SP Energy Networks CEO Joins Storm Response Engineers In Dumfries & Galloway

SP Energy Networks CEO joins storm response engineers in Dumfries & Galloway

670 engineering and field staff continue to work round the clock to restore power supplies
SP Energy Networks CEO, Nicola Connelly, joined engineering teams in Dumfries & Galloway to see first-hand the massive storm response underway in the region to restore electricity supplies to just over 800 customers who remain without power (as at 5pm on 28 January).

Dumfries & Galloway was battered by hurricane speed winds from Storm Eowyn on Friday 24 January, with roads, transport and infrastructure bearing the brunt of the impact. Power supplies to more than 45,000 customers in the area were affected as a result of the storm damage.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of the response teams on the ground – and despite continued adverse weather and major road closures and accessibility issues hampering their ability to get out to properly assess the damage and start repair works – supplies have now been restored to more than 97% of these customers.
Dumfries & Galloway was one of the worst affected areas across the electricity network in central and southern Scotland, which saw power supplies to more than 206,000 customers impacted in total.

More than 99% of them are now back on supply – with most of those in the first 24 hours. The majority of those currently without power are in Dumfries & Galloway.
SP Energy Networks CEO, Nicola Connelly, joined engineering teams in Kelton working to repair a damaged pole and power lines serving local customers.

Nicola said: “There has been absolutely no let-up in our efforts since first thing on Friday to restore power as quickly and safely as possible to the thousands of customers affected by Storm Eowyn. We’ve used every resource at our disposal and drafted in people and resources from across the country – and other companies – to tackle every single fault and we’ve made positive progress, with more than 99% of our customers back on supply.
“We’re now in that final stretch to get all remaining customers back on. While the numbers off have reduced, we’re still managing almost 200 individual faults in Dumfries & Galloway alone.
“That means, on average, we’re restoring a handful of customers at a time, which is one of the biggest challenges we have at this point in our response. Every customer back on supply is a step in the right direction, but every job takes time. Our teams are also continuing to face what’s called ‘nested’ faults – several faults on a single circuit, which only come to light when we fix the initial one.
“I’m grateful to our customers for their patience and resilience. We will not stop until the lights are back on for every single one of them.”

The electricity network in central and southern Scotland sustained more than 100 days’ worth of faults in under three days and call centre colleagues handled over 92,000 calls – taking three months’ worth of calls in four days.

Supporting customers has been at the heart of SP Energy Networks’ response to Storm Eowyn, from proactively sending 270,000 SMS messages to customers on the Priority Services Register to the welfare support being provided to the communities still without power, including warm hubs, food vans and hotel accommodation. More than 150 staff have been visiting the most vulnerable customers who remain without supply.

Within Dumfries and Galloway, SP Energy Networks is working with the Local Resilience Partnership to support local communities and give them access to somewhere warm to visit or stay and provide hot food and drinks. This includes a network of 11 warm hubs and food trucks in places where customers need them most.

More than 600 hotel rooms have been provided to give customers without power a warm place to stay, with access to hot food and drinks.

For those who have paid for their own accommodation and subsistence, information on how to submit a reimbursement claim is available on the SP Energy Networks website.
Customers without power for over 48 hours are entitled to compensation, with increased payments for those affected the most. Once power supplies have been restored to all affected properties, payments will be made to eligible customers automatically. There is no need for customers to contact us.

Full information on warm hubs and food locations, reimbursement and compensation can be found at: Adverse Weather Warning – SP Energy Networks

For anyone experiencing a new power cut, please report it by calling the free, national emergency helpline 105.

You don’t need to wait to speak to an agent – you can log faults via the automated messaging system.

How Glenkens Community Buildings Are Leading the Way in Energy Efficiency

Celebrating Energy Efficiency in the Glenkens

Community buildings across the Glenkens have made significant strides in improving energy efficiency and reducing their carbon footprint over the last few years. In 2023, GCAT commissioned a report from Natural Power Consultants, titled Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation in the Glenkens – Community Buildings, which assessed energy use and outlined practical measures to enhance sustainability across 11 public buildings.

