Dumfries Museum has been awarded funding from the Festival of Museums organisers to host a ‘Meet the Vikings’ event at Dumfries Museum on 17 May this year. Dumfries Museum is working in partnership with the Dumfries and Galloway branch of the Glasgow Vikings group to stage a great day out for families. These local volunteers are experienced in historical re-enactment and each member specialises in an aspect of Viking life such as war craft, boat building, blacksmithing and leatherwork. The group also includes professional artists who will interpret original and reproduction artefacts and who will give visitors the opportunity to have a go at hands on craft activities. Councillor Ted Thompson, Provost of Dumfries and Chair of Nithsdale Area Committee, said, “I am pleased that Dumfries Museum has been awarded this funding. I’m sure that by working with our local Viking group they will offer a fun, exciting and educational day for families. It also strengthens our links forged during World War 2 with the people of Norway and our shared heritage.” Artist and blacksmith Simon Lidwell is the local organiser for the Viking group and was inspired by Dumfries’ connection with Scandanavia. “Shortly before moving to Dumfries I started going to a Viking market in Karmoy, Norway, where I finally got to row in a fjord in a Viking ship. Imagine my surprise when on moving to Dumfries I found a bronze model longship given to Dumfries by the people of Karmoy after WW2. I look forward to taking part in this event at the museum and helping to keep the historical – and continuing- connections between Dumfries and Scandinavia alive. With cooks and craftsmen, warriors and wordsmiths we will help to bring the past to life by setting up camp in the museum and giving you the opportunity to meet your ancestors and find out about their way of life.” Created and co-ordinated by Museums Galleries Scotland, Festival of Museums encourages Scotland’s museums to provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy exciting, entertaining and surprising events at museums and galleries over one weekend. MGS works in partnership with Culture 24 / Museums at Night which takes place over the same weekend. Festival of Museums seeks to broaden the appeal of museums and galleries and incentivises visitors to learn about and get involved with their local area’s museums and history.
Queen of the South marched in to a play-off spot after coming from a goal down to beat Livingston 2-1.
Marc McNulty converted a Livi penalty before half time to put the home side a goal up but goals from Mark Durnan and Derek Lyle in the second half gave Queens a vital 3 points in the play-off race.
After two high-scoring draws earlier in the year, Queens were looking to finally take three points from their West Lothian competitors but with Iain Russell and Chris Higgins both suspended following Wednesday`s 1-1 draw with Morton – as well as Zander Clark being injured – McIntyre`s men faced a tough time at the Energy Assets Arena on a bitterly cold day in Livingston.
Queens started off on the front foot as `Keeper Jim Atkinson didn`t have a save to make in the opening 30 minutes and the youngster impressed all day.
Paul Burns shot was the Doonhamers first effort on goal, however, he drilled the ball six yard wide of Darren Jamieson in the Livi goal.
The game was quickly becoming a victim of the conditions with heavy rain and high winds making it hard for both teams to play. Half chances fell to McHugh and Reilly in the opening twenty minutes but the Livi `keeper wasn`t troubled by them.
Martin Scott had Livingston`s first real chance after 25 minutes with a speculative shot from outside the box, however Atkinson watched the ball sail past his right hand post with little danger. Livingston were starting to creep in to the much though, and Marc McNulty forced Atkinson to jump on a dangerous ball sent across the six yard box by the forward.
Mark Durnan was then caught on the ball by Jason Talbot but the left back failed to find McNulty, sparing Durnan`s blushes and giving Queens a huge let-off.
However, the Palmerston side did not recieve a let-off from Referee Greg Aitken as, just before 40 minutes, he awarded Livingston a controversial penalty. Chris Mitchell was cautioned as the Referee judged that he had pushed over a Livi forward in the box. The Queens supporters inside the Energy Assets Arena voiced their opinions towards the officials – days after having two men sent off against Morton. McNulty converted the penalty to harshly put Queens one goal down.
Atkinson had no chance from a very well taken penalty
Jason Talbot then went close for John McGlynn`s side minutes after the penalty but Queens managed to hold on and go in at the break a goal down.
As did the first half, Queens started off on top with Reilly and McHugh continuing to create problems for the Livi back four, with the latter, drilling a shot inches by the Livingston goal as the Doonhamers looked to launch themselves back in to the tie.
