ITV BORDER TAKE REFERENDUM DEBATE TO STRANRAER

ITV Border takes Referendum debate to Stranraer

ITV Border chose Stranraer as the venue for the first in a series of three Referendum debates. A fully crewed outside broadcast unit transformed part of the North West Castle Hotel into a studio for the event. The audience had been hand-picked from the local area to give a good cross-section of people and to represent a balance of Yes, No and Undecided voters.

They were invited to put their questions to four panellists – Richard Arkless from the Business For Scotland group; Russell Brown, Labour MP for Dumfries and Galloway; Alex Fergusson, Conservative MP for Galloway and west Dumfries and Christine Grahame, SNP MP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale.

The debate proved lively and at times heated, with a number of concerns raised about the future of Stranraer following the closure of the ferry terminal. Immigration and border control, currency and the economy were also high on the agenda. Retired policeman Trevor Harrison asked the panel if they could name one economic benefit to an independent Scotland. Full-time carer Jennifer Caldwell wanted to know if the No side could guarantee the UK would remain in the European Union.

However the warmest applause of the night went to 18 year old Caitlin McDowell, who’s a former member of the Scottish youth parliament. She cut right to the heart of the matter with her question ‘As someone who is trying to advise young people to vote in the referendum, where would the panel suggest they go for accurate information and not just hot air!’

Michaela Byrne who is Head of News and Programmes for ITV Border and Tyne Tees said ‘We felt it was very important to take one of our referendum debates to Stranraer as the town is the second biggest population centre in Dumfries and Galloway.’

Political Editor Peter McMahon who chaired the debate, said the discussion had been of a very high calibre with a broad range of questions and opinions.

The two remaining referendum debates are to be recorded in Dumfries on August 25 and Hawick on September 8.

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COUNCIL ENCOURAGES FOLK TO FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH THEIR LOCAL PARK

Council encourages people to fall back in love with their local park

If you do anything this week, visit your local park. This week is national Love Parks Week. The Council are encouraging people to get on the grass and visit your local park.

DSC_8428Parks in Dumfries and Galloway are not just grass and paths. You can get so much more from your park – you could go for a picnic with the family or get green fingered with the bugs, bees and butterflies; if you fancy something more energetic why not go for a jog or a cycle; or a relaxing walk with the dog or looking at the wild flowers; or simply taking a book or enjoying the play equipment…there is something for everyone in your local park.

Love Parks Week is an opportunity to reflect on the fact that our parks will only survive if local communities demonstrate how much they value them and get involved. Now in its eighth year, Love Parks Week is a campaign which aims to raise awareness of green spaces and get people to get outdoors and along to the park.

Dumfries and Galloway Council really values its parks and open spaces, for example the Council has just recently spent £2 million on the renovation of Dock Park. The renovation included the installation of new play equipment, new mini golf course and a refurbished bandstand.

Councillor John Martin, vice chairman of DGFirst, said “it is our job to raise awareness of the importance of parks and DSC_8419green spaces in our region. We are lucky to have so many beautiful, open, green spaces here in Dumfries and Galloway. During this week, we are encouraging people to go and visit their local park – familiarise yourself with what is on your doorstep. We want people to enjoy, take pride and fall back in love with their local park.”

 

SCOTTISH ORGANISATIONS LAUNCH JOINT INDUSTRY INITIATIVE ON RENT REVIEWS

 

NFUS, Scottish Land & Estates and STFA promote stability and confidence in rent determination process

The three main membership organisations representing landowners and tenants in Scotland have launched an industry led initiative designed to improve confidence in the rent review process for 1991 Act tenancies.

The initiative from NFU Scotland (NFUS), Scottish Land & Estates (SL&E) and Scottish Tenant Farmers’ Association (STFA) reflects the fact that the Agricultural Holdings Legislation Review Group (AHLRG), is considering the issue. The initiative from the three organisations is voluntary but is intended to ensure stability until any emerging AHLRG recommendations on legislative changes can be implemented.

The initiative also follows a number of recent rent determinations in the Land Court which have given rise to some uncertainty about future rent levels. Believing that predictability about future rent levels for tenanted farms is fundamental to a healthy rented sector within Scottish agriculture, the groups want to create the conditions to allow landowners and tenants to plan and invest with a degree of confidence.