Improvements Across Glenkens Halls

Due in part to this and thanks to much volunteer effort, substantial improvements have been made to many Glenkens Halls, including better insulation, the installation of air source heat pumps, solar panels, and battery storage—reducing both energy costs and environmental impact.

A Celebration of Achievements

On February 9th, an event is planned to celebrate these achievements across the whole of the Glenkens. It will offer a chance to hear directly from those managing community spaces about their experiences.

Presentations and Community Discussions

Presentations will be given by CatStrand, New Galloway Town Hall, and Dalry Town Hall on their recent historic building upgrades. There will be a chance to chat further over a bowl of ‘zero waste soup’ with ingredients sourced from LING Larder.

Performance by Sarah Jane Scouten

This will be followed by a powered-down acoustic and candle-lit performance by award-winning Canadian folk and country artist Sarah Jane Scouten.

Screening of Living Proof – A Climate Story

The event will also feature a screening of Living Proof – A Climate Story—Emily Munro’s powerful portrayal of industrial change in Scotland through archival footage.

Event Details and Booking Information

These events are presented by CatStrand Arts, in partnership with the D&G Climate Hub. They are free to attend, and tickets can be booked at gcat.scot/arts or at CatStrand. We look forward to seeing attendees there and celebrating what the amazing communities have achieved!

Celebrating Energy Efficiency in the Glenkens takes place at 2 pm on Sunday, February 9th, at CatStrand New Galloway, and is followed by a screening of Living Proof – A Climate Story at 2 pm.

SOSE Give £313K Funding Boost For Ellisland Farm

SOSE Give £313K Funding Boost For Ellisland Farm

Efforts to save the farm where Robert Burns wrote his international anthem Auld Lang Syne have received a significant boost.

Robert Burns Ellisland Trust has been awarded a £313,210 grant by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) to assist its plans to restore Ellisland Farm, north of Dumfries, and move a step closer to turning the site into a first-class visitor attraction.

SOSE’s support – alongside a £489,207 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in October 2024 – will allow the first phase of the ‘Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne’ project to be carried out.

This will see completion of the design work for the renovation and adaptation of the historic buildings on the site, as well as three accommodation units.

The funding will also allow the Trust to move towards its long-term vision to showcase Burns in a modern and interactive way and establish Ellisland as a creative destination for artists workshops and residencies.

Robert Burns experienced his most fruitful years at Ellisland, having taken up the lease at the farm and built a home there in 1788.

He brought his wife Jean Armour, and his two year-old son Robert (Bobby) to Ellisland and two further sons, Francis Wallace and William Nicol, were born at the farm.

Burns was especially creative at Ellisland, writing a quarter of his songs and poems, including Auld Lang Syne and Tam o Shanter.

Two of the rooms in his former home have been preserved, alongside a considerable collection of artefacts and manuscripts which can be viewed today at Ellisland.

But work is now needed to restore Ellisland and help make the nationally important site financially sustainable.

The Trust is seeking to procure a conservation architect-led team to take forward the design work funded by SOSE and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Expressions of interest have been submitted through the Public Contracts Scotland website and invitations to tender will be issued soon.

Ellisland Farm hopes to capitalise on the continued fascination with Robert Burns, with a report in 2020 finding his economic and cultural importance to Scotland is worth over £200 million per year.

The Burns Tourism Partnership also launched a campaign last year to establish Dumfries as The Bard’s Town and celebrate Dumfriesshire’s unparalleled connections to Robert Burns.

Robert Burns Ellisland Farm Trust’s Project Director, Joan McAlpine said:

“This support from SOSE is transformational and, together with the National Lottery Heritage Fund money, gives us the resources to begin the development stage of the campaign to Save the Home of Auld Lang Syne.

“We will shortly invite tenders from design teams to adapt and preserve these exceptionally significant buildings, which were erected for Burns on a site he described as ‘sweet poetic ground’.”

Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of SOSE, added:

“Robert Burns lived, composed and performed in Dumfriesshire during some of the most prolific years of his life, with Ellisland Farm playing a pivotal role in his time in the South of Scotland.
“That is why South of Scotland Enterprise has over a number of years supported the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust with their ambitious plans.
“The project not only aims to preserve the home built by Burns, but also develop skills and create jobs in our rural economy.
“It will also bring more visitors to our region to discover the story of Scotland’s Bard.”
James Proctor, a Community Development Specialist with SOSE who has supported the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, said:
“Ellisland Farm is an asset of national significance and SOSE is delighted to be supporting the Trust to move closer to achieving its vision, which will provide so many benefits and opportunities for the local community.”
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:
“Burns is part of the fabric of Scotland’s identity both at home and overseas. His work is renowned globally and is celebrated centuries beyond his lifetime, cementing his status as an international culturally influential Scot.
“So, I am particularly pleased that this support will allow a place that’s central to Scottish history to enhance its reputation as a first-class visitor attraction.
“Tourism makes an important contribution to Scotland’s economy and as well as providing £321million for enterprise agencies in the draft Scottish Budget 2025/26, we are allocating £4million to the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund to support projects that will enhance visitor experiences and improve support to communities.”

Future Development Of Historic Dumfries Factory Building To Be Discussed

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HISTORIC DUMFRIES FACTORY BUILDING TO BE DISCUSSED

Members of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee will be provided with an update on the ongoing efforts to address challenges at the former Interfloor Factory site in Heathhall, Dumfries.

Members are set to consider new actions, including commissioning site investigations and exploring potential opportunities through the Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS) to help attract interest from developers.

At the upcoming Economy and Infrastructure Committee meeting on 4 February, members will be asked to note progress on stakeholder engagement and efforts to identify a long-term regeneration solution for the site while considering if they wish to submit an expression of interest to the Kings and Lords Treasures Remembrancer (KLTR) under the OPTS. This facilitates the transfer of ownerless properties to local authorities or community groups for regeneration purposes.

The former Interfloor Factory, a Category B listed building, has a rich history dating back to the 1910s when it was constructed as Britain’s first ferro-concrete car factory. During World War II, it played a vital role in aircraft engine manufacturing. Today, the site includes a derelict factory building and remnants of industrial use.

Following the dissolution of the previous owner, DCR DG1 Limited, the site is now considered as an ownerless property. This has presented an opportunity for the council and partners to explore new avenues for regeneration.

The site is identified in the Local Development Plan (LDP) for mixed-use development, including residential, commercial, and leisure opportunities. The recently published Dumfries Urban Capacity Study includes a high-level layout developed to demonstrate capacity, based on both retention of the building frontage, and full demolition. The document has been shared with potential developers and early interest is being followed up by council officers.

Ian Blake, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “Council officers are actively engaging with the Scottish Government, Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and potential developers to secure funding and support. It is vital that we maintain the support of all those with an interest in the site as we work to find a viable solution that recognises the historical significance of the area while supporting any future development.”

The OPTS offers a pathway for public bodies to consider ownership of the site, with potential financial and technical support for redevelopment. If members agree to submit an expression of interest, further work will be undertaken to develop a comprehensive application as part of the council’s facilitating role.

Vice chair of Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Jackie McCamon, said: “It is good to see the progress that is being made to address this building that is of national significance. It is vital that the momentum that has been gained continues and I look forward to seeing proposals develop.”

You can read the full committee report here: https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=624&MId=6201
A further report will be brought back to the next meeting of Economy and Infrastructure Committee with additional detail on both the KLTR and ongoing engagement aimed at finding a development partner to work with the council to turn the site into a positive location for the community.

 

Councillors Asked to Support Local Communities with Registration of Local Place Plans for Port William and Moffat

Councillors will be asked to consider a report and agree the Local Place Plans (LPPs) for Port William and Moffat at a meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 4 February.

The opportunity to create LPPs was introduced under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, empowering communities to have a direct say in their neighbourhoods’ development. Once registered, the LPPs must be considered by the council in preparing the next Local Development Plan (LDP3).

Chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Ian Blake, said: “These Local Place Plans, developed through extensive community engagement, will play a key role in shaping the future development of these areas and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Registration of the place plans represent a great deal of work across the communities, and I’d like to thank all who have given their views in the development of this work.”