With less than ten minutes gone in the second half, Queens had catapulted themselves back in the game thanks to a Mark Durnan header. Bob McHugh was brought down by Mike Mampuya of Livingston and from the resulting free kick, Michael Paton guided the ball on to Durnan`s head and the centre back raced off to celebrate as Queens found themselves level.
Durnan beats Mensing to head home the equaliser….
….and celebrates with McKenna
The pressure continued to mount as McShane went close with a 20-yard effort and McIntyre`s men looked determined to take all three points back to Palmerston. Once again though, the weather started to prevent the game from hitting top gear as the torrential rain returned – but the Queens supporters` spirits were not dampened as they continued to roar their team on.
Daniel Carmichael replaced Michael Paton with 30 minutes to go and the midfielder had Queens next effort from the edge of the area but it went agonisingly wide.
The next Queens opportunity didn`t fail to hit the target, however, as Derek Lyle sent Queens 2-1 in front with ten minutes to go. Bob McHugh beat the offside trap to go one on one with Livi `keeper Darren Jamieson and – after Jamieson parried the ball – Lyle was standing on the edge of the box to slot the ball in.
Lyle celebrates his goal
The Doonhamers managed to brave the storm coming from the Livingston players – as well as the skies – in the closing stages in the match and held on for a hard-fought 2-1 win. The win also moves Queens in to fourth in the Championship – and a play-off spot after Raith and Dumbarton failed to win.
After two away games in four days Queens now have two home games in two weeks against the top two sides in the Championship, starting with Falkirk at Palmerston on the 8th.
The Rotary District 1020 Final of this year’s Rotary Young Chef Competition was held last Saturday (1stFebruary) at West Lothian College in Livingston. The competition was very keen between the seven finalists from schools across the south of Scotland and standards were very high. Against this very strong opposition, from Kirkcudbright Academy, representing the Rotary Club of Kirkcudbright, proved to be a very worthy runner-up
Each of the contestants had to prepare a three course meal. Emma’s successful menu was
Starter Seared Kirkcudbright King Scallops with Chorizo, resting on a Pea Purée Main Course Pan Fried Gressingham Duck Breast served on a bed of Braised Red Cabbage with Sweet Potato Mash and a Gin and Redcurrant Jus Dessert A raspberry cheesecake served with a homemade honey and oat ice cream
As in the previous rounds, all the competitors were complimented by the judges who said that the overall standard and the quality of the food produced by all competitors was extremely high which gave the judges a very difficult task. Once again they also commented on the great enthusiasm and skill of all the chefs which clearly reflected the commitment of the Home Economics teachers at all the schools.
The Rotary Young Chef Competition is designed to give young people the chance to show off their creative culinary talents, to promote healthy eating and to help them learn important life skills. The young chefs are judged on their healthy menu, planning and organisational skills, hygiene, preparation skills and, of course, the taste and presentation of the final dishes.
The event was generously sponsored by Quality Beef Scotland who provided the trophies and an apron for each of the finalists.
Paul Tebay, Youth Service Convenor for the Rotary Club of Kirkcudbright, gave particular thanks to Isla Porteous, Home Economics teacher at Kirkcudbright Academy, for her continued enthusiastic support of the event.
Emma will now go forward to the Regional Final which takes place in Glasgow on 15thMarch, an event that will involve competitors from all over Scotland. This is followed by the UK National Final that will be held in Dundee in April.
Environment Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, today (Monday 3 February) unveiled Scotland’s first complete map and dataset of native woodlands – the result of an eight year Native Woodland Survey of Scotland (NWSS) carried out by Forestry Commission Scotland.
Thought to be the most comprehensive habitat survey project ever carried out in the UK and possibly the first example of its kind in Europe, the survey results include details on the location, type, extent, composition and condition of all native woodlands, and plantations on ancient woodland sites, over 0.5ha in size.
Speaking at the launch event, Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for the Environment and Climate Change said:
“This survey – unique in terms of its depth, scope and focus – has for the first time given us a detailed, authoritative picture of a vitally important element of Scotland’s ‘Natural Capital’.
“For example, the survey found that over 22.5 per cent (311,153ha) of Scotland’s forests are native woodland – with 42 per cent of these being in the Highlands – and that 46% of native woodland is in satisfactory condition for biodiversity. While we have no comparable historic data to compare with the survey, the survey findings suggest that over the past 40 years we have lost a significant amount of ancient woodland in the uplands, and the survey has shown that the most widespread threat to native woodland health and regeneration is excessive browsing and grazing, mainly by deer.