On process, rent reviews will continue to be carried out as normal. However, where agreement cannot be reached, the new initiative requires landowners and tenants to have followed existing guidelines on rent reviews and introduces an additional ‘sense check’.

The initiative will be subject to voluntary self-regulation through a review panel comprising senior office bearers (or recent former office bearers) from the three organisations who will examine a case and assess whether it passes a ‘reasonableness test’. It works on the principle that, in the absence of exceptional factors, rent adjustments – whether requested by a landowner or proposed by a tenant – should broadly be aligned with inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and should reflect changes in the CPI index since the last formally recorded rent review. In cases of long overdue rent reviews additional guidelines have been agreed to ensure that rent increases are implemented in a series of reasonable steps.

Statutory requirements for rent reviews will continue to apply. The establishment of a self-regulatory review panel does not affect landowners’ and tenants’ rights under the 1991 Act. The initiative seeks simply to ensure that statutory requirements and published Tenant Farming Forum guidelines are followed by all in a reasonable manner.

Cases that are already in the Land Court process will not be referable to this new panel.

Nigel Miller, President of NFU Scotland said:
“With the final report of the Ag Holdings review group due in December, ongoing and future rent reviews face continued concerns over both rent determination and the Land Court. In that brittle negotiating environment, some form of stability is vital. As an interim measure, this initiative can be a game changer provided those on the ground buy-in to the process.

“A sustainable rent test linked to a robust inflation index must make sense for all those involved and can move rent determination away from confrontation to focus on the economic potential of the holding. The low cost rent review panel opens the door to an objective review of the rent determination process and the protocols to ensure balance and avoid the costly shadow of the Land Court weighing on negotiation.

“This form of self-regulation gains power not from law but from the three key organisations working together and members standing with them. That consensus can be a positive force now and perhaps in the longer term.”

David Johnstone, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said:
“The vast majority of farm rents are agreed amicably and represent good value and there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the actual rent review process, as it stands, works. However, we recognise the concerns of some landlords and tenants who feel that when agreement cannot be reached the cost and angst of a protracted process that in a few cases can end up in the Scottish Land Court is something that should be avoided if possible.

“This interim agreement provides another voluntary mechanism and sense check. Rent reviews should continue as normal but this initiative should give the industry more comfort and confidence. It is both refreshing and reassuring that all the parties have come together to create this unified interim recommendation as we all recognise the importance of a healthy tenanted sector.”

Following the launch of the joint initiative, STFA Chairman Christopher Nicholson said:
“The method of setting farm rents in Scotland has been a long standing concern of STFA, and recent court cases have demonstrated the difficulties and uncertainties of relying on the current legislation to set a viable and sustainable rent. Until new legislation can be put in place, this measure should return an element of control to rent determinations, and with the backing of all stakeholders sends a clear message from the industry that rent reviews should be conducted responsibly and in accordance with published guidelines.

“With the tenanted sector under scrutiny while legislation is being reviewed, it is in everyone’s interest to support this joint initiative and follow the guidelines which aim to set sensible rents without the stress, costs and uncertainties that have become associated with rent reviews. All tenants undergoing a rent review are strongly advised to get in touch with their representative organisation for further guidance.”

Architects donate to Scottish Fire and Rescue charities

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) officers have thanked The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) for a generous donation in aid of two charities close to firefighters’ hearts.

Members of the leading professional body for architects raised £1,500 at the RIAS Annual Dinner in June and offered the sum to SFRS for charities providing essential help to current and former fire service personnel and their families.

The decision to support charities linked to SFRS was made as a gesture of appreciation for firefighters’ efforts to prevent a blaze destroying Glasgow’s iconic Mackintosh Building in May.

As a result both The Fire Fighters Charity and the SFRS Family Support Trust each received £750 to help them continue their vital works.

Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Dave Boyle, director of service delivery in the West of Scotland, said: “We are very grateful to receive this donation from The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, which will go towards two outstanding charities.

“The fire at the Mackintosh touched a great many people and it has brought together communities like architects, artists, Historic Scotland and the fire and rescue service.

“We appreciate the recognition that has been given for the work of the firefighters – the first responding crews and officers in particular did an absolutely magnificent job – and there is certainly a greater understanding of the vital role they do.

“The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland invited us to their annual dinner and presented an award for protecting Scotland’s architectural heritage.

“Each year they place envelopes on the tables for their members and guests to make a charitable donation and this year they kindly offered to make our charities the beneficiaries.

