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American Stars Set To Perform For Free At Colvend

AMERICAN STARS SET TO PERFORM FOR FREE AT COLVEND

American singer-songwriters David Starr and Erik Stucky are set to bring their acclaimed Americana sounds to The Crab Pot, Colvend (DG5 4NU) for a special FREE live performance on Wednesday, 30th July 2025.

The event promises an intimate evening of exceptional music – and entry is completely free.

With a voice described as “timeless” and songwriting that weaves emotion and storytelling into every note, David Starr has carved out a respected place in the Americana and roots music scene. Hailing from Arkansas and now based in Colorado, Starr’s career has spanned decades and continents, with multiple studio albums and collaborations under his belt. His music draws comparisons to Jackson Browne and James Taylor, while maintaining a distinct voice all his own.

Joining him on stage is rising talent Erik Stucky, whose fresh blend of folk-pop and country influences has quickly gained attention. Known for his smooth vocals, infectious melodies, and skilled mandolin and guitar work, Stucky’s performances exude energy and authenticity. His most recent album has garnered praise for its heartfelt lyricism and upbeat feel.

This is a rare opportunity for music lovers in Dumfries and Galloway to catch two outstanding artists in a cozy, coastal setting. The Crab Pot, located in the picturesque village of Colvend, offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere – the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night of live music.

Event Details:

What: Live Music – David Starr & Erik Stucky

When: Wednesday, 30th July 2025

Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM | Music from 7:30 PM

Where: The Crab Pot, Colvend, DG5 4NU

Entry: Free

Whether you’re a long-time fan or simply curious to experience some world-class musicianship, come along for a night of soul-stirring songs, warm company, and coastal charm.

 

Hot Desking Hub brings Business Boost for Dumfries

Hot-Desking Hub brings business boost for Dumfries
  • Midsteeple Quarter and CodeBase join forces with space in The Standard  to help empower entrepreneurs and fuel the creation of new technology businesses
  • Scottish Government Minister says collaboration will create ‘affordable, dedicated working space for entrepreneurs in town and wider region’

A new partnership has been forged to encourage enterprise, collaboration and more people to work in Dumfries High Street, supporting the creation of more tech startups in the town and region.

Midsteeple Quarter has joined forces with CodeBase to launch an enterprise incubation hub in its flagship community-owned building, The Standard.  Techscaler is the Scottish Government’s startup support programme run by CodeBase which supports more than 1,000 startups across the country, who have collectively raised in excess of £100 million in investment over the last two years.

This will see part of The Standard’s first floor operating as an affordable hot-desking space where people including start-up entrepreneurs, remote workers and those who might otherwise be based at home – including tech and creative sector workers – can hot-desk.  Entrepreneurs will also be able to access multiple programmes, courses, and events run through Techscaler.

Desks will be available to hire for half and full-days. Bookings are now open – from 9.30am until 5pm, Monday to Friday – with interest in using the space already high.

Jakob Kaye, Midsteeple Quarter’s enterprise manager, said: “Hot-desking and coworking spaces have the power to unlock so much potential, not just in forging connections which encourage creativity and collaboration, but as a means by which we can attract more people to come into the town centre to work.
“We very much see our enterprise innovation hub as being the catalyst for other benefits, which will ultimately enhance our community and benefit local businesses, whether they be those who use our space or in other indirect ways.
“We are pleased to be partnering with CodeBase on this, opening up Midsteeple Quarter to its network and creating affordable and flexible opportunities for them in Dumfries town centre. Together, we can all thrive.”

CodeBase works to help startup tech entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth to support a healthier, wealthier and more sustainable society.

Its Techscaler programme aims to create, develop and scale-up tech start-ups, many of which benefit from the atmosphere and connections that can be made through coworking and collaboration.

Sarah-Jane Burns, Head of Regional Partnerships at CodeBase, said: “Partnering with Midsteeple Quarter is a tremendous opportunity for us to grow our work in Dumfries and throughout the whole region. There is so much potential locally to develop this into a thriving town centre hub
“Creating tech and creative communities – mostly out spaces such as this – is something we’ve been doing for the past 10 years. Providing space is a way in which people can come together, connect with one another. It becomes a hub – a market square – for an exchange of ideas and innovation.”

As well as supporting Techscaler, the Scottish Government was also a major funder in the transformation of The Standard.

