ‘first’ for historic mapping efforts in the country.

 

This has been a partnership project between the Dumfries Archival Mapping Project, the Galloway Glens Scheme and the National Library of Scotland. The project has been supported by a range of other partners, including the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.

 

The maps in question, primarily focussed on the Forbes maps from the Earlstoun Estate in the 1800s, have been analysed designated according to a whole range of land use types – from woodland to wetland, to open water. The maps can now be interrogated to reveal how this has changed, compared to data from the previous maps and the current satellite image.

This has a whole range of applications – from personal interest through to informing today’s land use debate.

 

The headings are approximate, but the following headline points can be identified in the maps covered.

  • Trees & Woodland cover increased from 2% in 1800s to 42% in 2000s.
  • Agriculture and open moorland area reduced from 89% in 1800s to 56% in 2000s.
  • There was also a significant expansion of arable land between the 1800s and the 2000s, and a significant decline in meadow land.

 

At a more localised level of fields and farms, the map viewers allow these changes over time to be viewed in detail for each land parcel. It is also possible to view land use at other dates too over time, on both Ordnance Survey mapping from the 1860s, 1900s, and 1960s, and Land Utilisation Survey mapping from the 1930s.

 

The maps and the data captured have been published on the National Library of Scotland Mapping website: https://maps.nls.uk/projects/gremlin/

 

Chris Fleet, Map Curator at the National Library of Scotland, said:

“We are extremely grateful to the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership and the Dumfries Archival Mapping Project for supporting this project. We love working with old maps and doing more with them, especially as part of wider collaborative projects. The National Lottery Heritage Funding allowed us to work with these estate maps in new ways, extracting land use information from them, and presenting this online to reach wider audiences. By combining this new information from the estate maps with other map and satellite image layers, we can now inspect the landscape and its changes over the last two centuries on a field-by-field basis. We hope others will enjoy the results as much as we have enjoyed the project.”

 

Archie McConnel from Dumfries Archival Mapping Project added:

“Although Project GREMLIN is historically just good fun it also serves a further purpose. Humans have always modified the landscape in some way and the landscape that we can see in these maps shows the strong cultural continuity of the pastural landscape. By giving us a glimpse of an ecological and environmental baseline of 200 years ago we can see that the area has never been a wasteland but has been split into a range of very different habitats. Many of these habitats no longer exist due to changes in agricultural practices and the move into forestry. It is hoped that as we make these changes GREMLIN will perhaps, in a small way, encourage a more thoughtful process.”

 

Galloway Glens Project Officer, Nick Chisholm, said:

“DAMP continually innovates. This is very apt as the cartographers of the late 18th and early 19th century were invocators of their day. What would they think if they knew we were still using their maps to unlock the secrets of our landscape and to create resources for today’s land managers. Well done DAMP and to the National Library of Scotland! You have created an amazing resource.”

 

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.

GalloGlas Partners with Landal GreenParks to Promote Sustainability in Dumfries and Galloway

Mags Maloney GalloGlas Director of Operations and Ricky Dent Operations Manager at Landal GreenParks UK

Dumfries-based company GalloGlas has announced a collaborative effort with Landal GreenParks, a well-established European network of holiday villages. The partnership aims to promote sustainability in Dumfries and Galloway, coinciding with the opening of Landal Barnsoul at Shawhead, Dumfries.

Landal GreenParks is known for providing holiday experiences across Europe, with locations in the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

As part of this joint initiative, GalloGlas will plant a tree for every five ‘memories’ sold at the upcoming Landal GreenParks park, providing guests with the opportunity to actively contribute to tree planting during their holidays.

Additionally, GalloGlas’ partner, Environmental Business Solutions (EBS), will play a vital role in sustainability efforts. EBS has committed to planting trees for every 50 litres of fluid supplied to Landal GreenParks as their preferred cleaning fluid supplier, further emphasizing their eco-friendly approach.

Mags Maloney, Director of Operations at GalloGlas, expressed the significance of the collaboration, emphasizing the company’s long-term planning in forming this partnership. She envisions the new Landal GreenParks park in Dumfries and Galloway becoming a premier destination in the region, offering luxurious accommodations amidst serene settings, all while adhering to sustainable practices.

Ricky Dent, the UK Operations Manager at Landal GreenParks, highlighted the importance of meaningful partnerships and their shared vision for a greener future in the hospitality industry.

