£10,000 Worth Tools And Scrap Stolen – Annan

Police officers in Annan are investigating after the scrapyard between Annan and Creca was broken into and over £10,000 worth of tools and scrap were stolen.
The theft occurred during the early hours of Saturday 23rd February and police are keen to speak to the occupants of a large white van seen in the area at that time.

Tools stolen from the yard included three orange Husqvarna stihl saws, two Makita stihl saws, an orange solo chainsaw and a green McIntyre Cable Stripper. Those responsible also stole several Scania batteries and Catalytic converters from the site.

Constable Laura Paton said “These items are bulky and heavy and several people would have to be involved in the theft. We would like to hear from anyone who may have been around the area of the scrap yard or saw a large white van in the area during the early hours of Saturday morning. We are also carrying out enquiries locally and CCTV footage is being reviewed. Callers can get in touch through the 101 number.”

 

Advanced Warning Of A75 Convoy Traffic Managment At Knockbrex

TRAFFIC MANAGMENT KNOCKBREX

Starting from Monday 4th to Monday 11th March Transport Scotland will be carrying out resurfacing work on 1.2km of carriageway on the A75 between Newton Stewart and Knockbrex Farm. A convoy system will be in place from 7am to 7pm each day during the period of works.

In order to complete this £363k project as quickly and safely as possible, it will be necessary to implement a convoy traffic management system on the trunk road.

Dayle Gillespie, Scotland TranServ’s Project Design Lead on the programme said:

“The health and safety of our workers and the travelling public is of the utmost importance to Scotland TranServ, and that is why it will be necessary to install this convoy system while this important resurfacing programme is being carried out. Scotland TranServ has been working in consultation with the local authority, emergency services and key stakeholders in the planning and programming of this scheme.”

 

It will however, be necessary to close Barnkirk Junction throughout the duration of these works, with local diversions in place.

 

The convoy system will be in place during the following times:

 

  • 7am to 7pm each day from Monday 4th to Monday 11th March

 

Outwith working hours, temporary traffic lights may be left in operation to allow cooling of the road surface.

 

Drivers are advised to allow some extra time for their journey. Motorists can check live trunk information on trafficscotland.org, or by following @trafficscotland on Twitter. Further information on the project is available on the Scotland TranServ website.

 

This scheme is part of Scotland TranServ and Transport Scotland’s strategic investment programme for the A75. Over the next few weeks and months further projects will be programmed to deliver long-term trunk road improvements.

 

Alan Murray, Scotland TranServ’s Principal Road Design Engineer added:

“Our programmes of work are scheduled for delivery with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption to communities, businesses and the travelling public across South West Scotland. Working on behalf of Transport Scotland, we’re prioritising such road maintenance issues and delivering our road surface improvement projects as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible.”

20 Year Old Man Tasered By Police During Arrest – Dumfries

20 YEAR OLD MAN TASERED

A 20-year-old man has been arrested following a reported housebreaking in Dalswinton Avenue in Dumfries during the early hours of Saturday morning.

During the man’s arrest a Police officer deployed a Taser and, as is standard procedure, the matter has been referred to the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner.

The man was uninjured and taken to Loreburn Street Police Station, where he was charged in connection with a number of alleged offences. He is expected to appear at court later today.

Landowners Reminded Of Seasonal Hedge Cutting Ban

SEASONAL HEDGE CUTTING BAN
Image Copyright James Baird

NFU Scotland is reminding farmers and crofters that the hedge cutting ban comes into place on 1 March as the bird nesting and rearing season begins.

From 1 March until the 31 August a closed period comes into force that places a ban on cutting and trimming hedges and trees due to cross-compliance requirements. A hedge or tree may be trimmed from 1 August if the hedge or tree is in a field which will be sown with oilseed rape, temporary grass or another crop subject to prior written consent of Scottish Ministers, where the hedge or tree is adjacent to the field being sown.