“Much has been done over the past 30 years to reverse centuries’ worth of damage but – clearly – there is still much to do. With the NWSS, we now have an invaluable tool to assist local authorities, NGOs, land owners and managers to work independently – and together – to more effectively focus resources on managing, maintaining, enhancing and expanding native woodlands across Scotland and we know that already, since the data were collected, a further 7,800 ha of native trees have been planted.
“Eight years in the making, this dataset is a remarkable achievement. I would encourage anyone involved in land and woodland management to make use of the NWSS data and consider ways of working with the Commission to develop further applications of it.”
This unique, free-to-access dataset can be used for a wide range of purposes – from informing national policy to more local, strategic uses, including:
• strategic planning for areas such as national parks, local authorities, river catchments or habitat networks; • development planning and control;
• environmental assessments; • targeting incentives for management; • management planning for individual woodlands; • assessing potential exposure to tree pests and disease threats
As well as being available in an online dataset and summarized in national, local and regional reports, the NWSS includes a series of general information films about native woodland types. Educational tools are being developed, which can be used in the Curriculum for Excellence (Levels 4 and 5) to teach the next generation about the biodiversity value of this environmental asset.
The Commission’s Biodiversity Policy Adviser, Gordon Patterson, who has overseen the delivery of the NWSS, said:
“The project gives us a firm evidence base for making decisions about managing this vital resource for the benefit of everyone. It can also be used to help predict and monitor the effects of pressures such as climate change.
“An example of the value of the data was when we made use of it in November 2012 to quickly identify where in Scotland there were ash areas that needed to be checked for the presence of Ash dieback. The fact that we completed that survey in a remarkable five days illustrates the value – and potential additional applications – of this information.”
For more information about he NWSS – and to find out about training and access – visit www.forestry.gov.uk/NWSS
Duncan Stone, SNH’s Land Use Policy and Advice Manager, said:
‘This survey is a terrific piece of work, the sustained effort of many people, and contains a lot of valuable information. The analysis showing loss and poor condition in some of these wonderful woods is a serious cause for concern, and emphasizes the need for a renewed effort from land managers and government to reverse this decline.
“However, as well as illustrating some problems, the survey is itself part of the solution; it’s an enormously valuable tool to help us manage our native woodlands – for example, by helping to target support schemes or to plan land management changes in smarter ways.”
Devil’s Porridge Receive £150,000 from Holywood Trust The Devil’s Porridge has been awarded £150,000 towards its new museum set to open in Eastriggs in 2014. This brings the total of money raised by local charity Eastriggs and Gretna Heritage up to nearly £500,000. Holywood Trust is giving its contribution over three years towards new displays, the fit-out of the education suite and the provision of activities for schools and young people. Chairman of the heritage group, Richard Brodie said, “The Holywood Trust grant is a massive boost to our new project. It means that we can go ahead with confidence into our new building and that we have the capacity to create a high quality experience for visitors. Jobs will be created in the local economy and the community will be encouraged to use our new facilities. We are now waiting for one final decision on a large grant application in January which would complete our funding requirements. If this were successful, it would put the icing on the cake. This would certainly make up for the disappointment of the People’s Millions!” Karen Ward Boyd, Director of The Holywood Trust said, “The Devil’s Porridge tells a fascinating story of the pivotal role that the local area played in the First World War. It houses the most amazing original artefacts and tells real life stories which bring these historic events to life. We hope that the Trust’s grant will help secure the future of this wonderful museum and allow it to be experienced by as many children, young people and families as possible.
.” Picture of the ongoing work at The Brand New Devils Porridge Museum .
Pictures and Info Supplied by ‘ http://www.holywood-trust.org.uk/ ‘ and ‘ https://www.facebook.com/devilsporridge?fref=ts ‘
I wonder if I still need to take all of my tablets?
These are the types of questions NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s safer medicine campaign wants to encourage the public to ask of their GP, Pharmacist or other health professional.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway are proud to declare its first Safer Medicine Week a great success.The week was launched by Chief Executive Jeff Ace who presented a certificate and voucher to UWS Student Nurse, Sarah Inglis who designed the logo for the campaign.
The opening educational session for staff and students was provided by Andrew Longmate, National Lead for Patient Safety and a storyboard competition demonstrating best practice, learning and sharing open to staff and students which was won by Antimicrobial Management Team and Orthopaedic team.
A stand in the front hall of the Infirmary which had staff available to talk to members of the public and providing information and advice.Information stands were also located near the dining rooms at the Infirmary and at the Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer.