The tree-planting initiative by GalloGlas and Landal GreenParks showcases their dedication to responsible business practices and environmental conservation, contributing positively to the ecological well-being of Dumfries and Galloway.

New South Of Scotland Endometriosis Charity Launched

A New Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) ‘Endo SOS’, (Endometriosis in the South of Scotland) has been created to help support people across the South of Scotland.  

 

Trustee Erin Martin Said “Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. This can cause chronic pains, infertility, bowel and bladder problems (to name a few!). Endometriosis has been found in every organ in the body. Not forgetting people’s mental health can be affected too. Around 1.5 million women (or assigned female at birth) in the UK are currently living with the condition. That equates to 250,000 individuals who are affected in Scotland. There is currently no cure.
This charity is close to my heart because after years of suffering with debilitating symptoms I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis in 2020. Since then I have been dealing with chronic pain and symptoms that have really taken over my life. Like many others, it’s not only the physical symptoms that I struggle with on a daily basis. I also struggle with the mental health aspect from living with a chronic condition that currently has no cure. The charity’s online support group has been a lifeline for me. It has allowed me to find others that are going through something similar and has helped me feel less alone with my diagnosis. With the free online webinars as well as the relevant signposted information it has allowed me to feel confident to advocate for not only myself but for others living with this awful condition.
In 2019 our founder Tao McCready set up the social media page – Facebook. Tao, 38 from Selkirk “I wanted to create a space that was inclusive to all, with information that was relevant to Scotland. That was factual and up to date, where people could find guidance and support. And to encourage people to advocate for themselves”.
4 years later we are now the first endometriosis awareness and support charity for the South of Scotland. We have 2 of the leading Edinburgh endometriosis specialists on our board of directors and they act as our medical advisors. We also have a further endometriosis specialist as part of our medical advisors, including people with lived experience of the condition. We now have a website where people can find resources all relevant to Scotland – http://www.endosos.org
Endo SOS believes that everyone should have the right to – fast, appropriate care, support, understanding and treatment. We do this by providing online webinars hosting professional experts, informal counselling, educating the sufferers and others, by signposting them to the relevant information. We also spread awareness and work in partnership with other similar organisations.”

The charity also works with The EXPPECT Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain multidisciplinary team at Edinburgh University. Along with supporting and raising awareness in the South of Scotland we hope to generate some much-needed funding for endometriosis research.

 

The Big Hoof take Scotland by Storm

Sasha and Istia, two horses based near Garlieston, Dumfries and Galloway, have just completed a trek the whole way across Scotland – and further! 

The Big Hoof, a Scottish registered charity, set off on their journey from St Andrews to the island of Iona to raise money for Venture Trust – an organisation that focuses on addiction, trauma, isolation and crime in Scotland. Along with 6 other horses, the journey saw over 40 people take part: on foot, by bike, on horseback and runners too. 

Beginning on 3rd July from St Andrews Cathedral, the group made their way across Scotland, walking and riding through Perth, along the south shores of Loch Tay, tracking the Rob Roy Way, through Glen Lyon, connecting to the West Highland Way, before reaching a rainy Oban on 13th. After securing the horses in a field, the group then cycled 35 miles across Mull before taking the ferry to mystical Iona – the destination of the charitable adventure. The route was inspired by St Columba’s Way.

The aim of the journey was to raise £5,000 for Venture Trust, supporting their Outdoor Therapy Project. So far, the team have raised £6,600.

Last year, these two horses completed a 110-day journey across Europe for a charity that combats trauma suffered by refugees: 2800km, from Siena, Italy to Cape Finisterre, Spain. After the horses were rested in the Pyrenees, they were transported to Garlieston, where they have been based since May. This journey across Europe is currently being made into a film, due to be released in November at the Kendal Film Festival.

Kiki, director of The Big Hoof and owner of Istia is based near Garlieston, where she is creating a documentary focused on grief and the healing powers of art and the Galloway landscape. Louis, founder of The Big Hoof and owner of Sasha, works part-time at The Bookshop in Wigtown. He is currently writing a book about the journey across Europe.