Led by the Port William and District Community Council, the Port William LPP reflects the community’s priorities for 2024–2034. Over 100 local residents participated in events, contributing 220 comments through consultations and the Place Standard Tool.

The plan focuses on three key priorities:
1. Work and Local Economy – Supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities.
2. Environment – Enhancing the natural surroundings and sustainability.
3. Well-being – Improving community health, services, and facilities.

Community engagement activities included school outreach, drop-in sessions and visioning workshops. The resulting plan incorporates input from national, regional, and local policies, ensuring it aligns with broader planning goals.

Moffat’s LPP, developed by the Moffat and District Community Council with support from other local groups, outlines priorities for 2025 to 2030. It builds on previous community plans and reflects the desire for stronger collaboration between Dumfries and Galloway Council and Moffat’s residents.

Key themes of the Moffat LPP include:
• A sustainable community that thrives economically, socially, and environmentally.
• Support for tourism as a cornerstone of the local economy.
• Vibrant retail and hospitality on the High Street.
• Enhanced transport links and educational opportunities.
• A focus on health, housing, and net-zero goals.

Community engagement activities in Moffat ranged from door-to-door leaflets to public presentations at events like farmers’ markets and rugby club gatherings. The plan emphasises strategic planning issues while also addressing community aspirations for improvement.

Jackie McCamon, vice chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “The council’s decision to register the LPPs will ensure these community visions are integrated into future planning processes. Both Port William and Moffat have demonstrated strong local collaboration, showcasing the value of community-led planning in shaping sustainable and vibrant places for generations to come.”

The report can be read on the council website: https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=624&MId=6201

 

Further Improvements Made On Coastal Paths In Dumfries & Galloway

Further improvements made on coastal paths in Dumfries & Galloway

The Southern Uplands Partnership is delighted to announce the completion of access improvements on coastal core paths in Annan, Dumfries, New Abbey & part of the Borgue coastline.

The works were done as part of the South West Scotland Coastal Way project led by Third Sector organisation The Southern Uplands Partnership, in psrtnership with The People’s Project Dumfries and Dumfries & Galloway Council and consisted of replacing out stiles with gates, upgrading boardwalks, installing bridges and large-scale vegetation control to help improve accessibility along the coastline.

Local contractors James Smith Fencing carried out the improvements through funding from the Dumfries & Galloway Coastal Benefit Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise and The People’s Project Dumfries. The works have allowed a wider range of people to access the coast, as well as opening up underused coastal core paths to help encourage more people to explore and experience the amazing Dumfries & Galloway coastline.

The South West Scotland Coastal Way is a proposed long-distance trail which will eventually provide a continuous walking route along the coast between Gretna and Stranraer.

The walker will experience a variety of stunning scenery from sandy beaches, clifftop walks, rocky coves and pasture, connecting coastal towns and villages and attractions along the way. There is still much to do including surveying and landowner negotiations to fill in the missing sections and work is underway to secure funding for the next phase.

Once complete it is estimated that the 270 mile (435 km) route would take 2-3 weeks to walk.

The project aims to improve walking opportunities for locals and visitors alike and help to create connectivity between coastal settlements in the region, an contribute to local economy through encouraging increased usage of coastal businesses such as restaurants, local shops and overnight accommodation.

Katrina Dick, Project Officer for the South West Scotland Coastal Way says – I am really proud of the efforts we have put in to upgrade and improve some of the coastal core paths in our region, as well as the overwhelming support we have received from Community groups and Councils as well as landowners in the area and I am looking forward to seeing more people out walking along the coastline in future
Robbie Cowan, Countryside Access Officer says – the targeted coast core path improvements have helped more people to get out and about to explore the fabulous   Dumfries and Galloway coastline. Walking has multiple benefits, contributing to people’s health and wellbeing, by experiencing nature and getting more active.

You can find out more about core path in Dumfries and Galloway here  Core paths | Dumfries and Galloway Council

 

Absolute Classics Returns to Dabton House in 2025 with a Series of Fabulous Concerts

Absolute Classics Returns to Dabton House in 2025 with a Series of Fabulous Concerts

Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland – The team at Dabton House are delighted to welcome the return of Absolute Classics musical concerts next year, for three very special performances at Dabton House and Drumlanrig Castle.