Business and Employment Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland has some of the brightest business minds in the world and it is imperative they are helped to succeed and flourish. As part of this, it is important that we break down the barriers that business founders can be faced with.
“This collaboration will create affordable, dedicated working space for entrepreneurs in the town and wider region – and also provide them with additional opportunities to access the Techscaler programme. I look forward to this partnership giving current and future start-ups across Dumfries and Galloway renewed confidence and ever more opportunities to develop their business propositions.”

 

To book a desk in The Standard, please email [email protected].

Anyone interested in finding out more about spaces generally at The Standard – including its High Street-facing reception area and its main hall – can contact Jakob on the same email address.

Stranraer Welcomes SkiffieWorlds 2025 with High Winds

SkiffieWorlds 2025
Credit - Kirstin McEwan

Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway is hosting the largest gathering of St Ayles coastal rowing boats in history, with a record-breaking 79 clubs competing.  The  opening ceremony of the World Championship of St Ayles class of coastal rowing – SkiffieWorlds 2025 kicked it all of in Stranraer, Scotland Sunday 6th July. 

The coastal rowing event takes place from 6-12 July with 2,000 rowers competing with teams travelling from as far as Australia, USA, Canada, and South Africa, alongside several teams from the Netherlands and a strong contingent from across the UK and Ireland.

Image credit – Colin Tennant

 

ROWING UPDATE:

 

Gusty northerly wind has resulted in rowing at SkiffieWorlds 2025 being cancelled today (Monday 7 July) with all races rescheduled till later in the week.

 

The world championship coastal rowing event takes place on Loch Ryan, Stranraer.

 

The 8 mile long sea loch is famously sheltered from most wind directions, with the exception of northerly wind, which has affected rowing today.

 

Northerly wind blows directly down the loch, making it difficult for the St Ayles coastal rowing boats to launch off the beach.

 

Topher Dawson of Scottish Coastal Rowing, one of the Chief Umpires of SkiffieWorlds 2025, said:

“We are obviously very disappointed to miss today’s scheduled racing, but safety comes first and we are rescheduling all the categories of racing across the rest of the week when the weather forecast is excellent.
“This is the biggest ever skiff event, and due to the size of it, rearranging the schedule is like a gigantic three dimensional jigsaw puzzle so that people don’t have to race too many times in one day.
“Accepting that the weather is unpredictable is part of coastal rowing, and you just have to take it as it comes.
“The atmosphere at SkiffieWorlds remains really positive, everyone is happy to enjoy the sunshine and to meet fellow rowers from different countries, it’s like being amongst 2,000 friends.”

Wheatley Named UK’s Biggest Builder Of Social Rented Homes

Wheatley Group has once again been named the UK’s largest builder of social rented homes.

Scotland’s leading housing, care and property-management group topped Inside Housing magazine’s annual survey of new-build activity across the UK.

Wheatley delivered more social rent homes than any other housing provider in the UK in 2024-25, building 563 homes for social rent in the last year.

In addition, Wheatley also completed 281 homes for mid-market rent, for households with a gross annual income of up to £46,000 and who have no priority for social housing but cannot afford to buy their own home.

Steven Henderson, Wheatley Group Chief Executive, said: “Being named the UK’s biggest builder of homes for social rent once again is a real badge of honour and reflects Wheatley’s strong commitment to tackling the housing crisis.
“Over the past decade, we’ve built more energy-efficient homes for social rent than any other organisation in the UK, transforming communities and giving thousands of families a safe place they’re proud to call home.
“However, we won’t stop here. By working closely with the Scottish Government and our local authority partners, we are already on track to deliver nearly 700 social and mid-market homes in this coming financial year.”

Wheatley also saw a sharp rise in the overall delivery of new flats and houses, with 844 homes completed in 2024-25 – up 142% on the previous year.

Wheatley’s new-build programme is delivered by its Registered Social Landlords – Wheatley Homes Glasgow, Wheatley Homes East, Wheatley Homes South and Loretto Housing – with support from government and local partners.

Discover Burns’ Dumfries with Free Guided Tours

Each tour starts at 6:00pm from the fountain near Boots in the town centre and lasts around 90 minutes.

12 July – 30 August 2025 | Saturdays at 6:00pm

A series of free walking tours will run in Dumfries every Saturday from 12 July to 30 August, offering the chance to explore the town’s historic connections to Robert Burns.

