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Sanquhar Community Take Ownership Of Historic Inn

Sanquhar Enterprise Company is delighted to announce that they have acquired ownership of Whigham’s Inn situated on the High Street of Sanquhar.

Whigham’s Inn has historic links to Robert Burns as he stayed in the hostelry and famously etched a poem into one of the windows.

Whigham’s Inn has been a derelict property for many years with no investment from previous owners. Sanquhar Enterprise Company are a charity and are working towards a sustainable regeneration of the community of Sanquhar, working on targeted projects identified in the latest Community Action Plan.

A spokesperson said “This is very welcome news as Whigham’s Inn has been a
continuous eyesore on the High Street for many years. Now that we have secured the property we will press ahead with development plans which will be presented to the
Community in due course.”

Penpont Primary School Parents Fight Back Against Classroom Cut

Penpont Primary School Parents Fight Back Against Classroom Cut
Parents gather outside Penpont Primary after being told of the decision to cut the teacher/ classroom number Photo credit: Dave Teal

Penpont Primary School in cooperation with the The Rural and Small Schools Parent Council Alliance of Dumfries & Galloway, has issued a powerful call for Dumfries & Galloway Council to urgently reverse its decision to cut Penpont Primary School from three classrooms to two.

The decision, made with no meaningful community consultation, threatens the heart of a
thriving rural community and risks harming pupils’ wellbeing, inclusion, and future prospects.

‘This Feels Like a Betrayal’
News of the decision was quietly shared in an email just weeks before the school term ends, leaving parents reeling and local leaders outraged. Projected pupil numbers were cited as the rationale—yet the decision ignores clear indicators of community growth, housing development, and rising enrolment.

“We’re not just numbers on a spreadsheet. These are our children, our futures, our lives,” said Samantha Gomes, parent and Chair of the Parent Council. “They tell us rural communities matter, but then they rip the soul out of them by cutting schools without even asking us. It feels like a betrayal.”

No Equality Impact Assessment has been made public, and there was no meaningful effort to consult the 46% of pupils at Penpont who require Additional Support for Learning, including 11 neurodivergent children.

Penpont Primary School was recently in the national news as one of their pupils is Liam Hall- Romay, aged 8, who has Down’s syndrome. Many will know in the region that Liam was the main inspiration for the award-winning Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden at RHS Chelsea last month, which was showcased to help challenge the misconceptions and barriers faced by people in Liam’s community. Liam’s father, Davie Hall, describes how Liam has thrived and exceeded expectations by being at Penpont Primary School since Primary 1.

Davie Hall says,
“One of our earlier concerns was when Liam neared nursery and school age, as we wanted him to integrate into the local village primary school where his older brother also attends. Down’s Syndrome Scotland worked with us and the school to ensure that Liam was given the funding and inclusivity pathway to attend Penpont Primary School, and because of that, he is thriving at school and given the chance to fulfil his interests, develop friendships and lead a life that will enable his full potential. We want that to continue.”

‘Rural Education Works—If You Let It’
The Alliance warns that the council is repeating the same short-sighted mistake made at
Kirkgunzeon Primary School. In 2024, the council attempted to close the second classroom
due to low numbers. Parents fought back, presenting evidence of incoming pupils and new
families. The classroom stayed open. The result: enrolment rose by 13 pupils within a year.
Another 5 are expected to join in 2025/26, which makes 29 pupils. In 2026/2027 there are at least 4 siblings expected to start school.

“This is exactly what rural sustainability looks like,” said the Rural School Alliance. “When families feel their children’s education is secure, they stay, they invest, they thrive. Rural schools are not a burden—they are the backbone of our communities.”

False Promises of Equity
The Council claims the decision promotes ‘equity and efficiency.’ But parents argue that rural children are being sacrificed to meet bureaucratic targets. Class sizes under the new plan will stretch teachers to their limits, combining multiple year groups and severely impacting learning quality and inclusion. There is rising concern on the short – term thinking behind this decision and the impact that this could have long term on teacher welfare and pupil attainment.

A School at the Heart of the Community
Penpont is not a forgotten hamlet—it is a vibrant, connected village with a future. The school is not just a building; it is a vital part of the community’s identity, safety net, and growth.

Joanna Lumley, who has a home in the area, and is proud to be part of the Penpont community said “How the education department can possibly think that this appallingly short— sighted and parsimonious decision could ever benefit children is beyond belief”.

