28 10 430 https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/9/584/CYDI-logo.jpg a808f6cc3737368e29b9df0556623ee1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Can You Dig It logo Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Can You Dig It? Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Description An account of the resource The ‘Can You Dig It’ Community Archaeology Programme was a four year Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership project, providing engaging and educational archaeology activities, which ranged from community digs and community driven research projects, to dual-language archaeology inspired poetry. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Can You Dig It logo Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_124 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 GGLP https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/3/585/Kirkcudbright-Bay-View-Paths_web-2020.pdf 506aa965b98ed0c914fb48d6ba251aaa Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Kirkcudbright Bay Paths – A Walking Guide Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Reports Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document KIRKCUDBRIGHT BAY PATHS SCOTLAND’S SOUTHERN COAST Take Care Enjoy your visit to the coast but remember to be careful. Scottish weather can be unpredictable. Check weather forecasts and take appropriate clothing and footwear. Scottish coasts can be rugged and remote, so tell a family member or friend where you are going and when you expect to be back. The Solway coast has one of the biggest tidal ranges in the world. Remember to check tide times to avoid getting stranded on the sandflats or tidal bays. The coast is bursting with life so try to avoid disturbing wildlife, particularly shorenesting birds in spring. The coast is beautiful. Take your litter home with you to keep it that way. Wreck of the Monreith 2 Kirkcudbright marina Where the Dee Meets the Sea The tidal estuary of Kirkcudbright Bay is a perfect place to explore a varied shoreline of rocky headlands, sandy bays, pebble beaches and cliffs with caves that will inspire your imagination. This guide describes three walks that will introduce the magical countryside of Kirkcudbright Bay, where you can stand in the shade of a woodland and hear the call of the curlew or feel a sea breeze while exploring an old graveyard. Where a river meets the sea is a dynamic place with the rhythm of tides and seasons making every visit a delight. Whether you want a gentle amble around St Mary’s Isle, a stroll to enjoy clifftop views from Torrs Point or a more demanding ramble through the undulating woodland on the Senwick shore, this guide helps you discover a landscape steeped in history where there are many tales to tell. This guide is a good introduction to Kirkcudbright Bay, but do ask people who know the area for the best places to visit or get Ordnance Survey Explorer 312 map and plan your own adventure as well. 3 START: Car park Harbour Square, Kirkcudbright OS GRID REF: NX 683510 WHAT3WORDS: palettes.proceeds.care SIGN POSTED AS: St Mary’s Isle core path number 151 RATING: Family Adventurers Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2019 4 Old boathouse slipway St Mary’s Isle Walk 4.5 miles Grade: Easy This is circular walk around the edge of St Mary’s Isle on pavements, tracks and beaten earth paths. Start at the Harbour Square car park and walk up St Cuthbert Street to the cross road with St Mary’s Street and turn right. Pass Kirkcudbright Art Gallery on the left (where there are many fine paintings of Kirkcudbright Bay) and the Stewartry Museum on the right (where you can discover more about the area). At the junction with Castledykes Road, branch onto a tree lined drive through a gateway between the two roads. Follow the track until you see a footpath on the right where the track bends to the left. The footpath, known as Sailor’s Walk, follows the shoreline where the River Dee meets the sea. The name St Mary’s Isle is misleading because it is not an island but a narrow peninsular jutting out into Kirkcudbright Bay, named after the 12th century Augustinian Priory dedicated to St Mary. No remains of the priory can be seen today but the place name Great Cross is believed to mark the location of the main entrance to St Mary’s Priory. 5 St Mary's Isle walk St Mary’s Isle became the seat of the Earl of Selkirk who built “The Isle” mansion on the site of the priory and established gardens, once considered to be “one of the loveliest spots in Scotland”. The mansion house was demolished and replaced with another in 1897 which was lost to fire in the winter of 1940. The gardens fell into disuse but clumps of rhododendron and bamboo are garden escapees that are remains of exotic planting. Other reminders of past uses include the remains of a jetty at Slate Harbour and a ruined boathouse and slipway on the shore. The path continues to the Point of the Isle where there is a small island known as the Inch - derived from Inis meaning island in Gaelic. From here there are views through the trees into Kirkcudbright Bay framed by wooded shores, with Little Ross island and lighthouse guarding the mouth of the estuary. Now returning to Kirkcudbright, the bay on your right is known as Manxman’s Lake, where in the days of sail the intertidal flats were often busy with vessels loading or unloading in the few hours before the tide came in and they re-floated. The name may simply refer to traders from the Isle of Man who used the area as a port, or it could refer to an event in 1507 when the Earl of Derby and a large fleet from the Isle of Man attacked and devastated Kirkcudbright. 6 Rocks on the shore are known as John Paul Jones’s Point and refer to the memory of a remarkable event in the history of St Mary’s Isle. John Paul Jones was born in Galloway and became a sailor on merchant ships but events led him to join the fledgling United States Navy during the American revolution. In 1778, as the commander of the USS Ranger, he planned an unsuccessful assault on Whitehaven. He next sailed to Kirkcudbright Bay with a plan to capture the Earl of Selkirk to hold him to ransom in exchange for American sailors. The plan was thwarted because the Earl was away. The crew took the family silver instead but it appears John Paul Jones later returned it to the family with a letter of apology. John Paul Jones later had a valiant role in a battle off Flamborough Head and is remembered today as an American Naval Hero. At a T junction, turn right onto a track, still keeping the shore line on the right, and continue past a field with metal estate fencing. Turn right at the next T junction and follow the signposted track alongside another field to reach the road and then turn left to return to Kirkcudbright town centre. John Paul Jones’s Point 7 START: Car Park Doon Beach OS GRID REF: NX 657487 WHAT3WORDS: hazelnuts.tooth.dote SIGN POSTED AS: Millhall to Ross Bay core path number 220 RATING: Family Adventurers Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2019 8 Wreck of the Monreith Senwick Shore Walk 4 miles Grade: Moderate This linear coastal walk to Senwick old church and back involves a short length of road verge and quiet road followed by a beaten earth path with some steep sections and a few narrow burns to cross. This woodland walk is particularly enjoyable in the morning when the sun glints on the waters of Kirkcudbright Bay. Alternative longer routes link the path to Brighouse Bay (5 miles) or add a cliff top walk round Miekle Ross (7 miles). Start at the car park at the popular beach known locally as the Doon on the west side of the bay, approximately 3 miles south of Kirkcudbright. The beach is shown as Nun Mill Bay on many maps but the ‘unofficial’ name is derived from the nearby Doon Hill where there are the earthworks of an ancient fort hidden in the woodland. The Doon has a number of small sheltered sandy beaches between rocky outcrops and at low tide the wreck of the Monreith can be seen lying in the sands where it came to rest over 100 years ago. Beware if you visit the wreck because there are sometimes patches of sinking sands! 9 The Doon From the car park, walk up the hill for a short distance on the road verge and take a left turn into Mill Hall. Follow the road round to the left where it becomes a dead-end and the path is signposted between numbers 3 and 4 Mill Hall. The beaten earth path meanders through the wooded coast with views down into Kirkcudbright Bay. Lines of boulders are all that remains of ancient fish traps at Goatwell Bay and the evocatively named Devil’s Thrashing Floor where a nearby short spur path leads to a point where you can view the rugged coast. The place name Senwick is Old Norse meaning Sandy Bay, and although the original name may have referred to a number of sandy bays in the area, the small bay named Senwick Bay has a sandy shore that is revealed at low tide. Hidden in the low cliffs is a small cave known as Carlin’s Cove. Local tradition tells us that in the 1680s this cave was used as a refuge by a covenanter avoiding persecution by troops during the ‘killing times’. 10 Speckled wood In the spring the woods are full of bluebells and wild garlic. If you are lucky you may see the secretive red squirrels in the treetops. In the summer the woods are noted for the speckled wood butterfly you can see in sunny glades. At low tide Frenchman’s Rock is revealed in the bay. These rocks are believed to have been named when French smugglers raided Senwick Church and stole the silverware. As the smugglers sailed away a storm began to brew and their ship was dashed to pieces on the rocks. They all perished and the silver was lost forever. At the end of the path you arrive at the secluded Old Senwick Church. It was abandoned in 1618 when the parish was united with Borgue, and although little is left of the old church, the graveyard continued to be used. In 1830 John McTaggart, author, poet and engineer, was buried in a family plot marked by a table stone. He was the author of the delightfully eccentric Scottish Gallovidian Encyclopedia which is a valuable source for local tales, terms and sayings. A reminder of the maritime location of the graveyard is the headstone of Robert Watson, lighthouse keeper on Little Ross, who drowned while returning in a small boat with provisions from Kirkcudbright. There are paths which continue round the coast to Meikle Ross and Brighouse Bay but the graveyard is a convenient stopping point where you can retrace your steps back to the car park at the Doon. Old Senwick graveyard 11 START: Car park Harbour Square, Kirkcudbright OS GRID REF: NX 683510 WHAT3WORDS: palettes.proceeds.care SIGN POSTED AS: Torrs Point core path number 157 RATING: Family Adventurers Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2019 12 Torrs Point Torrs Point Walk 9 miles Grade: Easy This is a linear walk along pavements on the east side of Kirkcudbright Bay with a loop out to Torrs Point along tracks and footpath and a cliff top, returning through farmland and a minor road. An alternative shorter walk of 5 miles starts at a layby on the minor road south of Mutehill where there is limited parking available at NX682476. Please do not park on the track branching off the road. It is a private road and access is required at all time for emergency vehicles to reach the Lifeboat Station. Start at the Harbour Square car park and walk up St Cuthbert Street to the cross road with St Mary’s Street, turn right onto the A711 and follow the road out of town towards Dundrennan. Hugging the east side of Kirkcudbright Bay, the body of water first seen is known as Manxman’s Lake, a bay separated from the course of the River Dee by the promontory called St Mary’s Isle. The large tidal range reveals mud and sand at low tide and the intertidal flats of Manxman’s Lake were firm enough for ships to be beached and loaded or unloaded before they re-floated when the tide came in. 13 Northern brown argus At low tide the shimmering mud looks green because it is covered by a underwater meadow of seagrass. Seagrass, also known as eelgrass, is a unique plant that flowers underwater and is a rare habitat, as well as an important food source for ducks, geese and swans. When the A711 turns inland, continue along the minor road along the shore past the layby where there is limited parking for those who prefer a shorter walk. Take a right turn onto a track that continues past a group of houses and through the kissing gate into woodland, which in the summer is a favourite haunt of the speckled wood butterfly. Continue along the track until you reach the life boat station and slipway which was constructed in 1892 to replace the first lifeboat station located in Kirkcudbright. Despite the longer journey for the crew to reach the lifeboat, the new location greatly reduced the time taken to get the boat out onto the open sea. From the lifeboat station a crushed stone path continues through the deciduous woodland passing Bathing House Bay, known locally as Lady’s Bay, where a sandy beach is revealed at low tide. As you continue along the path you will see Kirkcudbright Bay open out and catch glimpses of Little Ross island and the lighthouse. Lifeboat station 14 Gaugers Loup The path narrows as it rises out of the woodland and you go through a kissing gate onto open fields. Turn right and follow the edge of the field to go through another kissing gate. Take care as you access the narrow path along the edge of the cliff. In the summer, the cliff tops are covered with flowers, especially the harebell, and on a still day you may see a rare northern brown argus butterfly with distinctive little white spots on chocolate coloured wings. At Torrs Point you will have a wonderful view of the mouth of Kirkcudbright Bay, Little Ross island and the hill of Miekle Ross behind. Follow the cliff top with care, the dramatic drop is called Gaugers Loup and is the supposed location that the customs man was pushed to his death in the novel, Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott. When you reach the white army lookout post at the entrance to the MOD Dundrennan Range, do not go through the gate but turn left and follow an indistinct path inland until you reach a farm track where you turn left and continue through the gate. Follow the track through farmland, past a small loch, and on to a gate at a minor road. Turn left and walk past Torrs Farm and down the hill to the coast. Follow the road back to your starting point. Harebells 15 DESIGNED BY FINDLAY DESIGN Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2019 This guide has been produced as part of the Solway Firth Partnership Kirkcudbright Bay Views Project supported by The Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership. The Galloway Glens is a suite of projects being undertaken up and down the Ken/Dee Valley, between 2018 and 2023, connecting people to their heritage, driving economic activity and supporting sustainable communities. The Galloway Glens is primarily funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is supported by a range of partners including Dumfries & Galloway Council and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Kirkcudbright Bay Paths – A Walking Guide Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_125 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 access GGLP https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/3/586/Tales-from-Kirkcudbright-bay-booklet.pdf 71626bc6ce1acb11bd6faef07b5f03a7 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Tales from Kirkcudbright Bay Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Reports Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Tales from Kirkcudbright Bay Where Every Place Tells a Story Kirkcudbright Bay This guide is an introduction to some of the stories inspired by people and places in Kirkcudbright Bay. It is the tidal estuary of the River Dee and is a perfect place to explore a varied shoreline of rocky headlands, sandy bays, pebble beaches and cliffs with caves that will inspire your imagination. Explore the seashore and discover the dramatic seascape but remember to take care on the coast. A walking guide, Kirkcudbright Bay Walks, is also available and describes three routes to access the magical countryside where you can stand in the shade of a woodland and hear the call of the curlew or feel a sea breeze while exploring an old graveyard. Ask people who know the area where the good places are to visit or get a detailed Ordnance Survey map and look up tide timetables to plan your own adventure. Bay Tales Places are made from stories and by retelling the story of a place its meaning is brought to life. All names begin by describing a place to other people, as a way of helping us find our way in the world. With one or two words they tell a story that provides clues about the history of our coast and reveal what people considered noteworthy. A name can help to identify places of archaeological importance or landmarks that are the setting for folk tales or works of fiction. Some names have existed for hundreds of years, while others are a modern phenomenon, but they all tell a story. Take TAKECare CARE Enjoy your visit to the coast, but always remember to be careful. Scottish weather can be unpredictable. Check weather forecasts and take appropriate clothing and footwear. The coast can be rugged and remote, so tell a family member or friend where you are going and when you expect to be back. The Solway has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world. Remember to check the tide times to avoid becoming stranded on the vast sand-flats or in tidal bays. The coast is bursting with life so try to avoid disturbing wildlife, particularly shore-nesting birds in spring. The coast is beautiful and to keep it that way please take your litter home with you. Richardson’s Rock A local story tells us of the day when Janet Richardson went to the shore to collect mussels at low tide. Preoccupied in her task, she did not notice the incoming tide and was stranded on a rocky island. Surrounded by the sea, she pulled up her skirt and plunged into the water. Luckily, her clothes acted as a buoyancy aid and finding herself floating in the sea, she was washed ashore by strong currents to Milton Sands, near the beach at The Doon. From that day onwards the rocks became known as Richardson’s Rocks. O.S. map location: Rocks in the sound of Little Ross NX655432 1 Madras Cottages 2 The barque Madras arrived at Whitehaven in January 1884 with a cargo of timber from America. While waiting for a high tide at the harbour the winds became gale force and the captain decided to run for shelter in Kirkcudbright Bay. On entering the bay she struck the sand bar and began to break up. Three fishermen put to sea in a small boat and rescued the crew. The cottages next to Harbour Cottage Art Gallery were rebuilt by Lord Selkirk after the incident and are believed to have been rented to the brave fishermen at a nominal rent. For many years they were known as Madras Cottages. O.S. map location: Cottages in Kirkcudbright NX681510 Senwick Church Yard Senwick, derived from the Norse meaning Sand Bay, was a parish until it was united with the parish of Borgue in 1670. The ruins of the old parish church are situated within a graveyard and the burial vault of the ‘Blairs of Dundrod’ still stands. The manse ruins are located between the graveyard and the shore. The headstone of Robert Watson marks the grave of a drowned lighthouse keeper from Little Ross. He had gone to Kirkcudbright to buy stores and commissioned a local fisherman and his son to take him and the supplies back to Little Ross. It is not known what went wrong but the next day the bodies were discovered washed up on the shore. O.S. map location: Senwick Church remains NX655460 3 Frenchman’s Rock 4 A local tradition tells us that Senwick Church was once plundered by French pirates. They stole the silver plate from the altar but they paid with their lives as they made their escape. The heavens, as if watching over this act, stirred up the winds and waves and the ship was wrecked on the rocks. Frenchman’s Rock is named after this memorable event but the silver was never recovered. It is also said that one foggy night the rock was bombarded by local soldiers in the mistaken belief that it was John Paul Jones’s ship on a raid to Kirkcudbright. O.S. map location: Frenchman’s Rock NX660463 Carlin’s Cove A local tale tells us that the tiny cave in Senwick Bay known as Carlin’s Cove was a hiding place for a Covenanter called Dixon during the religious persecutions of the killing times. The cave is very small and it seems unlikely that it was a good hiding place, however recent research has revealed that there is some truth in the story. Archive records of a court case in 1684 identifies Mareon McKie from nearby Over Senwick (now Upper Senwick) as being accused of helping a fugitive named John Richardson, his surname being shortened to Dixon in the collective memory. O.S. map location: Senwick Bay NX657471 5 Devil’s Thrashing Floor 6 Also known as the Devil’s Threshing Floor it is recorded in the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey name book as being a rock at high tide but is generally believed to identify an area of mud flats where a ‘dog leg’ line of boulders reaches out towards the river channel. An 1802 plan of fish traps identifies the line of boulders as a stone fish yair (trap) and was probably in use for many hundreds of years. Perhaps the name is a reference to the fish thrashing in the trap when it is revealed at low tide. The map shows another ancient fish trap at Goat Well Bay where there is also line of boulders. O.S. map location: Devil’s Thrashing Floor NX659473 Monrieth Low tide reveals the ribs of the wrecked schooner named the Monreith. She was built at Port William in 1880 and owned by Alex Hill in Ireland. In November 1900 she was on passage from Newcastle, County Down to Silloth with a cargo of 100 tonnes of granite kerbstones and put into Kirkcudbright Bay to shelter from a storm. She struck the sand bar and was driven into Goat Well Bay on the Milton Sands. The crew escaped unharmed before the lifeboat reached them and they returned to Ireland with assistance from the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society. Every year a little more of the Monreith disappears. TAKE CARE the sand and mud can be treacherous next to the wreck! O.S. map location: Nun Mill Bay / The Doon NX658485 7 Clinking Haven 8 This small bay appears to be named after the clinking sound made by the stones on the shore when they are disturbed by waves. Beyond the bay is the Shoulder O’ Craig where remains of a volcanic vent has been identified by geologists. The vent was probably created by gases escaping from a volcano before it was filled by lava and shattered rocks. Evidence of the vent is provided by an outcrop of basalt containing shards of stone, a sharp contrast with the surrounding sedimentary beds of mudstones and sandstones known as greywacke. O.S. map location: Shoulder O’ Craig NX662490 Paul Jones’s Point John Paul Jones’s Point refers to the memory of a remarkable event in the history of St Mary’s Isle. Jones was born in Galloway and became a sailor on merchant ships before joining the fledgling United States Navy during the American revolution. In 1778 as commander of the Ranger he made an unsuccessful assault on Whitehaven so he sailed to Kirkcudbright Bay. A plan to capture the Earl of Selkirk and hold him to ransom failed because the Earl was away. The crew took the family silver instead although it appears Jones later returned it to the family with a letter of apology. He went on to have a valiant role in a battle off Flamborough Head in Yorkshire and is remembered today as an American Naval Hero. O.S. map location: Paul Jones’s Point NX673484 9 Lady’s Bay 10 Kirkcudbright lifeboat station and slipway was constructed in 1892 to replace the first lifeboat station located in the town. Despite the longer journey for the crew to reach the lifeboat, the new location ensured access to water even at low tide and greatly reduced the time taken to get the boat out onto the open sea. Beyond the lifeboat station a crushed stone path continues through the deciduous woodland passing Bathing House Bay. There is no sign of a bathing house today and the site is known locally as Lady’s Bay, perhaps because in the past it was a favourite place for the Lady of the estate to bathe. A sandy beach is revealed at low tide and the bay remains an ideal place for a dip. O.S. map location: Bathing House Bay NX673461 Witchwife Haven Halftide Rock is located at the mouth of the estuary and as the name implies is only exposed at half-tide. It provides a guide to the depth of water to sailors who need to approach Kirkcudbright when the tide is high. The sheltered bay of Witchwife Haven is no longer marked on maps and the reason it was named after a witch is not clear. Coastal stacks are sometimes called Witch Rocks and the stack next to the cliff within the bay may be the inspiration for the unusual name. The bay remains a haven for small boats waiting for the tides to change or sheltering from an unfavourable wind. O.S. map location: Halftide Rock NX672450 11 Flint Bay 12 Although this name does not appear on maps it is known by sailors as Flint Bay because of the large number of flints found only in this location. An explanation for this geological oddity (the nearest flints are found in Northern Ireland) lies in the tale of a wreck in January 1816. The sloop, Ellen and Agnes, laden with beef, hides and flint was lost here and the three crew members were drowned. All that remains of the wreck is a bay scattered with the cargo of flints and a place name that has become part of our oral tradition. O.S. map location: Halftide Rock NX673451 Ravens Nest The raven is the largest of the crow family with a distinct shape and a heavy bill. Tumbling in the updrafts of a sea cliff the ‘gronking’ call of a raven is one of the most evocative sounds of our rugged shoreline. Ravens often return to the same spot each spring and bring new nest material so that the nests become large, untidy piles of sticks that remain as a landmark long after the nest has been abandoned. However, the name may not refer to a nest at all but instead be derived from the word ness meaning a promontory. O.S. map location: Halftide Rock NX673450 13 Gauger’s Loup 14 This place name refers to a fictitious customs man who was often called a Gauger because he tested and measured the contents of casks, and Loup the Scots for leap. In later editions of ‘Guy Mannering’ by Sir Walter Scott he notes; strangers who visit this place, the scenery which is highly romantic, are also shown, under the name of Gauger’s Loup, a tremendous precipice, being the same, it is asserted, from which Kennedy is precipitated. In ‘Guy Mannering’ smugglers kidnap a boy after he witnesses them murdering a customs officer named Kennedy by pushing him off a cliff. It seems enterprising locals identified this real place with one that features in the popular story. O.S. map location: Gauger’s Loup NX673448 Sapphire The Ordnance Survey surveyor recording place names in the mid 1800s appears to have realised that this name has probably arisen from a misunderstanding. Although he identifies two people who confirm that this stretch of coastline was called Sapphire he also noted that the New Statistical Account states; upon the rocks towards the sea is found an abundance of samphire. Rock samphire is a succulent plant at its northern most range and only grows in Scotland where it can make the most of the sun warmed south facing cliffs. The pungent leaves of this plant were once collected to make into a pickle. O.S. map location: Gauger’s Loup NX674447 15 Keaw Cove 16 This cave is christened Keaw which is a local Scots name for jackdaw, however the Ordnance Survey surveyor recording place names in the 1840s noted that the recently published New Statistical Account stated that at this location; rears a lofty head facing the sea, forming a frightful precipice,….frequented by the redlegged jackdaw. The red-legged jackdaw is now more commonly known as a chough and are a species which no longer lives on the Solway coast. Chough can be found on similar coastal habitats in the Isle of Man and perhaps one day they will return to this rugged coast. O.S. map location: Gauger’s Loup NX673447 Dirk Hatteraick’s Cove Torrs Cave was also known as Torrs Cove. There is no doubt that in times past the indented shoreline was attractive to smugglers and was the haunt of the infamous Jack Yawkins. It is thought that the character of smuggler Dirk Hatteraick in Sir Walter Scott’s novel Guy Mannering was based on Yawkins and for a while Torrs Cove was renamed Dirk Hatteraick’s Cove. Caves are probably not the best hiding place for smuggled goods but archaeological excavations have shown that the cave was used as a shelter for thousands of years and intriguing carvings have been removed for safe keeping in the Stewartry Museum. O.S. map location: Torrs Cave NX676445 17 3 Nun Mill Bay or The Doon Old Senwick Churchyard Meikle Ross 1 7 6 5 8 Torrs Point 2 Castle Barhill Woods Mutehill Dundrennan MOD Range Torrs Farm Lifeboat 10 Sta�on John Paul Jones’s Point St Mary’s Isle 9 Point of the Isle 17 11/12/13 14/15/16 Li�le Ross Manxman’s Lake KIRKCUDBRIGHT Mill Hall Devil’s Threshing Floor Senwick Bay 4 Frenchman’s Rock Bay right Kirkcudb  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Tales from Kirkcudbright Bay Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_126 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 access GGLP https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/3/587/GGLP-201115-Online-JMA-2020-Final-Report.pdf 60b8002c93690ae9b8e90151100a5261 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online John Muir Award Programme 2020 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Reports Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document OFFICIAL Galloway Glens Online John Muir Award Programme 2020 Final Report 1. Outline The Online John Muir Award programme was initiated as a response to the Covid 19 restrictions during summer 2020. The aims of the project were to: • • Actively engage with the public during Covid 19 restrictions, and provide an alternative to facilitated outdoor projects that could not be undertaken. Encourage and support people, especially families, to engage meaningfully and actively with their local environment during Covid 19 restrictions and beyond. Extending the ethos of our ‘Go Wild’ summer project in 2019, the programme also committed to being widely accessible, free to take part in and to promote outdoor activities that are free or low cost and do not require specialist knowledge or equipment. The John Muir Awards were chosen to provide a focus for the programme but with the flexibility for participants to tailor their activities to suit them and their chosen area. The Family awards enable all ages to participate. The John Muir Trust were keen to support the programme. “You have a wonderful basis for an Award. It is open and flexible, which is ideal for an online group working in their own chosen wild places and I loved that there is such a high level of support” Jenny Holmes, John Muir Award Scotland Project Officer 1 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL To meet the criteria for a John Muir ‘Discover’ Award, either Family or Individual, participants are required to complete 24 hours of activities that encompass the four challenge areas: to Discover, Explore, Conserve and Share wild places. The Galloway Glens Online John Muir Award programme was designed to support participants to complete the award criteria, through direct online communication and providing a platform for participants to connect and share activities. Galloway Glens acted as the Award Provider, responsible for assessment and putting forward participants for their Award. Because the programme ran remotely with participants from different locations, each participant was encouraged to tailor their activities to their own chosen area and interests. Although the majority of participants were living in or visiting the Galloway Glens area during the programme, some were from other parts of Dumfries and Galloway or Scotland but had a connection to the area. All based their activities at least partly in Dumfries and Galloway. The project was conceived and prepared over a short timescale, preparations beginning midJune for delivery from 3rd July. An end date for participation was given as 10th August, with some leeway for those taking longer to complete and record their Award activities. 