The Health Board’s Chief Pharmacist, Mike Pratt said:
“Medicines are a very widely used healthcare intervention.We need to ensure they are used correctly, and that our patients achieve the greatest benefits, and avoid the risks.Safer Medicines Week gives us an opportunity to address some of those issues with both staff and public to improve the health of our people.
The public side of the campaign is to encourage patients to ask any questions they have relating to the medicines.”
Posters and cards have been produced to promote to patients and carers that if they are “Not sure? It’s OK to ask” your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.These are being distributed to GP Practices, Pharmacies and hospital sites throughout the region.
Timebanking is an exciting new way for people to come together in their communities and organisations, to share talents in a mutually beneficial way, without the need for money.
Mia Glendinning (left) and Sharon Ogilvie (right)
Sharon Ogilvie of Third Sector First and Mia Glendinning of Lifecare Trust, are being supported by Putting You First, to bring Timebanking to Dumfries and Galloway. Timebank members help others and in return, receive support themselves. It is based on the principle that for every hour a person contributes they receive the same in time credits. (1 hour = 1 time credit).
Mia said: “The beauty of Time Banking is that it is all inclusive. Anyone can join, regardless of their age, race, gender or culture. It is free to join and there is no regular commitment. You can give time or help with activities that work around you and your lifestyle.”
Sharon added: “The give and take element means that you can get something of value in return for your help and everyone’s time is valued equally. One hour of my time is equal to one hour of your time, regardless of what we choose to exchange.”
“Timebank members can exchange their Time Credits when they need something done, for example: cutting the grass, walking the dog, or collecting someone’s shopping for them. Organisations can also get involved, for example they may require help with decorating the office space, equipment loans, or meeting space.”
Timebanks will have a “broker” and they keep a record of everyone’s contributions. The broker manages the practicalities such as putting people in touch with each other, obtaining references for the Timebank members, organising insurance and where necessary, obtaining Disclosures for members working with vulnerable groups.
Currently there are 32 Time Banks across Scotland and close to 300 in the UK. It is also an international movement, used in over 40 countries worldwide.
Steve Byrne, a dedicated member of Argyll and Bute Timebank said: “Timebanking, which is another form of volunteering, involves everyone in the community as we all have something to offer. I really enjoy getting people interested in time banking and it is very rewarding to see people benefiting from the initiative. It’s great to know that I am able to make real changes and contribute to the community.”
“I would recommend time banking to everyone as it’s really satisfying to know that what you are doing can really help make a difference to someone’s life.” (Member since 2005, Argyll and Bute Volunteer Centre).
If there isn’t a Timebank in your local community then maybe you and some others would like to start one?
Please contact Sharon Ogilvie, Regional Timebanking Co-ordinator if you would like further information, tel: 0300 303 8558.
Kenny Arthur, Andrew Mitchell, Martin McNiff, Josh Todd, Steven Swinglehurst, Peter Watson, Matt Flynn, Peter Bradley, Steven Sloan, Scott Davidson (Jordan Moffat, 85), Kieran Brannan (Trialist, 82),
Dan Wood, Steven Black, Chris Jardine, Ian Chisholm, Alex Mitchell,
Stirling Albion grabbed a late late eqauliser in controversial circumstances after Annan’s Peter Watson was sent off for a tackle on Sandy Cunningham and from the resulting free kick Jordan White headed home to cancel out Scott Davidson’s 14th minute opener.
It was cruel justice on Annan who will no doubt look back on the game and feel that they did more than enough to win the match against a Stirling Team who showed no real cutting edge up front to suggest that they would penetrate a resolute Annan defence.
The match survived 2 pitch inspections with the heavy rain putting the game in doubt but the rain relented and the game went ahead . Annan started brightly and for the opening spell the home team were pinned back and it came as no real surprise when Annan opened the account in the 14th minute. It was a simple goal in the making when Martin McNiffs free kick was only half cleared by Danny Ashe and the ball fell invitingly for Scott Davidson who finished clinically with a superb shot into the top corner of the net over the head of keeper David Crawford from 15 yards.