Her voice joins hundreds of others calling for a pause and full reassessment of the decision.

The KPT Trust is a local community trust that works in the local area to advance the
communities of Keir, Penpont and Tynron. Having recently completed a Local Place Plan,
created a new cycle path connecting Penpont to the town of Thornhill and is working on an
affordable housing scheme (amongst other work), KPT Trust is a great example to show how the village of Penpont is thriving, developing and growing.

An Urgent Call for Justice

Penpont Primary Parent Council and The Alliance is demanding an immediate halt to the
classroom cut and a full, transparent consultation process. They are calling for policies that
reflect the realities of rural life: population growth, community cohesion, and the right of
every child to a full and fair education—no matter their postcode.

Penpont Primary Parent Council would like to invite Dumfries and Galloway Council to
respond and take part in open dialogue and work together to protect Penpont Primary
School and other small rural schools in the area.

We demand:
1. Immediate reversal of the decision to remove the third teaching post at Penpont
Primary.
2. Evidence that:
1. An Equality Impact Assessment has been carried out under the Equality Act
2010, particularly regarding the impact on pupils with protected
characteristics (namely disability, including learning disabilities).
2. The 2017 Statutory Guidance for the Education (Additional Support for
Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 has been considered in this decision.
3. A fair, transparent, and inclusive consultation process involving local parents,
educators, and community representatives.
4. Full compliance with the Council’s stated values, UNCRC principles protecting every
child’s right to accessible education and GIRFEC & SHANARRI (see below)

UNCRC: United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
GIRFEC: Get It Right For Every Child
SHANARRI: Safe, Healthy, Active, Nurtured, Achieving, Respected, Responsible, Included

 

Going Digital at Galabank as Annan Fans Launch Scoreboard Fundraising Drive

Black and Gold Foundation kick-starts supporters’ club’s £10,000 appeal with first donation

Annan Athletic fans have launched a £10,000 fundraising drive to buy a digital scoreboard for Galabank.

Members of Annan Athletic FC Supporters’ Club (AAFCSC) are spearheading the campaign, which they hope will enhance matchday experiences and sponsorship opportunities.

And their efforts have been given an early boost with the Black and Gold Foundation providing a £1,000 kickstarter pledge which will see it become the board’s first main sponsor.

The supporters’ club, which has also pledged £500 for the launch, is encouraging donations via a GoFundMe page, as well as by bank transfer.

Representatives of the wide Annan Athletic family – from the club’s chairman to those representing ladies, community and walking football – showed their support as the fundraiser got underway.

Supporters’ club chairman Ross Johnstone said: “As a supporters’ club, we’ve contributed significantly financially to the first team over the past two seasons, but we also want to give something back to the fans – watching any game at Galabank – by improving the matchday experience. That’s why we’re going for the scoreboard.
“We think it will be a great asset for the whole club, as well as helping to raise revenue through the enhanced sponsorship opportunities that it could offer.
“Our fans are brilliant at getting behind initiatives like this and we really hope that they will rally once again to get this one over the line.”

It is hoped that the four-metre wide board will be installed as soon as possible once the fundraising target is met. Potential locations for it include between the dugouts.

Every team wearing an Annan Athletic badge – from community football to the ladies, walking football and disability sides through to Wullie Gibson’s first team SPFL squad – will be able to utilise the scoreboard.

The Black and Gold Foundation is Annan Athletic’s affiliated charity arm, with community and ladies sides operating under that umbrella.

Gary Cother, the Black and Golds’ chair, said: “We’re delighted to help kickstart the scoreboard fundraiser. This will be an asset which the whole club community will benefit from, with the great support we enjoy at games of every level. It’s a fantastic idea.”

The supporters’ club also recently bought a defibrillator for Galabank, as well as continuing its sponsorship of the ground’s covered terracing.

Annan Athletic chairman Russell Brown said: “This is another much-appreciated initiative by our supporters’ club – and it’s brilliant to see the whole club community getting behind it.
“We never take for granted the way in which the community rallies behind the club. We’re always striving to enhance the matchday experience at Galabank and a digital scoreboard is another way in which we can do that. It would be a really welcome improvement.”

To make a donation to the Annan Athletic FC Supporters’ Club scoreboard fundraiser, go to www.gofundme.com/f/galabank-stadium-digital-scoreboard. For details about paying by cheque or bank transfer, please email [email protected].