2 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 2. Key Outcomes As a result of the programme: • • • • • • • • 24 people achieved a John Muir ‘Discover’ Award. 44 adults, young people and children actively engaged in discovering, exploring, conserving and sharing their experiences of local landscape and wildlife over the summer. Of the above, all achieved this in time spent wholly or partly within the Galloway Glens area. Galloway Glens has achieved John Muir Award Provider status for 2020 / 2021 Positive recognition and feedback has been generated for the Galloway Glens from the public, other organisations / landscape partnerships, the John Muir Trust and other funders - particularly in recognition for an innovative response to Covid-19 restrictions A new, open Facebook group will be established for sharing local outdoor ideas, activities and information for families with a focus on the Galloway Glens area A series of video resources on the land and wildlife in the Galloway Glens area has been created A bank of ideas, activities and resources created by the participants is available as a resource for future projects “It has been interesting how much my eyes have opened more to the ‘wild’ around us in terms of wildlife, food and general beauty, even though I thought I took a lot of notice before!” (Family) 3 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 3. Numbers Initial interest was high and achieved primarily through online / social media advertising. The number of participants moving through from interest, registration, engagement and completion reduced over time - 31% of those signing up completed their Awards, while 48% were active participants. To put this in context, recent research on accredited and non-accredited online courses found an average completion rate of 12.6%, most ranging between 5% and 22% completion. Initial enquiries Registration requests Sign-ups Active participants Awards completed Individual Awards 13 9 6 3 3 Family Awards 28 28 23 11 6 Total Awards 41 37 29 14 (44 people in total) 9 (24 people in total) Of those signing up but not completing the online John Muir Award programme, some did not engage at all after initial registration but most made contact and cited a change in circumstances during the duration of the programme such as increased family or work commitments as the reason for their withdrawal. Some also said that, although the idea of completing a John Muir Award had initially attracted them and they found the ideas and support useful, they found that they preferred to enjoy outdoor activities without the pressure of completing the criteria. Number of adults and children by age (including each person participating via a Family Award, some families including participants both under and over 12) Active participants Awards completed Adults 18 9 12+ 5 5 Under 12 21 10 Total 44 24 “Whilst doing the John Muir Award, I discovered that coastlines and beaches can be so different and diverse both in habitat and species that live there. I will continue to explore my local area and further afield to discover new places and what secrets they hold. I have always been interested in nature since I was small and will continue to do so. I find being in nature makes me happy and peaceful. There is so much to learn and discover. When I am older, I would love to work with animals or in conservation.” (Individual, aged 14) 4 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 4. Process The programme was carried out by the Galloway Glens Education and Community Engagement Officer (EO), Helen Keron, and freelance Project Coordinator (PC), Mary Smith. Mary was also the project coordinator for the pilot Galloway Glens ‘Go Wild’ programme in 2019, which also delivered John Muir Discover awards Time Early June Focus Award Proposal Tasks • Initial contact with John Muir Trust; Award proposal completed and approval for the award programme granted Mid June Publicity • Graphic designer commissioned to produce an advert for the programme • Programme advertised through Galloway Glens website and social media, local press release and poster display e.g. at Tesco’s • Information pack sent to those who enquired Registration Registration • Registration forms designed closed 3rd • Registration forms sent as requested July • Registration information collated End June Facebook Group • Closed Facebook group created for programme Start July Introduction • Welcome and introductory emails sent • Activity Log online form created and sent • Ideas and resources information sheet created and sent Ongoing Ongoing • Ongoing individual email contact with participants in July / support response to questions or problems, and for August encouragement • Engagement through Facebook group Newsletters • Online newsletters created and distributed with extra ideas / resources / showcasing activities so far End July ‘Checking in’ • Individual emails checking in mid-way through programme Early Aug JMT • Checking in with JMT to review progress communication Early Aug ‘Finishing up’ • Individual emails sent towards end of programme End date Assessment • Activity logs and other records gathered and reviewed 10th Aug Mid Aug Completion • Individual confirmation of completion and congratulation emails sent End Aug Certificates • Certificate request form completed and sent to JMT • Galloway Glens certificates designed and completed • Certificates posted to participants End Aug Feedback • SurveyMonkey feedback form designed and sent • Verbal / email feedback gathered 5 OFFICIAL Who PC EO with input from PC PC EO PC PC PC EO PC / PC PC PC PC PC PC EO PC PC PC / OFFICIAL 5. Examples of Activities Participants entered into a wide range of activities within the four Award criteria, and were encouraged to share these as they went, along with any questions or concerns. Whenever possible, ideas were suggested that built on or expanded the scope of activities in line with the award criteria, and participants linked to resources or organisations to help them with this. Some of the activities undertaken were: Discover / Explore • • • • Mapping Barrhill Woods and researching its history Visiting new Solway beaches and recording seaweeds, rockpool fauna and seashore plants Exploring Loch Mitton in detail by walking around the shore, by kayak and swimming Revisiting a spot many times, e.g. Loch Ken shore, garden or field at end of house and observing and recording the variety and quantity of wildlife and nature they contain Conserve • • • • • • • • • Taking part in The Big Butterfly Count Making hedgehog and minibeast ‘hotels’ Rescuing and hatching snail eggs Litter picking and creating anti-litter posters Making posters detailing local flora and fauna, and showing ideas for conservation projects Creating bee feeders Joining local conservation groups, e.g. D & G Eco Warriors and Loch Ken Trust Carrying out moth surveys Carrying out wild-flower surveys Share • • • • • • Creating poems, art works and maps and sharing online and in newsletter Inviting friends and family to join in walks Writing articles for newsletter Posting activities and observations online Making and posting you-tube video on moth trapping and moth varieties Creating a wild-flower identification booklet 6 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 6. Feedback Informal feedback was requested throughout the programme and gathered both through email and the Facebook group. At the end of the programme, a link to a short online questionnaire was sent by email to those still actively participating and also to those who had withdrawn from the programme but given permission to be contacted for feedback. The link was also posted on the Facebook group. All participants responding to the feedback survey reported being ‘unlikely or very unlikely’ to have undertaken a John Muir Award this summer without the Galloway Glens online programme. All respondents agreed that as a result of participating they had spent more time discovering and exploring wild places, and also that they were inspired to spend more time discovering, exploring and conserving wild places in the future. Most also agreed that they had a greater understanding of and appreciation for wild places and more awareness of conservation issues and opportunities locally. Only half agreed that they had undertaken activities they would be less likely to do otherwise, indicating that the level of outdoor engagement was already quite high. This in a sense adds more value to the other statements, as the majority of these families and individuals were already actively engaging with the outdoors but still felt they had been inspired and gained greater understanding and appreciation as a result of participating. The programme also attracted interest from other Landscape Partnerships, and we were delighted to share information and resources on the programme with both the Isle of Axholme & Hatfield Chase Landscape Partnership and the Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape Partnership Scheme. “Thank you. we have really enjoyed the past few weeks. After lockdown I really wanted to explore locally and get to know more of lovely D&G. The award really focused this which has been wonderful.” (Family) 7 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 7. Considerations for future programmes Approach Two of the participants who did not complete the programme said they would like to have seen more a more directive approach, with prescribed activities. However, this would have been difficult to achieve with the range of places and interests within the group, and less in keeping with the John Muir Award ethos. Instead, it is recommended that future programmes use clear, specific examples of the kinds of activities that could be done, drawing on the work of participants this year. This should help to make a range of example activities readily available without being prescriptive, as well as to demonstrate the recording process. As stated earlier, it is worth considering the degree to which achieving the Award is the focus of the programme. Facebook group This was very effective and at the suggestion of participants will evolve into a public group for Spring 2021. It is definitely worth exploring alternatives to Facebook that would enable younger people / those not on social media to participate in a similar way. Newsletters These were time consuming for the PC and less interactive compared with the Facebook group – feedback suggested they were appreciated, and they were an attempt to involve and give a platform to those not participating in social media. However, if all participants are engaging on social media or equivalent the newsletter may not be necessary. Online forms Forms were designed and sent using Adobe Acrobat DC after investigating a number of platforms. The registration form sent individually through the ‘Fill and Sign’ application worked well. The other forms (activity log and four challenge review), sent collectively, were unreliable as online documents and were off-putting for some. In future, it is recommended that examples of documentation be given instead, and participants create their own. 8 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Timing Five weeks was a reasonable amount of time to ensure people had time to complete the hours required, averaging 4 / 5 hours per week to complete the Awards. However, as restrictions started to ease and work commitments increased towards the end of the summer, and with the start of school approaching, the focus began to drift and some participants found they no longer had the time to finish. In future, an end date around a week before the end of term would be more helpful, as well as a clearer indication in the initial information of the time commitment required. Webinars and other group meeting opportunities It had been thought to include at least one webinar as part of the programme, to provide extra input and an opportunity for participants to meet live online. However, as the programme evolved, it appeared that participants were happy with the level of engagement the Facebook group provided, and ‘experts’ videos that were filmed for the programme took the place of the webinar idea. If circumstances allowed, mixing online support, a Facebook group or similar, and some opportunities to meet up and participate in activities in person could be a great combination and may help to keep a larger number engaged throughout. “We have always spent a lot of time outside as a family but the online John Muir award has definitely inspired us to get out more and properly ‘see’ what we have perhaps just taken for granted. By showing our friends our wild spaces, we have realised how properly lucky we are.” (Family) 9 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL 8. Conclusion Although the numbers completing the award was significantly lower than those initially signing up, the quality of participation and the enthusiasm shared with those who embraced the programme was high and more than achieved the aims of the Awards and the programme. The programme perhaps worked best for those who had already had an outdoor focus, were used to engaging their family or as individuals with outdoor activities, had sufficient time to devote to activities and were happy to engage with the Facebook group. It may have worked less well for those with less confidence and experience outside, or those who were unable to spend as much time supporting their families through the award. In order to better support families and individuals in this category, a more targeted and directive programme of activities may be more appropriate, and some thought could be given to a programme that focused on bringing families together for activities designed to increase confidence and participation in outdoor activities, when restrictions allow. This could be achieved through a blended approach of online and in-person contact. The fact that some participants reported that the Facebook group was inspirational and a valuable support in encouraging and inspiring outdoor activity, even when meeting the award criteria was not possible, indicates that the programme has value beyond the target of completing the John Muir Award. Although the John Muir Award was a good focus for some, it is important that the activities are valued and celebrated for their own sake and there is no sense of failure associated with not completing the Award criteria. Finally, there was some particularly pleasing work undertaken by younger participants, including artwork for posters, writing and video diaries. Building on these, the Galloway Glens could consider projects targeted at young people directly online or in-person, such as wildlife filming, photography workshops or competitions, conservation workshops or similar. Content aimed at this demographic could perhaps be done in partnership with GCAT Youth Arts, Kirkcudbright Youth Group and / or council youth work services. This could also be one way to continue to engage with young people involved previously either through the Go Wild or Online John Muir Awards programmes Mary Smith, Project Coordinator, Nov. 2020 Thanks to participants for the use of some of their many fantastic photos Appendices – available on request from helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk 1. 2. 3. Initial ideas sheet sent to all participants Newsletters examples Activity records - 3 example logs of activities and hours per activity 10 OFFICIAL  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Online John Muir Award Programme 2020 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_127 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Description An account of the resource The Online John Muir Award programme was initiated as a response to the Covid 19 restrictions during summer 2020. The aims of the project were to actively engage with the public during Covid 19 restrictions, and provide an alternative to facilitated outdoor projects that could not be undertaken; and encourage and support people, especially families, to engage meaningfully and actively with their local environment during Covid 19 restrictions and beyond. access GGLP https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/3/588/GGLP-Barhill-Forest-Prgramme_high.pdf 510ba8972cbe6b0a60548f8182fc0c02 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Barhill Woodland Festival Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Reports Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document 10am - 3pm 10th – 12th September A partnership event between Kirkcudbright Development Trust and Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities, supported by the Galloway Glens. Mini Beast Hunting Art in Nature Carys Mainprize from the Crichton Carbon Centre and their Biosphere Explorers project will lead pre-schoolers on an adventure hunt for mini-beasts through the woods. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Carys is back for the afternoon, showing pre-schoolers and their adults how to make amazing art and sculptures just from what you find in a forest. friday 10-11Am, 11AM-12PM Friday 1-2pm, 2-3PM free event free event Unicorn Walks! This is too exciting! Go on an adventure through the woods to find a real live Unicorn*! If we find him, he might take us on a walk in his woods, and let us know all the ways in which we need to protect his world. *Not a real Unicorn. But awesome nonetheless! friday 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm saturday 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm free event Woodland Art Amy Murray of Nest Nurturing Futures will be leading an art session for under 9s - see what you can find in the woods to make art with! All children must be accompanied by an adult. friday 11am-12pm free event Pole lathe - green wood turning workshop If you've always wanted to get your hands on a pole lathe, now's your chance! Join experienced woodworker Rolf Buwert for a wood-turning session suitable for people who can concentrate for 2 hours! Booking essential, £5 per head. All equipment provided. friday1-3pm £5/head Firewood sawing Interactive Storytelling Gavin Philips of Shed Therapy will be demonstrating his nifty sawing equipment - come along to pick up some tips! Amy's back for some interactive storytelling - settle in for some excellent woodland tales. Suitable for accompanied under-9s. friday, 1-3pm saturday, 1-3pm friday 1.30-3pm free event - JUST DROP IN! free event Dendrochronology tour Join Coralie Mills of Dendrochronicle for a tour of the history of the Barhill Woods as seen through the ages of the trees. Including a tree-coring demonstration. Friday 2-3.30pm saturday10-11.30am free event Light Show The woodland behind the Outdoor Classroom will be lit up for a peaceful wander each evening. Poetry Friday 7-9pm saturday 7-9pm Sunday 7-9pm free event - just drop in! Pine Marten and Squirrel talk Stephanie Johnstone of the D&G Pine Martin Group will give a fascinating insight into the relationship between these two amazing animals. Free event, but booking essential - limited spaces as this is an indoor event (Classroom) Friday 7pm free event Exhibition The GCAT 'Ken Words' project helps people draw inspiration from their landscapes through writing. In Spring 2019, they came to Barhill Woods, and this exhibition is just some of their writing and photos from that event. On display in the Outdoor Classroom throughout the Festival. friday, Saturday & Sunday free event 'Woodland Birds for Beginners' walk Gavin Chambers will lead a walk around the woodlands, hoping to spot and identify some of the many species that call Barhill woods their home. Quiet people of all ages welcome! Saturday 10-11am free event Viking Craft den making Join Karen Slattery and her forest school team to get your hands dirty in the woods! First up is den-making. Suitable for children up to 12, accompanied by an adult. demonstrations saturday 10-11am free event saturday 10am-12pm, 1-3pm sunday 10am-12pm, 1-3pm Fire making Next the team will be turning their attention to fire-making! Suitable for 5 16 year olds. Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. saturday 11-12noon free event Forest school Karen and the team will be putting on a range of Forest School activities suitable for under 12s with their accompanying adults - find out just how much fun there is to be had in the forest! The Vikings are here! Join the team from Cluaran Haven for demonstrations and hands-on activities, from Torc-making to net-weaving to leather-marking. But where will you bury your Hoard when you've made it?! saturday 1-3pm free event just drop in! free event - Just drop in! Hammer making Steven Whitehead will be demonstrating the ancient art of hammer-making in this drop-in workshop. come and see how it's done! saturday 10am-12pm, 1-3pm sunday 10am-12pm, 1-3pm free event - just drop in! Vampire stake whittling It's very important to keep the vampires at bay, so if you've got some little ones who want to be prepared (and can handle a sharp knife with some confidence), come along to make your very own stake! saturday 10am-12pm sunday 10am-12pm, 1-3pm free event - just drop in! Pole lathe - green wood turning demo Rolf is back with his pole lathe, this time demonstrating the art of green wood turning. But if you ask him nicely, you might be able to get a go! saturday 10am-12pm, 1-3pm sunday 10am-12pm, 1-3pm free event - just drop in! Demo - Making Tree Identification kitchen implements walk Stuart Morrison will be demonstrating how to make a range of kitchen implements from wooden blanks - stop by to see the skills! Chris Ingram will lead a tour round the barhill trees, which only benefit from closer inspection. Learn all those tree names you always meant to! saturday 10am-12pm sunday 10am-12pm saturday 2-3pm sunday 2-3pm free event - Just drop in! free event Evening BBQ Families Wildlife up to 12 years Photography Course The Kirkcudbright Youth Club and Kirkcudbright Rotary are putting on an evening BBQ to celebrate the festival. Saturday evening is for families with children up to 12 years. Cash donations appreciated. Join local photographer Alan McFadden for tips and tricks on improving or starting out in wildlife photography. There's no better place to do that than the Barhill Red Squirrel hide! Booking essential - limited spaces. saturday 6-8pm Sunday 9-11am free event - just drop in! £10/head more Woodland Art Forest School Amy Murray and Lizzie Priestly of Nest Nurturing Futures are back on Sunday for some more woodland art activities. Amy and Lizzie will be leading some Forest School activities in the woodland, suitable for accompanied under 12s. Loads of fun in the forest! sunday 10am-12pm sunday 1-3pm free event - just drop in! free event - just drop in! Evening BBQ 12+ The Kirkcudbright Youth Club and Kirkcudbright Rotary are back with a second BBQ to celebrate the festival, this time for young people 12+. Cash donations appreciated. Sunday 7-9pm free event - just drop in! Thanks so much to all our volunteers, partners, deliverers and funders who have made this event possible. For more details about this event, or about any of the deliverers, contact Helen.Keron@dumgal.gov.uk Our support from the Galloway Glens (using their National Lottery Heritage Fund grant) and from Dumfries and Galloway Council’s ‘Community Events’ fund has allowed us to put on most of these events for free. However, if you would like to see the festival continue into 2022, please consider making a donation to the Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities when you attend. find out more at www.kirkcudbright.town www.gallowayglens.org Some practicalities covid Most activities at this Festival are available to just turn up at, and almost all are outdoors. Despite the relaxing of COVID restrictions, please continue to be respectful of the deliverers, volunteers and other attendees’ personal space. If one station is busy, just move on to the next! Please note that the programme may change - please see the website for the most up to date information. Some events are bookable Make sure you’ve read the programme carefully to avoid disappointment! parking There is NO PARKING at the woods throughout this event. The top and bottom carparks will be out of bounds each day. Please park in the town centre and walk up, or use the FREE SHUTTLE BUS to access the woods. It will shuttle to and from the Harbour Square each day of the festival from 10-3. Limited parking available in the evenings. Accessibility The main path in the woodland is wheelchair accessible, but unfortunately, not all the activity stations will be. Contact Helen.Keron@dumgal.gov.uk for more details. There will be limited disabled parking spots available for drop-offs and pick-ups at the top carpark. There will be temporary toilets (portaloos) available behind the Classroom for the duration of the Festival. note There is no food and drink available at the woodland apart from the evening bbqs. Please be sure to bring enough for yourself and your group for your stay. This is the first time we’ve done this, so please be kind!  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Barhill Woodland Festival Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_128 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2021 Description An account of the resource Programme for a partnership event between Kirkcudbright Development Trust and Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities, supported by the Galloway Glens. access GGLP https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/3/589/GGLP_Drystane-Dyking-LEAFLET.pdf 5319d8e9b400228498b54962c53ca995 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Drystane Dykes Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Reports Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Drystane Dykes, or Dry Stone Walls, are an important but often overlooked feature in the Galloway countryside. Take a closer look though, and you will see that they reveal evidence of the local geology, the ingenuity of rural peoples, and evidence of a landscape that is always changing. RuRAL REbELLIon These enclosures changed the traditional way the land was managed. To make the new fields, people who had farmed the land for generations were turned out of their homes and had nowhere to live or work. In 1724, these ‘clearances’ caused the uprising of the Galloway Levellers or ‘Dykebreakers’. Armed gangs of men, women and children roamed the countryside pulling down the dykes and sometimes killing the imported cattle. The gangs were well organised and desperate, and eventually government troops had to be brought in to stop them. This rural rebellion did however change the way landowners behaved, and although land continued to be enclosed, the pace of change slowed and alternative places to live and work were developed. DRYSTANE DYKES KELton HILL The Leveller’s Revolt of 1724 was planned at Kelton Hill Fair. To mark this important element of local history, a drystane dyke has been built at a viewpoint on Kelton Hill within the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Estate. This fantastic example of rural workmanship showcases many different styles of drystane dyking, some unique to this part of SW Scotland. It was created by members from Scottish branches of the Dry Stone Walling Association, with welcome support from Threave staff and volunteers. WHY BOTHER WITH A WALL? The short answer is beef! About 300 years ago, the Galloway countryside in south west Scotland was much more open than today. Enclosures (walled fields) were few and far apart. Instead, children would herd cows and sheep to keep them away from the crops. Beef fetched a good price in England and so landowners began to gather cattle, often imported from Ireland, in order to sell them at southern markets. To do this more cost-effectively, they started creating enclosures to contain the cattle. View the QR code with your Smartphone camera to see a video about the design and construction of the new Kelton Hill dyke. A Guide to SW Scotland’s Dry Stone Walls DYKE StYLES Building a sound drystane dyke involves more than simply placing one stone on top of another. It in fact requires a great deal of skill, stamina and an understanding of the rules of successful dyking. However, once the rules are understood, there is a great deal of flexibility in how the available stone is used. In Galloway, every dyke is different but distinct styles can be picked out. A cRAft woRTH pRESERving gALLowAY dYkE (above) Also known as a ‘half and half’ dyke. This style of dyke is built with a double dyke at the bottom and a single dyke above. Common in sheep farming areas, the solid base provides shelter from the weather for the animals, while the ‘tottering’ appearance of the top half reduces the temptation of sheep to jump on or over it. SINgLE dYkE (above) Where large irregular stones are abundant, the dyke is built such that single stones create both faces of the wall. Where large rounded stones are used, it is usually then called a Boulder Dyke. This style of building often has noticeable gaps between the stones and is most common in upland areas. DOubLE dYkE (right) Where small stones are predominant, the dyke is built with two faces and the core is infilled with smaller stones or ‘Hearting’. Long stones called ‘Through bands’ and ‘Cover bands’ are used to ‘tie’ the dyke together and give it structural stability. This style of building produces a solid structure and is the most common style in lowland areas. By the 1930s, post and wire fencing was fast becoming the economic alternative to drystane dykes and it was feared that the craft of dyke building was disappearing. On the initiative of Colonel Rainsford Hannay, the Stewartry Drystane Dyking Committee was created in 1938 to raise funds and organise competitions to promote dyking skills. In 1968, the Stewartry Drystane Dyking Committee formed the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain, a charity which continues to work to advance education in the craft and heritage of dry stone walling for the public benefit. Today, there is a renewed enthusiasm for drystane dyking with an upsurge in interest in this fascinating rural craft. Local drystane dyking competitions still take place, and the SW Scotland Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association holds regular training courses. Find out more at www.dswa.org.uk.  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Drystane Dykes Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_129 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Description An account of the resource A Guide to SW Scotland’s Dry Stone Walls GGLP heritage https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/2/590/GGLP-Summer21Programmev4_hires.pdf 7b11737e37a318f8d615d56a4f451a8b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Galloway Glens Summer 2021 programme Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Description An account of the resource The Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme undertook five years of co-ordinated activity and projects in Dumfries & Galloway between 2018 and 2023, focused on the river catchment of the Ken/Dee valley. An initiative of Dumfries and Galloway Council's Environment Team, the aim was to ‘connect people to their heritage’ and in doing so, drive economic activity in the area and support sustainable communities. The Scheme was primarily funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland, with additional support from a range of other partners, including Dumfries & Galloway Council and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 - 2023 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document DIG IT CAN YOU GA L L O WAY G L EN S DIG IT Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or see the Events or Can You Dig It pages on www.gallowayglens.org for more details. All events are FREE unless noted otherwise. All events must be booked in advance through the Galloway Glens events page or www.eventbrite.com. Group numbers will be limited to ensure compliance with current COVID guidelines.’ We are delighted to bring your our Summer 2021 programme of small-group outdoor events! How lovely that we can start coming together again. It’s an eclectic mixture of events from many of our partners – we hope to see you on some of them! Ken Words Poetry Walk 20th June, 9.45am-1.30pm A guided poetry walk – come along to be inspired by the landscapes of the Glenkens. New writers welcome. Where: Meet in Dalry. Cost: £5 Partner: GCAT Threave Landscape Restoration Project consultation event 1st July, 7-8pm, ONLINE EVENT Come along to find out more information about the exciting TLRP project, and to put your questions to the team. Where: Held over Zoom Partner: NTS Threave Garden and Estate. Guided Tour of the RSPB Ken Dee Marshes 15th July, 10.30am Join an RSPB expert for a walking tour of the special Ken-Dee marshes environment and their inhabitants. Where: Meet near Laurieston Partner: RSPB DAMP guided walk the old maps of the Glenkens 16th July, 10am Join Archie McConnel for a reasonably strenuous walk in the Glenkens hills to compare the landscape of today with the one revealed through the DAMP pre-OS map collection. Where: Meet in Dalry Partner: DAMP Walking tour of the Woodhead Lead Mines Minibeast Madness 22nd July, 2pm Join the CYDI team and Anna Campbell for a reasonably strenous walk out to this deserted mining settlement. Where: Meet near Carsphairn Partner: Can You Dig It Loch Ken Sausage Sizzle 24th July, 10am-2pm Drop in to find creative and nature activities with the Biosphere Explorers. Family event. Where: Meet at NTS Threave Estate Partner: Crichton Carbon Centre 10th July, 11am Come and find out what’s living in our woods with the Biosphere Explorers! Family event. Where: Meet in Kirkcudbright Partner: Crichton Carbon Centre 13th July, 11.30am Come and meet Ken, the Loch Ken Ranger, and learn how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly - while eating sausages! Family event. Where: West Bank of Loch Ken Partner: Loch Ken Trust Kirkcudbright Kirkyard Tours 14th July, 7pm | 21st July, 2.30pm 29th July,7pm | 4th August, 2.30pm 11th August, 7pm | 18th August, 2.30pm Join volunteer guides from Kirkcudbright History Society for tours around St Cuthbert’s kirkyard to learn more about the site’s fascinating history. Where: Meet in Kirkcudbright Partner: Kirkcudbright History Society Family Nature Trail 14th July, 10.30am A guided nature walk with the Biosphere Explorers. Family event, most suited for primary pupils but all welcome. Where: Meet at NTS Threave Estate Partner: Crichton Carbon Centre Drop-in Trail Activities Walking Tour of Castle Douglas 28th July, 10am Join the CYDI archaeologists for a fascinating walking tour of the amazing history of this market town. Part of Castle Douglas Civic Week. Where: Meet in Castle Douglas Partner: Can You Dig It Family Woodland Activities 28th July, 11am A look at what animals might live in our woods, with a range of children’s activities. Where: Meet in New Galloway woods Partner: Crichton Carbon Centre How Healthy is a River? 29th July, 1-3pm Join the GFT experts for a fascinating afternoon learning how fish and invertebrate communities are monitored as an indicator of a river’s health. Prepare to get your hands dirty! Where: Meet on the Raiders Road Partner: Galloway Fisheries Trust Soil and Soul 31st July, 11am This event will guide you through a day of soil building, getting mulchy, compost, biodiversity and good soil health Where: Glenkens Partner: Propagate (Small Grants event) Bus Tour of the Lost Wells of Galloway 3rd August, 10am Join the CYDI team for a whistle-stop tour of some of the Lost Wells re-discovered by our volunteers. Where: Meet in New Galloway Partner: Can You Dig It Peatlands Discovery 3rd August, 9:30am Discover the beauty and science in your local peatlands with a reasonably strenuous walk on the Silverflowe peat, led by CCC experts. Where: New Galloway Partner: Crichton Carbon Centre CYDI Test Pitting event at Threave 6th and 7th August, 10am – 3pm Join CYDI and the NTS Threave archaeology team as they see what they can uncover on Meiklewood Hill on the Threave Estate. Where: NTS Threave Estate Partner: Can You Dig It Carsphairn to Polmaddy guided walk 15th August, 10:30am Join Jonathan Barrett of the Galloway Glens team for an insight into the history of this Pilgrims Way. Where: Carsphairn Drystane Dyking 21st August, 11am Join the Propagate team to get hands-on with the basics of Drystane Dyking. Where: Glenkens Partner: Propagate (Small Grants event) Polmaddy to Earlstoun guided walk 22nd August, 10:30am Join Jonathan again as he walks the second half of this historic route. Where: Polmaddy All bookings through www.gallowayglens.org/Events or Eventbrite - search for Galloway Glens. Spaces are limited so do book early. Full joining instructions will be issued after booking.  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Galloway Glens Summer 2021 programme Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_130 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2021 Description An account of the resource GGLP programme for summer 2021 GGLP https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/2/591/galloway-glens-logo.png 09f84a19d11d74edbd6f6411cba8d407 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GGLP logo Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Description An account of the resource The Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme undertook five years of co-ordinated activity and projects in Dumfries & Galloway between 2018 and 2023, focused on the river catchment of the Ken/Dee valley. An initiative of Dumfries and Galloway Council's Environment Team, the aim was to ‘connect people to their heritage’ and in doing so, drive economic activity in the area and support sustainable communities. The Scheme was primarily funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland, with additional support from a range of other partners, including Dumfries & Galloway Council and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 - 2023 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GGLP logo Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_131 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 GGLP https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/592/GlenkensGazette148.pdf 24fe6d85c412f0a94a5c65cebe7fc5a2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 148 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document June/July 2025 ISSUE 148 Alison heads down under for World Championships L ate last year, Crossmichael's Alison Pringle secured a place to represent Great Britain in the Aquabike World Championships. This was achieved through qualification to join the GB World Age-Group Aquabike Team, with whom she will head to Wollongong, Australia, in October 2025 for the World Championships. For those unfamiliar with the term, 'aquabike' is a multisport event that combines swimming and cycling. While it includes one discipline less than a typical triathlon, it is by no means less demanding. The journey to qualifying for the world championships didn’t happen overnight. As a former junior swimmer, Alison stepped away from the sport for five years while studying at university and settling into work life. FREE INSIDE THIS ISSUE Crossmichael Gala Day is back! ...turn to p5 When the Covid pandemic began, she took up open water swimming with the local group in Crossmichael, and later joined the Masters Club at Dumfries Amateur Swimming Club. Preventing wildfires "I started competing in the water again in 2023 and quickly rediscovered my love for the sport," said Alison. "A good friend then encouraged me to try triathlon - and, as they say, the rest is history." ...turn to pages 6 & 7 Continued on p4... Young voices bring the Glenkens to life O ur Glenkens is an exciting new project designed to highlight the voices of young people around the Glenkens. It showcases nine residents, each of whom share their personal connection to the area and what life in the Glenkens means to them. Their stories mark the first step in an ongoing initiative to celebrate rural work, life and community in this active and beautiful part of the world. Celebrating our special places with brand new Land Notes Festival ...turn to p10 The project is being run by the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT) and is part of GCAT’s broader work delivering the Glenkens Community Action Plan. It responds directly to the pressing issue of rural depopulation by showcasing the contribution young adults are making across the Glenkens. Continued on page 4... What the Scottish Census tells us about the Glenkens ...turn to p21 News from the communities of Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Corsock, Crossmichael, Kirkpatrick Durham, Laurieston, Mossdale, New Galloway, Parton and St John’s Town of Dalry Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEnews page 2 CONTENTS The High Bridge wagtail A News: p2-5 People: p6 Environment: p7-11 Business: p12-14 Community: p15-21 History: p22 Arts: p23-26 Information: p27-29 Events: p30-31 number of readers have sent in photos of the High Bridge wagtail. For the last couple of years, if you have driven across the High Bridge of Ken (on the B7000 'high road' between Carsphairn and Dalry), you may have come across this unusual bird yourself. During spring and early summer, the High Bridge wagtail can frequently be found landing on the wing mirrors of cars as they drive across the bridge, and holding on admirably as they build up speed! Does anyone have any idea what he's up to? Is he looking for a mate, and hopefully chases his reflection? Or perhaps he has a nest and is seeing off rivals...or just having fun, car-surfing! Let us know if you have any ideas - glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Scouts go potty for Mother's Day T here have been lots of exciting things happening at our Pack meetings. theatre with guidance from Julian. The group were given a talk regarding the dangers of not using tools properly and having adult supervision at all times. Steph, ably assisted by Elliot, made pancakes to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. We learned about measuring accurately and the correct use of various tools, which we did in twos for safety reasons. We had lots of yummy fillings to choose from, and the pancakes were delicious - well done both. We started our DIY activity badge and built a puppet While this was taking place, the youngsters chose an animal puppet to sew. After Easter they will make scenery, write scripts and perform sketches to the Pack. Bagheera (Hannah McAndrew) has a workshop locally and is a renowned international potter with a great number of accolades under her belt. She has been a Cub Scout Leader in the Glenkens Pack for a good number of years. Bagheera brought in clay for the Cubs to make a flower pot for Mother’s Day. The Cubs decorated the pots using potters’ utensils, which took up the entire Pack meeting. I have never known the Cubs being so focussed. Bagheera explained that she would take the pots away to fire them in the kiln. When the pots returned, the Cubs filled the pots with compost and planted beautiful primulas. We hope the mums enjoyed the gift - they were certainly made with love. We are so lucky to have such talented Leaders in our midst. Thank you all! Yours in Scouting, Akela (Heather) GAZETTEnews Glenkens Gazette page 3 Plans progress for Balmaclellan affordable housing development T he Pamela Young Trust is pleased to report that their planning application for the old filling station site in the centre of Balmaclellan has now been lodged with Dumfries and Galloway Council. 1 the plans can do so via Dumfries and Galloway Council’s planning register, reference 25/0638/FUL carried out by South of Scotland Community Housing highlighted a major shortage of affordable homes in the area. 3 at www.eaccess.dumgal.gov. uk/online-applications The trust’s core charitable The plans are for three energyobjective has always been to efficient properties with low provide affordable housing in running costs - one family Cottage Flat the Glenkens. home (three bedrooms) and two cottage flats (two The trustees also recognise bedrooms). the importance of having low 5 Alan Smith, Chair of the Pamela Young Trust, said: “We are delighted to have now lodged the plans for our Balmaclellan site but we are still a long way from starting to build. 6 7 8 9 4 The Pamela Young House Trust purchased the site several years ago after a Housing Needs and Demand Assessment 1 3 2 5 6 Cottage Flat 7 8 carbon, energy efficient homes in order to help address fuel poverty and mitigate against climate change. "The next step is to find funding for a contaminated land survey – we had carried one out in 2014 but as part of the new planning process this needs to be refreshed”. Anyone interested in viewing Key 9 4 House 2 RL + 108629 RL + 107488 Hedgehogs at Carsphairn Wildlife Rescue Key 1 Site Elevation 1 1 : 200 C arsphairn Wildlife Rescue are asking if anyone has any tapas/baking cheese dishes they no longer need. that was chewed up by a German Shepherd dog and glued back together. Jigsaw, now recovered, Site Section A and is nearly ready now to be 3 released back into freedom. 2 Site Elevation 2 1 : 200 1 : 200 Pictured to the right is a rather disgruntled Crossy, being put in her release box then into a pen for the first time. 1015 It didn't put her off coming out in the evening for her dinner though. She is now well settled into her new home and ready to Cottage Flat - Section through first floor access 5 go to a release site. 1:59 1 : 200 6 FGL + 100560 1:59 Cottage Flat - Section FGL + 100985 FGL + 102700 FFL + 100285 1:21 1 : 200 7 1 : 200 It has been a busy couple of weeks in releasing hogs back to the wild, but also helping the Crossy weighed just 319g when poorly ones that haven't done she was found in September, and so well over the winter and are now weighs more than double now coming in to be treated. at 700g. One example was on Saturday front steps She has also developed a 9bitHouse of - Section through someone brought in a hog who an attitude, which will stand her had been lying out on some in good stead and we think she'll one's lawn for two days, and do ok when she goes back into which they had then picked it up the wild. and taken to the vets. The poor 1 : 200 FGL + 100985 FFL + 101000 1550 FGL + 100560 These kinds of dishes are an ideal shape and height for the hedgehogs to feed from. House - Section through parking access 8 If you've been following Carsphair Wildlife Rescue's stories on Facebook, you might remember Jigsaw, the baby hog 1 : 200 980 1:21 1 : 200 FFL + 101000 FGL + 100240 FGL + 100985 980 1:21 Cottage Flat - Section through first floor access 7 1 : 200 2375 Crossy was picked up by the school bus driver in Crossmichael, who was waiting at some temporary lights and noticed a small "dead " hedgehog in the gutter. Luckily she moved a leg so he got out picked her Cottage Flat - Section 6 House - Section through parking access 8 up, wrapped her up, and put her in the glove compartment for warmth. FFL + 100285 2375 FGL + 100270 Site Section B 2210 1 : 200 FGL + 102700 4 1550 Site Section A 1 : 200 5 1 : 200 FFL + 101000 FFL + 101000 FFL + 100285 FGL + 100270 Site Section B Neighbouring property is currently undergoing works. roof is shown provisionally based on planning drawings. 1015 1315 1 : 200 1315 3 4 1 : 200 FFL + 101000 FFL + 100285 8 Site Elevation 1 8 Site Elevation 2 RL + 108629 RL + 107488 1 2 FGL + 100985 Cottage Flat - Section through ground floor access 1 : 200 9 House - Section through front steps thing had severe fly strike . 1 : 200 No hedgehog will ever sunbathe - if you see one out during day, there is always something wrong. This one sadly didn't make it. To contact Carsphairn Wildlife Rescue you can email thecockburns@hotmail.com Catherine Ann Cockburn 0 Cott 1:2 Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEnews page 4 Alison puts Crossmichael on the map Continued from front page... But choosing to pursue multisport events hasn’t been an easy journey for Alison. It involves long days and often multiple training sessions, which have to fit around full-time work. Alison said: "It’s taken a lot of commitment and self-discipline to get to where I am today though I will admit that summer training is far easier than training through the winter. " Last year marked my first attempt at Aquabike, and I entered one of the three British Age-Group qualifiers. This turned out to be a great decision as I managed to finish second, and secured one of the sought-after qualification slots." Alison feels that representing Great Britain - and Crossmichael - on the global stage is a tremendous honour. However, being part of the Age-Group team also comes with challenges. Athletes are expected to fully self-fund their participation, including travel, accommodation, kit, and race costs. "Because of this," said Alison, "the Crossmichael community has come together to support me by helping to organise several fundraising events to make this opportunity possible." Alison will be documenting her journey preparation over the coming months and sharing her progress through social media, and also regular updates in the Glenkens Gazette. If anyone is curious about Aquabike or would like advice on getting started, Alison would be happy to talk them through what's involved. She continues: "I hope my journey might inspire others to give multisport events a try. Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far!" If you would like to help Alison through sponsorship or a donation, the QR code to the right will take you to her JustGiving page - every little helps! Pictured is Alison at the British Aquabike championships in May 2025 Our Glenkens, Your Glenkens project Continued from front page... Drawing inspiration and support from the Uist-based community development organisation CoDeL, and their successful Uist Beò project, the aim is to shift the narrative away from decline and towards opportunity – showing that young people can and do thrive in rural places. Helen Keron, GCAT Chief Executive, said: “It’s been so great to be able to bring this fantastic project to life. Thanks very much to South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) for the support that’s made it possible. "We’ve worked with a great team of people from Uist Beò and across the Glenkens to showcase some amazing young people who are making their lives here." Uist Beò, now in its fourth year, shares authentic stories of island life and reaches tens of thousands of people each month. It has contributed to more young people choosing to move or return to Uist than other Scottish islands. Our Glenkens follows in these footsteps by extending the Glenkens Hub website and launching new social media platforms that celebrate the rewards of rural living for all ages. This first phase of the project has been supported by SOSE, aligning with their ambition to drive inclusive growth throughout the region. This funding enabled the creation of engaging new content and a dedicated web page featuring young working people from the Glenkens resources that will also feed into wider regional research on effective strategies to combat depopulation. Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of SOSE, said: “It is vital we allow young people who want to stay and work in the south of Scotland to do so, rather than moving elsewhere. "That is why this project by the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust is so important, letting us hear first-hand what young people think the opportunities are of living in a rural area such as the Glenkens.” You can explore the stories and meet the young people of Our Glenkens at www.glenkens. scot/our-glenkens or follow the journey on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @OurGlenkens. Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEnews page 5 Crossmichael Gala is back with a splash G et ready for a fantastic day out as the Crossmichael Gala Day makes its much-anticipated return since 2019. On Saturday 30 August the beautiful field beside Crossmichael Marina will become a hive of activity for the whole family. This year’s Gala promises an action-packed day, starting at 12.30pm and running into the evening, right up to 9pm, full of entertainment, activities, and community spirit with something for everyone. The festivities kick off with a children’s fancy dress competition and walking parade leaving Crossmichael Primary School at 12.30pm, winding its way down to the main event area by the water. From there, attendees will be treated to an exciting line-up that includes live bands, food stalls, a licensed bar, laser tag, a dog show, bouncy castle (for the wee ones!), face painting, viking encampment with mock battles and kids' 'Shield Wall', the ever-popular Red Barrows, children's sports competitions and much more! This year’s gala also proudly features the Crossmichael Flower Show, adding a floral flourish to the day’s attractions. Behind the scenes the dedicated team of organisers have worked tirelessly to rejuvinate this much-loved annual event and bring it all together. Special thanks go to Graham, Kyle, Michelle, Anne-Marie, Amanda, Fiona, John, Jim, Keith, Lyn, Ed, Grant, Angelique, Steph, Dawn, Jeff, Caroline, Laura, Natalie, William, Cindy, Lindsay, Caroline and Caireen and many others, whose hard work in Kendoon to Tongland Reinforcement Project progress update T he Gazette wanted to make sure readers are kept in the loop regarding the progress of the proposed Kendoon to Tongland (KTR) pylon line. Paul Swift, spokesperson for the group Galloway Without Pylons, has confirmed that a petition was presented to the Scottish Government on 14 May and they are now waiting to see if a Judicial Review can go ahead. More details will follow in the next edition of the Gazette. raising funds and sense of community spirit are at the heart of the Crossmichael Gala Day. makes this community so special. All activities are free! We look forward to seeing you there. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the area, come along for a day of music, laughter, and unforgettable memories in one of the region’s most scenic settings. The Crossmichael Gala Day is truly a celebration of what Crossmichael Gala Committee Pictured are some of the hardworking team of event organisers with a backdrop of Crossmichael Marina GAZETTEpeople Glenkens Gazette Glenkens Youth Correspondent page 6 Joshua Wells, aged 15, is our Gazette youth correspondent and in each edition he will be writing about topics which interest him. In this issue Joshua discusses wildfires. S ummer is understandably some people's favourite season. The birds are out chirping, the trees are as green as can be, and most obviously, the sun is gleaming down with full power. It is, from some perspectives, perfect. However, with all these amazing pros, summer has to include some cons. Recently, one of these disadvantages of summer has made itself known in our humble region of Dumfries and Galloway: wildfires. Wildfires have become more and more common over recent years, and there are many causes for this, such as the everyday barbecue. Yes, something as usual as having a summer barbecue can have harsh effects on our surroundings. Any remaining heat from the barbecue or any smouldering embers can set the (increasing amounts of) dry plants alight. Something as simple as a lit cigarette being thrown on the floor can also have shocking consequences, and even very locally, campers’ bonfires, on any flammable spot, not being put out properly, have been causing horrible wildfires spanning Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire. Every year, people camp beside Loch Ken, leaving lit fires that need to be extinguished by others. These wildfires and our local wildlife do have a horrible relationship. Birds are killed, the trees that some animals call home are burnt black, and the harsh smoke blocks natural sunlight from hitting the ground for little creatures to enjoy. And if the disastrous effect on nature does not convince you to fight against the unforgiving wildfires, the economic consequences may change your mind. Wildfires cost millions to put out and sometimes even more, due to the costs of vehicles, machinery, repairs, and pay for firefighters. For example, in the famous case of the Los Angeles wildfires, it cost the government $135 billion. Not too long ago, I participated in the Loch Ken Ranger Service’s ‘sausage sizzle’ where you were able to be shown how to “build a fire, cook your tea and safely leave no trace". We were shown how to extinguish a fire by pouring water over it until it was cold. According to Leanne Pumpr, head ranger with the Loch Ken Trust: “Loch Ken Trust ranger service received guidance from Scottish Fire & Rescue Service on the level of risk of wildfires. This year, this region has already experienced a wildfire, which has had a devastating impact on the land and the wildlife within it. "Wildfires pose a risk to life, property and wildlife. As Rangers, we continue to educate on campfire safety, we place 'No Campfire' signs around the loch when the risk is high, and we urge members of the public to act responsibly when accessing our beautiful environment. "This time of year, our landscape is particularly vulnerable after a long dry spell, and spring is just about to bloom; vegetation becomes tinder. Let's together protect our environment for all of us and all those to come in future years.” Dumfries and Galloway has been hit catastrophically by the shock of wildfires highlighted by a BBC website which states, “in Galloway Forest Park, an estimated 65 sq km burnt, nearly a quarter of the UK total for the period from 2 to 8 April” and it is only going to get worse unless we stay diligent against wildfires. A new face for the CatStrand Arts team C atStrand would like to welcome Alia NelsonRiggott to the team. Alia will be joining the CatStrand Arts team as the Visual Arts & Events Intern for three days a week, contributing to both our Touring Arts and Young Creatives programmes. Her post is funded by the Holywood Trust, and she is the latest in a long line of young people that we have been able to offer great employment experiences to thanks to their support. One of Alia's first jobs will be to convene the Glenkens Gig Forum, a way for younger people (under 35) to add to the CatStrand Arts programme. There are still a few places on the Forum, if you'd like to join in too - call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. In the mean time, we can't wait to see the creativity and fresh perspectives that she brings. Welcome Alia! CatStrand Arts Team Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment Preventing wildfires D umfries and Galloway has seen prolonged sunny weather for weeks now, with temperatures reaching 24°C. Although residents are making the most of this unusual weather and enjoying the early summer, the effect the heat as well as the lack of rain is having on the land is increasingly worrying. Stewart Gibson, head of the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team, has been called out to many of the recent wildfires. He explained that wildfires have become more prevalent in the last 15 years due to the hotter spring and summer weather. Due to these spells of dry weather “more and more people are coming outdoors and having barbecues or camp fires, and due to the weather outside being so warm and dry, fire spreads more easily,” Stewart reported. Most wildfires are started by mistake and once they spread, they are very difficult to stop. Muirburning can also be a cause of wildfires as they can easily get out of control, which is why strict regulation has been issued to farmers looking to do this traditional method of land management. The main contributor to the spread of wildfires is the wind, which is a factor that is impossible to control. The local Mountain Rescue Team urges the public to be alert to smoke and not to assume that it’s been reported - the sooner it gets flagged up, the quicker it is to get it under control. Glenkens resident John Innes reported a large campfire was lit by wild campers on the banks of Loch Ken in May, which T he Loch Ken Trust Community Ranger Service have been working tirelessly carrying out extended patrols around Loch Ken during the extreme wildfire warnings. We have had to extinguish multiple campfires, and our Rangers are working hard to advise and educate visitors page 7 LOCH KEN TRUST RANGER 07539 029 175 / 07918 300 889 he felt was dangerous due to the extremely dry weather. John urges responsible fire practice by highlighting that it is important campers are educated and aware of wildfire risks when doing such activities. Wildfires not only have a considerable impact on the environment and natural habitats, but also social and economic impact. A moorland or forest The crew of Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R199 evacuate fire can take a large campers as wildfire rages © HMCG R199 - Prestwick number of fire fighters days to control, which reduces their availability to deal weather, as well as fully extinguishing with other life-threatening situations cigarettes, picking up litter and removing like motor collisions or house fires. Paul glass from direct sunlight and picking up Munro, from Forestry and Land Scotland any broken glass you see lying about. (FLS), highlighted that Scotland’s forests “At this time of year, we typically have are an ideal environment for wildfires. a large volume of dead, bone-dry FLS suggests members of the public call vegetation across the countryside, which 999 if you spot a wildfire, and follow the provides all the ingredients for fire to Scottish Outdoor Access Code's advice. take hold and spread.” Paul Munro went on to say that when they are made aware of any wildfires, they call the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and assist them by providing “local knowledge on the lay of the land, access routes, and potentially calling in helicopter support if required”. The SFRS are currently urging the public to avoid lighting fires outdoors across all of Scotland during this period of hot dry and locals on the risks of fires during the warnings, liaising with landowners, Community Police and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). On some occasions this advice has been met with hostility, with some members of the public not understanding the risks associated with lighting a fire during the extreme dry weather and not complying with the guidance. So as the Glenkens basks in this unusually long spell of sunshine, our communities must confront the growing threat posed by wildfires. From damaging our beautiful landscapes to societal consequences and strain on emergency services, authorities urge everyone to take these preventive measures seriously. Georgiana Grimwood One camp fire on the shores of Loch Ken was so large and out of control, SFRS had to be called in to extinguish it. As a Ranger Service, we educate through our schools based ranger-led programme, and each year we hold an annual cookout event to educate on responsible access and how to protect the environment. We would urge everyone to act responsibly and not light ANY fires during restricted periods. GAZETTEenvironment Galloway National Park discussion continues Glenkens Gazette W e are getting in touch in response to the article A Galloway National Park: considering the pros and cons which was published in the last edition of the Glenkens Gazette, as there are a few points we would like to address. The ‘No Galloway National Park’ Facebook page was started by the two of us on the evening of 22 July after hearing the announcement that Galloway had been chosen to be a potential National park. Within 36 hours, five hundred likeminded people had joined. It was definitely not, as suggested, ‘organised’ or ‘pre-arranged’; page 8 chaotic would be a better description. Two weeks later we held our first public meeting in Gatehouse, which was full to overflowing. had to prepare and with their claimed level of public support. Where are all the banners showing support for this wonderful idea? At the end of the meeting, we asked for donations to help cover the cost of the hall hire and collected nearly £2,000, with a promise of a further £1,000 from a local haulier, funding which enabled us to buy our first lot of banners. The article stated that leaflets appeared in every household the next day, which is untrue; the first 70,000 leaflets were purchased on 28 November 2024, four months after the announcement that Galloway was to be