Annan carved open another excellent opportunity minutes later when Peter Bradley picked out Josh Todd and it took an inspired save from keeper Crawford who tipped Todd’s net bound header round the post for a corner kick. Cunningham worked his way into a promising position in the 26th minute but the shot was disappointing failing to hit the target. Andrew Mitchell came close in the 29th minute and a minute later Scott Davidson elected to shoot when there was more lucrative options available. Annan were controlling the flow of the game and in the 30th minute Watson prodded wide from a Brannon corner kick. Stirling Albions best and only chance in a disappointing first half fell to Graham Weir in the 42nd minute when the striker was put through on goal but the shot failed to hit the target.
After a lack luster first half from the home team they started the second half with more purpose but without really threatening the Annan goal. Andrew Mitchell and Keiran Brannon had efforts which failed to test Crawford in the Stirling goal. Weatherston and Comrie were introduced in the 63rd minute at the expense of Munn and Fulton . Danny Ashe came close minutes later when his well intended free kick went narrowly past the post. Keiran Brannon made a great penetrating run to the heart of the Stirling defence in the 72nd minute only to be stopped in his tracks 25 yards out but Mitchells free kick went narrowly past the post.
Mark Ferry was introduced in the 76th minute at the expense of Weir in an effort to grab something from the match and following 2 corner kicks Ferry came close when Martin McNiff scrambled Ferry’s effort off the goal line . As the game entered the final 10 minutes Annan introduced a trialist and Jordan Moffat at the expense of Brannon and Davidson and Moffat almost sealed the game for Annan when his shot went narrowly past in the 90th minute.
With the game deep into injury time Peter Watson was given a straight red card for a tackle on Sandy Cunningham and from the resulting free kick Jordan White rose unchallenged to head Danny Ashe’s free kick into the net to give Stirling a share of the points in a game which looked to have bye-passed them.
Bino’s boss Greig McDonald said, “Annan set their stall out to defend after scoring the goal to try and get a one nil victory but we showed great spirit coming back from the heavy defeat last week when they let the club down they came back today to show fantastic character, we need to start winning games now and show the character that we showed in the second half today and we will be a match for any team in this division. We did well to get a point out of the match today and we need to go up to Montrose next week and get a win.”
Annan boss Jim Chapman could not hide his disappointment , “Sometimes you get frustrated, was it a foul, yes, yellow card yes. It is the interpretation of what the foul was and if Peter Watson gets a red card for a strong challenge I have a problem , professional fouls are deemed all right strong challenges are deemed red cards. We committed the foul and we did not defend it but the boy scores and the guy who would have been marking him is off the pitch. Naivety killed the game for us, It was devastating for the players and I was gutted for them , we get ourselves in a good position and it is taken away from you, sometimes you need to control your emotions and I would start with myself but we care and we are passionate about the game , games, points , careers rely on decisions being correct and whether its right or wrong is debatable, we have our views which may be blinkered and Stirling will have their views, the referee calls it the way he sees it and we don’t defend it and all our hard work is destroyed. This league will go right to the end every team is capable of beating each other and that what makes it frustrating we are on the brink of winning the game and it is taken away from you at the end.”
Scott Davidson got on the score sheet agianst his former club
STIRLING ALBION – J White 90+4 ANNAN – S Davidson 14min
Stirling Albion: D Crawford, D McClune, D Ashe, B Munn ( C Comrie 63 min), J Bishop, M O’Byrne , P Johnston , D Fulton (D Weatherston 63 min), J White, S Cunningham , G Weir (M Ferry 74 min) .Subs (not used): R McGeachie, L Hamilton, R Boyle, C Redford.
Annan Athletic: K Arthur, S Sloan, M McNiff, P Watson, S Swinglehurst, M Flynn, S Davidson ( J Moffat ), K Brannon ( Trialist 81 min), A Mitchell, J Todd, P Bradley. Subs (not used): S Black, I Chisholm, C Jardine, D Wood, A Mitchell.
Referee: N Walsh . Assistants G Chambers and Scott Love
Crowd: 509
Info and Picture Credits Courtesy of http://www.annanathleticfc.com
Queen of the South escaped Cappielow with a point after drawing 1-1 with Morton in an action packed match.
Kenny Shiels` Morton side equalised with just over five minutes to go to break Queens hearts and cancel out Iain Russell`s opener.
However, that only tells half the story as the game not only had two goals, it also had two red cards – both for McIntyre`s side.
Iain Russell and Chris Higgins were sent off either side of half time and Queens held their one goal lead up until the closing stages of the match.
The match started after a minutes applause in memory of Morton fan Andrew Kemp, who tragically passed away during Saturday`s abandoned match. Fans were allowed in free to the game and donations were made to the ambulance service as supporters filled the stadium.