  • The countdown to the new season kicks into full swing as players return for pre-season training at Galabank on Thursday evening. The fixture list for the club’s SPFL League Two campaign will be released on Friday.

Launch of ‘Coastal Woodland Adventures’ Events This summer!

Launch of 'Coastal Woodland Adventures' events this summer!

An exciting and fun programme of coastal woodland events is planned for the summer holidays, based in woodlands along the Solway Coast. Made up of 30 events in total, these 2-hour sessions aim to give young people the ability to enjoy and better understand our Coastal Woodlands.

 

These events form part of the Solway Coast and Marine Landscape Connections Project, and are delivered by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, with funding from the D&G Coastal Benefit Fund. It is made possible thanks to the support of hosting landowners and partners along the coast.

 

The programme holds a series of three days of activities at each site. Day one is ‘What is a Tree to me?’, including Exploration, bug hunts + games. Day Two is called ‘Wild Encounters’, including bird watching and pond dipping. Day three is called ‘Shipwrecked on the Solway coast’ and includes bushcraft, foraging and den building. Attendees can sign up for all three sessions or a single session. Each day consists of a morning session of 10-12noon (designed for Wee Kids <8years), and then a 1-3pm session (designed for Big Kids 8-12 years).

 

The programme dates are:

  • Leswalt – Aldouran Wetland Garden: 7th, 8th, 9th July
  • Caerlaverock – Castle Woods: 14th, 15th, 16th July
  • Garlieston – Galloway House Gardens: 21st, 22nd, 23rd July
  • Kirkcudbright – Barrhill Wood: 28th, 29th, 30th July
  • Kirkinner – Kilsture Forest: 4th, 5th, 6th August

 

For full information, and how to book your free tickets, visit: https://dgwoodlands.org.uk/coastal-woodland-adventures/.

 

The events are supported as part of the Solway Coast and Marine Landscape Connections Project. This is an ambitious programme of activity along our coastline, with ‘coastal woodlands’ a priority habitat for support.

Dr Jan Hogarth, People, Learning & Communications Coordinator for SCAMP Landscape Connections added:

“SCAMP Landscape Connections are delighted to be working with D&G Woodlands on these exciting Coastal Woodland Adventures exploring the fantastic variety of coastal woodlands, how they connect with other coastal and marine habitats and sit within our Solway’s extensive seascape.
Connecting our young people with coastal woodlands through practical curiosity while growing an understanding of all the life that lives there will foster a confidence, respect and love for the Solway’s beautiful coastal woodlands that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

 

The events will be led by Ranger Toni Lamont. Toni added:

 “I’m delighted to be delivering this exciting series of events, set within the beautiful and diverse coastal woodlands of the Solway Firth. These events are a unique opportunity to bring communities together and inspire a deeper connection with the natural world. I’m especially passionate about creating fun, engaging, and memorable experiences for children, helping them to explore, learn, and grow through hands-on activities in nature. I look forward to welcoming families and children of all ages to share in this celebration of our region’s remarkable landscapes and wildlife.”

 

 

For more information about SCAMP Landscape Connections, visit https://www.solwaycoastmarine.co.uk/.

 

Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands benefits from ongoing support from a range of partners, including Woodland Trust Scotland, Scottish Forestry and Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team. Work by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is being boosted thanks to a major grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aiming to deliver a tangible response to the twin crises we face and to maximise the benefits delivered in the region.

 

For more information about Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, follow them on social media, visit the website www.dgwoodlands.org.uk or sign up for the newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iAlL6k. Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is registered in Scotland as a SCIO, number 052525.

 

Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is a membership organisation. If you’d like to join as a member, visit the website. For any further info, please contact [email protected].

Dumfries & Galloway’s Celebration of Friendship

Inspired by the United Nations International Day of Friendship on the 30th July and in recognition of the importance of friendship and kindness in our daily lives, a local befriending charity has this week announced plans to launch a Celebration of Friendship in Dumfries and Galloway.

Running from Monday 28th July 2025, the D&G Celebration of Friendship will be a week-long celebration bringing people together to enjoy coffee, cake and conversations, with inspiring tales of kindness and friendship that the charity hopes will help spark new friendships and be the catalyst for ongoing acts of kindness in Dumfries and Galloway.

