MULL OF GALLOWAY GRAND RAFFLE DRAWN BY RETIRED LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER

Sep 9, 2014

The Mull of Galloway Grand Prize Raffle was drawn on 5th September by George McDermid, retired lighthouse keeper in the Gallie Craig coffee house at the Mull of Galloway.

The prizes included a 3 night stay at one of the lighthouse holiday cottages which was won by a delighted family from the Kircudbright area, who are currently deciding on dates to take their break. Other prizes were won locally and by visitors as far away as Norfolk and Lincolnshire.

Local businesses very kindly donated the raffle prizes. These included Ailsa Black Scottish Artist, Gallie Craig coffee house, Stenaline, Dumfries and Galloway Life Magazine, Lola’s dog grooming, Loch Ryan Leisure, Logan House Gardens, The Waterfront in Portpatrick, Tigh Na Mara, Stir-it coffee house, Zoe Bestel, High Aitken Jewellers, T K Barr dental, The Mochrum Artist, McKenzies in Stranraer, Fidlers in Stranraer, Rickwood House, Loch Ryan dog training, Diane and John Gilmore from East Muntloch, Auld Smiddy and Glen Auchie holidays, Baxters in Stranraer, Jill Ramsey handmade wedding invitations and the Museum of Scottish lighthouses.

Thanks to the efforts of a team a volunteers the majority of ticket sales were generated from the recent Mull of Galloway festival. The money raised from the raffle and from fund raising throughout the festival weekend is planned to be used to fund a defibrillator at the Mull of Galloway.

DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY COUNCIL INVESTIGATE SITE FOR NEW STRANRAER SPORTS & LEISURE CENTRE

Sep 9, 2014

Identifying a suitable site for Stranraer sports centre

At today’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee Councillors agreed to continue to support investigations for a new Wigtownshire Community Sports Centre sited in Stranraer. The new facility would provide additional activities that are not currently catered for in the area, namely an indoor bowling facility, ten pin bowling alleys, laser quest, café’ and a multi – purpose function room.

Council officers have been working with the sports centre committee, which is made up of members of the public from the local community, to develop a business plan which is now complete, but the next task is to identify a suitable location for the centre.

Several sites have been suggested, including the East Pier and Port Rodie Frontage. However Stena Line and the Council are still receiving tenders from organisations interested in developing the site so the suitability of a sports centre at this location cannot be determined at present and further consideration would need to be given when detailed proposals for the area come forward in discussions with developers.

At Wigtown Area Committee Councillors suggested two sites for consideration; land adjacent to Agnew Park Pavilion and the former Marine Lake area.

Agnew Park is recognised as a key asset for the wider waterfront regeneration and our Council has earmarked £410,000 to upgrade the pavilion and provide new play and events equipment.

At today’s committee meeting, it was agreed that Council officers should investigate the Agnew Park option to see if the sports centre could link with these planned improvements. However, it was recognised by Councillors that the Agnew Park site could prove problematic as it will raise planning issues and could impact on the park’s ability to hold larger events.

Another potential problem, is that Scottish Water has introduced water and sewage pipework under part of the land which could accommodate the new sports centre, so the site would need further investigation to determine its suitability.

The Marine Lake site has already been earmarked for development as a hard standing storage area for boats, linked to the introduction of a new pubic slipway, so there would not be enough space for the sports centre.

It is estimated that between 1.5 and 2 acres of land would be needed for the sports centre and it was agreed that the Community and Customer Services Committee will make a final recommendations once further investigations have been carried out on other possible sites.

Cllr Colin Smyth Chairman of the Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee said:
“Councillors agreed that such a development would be positive for the area. As a result it was agreed we will continue to support this initiative and work closely with the sports centre committee and the local community to find a suitable site, with a range of possible options being investigated. Clearly , the success of such a project will require a robust business plan and funding, but one way the Council can help is through helping find an appropriate location.”

MOD WITHDRAW OBJECTION TO DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY WINDFARM

Sep 8, 2014

MoD withdraw objection to local wind farm proposal

The Ministry of Defence has withdrawn an objection to the wind farm plans proposed at Knockendurrick, east of Gatehouse of Fleet.

Last November (2013), it was reported that the official objection had been made due to low flying training exercises regularly carried out in the area.

