Walking Charity On The Hunt For Dumfries & Galloway Local Gems

May 24, 2022

SCOTLAND’s walking charity is encouraging outdoor enthusiasts in Dumfries and Galloway to get involved in a country wide competition to uncover local gems as part of National Walking Month.

The competition has been hosted across Paths for All’s social channels throughout May to celebrate National Walking Month and to inspire members of the public to get outside and walk – with entries in with the chance of winning a £500 voucher at Cotswold Outdoor.

To enter the competition, the charity is looking for people to share a few words with a photo or video of a favourite place to walk in their area tagging @PathsForAll and the hash tag #ILoveWalking.

Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, Kevin Lafferty, hopes the campaign will create a broad understanding about why people in Scotland love walking and what they get from it.

He said: “For some, a walk is all about a break from a busy day and a chance to connect with nature.

“For others, walking and wheeling is part of a daily commute, whether it’s a quick stroll to the train station or taking a child to school.

“National Walking Month exists to celebrate and encourage everyday walking while putting a spotlight on the mental, physical and social benefits it can bring to our daily lives.

“The competition is a fun and easy way to get involved in the month-long celebration of walking while sharing what brings you joy in your local area.

“As we approach the summer months, and hopefully the better weather, now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the local scenic path routes we’re blessed with in Scotland.”

The charity has been working with seven diverse Scottish influencers to celebrate the country’s love for walking, including: SimplyEmmaBlog, ajourneyinmywheels, FionaOutdoors, WanderMaw, Ross Cunningham Hiking, Exploring Edinburgh and Hillwalking Hijabi.

Accessible travel and disability blogger, SimplyEmma (Emma Muldoon) is one of seven influencers the charity has collaborated with to celebrate National Walking Month. Emma’s blog and social media platforms share her experience of living with a physical disability and traveling from a wheelchair perspective.

She said: “For me, I love finding new walks and those little hidden gems that are great to explore and suitable for my wheelchair. One of my favourite spots to walk is The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and I really enjoy seeing everything change throughout the seasons.

“Getting outdoors and walking in nature is one of the best things we can do for our social, mental and physical health. Whether it’s exploring a forest trail with my nephews or a gentle walk in a local park with Allan, I always notice a big difference in the way I feel overall afterwards.”

For more information on Paths for All’s National Walking Month campaign, visit: http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/ILoveWalking

Paths for All is Scotland’s national walking charity and the champion of everyday walking for a

happier, healthier, greener Scotland.

Our aim is support people in Scotland to be active every day. Walking is the easiest and most

accessible way to do this. We create inclusive opportunities for everyone to walk and wheel,

connecting communities and improving physical, social and mental health.

If you’re interested in Paths for All’s mission to create a happier, healthier, greener Scotland, contact [email protected]

A Nature Hunt for Everyone – Kirkcudbright Bay Bioblitz – 4th June

May 24, 2022

Dhoon Bay, Kirkcudbright 10.00am to 3.00pm on Saturday 4th June. While many will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we will be searching for nature’s queen bees (as well as a host of other bees, plants and other wildlife).

Despite being a very popular spot for locals and visitors alike the Dhoon, near Kirkcudbright has very few species recorded for it. We hope to change that with our Bioblitz; a nature hunt that everyone can take part in regardless of your knowledge of wildlife. Spend the day or just a few minutes on the hunt for the different species that can be found in the area. Get our wildlife experts to help you identify and record what you have found. This family friendly event is suitable for all ages and levels of experience from complete beginner to seasoned recorder.

Will we find any royal plants or animals? We couldn’t find any royal names but maybe you will be lucky, or why not name your own species that is yet to have its own common name…

Drop in throughout the day to join our experts in a challenge to find and identify the wonderful array of plants and animals living on the shores of Kirkcudbright Bay to celebrate World Oceans Day.