The only other exception to this rule is for road safety where a hedge or tree overhangs a road, surfaced track or a footpath which may obstruct or interfere with the passage or view of vehicles, pedestrians or horse riders, or the obstruction of light from a public lamp. Before undertaking trimming in August under this exemption, farmers and crofters must check the full length of the hedge for nesting birds. If active nests are found, trimming must be delayed until all birds have fledged.

Combinable Crops Chairman, Ian Sands reminded farmers: “The hedge cutting ban coming into force is yet another example of where farmers are protecting and encouraging wildlife within the countryside.
“Last year Scottish farmers maintained over 1,329 miles of hedges as part of Greening measures and the growth in numbers of bird species, such as corn-buntings and curlews, is recognition of this.
“Farmers and crofters have always been custodians of the countryside and by enabling nesting birds the sanctuary of Scottish hedgerows, farmers are once again actively encouraging a wide variety of habitats for a number of species.
 “The rule change in 2018 which allows hedges and trees to be trimmed in August where oilseed rape or grass is being sown was a practical decision by Scottish Government after repeated lobbying from NFUS.
“NFU Scotland is keen to establish a system post-Brexit which allows farmers to get on with the day job of feeding the nation, whilst still delivering on environmental outcomes.”

New Role for Maggie Burns at Citizens Advice Stranraer Bureau

Citizens Advice Stranraer Bureau
Picture shows Maggie with other members of the Stranraer bureau.

Meet Maggie Burns, Maggie is Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service’s newest qualified volunteer adviser at the Stranraer bureau. She has contributed to the bureau delivering advice to over 5000 clients in Wigtownshire over the past year.

Maggie says of her volunteering, “I enjoy volunteering at Citizens Advice as I thrive on helping others.   By providing them with information when they are in need of guidance in resolving an issue, I like to think my actions are making a positive difference in their lives.”
Elizabeth Sykes, Bureau Manager says, “We are very pleased to welcome Maggie to our team of highly trained and committed volunteers who assist the people of Wigtownshire with the whole range of issues that trouble them. Maggie will be a great asset to the Stranraer bureau.”

DAGCAS are looking to recruit 4 new volunteer advisers to the Stranraer bureau, starting late March 2019. If you are up for the challenge, got some time to devote – no matter whether you are retired, semi-retired or looking to supercharge your CV to get the job of choice then they would love to hear from you. Be like Maggie!

Contact Phil Stewart, Volunteer Development Officer at volunteering@dagcas.org or visit their website www.dagcas.org for more information.

 

Kircudbright Trades Hold a Late, Late Burns Supper

Kircudbright Trades Burn Super

The Hail Six Incorporated Trades held their annual Burns Supper on Saturday night at Arden House and in as in the long tradition of the Incorporated Trades, it was the last of the season.

Deacon  Convener Ian D Swan welcomed a sell-out audience which included guests from Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Irvine and York. The haggis was piped in by Journeyman Coll Marshall and addressed in some style by Stacy Whan. This was Stacy’s first time addressing the haggis and she started the proceedings off in impeccable style.

Deacon Convener Billy Dickson of Irvine Incorporated Trades toasted “The Incorporated Trades”, celebrating the long history of the organisations and the close friendships formed between Irvine and Kirkcudbright Trades.

Journeyman the Rev. Graham Finch had the audience spellbound with a light but spell bounding Immortal Memory in which he asked the question, “Burns, what is the fuss all about?” Graham received a standing ovation from an audience he had so skilfully engaged for the principle toast.

Colin Gibson, Past President of the Burns Howff Club in Dumfries and current President of Thornhill Burns Club toasted the Lasses O’ in a toast which was both hilarious and poignant. Another relative newcomer to the Burns circuit, local lass Susan Martin, replied in a skilled and humorous fashion which was received well by both sexes.

Jimmy Law, a renowned Burnsian from Skelmorlie in Ayrshire recited “A hens a hen for a that”, “John Barleycorn” with an amazingly skilled translation from Scots to English throughout the poem and “Old Lochgelly”. Jimmy received an standing ovation for his contribution to the night’s programme.

Jimmy plans to take his performances to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh in August. The musician and accompanist for the evening was Iain Smith.