“I would like to thank them for their generous support, which will go to our own Family Support Trust and The Fire Fighters Charity and allow them help fire service personnel and their families in times of need.”

ACO Boyle welcomed RIAS president Ian Connelly and secretary Neil Baxter to the SFRS City of Glasgow Headquarters on Tuesday (29 July).

Crews from the attached Cowcaddens Community Fire Station – who were the first responders to the Mackintosh fire on 23 May – also attended the cheque presentation and informal lunch.

Mr Connelly said: “To people around the world the Mackintosh is an iconic building and the architects of Scotland are hugely grateful for the work the fire and rescue service did.

“There is no doubt in my mind the building and its artefacts could have been completely destroyed had it not been for the firefighters.

“Their efforts went way beyond the call of duty and it was fantastic to see them receive a standing ovation at our annual dinner when we made the presentation of the award to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“I am delighted to be here to make this small gesture of thanks in support of their charities and I hope the bond that exists between our organisations will continue and develop in the future.”

Accepting the donations were ACO Robert Scott, a trustee of The Fire Fighters Charity, and Area Manager Paul Connelly, the vice-chair of the SFRS Family Support Trust.

ACO Scott, who is also director of service delivery in the north of Scotland, said: “I’d like to say thanks to The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland for this donation.

“The Fire Fighters Charity is a national charity that provides respite care and supports firefighters across the UK when they need it most, and it requires £9m a year to keep it going.

“All that money is raised through firefighters’ charitable work and through donations such as this. It really means a lot to us and this money will be well spent to help firefighters across Scotland.”

Area Manager Connelly, the local senior officer for East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute, added: “The Family Support Trust helps firefighters and their families on a daily basis and this money will be very well used.

“We have a summer trip coming up for 70 or 80 fire service widows who obviously know all about the loss that can be endured through fires.

“The Trust is in the process of being rolled out across the length and breadth of Scotland and this donation will help in that regard.”

RIAS secretary and treasurer Neil Baxter added: “At the school of art fire I got a call from an architect in Barcelona who was about to be interviewed by Catalan media. He said it was the most important building in Europe.

“I didn’t appreciate until I got there how dreadful a fire it was. There were people standing in the street in tears.

“It was just an awful event to be witness too and we were so enormously grateful the day after when we learned just how much the firefighters, through incredible concerted effort and a very brilliant strategy, had managed to save.

“The architects of Scotland have now formed a relationship with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and it’s something we want to perpetuate.”

Information on The Fire Fighters Charity can be found on its website: http://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/.

To find out more about the SFRS Family Support Trust, visit its website:
http://sfr-familysupport.org.uk/.

Fringe Playwright from Dumfries and Galloway Calls for a New Wave of Anti-Racist Scottish Theatre

 