The day will start at 10am looking at the range of moths that were found overnight. At 11am we will head out onto the beach and the mud with the Freelance ranger to see what we can find hidden under the surface. Did you know there were loads of different types of seaweed? Come along for the seaweed walk at 12noon to find out more. Next you will be able to find out all about the shells that can be discovered along the Solway. Finishing off the day at 2pm there will be a geologist on hand to tell you all about the pebbles you find on the beach.

Nic Coombey, Solway Firth Partnership Project Officer, said: “Throughout the day there will be displays of some of the plants and animals that have been found. You will be able to get a close look at them through our microscopes and find out how you can record your wildlife sightings on your phone. Both South West Environmental Information Centre and Solway Firth Partnership will have people on hand to help you get started. I am looking forward to seeing an amazing range of species found on the shores of Kirkcudbright Bay.”

For families there will be a wildlife spotter sheet. Who can get the most points? In the afternoon there will be opportunity to try crafts on the beach for the younger members of the family.

The event is being run by South West Environmental Information Centre (SWSEIC) and Solway Firth Partnership (SFP) with funding from the Galloway Glens small grant scheme.

McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team leader, added:

“There ain’t no party like a Solway Firth Partnership party… This free event on 4^th of June is a great opportunity for kids and grown ups to learn more about what lives in Kirkcudbright Bay, from Moths to Seaweed, and everything in between.

The Galloway Glens Scheme is an initiative of the Council’s Environment Team and we are delighted to be supporting this project through our Small Grants Scheme, using funds from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.”

Modern Makers Exhibition Celebrates Scheme that Passes Craft Skills to a New Generation

May 24, 2022

Jewellery, pottery, print-making, woodwork, glass-making and costume design – just some of the skills that have been passed from one generation to the next through Modern Makers.

The Modern Makers programme (originally known as Modern Heritage Craft) is being celebrated in an exhibition taking place at Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries, which is now open and runs to 25 June.

In the seven years it has been going the programme, run by Uplands Arts Development CIC and closely associated with the Spring Fling open studios event, has teamed up small groups of young people from Dumfries and Galloway with highly skilled makers and artists across the region.

It’s a practical programme through which young people can have up to 30 days’ experience taking part in a highly creative project that can help them think about their future careers.
The exhibition focuses on the last six years, showcasing work from participants and lead makers – Sam Booth, Fitch & McAndrew, Alex Rigg, Pamela Grace, Hugh Bryden, Colin Blanchard, Amanda Simmons, Lisa Rothwell-Young and Mark Zygadlo.

One of the 2018 cohort was Hazel Fairley Keast who was part of a group working with Alex Rigg and his performance company Oceanallover to design and create fabulous costumes for a production called Orographic.

The experience had such an impact that she is now studying fashion and textiles at Heriot Watt University and has internships with Mother Of Pearl – a sustainable high end brand and Cad and the Dandy, a men’s bespoke tailor in Saville Row. She got such prestigious placements because Modern Makers made her CV stand out.

She said: “I was already interested in costume design, so when the chance to work with Alex came up it was perfect for me.
“It was brilliant experience, and when I was back home during COVID I was able to work with him on other projects, helping create costumes used by the French circus company Gratte Ciel.
“If it hadn’t been for Modern Makers I wouldn’t be doing what I am now. And once I’ve finished my degree I’m now thinking about a career in costume design or fashion management.”

Originally due to take place in 2020 to mark the scheme’s fifth anniversary, it had to be delayed for two years due to COVID.

Amy Marletta, Director of Upland, said: “The opportunities for young people to learn craft skills and what it takes to plan, then make something from scratch, can be very limited.
“Modern Makers has given them the chance to work with skilled and experienced makers of many kinds – people who truly love what they do – and pass on some skills and insights.
“We believe it’s enormously important that young people have the chance to learn about careers in the creative industries at the point where they are planning what to do with their lives.
“This exhibition celebrates the success of the scheme and the creativity of the participants and the artists and makers who worked with them.”

The history of Modern Makers

2016: Six young people from Dumfries and Galloway worked with Sam Booth (Echo Living) to design and build a bespoke structure, made from sustainable materials, for birdwatchers RSPB reserve near Wigtown.