Celebrate LGBT History Month with Creative Workshops and Inspiring Talks

Celebrate LGBT History Month

A Queer Pop-Up Library is coming to Dumfries town centre this weekend to celebrate LGBT History Month. Local organisations Lavender Menace and We Agree On Eggs have teamed up to takeover ‘The Oven’ to host the three day event which features book readings, creative workshops and inspiring talks.

 

Emily Tough from We Agree On Eggs commented: “The Pop-Up Library will be reminiscent of 1970s San Francisco, full of glittery clothes, a record player which will be spinning music from queer icons throughout the weekend, and the kettle is always on for anyone to stop by and pick up a book from the library.”

 

The weekend of events kicks off a year-long programme of activity taking place in The Oven, which was transferred into community ownership through the Midsteeple Quarter Project in November 2018. For 2019, the project is working on an annual programme which will include exhibitions, workshop spaces and events – all open to the public.

 

The Pop-Up Library opens on Friday 22nd at 11am, and remains open all day for anyone wanting to drop-in for a cup of tea, open discussion or to browse the library. At 3pm, they host an LGBT youth Zine Launch with craft and baking stalls to celebrate Purple Friday – a day to stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and show support for LGBTI equality.

 

On Saturday, there will be a Wiggly Arm Card workshop at 12pm led by Emily from We Agree on Eggs, where participants can learn how to make greetings cards with moving parts. This will be followed by the ‘Human Library’ at 2pm – a chance to hear real life stories from LGBT people living in Dumfries & Galloway. Saturday will end with a Zine making workshop at 4pm, where you’ll learn paper folding techniques and get crafty with collaging to make a mini DIY magazine!

 

On Sunday, Lizzie Alice Parsons will lead a book reading of ‘Orlando’ by Virginia Wolf, described as one of the longest and most charming love letters in literature. The ‘Human Library’ will return at 2pm followed by a Clothes Swap at 3pm. Anyone wishing to donate clothes can drop by anytime over the weekend. The Clothes Swap is open to all and costs £3 – all funds raised will go towards the third issue of the D&G Queerier.

 

For more information, please visit Lavender Menace or We Agree On Eggs Facebook pages:

https://www.facebook.com/lavendermenacedumfries/

https://www.facebook.com/weagreeoneggs/

£45,000 WORTH OF PLANT MACHINERY STOLEN – DUMFRIES

PLANT MACHINARY STOLEN

POLICE Scotland are investigating after thieves stole £45,000 worth of plant machinery and tools from the Scottish Water yard next to College Drive in Dumfries.

The stolen items include two red 1.5 Tonne Mini Excavators and trailers.

The theft occurred sometime after 5 PM on Tuesday the 20th of February and 8 AM Wednesday the 21st of February . Anyone who witnesses the excavators being removed from the site or may have subsequently seen the vehicles leaving the scene via the A76 or A75 should contact Police Scotland on 101.

Galloway Glens Community Archaeology project ‘Can You Dig It’ begins.

Galloway Glens Community Archaeology project

The Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme is pleased to announce the start of their 2019 / 2020 Community Archaeology project, ‘Can You Dig It’.

The project is supported by Historic Environment Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund through the Galloway Glens scheme and will be delivered by Rathmell Archaeology.  It will consist of various digs and archaeological surveys across the Galloway Glens area, all of which will be available for community and voluntary involvement. The exact programme is currently out for consultation, but is hoped to include work around Moat Brae in Kirkcudbright, work on the Roman encampment at Glenlochar and work on Raiders Road settlements in the Glenkens, as well as more unusual work including dendrochronology – of dating tree growth rings in some of our ancient woodlands.

The project is being launched by a series of events next week across the Galloway Glens. These are:

  • Monday 25th Feb, 7:30 – 9pm: Gordon Memorial Hall, Castle Douglas
  • Wednesday 27th Feb, 7:30 – 9pm, CatStrand, New Galloway
  • Thursday 28th Feb, 7:30 – 9pm, Kirkcudbright Parish Church Hall

All events are free and will start with drinks and nibbles. There will then be a talk by Rathmell Archaeology on our understanding of the local archaeological landscape, with specific reference to archaeological finds and research in the Galloway Glens area, as well as providing an overview of the Can You Dig It programme aims and events.