The initiative, organised by A Listening Ear is designed to encourage everyone to acknowledge those who have been there for them in their time of need, but more importantly to consider how they could change lives through small acts of kindness and friendship.

Penny Halliday, Chair of A Listening Ear and the driving force behind the project said:

“We all need friends in our lives, and at some times more than others. Some of us can recall occasions when our friends really stepped up to help us through a difficult time or situation, but knowing you have a friend on a day-to-day basis is equally important.
As a charity run by a fantastic team of staff, trustees and volunteer befrienders, we reach out to those who need a friend, whether a regular call from a telephone befriender, someone to go for a walk with, a friendly face to visit them in a care home or somewhere to go and meet for a coffee. These small acts of kindness make a big difference and it’s rewarding too.”

With a growing demand for adult befriending services in the region, A Listening Ear is gradually extending their reach and making friends with new service users, volunteer befrienders and stakeholders throughout Dumfries and Galloway.

As part of A Listening Ear’s commitment to host the celebration in 2025 they will be holding what they call ‘Friendly Cup’ sessions for the public in North West Castle in Stranraer on 29th July and in The Usual Place in Dumfries on 30th July. They will also host private Friendly Cup sessions in Care Homes in Newton Stewart, Castle Douglas and Annan and they will commit to calling their ‘Phone Friends’ during that week. They are also encouraging others to host their own Friendly Cup events in cafes, community venues, workplaces and care homes and/or inviting them to perform some other act of kindness.

Penny added:

 “Hosting the D&G Celebration of Friendship this year is an opportunity to celebrate the friendships we have formed, but more importantly to reach out to everyone in Dumfries and Galloway; those who have friendships to celebrate, those who want to become a volunteer befriender, those who want to access our befriending services and those who know someone who might benefit from an introduction to A Listening Ear. Everyone is invited to get involved in the D&G Celebration of Friendship and we hope it will have a positive impact in communities across the region.”

With various ways to get involved, Penny said:

“We encourage anyone who would like to come along to one of our Friendly Cup events in Stranraer or Dumfries to register online. Alternatively, we would love to see organisations, clubs and individuals hosting their own ‘Friendly Cup’ gatherings throughout the week too. There are many other ways to get involved including a simple act of kindness that will brighten someone’s day. This could be sending a card, calling a friend, inviting someone to go for a coffee or a walk – the opportunities are endless. If nothing else, we would encourage others to consider referring themselves or others to our befriending service or to register as a volunteer befriender – once trained, this could mean committing to as little as one telephone call or catch-up per week. These small acts of kindness can make a big difference to others.”

In the lead up to the first D&G Celebration of Friendship in July, the team at A Listening Ear are also delighted to launch the Liz Arkless Award for Friendship.

Penny said: “Liz Arkless was a stalwart in the local community in Wigtownshire until she passed away. We know she would have been a great ambassador of A Listening Ear – she was always there when local people needed a friend. She just wanted to help people. Liz’s family would like to pay tribute to her selfless commitment to others by donating two Liz Arkless awards on 2025. These awards will be presented during the D&G Celebration of Friendship events in Stranraer and Dumfries at the end of July. Members of the public are invited to nominate someone who has performed an outstanding or life changing act of kindness/friendship and who they believe is worthy of a Liz Arkless Award for Friendship. We are grateful to the Arkless family for this kind tribute and for their ongoing support.”

The charity hopes that individuals, organisations and communities will continue to be ambassadors for friendship well after the D&G Celebration of Friendship, and as such is keen to encourage everyone to make a pledge during week to commit to an ongoing or future act of kindness or friendship. Friendship Jars will be available at events for anyone who would like to place an anonymous pledge in the jar. Jars could also be set up at home, in workplaces or in communities, cafes and other venues as a constant reminder to be kind and to value friendship.

Anyone who would like to get involved in the D&G Celebration of Friendship can find out more and register online. Events are free to attend, but registration in advance is essential, and donations to A Listening Ear will be most welcome on the day.

How to get involved in D&G Celebration of Friendship:

  • NOMINATE – Liz Arkless Award for Friendship: Submit a nomination for someone who has performed the ultimate act of friendship and that you think is truly deserving of a Liz Arkless Award for Friendship. It is free to enter. Nominations must be submitted online by someone over the age of 18 years by 30th June 2025. See website for details.