2017: Young people worked with slipware potters Doug Fitch & Hannah McAndrew to learn about the making and decorating of pots. They also gained an insight into the running of a pottery business and took a trip to Potfest.

2018: Participants worked with Alex Rigg, and his company Oceanallover, to design and creation costumes for his new production Orographic.

2019: This year saw six young people explore traditional techniques in printmaking with lead artists Hugh Bryden (linocut, drypoint and artist books), Pamela Grace (etching and lithography) and Colin Blanchard (screen printing and linocut).
2020: Despite delays and challenges caused by COVID a group of young people were able to work with glass artist, Amanda Simmons, who creates kiln formed glass objects. They then designed and made pieces of their own.

2021: Due to COVID the project was primarily online. It saw the young people working with jeweller Lisa Rothwell-Young learning how to make jewellery from beginner level, right through to stone setting and mount making and gain an insight into running a creative business.

2022: This year’s project involves the young people working with woodworker Mark Zygadlo to design and build a bespoke treehouse in local woodland.

Modern Makers grew out of The Modern Heritage Craft Project which ran in 2014 and 2015 and gave eighteen 15-25 year olds, the chance to create contemporary functional objects. The professional makers were Godfrey Smith, Ian Cameron Smith, Shona Guthrie and Amanda Simmons.

Charity Tea For Trussell Trust To Be Held At Borgue Hall

May 24, 2022

The Trussel Trust support a nationwide network of food banks and together they provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, and campaign for change to end the need for food banks in the UK.

David and Sandie Gay are recent retirees who have moved to the region from Birmingham to live nearer to their daughter and two young grandchildren, and they are inviting people to a Tea for Trussell to raise funds for the Trust. On Thursday, 2nd June at Borgue Community Hall, pop in anytime between 10am-4pm for a cup of tea or coffee and homemade cake and biscuits.

“The local community has been very generous in offering to bake and help on the day and we would like to thank them all very much” said David Gay

Sandie Gay Said “We’ve been in D&G for a year and a half. We are keen walkers and love this beautiful area. We wanted to use our time as volunteers in the local community and so far, we volunteer for the Food Train as shopper and delivery driver. and also to KBT festivities committee. We make regular donations to a few charities including Action Aid, water aid, Unicef and the Trussell Trust. Now, we have more time, we wanted to do a bit more. We think it’s shocking that so many people are in the position of needing to use food banks. But while so ever there is a need, we felt that the Tea for Trussell was something we could participate in to raise funds and awareness of the work of the Trussell Trust.”

Sandie continued “Really, the Trust is working to stop the need for food banks but until it achieves that aim, this is support for anyone who is struggling to feed themselves and their children. And, let’s face it, with the steeply increasing cost of living, many more families are needing help right now.”

It’s aim is to campaign to end the need for food banks.
This link provides information on its vision, work and achievements to date:
https://www.trusselltrust.org/what-we-do/

In 2020/21, the Trussell Trust sent out nearly 200,000 food parcels across Scotland with over 70,000 needed for children. It also supports a network of food banks.

The Gay’s are also welcoming donations online. Visit Sandie’s Tea for Trussell page: https://trusselltrust.enthuse.com/pf/sandie

Starcatchers & Andy Cannon Present Spike! A Dinosaur Caper At The Catstrand

May 24, 2022

Starcatchers and Andy Cannon present Spike! a dinosaur caper At The Catstrand

A miniaturised Big Top and dinosaur adventure await Dumfries and Galloways youngest children as Starcatchers announces they will be part of D&G Arts festival 2022

Scotland’s arts and early years organisation is bringing the magic of live performance to Scotland’s youngest children and their grown-ups this Spring. Little Top, a magical first circus experience, is for babies from birth to 18 months, and for 3–5-year-olds is an exciting dinosaur adventure, SPIKE! – a dinosaur caper.