A Clockwork Orange for 21st Century Scotland

After the SDL threatened to march in Edinburgh during the Festival, the writer of one of the darkest productions at this year’s Fringe has called for a new wave of anti-racist activism in the Scottish theatre.
Graham Main’s play Blood Orange, at Summerhall from 1 to 24 August, was written in response to a march and attempted mobilisation by the far right group in Dumfries last year.
His work, and his call to oppose extremism, have received backing from senior figures in the SNP and the Labour Party. The play has powerful echoes of A Clockwork Orange with smartly dressed, violent gang members seduced into a world of hatred and loathing.
Main has a deep commitment to political action and social justice – in recent years he swapped a career as a Holyrood political researcher to a life developing performing arts in Dumfries and Galloway
Blood Orange is set in the drug-fuelled, sexualised and sometimes vicious contemporary club scene and exposes attempts to radicalise a vulnerable young man and turn him into a racist killer.
Main said: “The idea of the SDL marching in Edinburgh during the Festival was hideous. What could be more contradictory – a festival which embraces and welcomes the world and a movement whose ideology is based on a hatred of anything different.
“Political theatre has a proud tradition in Scottish culture. And with the rise of the far right and the level of hate crime we now face, there is a job to be done by writers and performers to confront this as one of the nastiest threats to society.
“There are some great examples of anti-racist action around, but it is clear that more needs to happen. The arts are ideally placed to reach out to communities and individuals and to push back against extremism.
“Events like the Festival also make a superb platform for anti-racist action as they embody what’s best about Scotland.
“But what is crucial, and something the arts can do well, is go beyond simply condemning extremism as wrong – they can also ask some searching and uncomfortable questions about how it has managed to gain a foothold in our society.”
Among those who turned out to oppose the SDL was Dumfries and Galloway Labour MP Russell Brown who said “I was encouraged by the large turnout of local people, and those who came a distance to support us, that we were able to show that our local area was not prepared to accept the vile views of the Scottish Defence League.
“As individuals, families and communities, we stood together to show our strength of purpose and determination that we have in rural south west Scotland, that we will not allow their poison to spread. I applaud anything that we are able to do, in whatever form it is presented, to show that these people will not win over those of us who want to live in a tolerant society.”
Main set up his company, The Electric Theatre Workshop, after leaving his role as a researcher for Joan McAlpine MSP and says he “swapped the theatre of politics for political theatre”.
Joan McAlpine MSP said: “As one of those who was there to oppose the SDL in Dumfries I fully support the way that the arts community from Dumfries is pushing spreading the word that the far right must be stopped. Their spread in Scotland, and across Europe, is deeply troubling.”
Working at Holyrood fulfilled a long-held ambition to play a part in Scottish political life, but ultimately Main found he wanted to get back to grass roots arts activism.
He said: “I was raised in Dumfries and knew how much of a gap there was there in the performing arts, and also how much talent there is. Working directly with the community, and by helping develop talent from the community is something that you can see makes a real difference.
“In fact, it’s this kind of community-building, positive and creative activity which really gives people a sense of hope and purpose and should be one of the most powerful weapons we have in combating the despair that can encourage extremism.”
The SDL march in Dumfries was met by a large turnout of local people, including many from the arts sector, who opposed their presence.
The cast of Blood Orange are young, up-and-coming actors from Dumfries and Galloway, Edinburgh and Ireland. The play has already been well-received across southern Scotland and at this year’s Prague Fringe.
Parts of the play were also performed at the Scottish Parliament where it was well-received by MSPs.
The cast are now relishing the chance to perform in a prestigious venue at the world’s largest fringe festival.
● To book seats go to festival14.summerhall.co.uk/event/blood-orange

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COMMEMORATES THE START OF WORLD WAR 1

Dumfries and Galloway Commemorates the Start of World War 1

Communities across Dumfries and Galloway will be commemorating the start of World War 1 on Monday 4 August by holding candlit vigils at their local war memorials or services. World War 1 was declared on 4 August 1914 and many women and men from this region were involved in the fighting or work to support the war.
The following communities are involved and details are on the Council website:

Location/Event/Time

Amisfield
Village Hall / War Memorial Torch and lantern procession from the village hall to the war memorial 9.30 – 11.00pm

Carsphairn
Kirkyard / War Memorial Candlelit walk from Kirkyard to the War Memorial 10.45pm

Castle Douglas
Pedestrian entrance to Tesco car park,
opposite Castle Douglas War Memorial Candlelit vigil and memorial service 10.45pm

Dumfries
St Michaels’ Church Royal British Legion
Declaration of WW1 memorial service 7.30pm

Dunscore
War Memorial Candlelit vigil 11.00pm

Eastriggs
Eastriggs War Memorial Remembrance vigil – Prayer/poem followed by switching off lights 10.45pm

Eastriggs
Devil’s Porridge museum Open evening with a Book of Remembrance available to sign. 6.00 – 9.00pm

Gretna Green / Springfield
Gretna War Memorial Springfield and Gretna Green Community Council
Memorial service 10.00 – 11.00pm

Gretna Green / Springfield
St Andrew’s Church, Central Avenue Springfield and Gretna Green Community Council
Candlelit vigil 11.00pm

Johnstonebridge
Johnstonebridge War Memorial / Cemetery Johnstonebridge Community Council
Vigil memorial service 11.00pm

Kirkcudbright
Kirkcudbright War Memorial Candlelit vigil at the war memorial – bring a lantern, torch or candle 10.50pm

Kirkpatrick Fleming
Kirkpatrick Fleming War Memorial Vigil at the War Memorial with torches/electric candles switched off at 11.00 pm to mark “lights out” 10.45pm

Langholm
Langholm Parish Church Candlelit vigil memorial service 10.00 – 11.00pm

Lockerbie
Lockerbie War Memorial Lockerbie Community Council
Vigil memorial service 10.45pm