considered as Scotland’s next National Park. All the ‘No’ campaign banners, which are widespread across the region, were either purchased directly from us or purchased privately using the logo provided by us. The logo itself was donated by a local graphic artist free of charge; she also provided, for free, artwork for the leaflets and posters we subsequently produced. The article asks, in relation to the presence of ‘No’ campaign banners, where is the ‘Yes’ campaign? This is good question, given the seven years they The money for this, and for subsequent purchases/ distribution costs, came from donations via our Facebook page, as well as the small profit we made from the sale of banners and car stickers. Donations have come from people from all walks of life and, of course, include farmers. The Ferret piece referred to in the article claimed we were being ‘bank rolled’ by wealthy farmers. The term ‘bankrolling’ implies that there is an anonymous donor directing the campaign behind the scenes, and we wish to make it absolutely clear that this is far from reality. The ‘No Galloway National Park’ campaign are calling for an independent review of existing parks before a new park is considered, a view shared by the petitions committee in Holyrood. We also called for a local referendum, which was supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council. One thing we would agree with the authors of the article on is that NatureScot’s consultation process has been deeply flawed. The fact that NatureScot have commissioned the Scottish Development Community Centre to carry out a review of their consultation process seems to reflect that they recognise that mistakes have certainly been made. Denise Brownlee & Liz Hitschmann, No Galloway National Park campaign Dalry biodiversity project D alry Community Council is delighted to announce the launch of a new biodiversity project. This initiative is supported by a small grant from SP Energy Name the Place I n each issue a photograph will be taken somewhere in the Glenkens by local photographer Ted Leeming and readers have to guess where it is. The answer can be found on p17, with a bit of information and food for thought about that location. Networks, and is being run in partnership with Abi Mordin of Propagate. Running throughout 2025 the project will focus on supporting pollinators by giving out fruit and nut trees to local residents. These trees will not only provide tasty harvests in years to come, but they'll also help create better habitats for bees, butterflies and other important wildlife. Look out for more information in the coming months! If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to get in touch with Abi on abi@propagate.org.uk Dalry Community Council Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment page 9 The Optimistic Environmentalist Electric cars - Part Two TEETHING TROUBLES At first, Richard found driving the car strange - you don't have gears and don't normally need to brake. The car stops accelerating and slows to a halt with regenerative braking (commonly referred to as 'regen' braking), unless you use the brake to decelerate more quickly than the regen provides. This is similar to engine braking in a combustion-engine vehicle, but is stronger and can usually be set by the driver. The difference though, is that regen braking converts the energy of the car decelerating into electrical energy to put power back into the battery. By the time he had had a test drive, like most EV drivers, he was in love with them, finding them easier to drive, and has never wanted to change back. Squeaking rear brakes Sometimes when we had been parked up for a while: not a general EV thing and certainly not the mythical brake wear (see Part 1 in the last issue of the Gazette) – ironically, you need to actively brake occasionally to stop brakes squeaking through lack of use! Our squeak was resolved by the garage. Back door not opening from inside This was found to be a disconnected mechanical linkage in the door, which can happen on all types of cars, and again, the garage resolved it. Charging at home Once set up to how we wanted it, our home charger was reliable. After about a year though, it developed a fault which was quickly resolved by the manufacturer fitting a replacement, under warranty. We have a Zappi charger from Myenergi. This allows us to charge the car when and how we want to, eg overnight, using surplus solar generation, etc. As with an ICE car, you will get to know your particular charging needs; what you will need and when there are cheap or green (ie comes from a renewable source) times from your energy provider. COMMON MYTHS THAT WE HAVE NOT HAD TO WORRY ABOUT 1) Electric cars/batteries bursting into flames An Australian database, www.evfiresafe. com, have verified a total of just 511 EV battery fires globally between 2010 and June 2024. The latest International Energy Agency data shows there are now more than 40 million EVs on the road. By contrast, UK government statistics show that there were an astonishing 6,840 accidental (ie not started deliberately) passenger car fires in England in the 2023/24 financial year alone. 2) EVs are so quiet no-one hears them Being quiet used to be a selling-point; Rolls Royces would "quietly purr". As a number of people I know are blind, as I am myself, I can reassure you that this is not a problem. Since July 2019, in the UK all new EVs (and hybrids) have needed to produce a sound when going at under 12 miles per-hour. Over that speed, they make plenty of noise naturally with the sound of tyres to not need anything added. When we've driven in quiet Family and friends coming to stay? N ew Galloway Golf Club Founded Foun ded 1902 www.ng www.n g gc.co.uk Country cottage set in beautiful gardens available for holiday lets all year round (sleeps 5) areas, people walking their dogs look behind them when they hear us coming in plenty of time to move. I think that many people are not used to hearing the noise, rather than that it cannot be heard, which will change as the numbers of EVs on the roads increases. We do, however, agree that it is harder to hear them in heavy traffic because diesel and petrol engines are noisier. But they can still be heard though when you are near enough to get out of their way. Denise MacDonald-Kiernan Eileen Campbell Call Fiona on 07789 903127 - 01644 420737 - www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Buggies now available for hire Licence no DG00824P VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME An example of a Myenergi 'Zappi' EV charger To arrange a visit in the comfort of your own home please contact 07515 168 963 or empathyfoothealth@gmail.com Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment page 10 sponsored by Celebrating our special places D o you have a treasured place in the Glenkens landscape, somewhere that is special to you? is experiencing rapid land use change, Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), Dalry Town Hall and the CatStrand are working together to try a new approach that amplifies our connections with land and place. Land Notes Festival is a new festival of art, live music, talks, poetry, film, and events celebrating our cultural richness, land connection, intangible heritage, and treasured landscapes. The festival will explore how we are connected to our landscape and why this landscape is valuable to us. Places do not have to be officially designated to be valued and protected; a single tree may hold huge significance, or a view be treasured. Recognising that the Glenkens There are so many examples of treasured spaces, significant for us both as individuals and communities. Let's celebrate the importance of these often overlooked places, illustrating how we are rooted in, and connected to, our Glenkens natural environment. Land Notes Festival will run from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 August at the CatStrand and Dalry Town Hall. To find out more, or to get involved, please contact Kerry at glenkenslandnotes@gmail.com Galloway Food Hub seasonal recipes CARBONARA-STYLE PASTA G alloway Scottish Pasta is made in the heart of the Glenkens, in New Galloway. It uses traditional methods, such as bronze dies and slow drying, combined with the addition of Scottish organic oats. The resulting pasta has a unique taste and a texture that is ideal for sauces such as this to cling to. All the ingredients for this recipe are available from the Galloway Food Hub, where they are sourced either from local suppliers (within a 30-mile radius of the Glenkens) or they are organically certified goods. This is a recipe for carbonara-style pasta, made with bacon and eggs, and it is enough to serve four. Ingredients - 320g Galloway Pasta Gemellioati - 4 eggs - 4 slices of back bacon, chopped finely - 160g hard cheese, such as Ethical Dairy Laganory, grated - 50g unsalted butter - freshly ground black pepper Method • Put a large pan of water on to boil and cook the pasta according to the instructions • While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large frying pan on a medium heat (it needs to be a large pan as you will add the cooked pasta later) • Add the bacon to the melted butter and fry until crisp, then lower the heat • Whisk the eggs in a bowl and add half of the cheese and pepper to taste • When the pasta is cooked, remove from the water with a slotted spoon and add to the bacon; keep the water as you may need some of it it later • Remove pan from heat and add the egg and cheese mixture, stirring constantly so that the egg coats everything but doesn’t scramble; add a little pasta water if the mix seems too dry • Serve with the remaining cheese on top and freshly ground black pepper to taste; perfect accompanied by a mixed green salad Andrew, Galloway Scottish Pasta RHUBARB AND GINGER CORDIAL A deliciously refreshing drink for warm spring and summer evenings... This recipe makes over 500ml of cordial. Mix it with three parts water, sparkling water or tonic to one part cordial. You can also add a shot or two to your favourite gin, add some tonic and have a delicious summer cocktail! Garnish with a sprig of mint to complete your beverage. Ingredients • 500g rhubarb roughly chopped into around 1cm pieces • 20g fresh ginger roughly chopped – no need to peel, or 1tsp ground ginger • 300ml water • 280g runny honey or caster sugar Method • Place all the ingredients into a saucepan • Bring to the boil then simmer for around 30 minutes, until the rhubarb is soft • Place a sieve lined with muslin over a bowl and pour the rhubarb mixture into the sieve; you can do this without the muslin but you will get a cloudier cordial • Leave the mixture to strain for an hour or so, then remove the sieve with the remaining pulp. • Pour the cordial into a sterilised bottle and store in the fridge and use within four weeks. Beth Webb, Cree Valley Herbs Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment page 11 sponsored by If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FREE WANTED Steam cleaner, quite old but hardly used, and a large fan. Collection from Mossdale. Contact: 07842 629 118 Garden bench. Contact: 07727 127 997 Single divan bed base with headboard. Contact: Anita on 07547 301 321 Rabbit hutch and all rabbit-related bits to go with it (indoor hutch, litter tray, water bottle, some food and hay and treats). Contact: 07727 127 997 Ladies gardening gloves, very strong leather. Small size. Blackcurrant bush cuttings, rooted. Black peppermint; will dig as required. Contact: Sue, Dalry, on 07563 718 011 Horse manure, rotted and fresh, no weed killers used. Dig your own - bring sacks or trailer. Contact: 07889 229 340 Old lawn mowers/strimmers/other small machinery. Non-runners/broken welcome. Contact: 07845 562 217 FOR SALE & OFFERS PONY AND RIDER RELATED ITEMS. Saddle rack, bridle work (all leather) bits, stirrups, leathers, crupper, Cashel bareback rubber saddle, rug, travel boots, etc. All small cob size (Fell). Ladies size 10 clothing, some brand new. Riding/hunting/in-hand showing. Boots, spurs. Any reasonable offer. Ring me for full details and to arrange to come round for a browse (and a cuppa). Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 (please note I do not have the internet) Shed clearances - any shed cleared, large or small; get in touch for further info or to arrange a visit. Contact: 07765 034 841 WRIGHTS STORE & POST OFFICE DALRY DALRY DALRY SWEET TREAT SATURDAY DALRY INFORMATION FRESH CREAM CAKES AVAILABLE TO ORDER OPENING TIMES OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri 7.30am-5.30pm MONDAY – FRIDAY Sat 8.30am-5pm Sun 8.30am-3pm 7.30am – 5.30pm POST8.30am OFFICE– 5pm SATURDAY Mon-Fri 10am to 3pm SUNDAY 8.30am – 3pm Sat 9am to 12noon Sun closed LOCAL SUPPLIERS LOCAL SUPPLIERS DALMELLINGTON BUTCHERS DALMELLINGTON COUNTRY HENDERSON BUTCHERS RAMSAY OF CARLUKE BUTCHERS BUTCHERS UPPER TREATS DULLARG EGGS SWEET BAKERY GLENKENS HONEY MITCHELLS FRUIT & VEG CREAM O' GALLOWAY SWEETCAKES BAKERY GALLOWAY LODGE IRVINGS BAKERY GLENKENS HONEY COMPANY COWS & CO CHEESE THE CRESS COMPANY CREAM O GALLOWAY BORDER BISCUITS GALLOWAY LODGE PRESERVES HAWKSTONE BREWERY MITCHELLS & VEG IRVINGSFRUIT BAKERY SULWATH BREWERY SCOTTISH GALLOWAY PASTA ...local delivery available... GLENKENS HONEY COMPANY POP IN FOR A CHAT AND A BROWSE GAZETTEbusiness Glenkens Gazette page 12 BUSINESS in the SPOTLIGHT O riginally from Kirkcubright, I moved to the Glenkens after meeting my wife, Katie, who is from the area. provide a quality, reliable service and build a well respected business. Katie works as a ruminant nutritionist for a local agricultural firm. We bought our first property here and got the bug for renovations. Fast forward seven years and we are now on our second project home (the forever home) on the hidden road, Balmaclellan. We now have a little boy and are expecting our second child within the next month! What inspired your business, and what do you enjoy most about it? I felt ready to go self-employed in 2018 after gaining 11 years of experience in the trade. I have always loved carpentry and enjoy the challenge of project managing different jobs. I was driven to I'm proud of how the business has grown over the years, I started out on my own and now employ three fulltime workers, who all live within the Stewatry and are each a credit to the company. I've always wanted to be able to pass on the craftmanship/skill and get young people involved in the trade. I'm therefore thrilled to say one of the team is an apprentice and I would like to be able to keep offering apprenticeships in the future. I love meeting and working with lots of different people. It's amazing being able to make customer's visions become a reality. I love that no project is the same and I get the pleasure of working on several different and exciting projects. David with his wife Katie and their son, at their home on the Hidden Road Are you happy you chose to live in the Glenkens? I genuinely feel that the Glenkens is an amazing place to live and work. I feel it has the best countryside - a complete hidden gem - and feel so lucky to be able to raise a family here. The Glenkens has a brilliant community and I'm passionate about using and promoting local business to ensure our area thrives. To find out more about David's business, or to get in touch, see contact details in the ad below. David 07513 180 960 JOINERY & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Renovation & Conversions New Builds Extensions Groundworks Roofing Kitchen Fitting Windows/Doors Interior Finishings Covering Dumfries & Galloway Reliable Tradesmen We change lives! Come and help us. Your journey starts here! Check out our projects on our socials! D.Mason Joinery Volunteer with us @d.mason_joinery d.mason.joinery@gmail.com dagcas.org • 0300 303 4321 • info@dagcas.org Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service is a Company Limited by Guarantee No: SC179254. Scottish Charity No: SC027107 GAZETTEbusiness Glenkens Gazette A recipe for success D alry's AA Rosette rated restaurant, the Clachan Inn, is a favourite eaterie amongst Glenkens locals and visitors alike due to the superb quality food on offer combined with a cosy, lively atmosphere. The establishment has ecently welcomed two new chefs to the kitchen. Craig Little and Matthew Gillies are already making waves, with regulars being impressed with new dishes like the venison kofta puri bread, served with salad, curry aioli, hazelnut dukkha and fries. who are good natured, and there is mutual respect.” Phil expressed that he has been impressed with both Craig and Matthew’s skill and genuine interest in preparing food from source to plate. Both of the new chefs discussed their journeys with regard to their culinary careers. Craig said that while working in the Co-op in Castle Douglas, he mentioned to a restaurant owner who was buying produce that it would look eye-catching on a plate. He was offered a job then and there, and has stayed in the industry ever since. Craig said that he “loves the lifestyle” and the work, which was similarly mentioned by Clachan head chef Phil, who said that Craig has a good eye for detail, which is one of the aspects that stood out to him. Craig described working at the Clachan as energetic, “dichotomy of eternal frustration and blue skies", highlighting the highs and lows of his experience so far. He positively described working as a chef at the Clachan as “more blue skies than frustration” which comically highlights the positivity surrounding his experience. Phil explained that Matthew's previous experience was impressive and that he has strong skills in working with whole fish and also meat butchery, which stood out to him. When asked what makes the Clachan stand out from other venues in the local dining scene, Phil highlighted that simplicity is key and “trying to source as much as possible locally” is important to him. Some key ingredients of recent dishes have been free range rarebreed pork from Dundrennen, as well as Monkfish brought in by boat to Kirkcudbright. These choices for produce show the care and passion for not only creating seasonal dishes using local produce, but also care for their customers and their dining experience. ...simplicity is key and “trying to source as much as possible locally”... Previously Craig worked in a few local restaurants, and Matthew worked at restaurants on Islay, both at similar Rosettelevel establishments. Their previous experience and fresh ideas are having certainly a positive impact on the Clachan kitchen. Head chef Phil said: “I think the main reason things work well is that, in a hospitality setting, you're generally working with people with similar ideas, saying that “it’s great to work somewhere where people care, and where they share recipes and ideas”. He also commented that the energy in the kitchen is "brilliant", as it shows real passion for the food and commitment to customer satisfaction. Matthew described his culinary career as a page 13 After a short period of uncertainty with staffing in the kitchen, which resulted in cutbacks regarding larger Top: Lamb loin, potato terrine, lamb fat beetroot, salsify, carrot purée & burnt shallot main course. Above: buttermilk pana cotta, garden rhubarb and gingerbread desert tables, the Clachan has now returned to normal working order, which has been positively received by customers who have expressed their satisfaction with the quality of food and the overall experience. Georgiana Grimwood 2 hearing aids, charger & 5 year warranty from £1,500 GAZETTEbusiness Glenkens Gazette page 14 YOUR LO C A L F O OTWE A R SPE C I A LI STS WALKING HIKING HUNTING Scan Me sales@brandecosse.com www.brandecosse.com 01644 430151 THE OLD BANK ST JOHN’S TOWN OF DALRY SAMPLE SALE UP TO 60% OFF Discover unbeatable deals at our pop-up outlet store, where you can save up to 60% on a wide range of men’s and women’s outdoor wear. From shirts and jumpers to jackets, find the perfect gear to take on Spring - at even better prices! Brandecosse, The Old Bank, St John’s of Dalry, DG7 3UW Office Hours: 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEcommunity page 15 Fundraising for Glenkens schools C hildren at Dalry and Kells primaries have been hard at work raising funds to support school trips and other activities. KELLS SPONSORED WALK The Pupil Council at Kells Primary suggested a sponsored walk to raise money for new things for the school. On 13 May, children and staff set out to walk six miles in six hours. We actually walked almost eight miles! Harriet said: "I really enjoyed being outdoors!" Artem said: " We don't do sponsored walks in Ukraine." Marla said: "At the end I was exhausted! I just really enjoyed getting outdoors and exercising and it was fun to stop at the park for a break!" Amy said: "We saw a frog and a lowflying helicopter and a horse." The children at Kells want to say a big "thank you" to everyone who has already sponsored us. Teacher Erin Welsh said: "The pupils absolutely excelled, walking 7.8 miles in the allotted time and 24 degree weather! We are so proud of them!" Through their sponsorship forms, the children raised an incredible £900! If you would like to support Kells' fundraising activities, scan the QR code to the left to donate. DALRY P7 CYCLE-A-THON On Monday 12 May all the P7s did a cycle-athon. We were cycling for the entire day to raise money for the P7 hoodies and the Edinburgh trip. We have a report from the P7s saying that they thought it was really fun . If you want to donate, visit www. gofundme.com/f/tour-de-dalryscycleathon or scan the QR code above. Please donate because it would be a great help and if you have already donated, thank you for helping! by Finn and Unti, P7 The importance of volunteering A re you someone who can help us to change lives for the better? Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&G CAS) is facing unprecedented demand for its services and is looking to recruit more local volunteers, to help continue changing lives. Sonya Fitzsimon, Volunteer Coordinator, explains: “The costof-living crisis has significantly increased the demand for our services, while volunteering is declining. "As a charity, volunteers are our lifeblood and we need people from all across the region.” Volunteering is evolving Volunteering with D&G CAS offers something for everyone, regardless of age (although volunteers must be over 16). Whether you're looking to stay active in retirement, are a young person wishing to gain some experience for your CV or are a working-age individual who would like to dedicate some time to a good cause, we have a place for you. Jake, a young volunteer in the Dumfries bureau, says: “This is a service that helps regular people and I’m glad to be a part of that. I help to support advisers who are making a real difference to people’s lives. Volunteering with D&G CAS has helped me develop my skills with a view to gaining a job in future. A lot of the skills you get from working with the CAS can be applied to other work, and it helps you gain an understanding of how a workplace works, especially for younger people.” Sonya adds: “Young people looking for work experience can enhance their CVs and anyone keen to learn new skills can benefit greatly by volunteering with us. "We are specifically looking for new volunteer advisers and triagers, for which full training is provided. In addition, we offer a wide range of other roles and are keen to ensure we have volunteers for our outreach services across the region.” Join us and make a difference! Visit the ‘Volunteering’ page at www.dagcas.org, call Sonya on 0300 303 4321, or email sonya. fitzsimon@dagcas.org to learn more about how you can get involved. Pictured is Jake Cherry, a young volunteer at Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service Glenkens Gazette M y name is Gordon McJannet and I live in Cumnock, Ayrshire. My great grandfather, James McJannet, had a sweet shop in New Galloway, in the early 1900s. He sold homemade lemonade, and I'm trying to find one of his lemonade bottles. If anybody in the New Galloway area has one, I wonder if they would get in touch with me? My number is 07768 913 160. Thank you, Gordon GAZETTEcommunity page 16 Keeping New Galloway clean I n April, Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) teamed up with New Galloway & Kells Community Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, and New Galloway Community Shop to help tidy up our little burgh. This was part of a nationwide campaign led by Keep Scotland Beautiful, who themselves hold out a vision for a clean, green, and sustainable Scotland. Volunteers listened to local feedback collected via the Shop about New Galloway’s litter hot-spots and headed out in teams to target those areas. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, our streets and green space are looking much better already! The LING Team Play your cards right T hank you to all who attended Bryan's Saturday night 'play your cards right' night at Lagwyne Hall in May. An excellent time was had by everyone and lots of lovely prizes were won! Catherine Ann Cockburn Photo of the Issue T his issue's winner is Kirsteen Curry with a striking photo of Mossroddich Loch. Kirsteen wins two portions of mac 'n' cheese from our competition sponsors, the Balmaclellan-based Stockbridge Mac & Cheese Co. Company owner and competition judge, Hannah Gould, said: "Blue skies and blue water...what could say summer in the Glenkens better than that!" To enter you can send in any photograph taken in the Glenkens to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEcommunity page 17 Having a dabble at Balmaclellan Village Hall H eld as part of Village Hall Week, Balmaclellan Village Hall's 'Dabble Day' in March proved to be a success. The event provided an opportunity for people to spend time together being creative, with the chance to try out making pincushions, noticeboards and pottery painting. People could pop in or spend all day, with a delicious lunch also on offer. We hope to hold another soon! Help us give Balmaclellan Village Hall a bright future! Balmaclellan Village Hall is an accessible community space complete with kitchen, library and office area that hosts everything from exercise classes to afternoon teas, the local agricultural show ceilidh to children’s Christmas parties. It also provides a warm, safe place in an emergency, and is a key part of the Balmaclellan community resilience plan. We have recently upgraded the heating and insulation, thanks to the Community Led Local Development fund. The community garden outside also provides outdoor seating in a beautiful setting, perfect for picnics and reading in the sunshine. To help secure ongoing activities and future potential of the hall, we are looking for people to become members of the Balmaclellan Village Hall Trust. By becoming a member you are showing support for the hall and the work that the committee puts into its upkeep and management (but you do not have to get involved in the running or other volunteering). Good membership numbers help secure funding for building maintenance, resources and community events. Becoming a member is free – you will be kept up to date with hall news and can also attend and vote at our annual general meeting. To get involved, email balmachallsec@gmail.com or Name the place (from page 8) Site Name: The Old Road Bridge Location: Clatteringshaws Tucked along the Queensway, halfway between New Galloway and Newton Stewart, the old bridge stands in quiet MATTHEW PAJO Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine - pain management - women's health - men's health - fatigue - sleep - stress - anxiety - needle-free laser acupuncture- The Old School, Crossmichael info@matthewpajo.co.uk 07786 079 845 pick up a paper form at the hall or Balmaclellan Stores. If you would like to book Balmaclellan Village Hall, for oneoff events or regular activities, you can use our new online booking system. Follow the link on our Balmaclellan Village Hall Facebook page, or email balmachallsec@gmail.com A treat for bird lovers at Balmaclellan Village Hall Many may know that the hall has a community library. We boast a collection of about 3,000 books, including an extensive collection (over 100 books) on birds. We were lucky enough to be gifted a number of books collected by Sandy Gordon, a well-known amateur ornithologist and leading expert on Scotland’s golden eagles. He lived his later years in Crocketford and the family, repose beside its modern successor. Rivers once carved formidable barriers across the land, but here, the worn stones whisper of a time when this crossing pulsed with life - a vital thread stitching Galloway’s rugged southwest to the wider world beyond. Now, cloaked in heather and ferns, the bridge slumbers like a retired sentinel, its knowing of our library, offered them to us. These books are available to borrow, and the range is amazing. If you are going anywhere in the world, we have books to tell you about the bird life of that country or region, as well, of course, as a collection about Scottish birds. If you are walking the Donald Watson tour, perhaps you might like to borrow a book to help with your identification? The library is open from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, or feel free to drop an email to Julia or Lynn at the emails below for a private viewing outside these hours julia.higgins55@outlook.com or btllynnstewart1@icloud.com Balmaclellan Village Hall Committee arches a testament to slower, steadier days. Did you know..? In medieval times, Galloway’s riches - fertile fields, forests, and bustling ports - flowed eastward in a steady stream of trade and hoofbeats. Cattle from these hills were driven the long road to the Falkirk Tryst, Scotland’s great cattle market, before journeying on to feed Edinburgh’s hungry streets. Centuries later, the legacy endures. Amber Dunlop-Pajo Health Psychologist - women's health - stress - depression - anxietyThe Old School, Crossmichael info@gallowaycounselling.co.uk 07389 713 106 Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEcommunity page 18 Scottish Alternative Games 2025 N ow one of the longestrunning annual events in the area, the Scottish Alternative Games will take place on Sunday 3 August in New Galloway Park. The popular event was founded in 1977 at Parton and this year marks 25 years since it moved up the valley to Scotland’s smallest Royal Burgh, and in two years' time the event will celebrate its 50th anniversary! The longevity of the quirky event is a reflection of its enduring popularity, and ability to deliver a good old-fashioned family day out with a difference. This year will, of course, see the World Gird 'n’ Cleek Championship along with all the other wellloved events like the Tossin’ the Sheaf, Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane, Tractor Pull and Snail Racing, with a few other new additions too. Be sure to put the date in your diary, and if anybody would like to come along to the event with a stall, please get in touch as soon as you can via our Facebook page or by email to bjedgar19@gmail.com The Alternative Games Committee Mens' Monday coffee E very Monday at New Galloway Town Hall, Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) hosts a Men’s Coffee Morning. This is a place for men to get together with the aim to improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and combat social isolation. Conversation covers a bewildering range of topics, supplemented by occasional guest speakers. There are also group outings to places like Bladnoch Distillery and, most recently, the Devil’s Porridge Museum. If you fancy joining them – they are a friendly bunch! – then do come and join them on Mondays, 9.30-11am at New Galloway Town Hall. Captured on camera Left: A photo of the Earlstoun oak, taken by Andrew Mellor. Andrew said: "Walking along the road down to the castle, past the devastation caused by the January storm, I was surprised and delighted to find this historic relic still standing." Right: The right plant in the right place - at the doctor’s surgery door! Photograph by Nicky Cruickshank Litter picking M y husband and I went litter picking on a 300-yard stretch of road along the A713 north of Dalry. We collected all this litter, including bottles and cans of alcohol, and even a can of petrol, in an area which is currently under a wild fire warning. I'm totally disgusted and saddened by this, and think it's time somebody spoke up. Jackie Dennison The 2024 Gird 'n' Cleek