Organised by Dumfries and Galloway Council (Arts and Museums), each tour starts at 6:00pm from the fountain near Boots in the town centre and lasts around 90 minutes.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour follows key locations linked to the poet’s final years. These include sites where Burns lived, worked, and socialised, with the route ending at the Burns Mausoleum.

The tours provide an opportunity to discover more about the daily life of Scotland’s national bard and the role Dumfries played in his story.

No booking is needed – just turn up and take part. Suitable clothing and footwear are recommended, as the walk covers a variety of town centre locations.

More Info Here

Kirkcudbright Country Fair Returns this July with Spectacular Family Entertainment

Kirkcudbright Country Fair is back on the 19th & 20th of July, promising a fun-packed family weekend at The Carse, just outside Kirkcudbright. This year’s event features a thrilling line-up of arena performances, hands-on children’s activities, artisan stalls, arts & crafts tent and local food and drink – all set in a relaxed countryside setting with loads of free children’s entertainment.

Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities are preparing to host another weekend of fantastic family entertainment. Visitors will be treated to a packed schedule of performances in the main arena throughout the weekend from headline acts including the adrenalin filled Vander Superheroes Space Wheel Show, where the Vander team run, skip, juggle and even go blindfold on the outside of a 15 metre high rotating ‘Wheel of Death’. This brilliant, crowd pulling show has performed all over the world, from Glastonbury to the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix. The Vander Superheroes will be performing two shows each day over the weekend.

Also returning are the Drakes of Hazard, a unique and humorous sheepdog and duck display. Watch as skilled handlers and their clever dogs guide a team of Indian Runner Ducks through a delightful obstacle course. The STARS Dog Agility Display Team, based at Barstobrick, will also wow the crowd with their high-speed, precision performances.

Beyond the arena, families can enjoy a huge selection of free children’s entertainment. From giant inflatables, a helter-skelter and play centre, to craft activities, face painting and live performances from Daffy Dill and her Giant Bubbles, and Franc Karpo the Magician – there’s something for everyone.

Visitors can explore large food and drink marquees featuring local producers, alongside a wide range of craft stalls, and a fully stocked beer tent for adults.

John Blaikie, Convenor of the Country Fair, said:

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming the Vander Superheroes back this year – their show was a real highlight last time. We’re also proud that the Country Fair offers so much children’s entertainment within the ticket price. We know how expensive events like this can be for families, so we’ve made it possible for kids to bounce, slide, play and be entertained all day, without paying extra per ride.” Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Kirkcudbright Country Fair is the perfect way to spend a summer weekend in Dumfries & Galloway.

For more information visit socials:
https://www.facebook.com/summerfestivities
https://www.instagram.com/kbtfestivities

Photographers Gather at Shambellie House for Weekend of Reflection, Learning and Inspiration

“We have to learn to breathe in before we attempt to sing out.”

These words from photographer Sean Tucker perfectly capture the spirit of the Photographers of Shambellie House 2025 Photography Convention. Held within the tranquil surroundings of Shambellie House, this gathering invited participants to pause, reflect and reconnect with the joy and meaning in their photography.

With our guiding motto at Shambellie being Relax, Learn, Enjoy, this experience offered a day that celebrated inspiration, community and personal growth. From powerful talks to taster workshops, every moment was designed to encourage thoughtful exploration and shared enthusiasm.

What We Offered:

After a Private View of the Rural Life exhibition on Friday evening with around 50 people in attendance, over 75 guests arrived early the next day for the Photography Convention, a day packed with:

· Inspirational talks from leading photographers

· A superb lunch alongside lively conversation

· A choice of talks from local speakers

For those who wanted to fill up their whole weekend, we offered a day of taster workshops on Sunday, giving people a chance to experience a guided photo-walk around the beautiful village of New Abbey or enjoy an introduction to cyanotypes inspired by our natural setting.

Delegates Relax

People came from near and far, travelling from London, Penicuik, Lanarkshire, Fife, Troon, Aberdeenshire and across Dumfries and Galloway. There was a brilliant turnout from young people, now eager to grow a photography collective with support from Shambellie House.