However, following a period of consultation on the specifics of the proposed wind farm and whether this would have any potential impact on military activities, the objection has now been withdrawn.

The plans for the seven turbine, 23.8MW wind farm were originally submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council by renewable energy company Banks Renewables in October 2013.

Colin Anderson, director at Banks Renewables, said: “This type of objection is not uncommon and we were confident it would be removed when we had the chance to fully discuss the MOD’s comments with a view to resolving them.

“This is great news as it will allow the council to move forward with their decision making process. There is a great deal of support for our proposals in the local community and we are hoping this planning application will be approved so we can start delivering the numerous benefits to the area.”

With Banks Renewables commitment to using local firms wherever possible as part of the project, it’s estimated that construction work on the site would inject at least £5 million into the local economy, while also creating meaningful job opportunities in the area.

Contracts would be required for construction and maintenance, ground works, quarry and building products, plant hire and haulage, waste solutions, fencing, fabrication, accommodation, aggregates, utilities, professional services, hospitality and many more services.

On top of that, the Community Partnership approach to the scheme would see local people share 3% of the site’s gross revenue, which is estimated to contribute up to £6.5 million toward supporting local community intiatives over the 25 years of the development.

That money would be directed into projects identified and backed by local people, including job and training creation schemes. Banks Renewables is in discussions with Dumfries & Galloway Council and with local colleges and businesses to agree how best to deliver a targeted employment and training initiative.

Elsewhere the local community’s share of wind farm revenues could also be invested into providing vital community infrastructure, delivery of major environmental projects and direct funding into community groups.

The Hamilton based company recently announced that, if approved, the Knockendurrick site could be connected to the national grid by 2016.

Colin continued: “It’s exciting to know that if it is approved, Knockendurrick could be live within two years and delivering real benefits to the local community.

“We are grateful for the feedback and support we have had from local people and businesses, who acknowledge the many, long-term benefits it will bring to the area at a time when public sector spending cuts are biting deep.

“We hope all of those who support the wind farm proposals will express that support to their local councillors to help them make the best decision for the area.”

To register your support for the proposed Knockendurrick Wind Farm please visit http://www.banksgroup.co.uk/knockendurrick/support-this-project/.

Banks Renewables is part of the Banks Group (www.banksgroup.co.uk), a family firm founded in 1976, which now employs more than 420 people in the renewable energy, property and mining sectors.

STRANRAER RNLI CALLED OUT TO AID STRANDED YACHT WITH 3 PASSENGERS ONBOARD

Sep 8, 2014

Stranraer Lifeboat launched on service at 4.22pm today Monday the 8th of September 2014 to a report of a 10 metre yacht aground within Stranraer Harbour with 3 persons onboard.

Lifeboat assembled and alongside at 1630 hours and removed the persons from the yacht due to it’s position. Lifeboat stood by until 2000 hours when a tow line was attached to the yacht and it was towed free by the Lifeboat crew and moored alongside the pontoons at 2030 hours. The Lifeboat was rehoused and ready for service at 2100 hours.

CONSISTANT PACE NETS FITH SEMI FINAL POSITION FOR DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAYS ALBATEC RACING

Sep 8, 2014

Lohéac, France — Sunday 6 September, 2014; Albatec Racing Team Principal Andy Scott continued his excellent form of 2014, powering his 600bhp two-litre 16v Peugeot 208 to its fifth semi final from six rounds of the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Amid one of the strongest entries of the season at the packed Lohéac track the 2011 MSA British Rallycross Vice-Champion was consistently among the crucial top 12 during four close-fought heats that netted him a perfectly-judged race win this morning.

The Dumfries businessman was placed tenth overall before the final heat this afternoon, and following a strong run last year that just failed to see him progress, was determined to make amends this year. Finishing fourth, his consistent race pace enabled him to maintain a position in the top 12, to secure a place in semi final two.

Taking up his position on the back row alongside American Gymkana star Ken Block and with 2003 World Rally Champion Petter Solberg on pole, the MacDuff-backed racer made a reasonable start but was unable to find the necessary pace to progress into the top three. Despite that, Andy was pleased with the result that sees him confirm his position as a front-running driver.