 

Two of the performances will take place within the elegance and charm of Dabton’s homely living spaces and will comprise of the musical talents of Levi Schechtmann, Alex Ho and Tom Remon. A third performance will conclude the series of concerts in the grand setting of the Dining Room at Drumlanrig Castle.

 

Levi Schechtmann – Thursday 30th January 2025 

Levi Schechtmann’s music is a dynamic fusion of classical piano with sleek hip-hop trap beats. The 23-year-old Hamburg pianist, currently studying at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater, bridges two musical worlds with his bold, genre-defying style.

 

Alex Ho & Tom Remon – Friday 31st January 2025

Join us for an evening of jazz with Alex Ho (piano) and Tom Remon (guitar) as they perform classics from the Great American Songbook and works by Thelonious Monk. Expect a captivating blend of timeless melodies, improvisation, and Monk’s signature rhythms.

 

The Swingles – Saturday 1st February 2025

Immerse yourself in an evening of live music, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of Drumlanrig Castle. Five-times Grammy Award winning vocalists, The Swingles, will be performing their concert at our sister-property, just 10 minutes drive from Dabton House. Guests will be greeted in the impressive Front Hall for a welcome drink and canapés with time to admire the surroundings before being escorted to the Dining Room, surrounded by portraits of the first five Dukes of Queensberry, where the concert will take place. A cash bar will be available.

 

Enhance your Concert Experience with an Overnight Stay, elevating your experience with the opportunity to stay and dine at Dabton House.

Dabton House’s luxury overnight package includes a delicious dinner, bed, and breakfast for £250 per couple. Concert tickets are not included in this price and should be booked separately.

 

Founded in 2014 by the visionary Artistic Director, Alex McQuiston, Absolute Classics has become synonymous with excellence in classical music presentation. Over the years, the organisation has showcased some of the finest classical musicians to audiences while also nurturing and supporting emerging talents. From celebrated performers like Evelyn Glennie, Tamsin Little, and Peter Donohoe to rising stars such as Hugo Eedle and Catriona Arthur, Absolute Classics has consistently delivered unforgettable performances.

 

Join us for a weekend of unforgettable performances, presented by Absolute Classics, amidst the stunning surroundings of Dabton House and Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway.

 

For tickets and further information, please visit Absolute Classics Concerts at Dabton || Dabton House

Artists and Makers Unveiled for Spring Fling Open Studios 2025 

Artists and Makers Unveiled for Spring Fling Open Studios 2025 

Scotland’s leading contemporary art and craft open studios event has unveiled the list of artists and makers selected to take part in 2025.

Among the more than 80 participants are internationally renowned names such as the slipware potters Fitch and McAndrew – who recently had two pieces purchased and placed on immediate public display by the V&A.

Other high-profile people include glassmaker Amanda J Simmons, textile designer Morag Macpherson, landscape painter Angela Lawrence and Daniel Lacey, maker of exquisite bespoke furniture created from storm felled timber.

Spring Fling, which takes place across Dumfries and Galloway (from Moffat to Stranraer) on 24-26 May, attracts thousands of visitors to meet artists and makers of every kind working in one of Scotland’s most beautiful rural regions.

The range is extraordinary, encompassing everything from painting, printmaking, jewellery, photography, furniture, glassmaking and ceramics to handmade chef knives, carved wooden mobiles, decorative metalwork, installation art, tapestry, costume and hats.

Natasha Kinsella, Events and Exhibitions Development Manager for Upland CIC which runs Spring Fling, said:“Revealing the artists and makers taking part in Spring Fling is always such an exciting moment.
“People love finding out if their favourite familiar faces are back, spotting new names on the list, and starting to plan their trips. This year’s line-up is fantastic – there’s something for everyone.
“And, as always, Spring Fling is about more than just the art. It’s a chance to meet amazing people, peek inside inspiring studios, and explore the stunning villages, towns, coasts, hills, and rolling farmlands that make this part of Scotland so special.”