The Speakers:

· Emily Endean – Outdoor photographer known for chasing light and capturing soulful imagery in nature

· Sean Tucker – Filmmaker, speaker and author, sharing insights on visual storytelling and personal development

· Jean Robson – Local speaker exploring photographic projects from Scotland to the ends of the Earth

· John McKenna – Advocating personal projects as a key to artistic growth · Judith Hewitt – Celebrating Dr Werner Kissling’s legacy and Dumfries’ ethnographic photography heritage

The whole event was sponsored by local business Kilnford Farm Shop.

Looking Ahead:

Next year our exhibition theme is “Overlooked” which speaks to places and people too often missed. The Photographers of Shambellie House have taken a breath and are ready to “sing out”. We can’t wait to support and grow our tribe of image-makers throughout the next year, leading to another impactful event in 2026 to inspire even more people on their photographic journey.

Our diverse community – from enthusiastic photographers in primary schools and inspired young adults, to the ‘New Scot’s’ we have welcomed and the seasoned professionals who support us – they will all help shape the vision for 2026.

The Impact:

The entire weekend was a celebration, not just of photography but of Dumfries and Galloway as a generous, welcoming destination.

Quotes

“Truly inspiring.”

“Super to see so many young people involved.”

“Beautiful venue and delicious food.”

“A rare and exciting blend of energy, passion and generational diversity.” “Very beautiful venue, brilliant service and food was delicious.” “Thought provoking.”

“Incredible show of energy, passion for photography and opportunity to learn and be inspired.” “Dumfries and Galloway is a home to so many wonderful artists and creators who have moved before us…celebrating that at Shambellie this weekend was wonderful.” “It’s encouraging to see such a good demographic spread with young and old present. It’s rare and I think you’re on to something.”

Davidson all-round performance for Dumfries – Cricket News

Western Premiership One produced an enthralling match at Nunholm on Saturday as Dumfries took on league leaders Clydesdale from Glasgow. In a rain reduced 30-over game, Dumfries set a total of 122 all out but that was after the Vigilant Security Player of the Match Alan Davidson, with 40 opening, and Adam Malik, with 20, had got the side to the promising position of 62 for 1. Spinner Zeeshan Bashir did the damage with four wickets.

Then an impressive display by opening bowlers James Hobman and Alan Davidson had the visitors in trouble at 24 for 3 by the tenth over. Hobman was also as impressive in the field as his two excellent catches helped to make it 6 wickets down for 62. However, it took a sixty-run seventh wicket partnership to get the visitors over the line for a four-wicket win with Dumfries left regretting opportunities missed.

In Western Championship 2, the toss provided significant as league leaders Dumfries 2nd XI, Nunholm, were put in to bat at Woodfarm on a soft wicket. On a day when only two batters reached double figures, Nunholm struggled to 61 all out with number ten, John Woodhouse, the top scorer with 12 not out.

A run-a-ball 24 from the Woodfarm opener then set the course of the match. Nunholm made it difficult with youngster Finley Trigg, the Lochthorn Medical Player of the Match, taking 3 wickets, and Trevor Newport with 2, combining to give Nunholm hope. However, it finished as a four-wicket loss to inflict the first league defeat upon the side.

On Sunday, the combined Watsonian/Dumfries Women’s side defeated East Kilbride in Edinburgh to claim the Scottish Women’s Premier League title after winning all their matches to become only the third team to win the trophy.

Also on Sunday, at Langholm, Dumfries managed two wins out of two over the home side and Galloway in a T20 tri-tournament. Wahid Jabarkhil starred with the bat reaching an aggregate 100 runs not out after two retirals at fifty. Jasmine McCulloch was the team’s top wicket taker with two wickets in each game.

Former Dumfries club junior Chris McBride is selected for Scotland Men this week for a World Cup Qualification tournament in the Netherlands as Scotland seek to qualify for the T20 World Cup Finals.

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

—

Photo: Alan Davidson was the Player of the Match for Dumfries

A Community-Driven Vision for Education and Learning in the Glenkens and rural Scotland

A Community-Driven Vision for Education and Learning in the Glenkens and rural Scotland

Over the past 18 months, significant work has been undertaken within the Glenkens to explore the future of education and learning in the area. This work, led by the Community Action Plan Steering Group and supported by the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT), has reaffirmed what previous commissioned research has shown: a strong educational provision is vital to supporting thriving rural communities and sustaining population levels.