Joining the Lochfoot team at arguably the biggest event on the rallycross calendar was Briton David Binks, the Newcastle racer stepping into the similar 208 of former F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve. Returning to race action after a season-ending roll in Las Vegas in 2012, the former Minicross Champion was left disappointed not to make it through to the finals, however with 37 of the world’s best rallycross racers vying for just 12 places, he did a tremendous job.

With only one day behind the wheel prior to Saturday open practice, David acclimatised well to the latest generation Supercar and throughout the weekend steadily and consistently improved his lap times, however amid the fierce competition found himself the subject of several hits which seriously compromised his race times. Despite the disappointment, the experience, in front of an estimated 70,000 enthusiastic French fan has left the former Global Rallycross Championship contender determined to return to full-time race action.

The series now enjoys a two-week break before action resumes at the Estering track in Buxtehude, Germany over the weekend of 20/21 September, while the team resumes track action with a test tomorrow with Swedish rally star Ramona Karlsson in preparation for her appearance in Germany.

Andy Scott, Team Principal and driver Albatec Racing #26 :

“What a fantastic start to the day winning the opening race was with such strong competition. I knew heat four would be tough, but having been consistently among the qualifying positions all weekend, and having previously qualified for four of my five events this year, I would have been very disappointed not to get through to the semis.

“Having said that, to qualify here, at arguably the home of French rallycross, in a French car, with French engine and gearbox, made this weekend extra special. The competition was particularly fierce not just in the number of drivers but the quality of the entry, so for anyone to reach the semis is an achievement.”

David Binks, driver Albatec Racing #81 :

“It’s been a great experience, I’ve had a fantastic two days. During the test we found some time and over the weekend we’ve gone quicker and quicker. It’s been a tough weekend, tougher than I was probably expecting, but I’m pleased with the way I’ve driven and with the way the car has been. We had a few issues early yesterday, but the guys got it all sorted and we’ve been going better and better each time. Today’s heats were tough, with quite a bit of rough and tumble, but to be honest 21st after two years away, on a new track and with this level of competition, yeah I’m a happy man.

“I don’t think there’s a bad driver among them to be honest, but you know we’ve all got good cars with good drivers and unfortunately for me this weekend was an accumulation of not really knowing the car, not knowing the circuit and trying to pull all those things together at probably the pinnacle of the sport, it just needed more time and experience.”

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WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL IS CALLING FOR ‘YOU’ TO BECOME BOOKSELLERS

Sep 8, 2014

Wanted: Booksellers, no experience needed, for unique artistic project
* Call for members of public to become booksellers in Scotland’s National Book Town
* Unique project aims to explore state of bookselling in “Amazon age”.
* Inspired by Nasa employee who gave up job to live the bookseller life

What does it mean to run a “real”, second-hand bookshop in the age of Amazon? Now there’s an easy way to find out.
Scotland’s national book town in Wigtown, south-west Scotland, is offering aspiring booksellers and artists the chance to experience the lifestyle in a unique series of residencies that will begin at this year’s Wigtown Book Festival (26 Sept-5 Oct) and continue for the next 12 months.
The Open Book project will invite interested parties to apply to live in and run a local bookshop (renamed The Open Book) for a period of up to 6 weeks in a bookshop in Scotland’s National Book Town. Anyone is invited to apply, with preference given to artists, writers, thinkers, and bibliophiles. Participants will be given a crash course in bookselling and, as well as keeping the shop open a set number of hours a week, will be asked to contribute to a blog outlining their experiences.
Adrian Turpin, director of the Wigtown Festival Company, which is running the project, explained: “For many booklovers, the idea of running a bookshop is a dream. But it can be a tough lifestyle and one that demands dedication and inventiveness, as the many bookshops in Scotland’s Book Town show.
“The internet has had a huge effect on booksellers. The Open Book project is intended as an original way to examine some of the issues facing bookshops in the age of Amazon. It will also bring exciting new creative energy to the town.”
The project was partly inspired by the American author Jessica Fox, whose novel Three Things You Need To Know About Rockets, describes how she left her job working for Nasa in California and, on a whim, moved to Wigtown to work in a local bookshop. After falling in love, she still lives in a bookshop in the town six years later.
Jessica Fox said: “Coming to Wigtown was a life-changing experience for me. I hope that it will have a similar effect on people taking part in the next 12 months.”
Set in the rolling countryside of Dumfries and Galloway, Wigtown has a population of 900, and is often described as Scotland’s “Hay-on-Wye”. The town was awarded the designation Scotland’s National Book Town in 1997 and has more than a dozen bookshops and book-related businesses.