The Big Hoof is a Scottish registered mental health charity that promotes adventure and wellbeing through the power of the horse. Founded by Louis in 2020, the organisation has now raised over £80,000 for causes surrounding mental health, terminal illness and child and refugee welfare. Louis and Kiki look forward to continue using Dumfries and Galloway as the base for their charitable adventures. ‘The air, the peace, the sea… the kindness of the people and the wide green spaces are the perfect breeding ground for mad ideas and happy horses!’

Please visit www.thebighoof.com for more information on how to join the next trip. You don’t need to know how to ride – you just need a decent pair of shoes, a willingness for adventure and a keenness to do some good!

Concern Grows For Missing Newton Stewart Pensioner John McVean: Update – Now Found

He is known to go for a lengthy daily walk starting from St Couans Place and usually returns around 5pm. The latter part of his walking route takes him to the Minnigaff, Cumloden, and Glenamour areas, retruning back via Machermore/Minnigaff. John is around 5ft 8ins tall, with grey/white hair and wears glasses. He is thought to be wearing a black cap, green waterproof jacket and blue jeans. Inspector Stewart McColm said: “It is out of character for John to not return home from his daily walk. He has now been missing overnight and we have a number of police and partner resources out conducting searches in the Newton Stewart and surrounding area. “I’d ask any members of the public to report any sightings of John so we can understand his movements from being in the Ghyll Crescent area yesterday afternoon (19 July). “I am particularly appealing to residents of Minnigaff, Old Minnigaff, Glenamour, Cumloden, Newton Stewart Golf Club and Conifer Lodges, to check their gardens, sheds and outbuildings, in case John has become disorientated and sought shelter.” Those with information should report it to Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 3925 of 19 July 2023.

John McVean, 79, who had been reported missing from Newton Stewart has been traced safe and well and is being reunited with his family.

——–

POLICE Officers are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a man reported missing from Newton Stewart.

John McVean, 79, was last seen at 2.12pm on Wednesday, 19 July, 2023, walking across towards Old Minnigaff then towards Waulkmill and a local path known as Walk 7.

He is known to go for a lengthy daily walk starting from St Couans Place and usually returns around 5pm. The latter part of his walking route takes him to the Minnigaff, Cumloden, and Glenamour areas, retruning back via Machermore/Minnigaff.

John is around 5ft 8ins tall, with grey/white hair and wears glasses. He is thought to be wearing a black cap, green waterproof jacket and blue jeans.

Inspector Stewart McColm said: “It is out of character for John to not return home from his daily walk. He has now been missing overnight and we have a number of police and partner resources out conducting searches in the Newton Stewart and surrounding area.
“I’d ask any members of the public to report any sightings of John so we can understand his movements from being in the Ghyll Crescent area yesterday afternoon (19 July).
“I am particularly appealing to residents of Minnigaff, Old Minnigaff, Glenamour, Cumloden, Newton Stewart Golf Club and Conifer Lodges, to check their gardens, sheds and outbuildings, in case John has become disorientated and sought shelter.”

Those with information should report it to Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 3925 of 19 July 2023.

Mossburn Community Farm Summer Club 2023: A Sanctuary for Animal Lovers

Mossburn Community Farm, located near Higtae, Lockerbie, is hosting its Summer Club in 2023, providing an excellent opportunity for animal-loving children to enjoy a range of exciting activities.

Established in 1990, Mossburn Community Farm originally aimed to assist abused, abandoned, and neglected horses and ponies, later expanding its mission to care for various farm and domestic animals.

The sanctuary is home to approximately 100 animals, and it welcomes visitors every day from 10 am to 4 pm.

The Mossburn Community Farm Summer Club offers a unique experience for young participants with a variety of engaging activities, such as arts and crafts, woodland experiences, and animal encounters, ensuring an immersive and educational summer break.

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The farm’s dedicated team ensures that all resident animals receive the highest standard of care, providing a safe and nurturing environment for them at all times.

Volunteers play a significant role in the farm’s operations, discovering the positive impact of spending time in nature surrounded by animals on their physical and mental well-being.

Mossburn Community Farm places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility, striving to implement the best practices for animal and human welfare. The sanctuary also actively promotes the vital message of animal welfare to its members, donors, friends, colleagues, and associates, as well as to the local and wider communities.

The farm’s underlying philosophy revolves around treating all forms of life with respect, care, kindness, concern, and empathy, be it animals, insects, plants, or humans.

This ethos guides their actions and is evident in the exceptional care provided to the animals residing at the sanctuary.