Education plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining working-age families – a key priority for the future of the Glenkens and indeed all rural communities. In light of this, the community is clear that the Glenkens needs:
•
A sustainable and stable statutory educational provision, from Nursery to senior years. This will attract working-age families into the area and give our young people the best possible start in life.
•
A Post-16 Glenkens Education Hub, focused on equipping people with the skills needed to live and work locally and therefore supporting economic sustainability and resilience.
A Report is published today which sets out five key areas of focus that could make a real and tangible difference to the future of rural communities across Scotland.

1.
The overall economic and financial impact on communities needs to be properly considered by decision makers when considering school closure and mothballing proposals.
2.
Given the high percentage of rural schools, why are they not given more prominence in policy development and teacher training. We propose a rethink on how the national strategy relates to rural schools.
3.
We need national policies and funding that actively support warm words about repopulating our rural areas.
4.
A better decision-making process around school sustainability could lead to longer-term and better supported discussions, removing the heavy personal pressure on current parents.
5.
Ambitious plans like the Glenkens Education Hub need regional or national funding and community planning partners’ support to take the idea from a concept to a deliverable plan without an over-reliance on volunteers.

 

As constrained under current urban-centric national funding models, it remains challenging for local authorities to fully support these kinds of community-driven, rural-focused initiatives

All relevant parties therefore need to work together if we want to achieve this change. The CAP Steering Group is calling on key stakeholders to take the following meaningful steps in support of their rural communities:
•
To political parties: Turn expressions of support for rural communities and economies into concrete commitments and actionable policies in upcoming manifestos.
•
To Dumfries and Galloway Council: Continue working in partnership with local communities and businesses to co-develop innovative solutions to the challenges.
•
To economic development agencies: Actively consider how local economies and education and training can play a central role in re-population strategies and support the long-term vitality of rural areas.

The Report is published here: https://glenkens.scot/reports-resources-archive/education-and-learning-in-the-glenkens

Penpont and Thornhill path project secures funding for final phase

Penpont and Thornhill path

Keir, Penpont and Tynron Development Trust (KPTDT) is delighted to confirm that the active travel path linking the two Nithsdale villages of Penpont and Thornhill is set for completion.

Funding to complete the final off-road link to Thornhill has been confirmed by Dumfries and Galloway Council, with £75,000 from the council’s Transport asset class budget and a further £878,000 allocated from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund, which supports projects in the region aiming to make greener transport accessible to residents and visitors.

Once the path is completed in spring 2026, it will provide more opportunities for local residents and visitors to walk, wheel or cycle instead of driving some journeys, leading to improved health and wellbeing as well as air quality for the community.

The path has been created and constructed by Keir, Penpont and Tynron Development Trust (KPTDT) as a multi-stage project involving a variety of funding sources.

With support from regional transport partnership SWestrans, the community group received funding from Sustrans’ Places for Everyone fund to deliver the first phase of the project linking Penpont to the Drumlanrig access road. SWestrans provided further funding through Transport Scotland’s Tier 2 Active Travel Infrastructure Fund to complete a further section, between Drumlanrig Road and Nith Bridge which was completed in April 2025.

KPTDT Chair Maureen Halkett said: “We are so pleased that the end of the construction of the Penpont to Thornhill active travel path is in sight.
“The first stages of the path are in constant use by dog walkers, joggers, wheelers and some cycle commuters going to Thornhill, as it replaces much of the on-road route, making the journey much safer and enjoyable.
“I’d like to thank Dumfries and Galloway Council, SWestrans, Transport Scotland, the UK Government, Places for Everyone (Sustrans), Annandale, Nithsdale Community

Benefit Company Ltd, Buccleuch Estates Ltd, Marchbank Bros and Transport Planning and Engineering for making this possible.

 

Keir, Penpont and Tynron Development Trust (KPTDT) was formed in 2018 with the aim of taking forward key projects identified by an earlier study conducted in the three communities. KPTDT is run by a board of volunteer directors, a Development Officer and a Finance and Admin Officer who work with local people and other stakeholders to develop and improve the area through several focused projects. For more information on KPTDT: [email protected] or 01848 331435. www.kptdevelopmenttrust.org

SWestrans is one of seven Regional Transport Partnerships in Scotland. It covers an area within the boundaries of Dumfries and Galloway Council.

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