The 2025 event features 13 first-time participants, including Rhiannon Dewar and Murray Young who are the beneficiaries of Upland’s annual Emerge bursary and mentorship scheme which is designed to nurture fresh talent.

Among the frequent Spring Fling participants – who many visitors return to see year after year – are the textile maker Gyllian Thomson, potters Andrew Priestman and Mary Gladstone, visual artists Anne Butler and Hazel Campbell, hatmaker Kay Ribbens, blacksmith Adam Booth and many more.

The full Spring Fling list

Ceramics: Andrew Priestman, Clare Dawdry, Fitch & McAndrew, Heather Armstrong, Joshua Williams, Mary Gladstone, Rebecca Woods, Ruth Elizabeth Jones, Samuel Sparrow, Frances Ross, Julian Francis, Lorna Phillips

Costume design: Alexander Rigg

Glass: Amanda J Simmons, Katy Quinn

Hand-forged knives: Chris Renshaw, Timothy Westley

Hats: Kay Ribbens

Illustration: Ailsa Black, Louisa Birdsall, Sarah Stewart, Suzi Plunkett

Jewellery: Alison Macleod, Jesse Ball, Kaz Robertson, Natalie Vardey, Sheena McMaster, Sonny Cooper

Metalwork: Adam Booth, Nathan Robinson

Mixed Media: Alison Corfield, Linda Mallett, Martha Schofield, Murray Young, Rhiannon D Dewar, Stephanie Lightbown

Painting and Drawing: Angela Lawrence, Anne Butler, Elizabeth Dagg, Elizabeth Gilbey, Gloria Newlan, Hazel Campbell, Heather Davies, Heather M Nisbet, Kate Bentley SWA, Kevan McGinty, Martin Clarkson, Michael Johnson, Scott McFarlane, Amanda Hayler, Catherine Corfield, Maggie Ayres, Mark Welland, Catherine Coulson, Julie Hollis, Sally Jennings, Suzanne Stuart Davies

Photography: Alistair Hamilton, David Quinn, Claire Cameron-Smith, Joshua Miles, Laura Boswell, Sarah Ross-Thompson, Alan Cameron, Pamela Grace

Sculpture: Kerry Samantha Boyes

Textiles: Jo Gallant, Morag Macpherson, Rebecca McLellan, Gail Kelly, Laura Derby, Yvette Phillips, Linda Ann Irving, Gyllian Thomson, Louisa Ruthven

Wood: Jane Alison Fraser, Jay Rubinstein, Daniel Lacey, Ian Cameron-Smith, Rachel Ashcroft, Mike Dixon.

  •  See the Upland website at www.weareupland.com.

Hardie Engineering Confirmed As The Principal Sponsor Of The Scottish Curling Championships In Dumfries In February 2025

THE SCOTTISH CURLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
CURLING AMBASSADORS: Graham Sloan and Gordon McKnight (Dumfries Curling Ltd) with John Graham (Dumfries Ice Bowl Curling Association) and Vincent Bryson, Catriona Morton and Peter Joyce (Scottish Curling) ahead of the Hardie Engineering Scottish Curling Championships at Dumfries Ice Bowl on the 2nd – 8th February. (L-R: Graham Sloan, John Graham, Catriona Morton, Vincent Bryson, Gordon McKnight and Peter Joyce)

With Dumfries Curling Ltd set to host the Men’s and Women’s Scottish Curling Championships at Dumfries Ice Bowl from the 2nd to 8th February, they are delighted to announce that Hardie Engineering is on board as their principal event sponsor for 2025.

Securing the contract from Scottish Curling to host the Scottish Curling Championships in Dumfries from 2025 to 2027 is a great achievement and honour for Dumfries Curling, and the region. Gaining the support of Hardie Engineering and other local businesses for the 2025 Championships is hugely valuable and helps to ensure that the championships can continue to be hosted in Dumfries to the usual high standard.

Gordon McKnight; Assistant Manager at Dumfries Curling said:

“We are extremely grateful to Hardie Engineering and the other sponsors who are supporting us this year. Hosting the Scottish Championships for the fourth time since 2022 comes with significant responsibilities, but we are confident in the innovative approach we are taking to deliver this event. Our efforts to maximise the commercial opportunities curling offers, means we are delighted to have attracted the scale and quality of partners we have for the 2025 event.” 