As Mossburn Community Farm continues its commitment to providing a loving and caring environment for animals and promoting the welfare message, the Summer Club remains an integral part of their educational initiatives. Parents seeking an enriching and memorable summer activity for their animal-loving children can find solace in the Mossburn Community Farm Summer Club, where fun and learning go hand in hand.

Scottish charity is on the hunt for Dumfries and Galloway Health Walk Volunteers

SCOTLAND’S national walking charity has encouraged Dumfries and Galloway locals to become Volunteer Walk Leaders to lead Health Walks in the local area.

 

Paths for All supports a network of more than 800 short, social, and accessible low-level walks which are led by trained volunteers.

 

However, since the end of the global pandemic, the charity has recorded a decline in Walk Leaders throughout Scotland.

 

The Stirling-based organisation has launched a recruitment campaign to tackle the shortage and encourage Scot’s up and down the country to become volunteers in the Scottish Health Walk Network.

 

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer of Paths for All, said: “Walk Leaders are the most integral part of a Health Walk and the time and care they give to the local communities they serve is extremely valuable.

“Health Walk Volunteers help to support the health and wellbeing of local people by providing a safe, fun and friendly space for people to be active, socialise and enjoy the outdoors. But volunteers experience many benefits too – exercise, getting outside and a having a good blether, all while helping others.

“Training is provided so volunteers feel confident and ready to lead the walks, for all ages and abilities, in their communities.”

 

Individuals who are looking to give back to their community, enjoy the outdoors and keeping active, or are already part of a Health Walk are encouraged to apply.

 

Charlotte Mackenzie, Health Walks Project Manager for Highland Third Sector Interface helps to coordinate over 200 walkers across 30 Health Walks across the Highlands.

 

She said: “Health Walk Leaders are the backbone of Walking Groups. For many individuals, particularly those who live in remote communities, being part of a Health Walk can be the highlight of their week making it extremely important that Health Walk Leaders are there to guide and arrange regular outings.
“Being a Walk Leader has so many benefits. I often ask the leaders I work with what they find to be the best part of their role and the feedback is normally very similar; they feel a positive change in their mental health, confidence as well as their self-esteem- which is fantastic.
“For anyone considering becoming a Health Walk Leader, I would highly recommend it. Not only will you see so many benefits for yourself but it’s great opportunity to have a positive effect on your local community. “

To find out more about becoming a Health Walk volunteer and to register your interest, visit www.pathsforall.org.uk/volunteering

 

Paths for All has a clear and simple aim, which is to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere. Walking outdoors is a fantastic way to boost your mood, clear your head and benefit from fresh air in local parks and greenspaces.

For more information on Paths for All, visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/

Exciting Partnership Unearths Annan’s Dark Past…

Annan’s dark past is about to be unearthed with the return of Mostly Ghostly’s Dark Tales of Old Annan tour, featuring a special collaboration with Annan Museum. The tour, created and led by award-winning storytellers Mostly Ghostly, will guide guests around the historic town of Annan, exploring grim and ghastly tales from its long, colourful past. Setting the scene for an evening of chilling tales, a fascinating tour of Annan Museum’s intriguing new exhibition: Dead and the Undead in Annan: Bodysnatching, Vampires and More, will be presented by Museum Curator, Judith Hewitt. From there, the Mostly Ghostly team will embark on a storytelling adventure around Annan’s historic streets and graveyards.

Telling us more about the events, Mostly Ghostly Founder Kathleen Cronie enthused:

“It’s a joy to be working in partnership with our friends at Annan Museum. Together, we have created a unique experience, exploring the hidden histories and haunting tales of Annandale, giving guests the opportunity to get up close and personal to history. We are delighted to present this fantastic offering to visitors and local folk alike, discovering thought-provoking artefacts in the museum’s collection, before joining the Mostly Ghostly team for an unforgettable tour around the town.”

Guests are invited to delve into Annan’s murky, mysterious past, meandering through courtyard and close, kirkyard and wynd, where they will despair at an ancient curse laid upon the Bruce clan, recoil at the legend of a plague-bearing stranger, and shudder at the untimely death of a local minister… Woven between the histories, the team encourage their intrepid guests to feel the chill as they reveal haunting happenings from this historically important Borders town.