Moffat
St Andrew’s Church/
Moffat War Memorial Royal British Legion
Candlelit vigil 10.45 – 11.15pm

Ringford
Ringford War Memorial Tongland and Ringford Community Council
Community gathering 10.45pm

Sanquhar
Sanquhar War Memorial Vigil at the war memorial 11.00pm

Stranraer
Trinity Church Vigil – Declaration of the Great War 10.45pm

Whithorn
Whithorn War Memorial Vigil with poems and a piper. Tea lights will be provided. 10.45pm

Wigtown
Wigtown War Memorial Vigil
The Council’s Museum Service will be commemorating the centenary of World War 1 with a series of activities and exhibitions in museums across the region. These exhibits will highlight the many memories and amazing stories of bravery of men and women from our area who fought in the Great War and supported the war effort.
Commemorating World War One
Sanquhar Museum, Tuesday 1st April – Tuesday 30th September
Sanquhar Museum’s collection of World War One memorabilia will be redisplayed for seasonal this year. Work is also being done to conserve The Brave Men of Mennock, a memorial displaying images of the 43 men from Mennock and the surrounding area who signed up to fight during WW1.

Your Country Needs You!
The Stewartry Museum, Saturday 26th July – Saturday 15th November
We know now of the horrors, mistakes and misjudgements of World War 1, but in 1914 many Britons at home considered going to war as an expression of the power and pride of the British Empire. Young men, and boys, viewed the war as a chance to travel and experience true adventure. Propaganda, in the form of posters and magazine articles, played a huge role in fuelling this excitement. The Stewartry Museum’s collection of World War 1 posters, with their powerful imagery and pointed demands, offers us a glimpse into the mood of society at the time.
Living History Day
The Stewartry Museum, Monday 28th July
A WW1 Recruiting Officer will put visitors through their paces between 11.00am and 3.00pm.
Tommy’s Lot – find out what life was like for a new recruit in 1914 with a public talk at 2.30pm.
Home by Christmas
Annan Museum, Saturday 23rd August – Friday 31st October
An exhibition of local stories, recruitment posters and memorabilia commemorating a past generation caught up in The Great War. Local people are invited to visit the exhibition and share their family accounts of parents, grandparents or great grandparents who experienced World War 1 either at the battle field or the home front
Councillor Archie Dryburgh, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Armed Forces Champion said:
‘I am delighted that the people of Dumfries and Galloway are taking time to mark the centenary of the start of World War 1. Further events will take place over the next four years to commemorate particular battles and campaigns that people in Scotland were involved in. Many brave people gave up their lives or were badly injured in the First World War and they should never be forgotten.’
Please see webpages for further information: http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=13633

 

YOUTH BEATZ BRINGS BACK WORLD OF WONKA FOR 2014

 

The Interactive Youth Information Zone returns to Youth Beatz on the 9th August 2014. The interactive youth information zone has run for a number of years and has been the hub for getting young people involved in what has been described as “a brilliant way of educating and making you think!” This year, WILLY WONKA will once again take young people on a journey through his world, meeting a number of familiar faces along the way.

With the aim of meaningfully raising awareness of a range of issues affecting the lives of young people, WORLD OF WONKA is a fresh take on addressing these issues.

The young performers and the stage crew, who can be seen throughout the day at YOUTH BEATZ 2014, completed a 2 week Performance and Production Course named ‘Wonka Camp’, planning World of Wonka and developing the new show and props so new and relevant issues can be explored at this year’s event. The intensive course was packed full of performance training, script writing, costume and set production, as well as vital learning around the issues that the experience will look to explore with those who venture inside on the day. As you follow Willy Wonka around his factory, you’ll meet a number of characters including Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde, Michaela Teavee and Charlie Bucket covering issues such as bullying, body image, drugs & Alcohol, diversity, Domestic Abuse, Sexual Exploitation and more.

This year’s World of Wonka event can also be seen at Youth Beatz The Fringe between the 4th and 7th August 2014. These shows will provide the opportunity for more young people to experience the hard hitting messages that World of Wonka delivers as well as letting partners see the hard work and commitment of young people involved in the project and will further promote the close links that Community Learning and Development has in the enhancement of learning for life for all young people in Nithsdale.

So for those who want to tour the factory then look for the ticket booth at Youth Beatz, and prepare to step into a world of imagination and wonder.