 

  • ATTEND – Tuesday 29th July (2pm – 4pm): Join A Listening Ear at North West Castle in Stranraer for a ‘Friendly Cup’ and inspiring tales of friendship. The first Liz Arkless Awards for Friendship will also be presented at this event. Speakers will include; Romano Pertucci MBE, Chair of Stranraer Development Trust, Anne Barclay MBE, Operational Director, Wigtown Festival Company and Pat McEarlean, Wander with Mac and founder trustee of A Listening Ear. Register online at https://a-listening-ear.org/events by 20th July 2025 and please advise of any dietary requirements. Open to anyone who has an interest in finding out more about A Listening Ear and adult befriending services in Dumfries & Galloway.

 

  • ATTEND – Wednesday 30th July (2pm – 4pm): Join A Listening Ear at The Usual Place in Dumfries for a ‘Friendly Cup’ and inspiring tales of friendship. The second Liz Arkless Awards for Friendship will be presented at this event. Speakers will include local storyteller Kathleen Cronie and Andrea Thompson DL, Editor of Dumfries & Galloway Life. We will also hear from colleagues at The Usual Place. Register online at https://a-listening-ear.org/events by 20th July 2025 and please advise of any dietary requirements. Open to anyone who has an interest in finding out more about A Listening Ear and adult befriending services in Dumfries & Galloway.

 

  • HOST YOUR OWN – wc 28th July: Everyone is invited to get involved in the D&G Celebration of Friendship by hosting their own Friendly Cup or friendship gathering in their home, workplace, community group or club. Hosts should let A Listening Ear know about their plans if they would like to be added to the list of supporters. Register as a host online at https://a-listening-ear.org/events by 20th July 2025. Hosts are also invited to post details and/or photo(s) of their event on A Listening Ear’s social media channels during the week.

 

  • PERFORM AN ACT OF KINDNESS – wc. 28th July: Anyone can get involved in the D&G Celebration of Friendship by performing a simple act of kindness such as sending a card, making a telephone call, inviting someone to go out for a coffee or a walk. Participants or recipients can let A Listening Ear know if they would like to share details of the act of kindness and they will added to the list of supporters. Register your act of kindness online at https://a-listening-ear.org/events by 20th July 2025. Participants can also post details and/or photo(s) on A Listening Ear’s social media channels during the week.

 

  • MAKE A PLEDGE – wc. 28th July: Friendship and kindness must continue well after the D&G Celebration of Friendship and it doesn’t need to be declared publicly, but anyone who would like to make a public, private or anonymous pledge to commit to an act of kindness beyond the D&G Celebration of Friendship, is invited to write down their pledge and pop it into a Friendship Jar (this can be any jar or one of the jars available during the D&G Celebration of Friendship) and they should strive to commit to this. Examples of pledges made during the week will be anonymised and shared publicly to inspire others. Ideas might include becoming a volunteer befriender, visiting a neighbour more often, arranging a social gathering of friends or colleagues, introducing someone to befriending services, making more regular calls to friends or family or visiting a friend in a care home.

 

More information about A Listening Ear and how to get involved in the D&G Celebration of Friendship is summarised on A Listening Ear’s Facebook page and website https://a-listening-ear.org/ (Events page – https://a-listening-ear.org/events) or by emailing [email protected]

Malik Runs Take Dumfries Close – Cricket News

Malik runs take Dumfries close - Cricket News
Adam Malik was Player of the Match for Dumfries on Sunday

The Dumfries Sunday XI managed yet another last over finish in the Eden Valley Sunday League but ended ten runs short against Penrith. That was despite a valiant innings by Adam Malik that earned him the Thomson and Jardine Player of the Match award.

Penrith batted first, with the innings based upon a score of fifty from opener Sumner, and they reached a total of 163 with Dumfries working their way through the wickets to take seven. Those wickets were shared around with Adam Malik taking two, and one each to opening bowler Finley Trigg, Sultan Kamran, Dashiel Trigg and Angus Middlemiss. The fielders contributed with a direct hit run out by Dashiel and an excellent catch running backwards by Edward Ellicott.

Dumfries started well with Kamran hitting four boundaries until the same result was not repeated and he was caught for 25. Then any chase of the total seemed unlikely at 61 for 5 down. However, Adam Malik successfully worked his way to the retiral score of fifty. Then the vagaries of the Sunday rules took effect, and he returned later for the last wicket partnership with 12-year-old Dashiel, and with over fifty runs needed.