The first chance of the game fell to Barrie McKay after 30 seconds but the man on loan from Rangers blazed his half-volley over the bar.
Garry O`Connor and Fouad Bachirou were proving a handful for the Queens back four in the early stages and the away side had to wait 15 minutes for their first effort on goal with Paul Burns drilling the ball past the Morton goal.
Ex-Scotland international O`Connor rattled the post moments after as Morton were becoming the dominant side in the game.
Queens started to come in to the game, however, and after a lapse in concentration by the Ton centre backs, Russell and Paton were involved in a two-on-one breakaway but Russell failed to play in Paton and the attack fizzled out.
Yet the momentum had started to shift and Derek Lyle put Morton `keeper Nicolas Caraux under pressure and the ball fell to Reilly who blasted wide from a difficult angle.
The breakthrough did come for the Palmerston side on 44 minutes and Queens went 1-0 up with Russell opening the score with a tap in after Paton drilled the ball across goal. However Queens` fortune was set to change in the remainder of the first half in controversial style.
Higgins was sent off for a handball thirty yards out from goal which incensed the Palmerston faithful who made the journey up to Cappielow. Euan Anderson deemed the chance to be a clear goalscoring opportunity. From the resulting free kick Doug Imrie came close to equalising for the Cappielow side, however, Queens managed to hold on and went in at the break one nil up and one man down.
10-man Queens were already facing an uphill battle with ten men but four minutes in to the second half Iain Russell was sent packing too for a late challenge in the middle of the park. Queens saint turned into a sinner as they would be forced to defend a one goal lead with 40 minutes to play.
Barrie McKay then missed a glorious opportunity for the home side as he failed to find the target from six yards out and the Doonhamers were starting to live dangerously. Chance after chance fell to the home side with McKay, Imrie and O`Connor all finding themselves on the end of great opportunities.
Queens remained resilient however and the back four were slowly turning in to a back 9 as every man was getting behind the ball. Fitzpatrick also skimmed the bar with a speculative effort from outside the box and the Doonhamers could breathe a sigh of relief going in to the last ten minutes.
However, Queens` resilience was eventually broken by Archie Campbell of Morton who headed home substitute Sampayo`s cross. With five minutes to go Queens looked in danger of not only drawing, but heading down the M74 empty-handed with Morton piling on even more pressure.
The extra two men on the park became the difference maker for the home side and they looked determined to take the lead. Marc Fitzpatrick caused Queens more problems but he spurned two chances in the space of thirty seconds as the game was drawing to a close.
Yet it was the nine men of Queens who were attacking in injury time and Derek Lyle had a chance to nick it but unfortunately his chance was blocked. Shortly after, the full time whistle went and the travelling Queens celebrated the point as if it was a win and rightly so – as the team played 40 minutes with 9 men and battled valiantly.
Queens face a tough trip to Livingston on Saturday as the play-off push continues for McIntyre`s men.
O`Connor dwarfs Burns
Main Picture’ A minutes appluase in memory of Andrew Kemp’
Report and Photos Courtesy of http://www.qosfc.com
As the 2013/14 season draws to a close, thoughts start to concentrate on next season. We asked John Steele to summarise the position for Saints for next year ….
How will the 2014/2015 Leagues shape up?
Following the club’s victory at the Scottish Rugby Union AGM in June, league and cup reconstruction will again take place from season 2014-15.
Next season Saints will find themselves in National League 3, consisting of 12 teams. The changes will position Saints in the fourth tier of domestic rugby below a Premier League of 10 teams and National League 1 and National League 2 each comprising of 12 teams.
Essentially the changes replace the much-unloved Regional Cups with more meaningful league fixtures for players and supporters alike. The Cup will revert to a knock-out format with the National League 2 and National League 3 clubs contesting a preliminary round – with the winners joining the Premier and National League 1 clubs in round one.
Which teams will Saints face next season?
Saints league opponents next season include some familiar foes in the form of West of Scotland, Dalziel, Hawick YM, Lasswade, Murrayfield Wanderers, Irvine, East Kilbride, RHC, Preston Lodge, Perthshire and Dunfermline or Orkney!
No doubt the club treasurer would prefer Saints cross the Forth to Fife rather than fly North to the Islands! Those who made our only previous trip to Orkney may have a different perspective?
Article and Photo Courtesy of www.dumfriessaintsrugby.co.uk