World Championship final in action Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEcommunity page 19 The true weight of dry stone walls I f you've spent time in the catchment area of the Glenkens Gazette, you will likely be aware of the sheer quantity of dry stone work all around you. It is there wherever you go and wherever you look. The 'stane' dykes that line the roads and fields seem to present themselves as part of the natural landscape and may therefore become invisible in some manner. That which has always been present in memory perception is rarely questioned, for it seems axiomatic and obvious – in this case a pleasant, practical and peaceful backdrop to the Scottish countryside. Is it though..? Popular understanding has it that most of the dry stone dykes we see today came about after the clearances of the 1700s and1800s. The hills and glens were cleared of forests to make way for large-scale landholdings and animal farming. Stone dykes began to proliferate, marking the boundaries of fields and keeping livestock in manageable, controlled areas. The land was also cleared of human beings! The folk who had been resident for generations were brutally turfed out of their smallholdings and sent off to the dismal factories of the 'industrial revolution' or else to the 'new' continents of America and Australia. A deeply-embedded culture was ripped out of rural Scotland just as surely as trees are ripped out of the ground in modern-day forestry, leaving gaping wounds across a landscape where once life thrived. The clearances were a massive traumatic blow to the collective psyche of Scotland. The Highland clearances were brutal. The Lowland clearances which included the Glenkens, were equally brutal. Some historians maintain that they were even worse. Such deep trauma does not go unmarked or unnoticed by the land itself, even though humans themselves may think they have moved on. Boundaries divide and exclude the 'other'. Beneath the tens of thousands of miles of dry stone dykes found across Scotland lies a sadness - a heaviness that goes beyond just a property of large stones. What was once an integral part of 'self' was brutally 'othered'. The loss is profound and goes way beyond what words can express. I love working with naked dry stone. I love the gypsy way of life: travelling with dog and van, rebuilding stone dykes and otherwise rearranging stone in beautiful far-away-and-over-thehill locations. I get totally lost in the stone zone. I love observing and interacting with the different styles of stone wall as they match local materials available at the time of building. I love how stone wears its history transparently on its sleeve, easily deconstructed by observing what remains and how it was put together. But something always reminds me of what was taken away. There remains a vein of sadness, heartbreak and loss echoing the experience of forced expulsion which the land and the stone have not forgotten. I get a real buzz serving and adding to the tradition of stone but at the same time I am acutely aware of the ghosts of those who within a few generations had their way of life extinguished and replaced by tree-less sheep fields and endless walled boundaries. Arjun Gupta FANCY A SUMMER RESEARCH PROJECT? I f you're at school in S4, S5 or S6 and would like a summer holiday project offering a prize of £250 for the winner, look no further! The local Antiquarian Society are running a 'Young Researcher' competition. They want to get youngsters interested in the local heritage of D&G. The idea is that students entering the competition will write an original piece of work on any topic relating to the human history or natural environment of D&G. For example, you could research the career of a local historical figure, the history of a significant local building/monument, or a study – perhaps a census – of local wildlife. Articles should contain between 1,500 and 2,500 words and may contain images, appropriately captioned. The winner will receive a prize of £250 and their paper will be published on the society’s website. This is great publicity for anyone wishing to go on to university as if you get a prize, or take part in the competition, you can add it to your university entry form. The competition runs from 1 June 2025, with the deadline for entries being 31 October, timing which ensures that examination studies are not affected. Full details of the competition, including the registration form and terms & conditions, are available under the 'about' tab at www.dgnhas.org.uk Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEcommunity page 20 St Margaret's bumper plant and bake sale T his year’s plant and bake sale, run by the St Margaret’s Guild, raised just over £700 for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA). The SCAA is Scotland’s only charity air ambulance and is funded entirely by donations, enabling them to respond to time-critical accident and emergencies throughout Scotland. Many in the Glenkens community look forward to this annual event, and were not deterred by the rain on the last Saturday in April. Sales of plants were brisk, and the home baking stall had sold out by the end of the morning. Many people stayed to enjoy tea or coffee and cakes, but this was held inside the church due to the weather. The plant stall contained a variety of flower and vegetable seedlings, as well as plants and perennials, all from local gardens and this year the Guild was particularly grateful to Dalbeattie Garden Centre and Ernespie Farm who generously donated lots of colourful annuals which undoubtedly helped boost sales. The homemade cakes and biscuits on the baking stall are always popular and this year there was a huge variety on offer, including Norwegian rhubarb cake, Victoria sponges, gingerbread, carrot cake, rock cakes, flapjacks, chocolate muffins and granary bread and, of course, the always-popular tablet and fresh fruit scones. Christine Rankin, president of St Margaret’s Guild, said: “We are very grateful to all who supported this event, and to those who helped on the day. "Being a rural area, we are all conscious of the vital service provided by the SCAA and we’re delighted to have raised such a significant sum for the charity”. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas and Dalbeattie Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEcommunity page 21 What does the Scottish Census tells us about the Glenkens? H ow many people live in the Glenkens? Where were they born? What do they do for a living? Has this changed over the past twenty years? People may remember completing a Census form just over three years ago. The total Scottish population figure of 5,436,600 was released in 2023, and now detailed local data is (fairly!) easy to access. I’ve brought together some figures for the Glenkens, and compared them to the 2001 Census. They are a snapshot of what the area was like on Sunday 20 March 2022. That’s already three years ago: since then people have moved in and out of the area, been born, died, changed jobs. But it’s the best picture we have, and it will inform government planning for the area. There is no official boundary for the Glenkens. I started with the eight community council areas covered by the Gazette, but their boundaries have changed over the years, and aren’t used in the census. So I’ve used the ‘civil parishes’ which are fairly constant for each census, and are mainly the same as the community council areas. But I’ve left Crossmichael out altogether (sorry!), because it includes part of Castle Douglas and has more people than Parton, Carsphairn, Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry put together. Who lives in the Glenkens? In 2022 there were 3302 people in the seven civil parishes that I’ve looked at here. This is a 3% decline since 2001 (when it was 3403), but there has been no change at all since 2011. People tend to think of rural depopulation as a problem, but across the Glenkens as a whole the population is not shrinking fast. However, this hides some big variations between parishes. Over the 20 years the population fell by over 10% in Kells, Balmaclellan, Dalry and Parton; in contrast Kirkpatrick Durham, Carsphairn and Balmaghie have all grown significantly. What is happening is that as a community we are getting older. The number of young people (below age 25) has dropped by about a quarter (24%) and ‘working aged’ adults by 9%, but there are 43% more people aged 65 and over. sectors haven’t changed in 20 years. People may be surprised to see that agriculture and forestry are still the biggest employers, with one in six of the total workforce (16%), though this is a substantial decrease since 2001 (22%). Health and social work has stayed in second place, but has closed the gap with land-based work: up from 11% to 14%. The third category is a mixed bag of wholesale, retail, and repair work, and has fallen slightly, from 11% to 10% of the workforce. The big change, though, is how many of us are retired. This more than doubled between the censuses, from one in six (13%) to over a quarter of the total population (28%). How qualified are we? Another big change has been the increase in the level of educational qualifications. In 2001 only 18% had a Level 4 (Higher National Diploma or Certificate, Scottish Vocational Qualification or equivalent) or degree qualification. By 2022 41% had at least Level 4, with almost a third (32%) having an undergraduate degree. How well are we? As the population has got older there are, unsurprisingly, more health issues. Just over one in four (26%) have a long term disability or illness which limits The top three employment sectors haven’t changed in 20 years...agriculture and forestry are still the biggest employers... Where do we come from? The majority of people (55%) in the Glenkens were born in Scotland, and a third (33%) can speak, read and/or write in Scots. Well over a third (37%) are from England; nearly one in 10 (9%) comes from outside the UK. This has changed quite a bit since 2001. At that time two thirds (67%) were Scotland-born, just over a quarter (28%) from England, and only one in 20 (5%) came from outside the UK. What do we do? The top three employment their daily activities, up from one in five in 2001 (20%). On the positive side, we feel better: overall self reported ‘general health’ is high, and has risen very slightly from 91% to 92% of people saying their health is “fine” or better. So what has changed? The big changes are that as a community we are more qualified, older, and more of us have retired. Smaller but still significant changes are that there are slightly fewer of us, we are less Scottish and more ethnically diverse, and more likely to be disabled. Tantalisingly what we can’t tell is how these things are related, though some of the links (e.g. between age and disability) are fairly obvious. What struck me, though, was how small many of the changes have been: mainly only a few percent in either direction when averaged out across the Glenkens. I was really surprised by the steadiness of the total population, and that agriculture and forestry still topped the employment ranking. What about you? Do these figures reflect what you thought about Glenkens people? If you want to know more, and delve into the separate parish figures, go to www. scotlandscensus.gov.uk/searchthe-census#/search-by Steve Connelly Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEhistory page 22 Galloway Retold with Angela Miller The Dalarran standing stone T he lone standing stone at Dalarran field, by the Ken Bridge on the A713, is a familiar landmark to all of us here in the Glenkens. The common story recounted about it, as told in Dr Robert Trotter’s Galloway Gossip, is that there was a battle in the field during which a king was killed, and the stone is his memorial. When I was a child newly moved to the area, it was probably the first story I heard about the Glenkens, so it was a story that stayed with me. It was, in fact, the first video that I recorded for my wee channel, Galloway Retold, and is also used for my logo (pictured to the right), and that was when I started to discover some interesting things about the story itself. In the end, I actually made two videos about the standing stone and its subject. For a long time it was believed that this ill-fated king haunted the area around the field on horseback, in full battle regalia, with a huge sword on his back. During one particular encounter with this ghost, a young man and his sister followed it all the way way to Fintloch, on the Kirk Road out of New Galloway, where the apparition disappeared over a stone slab in the ground. According to Dr Trotter, Lady Ashburton of Glenlee had the stone lifted. Inside lay a body in full battle regalia laid to rest with a huge sword, but it all crumbled to dust as soon as the outside air touched it...pretty unsettling stuff! Whether that particular tale is true or not, there have been a number of axe-heads, arrowheads and even the odd sword found when Dalarran field has been ploughed. Ted Cowan, I’m told, thought it was likely the stone marked a market site, which would explain the items found in the field too. Since the name Dalarran literally means ‘Bread Field’ in Gaelic, maybe Ted’s assessment is closer to the mark. Still, it’s exciting to imagine an ancient battle taking place right here in the heart of the Glenkens, with unsettled ghosts still walking the battle-ground. You can find both of the videos regarding the story on my Youtube Channel, Galloway Retold. They are called ‘Is a Scottish King buried under this stone?’ And ‘The Ghostly Horseman of Dalarran’. Have I tickled your interest..? Angela Miller is the librarian at Dalry Library and a keen local historian. You can view her YouTube channel by searching YouTube or Google for 'Galloway Retold'. VJ Day: The official end of World War 2 N ow that we have celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day, 8 May 1945), can I wave a flag for VJ Day (Victory in Japan Day) on 15 August, the day which marks the official end of World War 2. Many Glenkens men fought in Burma and I note in my father’s diary and letters home from that time, that they were still fighting bravely while those at home celebrated VE Day. He (John Nelson) joined the Kirkcudbright battery of the Royal Artillery. After a period manning guns near Clacton during the Battle of Britain, they were posted ‘overseas’. My father’s regiment embarked from Greenock in early 1942 sailing West, before the zigzagging convoy turned and headed south for the Cape. His notes recall leaving the Clyde, heading, he thought, for the North African Desert, stopping at Freetown and then Durban en route to refuel. As they left Durban, Singapore fell to the Japanese and his ship ‘Strathmore,’ which was much faster than the others, was ordered off alone without escort and headed towards Bombay. He recalls a morning on deck with a dozen Glenkens boys, including his good friend JD Bell, as well as ‘Cheery’ McQueen, Jock Little, and many other local names - Gallacher, Jardine, McMinn, McDowall, Patterson and McMath. After landing at Bombay and unloading all their guns and equipment (now painted jungle colours over the previous desert camouflage paint) they loaded men and machines onto a train and set off for Deolali and on to Ranchi. Then followed three years of desperate fighting against a ruthless foe in appalling jungle conditions. During that time, when given leave, my father went to stay with Jim McCrae, who managed several coal mines in India. Jim, who came from Sanquhar, had been the last manager of Carsphairn and Creetown mines. In mid-1944 father was posted to the Mountain Artillery, 5th Indian Division. When VE Day was announced, the Division were involved in fierce fighting around Meiktila. Around this time (mid-May) the monsoon started and a Castle Douglas lad, Clark Corson (whose family owned Corsons bakers in CD) drowned in a flooded paddy field while trying to save some of his men. We cannot imagine the heartache felt daily by the mothers and wives of those still facing almost certain death in Japanese slave camps, while their neighbours laughed and danced at the joys of peace at last. After the horrendous battle of Kohima, the allies changed tactics and managed to turn the tide and push the enemy back. However, it would be another John Nelson on the left, with two of his regiment on shore leave in Cape Town three months, with heavy losses on both sides, before VJ Day was announced. Little wonder that those fighting in India and Burma nicknamed themselves ‘The Forgotten Army’. So let’s not forget them on the 15th August! John Nelson GAZETTEarts Glenkens Gazette page 23 My muses take care of me O nce in a long time, something comes along that moves you in a way that you can’t fully explain, yet you feel compelled to talk about it. Recently, for us, this something was My Muses Take Care of Me, a contemporary dance performance devised by choreographer Fleur Darkin, in collaboration with sculptor Claire-Rose Barbier. We saw this performance at the CatStrand as part of the Move South programme 'Immersive Dance Theatre In Galloway’, a dynamic programme of performances and participatory events featuring some of Scotland’s most exciting touring dance companies. We went to this event because we were excited to have the opportunity to go and see an international acclaimed dance ensemble right here in New Galloway. There were just six in the audience, including us. How few of us there were but how precious and exhilarating the experience. Dance, song, spoken word, and sculpture were integrated and choreographed to enchant and guide us through a liminal space of imagination and movement. The singer danced, the sculptor sang, the dancers became the sculptures, the sculptures became the dance. The attention to detail in the choreography was inspirational. The whole performance was punctuated by little moments where your focus was taken to the toes or an elbow, then back to the whole body and the bodies together on the stage. Little moments like when they tugged at their ear lobes. These micro moments flowed into sequences of accomplished dance; the kind of movements that only a trained and agile body can execute. Merging words, live chanson singing, and sculpture, My Muses Take Care of Me poetically layered intrigue with flickers of narrative. It was abstract, yet at the same time it was familiar. We were watching human bodies doing extraordinary and sometimes quite ordinary things in ways that made them extraordinary. My Muses Take Care of Me was an experience that had us all smiling and totally engrossed. Transfixed. After the performance we six made our way to the bar, buzzing and talking with excitement about what we’d just seen and experienced. The performers joined us. They commented on how engaged we all were and that it was a delight to perform in front of such a rapt audience. On a personal level, it hadn’t mattered to us that there were only six in the audience because each of us had a captivating experience. At the same time, it’s such a shame that an exceptional performance was experienced by so few. Through 'Move South', the CatStrand invited us to experience some of the most innovative work being produced in Scotland. It was made possible by support from Creative Scotland Strategic Touring Fund and, to make it accessible, the tickets were priced as ‘pay what you feel’. Move South Immersive Dance Theatre in Galloway is a partnership project between CatStrand and Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival. It was the first of what they hope will be an annual event. We hope so too. Kerry Morrison, local resident, and Rachel Newsome, visiting Writer in Residence Photographs by Claire-Rose Barbier David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Gordon McAdam 07709 144 299 Plumbing & Heating - wood burners - multi-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspection - certificates issued - feel free to call for advice - 22 Kirkland Street St John’s Town of Dalry Covering the Glenkens & further afield Find me on Facebook 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 GAZETTEarts Glenkens Gazette page 24 Successful season on stage comes to a close C atStrand Players brought their festival season to a close at The Beacon Theatre in Greenock in early April with a brilliant performance of ‘It’s Only Make Believe’ by Mark Rees. Against strong competition from all over the west of Scotland, the team were placed third overall and were delighted to also be awarded the trophy for ‘Best Stage Presentation’. The adjudicator praised the confident and mature performances from the actors, James Wallace and Rose Benson. He said they performed with much energy and enthusiasm and the clear enjoyment of the actors was infectious, as demonstrated by the justified response from the audience. In the end, the scores were very close but third place meant that the play just missed out on an appearance at the Scottish Final, with Kirkintilloch Players and 88 Theatre progressing to represent the Western Division. As reported in the last Gazette, the Youth Players team also missed out by a whisker on another Scottish Final appearance, when they finished in second place at their Western Final at Dunlop in March. However, both teams can look back with great satisfaction and pride at their productions this year, each of them competing at a very high standard against the other winning teams from around the Western Division. After a well earned summer break, panto rehearsals will start on Sunday 7 September, anyone aged 10+ who would like to take part welcome to come along to CatStrand at 2pm on that day. Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December. The much anticipated annual panto will be on stage on Brian Edgar Pictured, left to right, are Jo Jackson, Fraser Kemp and James Wallace with the Youth Players' well-earned trophies New Cultural Glenkens project C atStrand Arts is excited to announce a major milestone in its artistic and heritage programme. CatStrand has long been home to many volunteer-led projects of the highest quality, like The Glenkens Story, Watson Birds, Ken Words, Write On, The CatStrand Singers, Dalry Film Club and Clachan Folk. These projects have added significantly to the culture and heritage of the Glenkens over many years now, and we are keen to provide even better support. We are therefore delighted to announce National Lottery Heritage Fund support for a new three-year project called Cultural Glenkens. Building on the work of the Galloway Glens project, Cultural Glenkens will not only support existing and new volunteer heritage projects, but also create an Oral History archive for the Glenkens and run a series of talks and events designed to bring our heritage to life. The Heritage Lottery understands that heritage can only thrive in sustainable communities, and so the project will also create five six-month internships to support our young people. The project includes funding for a new role of Cultural Glenkens Project Lead, and after a full recruitment process, Jo Jackson has been appointed to this position. Many of you will know Jo from her work on 'Together in the Glenkens', and we are excited to see her bring her energy and enthusiasm for community heritage to this role. She will start in early June and will look forward to getting out and about in this new four day per week role shortly after then. Jo Jackson, newly-appointed Jo will be Cultural Glenkens Project Lead supported by a small Cultural Glenkens Steering Group. This group of volunteers will meet about every two months to support and guide the project as it evolves over the three years - do get in touch at peter@catstrand.com if you would like to find out more about this role. This funding means that all three strands of the CatStrand Artistic Vision are now multi-year funded, for the first time ever in CatStrand's history. CatStrand Touring Arts is supported by Creative Scotland to March 2028; CatStrand Young Creatives is supported by The Holywood Trust until March 2027 and Cultural Glenkens is supported by the Heritage Lottery until April 2028. We look forward to using these unprecedented levels of security to carry on delivering great art, heritage and culture in the heart of the Glenkens. And please join us in welcoming Jo! Peter Renwick, CatStrand Creative Director GAZETTEarts Glenkens Gazette page 25 From the Bookroom In 'From the Bookroom' Glenkens-based author of the novel The Road From Damascus and co-author of Burning Country: Syrians in Revolution and War, Robin Yassin-Kassab, takes readers on a journey into his world of writing, reading and general thoughts on life. I went to Syria armed with books. On the way we spent most of the night in Antalya airport (southern Turkey) so I drank bad coffee and read Han Kang’s novel The Vegetarian, about a woman who stops eating meat, and eventually stops eating everything. This is a story about trauma, how the pain inflicted by others is turned on the self, and it was relevant to my destination in ways I won’t write about here. We arrived in Beirut, then took a taxi to Damascus, a city which tells two different stories. The centre never slipped regime control, so remains intact. The suburbs were controlled by the opposition, so were bombed by various powers with various weapons. Today they are rubble, mile after mile of it. I hope whoever ends up in charge of rebuilding – if Syria is permitted to rebuild – reads the book I read on the rooftop with breakfast: Marwa Sabouni’s The Battle for Home. Sabouni, an architect, argues (perhaps questionably) that the failure of the built environment was one of factors which led to war. relations of trade and friendship. Churches faced mosques, and shared public space (fountains, benches, trees) was as important as private. But when newcomers arrived from usually more monocultural villages, and were settled in “concrete barracks with no shared place to belong to,” conflict arose. Sabouni’s is an interesting and elegant little book, whether you agree or not with its conclusions. I was too busy talking and eating to do much more reading in Syria, but on the journey home I read Hassan Blasim’s Sololand. I have loved Blasim’s writing since his first story collection, The Madman of Freedom Square. In fact, I once described him (in the Guardian) as being the greatest living writer of Arabic fiction. illustrate the political and social dysfunction that force people to flee places like Iraq (Blasim is Iraqi), and one depicts the political and social dysfunction they encounter in their countries of supposed refuge (Blasim has lived in Finland since 2004). Nevertheless, the overwhelming atmosphere, for now at least, is one of enthusiastic optimism... Sabouni describes how the architecture of Old Homs engineered community, concretely interweaving I recommend Madman before the rest of his work for its treatment of war with the tools of surrealism and dark humour, but Sololand is also very worth reading. Two of its three stories A million and a half refugees have returned to Syria since the old regime fell, despite not having houses to live in. God knows the country has enormous challenges to overcome after 14 years of war and over half a century of dictatorship. There is grinding poverty, sectarian tension, and foreign states are circling like vultures (in a restaurant one night we heard a huge bang – the Israelis were bombing nearby). Nevertheless, the overwhelming atmosphere, for now at least, is one of enthusiastic optimism, and if you ignore for a moment the warplanes and unruly militias, it’s easy to see why. Books hitherto banned are sold publically, and for the first time in several generations, everyone’s talking politics freely, without fear of arrest. Glenkens Gazette EST. 2007 GAZETTEarts page 26 CatStrand SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS BILLY KAY & ROBYN STAPLETON BORN IN KYLE - A LOVE LETTER TAE AN AYRSHIRE CHILDHOOD. OUTLIERS - BOO HEWERDINE & JENNY STURGEON JOINED BY MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST GRANT ANDERSON. RANT A POWERHOUSE QUARTET OF SCOTLAND’S FINEST FIDDLERS. RANT BLENDS RICH EXPANSIVE SOUND WITH THE FIERY SPIRIT OF TRADITION. WAVE BLUES BAND GET YOUR MOJO WORKING WITH THE SOULFUL, ELECTRIFYING RHYTHMS OF SOUTH WEST SCOTLAND’S FIVE-PIECE WAVE BLUES BAND. FRED MACAULAY NO PODCAST – LIVE! SCOTLAND’S BELOVED STAND-UP STAR FRED MACAULAY HITS THE ROAD AGAIN IN 2025 FOR A NATIONWIDE TOUR. HIGH ST, NEW GALLOWAY 01644 420 374 GCAT.SCOT Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEinformation page 27 USEFUL GLENKENS CONTACTS DOCTORS’ SURGERY Glenkens Medical Practice - 01644 420 234 COMMUNITY CONTACTS • Balmaclellan: Martin Warnock - 07939 261 391 • Carsphairn: Liz Holmes - 07718 358 160 • Corsock: Julie Garton - 07769 647 702 • Kirkpatrick Durham: Heather - 07551 639 629 • Crossmichael: Richard Middleton - 01556 670 691 • Dalry: Michele Owen 07940 313 445 • New Galloway: 07741 656 601 FOOD DELIVERIES • Galloway Foodbank 07730 788 335 • Galloway Food Hub - glenkens.scot/localdirectory-listing/glenkensfood-hub • Ballards Butchers 01556 502502 (they also deliver groceries) • Parton: Tom - 07835 821 976 • Grierson’s Butchers: 01556 502 637 • Henderson’s Butchers: 01556 502 654 • Mitchell’s Greengrocers: 01556 502 077 • Fleet Fish: call 07966 103 912 to find out about Glenkens delivery days • Roan’s Dairy - 01556 620 374 • Harris & Co: www. harrisandco.uk LOCAL ORGANISATIONS/GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Helen Crowther on 0790 467 8599 or drop by the shop on Main Street, Dalry Glenkens Scout Group: Contact Heather McIntosh on 01644 420 375 Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact info@ling.org.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Michelle Owen at sjtdalrycc@ gmail.com Dalry Town Hall: Contact Lesley Blissett at lesleyblissett52@gmail.com Glenkens Community Centre: Contact Sarah McAdam on minimac01644@gmail.com Lagwyne Hall: Contact lagwynehallsecretary@outlook.com for info, or to book email lagwynehallbooking@gmail.com New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact ngce5000@gmail.com or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins at julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact info@catstrand.com or 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Visit the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Initiative: Contact Ben Ade at carsphairnhi@gmail.com Galloway Food Hub: Contact Lesley Atkins on lesley@propagate.org.uk or 07587 122 151 Bairn Banter: Contact Melissa on bairnbanter@outlook.com or 07979 492 791 If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. GLENKENS CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services Crossmichael: 1 Jun, 9.30am; 8 Jun, 9.30am; 15 Jun, 9.30am; 22 Jun, 9.30am; 29 Jun, 9.30am; 6 Jul, 9.30am; 13 Jul, 9.30am; 20 Jul, 9.30am; 27 Jul, 9.30am Balmaclellan: 1 Jun, 11am; 6 Jul, 11am Carsphairn: 8 Jun, 11.15am; 13 Jul, 11.15am Kells: 15 Jun, 11am; 29 Jun, 11am; 20 Jul, 11am Dalry: 22 Jun, 11am; 27 Jul, 11am For further info contact Ian Knox on 07840 506 516 or at i.knox29@btopenworld.com, or Irene McCreath on 07974 861927 or at irenemccreath. im@gmail.com SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway, DG7 3RP The Rev Dawn Matthew Sundays:10.30am, Holy Communion with refreshments after the service. Tuesdays: 10am-12noon, look for the ‘church is open’ sign and pop in for private prayer or to chat with Dawn. Wednesdays: 7.30-8pm, evening prayers via Zoom shared with our sister church, All Saints’ Challoch. Please contact Dawn for link. SPECIAL SERVICES - June & July: Sundays @4 – an informal service with music, readings and prayer: 8 June & 13 July For further information call Dawn on 01644 420 431 or visit www.stmargaretsnewgalloway.org Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEinformation Glass Recycling Points • Balmaclellan Stores, Balmaclellan • Memorial Hall, St Michael's Road, Crossmichael • Kirkland Street, St John's Town of Dalry • New Galloway, Carson's Knowe Car Park • St David Street, Kirkpatrick Durham USEFUL NUMBERS ● Pothole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 page 28 MINUTES/REPORTS OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT SPENDING ● Police, non-emergency: 101 or email stewartryCPT@ scotland.police.uk GLENKENS DISTRICT TRUST (GDT) www.glenkenstrust.org.uk/gdtcorporate-information ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 CARSPHAIRN RENEWABLE ENERGY FUND LTD (CREFL) www.carsphairn.org/CREFLArchive ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Local Job Vacancies Up-to-date job and volunteering opportunities can be found online at the Glenkens Hub on www.glenkens.scot GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE You can now apply for a Garden Waste Collection Service permit at £40 per bin. for regular collections from March to November 2025. Apply online at www.dumgal.gov.uk/ wasterecycling or in person at a customer service centre such as Dalry Library. The Glenkens Gazette is a member of independent UK press regulator, Impress. To find out more about our complaints process you can visit www.glenkens.scot/ complaints-and-corrections or scan the QR code here. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE Advanced Massage Practitioner (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £50 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £108 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £200 FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £332 Please get in touch further details including small business/ charity rates and series discounts. Email glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk or call/ WhatsApp 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 334 0905 24 THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS General Medical & Dispensing Services FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY The Surgery High Street New Galloway Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm Sat 2-2.30 pm Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm  01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS  FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEinformation page 29 GALLOWAY COMMUNITY TRANSPORT www.gallowaycommunitytransport.org email: gct@catstrand.com / gctadmin@catstrand.com phone: Jon 07841 512449 / Jason 07704 662925 JUNE 2025 - JULY 2025 REGULAR SERVICES EXCURSIONS We are pleased to announce a revision to our GK2 service. From Wednesday 2nd April the service will run in the evening, until the October daylight saving time change, when it will revert to a daytime winter timetable.The ‘summer’ times are as below: GK2 Glenkens > Castle Douglas Every Wednesday (Registered Route) Outward 1800 1820 1825 1830 1842 1852 1907 1920 1925 Kendoon Dalry (Underhill) Balmaclellan New Galloway Mossdale Laurieston Ringford Castle Douglas Tesco Castle Douglas ALDI Return 2150 2130 2125 2120 2108 2058 2043 2030 2025 Booking not required MINIBUS DRIVING Minibus drivers are needed to do volunteer and paid driving for our wide range of member community groups, as well as for our contracted school services. MiDAS training will be provided. Not got a D1 on your licence? Not a problem, we have a couple of buses that do not require D1. Ask us for more details. PATIENT TRANSPORT We also urgently need drivers with their own cars for our patient transport service. Our volunteer patient transport drivers receive a generous mileage reimbursement and the satisfaction of providing a vital service to vulnerable people in our communities. Interested? Email: gct@catstrand.com Phone: 07841 512449 / 07704 662925 Save the date!... we have added another excursion on 21st August to Dumfries House. Please keep checking our website for further details (and the next Gazette edition!) MEMBERSHIP HIRE We have 3 x 16 seat buses, a 15 seat, an 8 seat minibus and a fully wheelchair accessible electric car available (and minibus) for hire by community organisations. For information about membership and terms and conditions of hire see the GCT website or phone 07841 512449 / 07704 662925 www.gallowaycommunitytransport.org Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEevents WHAT'S ON page 30 June/July/August JUNE Runs until Sept, Bairn Banter Forest Learning Sessions, last Sat of the month, see below for booking details From Sun 1, Antiquarian Society 'Young Researcher' Competition, deadline for entries 31 Oct, see p19 Every Thursday, Summer Sports, 6pm, New Galloway Park Sun 1, Clachan Folk Session with the Ruby Warblers, 6pm, The Clachan Inn Mon 2, Community Engagement Day with D&G Community Safety Team, 10am-10.45, Heritage Centre Car Park, Carsphairn; 11am-12.15, Main St, Dalry; 12.45-1.30pm, near CatStrand, New Galloway, (see right for info) Mon 2, Art Ambassadors, art session for young people aged 12+, 4.30-5.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 4, Dalry Film Club: Gladiator II, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Dalry Town Hall Thu 5, Firelight Trio, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 20, Outliers: Boo Hewerdine & Jenny Sturgeon, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 6, The Old Paddy Line: Bar Night Talk, 8pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 20, LING AGM, 7pm, New Galloway Town Hall Sat 7, Carsphairn Show, The Crofts, Carsphairn Sat 21, SongWave: What do the Tall Trees Say? 4pm, New Galloway Town Hall Sun 8, National Theatre Live 2025: A Streetcar Named Desire, 4pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 28, RANT, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sun 8, GCT Bus Trip: Wigtownshire Garden Tour, see p29 Sat 28, Picnic in the Park, all day, New Galloway Park Thu 12, Ken Words Writers’ Café, 7pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 28, RNLI Fundraising Coffee Morning, Dalry Town Hall Sat 14, Billy Kay and Robyn Stapleton: Born in Kyle – A Love Letter tae an Ayrshire Childhood, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway JULY Wed 18, Dalry Film Club: Conclave, 7pm, Thu 10, Ken Words Writers’ Café, 7pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 19, Wave Blues Band, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 25, Fish and Chips social, evening, New Galloway Town Hall AUGUST Sun 3, Scottish Alternative Games, New Galloway Park, see p18 Thu 14, Ken Words Writers’ Café, 7pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 30, 12.30-9pm, Crossmichael Gala Day, see p5 Fri 15 to Sun 17, Land Notes Festival, CatStrand and Dalry Town Hall, see p10 Glenkens & District Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council: Bi-monthly, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall - contact Martin on 07939 261 391 Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Communty Council: contact mcnabblaurie@hotmail.com or 01644 440 200 Carsphairn Community Council: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn - contact carsphairncc@gmail. com or 07531 035 824 Balmaghie Community Council: contact secbalmaghiecc@ btinternet.com or 01644 450 621 Dalry Community Council: First Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall - contact sjtdalrycc@gmail.com or 07940 313 445 New Galloway & Kells Community Council: Second Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Parton Community Council: contact ericaporteous@hotmail. co.uk or 01644 470 277 Crossmichael Community Council: Second Wednesday every month - contact richardandjane@phonecoop.coop or 01556 670 691 Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library or online at www.glenkens.scot For up-to-date information visit the Glenkens Hub at www.glenkens.scot Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEevents page 31 REGULAR EVENTS & OPENING TIMES Balmaclellan Village Hall Tuesday Afternoon Teas, 1st Tues each month, 2.30-4pm, warburton.julie@ googlemail.com Exercise Class, Tue, 6-7pm Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3pm Zumba, Fri, 6.30-7.30pm Glenkens Crafters, Wed, 10am-12noon, julia.higgins55@outlook.com Community Library, Wed, 10.30am– 12.30pm; Sat, 10am-12noon Make Do & Mend, fortnightly from 14 Feb, 7-9pm Stewartry Birdwatchers, 2nd Thu each month Sep to Apr (Sep & Apr, 7.30pm; Oct-Mar, 2.30pm) Soup & Sandwich, Sat, 12noon-2pm, Oct-Mar Men's Shed, Balmaclellan General Opening Times: Mon, Wedn & Fri, 9.30am–12noon Stick Making - Mon, 7-9pm Art Group, Thu, 2-4pm Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Monday Morning Social, 11am-2pm, 07710 124 255 Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thu of the month, 7.30pm Craft Group, Fri, 10am-12noon, includes tea & coffee, carsphairncraftgroup@ gmail.com Bairn Banter; family stay & play session, Sat, 10am CatStrand, New Galloway Art Ambassadors (age 11+), Mon, biweekly, 4.30pm Behind the Scenes, bi-weekly, Mon, 5.30pm Energising Yoga Flow, Tue, 9.30am, booking essential, 07733 111 466 Citizens Advice Drop-ins, every other Tue, 10am-4pm Weekly Bus Service to Tesco, Wed, 7pm Dramarama, (age 6-10), Wed, 4pm Up Skills: Musical Theatre, (age 15+), Wed, 5pm Young Writers Cafe, (age 12+), Wed, 6pm, monthly Piano Lessons, weekly, term time 4–6.30pm Morning Flow Yoga, Thu, 9.30am, booking essential, 07733 111 466 CatStrand Singers, Thu, 11am Dance Steps (age 10-18yrs), Sat, monthly, 12.30-3.30pm Art Explorers, (age under 10yrs), Sat biweekly 10am Art Club, (age 11-16yrs), Sat, bi-weekly 11.30am Musical Misfits, Sat, bi-weekly, 10am Youth Players Panto rehearsals, (10yrs plus), weekly, Sun, 3pm The Smiddy, Balmaclellan Taste of Music, monthly, 10am (under 10yrs) Mini Music Makers, family session, monthly 11.45am (under 7yrs) Weekly Ukuele, guitar & keyboard lessons, 12.30–4pm (6-16yrs) Art Explorers, Sat, 10.30am, fortnightly New Galloway Town Hall Community Larder, side door open for access Mon 9am–4pm; Tue 7-9pm; Wed 6.30–8pm; Thu 9.30am–4pm Men’s Monday Morning Coffee, Mon 9.30-11am Dance for Wellbeing (adults), Mon 2.30pm Creative Movement for Children, 4pm LING Community Cafe, Mon, 12.30– 2pm Sports Evening, Tue, 7–9pm, carpet bowls or table tennis Zumba, Wed, 6.30pm Ukulele Group, Wed, 6.30pm Hubbub, Thu, 12noon–3pm, drop-in Martial Arts, Thu, 7.30pm For further info email info@ling.org.uk, phone 07749 249 781 Glenkens Community Centre Citizens Advice Drop-ins, every other Mon, 10am-4pm Glenkens Youth Group, Mon, 7-8.30pm Dalry Good Neighbours Club, Tue, 2pm, 07795 613 148 Wee Wonders, Thu, 9-10am Clachan Crafters, Thu, 2pm, 07500 861 041 Kickback Martial Arts, Thu, 5.30-7pm, kmabrian@gmail.com or drop-in Song Share, 1st Friday each month, 8-11pm, anne.chaurand@btinternet. com Yoga For All, Fri 9.30am, drop-in, 07733 111 466 Friendship Group, Sat (excluding Glenkens Producers Market days), 1011.30am, 01644 430 052 Table Tennis/Badminton, available to hire by arrangement, 07500 861 041 Glenkens Charity Shop Opening Times: Mon 10am-1pm, Tue 6-8pm, Wed, Fri & Sat 10am-4pm Dalry Library Main St, Dalry - 01644 430 234 Library Opening Times: Tue 2-5pm, Fri 12noon-5pm with the first hour for NEC Bus Pass & Blue Badge appointments, etc. Book at the library or call 01387 260 196. Bookbug and Parent & Toddler Session, Tue, 10.30-11.30am Glenkens Book Group, last Fri each month, 2pm, 01644 420 361 Lego Stay N' Play, every 3rd Sat of the month, 1-3pm, contact Michele Owen on Facebook Dalry Town Hall Tai Chi, Mon, 2pm Dog Training, Tue, 7pm, 07831 590 822 Song Share, 1st Fri each month, 7.3010.30pm Mossdale Village Hall Mossdale Painters, Wed, 9.30-11.30am Yoga, Fri, 2.15pm Soup Saturday, last Sat each month, 1-3pm Various Bumps, Babies & Beyond, every 2nd Mon, 10.30am, Kirkpatriack Durham Village Hall Learn to Play Bridge, Mon, 7-9pm, Lochinvar Hotel Keep Fit with Alex, 7.15-8.15pm, KPD Village Hall Strictly Get Dancing, Mon, 7pm, Loch Ken Activity Centre, Parton Spalding Bowling Club Sweep Nights, Mon, 7pm, shazfish1@gmail.com Cosy Corner, Tue, 1-5pm, Crossmichael Church Hall, 07889 016 963 Glenkens Oil Painters, Wed, 10am, Corfield House Art Studio Crossmichael Heritage Centre, Wed 2-4.30pm Cub Scouts, Wed 6.15-7.30pm, Scout Hall, New Galloway Patchwork Workshop, Thu, 1-3pm, Crossmichael Church Hall Dragon Boats on Loch Ken, Sun 9.30am, Galloway Activity Centre Knockvennie Hall Heat Bank & Snooker Club, contact Andrew on 01556 690 677 Outdoor Bowls, Dalry, contact Fiona on 07500 554 751 Snooker/Indoor Bowls, contact Gary on 01644 430 521 Mum & Baby MovementThu, 9.3011.30am, Laurieston Village Hall Crossmichael Youth Club, Fri, Crossmichael Memorial Hall For up-to-date information visit the Glenkens Hub at www.glenkens.scot Glenkens Gazette page 32 Carsphairn kids group goes from strength to strength O ver the past few months, families from across the Glenkens and further afield have been enjoying a range of events and activities with the Carsphairnbased children’s group, Bairn Banter. From visits from the local police and fire service, to Easter activities to growing their own veg and forest adventures, the volunteer-led group continues to grow, offering a continually expanding range of new and exciting free activities to children across the Glenkens and beyond. The group welcomed the Glenkens' community police officer to a morning session. PC Coupland spoke about how the police can help us in an emergency and the importance of road safety. Sparked by the children’s interest, they investigated other emergency services in the Glenkens, inviting the New Galloway Fire Station team to visit the group. Bairn Banter hosted its annual Easter egg hunt at the Lagwyne Hall, where the children enjoyed lots of fun activities including a very special visit from the Easter Bunny herself! As a keen supporter of this annual event, the renewable energy company Vattenfall gifted each child a large chocolate egg. Carol MacInnes from Vattenfall attended the event with a virtual reality headset which the older children and adults could try on, with a short film, in which kids experienced going up a wind turbine. The gorgeous weather we've been having has enabled lots of outdoor play in our newly-fenced children’s garden, with thanks to the Lagwyne Hall committee for Children at Bairn Banter enjoying the new climbing frame their support with the project. Children and parents have expressed a keen interest in growing more vegetables and flowers (following on from our 'Seed to Soup Spoon' project last year). We have also received a kind donation of tree stumps from a local resident, which have provided fun as seats, tables and habitats for insects and beasties in our garden. Bairn Banter has also recently teamed up with Dalry ELC to raise funds for an outdoor climbing frame. The Nursery/ ELC previously owned a climbing frame (which was no longer used by the children) and it was agreed that it would make the perfect addition to the Carsphairn children's garden instead. A sum of £200 was agreed as a contribution to Dalry ELC to go towards the costs for much-needed resources. This figure has now been raised, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk and Bairn Banter would like to thank everyone who generously contributed. Any additional funds that have been raised over and above the target have been divided between both settings to further benefit children of the Glenkens. Heading into summer, Bairn Banter have been enjoying Forest School sessions with Melissa Ade, who recently qualified as a Forest School leader. On the last Saturday of each month, for a block of six months, children and parents are welcome to Forest Scools sessions. To book a place at these sessions email bairnbanter@outlook.com (booking is essential as spaces are limited). If you have a wee one in the Glenkens, come along and join Bairn Banter on a Saturday morning in Carsphairn's Lagwyne Hall - all ages of children are welcome; we'd love to see you! Melissa Ade Editing & Design: sarah.ade@gmail.com AUG/SEP COPY DEADLINE: 5 JULY The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish Charity No SC032050 The role of the Gazette is to represent the voice of the community and does not represent the views of GCAT.  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 148 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG-148 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/593/GlenkensGazette149_cover.jpg fc4d8856acd94c16954a00fa5777bbae https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/593/GlenkensGazette149.pdf dc3d2eec6c20a072993d183612ed8deb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document August/September 2025 ISSUE 149 Stroanfreggan fort archaeology project C arsphairn Heritage Initiative, in conjunction with the Glenkens Story, have launched the Stroanfreggan Community Archaeological Research Project (SCARP). This is a new project investigating the ancient sites of Stroanfreggan fort and the nearby Smittons Bridge kerbed cairn. The sites will be excavated in September and October 2025 with AOC Archaeology, and you are invited to help on the excavation. FREE INSIDE THIS ISSUE New benches at community woodland ...turn to p5 Continued in the History section on p23... All new Glenkens Land Notes Festival ...turn to p8 Conjectural part reconstruction as to how Stroanfreggan fort may have appeared, created by Fearrann Alba Skills and jobs fair showcasing Glenkens-based opportunities T his September will see the rollout of a local skills and jobs fair, designed to boost awareness of employment and training opportunities in the Glenkens. There is a broadly held opinion that rural areas only offer employment opportunities in a very limited range of sectors; however, we know that this is not the case for us! opportunities will have the chance to talk with employers from a range of sectors about Glenkens-based careers, qualifications and relevant skills training. On 30 September, Dalry High School will host a 'Skills and Jobs Fair' where young people (P6 and over), career changers and people looking for new The idea of the event is to raise awareness of the careers, qualifications and relevant skills training available on our doorstep. Continued on p2... Glenkens Food Month is our annual celebration of all things food across the Glenkens, now in its seventh year and bigger and better than ever! Throughout September there will be a whole raft of exciting events and activities - keep your eyes peeled for the programme in local shops, and visit the Glenkens Hub for up-todate info www.glenkens. scot/glenkens-foodmonth-2025 News from the communities of Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Corsock, Crossmichael, Kirkpatrick Durham, Laurieston, Mossdale, New Galloway, Parton and St John’s Town of Dalry Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEnews page 2 CONTENTS Exploring employment and News: p2-5 People: p6-7 Environment: p8-15 Community: p16-21 History: p22-23 Arts: p24 Business: p25 Information: p26-29 Events: p30-31 training in the Glenkens Continued from front page... Land use change, the advent of remote working, and changes to the forestry and renewables sector have all had an effect on the availability of roles in rural Scotland, potentially increasing opportunities to access careers in new sectors. The Skills and Jobs Fair aims to offer support and advice to those considering setting up as self-employed, as well as highlighting avenues of local employment. It will be a great chance to come and see the opportunities in the area, whether you're taking your first steps into employment, are considering a career change, or looking to expand your local business. The Glenkens Communities and Arts Trust is organising the Fair in partnership with Could you give a young person the opportunity to build their skills and stay in our beautiful region? Call for Organisations: 50% FUNDING FOR AN INTERN’S WAGES Unlock your potential by engaging a young person aged 16-25 in your business for 6 months Funding available from now until end 2027 Who Can Apply: Any business based in The Glenkens To find out more contact: [before mid August 2025] Jo Jackson Project Lead Cultural Glenkens jo@catstrand.com 01644 420374 the Glenkens Community Action Plan Steering Group, Dalry Schools Parent Council and Dalry Secondary School, and the project has been made possible thanks to funding from DG Works. Save the date: 30 September, 4-6pm, Dalry School Hall For more information visit www.glenkens. scot/communityevents/skills-and-jobsfair Becca Nelson Pictured is Phoenix Lord, one of the young people to benefit from Carsphairn Community Woodland's pre-apprenticeship scheme EMPLOYERS/LOCAL BUSINESSES If you would like to have a table at the fair, or have any questions, please contact Becca Nelson at GCATProjects@gmail.com Glenkens Cub Scouts T he Cubs went that extra mile with an amazing display for their Easter egg competition. Presented were a Formula 1 track, racing cars and a stand full of spectators (eggs), football pitch which resembled Queen of the South, a well kitted-out gym, lambs, a garden with a nest in the bushes, ninjas, and much more. Christine Rankin, chairperson for the Galloway District Scout Council, judged the eggs and couldn’t believe the high standard of entries. After this event I had a fall, and have been out of action since. I would like to thank all who sent good wishes, cards and flowers - I am now on the road to a full recovery We are hoping to have our fundraising stall at the Alternative Games on 3 August, in New Galloway Park at 2pm. Please come and say hello! Pack meetings will resume on 3 September in the Scout Hall, New Galloway, from 6.15-7.30pm. If you are between eight and 10 years old and would like to try Cubs, please come along and you will be made most welcome. We have a very strong Cub Pack and are keen to let the youngsters aged 10½ to 14 continue their Scouting, but we have no leaders for this group. If you are interested please call me on 01644 420 375 or get in touch with Hannah at mcandrew.hannah@yahoo.co.uk We are also looking for Beaver leaders, which entails working with ages six to eight. If you can help, do let us know – I’m sure there is someone in the Glenkens who would be interested! Have a good summer holiday, stay safe and have fun. Yours in Scouting, Heather Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEnews page 3 Clatteringshaws CAMpRA AIRE status T he car park next to Clatteringshaws Loch visitor centre - soon to be the location of the new Scottish Dark Skies Observatory - has been granted Campaign for Real AIRES (CAMpRA) 'AIRE' status. only stay if they can access fresh water and facilities for black and grey waste disposal every few days. Here in the UK there are not enough facilities for selfcontained motorhome and campervan stopovers, so CAMpRA co-ordinates a central source of information on how towns and small businesses can apply for AIRE designation to provide simple overnight parking and waste points and thereby benefit from this year-round revenue stream. CAMpRA's aims are to promote the year-round recreational use of motorhomes and campervans through the provision of AIRES in order to: • encourage mental and physical wellbeing of motorcaravan owners • support the UK tourism industry • encourage spending in the local economy • enable motorcaravan owners to enjoy local shops, cafes, bars, The term aire comes from the French word for 'area', and is used in this context to describe a motorhome stopover site. Alison's aquabike update T I kicked off the season at the British Age Group Aquabike Championships in Burghley, where I was pleased to come away with a fifth place finish in a very competitive field. With this being the first race of the season there were certainly plenty of lessons learned. Shortly after, I raced the Outlaw Nottingham Sprint Triathlon, securing third place and earning my qualification spot for the 2026 European Age Group Championships. One of the highlights so far was taking 2nd place at the Deva Triathlon Aquabike in Chester, which also confirmed my Fi McClelland, business and operations manager for the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory which is soon to be situated on the banks of the loch, said: "The AIRE at Clatteringshaws Loch already benefitted from a black and grey disposal unit and has a large and level car park with great views over the water. "We knew that Forestry and Land Scotland previously operated overnight motorhome parking there, and at a number of other locations within the Galloway Forest Park, under their 'Stay the Night' scheme, so it seemed like a natural move to continue to offer the amenity at Clatteringshaws." Europe has long realised the benefits to tourism achieved by encouraging motorhome and campervan visits, but they can ime has flown by; it’s been a busy and exciting first half of the season for me, with plenty of racing, driving, training, and some great results that I’m proud to share with the local community. restaurants, etc CAMpRA works in association with 'Search For Sites' and 'AIREStop' - two online resources which provide an easy way to identify the locations of, the services available at and a booking platform for fully registered AIRES qualification for the 2026 World Age Group Championships. Swimming being my favoured event has meant I’ve also been keeping up my open water racing, and was thrilled to finish as the 1st overall female at the Coniston 3km Open Water Swim. In addition to racing, I recently took part in a warm weather training camp in Majorca with my swim club, Dumfries ASC, which was a fantastic opportunity to focus on endurance and consistency. Over the nine days, I managed around 60km of swimming, plus plenty of bike and run sessions to round it out. Though the hot weather was tough it gave a really good indicator to how i might cope with racing in Australia. With the first half of the season now behind me, I’m back into a tough training block as I prepare for what’s ahead - representing Team GB at the World Age Group Aquabike Championships in Australia later this year. Outside of all the fun training and racing I have also been working hard with friends to do various fundraising events. We managed to visit Tesco in Castle Douglas, and I got to speak to so many lovely people. We have also had a local coffee morning which was so well supported. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me so far your encouragement means the world. Next on the calendar is a Prize Bingo Night on Friday 22 August at Threave Rovers Social Club. Doors open at 6.15pm, with eyes down for 7pm, and I’d love to see you there! I would also like to shout out a massive "thank you" to Stewartry Sports Council, who I am delighted to say are supporting me this year. As well as that to my sponsors; Natural Power, Ian Bendall Funeral Directors, Threave Rural, JLN Engineering, Sharon's Bakes and Ark Vet Centre. Alison Pringle Far left: biking at Outlaw Sprint triathlon. Left: the finish at Coniston GAZETTEnews Glenkens Gazette page 4 The Great Corsock Show approaches M ake sure to mark Saturday 23 August in your diary as this is the day of the Great Corsock Show! be dropped off on the Friday night or on Saturday morning until 10.45am, when the doors are sealed for the judging to take place. At 1pm the ribbon is cut and all are welcome to assess the entries, enjoy the café, BBQ and bottle stall. This Galloway institution is now approaching its 20th year, with this year is shaping up to be a bumper event... Last year’s Judge’s Challenge category (‘Cake Containing a Vegetable’) was so wildly popular that his has been incorporated into the regular running order. Show programmes are in local shops, or available online including on the Glenkens Hub (www.glenkens.scot). Entries can This year’s Judge’s Challenge is ‘An Individual Cheesecake’, with ‘Local Wildlife’ the photography theme. At 2.30pm awards prizes will be presented, with time then for the famously feisty and competitive auction. All welcome! Do come along to experience first-hand the most lemon curdin’-veg growin’-traybakemakin’-craft knittin’-scarecrow stuffin’ action that is possible on a single day in Galloway… Nb This year’s event will not be televised. Laurie McNabb m mu n it y R e si l nc Certificate of Recognition 2025 ti on Bronze Award e R e c o g ni This is an excellent start on efforts to ensure our little village has a cohesive response to any issues. o ie C arsphairn community has received the D&G Council Bronze Award for its resilience efforts. C Carsphairn lands Success for Our resilience award Glenkens project Presented to Carsphairn Community Resilience Group Congratulations! For achieving bronze status as recognised by Dumfries and Galloway Council Thank you for the time, commitment and care you have given to community resilience. Your efforts play an important role in empowering your local community to prepare for, respond to and recover from civil emergencies Signature Becky Robson Cathy Cockburn Name the Place I n each issue a photograph will be taken somewhere in the Glenkens by local photographer Ted Leeming and readers have to guess where it is. The answer can be found on p17, with a bit of information and food for thought about that location. T he Glenkens Community & Arts Trust's 'Our Glenkens' project - a series of short videos highlighting some of the amazing young people living and working in the Glenkens - has received another boost. Funding from the Scottish Government's Climate Engagement Fund will be used to create more reels, this time highlighting work on climate change in the Glenkens. More details to follow, but this is another vote of confidence in the innovative work so many in our communities are carrying out, and more investment into our area. Follow @ourglenkens on FB, Insta or TikTok, or visit glenkens.scot/our-glenkens Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEnews page 5 Local artists featured in Earth Photo world exhibition L ocal artists Morag Paterson and Ted Leeming have been selected for the prestigious Earth Photo world exhibition. Their work, chosen from over 1,500 entries worldwide, will be showcased at various venues across the UK, including Forestry England sites and National Trust properties, until Spring 2026. Ted and Morag travelled down to London for the exhibition launch and awards ceremony and were treated to a fascinating presentation from polar photographer Martin Hartley. Morag Paterson is working with forester Andrew Macqueen on a collaborative project, Curious Conversations, and the selected series focuses on airborne forest life or ‘aerobiome’ in Crofthead forest. They laid out specially prepared ‘settle plates’ in the forest and then watched the collected fungal spores and bacteria grow. The photographs were taken at Ascus Labs in Edinburgh. Curious Conversations is funded by EcoArt Charity and Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands. Ted Leeming's pieces in the exhibition, On Food, examines global food system complexities, and form part of his portfolio submission exploring urban and rural land use across Scotland. sustainability, balance, and consumption, his compelling imagery invites viewers to consider the environmental and social implications of how we use and manage land. The Earth Photo World Exhibition is currently on display at the Royal Geographical Society in London until 20 August 2025. Highlighting issues such as Additionally, selected works activities over the last year. This has included the establishment of paths and wildlife scrapes, planting of trees with school groups and community events. But there was nowhere to sit… The new benches are made from larch, Douglas fir and oak, all sourced from within Dumfries & Galloway, and provide a new focus for visitors to enjoy the views around the site. The benches were 50% funded by Glenkens & District Trust as part of the ‘Woodlands Plus’ project, and 50% by EJD Forestry and Foresight Group. The unveiling ceremony included performances by Helmut Lemke, with his Ode to the Midge and a Navaho-inspired piece. Next up for Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland is the installation of signage and a car park. In the meantime, the site is open to all visitors; it is located just by the River Urr, off the Corsock to Moniaive road (What Three Words: lofts/ plausible/bends) - a perfect spot to go for a seat. For more visit www.uuet.co.uk McNabb Laurie are being exhibited at Forestry England sites and National Trust properties across the UK, including Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire, and Basildon Park in Berkshire. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to engage with art that addresses pressing environmental issues. New benches unveiled at community woodland T here are three new benches at the Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland, crafted by Auchencairn’s Phil Daube and inspired by the local landscape. The Glaisters Bridge Community Woodland is a bit special - it is the first time part of a commercial woodland creation scheme has been leased to the community. Foresight Group, the owners, have leased the four hectare site to Upper Urr Environment Trust, unleashing a range of community Advanced Massage Practitioner Sienna Laurie goes head over heels for one of the new Glaisters benches Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEpeople page 6 Glenkens Youth Correspondent Joshua Wells, aged 16, is our Gazette youth correspondent and in each edition he will be writing about topics which interest him. In this issue Joshua discusses summer holidays. T he time for sunny weather and clear skies (well not so much for Dumfries and Galloway) has once again come around. Summer holidays...relaxing, having barbecues or even going abroad. In Dumfries and Galloway, school summer holidays are about seven weeks long. However, if you think that's long, you may be shocked to hear about the length of summer holidays in Iceland. In Iceland, summer holidays can be over 13 weeks long, although it is reasonable to say that their summer holidays may be a bit different to ours. Historically, our tradition of a long school holiday stems from the need for rural parents to have their kids help on the farm, during the harvest season. However, these school holidays became more important after 1872, when the Education (Scotland) Act was passed, as the act made it compulsory for kids ages five to13 to go to school. Helping on the farm was so common at the time that a two-week holiday was held in the 1930s, known as the ‘tattie holidays’, which continues today, with children getting two weeks off in October. This is often now used as a lastminute getaway before the weather gets too bad. With agriculture becoming a bit less ingrained within today's culture, and farms becoming more mechanised, children did not have to help out as much. People often spend their summer holidays going abroad, or staying home and doing local activities. For example, this year the CatStrand ran Arts Award Explore for those aged eight to 11, and for those aged from 12 to 18, an Arts Award Bronze. The CatStrand are giving young people the opportunity to go to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a brilliant showcase of people's talents on stage or on the streets. There is also a trip to the amazing Sky Arts Studio in Glasgow, showing young people the real versions of what they might see on TV. At the end of the Arts Award week, those who participated get to present their work. Unsurprisingly, I'll be doing this by writing a critique on one of the plays at the Edinburgh fringe. Some people also choose to go to the Galloway Activity Centre, where you are able to take part in archery, do some laser-tag, or even go on the ‘Wobbly Water Park’ on Loch Ken. And for those who want a more relaxing event, you may be interested in Youth Work’s ‘Amazing Summer Roadshow 2025’, where you are able to take part in gaming, sports, crafts and music. Or at New Galloway Town Hall you can get involved in their community gardens. So, whilst many people across Dumfries and Galloway won't be taking part in the longstanding tradition of farming over the summer break, there is a lot to keep locals and as well as visitors occupied during the holiday season. Changing times at GCAT I t wasn't an easy decision to make, but I know it's the right time for me to move on from my role at the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT). I've had a great three-anda-half years here, enduring the arduous five-minute commute and the live music accompaniments to our work in the back office. But with the support of the whole team, from staff to freelancers to volunteers to board members, we've made huge strides over the last few years, and the organisation is now the most stable it's ever been. With multi-year funding sourced for most of our key projects and a clear strategic vision of our work in arts and community development, I'm hoping that leading GCAT into its next chapter will be a really attractive proposition for my replacement. GCAT and CatStrand were never going to be something that I could just walk away from, so that's why we've agreed an extended timeline. I'm planning to be in place until the board appoints a new person and they start, so that we can do an in-person handover for a few weeks. After that - who knows? It's quite exciting for me personally, not knowing what I'll be doing in the New Year... Who knows? I'm not going anywhere just yet, but I would like to thank all the many members of the Glenkens communities who make it such a special place to live and work. I really think it's astonishing Helen Keron, Peter Renwick (CatStrand how much Creative Director) and Brian expertise and Edgar (GCAT Facilities Manager) effort people outside the CatStrand are prepared to bring to bear on making life Look out for the board's better for all of us. And if announcement of my GCAT is better able now to successor in the next edition! support you in your efforts, Helen Keron, then I will count that as a job GCAT Chief Executive well done! Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEpeople page 7 Evolution of a Glenkens Archive W e are excited to announce the creation of a new online Glenkens Archive which will encompass the existing Glenkens Gazette archive, along with a wider aspect of historical information from across the Glenkens. The Glenkens Gazette archive was created in 2021 by Oli Sturm, with input from Paul Goodwin, who uploaded all the pdf files of past Gazettes, and David Bartholomew, who had a complete archive Gazettes, right back to the first edition. Oli says: " We moved to the area around eight years ago, and a few months before then we visited the property we were about to purchase and picked up a Gazette in the Post Office in Dalry. It seemed a great idea to learn a bit about the area and the community we were going to move to. "After moving in, the Gazette was a source of more local information and we were surprised to be neighbours to Sarah - Gazette editor! The idea of a searchable archive was born when I became more curious about the Glenkens and wanted to easily find past issues on topics I wanted to look into." Considering the new Glenkens Archive project, Oli continues: "I’m looking forward to seeing the new archive that will make it even easier to discover the region and its past. It’s great that the Glenkens Gazette has played such an important role in this area and I am happy that I was able to add a little bit to the success story." Gail Challis, Glenkens Hub editor and creator of the new Glenkens online archive, says: "I'm excited to show everyone the new Glenkens Archive which will build on the brilliant work Oli has done for the Gazette. The new archive will be able to host documents, images and recordings from Glenkens organisations as well as an interactive map. It will be Happy golden wedding anniversary! going live this autumn - keep an eye on the Gazette and Glenkens Hub for updates!" Glenkens Gazette & Hub Team T hank you Val Edwards for all you have done over the years. For raising two children who are now exceptional adults, and for being there for me through the good and bad times. with much love from Nick xxx £7.00per night per dog 2 hearing aids, charger & 5 year warranty from £1,500 Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment page 8 Inaugural Glenkens festival of land T he Glenkens Land Notes festival will be a community celebration of place, creativity and connection - a vibrant and joyful celebration of our relationships with land and place. The festival will offer a chance to reflect on the land that surrounds us - not just in terms of ownership or use, but in terms of meaning, memory, belonging and future care. Across the weekend, the Glenkens will host a rich mix of events that speak to this connection: music and talks, hands-on workshops that invite creativity and craft, walks that explore the land on foot and in thought, and talks that open up space for listening and dialogue. And of course, no celebration would be complete without a ceilidh. One of the most exciting and visible parts of the festival is the invitation for individuals and community groups to create banners. These banners can celebrate place, honour local stories, express hopes, or simply mark a personal or communal connection to land or place, however small or complex that may be. food under a canopy of colour, accompanied by a local piper. You don’t need to be an artist to make one. The banners are for everyone, whether you’re already deeply engaged with land, cultural or environmental connections or just starting to think about what land means to you. Whether you’re a farmer, a student, a parent, a walker, a neighbour or someone who’s never really thought about land much at all - this festival is for you. In the weeks leading up to the festival, people are encouraged to display their banners in windows, gardens, public spaces or community halls—turning the Glenkens into a patchwork of voices and visions. Then, during the festival weekend, the banners will be gathered for a collective parade and picnic—a joyful comingtogether to walk, talk, and share At its heart, Land Notes is about making space: for expression, for listening, for connection and for new perspectives. It invites us to step outside of the usual frames of land as property, policy or problem, and into a more playful, personal and communal relationship with it. Kerry and Morag, the cocurators behind the festival, along with the creative team at the CatStrand, and Dalry Community Council, bring years of experience working with communities, art, ecology and place. Their vision for Land Notes is rooted in care, inclusion and curiosity - asking not just how land is used, but how it is felt, shared, shaped and honoured. Kerry Morrison making Land Notes banners at the Dalry Farmers Market So come along. Make a banner. Hang it up. Bring it to the parade. Join the music, the walk, the talk, the making, the dancing. Let’s celebrate what land means when it becomes not just a backdrop, but a living part of the story we all share. Land Notes is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players and supported by Creative Scotland, Nature Scot, Inspiring Scotland and DGArts. Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment page 9 The Optimistic Environmentalist Electric Cars - Part Three Common myths that we have not had to worry about (continued)... 3) EVs are not reliable: As with any piece of technology, some are not perfectly made. Remember, all new technology and manufacturing techniques improve as time goes on. One of our friends had problems with her secondhand EV, and after 18 months of trying to find out what was wrong because the car was not holding its charge, she was recommended a wellthought-of EV garage. It turns out her original garage had been the real problem and her car works well now! As with the transition from horses to motor vehicles, there are many changes and improvements to go through, but bringing in clean energy to people's homes to reduce costs and climate change demands makes this transition important to work through as quickly as we can. In fact though, EVs are much more reliable than you may think. An RAC report from January found “EVs are just as reliable for drivers who have traditional vehicles over a long period of time.” 4) EVs are so heavy that they damage the roads and car parks: Generally, cars are bigger and heavier now due to modern safety features and our demand for space and comfort. EVs are heavier proportionately because of their batteries, but the difference is not that much and certainly not as great as has been publicised. After all, they don't have engines or fuel to carry. Newer designs and technology are also meaning that battery capacity is improving so battery sizes are reducing. Regardless, there are heavier ICE cars eg large SUVs and pick-ups, than most EVs. Also, be reassured, car parks are designed to hold large numbers of big cars and vans, so don't worry. 5) EV batteries use materials like lithium and cobalt: As for ICE cars, materials need to be dug up for EVs. However, they do not need the mining and transporting for oil that ICE cars require which they then burn - once. There is some confusion around rare earth materials – batteries do not use, and never have used, rare earth minerals. Some EV batteries do use EV chassis cutaway cobalt but ICE vehicles have always used cobalt – it is used to remove sulphur from petrol and diesel. Lithium and often cobalt, can also be found in the batteries of laptops, smartphones, watches and cordless power tools. EV designers and recyclers are constantly improving what and how materials are used and cobalt is being phased out of the latest EV battery technologies. Estimates show that 85-95% of materials can now be reclaimed from batteries and reused again. The companies that exist to do this though, have found that EV batteries are going for longer than expected so have been having troubles sourcing them. Family and friends coming to stay? N ew Galloway Golf Club Founded Foun ded 1902 www.ng www.n g gc.co.uk Country cottage set in beautiful gardens available for holiday lets all year round (sleeps 5) This is a measurement of how much power a battery holds now compared to what it had when first made. A battery health test tells you how much charge it can hold and, depending on the type of tests, how the different packs in the battery are performing. Our car is two-and-a-half years old and has done 27,000 miles without any perceptible change in the battery state of health, and thus, range. Battery technology and life is improving all the time MG have just announced in some countries, although not the UK yet, that batteries in some of their vehicles will have an unlimited mileage, lifetime warranty. Denise MacDonald-Kiernan Eileen Campbell Call Fiona on 07789 903127 - 01644 420737 - www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Buggies now available for hire Licence no DG00824P VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Battery health To arrange a visit in the comfort of your own home please contact 07515 168 963 or empathyfoothealth@gmail.com Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment page 10 sponsored by Living with bees L iving with Bees was an exposition at The Byre, Corriedoo, by artists Kerry Morrison and Helmut Lemke. The aim was an exploration and sharing about the natural life of free-living bees and the ways we can support feral and wild honeybee colonies. Kerry and Helmut began practising natural beekeeping in 2010. Natural beekeeping is about providing hives (or nests) that allow the bees to go about their business in a near natural way, with low or no intervention from a beekeeper. It allows the bees to live their natural life cycles and be the primary beneficiaries of what they produce: honey, wax, propolis, pollen, royal jelly and venom, which are all essential for the health and wellbeing of honeybees. Over the years, Helmut and Kerry have been continually learning about the lives and health of honeybees, through observing the colonies in their garden and reading the ever-growing literature that is now available about natural beekeeping and free-living bees. This research is evidencing that supporting bees to live in a near-natural way enables them to thrive and manage diseases and pests without chemicals or human interference. Living With Bees brought together Kerry and Helmut’s understanding and knowledge as honeybee observers and nest providers alongside reference books, drawings, photographs, installations, film and live sound streamed from outside a hive, creating a buzz through the whole of The Byre. Many interesting conversations were had with visitors to the exhibition, and the tree trunk hive generated a lot of interest. A tree trunk hive, which is a hollowed-out log on stilts, provides a near natural nest cavity for free-flying bees. Honeybees are forest dwellers and, ideally, they would build their nests in cavities in veteran trees. By having a tree trunk hive you are proving a nesting place in the absence of big old trees with cavities. Given the interest generated, Kerry and Helmut are now planning a workshop in the autumn to make tree trunk hives for different locations across Galloway. The Byre, at Corridoo forest, is Kerry and Helmut’s studio. Pictured are Kerry and Helmut at the Living with Bees exhibition in The Byre, Corriedoo, photographed by Kate Foster GLENKENS ORAL HISTORIES Are you looking to plant trees this winter? We have grants available for small-scale native planting schemes. For full info, visit: www.dgwoodlands.org.uk Registered as a SCIO, no 052525 Have you a tale to tell or an ear to listen? Calling for volunteers to recall their stories and recorders to record those memories. To be uploaded onto a digital archive for present and future generations to enjoy To get involved or find out more - jo@catstrand.com | 01644 420374 We look forward to hearing from you! Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment page 11 sponsored by If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FREE 20 chairs with arms, free to collect from Mossdale Village Hall. Surplus to requirements. Contact: 07538 821764 Seagrass matting, made up from squares, 3ft x 6ft. Not new but still useful. Contact: Sue, Dalry, on 07563 718 011 Central heating radiator. White. H72cm, W54cm, D11cm. Contact: 01644 420267 Horse manure, rotted and fresh, no weed killers used. Dig your own - bring sacks or trailer. Contact: 07889 229 340 Double/single bunk bed, double at the bottom, single on top, metal frame. Contact: 07727 127 997 WANTED LOST: Camouflage print Croc (clog-type shoe) lost in the river at the High Bridge of Ken. Has likely floated downstream...if found, please contact Sarah on 07727 127 997 Garden bench. Contact: 07727 127 997 Old lawn mowers/strimmers/other small machinery. Non-runners/broken welcome. Contact: text/WhatsApp 07845 562 217 FOR SALE & OFFERS PONY AND RIDER RELATED ITEMS. Saddle rack, bridle work (all leather) bits, stirrups, leathers, crupper, Cashel bareback rubber saddle, rug, travel boots, etc. All small cob size (Fell). Ladies size 10 clothing, some brand new. Riding/hunting/in-hand showing. Boots, spurs. Any reasonable offer. Ring me for full details and to arrange to come round for a browse (and a cuppa). Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 (please note I do not have the internet) Shed clearances - any shed cleared, large or small; get in touch for further info or to arrange a visit. Contact: 07765 034 841 WRIGHTS STORE & POST OFFICE DALRY DALRY DALRY SWEET TREAT SATURDAY DALRY INFORMATION FRESH CREAM CAKES AVAILABLE TO ORDER OPENING TIMES OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri 7.30am-5.30pm MONDAY – FRIDAY Sat 8.30am-5pm Sun 8.30am-3pm 7.30am – 5.30pm POST8.30am OFFICE– 5pm SATURDAY Mon-Fri 10am to 3pm SUNDAY 8.30am – 3pm Sat 9am to 12noon Sun closed LOCAL SUPPLIERS LOCAL SUPPLIERS DALMELLINGTON BUTCHERS DALMELLINGTON COUNTRY HENDERSON BUTCHERS RAMSAY OF CARLUKE BUTCHERS BUTCHERS UPPER TREATS DULLARG EGGS SWEET BAKERY GLENKENS HONEY MITCHELLS FRUIT & VEG CREAM O' GALLOWAY SWEETCAKES BAKERY GALLOWAY LODGE IRVINGS BAKERY GLENKENS HONEY COMPANY COWS & CO CHEESE THE CRESS COMPANY CREAM O GALLOWAY BORDER BISCUITS GALLOWAY LODGE PRESERVES HAWKSTONE BREWERY MITCHELLS & VEG IRVINGSFRUIT BAKERY SULWATH BREWERY SCOTTISH GALLOWAY PASTA ...local delivery available... GLENKENS HONEY COMPANY POP IN FOR A CHAT AND A BROWSE Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment Loch Ken Family Fun Day The Loch Ken Trust is excited to be holding our annual Loch Ken Family Fun Day on Tuesday 12 August, from 11am-3pm, at Parton (in the field next to Loch Ken Holiday Park). There will be loads to do for all ages, including rescue demonstrations, kids’ activities and crafts, free rafted canoe trips, mini water safety sessions, a wild swimming group, and a chance to meet local branches of the emergency services. There will be local caterers Ballards Butchers and Glen Urr Ice Cream. Glenkens Cardiac Responders Group Loch Ken Trust are launching the Glenkens Community Cardiac Responders Group. Community Cardiac Responders are members of What's on over summer with the Loch Ken Trust the community trained and supported by the Scottish Ambulance Service to respond to Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests, on behalf of the Scottish Ambulance Service, as a first response to provide life-saving CPR and defibrillation to build resilience in our rural communities. If you are interested, please get in touch. No previous experience is required as all training will be provided by Scottish Ambulance Service. Requirements • Must be 18+ • Full Driving Licence • PVG Disclosure (Assistance Provided) • One days local training with Scottish Ambulance ServiceFriday 29 August. If you are interested, please get in touch for further details at Lindsay@lochken.org.uk page 12 LOCH KEN TRUST RANGER 07539 029 175 / 07918 300 889 Joint patrols with Community Police Police Scotland have embarked on joint patrols with Loch Ken Trust Ranger Service in a bid to put a stop to irresponsible behaviour. The purpose of these joint patrols is to ensure that persons visiting Loch Ken for whatever purpose are aware of their rights and responsibilities afforded under the Land Reform Scotland Act 2003 and adhere to the guidance provided in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Any persons who are not acting responsibly not only spoil the enjoyment of the area for other visitors, but put themselves and others at risk, and can be prosecuted accordingly. Our Head Ranger Leanne Pumpr urges everyone to act responsibly and follow the guidance by not lighting any fires during restricted periods. LOCH KEN FAMILY FUN DAY Tuesday 12th August 2025 11am-3pm Field next to Loch Ken Holiday Park, Parton Free entry and open to all Emergency Services Rescue Demonstrations First aid and safey advice Kayaking Demonstrations Wild Swimming Demonstrations Kids Activities and crafts Water Safety Obstacle Course Facepainting All children must be accompanied by an adult.For further information please contact Lindsay@lochken.org.uk Constable Lucinda Copland and Head Ranger Leanne Pumpr on a water patrol on Loch Ken “Our key objective is to educate and promote responsible access and ‘leave no trace’ to all who visit Loch Ken. It is great to be working in partnership with the community police so we can make sure all those enjoying Loch Ken have a positive experience.” A spokesperson from Police Scotland stated: "Police Officers will be carrying out regular patrols of the Loch Ken area, both independently and with local Rangers, as well as other popular tourist sites throughout the summer. Should they find persons acting irresponsibly, be under no illusion that appropriate action will be taken against those who are identified as having done so.” With the Summer holidays and peak visitor season in full swing, the joint patrols will continue. It is hoped that this presence will inform the public on responsible access and discourage any irresponsible behaviour. Lindsay Stewart, Manager, Loch Ken Trust Could you be a Loch Ken Volunteer Ranger? Get in touch with Lindsay at lindsay@lochken.org.uk Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment page 13 New community orchard for Balmaclellan F ollowing the redevelopment of the Smiddy and the Men’s Shed in Balmaclellan, there are now further plans to help the village become a more attractive and vibrant place to live. A full planning application has been submitted by Pamela Young Trust for the building of three new-build properties on the old filling station site and a decision on that is imminent. In addition, any visitor or resident can't have failed to notice the excellent work that has been done both internally and externally at the village hall. A lovely new outdoor space has been created and this is both a great place for people to sit and relax, as well as presenting an attractive introduction to the village. Just down from the hall, a building plot has been on the market for a long time and it has got progressively more unkempt. This has now been purchased by Alan and Fiona Smith, with the intention of creating a community orchard which will be available for anyone to access and use. Alan commented that he and Fiona and had noticed that this site had remained un-sold for a very long time and it was starting to spoil the look of the village, so took the decision to buy it. Without a clear vision for its use, and with no intention to build a house, the site itself ultimately supplied the answer. There are currently two lovely mature apple trees, so it seemed obvious that these should be retained, added to and a community orchard created for the use of everyone in the village. Initially the site is just being tidied up and made stock proof until a planting scheme has been decided on. Thanks go to Robin Jardine for assisting with the fencing to the rear of the orchard. Volunteers may be required in due course! Alan Smith Photograph of the orchard plot taken by Anita Garnham Stewartry Birdwatchers upcoming talks S tewartry Birdwatchers meetings will again be held in the comfortable and well-appointed Balmaclellan Village Hall. Their programme begins on the evening of Thursday 11 September, at 7.30pm, when Ian Bainbridge will give his talk, 'The East Atlantic Flyway for Coastal Birds'. Ian will explain that in the autumn and winter, the UK is visited by many migrant waders and wildfowl and how they depend on specific places and habitat which need to be conserved to protect these species. All are very welcome to come along to our meetings. Stewartry Birdwatchers are a branch of the Scottish Ornithologists' Club and our talks are in no way scientific, but hopefully are always interesting and enjoyable. Halfway through any meeting we break for refreshments with time to chat, pass on any news and have a word with the speaker. The afternoon meetings begin on 9 October, with a talk by Teresa Frost about waterbirds and their monitoring. Teresa is responsible for managing the monthly Water Bird Surveys and the Goose and Swan counts which are both carried out by many volunteers throughout the UK. The amazing rediscovery of the Madagascar pochard and the concerted effort to give this unique duck a chance of survival is the subject of the talk by Glyn Young on the 13 November. Glyn, who has worked with some of the world's rarest birds, failed to find the duck in 1989 and did not see it until 17 years later. 'New Zealand - a Hotbed of Endemics, Fighting for Survival' will be the last talk for 2025, on 4 December. This is an account of a trip to New Zealand in 2019 when the speaker, Sarah Wood, travelled from North Island to Stewart Island in the south, in search of the country's very special birdlife and how it fares under the onslaught of invasive species. Joan Howie Pictured are two species of waders which winter on the U.K. shores, photographed by Maisie Welsh Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment page 14 Exploring place planning in Dalry A new research project led by Lucy Jenner is shedding light on how people in Dalry and surrounding areas engage with land use and local place planning. , a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh, in collaboration with the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, Lucy, a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh, worked in collaboration with the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere to research environmental land use changes - how our landscapes are evolving and how communities are responding. One key aim of the project was to understand how residents interact with local place planning initiatives, particularly in relation to Dalry’s Local Place Plan, and whether these efforts help people better understand land use in their area. To explore this, two similar surveys were shared within Dalry and the wider Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. It reached a diverse range of groups, including local yoga classes, gardening clubs, readers of the Glenkens Gazette, and subscribers to the Biosphere newsletter. Lucy and her team also visited Dalry in person to gather responses directly from the community. In total, 98 people took part in the survey (a map of the survey responses is included here). The results were both insightful and encouraging. A significant 78% of respondents said they think about land use change either frequently or more than once a week. Nearly 80% expressed concern or strong concern about land use in their area. These figures highlight just how important this issue is to local people. thought about land use. This is powerful evidence that involving communities in planning and decision-making can genuinely shift perspectives and deepen understanding. The research is currently being written up, and Lucy is keen to hear from anyone who would like to learn more or get involved in future work. You can reach her at l.jenner-1@sms.ed.ac.uk. These findings support a growing body of research suggesting that when communities are given the tools and opportunities to engage with land use data and planning, it can lead to a stronger sense of empowerment and connection to place. A big thank you goes out to everyone who took part in the survey and supported the project. And congratulations to the lucky respondent who won the £25 voucher to the Clachan Inn! Lucy Jenner Below is a map of survey responses Even more striking, 93% of respondents said they wanted more information about land use changes and planning in their communities. This shows a clear appetite for greater transparency and communication around how land is managed and developed. When it came to Dalry’s Local Place Plan, the findings were particularly promising. Among those who had been involved in developing the plan, 57% said it had changed the way they Photo of the Issue T his issue's winner is Kirsteen Currie, with a photo of a small loch that she and her family affectionately term Giant's Foot Loch. Kirsteen wins two portions of mac 'n' cheese from our competition sponsors, the Balmaclellan-based Stockbridge Mac & Cheese Co. Company owner and competition judge, Hannah Gould, said: "This is just such a lovely photo...with the heron, the lilly pads and the rhododendrons...very mystical!" To enter you can send in any photograph taken in the Glenkens to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEenvironment S ummer this year has had a ‘green health’ focus for the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire (GSA) Biosphere Partnership. The charity works in collaborative projects that build closer connections between people and nature, and the team strives to support accessible outdoor experiences, especially those that centre wellbeing and community. page 15 Out and About in the Biosphere one of the GSA Biosphere Partnership’s launch series of Green Health Workshops (Colmonell, Whithorn, Glentrool, Girvan and Ochiltree were also in the summer calendar). The concept behind the workshop is to bring local people for a sociable event, providing a safe space for discussing barriers no requirement to be overtly physical! The GSA Biosphere Partnership aims for its Green Health initiative to help break down some of these barriers, create new social connections, and share the vast array of opportunities available in the UNESCO region. Green Health Workshops typically include an indoor session where people can exchange ...it’s not just about hiking in the wilderness or running upland trails... Green health is the umbrella term for nature-based activities that improve mental and physical wellness. It is increasingly being integrated into health and care plans through ‘green prescribing’, meaning that more and more GPs are proactively identifying and signposting green health activities that would work well for their patients. Health authorities and third sector partners are likewise establishing ‘green gyms’ and running digital marketing campaigns to promote local outdoor activities. Raised awareness of the immense positive impacts that nature can bring have led to the development of blue health initiatives as well, describing activities connected with rivers, lochs and the sea. Here in the Glenkens, New Galloway was the venue for to participation and an opportunity to find out more about activity groups operating locally, many of which are very small collectives run by volunteers and don’t have the capacity to advertise as extensively as they might wish. "Spend