Then with judicious running, runs refused, Penrith trying different bowlers and Malik hitting boundaries, the pair prevailed and Dumfries got closer. The last over arrived with eleven runs needed with fielders arrayed around the boundary for Adam. However, one final piece of calculated running led to confusion and Dashiel was run out for 9, attempting to get Adam back on strike. Malik reached an impressive 84 not out having hit powerfully to elude the boundary fielders.

Unfortunately, the Saturday league fixtures were affected by rain and the matches for the 1st and 2nd XIs were cancelled. Meanwhile club junior 15-year-old Nairn Cubbon made his Scotland U19 debut and took his first wicket opening the bowling in their matches during the week against Scottish Universities. His Dumfries teammate, James Hobman, also took wickets for Scottish Universities with three in the previous match.

And Chris McBride, a past Dumfries junior, made his international T20 debut for Scotland Men in their win over the Netherlands on Sunday. The T20 Tri-Series has been taking place in Glasgow this week with the Netherlands and Nepal.

On Saturday, the 1st team, Dumfries, play at Ayr in Western Premiership One. The 2nd team, Nunholm, play East Kilbride 2nds at home in Western Championship 2. To try some junior, senior and women’s cricket at Nunholm this summer then the club can be contacted via [email protected] or online at dumfriescricketclub.com.

—

Photo: Adam Malik was Player of the Match for Dumfries on Sunday

Rain Does Not Stop Inaugural South of Scotland Horse Trials

South of Scotland Horse Trials

The weekend saw the running of the inaugural South of Scotland Horse Trials held iat Ringford, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway.

Having competed themselves for many years, it has long been a dream for Tom and Sarah Clark to host an event at Valleyfield their family farm. And together with their daughter Nina and an army of helpers they did it in style!

British Eventing horse trials consist of 3 phases – dressage, show jumping and cross
country. And whilst the event excelled in all three it is the cross country course that
really stood out. Using the rolling hills to their best advantage, course designer Andrew
Heffernan and course builder Dominic Moore and his Jump 1 team created an inviting
and challenging course of jumps for the competitors and a beautiful display for
spectators with creative vantage points where they could watch lots of the action.

5* Eventer Jack Mantel, not long back from competing at Badminton and winner of two of
the Novice sections at the weekend said it was “a proper track of fences that took some
jumping” and “we encourage everyone, wholeheartedly to support this next year”

The weekend started on Friday evening with a course walk in aid of the British Eventing
Support Trust led by Olympic Silver, World and European gold medalist Nicola Wilson.
This proved popular with both competitors and aspiring young riders in the area. A big
thank you to all who came along. This was the best attended course walk ever for the
Charity and raised £780 which will pay for 13 rehabilitation sessions.

The competition itself kicked off Saturday with competitor Number 1 Lara Barnes a
local lass from Dumfries and Galloway. Thanks to the kind sponsors, there were
fabulous rosettes and prizes to 8th place as well as prizes for the highest placed from
Dumfries and Galloway and the highest placed from Scotland.

The event attracted two 5* eventers, Olivia Wilmont from Ayrshire and Jack Mantel from
Northumberland and four 4* eventers, Morven Pringle and Jennifer Stead from Dumfries
and Galloway, Daniel Scott from Fife and Sebastian Roldan Olivera who is based in
Northumberland and represents Argentina.

Competitors came from all across Scotland and the North of England with some
traveling as far afield as the Orkney, the Isle of Mann and Northern Ireland.
The warm welcome and enthusiasm from the Clark Family and all the those involved in
running the event meant the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the competitors,
spectators and sponsors. And the great planning and skill of the ground crew enabled
the competition to continue uninterrupted despite torrential rain at times.
Sponsorship of the event came from across the community with many local and
national businesses providing invaluable support.

Nina said “ this event would not have been able to happen without all the help and support from sponsors and volunteers”
and Sarah and Tom said “A huge thank you to everyone. It was a fantastic weekend in
very trying conditions and it wouldn’t have been possible without all your help and
support”

It is very clear from all the very positive feedback on the day and on social media that
everyone involved is hoping that this will be the first of many South of Scotland Horse
Trials. With 364 competitors this year this observer predicts next years event will be very
popular.