2025 sponsors include; David Hardie Engineering Ltd, Curling Stadium Europe, Owen Farm Services, Woodlands House Hotel, J&J Currie Ltd, AMD Contract Services Ltd, MKM, Robinsons, SRUC, Ninefold Distillery, Barbours, Sulwath Brewery, Genesis Occupational Health and Safety and Signright Dumfries.

David Hardie of David Hardie Engineering Ltd said:

“David Hardie Engineering Ltd are delighted to support the Scottish Curling Championships being held in Dumfries in early February. We have had a long relationship with Dumfries Curling and look forward to what should be a very exciting event. The field includes some of the very best curlers in the world along with some younger teams starting their careers, so the standard of curling will be high.”

The decision from Scottish Curling to award the contract to Dumfries Curling for the next three years was the result of a thorough evaluation of several bids from across Scotland, and was backed by the facilities, services and experience on offer.

Scottish Curling’s Major Events Manager, Charlene Graham said:

“I would like to congratulate Dumfries Curling Ltd for securing the contract to continue to host the Scottish Curling Championships at Dumfries Ice Bowl for the next three seasons. It is a testament to their facilities and their track record in hosting outstanding events and the people involved in delivering them. They are committed hosts and they work hard to grow their audience and to engage young people in the sport. I would personally like to thank Dumfries Curling for their ongoing commitment and to everyone involved in preparing for and supporting the Hardie Engineering Scottish Curling Championships in 2025. It is a highlight in the Scottish Curling calendar, which I am looking forward to!”

Graham Sloan, Manager at Dumfries Curling said:

“We are excited to be hosting the Hardie Engineering Scottish Curling Championships at Dumfries Ice Bowl in 2025. With a lot at stake this year before the 2026 Olympics, the local organising committee are making final preparations to provide the perfect platform for athletes to compete in the championships. We are delighted to be bringing this level of competition and athletes to Dumfries and appreciate the local community coming together to celebrate and support curling in Scotland. We aim to deliver an event that facilitates great curling and inspires new generations of curlers. We wish our sponsors, partners, spectators and athletes all the best for a great Scottish Championship.”

The draw has recently taken place, so momentum is now building. Among the competitors are some of the top-ranking world teams from Dumfries and Galloway and across Scotland, so it’s set to be an exciting week of world-class curling at Dumfries Ice Bowl.

Highlights will include the Women’s Semi-Final which will take place on Friday 7th February at 9am and will see teams competing for a place in the Women’s Final on Friday 7th at 7pm.  The Men’s Semi-Final will take place on Friday 7th at 2pm, with the Men’s Final taking place on Saturday 8th at 1pm.

For anyone planning to come along as a spectator, the draw, the schedule and tickets are available via the website – https://www.dibca.co.uk/scottish-curling-championships-2025/. Tickets can also be purchased at Dumfries Ice Bowl throughout the event.

 

Historic Night For Kirkcudbright Burns Club With First Female Speaker

HISTORIC NIGHT FOR KIRKCUDBRIGHT BURNS CLUB WITH FIRST FEMALE SPEAKER

Kirkcudbright Burns Club held their annual celebration of the life and works of our National Bard in Arden House Hotel on Saturday night.

Chairman, President Rev. Graham Finch welcomed members and guests to a full house for the evening. Storm Eowyn had taken its grip on Friday but taking the company by storm was the first female speaker in the history of the Club was Stacy Whan whose contribution to the proceedings was memorable.

The Immortal Memory was proposed by Gordon Mursell, a retired Church of England Bishop. Mr. Mursell held the audience in the palm of his hand with a captivating and thought provoking toast. The Lasses were toasted by James Flannigan.

The Reply came from Stacy Whan. Jimmy Dunlop toasted Agriculture and another farmer Robin Wallace provided readings. Brian Thomson addressed the haggis. Musicians for the evening were Piper George Whan and singer/ guitarist Jim Howard.

Closing the evening’s proceedings was Vice President, Ian D. Swan who proposed the vote of thanks.

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