There is one wee street in Annan, whose name hints at links with one of Scottish history’s most cruel and notorious characters – the murderer William Hare, one half of Edinburgh’s deadly ‘bodysnatching’ duo – Burke and Hare.  Hare is best known in our region for a memorable stop-over in Dumfries, where his presence fuelled the town’s largest riot, but what, if any, connection does he have to Annan?

 

Telling us more, Team Member John Hill said:

“Hare’s Den, a group of cottages just off the High Street, has its name embedded in local folklore. The story goes that Hare stopped briefly in Annan on his flight across the border. We have long held a fascination for the grim story of Burke and Hare, particularly Hare’s impact on our region, and relish the opportunity to explore his life and crimes in the place that bears his name.”

Terrifying in another way, is the hair-raising legend of the Annan Vampire, as Kathleen reveals:

“One story that never fails to set folk’s teeth on edge, is Annan’s legendary clash with the undead! Way back in the 12th century, the infamous Annan Vampire wreaked havoc upon the town, unleashing a devastating plague, and instilling fear and unrest in the local population. Initially, this may sound like a far-fetched tale, but gains a degree of credibility when you consider the key eye-witness was a monk, whose account was recorded by the chronicler, William of Newburgh – is it more than just folklore?”

 

Sharing more about Annan Museum’s fascinating new exhibition and their partnership with Mostly Ghostly, Museums Access Officer Tom Hughes said:

“The exhibition ‘Dead and the Undead in Annan’ explores the darker side of history – for there is no light without dark and there is, sadly, no life without death.  Ahead of the town trail, curator Judith Hewitt will guide visitors around the highlights including a Victorian hearse, mourning costumes, and an intriguing device to deter grave robbers.
The museum service is delighted to continue our partnership with Mostly Ghostly, the experts in the region’s dark history. Their captivating storytelling is featured in film within the exhibition evoking the eerie atmosphere of curious legends from the town’s past.”

 

Summing up, Kathleen said:

“We love creating enthralling experiences for our guests, surprising them with stories embedded in our local environment, whose echoes still have the power to reach out and touch us in a most affecting way. We are passionate about promoting Dumfries and Galloway, its people, culture and curiosities and feel very proud to be working with Annan Museum, creatively connecting visitors and local explorers to the past. We hope these events will inspire a desire to discover more about Annan and look forward to welcoming our guests!”

NFU Scotland Supports Farm Safety Week Campaign

NFU SCOTLAND SUPPORTS FARM SAFETY WEEK CAMPAIGN

The Farm Safety Foundation’s 2023 campaign raises awareness for risks and responsibilities associated with working in agriculture.

NFU Scotland are proud to be one of the key supporters of Farm Safety Week (17-21 July), managed and funded by the Farm Safety Foundation (or Yellow Wellies as many know them).

Over the past 10 years the annual focus has grown and now involves more than 400 partners in five countries – England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Now in its 11th year, this annual event raises awareness of the impacts of farm accidents on the industry and community and promotes the importance of farming safely.

According to Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, the charity leading the campaign: “While there are signs that attitudes and behaviours are changing in the industry, this change is not coming fast enough – especially for those that have been affected by life-changing or life-ending incidents across the UK & Ireland over the past year.
“Farm Safety Week is an opportunity to come together as an industry and recognise those lost to and impacted by incidents on farms. Whether new to the industry or farming for years, we all have a role to play in improving the poor safety record that we can’t seem to shake.
“This week is about raising awareness of our responsibilities as farmers, farm workers, employees or contractors and providing practical advice to make every day safe.
NFUS Vice President Alasdair Macnab added: “NFU Scotland is proud to be supporting the Farm Safety Foundation by promoting their 2023 Farm Safety Week campaign. Farm Safety is something that should be in our daily work routines all year round, not just during Farm Safety Week.
“By supporting this campaign, we aim to drive improvement in the working environment and reduce the risks farmers, farm staff and crofters face on a daily basis.”

Figures released by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Fatal Injuries in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing in GB Report 2022/23 reveal that a total of 27 lives were lost on farm in Great Britain, compared to 30 last year. While this is an encouraging improvement, the number is still too high when compared to other sectors’ figures, as the fatality rate in agriculture accounts for a shocking 18% of all deaths in the workplace despite those employed in Agriculture only making up 1% of the working population.