To apply
Members of the public are invited to express interest to theopenbookwigtown@gmail.com

JOINT INDUSTRY STATEMENT CALLS FOR SCOTTISH SHEEPKEEPERS TO DOUBLE TAG OLDER EWES

Sep 8, 2014

The derogation that allows older sheep tagged before 2010 to be moved in batches between businesses will end in January 2015.

Given the sizeable proportion of the Scottish flock that will be aged five years or older by this date, the National Sheep Association (Scotland), the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers Scotland (IAAS) and NFU Scotland are urging flock keepers to update their ID to current standards and double tag these animals before trading them off the farm.

The stakeholders jointly recommend that that to optimise market opportunities and avoid manual recording of individual ear tag numbers in the future, animals from the historic flock should be retagged.

These older animals will have previously received non-electronic tags if born prior to 2010. To meet the current requirements, prior to changing ownership, they should be double tagged, one of which must be an electronic (EID) tag.

Stakeholders remind producers that if they are re-tagging these older animals then the process must be recorded in the flock register, similar to any other retagging operations.

NEW KIDS’ CLUB SEASON STARTS AT GRACEFIELD

Sep 8, 2014

The new season of Kids Club gets underway at Gracefield on Saturday 13 September 2014, giving a chance to enjoy a range of activities from painting and drawing to jewellery and craftwork.

Led by professional artist and makers, the Kids Club for age 5 to 12 year old runs from 10am to 12noon each Saturday of term time and Wednesday 10am to 12 noon in the October school holiday.

For younger children, why not try the baby and toddler club? Run the first Saturday of the month from 10am to 11.30am, it’s a great chance to get messy and try out arty skills without having tidy up!

Kids’ club costs £5.50/ BTC £3.50, but there are also free workshops to enjoy – call us for details or see the brochure on the council website at www.dumgal.gov.uk/gracefield.

While you are Gracefield, it’s also a great chance to engage with the current exhibitions: Artist Rooms: Dan Flavin, and Colour & Light: Art from the Permanent Collection from 1880 to present day. The exhibitions are free and you can try the Art Detective quiz.

Gracefield Art Centre in Dumfries is the first ARTIST ROOMS Associate venue in the UK to present works by American artist Dan Flavin (1933-1996). The installations have transformed the Gracefield gallery spaces with white light and colour and offer audiences a unique chance to engage with this challenging and fascinating body of work.

The exhibition includes ‘untitled (to Don Judd, colorist) 1-5, 1987’ and a group of four ‘monument’ to V. Tatlin sculptures, Flavin’s extensive series of ‘monuments’ dedicated to the Russian constructivist artist Vladimir Tatlin. Flavin’s fluorescent light sculptures grew out of the traditions of post–war American art. The movement to which Flavin’s art is often associated is minimalism, although Flavin always rejected this label. Flavin’s work is closely concerned with the space in which it is shown and he said of his work “It is what it is and it ain’t nothing else…it’s very easy to understand”

The collection exhibition features some fascinating works from the Scottish Colourists and Glasgow Boys to more modern prints – including two by French artist Matisse and the late great, Scottish artist, Alan Davie. It’s an ideal introduction for art students and those interested in the more traditional approaches to art.

Opening hours: exhibitions Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm; The Craft Shop Tuesday to Friday 10.30am to 3.30pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm; and Cafe Hubbub Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm.

For more info contact:
Dawn Henderby, Arts Officer Gracefield (working days: 9am to 1pm on Wednesday, 9am to 5pm Thursday and Friday)
Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1JQ
e: dawn.henderby@dumgal.gov.uk
t: 01387 262 084

Photographic Opportunities: by appointment
Image: artwork : Dan Flavin ‘untitled (to Don Judd, colourist) 1-5’, 1987 with Young visitor, copyright Mike Bolam

Dan Flavin (1933–1996) was born in New York City. He lived and worked in New York City and Long Island, NY. Since his breakthrough work in 1963, Flavin dedicated his sculptures to other artists, philosophers, collectors, and dealers. He greatly admired early Russian avant-garde art, particularly the work of Tatlin, who he described as ‘the great revolutionary, who dreamed of art as science.’ In 1964 he embarked on a series of tower-shaped sculptures dedicated to Tatlin. Flavin continued to produce these ‘monuments’ until 1990.