The World of Wonka is brought to you by Community Learning & Development Service Nithsdale, working in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland, Support in Mind, ISSU18, Alcohol & Drugs Partnership, Domestic Abuse, Sexual Health D&G and Police Scotland.

Funding has this year been secured through The Young Start Lottery Fund, The Alcohol and Drug’s Partnership, Domestic Abuse Partnership and Looking Forward Not Back to ensure the experience can be available to more 12 – 25 year olds on the day. So if you are at Youth Beatz, and you want to take a step into the unknown, either during the day or at night then Wonka is the place to be.

 

POLICE PRAISE WICKERMAN REVELLERS ON BEHAVIOUR

Police Scotland officers in Dumfries and Galloway are praising the public who attended the Wickerman Festival at the weekend for their good behaviour over the three days.

There were only a few matters of disorder and thefts reported. Approximately one hundred people and a number of vehicles were stopped and searched in relation to drugs offences which resulted in approximately £3000 worth of illegal drugs being seized with a number of persons being reported for drug supply and possession offences. These figures, on the back of around 17,000 who attended over the weekend, show that only a handful were involved in this type of behaviour and they were removed from the Wickerman Festival site due to the drugs policy that was in place by the event organisers.

As the festival goers left on Sunday, those driving off the site were offered the opportunity to take a voluntary breathalyser test to check on their fitness to drive on the public roads and there were no reported issues on the road network reported.

Chief Inspector Irvine Watson, Galloway Area Commander said: “We want to thank those who attended the festival for their generally good behaviour, and cooperation with the police and other agencies involved in the security and wellbeing of all those on site over the weekend. We have developed good working relationships with the organisers over the years and this experience helped towards a professionally run event. I would also acknowledge the excellent standard of the security and stewards who assisted us over the weekend.

“Our policing operation ran smoothly and this is down in no small part to the engagement of local officers with the festival goers and the sensible attitude and good behaviour of the majority who attended. Attendees made the most of the excellent weather we had over the weekend, particularly on Thursday and Friday, and there was a general good natured feel to the whole weekend. The low numbers of arrests is a credit to those who came along to the festival.

 

Pictures Copyright R.B Photography

WICKERMAN BLAZES IN SUNSHINE AS MARTHA REEVES , SHED SEVEN AND DIZZIE RASCAL SHINE ON SUMMERISLE STAGE

‘Just Like a Heatwave!’

Wickerman Blazes in Sunshine as Martha Reeves, Shed Seven and Dizzie Rascal Shine on Summerisle Stage

 

DSC_2746When Motown legend Martha Reeves belted out her class track ‘Heatwave’ on Wickerman’s main Summerisle stage yesterday afternoon (Friday 25th July), the close to capacity crowd roared their approval. Because Friday’s Wickerman Festival, nestled in the rolling green hills of Dumfries and Galloway, was bathed in unbroken sunshine as campers, music fans and families began to gather on site for a day of great music and entertainment.

Under the gaze of a kilted 40 foot Homecoming Wickerman, posed this year in a spectacular highland fling, the sweet sounds of Galloway singing / songwriting duo ‘The Mermaids’ (aka sisters Rosie and Ellen Macfarlane) opened the main stage, as the arena came to life with the festival’s biggest array of attractions and entertainment to date.

The main Summerisle stage treated the growing crowd to indie-pop favourites The Hosts, the foot-stomping folk rock sounds of Skinny Lister and then Dumfries & Galloway’s own Finding Albert, currently one of Scotland’s most hotly-tipped acts whose energetic set didn’t disappoint.

Up next was the distinctive synth-pop sounds of Glasgow’s Prides who delighted sun-drenched crowds with a powerful performance, followed by Brooklyn indie-rockers Augustines who kept the party atmosphere going into the late afternoon.

[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgRE2oyTDL4&list=UUW1U-RIjWZp9zqo0Pip-f3g” width=”560″ height=”315″]

As temperatures cooled slightly, the very warmest of Wickerman welcomes greeted R&B superstar Martha Reeves as she took to the Summerisle stage with the Vandellas in tow, whipping the audience into a frenzy with the highlights of her incredible back catalogue – including ‘Heatwave’, ‘Nowhere to Run’ and of course ‘Dancing in the Streets’. Responsible for the first big Wicker singalong of the day, she even treated fans to an impromptu Scottish jig as she departed the stage leaving everyone cheering for more.