NFU Scotland is committed to helping make agriculture a safer industry for all those working in it by raising awareness of not only the hazards and health risks involved, but of important safety measures and practises you can implement all year round.

 

  • For more information on ‘Farm Safety Week’ visit www.yellowwellies.org or follow @yellowwelliesUK on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram using the hashtag #FarmSafetyWeek.

Travel Chaos Expected In Areas Holding Cycling Worlds Events

Travel Chaos Expected In Areas Holding Cycling Worlds Events

A new travel campaign to help the public, spectators and business plan ahead for the UCI Cycling World Championships has been launched.

Led by the Scottish Government and supported by key partners including Traffic Scotland, Get Ready Glasgow, Police Scotland, local authorities and the event organisers, the advice focuses on which roads and areas are going to be very busy and when. It also flags public transport options and is encouraging people to leave the car at home, where possible, for the fortnight of sporting excellence.

Much of Scotland is participating and going to be impacted by the unique occasion, which runs from August 3rd-13th . It is the single biggest cycling event in history, bringing together thirteen existing events into one championship.

The awareness campaign will include maps, business briefings, social media content, community engagement sessions, and paid for media content, including TV, radio and digital adverts. It features advice on how to plan ahead, be prepared, avoid peak travel periods, where to access public transport, and to check before you travel, especially around areas impacted by significant road closures.

Further information is available here: Transport and Travel | 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships (cyclingworldchamps.com) and also at www.traffic.gov.scot/uci

Get Ready Glasgow and Glasgow City Council will be running a specific stand-alone campaign for residents and businesses.

Key dates and likely impacts include: 

  • Aug 3rd, 4th and 5th – this is already a busy weekend for people moving around the country and we have the Glasgow road closures as well as the A82 in play for movements to Fort William
  • On Aug 4th there is also the Gran Fondo event in Perthshire featuring closure of a key junction on the A9 as well as a full closure of the A85 between Perth and Methven
  • Aug 6th is likely to be the busiest day on the network, with closures in and around Edinburgh towards Stirling, most notably on the M9 at Junctions 1A (Newbridge) and 7 (Kinnaird House Interchange) to allow the Men’s elite race to pass over the Queensferry Crossing. There will also be movements from Fort William to Peebles (A82, M8, A720) and closures in and around Glasgow city centre.
  • On Aug 12th there are Glasgow road race closures, movements on A82 to Balloch, movements on A75 Dumfries and M74.
  • Aug 13th, the final day sees Glasgow road race closures and movements on A82 to Balloch, likely to be the 3rd busiest day.

Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop said:

“With only a few weeks to go, a sense of anticipation is clearly building for what is expected to be the biggest cycling event ever to take place here in Scotland.
“However as well as all of the excitement, it is important our preparations are fit for purpose and that we showcase Scotland in a spectacular and professional light. We were rightly praised for our efforts around Operation Unicorn and now we must rise to the occasion again.
“We have worked closely with organisers, Police Scotland, local authorities and many others to test travel arrangements, however given the complex nature and scale of this operation road users should expect delays at certain points and on the busier days.
“For the public, spectators, businesses and key responders there is a raft of advice available on the Traffic Scotland, CWC, Scottish Government and public transport operator websites and twitter feeds, including www.traffic.gov.scot/uci

Hugh Gillies, director at Transport Scotland, said

“Scotland has a proud track record of hosting these large scale events, dating back to Glasgow 2014, and more recently COP26 and Operation Unicorn.
“We will need all of that experience and skill to successfully deliver this series of events – and it will genuinely need to be a team effort.
“Traffic modelling shows that we are set for a number of days where queues and congestion are likely, and that’s before we factor in any incidents on the network.
“We really need the public and spectators to play their part and check before they travel, to maximise their enjoyment and ensure Scotland is on the global map for all the right reasons.”

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

“Glasgow and Scotland will soon welcome the cycling world for the first of its kind event, the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. A huge amount of planning has gone into the event to ensure it delivers tangible benefits for the country while also showcasing to the world all that Scotland has to offer.
“To ensure everyone gets the most out of the Championships, whether you are attending an event or not, please plan ahead and check the relevant websites for the most up to date information to ensure you have the best experience possible.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams, police lead for the event, said:

“We are supporting local authorities and transport planning partners to minimise disruption. The advice is to plan ahead. Our priority is to maximise public safety.”