Motor Trike Driver & Passenger In Hospital After Collision

Police Scotland is appealing for information following a serious crash on the A710 Ardwall to Dumfries road.

The incident happened around 4.25pm on Friday, 13 June, and involved a red Fiat 500 and a motor trike.

The riders of the trike, a 66-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for treatment. There were no other injuries.

The road was closed for around 11 hours to allow enquiries to be carried out.

Road Policing Constable Keith Mckinnell said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this crash and I would appeal to any witnesses to please contact police.
“We are keen to speak to a large group of motorcyclists who were seen in the area shortly before the collision and may have information.
“In addition, drivers with dash-cam footage around the time of the incident are asked to come forward as this may assist with our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 2507 of 13 June, 2025.

Dumfries Music Collective & Up Yer Airts Join Forces To Support Local Talent…

DUMFRIES MUSIC COLLECTIVE AND UP YER AIRTS JOIN FORCES TO SUPPORT LOCAL TALENT…

Dumfries Music Collective (DMC) and Up Yer Airts join forces to support local talent at this year’s Youth Beatz Festival. Both organisations have partnered to create an impressive bill of young local musicians who will perform on the main stage on Saturday 28 June and Sunday 29 June. This opportunity is to provide young, local, artists from across the region with the opportunity to perform at Scotland’s largest free youth music festival.

 

Liam Russell, Creative Director of Up Yer Airts, commented, “As always it is a privilege to be able to present such a diverse and talented line up of local young musicians, this time at the largest free youth music festival in Scotland. Alongside our friends and colleagues at DMC, we strive to provide support and opportunities to young people seeking to carve out a career in music and help them get their feet on the ladder. This is only just the beginning for these artists, and we cannot wait to continue our work with them whilst building a community round about the work we do!”

 

Across the weekend, prepare to be captivated by a lineup of super-talented musicians spanning genres from chat-rap hip hop to acoustic melodies. Expect to hear performances from Benjamin Paul, The High Priestess, Amber, Sonder, RHELM, The Hazards, Ella Campbell, YOU Problem!, Joe Clark and Joseph Cursare.

 

This successful new partnership stems from shared values and a common vision for youth music for Dumfries & Galloway. By working together, both DMC and Up Yer Airts will bring diverse perspectives and expertise which will provide mutual benefits for all parties involved. Particularly for young people, this partnership will provide a platform to showcase talent, receive feedback and potentially progress to high-level events.

 

Hagen Patterson, from Dumfries Music Collective, commented, “DMC is beyond delighted to be partnering with Up Yer Airts. Not only does this opportunity platform a rich list of hotly tipped talent from across the region, but allows both organisations to share resources, ideas and expertise to create a stronger vision for youth music going forward!”

 

Tickets for Youth Beatz 2025 have already sold out!

 

For more information about how you can get involved, please visit www.wearedmc.co.uk and www.upyerairts.com

Honour Dumfries & Galloway’s Heroes Of The High Street

2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards launched – including search to find the nation’s Town of the Year. Could that community be yours?

People across Dumfries and Galloway are being urged to celebrate their high street heroes.

Nominations have opened for the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards, celebrating the people and organisations who make communities better places to live, work and visit.

And residents are being urged to nominate people to be named as High Street Hero for South Scotland.

That award last year went to Moffat artist and entrepreneur Linnhe Cringean in recognition of her work to champion and boost business in the community.

People are also being encouraged to put their home area forward for national accolades including Town of the Year.

The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign encouraging people to back enterprises and organisations in their communities.

STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “Every day, people and organisations go above and beyond to make their communities better and I’ve been lucky to meet a few of them and see what brilliant work they do. The impact of that determination to make a difference should never be underestimated.
“The Scotland Loves Local Awards are an opportunity to recognise and reward that success, celebrating collective and individual achievements. They are a fantastic way to say a special thank-you.”

The awards highlight the innovation and collaboration which will make towns and neighbourhoods stronger and more sustainable.

The categories nationally are:

  • Town of the Year
  • Most Enterprising Community
  • Place Leader of the Year

Eight High Street Hero Awards will also be presented – one in each of the Scottish Parliament electoral regions – recognising a person or organisation who makes life better in their area.

Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards, where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.

The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Wednesday, August 30th 2025. Finalists will be announced in September with presentations made to winners in October. A special reception will take place in Edinburgh in November.

Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local. This is the fifth year in which the awards have been held.

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