To book into any of these free events, email Helen on helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk. If you can’t make an event but would like to be kept up to date with project details, email Helen or follow the ‘Can You Dig It’ pages on Facebook and Twitter.

Helen Keron, Galloway Glens Education and Community Engagement Officer, said

“This Community Archaeology project will directly connect interested volunteers with the fascinating and varied history of the Galloway Glens area and it’s great to see it getting underway with these launch events and programme consultation. Thanks to support from Historic Environment Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund, with assistance from Dumfries & Galloway Council, we can expect to see an exciting programme of community archaeology activities happening across the area and starting very soon.”

 

Thomas Rees, Director of Rathmell Archaeology, said

“This project is for everyone who has ever asked themselves, ‘How did people live in Galloway in the past?’ We’ll be supporting volunteers to develop the archaeological skills necessary to answer this question. We will deliver workshops to do this, as well as organising different types of surveys and excavations to explore archaeological sites around the area. Please come to the one of the launch events for the project next week or follow ‘Can You Dig It’ on social media to find out more – we can’t promise that you’ll find another Galloway Hoard, but you will reveal the past!”

 

Notes:

For more details, see http://www.gallowayglens.org/projects/community-archaeology-programme-can-you-dig-it/.

WALLETS MARTS WEEKLY PRIMESTOCK SALE TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2019

WEEKLY PRIMESTOCK SALE

Wallets Marts Castle Douglas Limited on Tuesday 19th February 2019 had forward 1315 Prime and Cast Sheep

 

773 prime hoggs sold to average 183.88 (SQQ 187.21).  All classes would be similar to Monday’s trade although they would be less on the week.  Top per head was £94.50 for Texels from Messrs McGhie, Mid Threave, Kirkcowan.  Top per kilo was 224.2 for Beltex export weight lambs from Messrs McConnell, Gass, Glenluce.

 

542 Cast sheep sold would be slightly easier again on the week as was seen on Monday.  Top was a pair of smart Texel ewes at £120.50 from Tappit Lane.

 

Leading hoggs per head

 

32           25.5 – 32                              Average 178.57                 Top 183.9

 

Texel

£57 Southwick; £54 Dalhanna

 

247         32.1 – 39                               Average 190.68                 Top 224.2

Beltex

£87 Gass; £82 Tappit Lane

 

Texel

£82 Gass; £75, £74.50 Bargany

 

Blackface

£71.50 Midtown

 

Cheviot

£72 Gass

 

312         39.1 – 45.5                           Average 185.46                 Top 214.6

 

Beltex

£90, £88 Gass; £83 Castlegower; £82, £80 Southwick; £81 Castlehill; £81 Margrie; £81 Romesbeoch; £80 Dornells

 

Cheviot

£81.50 (x2) Halket Leathes; £79.50 Gass

 

Blackface

£77 Midtown

 

Greyface

£76.50 Newton

 

182         45.6 – 52                               Average 175.79                 Top 191.5

 

Texel

£94.50, £88 Mid Threave; £93 Drumcruilton; £90.50 Barbershall; £90 Margrie; £89 Little Park

 

Suffolk

£93, £90.50 Mid Threave; £87 Balgerran

 

Cheviot

£83(x2) Halket Leathes

 

Greyface

£85 Camrie; £79.50 Castlegower

 

Cast Sheep

 

EWES

 

Texel

£120.50, £85.50 Tappit Lane; £97.50 Denty; £90.50; £86.50 Midtown

 

Greyface

£65.50 Midtown; £62.50 Tower, Sanquhar; £59.50 Barbershall

 

Cheviot

£65.50 Gass; £51.50 Irelandton

 

Lleyn

£59.50 Garrarie

 

Blackface

£49.50 Auchenfad; £47.50 Tower, Sanquhar; £46.50 Culdoach

 

Tups

BFL

£84.50 Tower, Sanquhar

 

Texel

£77.50 Grobdale

 

Blackface

£49.50 Drumbuie