The works on display are taken from ARTIST ROOMS, an inspirational collection of modern and contemporary art acquired for the nation by Tate and The National Galleries of Scotland through the generosity of Anthony d’Offay with additional support from funders, including the Art Fund. The ARTIST ROOMS tour programme, now in its sixth year, is showing at 18 museums and galleries across the UK in 2014. The tour is made possible thanks to the support of Arts Council England, the Art Fund, and in Scotland, Creative Scotland.

Working with an artist facilitator, Gracefield will be offering curatorial tours and arts activities for young people looking at Dan Flavin’s work by exploring new technology. Participants will also be able to get involved in developing and organising events during the exhibition – by and for young people. For more information contact Kate Davies, kate.davies@dumgal.gov.uk or Joanne Smithers, gracefield.facilitator@gmail.com

To find out more information about ARTIST ROOMS On Tour please visit www.artfund.org/artistrooms. To see the full ARTIST ROOMS collection please visit www.tate.org.uk/artistrooms and www.nationalgalleries.org/artistrooms

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ARTIST ROOMS
ARTIST ROOMS exhibitions and displays are from the collection assembled by Anthony d’Offay. ARTIST ROOMS is owned jointly by Tate and National Galleries of Scotland and was established through The d’Offay Donation in 2008, with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Art Fund and the Scottish and British Governments. ARTIST ROOMS On Tour has been devised to enable this collection to reach and inspire new audiences across the country, particularly young people.

Arts Council England
The Arts Council champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2011 and 2015, we will invest £1.4 billion of public money from government and an estimated £1 billion from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country. www.artscouncil.org.uk

The Art Fund
The Art Fund is the national fundraising charity for art, helping museums to buy and show great art for everyone. Over the past 5 years we’ve given over £26m to help museums and galleries acquire works of art for their collections and placed hundreds of gifts and bequests, from ancient sculpture and treasure hoards to Old Master paintings and contemporary commissions. We awarded £1 million towards the original acquisition of the ARTIST ROOMS collection and have been instrumental in ARTIST ROOMS on Tour since its inception in 2009. We are independently funded, the majority of our income coming from over 100,000 members who, through the National Art Pass, enjoy free entry to over 220 museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK, as well as 50% off entry to major exhibitions.

Find out more about the Art Fund and the National Art Pass at www.artfund.org.
Please contact Madeline Adeane, the Press Relations Manager, on 020 7225 4804 or madeane@artfund.org

Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the national organisation that funds and supports the development of Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries. Creative Scotland has four objectives: to develop and sustain a thriving environment for the arts, screen and creative industries; to support excellence in artistic and creative practice; to improve access to and participation in, arts and creative activity; and to deliver our services efficiently and effectively. In 2013/14 we will distribute over £100m in funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information on Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland

POLICE INVESTIGATE REPORT OF SEXUAL ASSUAULT IN ANNAN

Sep 7, 2014

Detectives in Annan are continuing enquiries following a report of a sexual assault in the Standalane area on Saturday 6 September 2014.

Around 2340 hours, a 17 year old woman was making her way home in the Standalane area, near to the Fire Station, when a man approached her from behind, pushed her to the ground and sexually assaulted her. Following the incident the suspect walked off.

The young woman did not require hospital treatment but was very distressed by the ordeal.

The suspect is described as white, of medium height and build and was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top and dark coloured trousers.

Detective Inspector Colin Burnie said:

“An experienced team of officers are working on this inquiry and we are determined to trace the man responsible for this crime. We are in the process of gathering CCTV images from the surrounding areas and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen or noticed anything untoward or suspicious to get in touch with us – any small piece of information could prove significant in our investigation.

“Incidents of this type are rare, not only in Annan but in Dumfries and Galloway as a whole. If anyone has any information or knowledge about the suspect or the crime, please contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Annan Police Office on the police non-emergency number, 101. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.