In its first outing since wowing audiences in Norway in January 2020, and sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2019, Little Top will transport you to a playful, joyous, upside down, topsy-turvy world where people can fly, patterns fill the air, and anything is possible. A specially designed set that miniaturises the magic of the Big Top will come to life on 28th May 2022 4:00pm – 29th May 2022 12:00pm at the Catstrand, New Galloway.

Rhona Matheson, Starcatchers’ Chief Executive said:
“Starcatchers is delighted to be presenting these wonderful productions for Scotland’s youngest children. Little Top is a beautiful first experience for babies from birth to 18 months, while Spike’s capers are ideal for your 3–5-year-old adventurers. The beauty of both productions are the unforgettable moments for the grown-ups in the audience to take away; seeing your children’s imaginations come to life with the power of live, in-person theatre.”

Andy Cannon, creator of SPIKE! – a dinosaur caper said:
“Spike is an intergenerational tale perfect for families of all ages to enjoy together, this time a little bigger and more adventurous. A dinosaur caper sees an evolution in the lifecycle of Spike from a dinosaur tale back in 2021, with a third performer on stage, plus a slightly evolved set. This is an exciting moment for us to share the next stage of Spike’s journey with our young audiences and immerse ourselves in the world of Mary Anne and her favourite dinosaur.”

Ellie Dubois and Kim Donohoe of SUPERFAN said:
“Little Top’s return to Scotland’s audiences is an especially exciting moment for us at SUPERFAN; once again having the chance to be, perhaps the very first, theatrical experience for our young audience, is an honour. So come along and enjoy this magical performance with us, we can’t wait to see the looks of wonder on your little ones’ faces!”

Starcatchers’ Spring tours have been funded by the National Lottery Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance through Creative Scotland. This fund supports the touring sector to re-engage with audiences and is delivered through partnerships between touring artists and companies.

Bok Tickets Here

Multiverse Will Be The Perfect Place to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

May 24, 2022

Crawick Multiverse is holding a special sunrise-to-sunset summer solstice celebration – a chance to enjoy the longest day amidst a spectacular 55-acre environmental artwork inspired by the sun and stars.

The site, which features standing stones, a great avenue, huge mounds and the beautiful Sun Amphitheatre, will open at 4am on Tuesday, 21 June.

Summer Solstice at the Multiverse (which is supported by EventScotland) will be relaxed and informal, with activities that gently enhance the experience of being in a place specifically designed to link us to the cosmos.

There will be music, outdoor theatre, tai chi and yoga sessions around various parts of the Multiverse – with a special performance from the top of the mounds that represent the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies.

However, the idea is for visitors to have the time and space to mark the solstice in their own way, enjoying a site that many feel has a sense of spirituality akin to ancient henges and stone circles. It also represents the next stage in the emergence of the art installation, created by the late Charles Jencks, into an outdoor events and performance venue.

Sharon Glendinning, Crawick Multiverse General Manager, said: “Crawick Multiverse was created [by Charles Jencks] to be ‘a cosmic landscape worthy of the ancients’ and is the perfect place to celebrate the solstice.

“The events and activities we have planned are intended to be engaging and fun, while bringing people closer to the tranquillity of the natural world around us, and the wider universe.”

Crawick is situated between Sanquhar and Kirkconnel, on the border of Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, added: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the Solstice at the Multiverse 2022 through our National Events Programme. It joins an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events taking place across the country this year as part of the wider recovery of tourism and events in Scotland.

“Events play an important role in our communities, enabling us all to connect, enjoy and share memorable experiences. Having them in our calendar further strengthens Scotland’s outlook and position as a world-leading events destination and reinforces Scotland’s place as the perfect stage for events.”

More information about this new event and tickets are available at https://www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk/our-events/summer-solstice-at-the-multiverse/

Labour & SNP To Run Dumfries & Galloway Council

May 24, 2022

LABOUR & SNP TO RUN DUMFRIES COUNCIL AGAIN

Dumfries and Galloway Council [24.05.2022] has agreed to a new Administration between SNP, Labour and the Independent Group, with Councillor Stephen Thompson as Convenor of The Council, and Co-Leader alongside Councillor Linda Dorward who is also Depute Convenor, working with Councillor Richard Brodie, Leader of the Independent Group.