Wickerman favourites Alabama 3 pulled a huge Summerisle crowd in their second visit to the Dundrennan site, once again pulling off an electrifying performance to accompany their unique alt-rock sound.
As the sun began to set, Shed Seven treated Wicker fans to a set of pure Britpop magic. Charismatic frontman Rick Witter kicked things off by storming into the crowd to greet his fans. The band’s distinctive guitars, live horn section and Witter’s soaring vocals then rang out across the arena as the crowd bounced along to classics like ‘Going for Gold’, ‘Chasing Rainbows’ and a surprise rendition of Springsteen classic ‘Born to Run’.

With the Wickerman crowd chanting his name, the festival’s man of the hour Dizzee Rascal took to the stage to close the first day of the festival. The London-born hip hop legend was a surprise booking for Wickerman but delivered a headline set that will go down in Wickerman history, with an incredible, high-octane set packed with hits like ‘Bonkers’ and ‘Dance wiv Me’ that had every Wicker hand waving high in the air.

Wickerman is renowned for a line-up crammed with the widest range of music in the business, and this year was no different with incredible performances across the festival’s many stages. Roddy Woomble, Have Mercy Las Vegas and Esperanza played the Acoustic Village; the famous Scooter Tent was at capacity throughout the day, building to a classic Scooter finale of Sonic Boom Six and headliners The Beat; and the ever-popular Reggae Tent hosted by Explosion Soundsystem and the dance-lovers Bass Camp headlined by Silicone Soul entertained until the early hours of Saturday morning. A mix of the very best new Scottish music was also showcased across the Solus and goNORTH Festival stages, with performances from hotly tipped Neon Waltz, Broken Records and Young Fathers.

This year the Wickerman site was also packed with fun for all the family, with children’s performances and music, an SFA football pitch, the funfair, bucking bronco, chilled out bars and delicious gourmet food stands and much more scattered across the festival fields.

The relaxed Lowland Links tent, planned in association with EventScotland as part of Wickerman’s Year of Homecoming celebrations, attracted a steady flow of fans across the day, taking up the chance to paint their family tree, learn about the history of local clans and enjoy a line-up of great traditional Scottish music from the Dumfries and Galloway area.

Wickerman Festival Co-ordinator Helen Chalmers congratulated both artists and fans for getting this year’s festival off to a great start. ‘Our opening Friday has had all the right ingredients for a brilliant Wickerman day, with memorable performances, a relaxed happy atmosphere and a great crowd of music fans enjoying the sunshine. At this stage we have just a few tickets left until we reach capacity so there’s still time for anyone looking to join our party to come along. Yesterday really was a wonderful start to this year’s festival and we have another day of Wickerman magic in store for fans on Saturday.’
Inspector Amanda Scott of Police Scotland commented: ‘The Wickerman crowd has been very well behaved and we hope that continues throughout the rest of the weekend so that we continue to enjoy a trouble-free festival.’

DGWGO FRIDAY FOCUS /DUMFRIES YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP

1 a 1 a Dugals Friday FocusDGWGO Were Contacted this week by  a voluntary group called Dumfries global ed group this is a group of local young people who all volunteer weekly in there local community.

 

 

Their slogan is “inform educate others understand act change”. This group are going off to Australia in September where there will be taking part in a world conference and a youth 1 a 1 a oz 1conference which is ran by IAVE (international association for volunteer effort). Where the group will also be delivering workshops to other young people around volunteering and in particular volunteering with you people who have additional support needs and disabilities.

The group have already raised over £37,000 and to do a final push for the final amount they need to raise ,They are holding a quiz night on Friday the 25th of July ( Tonight) for over 18s at Summerhill Community centre with entry at £2 a ticket.

 

Below is how the group describe themselves

We are a group of young people who volunteer in our local community and we plan to take our volunteering experiences further afield. We have been given the opportunity to take part in the International Association of Volunteer Effort (IAVE) World Youth Conference in Australia in September this year. As well as taking part in the conference we will  co facilitate workshops with professional facilitators and also deliver a workshop of our own at the conference.

Fundraising has been a main priority so far to pay for conference fees, flights and accommodation. While in Australia we will be taking part in different volunteering programmes as well as getting the opportunity to meet other youth volunteers from all over the world. 

Two of our group members are part of the organising committee and represent Europe in the planning

Find Out More on the groups website at http://www.dumfriesdownunder.com/

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