In a joint statement, Councillors Thompson, Dorward and Brodie said:

“This will be a new Administration with a new outlook, but shared ambitions and goals for the advantage of Dumfries and Galloway and we are very much looking forward to working together.
“Our partnership will be built on mutual trust and understanding, and we are confident we can work inclusively with all Elected Members from all groups to the benefit of the region. We are engaging in a way that does politics differently and have found a way to agree on what’s best for local communities, whilst going forward and seeking consensus on a case by case basis, with colleagues.
“Despite our political differences, we will work jointly on what really matters to the people in all our communities across our region.
“The administration is committed to including all Councillors in the decision making processes of the Council, through joint working and developing a Council Plan.
All groups in our administration are committed to tackling the cost of living crisis, and protecting, as far as we can, our most vulnerable individuals and communities from its effects.

“We are determined to provide the best opportunities for our children and young people and will continue to drive forward our Council’s innovative plans for education.

“We’re ambitious for our local economy, to promote our region’s traditional strengths – farming and forestry, tourism, food and drink, culture, leisure, energy, and the environment – and seek new opportunities for economic development.

“We aspire to regenerate our town centres, to improve the connectivity of our region, to develop the skills of our people, and to attract others to take up employment, live here, and visit this most beautiful part of Scotland.

“This Council is passionate about delivering the services which are needed in our region and we have agreed to work together on our shared priorities. With 27 councillors over the three groups providing an overall majority. We can provide the strong and stable leadership needed to deliver our ambitions and those of the people of Dumfries and Galloway.”

The Council also agreed on the size of committees, proportionality, and committee chairs and vice chairs.

Economy and Resources
Chair: Katie Hagmann
Vice-Chair: Sean Marshall
Education and Learning
Chair: Richard Brodie
Vice-Chair: George Jamieson

Communities
Chair: Archie Dryburgh
Vice-Chair: John Campbell

Social Work Service
Chair: Andy Ferguson
Vice-Chair: Ian Howie
Finance, Procurement and Transformation
Chair: Carolyne Wilson
Vice-chair: Dougie Campbell
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny
Chair: Conservative Group
Vice-Chair: a/a

Planning Applications
Chair: Jim Dempster
Vice-Chair: Emma Jordan

Annandale and Eskdale Area Committee
Chair: Archie Dryburgh
Vice-Chair: Richard Brodie

Nithsdale Area Committee
Chair: Tracey Little
Vice-Chair: Davie Stitt
Stewartry Area Committee
Chair: Dougie Campbell
Vice-Chair: Kim Lowe

Wigtown Area Committee
Chair: Willie Scobie
Vice-Chair: Katie Hagmann

First Case Of Monkeypox Confirmed In Scotland

May 23, 2022

Monkeypox has been confirmed in an individual in Scotland. The individual is receiving care and treatment appropriate to their condition and contact tracing is underway.

Monkeypox is a viral infection usually found in West and Central Africa. The West African strain that has been recently detected in the UK is generally a mild self-limiting illness, spread by very close contact with someone already infected and with symptoms of monkeypox. Most people recover within a few weeks.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Wales and Northern Ireland HSC Health Protection Agency to monitor and respond to potential and confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK.

As of Friday 20 May, the UKHSA has identified 20 cases in England but more are expected.

Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science and Medical Director, PHS explains:

“Public Health Scotland is aware of an individual in Scotland who is confirmed to have monkeypox. The affected individual is being managed and treated in line with nationally agreed protocols and guidance.

“We have well established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with such cases of infectious disease and these will be strictly followed.

“We are working with NHS Boards and wider partners in Scotland and the UK to investigate the source of this infection. Close contacts of the case are being identified and provided with health information and advice. This may include the offer of vaccination.

“The overall risk to the general public is low.

“Anyone with an unusual blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores on any part of their body, including their genital area, should avoid close contact with others and seek medical advice if they have any concerns.”

Symptoms

Initial symptoms of monkey pox include fever or high temperature, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

A blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, including the genital area.

The rash changes and goes through different stages, before finally forming a scab, which typically falls off over the course of a couple of weeks. Individuals are infectious from the point symptoms start until all the scabs fall off. During this time close contact with others must be avoided.

Church Of Scotland Votes In Favour To Perform Same Sex Marriages

May 23, 2022

An historic vote has taken place which will allow Church of Scotland ministers and deacons to marry same-sex couples.

The General Assembly voted to change a standing church law to allow the right to apply to become an authorised celebrant to conduct same-sex ceremonies by 274 votes to 136.

The decision, which would enable ministers and deacons to opt-in to a new scheme, came after a majority of presbyteries – 29-12 – approved the “Solemnisation of Same Sex Marriage Overture”.

Moderator Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields.

A report to the General Assembly makes it clear that no person would be required to participate in the solemnisation of, or be involved in the arrangements for, a same sex marriage unless they explicitly wished to do so.

Humility and grace

Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly, said: “The Church of Scotland is a broad church and there are diverse views on the subject of same-sex marriage among its members.

“There has been a lengthy, prayerful and in-depth discussion and debate about this topic for many years at all levels of the Church to find a solution that respects diversity and values the beliefs of all.

“The Church is committed to ensuring that debates on this subject are held in a spirit of humility and grace, the tone and tenor of discussions are civil and people are respectful of those who hold opposing views.

“The General Assembly has today approved the Solemnisation of Same Sex Marriage Overture to change a standing Church law to enable Ministers of Word and Sacrament and deacons to apply to become authorised celebrants if they wish.

“However, no minister or deacon would be required to participate in the solemnisation of, or be involved in the arrangements for, a same sex marriage unless they explicitly wished to do so.

“All celebrants would be expected to take account of the peace and unity and pastoral needs of the congregation and any parish or other grouping of which it is a part while considering to conduct a same-sex marriage ceremony.”

Under the terms of the legislation, an individual would have to apply to the Principal Clerk’s office to become a celebrant and an application would then be made to the Registrar General for Scotland on their behalf.

The Principal Clerk would maintain an up to date record of celebrants and they would be personally responsible for renewing their status every three years.

Only a parish minister who has become a celebrant will be permitted the use of a church building in their charge for the solemnisation of same sex marriages.

They would be able to grant consent to other celebrants to use the building for this purpose, however.

The issue sparked a lively debate among ministers and elders on both sides of the argument.

God’s love

Rev Phil Gunn, minister of Rosskeen Parish Church in Ross-shire, asked: “A Church that does not provoke any crisis, preach a Gospel that does not unsettle, proclaim a Word of God that does not get under anyone’s skin or a Word of God that does not touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed, what kind of Gospel is that?

“Quite simply put, this overture is not biblical and we see the scriptures, old and new, that point to God’s teaching on marriage and human sexuality.

“We are called to love everyone as Christ commanded us, we are to demonstrate God’s love to the world so they might recognise something different in us but that does not mean we have to conform to the ways of society or the world.”

Mr Gunn said the Bible is the supreme rule of faith and life for the Church.

“God has called us as his followers to be bold and make a stand for what is right in his eyes,” he added.

“If we choose to turn our back on scripture how can we stand up and say we are ministers of God’s church if we then change what God says?”

Church together

But Rev Lezley Stewart, speaking as a minister and a commissioner, told the General Assembly “it is time to say I do.”

“We have always lived with differences and we always will, no one in this General Assembly hall is the same as you and no one thinks the same as you and maybe we should thank God for that,” she said.

“But we are the Church together and if you look to your right, to your left, look in front of you and look behind you, hopefully what you can see is simply a reflection of Christ – we are the Church together.

“Jesus said we should be seen by our love for one another.

“It is time to day I do respect the choice of ministers to choose, I do respect the faith and desire of members and ministers to say I do and be married in their church in a way that most of us have been able to do throughout the whole of our lives and take for granted.”

The Church’s Legal Questions Committee is producing guidance to accompany the amended Church law.

It will be prepared in consultation with the Faith Nurture Forum and the Theological Forum and issued to presbytery clerks and posted online this summer to assist in the practical operation of the revised Act’s provisions.

The Faith Nurture Forum will produce a suggested liturgy for celebrants to use to bless same-sex marriages.

Harper Continues Calls For Safety Action Over Unexploded Ordnance In Beaufort’s Dyke

May 23, 2022

South Scotland MSP, Emma Harper, has repeated her calls for a safety assessment of Beaufort’s Dyke due to the increasing amount of unexploded ammunition that continues to wash ashore on our local Dumfries and Galloway beaches and coastline.

Whilst speaking in a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the disruptive impact of high order detonation, which is essentially controlled explosions to deal with unexploded ordnance, Ms Harper repeated her calls for a safety assessment of Beaufort’s Dyke. She has been calling for improved safety since 2019.

The Dyke is a natural deep water trench located in the North channel of the Irish Sea between Ireland and Portpatrick in South West Scotland. The deep water trench was used to dump unexploded weapons in the sea after the second world war and more recently other contaminated – including radioactive – waste.

According to the MOD, over 50,000 tons of explosives are disposed of in Beaufort’s Dyke. In July 1945 alone, 14,500 tonnes of 5-inch – 130-millimetre – artillery rockets filled with phosgene were dumped. Additionally, according to the Public Records office, approximately two tonnes of concrete-encased metal drums filled with radioactive laboratory waste and luminous paint were dumped in the dyke during the 1950’s.

Ms Harper asked the Cabinet Secretary to press the UK Government to use proven alternatives to high order detonation, so as to reduce disruption to the marine environment and to protect marine mammals which can become disoriented by large underwater explosions.

Emma Harper MSP commented;

“Increasing development in the marine environment is leading to the discovery of a greater number of unexploded munitions. Although exact figures aren’t available, the Coastguard and Royal Navy Bomb Disposal Unit have reported that the number of unexploded ordnance washing ashore is increasing. While the exact reasons for this remains unclear, there is expert opinion which suggests that it may be due to a combination of sea levels rising, increased offshore projects – such as the construction of offshore wind points – and increased marine traffic.

“It is widely understood that at the end of the second world war – instead of taking the surplus unexploded munitions to Beaufort’s Dyke – which was an approved offloading site – often the weapons were dumped closer to shore to save money and time. It is therefore little wonder that we are now discovering more unexploded ordnance washing ashore.

“Previously, I wrote to the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Defence to ask that a full safety assessment be carried out of Beaufort’s Dyke, so people across South West Scotland can be reassured. It’s also important that this assessment be carried out, should any potential offshore developments come to the region. I have had no response from the UK Ministers and I have asked the Scottish Government to intervene.

“Additionally, in the debate I highlighted that clearance of unexploded ordnance is commonly undertaken by high order detonation – controlled explosion – which leads to loud blasts and disturbs protected marine mammals and the marine environment, not to mention the potential safety implications to people coming across unexploded ordnance at our coastal areas. I therefore support calls for Marine Scotland to use various new forms of less disruptive means of removing unexposed ordnance.”

He said: “For some, a walk is all about a break from a busy day and a chance to connect with nature.

“For others, walking and wheeling is part of a daily commute, whether it’s a quick stroll to the train station or taking a child to school.

“National Walking Month exists to celebrate and encourage everyday walking while putting a spotlight on the mental, physical and social benefits it can bring to our daily lives.

“The competition is a fun and easy way to get involved in the month-long celebration of walking while sharing what brings you joy in your local area.

“As we approach the summer months, and hopefully the better weather, now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the local scenic path routes we’re blessed with in Scotland.”

She said: “For me, I love finding new walks and those little hidden gems that are great to explore and suitable for my wheelchair. One of my favourite spots to walk is The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and I really enjoy seeing everything change throughout the seasons.

“Getting outdoors and walking in nature is one of the best things we can do for our social, mental and physical health. Whether it’s exploring a forest trail with my nephews or a gentle walk in a local park with Allan, I always notice a big difference in the way I feel overall afterwards.”

“There ain’t no party like a Solway Firth Partnership party… This free event on 4th of June is a great opportunity for kids and grown ups to learn more about what lives in Kirkcudbright Bay, from Moths to Seaweed, and everything in between.

The Galloway Glens Scheme is an initiative of the Council’s Environment Team and we are delighted to be supporting this project through our Small Grants Scheme, using funds from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.”

“The local community has been very generous in offering to bake and help on the day and we would like to thank them all very much” said David Gay

Sharon Glendinning, Crawick Multiverse General Manager, said: “Crawick Multiverse was created [by Charles Jencks] to be ‘a cosmic landscape worthy of the ancients’ and is the perfect place to celebrate the solstice.

“The events and activities we have planned are intended to be engaging and fun, while bringing people closer to the tranquillity of the natural world around us, and the wider universe.”

“We are determined to provide the best opportunities for our children and young people and will continue to drive forward our Council’s innovative plans for education.

“We’re ambitious for our local economy, to promote our region’s traditional strengths – farming and forestry, tourism, food and drink, culture, leisure, energy, and the environment – and seek new opportunities for economic development.

“We aspire to regenerate our town centres, to improve the connectivity of our region, to develop the skills of our people, and to attract others to take up employment, live here, and visit this most beautiful part of Scotland.

“Public Health Scotland is aware of an individual in Scotland who is confirmed to have monkeypox. The affected individual is being managed and treated in line with nationally agreed protocols and guidance.

“We have well established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with such cases of infectious disease and these will be strictly followed.

“We are working with NHS Boards and wider partners in Scotland and the UK to investigate the source of this infection. Close contacts of the case are being identified and provided with health information and advice. This may include the offer of vaccination.

“The overall risk to the general public is low.

“Anyone with an unusual blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores on any part of their body, including their genital area, should avoid close contact with others and seek medical advice if they have any concerns.”

Symptoms

Humility and grace

Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly, said: “The Church of Scotland is a broad church and there are diverse views on the subject of same-sex marriage among its members.

“There has been a lengthy, prayerful and in-depth discussion and debate about this topic for many years at all levels of the Church to find a solution that respects diversity and values the beliefs of all.

“The Church is committed to ensuring that debates on this subject are held in a spirit of humility and grace, the tone and tenor of discussions are civil and people are respectful of those who hold opposing views.

“The General Assembly has today approved the Solemnisation of Same Sex Marriage Overture to change a standing Church law to enable Ministers of Word and Sacrament and deacons to apply to become authorised celebrants if they wish.

“However, no minister or deacon would be required to participate in the solemnisation of, or be involved in the arrangements for, a same sex marriage unless they explicitly wished to do so.

“All celebrants would be expected to take account of the peace and unity and pastoral needs of the congregation and any parish or other grouping of which it is a part while considering to conduct a same-sex marriage ceremony.”

God’s love

“Quite simply put, this overture is not biblical and we see the scriptures, old and new, that point to God’s teaching on marriage and human sexuality.

“We are called to love everyone as Christ commanded us, we are to demonstrate God’s love to the world so they might recognise something different in us but that does not mean we have to conform to the ways of society or the world.”

“God has called us as his followers to be bold and make a stand for what is right in his eyes,” he added.

“If we choose to turn our back on scripture how can we stand up and say we are ministers of God’s church if we then change what God says?”

Church together

“We have always lived with differences and we always will, no one in this General Assembly hall is the same as you and no one thinks the same as you and maybe we should thank God for that,” she said.

“But we are the Church together and if you look to your right, to your left, look in front of you and look behind you, hopefully what you can see is simply a reflection of Christ – we are the Church together.

“Jesus said we should be seen by our love for one another.

“It is time to day I do respect the choice of ministers to choose, I do respect the faith and desire of members and ministers to say I do and be married in their church in a way that most of us have been able to do throughout the whole of our lives and take for granted.”

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