more time outdoors" may seem to be a simple instruction but there are often significant barriers to fulfilling this goal. Whether or not there is an existing health condition (which may impact energy, mobility, or ability to travel), other factors may include lack of free time, difficulty accessing information, or untenable transport and equipment costs. Confidence can also be a big issue, especially for those without family members or friends to join in as companions or offer support in other ways. Green health has an encouragingly expansive coverage; it’s not just about hiking in the wilderness or running upland trails, but in fact includes gardening, tai chi in the park, and much more – experiences and ideas, plus a gentle outdoor activity in local green space. This often incorporates nature recording using the iNaturalist mobile phone app, which the Biosphere team promotes far and wide as one of the most inclusive and accessible ways to spend more time outdoors with the added advantage of learning new skills – eg, how to ID a wonderfully varied population of bugs! The app actively supports the wildlife and habitats of the UNESCO Biosphere as all records submitted are added to a global database to be used by scientists, researchers and conservationists working on projects ranging from protecting pollinator flight paths to ameliorating roadkill hotspots. All the GSA Biosphere Partnership’s upcoming events, including Green Health Workshops, are advertised on their social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and BlueSky – follow #gsabiosphere) and most are bookable on the organisation’s Eventbrite page. All are free to attend though donations are warmly welcomed. The GSA Biosphere Partnership is a registered Scottish charity (SC044137) and has recently launched a JustGiving page to make it easier for supporters to donate (www.justgiving. com/gsabiosphere). Every contribution helps keep the Biosphere’s activity programme, educational resources, community/business workshops, Carbon Literacy training and accreditation schemes free of charge and accessible to all. More information about other ways to get involved such as the Proud Supporter scheme and Biosphere Certification Mark for business and social enterprise, is available at www. gsabiosphere.org.uk Top: Signage for one of the New Galloway walks. Above: Broadbar clover sawfly on a buttercup. Far left: Learning iNaturalist in New Galloway woods. Left: Green Health Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEcommunity page 16 A busy year for Glenkens Youth Group T he summer term has flown and we are now at the end of our third Glenkens Youth Group year. It was lovely to welcome a few more to the group, with sixteen now on the register. We continued to meet in Balmaclellan Village Hall, making good use of the excellent kitchen facilities with baking always a favourite activity. The lovely garden area led to impromptu circle chats under the trees and games of tig. With the remainder of our donation from the Glenkens Charity Shop, we bought a folding snooker table. This has been a great success and some very competitive games have been played! On wetter evenings, equally competitive games of Cluedo took place with enthusiastic use of accents to match the characters. Great fun! We even had a trial take place with a judge, jury and the accused (our youth assistant, Izak). Thankfully his driving license was returned following the verdict! We had a very successful and enjoyable outing to Threave Bowmen at the Castle Douglas Rugby Ground in April. We were shown the basics of archery and were supported by volunteers from the club, taking turns to aim at different targets including trying to burst balloons. Thank you very much to Threave Bowmen for a great evening. Finally, after two cancellations due to the high wind speeds, we had an amazing session with the Loch Ken Dragon Boats. Earlier in the term, Evelyn, one of the trained helms, visited us at the hall and showed us how to hold and use the paddle, respond to instructions from the helm. The boat was ready in the loch for us when we arrived, so after a short reminder and a warm up, we were paired up with a buddy and boarded the boat. We had a lovely, memorable time on the Loch, paddling in time to the drum (or trying to!) looking out for wildlife and joining in with the singing. The youngsters were praised for their coordinated paddling and infectious enthusiasm and energy. Thank you very much to the helms and helpers from Loch Ken Dragon Boats. Young people from the Glenkens Youth Group participating in the Loch Ken dragonboats trip We have a fantastic trip planned to the Titanic Exhibition in Belfast in July, funded by the Dumfries and Galloway Amazing Summer Fund, and a day of activities at Galloway Activity Centre in August, once again made possible due to a donation from the Glenkens Charity Shop. We are very grateful to both funders. Thank you. In August we plan to return to the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry as our venue. We have been very happy at Balmaclellan, and made to feel very welcome, however as most of our youngsters live in or around Dalry, it makes travelling to the group more viable for them. Many thanks to Izak Entwistle for his help and support throughout the year and also to Julian Watson for volunteering his time to support us. Finally we hope you all have a lovely summer and look forward to more adventures in the Autumn. Sue Curtis, Glenkens Youth Group Deliverer Glenkens Youth Group is open to all P7 – S3s in the Glenkens who would like to meet on a Monday evening (7-8:30) for relaxed fun and chat. Contact glenkensyouth@gmail.com for more information. With grateful thanks to the Glenkens and District Community Fund for a further two years of core funding which allows GCAT to keep the Glenkens Youth Group running and free of charge for our young people. Community volunteers I sought in Corsock area C orsock and Kirkpatrick Durham Community Council are updating their Emergency Resilience Plan and are looking for volunteers. Residents are sought from the Corsock, Kirkpatrick Durham, Knockvennie and Old Bridge of Urr areas to volunteer to be on a contact list to assist in extreme weather events/ emergencies. There is no commitment required to volunteer, just a willingness to help in the community if you are able. No specialist skills are required! It could be something as simple as checking on neighbours. Could you help? There is an online survey that can be filled in www. surveymonkey.com/r/ K76JWQD or email Lindsay@lochken.org.uk When the resilience plan is complete, a final copy will be lodged with Dumfries and Galloway’s Resilience Team as added assurance. There has been a great response so far - many thanks for any information submitted. Lindsay Stewart want to thank you very much for printing my notice regarding my great grandfather's lemonade bottles in the Gazette. I am now the proud owner of one of these bottles and it's a strange, but satisfying, feeling holding something that my ancestor handled over 100 years ago. Thank you again for your help in this matter. Gordon McJannet GAZETTEcommunity LING's Annual Hedgehog greeting cards Glenkens Gazette page 17 General Meeting L L ocal Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) held its AGM in June, and we managed to break our own record for number of attendees. While all AGMs are special, this one marked the end of Ann and Bob Glaister’s tenure as trustees after an impressive 10-year stint. By way of thanks, they were gifted a blue plaque which will soon be put up in the hall. A highlight of the evening was having John Muir present us with a five-year plan which had its inception in various community consultations. Over the next five years LING aims to honour the past, connecting people to place through heritage, as well as celebrating the present through bringing people together in shared spaces, and building the future with the creation of sustainable, resilient places for all. Throughout this process we hope to feed into existing work such as the Community Action Plan, and work alongside developing projects such as New Galloway’s Local Place Plan. It’s certainly an exciting time to be at LING during this period of transition – and in New Galloway more broadly. It seems changes are ever afoot! Dominique Pope ocal artist Sue Wiseman is creating hand made greetings cards featuring her hedgehog cartoon drawings. Sue says: "Each one is drawn individually, with a theme suited to the recipient. They are a standard C6 size, with envelope, and will cost about £4, £3 of which will be donated to Carsphairn Wildlife Rescue." To order call Sue on 07563 718 011. Name the place (from page 4) Site Name: Stroanfreggan Bowling Hut Location: Carsphairn parish You can’t miss this true jewel of history if you travel the road from Carsphairn to Moniaive. Steeped in the culture of a 'once was' rural community, the vestiges and remains of which are still visible across the surrounding hillsides and glens, the hall has lain sadly empty on the road opposite the old schoolhouse since the 1990’s. A peek through the window still excites the MATTHEW PAJO Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine - pain management - women's health - men's health - fatigue - sleep - stress - anxiety - needle-free laser acupuncture- The Old School, Crossmichael info@matthewpajo.co.uk 07786 079 845 imagination as to what not so long ago once was, and it takes little imagination to hear the sound of a ceilidh raging deep into the night, or of a fiercely competitive bowling competition, the ‘green’ still lying the length of the corrugated structure. This centre of a community that once thrived now lies In a state of sad decay. Let’s hope a level of restoration will be possible in the near future to arrest its decline and ensure its presence as a reminder for future generations. Did you know..? Rural depopulation in our region is nothing new. The 18th century bore witness to the lowland clearances (and the consequent Levellers rising in resistance to the changes) as Scotland’s lands were first ‘enclosed’ towards today’s structure of ownership. With the 20th century came urbanisation and mechanisation of the countryside both in agriculture and forestry, and with them further migration of the young towards urban opportunity. Since 2000 the population has seen a 50% increase in people over the age of 75, while the 25-44 age group has declined by over 25%. Ideas to reverse this decline are always welcomed, so why not discuss opportunities for the future over a pint and let us know? Amber Dunlop-Pajo Health Psychologist - women's health - stress - depression - anxietyThe Old School, Crossmichael info@gallowaycounselling.co.uk 07389 713 106 Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEcommunity page 18 Second year for Glenlair Feastival N ow in its second year, Glenlair Feastival has been recognised by Scotland Starts Here as one of South West Scotland’s most important and influential events of 2025. Sponsored by Demijohn, Scotland’s awardwinning liquid deli, Glenlair Feastival is a music, food and drink festival which will take place at Glenlair Steading, near Castle Douglas, on Sat 16 August, from 10am to 10pm, with overnight camping on offer. Unique to Scotland, this boutique familyfriendly festival is all about highlighting littleknown Scottish musical talent, as well as the very best of local food and drink. The musical line-up will include artists such as The Aberlady Sessions from East Lothian and local Dumfries band Pedro & the Pirates, with additional performances from a number of emerging Dumfries & Galloway young musicians, sponsored by Up Yer Airts. Demijohn’s flagship store at Glenlair Steading will be open for tastings of their unique range of handmade, sustainable food and drink. Hungry festival goers will be able to enjoy a selection of other local artisan food producers such as Earth’s Crust Bakery WIN TICKETS WITH OUR GAZETTE READER OFFER! from Castle Douglas and Swally & Scran from Kirkcudbright, as well as some dangerously drinkable creations from the now famous Demijohn cocktail bar. Would you like to go along to the Glenlair Feastival and see what it's all about - for free? Angus Ferguson, owner of Demijohn, said: “As we celebrate 21 years of Demijohn this year, our festival theme has to be 'Forever Young!' We are hugely pleased that Glenlair Feastival has been recognised as a benefit to our rural local economy. Our aim is to bring visitors from all over the world to enjoy Galloway and our small festival helps us to do that.” For the chance to win a ticket for entry and camping worth £45, email event organiser Angus Ferguson at angus.ferguson@demijohn.co.uk - the first two callers to quote that they saw the article in the Gazette will win tickets! Tickets start at £25 and are on sale now at www.demijohn.co.uk/products/glenlairfeastival-sat-16-august-2025 Cultural Glenkens launch C ultural Glenkens is an exciting new place-based, people-led CatStrand Arts project which will focus on furthering exising successful initiatives, as well as creating a range of brand new ones. L aunched in June and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the initiative is designed to foster engagement and understanding of the culture, landscape and heritage of the Glenkens, supporting and developing a variety of locally-led projects. There are several exciting initiatives already underway; in the CatStrand Arts September events guide there will be details on how to engage with new one-off heritage events as well as getting involved with the existing grassroots heritage projects - The Glenkens Story, Dalry Film Club, Ken Words, CatStrand Singers, Watson Birds, Write On and Galloway Folk Sessions. Keep your eye open for the Cultural Glenkens listings in the current CatStrand Arts Events Guide for the wealth of cultural and heritage events on offer. There’s a ceilidh dance interspersed with Galloway songs, poetry and stories on Friday October 24 at New Galloway Town Hall. A collaboration between Cultural Glenkens and Watson Birds will be taking place on Saturday 2 November at Dalry Town Hall, celebrating the birdlife of the Glenkens through words, music, song, art and readings. We’re also planning a ‘Remembering Our Heroes’ event to coincide with Remembrance Day, an evening of poetry, song and stories to celebrate the beautiful Glenkens, and a halloween heritage trail to take place in New Galloway Park. There will also be an exciting chance to explore Galloway songs and your singing voice during four monthly singing sessions at the CatStrand. Watch out for the dates and times for these wonderful happenings! Cultural Glenkens are keen to hear from all of the Glenkens communities regarding memories and stories from the past. As well as the telling of these tales, we are looking for volunteers to record these important memories. This will be the central part of our Oral History Project, which aims to record and digitise these precious memories and store them on a digital archive. We are also looking for any images and/ or text from Glenkens past to keep safe and house on the Cultural Glenkens Digital Archive. Please do get in touch if you feel you can help with either of these projects (contact details below). There’s a full overview of the whole Cultural Glenkens project on www.gcat.scot/culturalglenkens, which you might find interesting. I am greatly looking forward to the experiences and opportunities the next three years brings to us all. Jo Jackson, Project Lead Cultural Glenkens, jo@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEcommunity page 19 Support for Community Action Plan projects A s the Glenkens continues its work on the Community Action Plan, two new important roles have been filled through the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT). Becca Nelson has been appointed as the Glenkens Community Activities Consultant, complementing her existing work with the Glenkens Community Spaces Network. This is a National Lottery 'Awards for All'-funded role, and will enable Becca to support the amazing town and village hall committees across the Glenkens. She will be available to support the creation of new and enhanced activity programmes in any and all of our halls. Abi Mordin has been appointed as the Glenkens Food Month Coordinator for the seventh Glenkens Food Month. Building on the great work done by New Galloway Community Enterprises in starting this tradition, Abi has now stepped forward to take her turn at coordinating it. Abi will be known to many of you for her passion around local food through her work with Propagate and the Galloway Food Hub. She's looking forward to working with community groups and food businesses to support our local infrastructure through a diverse and accessible programme of events this year. Welcome Becca and Abi! Helen Keron, Chief Exec, Glenkens Community and Arts Trust Pictured is Abi in her element, discussing local food Glenkens transport survey results T he Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) and Glenkens Hub have been collecting information about public transport in the area. This has been done through a short survey, and the information gathered will be sent to Dumfries & Galloway Council on a quarterly basis. Below are some of the responses received so far. The survey can be found at www.glenkens.scot/publictransport-feedback Please help us present a case for improving the service by recording the issues you have encountered with our local buses. All information is anonymous thank you for your help! Gail Challis, Glenkens Hub Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEcommunity page 20 Galloway Riding for Bumper the Disabled lunch success for the lifeboats A fter a period when we struggled to attract volunteers, I am happy to say we have recruited several enthusiastic and capable people to help our riders. We are always keen to have more join us and at the present time we have vacancies for riders with either physical or behavioural problems. Our photo shows our volunteers enjoying the 'thank you' lunch we arranged at Rosava's in Castle Douglas, as a small reward for all their efforts. We meet every Wednesday morning during term time, and if anyone requires further information please contact me on 01644-450 201 or gallowayrda@gmail.com Susan Cooper (Chair) T he Glenkens Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) fundraising group were delighted with the success of their coffee morning, held at Dalry Town Hall in June. Glenkens folk have always been loyal supporters of the RNLI, but this year they surpassed themselves with just over £1,000 raised. With the building of the new lifeboat station in Kirkcudbright now underway these funds will be put to good use. The committee would like to thank all who helped on the day, as well as everyone at Dalry Town Hall who were so helpful in setting everything up and taking it down again afterwards. The hall has been quite transformed in recent years; it is now a light and airy space, and an ideal venue for a coffee morning! As well as a range of RNLI souvenirs for sale, the cake stall and raffle also proved popular, and extra tables were needed to accommodate all those wanting to enjoy a cup of coffee and some delicious home-baking. Nicolette Wise Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas and Dalbeattie Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEcommunity page 21 How the Glenkens could help a refugee family find a home C ommunities in the Glenkens are no strangers to pulling together. responsibility to those in need. Whether it’s keeping vital services going, standing by neighbours through illness, or backing local projects, this is a part of the country where community still means something. And right now, there’s a quiet but powerful way that spirit could find new action, by starting a Community Sponsorship group to welcome a refugee family. One of the most overlooked benefits of Community Sponsorship is what it does for the people who get involved. Groups often form through shared values, but it’s the process of welcoming someone new that builds relationships across divides. You meet people you wouldn’t otherwise meet. You learn alongside each other. And you make connections that stretch beyond your usual circles. Community Sponsorship is a UK-wide scheme that enables ordinary people to offer extraordinary support. Local people form a group, find housing, raise funds, and help a refugee family settle into their new life. It’s not a top-down programme or government placement; every decision is made locally, shaped by what’s possible in your community. It’s already happening in cities, towns, and villages across the UK, from Edinburgh and Glasgow to remote parts of the Highlands and Islands. But so far, not in the Glenkens. The nearest group is in Carlisle. That means a family who might benefit from the warmth and steadiness of this community, who might thrive here, won’t have that chance unless someone steps forward. Why it matters here Strengthening community from within Reset offers a full suite of free training and resources to anyone involved in Community Sponsorship. These include practical sessions on navigating the UK’s housing and education systems, trauma-informed approaches, working with interpreters, safeguarding, and supporting wellbeing. Many of these skills are useful far beyond Sponsorship, whether you're involved in local services, volunteering, or simply want to be a better neighbour. And you don’t need to be a professional, just someone willing to learn and contribute. It’s not a top-down programme or government placement; every decision is made locally, shaped by what’s possible in your community. Like many rural areas, the Glenkens is facing challenges. Local schools, GP surgeries and services are under pressure, not only because of demand, but because fewer people are here to staff or sustain them. Welcoming a refugee family won’t solve all of that, but it could be one meaningful part of a broader renewal. Families arriving through Community Sponsorship are motivated to work, contribute, and build a future. They bring skills, and determination, and most of all, they want to be part of a place. A new family means children in the local school. It might mean a parent volunteering at the community centre, training for local jobs, or eventually launching a small business. But it also means something deeper: it’s a chance to act on values many of us share, hospitality, compassion, and What it takes To welcome a family through Community Sponsorship, a group of local people comes together to support them during their first year in the UK. That includes helping them access healthcare and benefits, registering with schools, navigating shops and services, and, perhaps most important, offering friendship and belonging. The group also needs to raise a modest amount (usually around £9,000) and identify suitable housing, typically a private rental that’s affordable and available for at least two years. Beyond that, people bring whatever they can. Some might help with English practice, others with lifts to appointments, or introductions to local groups and networks. It’s a team effort, and no one needs to do everything. Faith groups often play a vital role, offering meeting spaces or helping raise funds. But groups can form through any connection, friends, neighbours, colleagues, local clubs or mutual interests. This isn’t about charity. It’s about dignity, welcome, and the idea that even a small community can offer something powerful: a place of safety and the start of something new. A quiet commitment There’s a long tradition in rural Scotland of doing the right thing quietly. Of noticing when help is needed and stepping in. Community Sponsorship fits that spirit. It just needs people willing to say: we’ve got room here, for one more family, for a fresh start, for hope. If that sounds like something you along with a few people you know might want to explore, Reset can help. We’re a charity that supports new Community Sponsorship groups from day one: helping you understand what’s involved, building a plan, training and supporting you, basically walking alongside you all the way through. This area has already shown leadership on so many issues like renewable energy, local resilience, community ownership. Welcoming a refugee family could be the next step. A small act with lasting impact. Find out more by watching the animation we made with Cognitive Media on our website www.resetuk.org Sarah Wishart, Reset This article is part of a Scottish Beacon initiative, a collaborative network of independent local news publications across Scotland working together to get community voices heard. Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEhistory page 22 The pilgrim route through Chapelyard N orth of Dalry, and just to the west of Mackilston farmhouse, the 1853 six-inch Ordnance Survey map marks a place called Chapelyard. The accompanying Ordnance Survey Name Book describes Chapelyard as "the ruins of some cottages on the farm of Mackilston". It goes on "the authorities here quoted say that it is handed down by tradition that these ruins are upon the site or near to where a chapel once stood, but no information respecting the chapel can be obtained in the locality’. Nearby is the place name Minister’s Moss, recording a place where the parish minister in past times had the right to cut peats. This adds weight to the idea that in earlier times the land in the vicinity belonged to the church. Over twenty years ago, I had a brief wander around Chapelyard with my metal detector, but found nothing more than a few buttons, worn Georgian halfpennies and shotgun cartridges. But having invested in a better detector, I returned there in 2021 with Andrew Mellor. That day we didn’t find a lot, but I did turn up a mysterious fragment of a silver coin that we didn’t recognise. Our curiosity was aroused and in the following weeks we returned a number of times, joined by our detectorist friends John Wykes and Tom Carlyle, and systematically covered the area around Chapelyard and the ruin of Cleughhead cottage. We were surprised to unearth five silver pennies of Edward I, all from the Chapelyard side of the Cleugh Burn, as well as a number of artefacts of probable late medieval age. In addition Andrew found a silver coin of Robert III (c1400) down the hill near Nether Cleugh farm, and John a coin of Henry III (c1250) about half a kilometre to the south of this. These are coins we have never found anywhere else in the Glenkens. I should highlight that to find so many Edward silver pennies at one place in the Glenkens is unprecedented. We have never found more than solitary examples at other places in the Glenkens. It indicates that Chapelyard was a place that saw a lot of passing human traffic around 1300. The story took an even more remarkable twist when Ian Knox of Dalry’s nephew Carl Savage, who is a coin expert working for the National Museum of Scotland, identified my coin fragment to be part of an Arabic silver dirham. These were imported into Britain during the Viking age and used as silver bullion, at times being cut up for smaller units of currency. But the particularly notable fact about my fragment is that it is of a coin from the Abbasid Caliphate (754-833 AD), meaning that it came from the early Viking era and is the first example of such a coin to be found in Scotland. These have been found in England, but all Arabic dirhams previously found in Scotland originated from later Samanid mints (895-942 AD) and came to Britain through different trade networks. What does all this mean? The old maps provide further clues which would seem to support the existence of an early chapel at Chapelyard. Just down the burn from Chapelyard, near to the High Carsphairn road, the first OS map marks a knoll called Knockrosh. It was likely there was a cross here at some point – either wooden or stone - acting as a way marker for people travelling up or down the valley. They would then know to turn off there and head up the burn to find the chapel, which would not have been visible from the main road. The early Blaeu map marks a place just north of Chapelyard called Pilgrymleyis. The Blaeu map is very inaccurate regarding the relationship between places, but you can find Pilgrymleyis on the first six inch OS map under the name ‘Leys’ just to the NE of Mackilston hill. The name suggests a resting place for pilgrims. These pieces of evidence suggest that Chapelyard lay on the pilgrim route down to Whithorn; and the fragment of a coin from the early Viking era suggests that the chapel was already there at an early date, well before the Galloway hoard was buried down the valley at Balmaghie. A little to the north, at Stroanfreggan, a large standing cross reportedly once stood on a knoll near to the old Stroanfreggan Bowling Hut (see Proc. Soc. Ant. Scot. [1912], p258). At the time of the Reformation, when what were perceived to be Catholic images were often destroyed, the cross was knocked down and broken into at least two pieces which were cast into a pool in the nearby burn – hence the name Image Pool. These were later fished out of the burn and one large fragment of the cross was erected in the grounds of Hastings Hall in Moniaive, where it still stands. The three-metre-long larger fragment at one time served as a garden bench at Manquhill, but has now disappeared. This cross probably dates to the early 8th century, from the same time as the Ruthwell cross, when the kings of Northumbria extended their reign over southwest Scotland, and is evidence for an important gathering place for worship there in the heart of the hills. This year’s archaeological dig over Stroanfreggan hillfort, which may date to the same period, is therefore very timely. A Community Archaeology Project took place at Chapelyard in June 2022 under the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership, delivered by Rathmell Archaeology; curiously it provided no solid evidence for activity in the medieval period. However, metal detecting finds indicate that such activity definitely took place (this report can be viewed under the 'Reports and Resources Archive' under the 'Resources' tab at www.glenkens.scot). David Bartholomew Top: 1853 OS map showing Chapelyard Middle: 1662 Blaeu map showing Pilgrymleyis Above: Arabic silver dirham found at Chapelyard Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEhistory page 23 Galloway Retold with Angela Miller Elspeth McEwen F or many, many years, the name Elspeth McEwen was little more than a footnote in the history of the Glenkens. The names of those accused of witchcraft were only really kept in kirk records and court documents, and they were certainly not on the lips of most folk who lived since those times, not until very recently. Interest in those women and men accused of the archaic ‘crime’ of witchcraft began to resurge in the last 20 years or so, and historians began to dust off those old documents, commencing the hunt for those forgotten names, and the forgotten lives of the people attached to them. She is often also called Elspeth McGown or MacGowan, but she is clearly the same person through all of those various spellings in the records of what happened to her. Historians like Glenkens historian Lizanne Henderson began to uncover the stories of the accused and the trials that all too often ended in death sentences. In brief, Elspeth McEwen was an elderly woman who lived alone at Cubbox near Balmaclellan. In the late 1690’s, as the witch panics were starting to fade, Elspeth was accused of Witchcraft by her neighbours. I remember attending Lizanne’s lecture on local witches at the CatStrand. That’s when I first heard the name Elspeth McEwen, among others. Now it’s worth noting that Elspeth’s name is written with a variety of spellings, as many names were before spelling was as standardised as it is now. On top of the Mulloch, the 'Bloody Brae' referred to in the beadle's testament incriminating Elspeth McEwen In many parts of Scotland, this might already have been met with scepticism, but Dalry minister, William Boyd, had her brought for questioning at the Kirk Session. Along the way, as they came over the Mulloch to Dalry (the roads were quite different then) the beadle who brought Elspeth to Dalry on his horse, claimed she made the horse sweat blood as they went up the steep brae, referred to afterwards as the 'Bloody Brae’. His story was used alongside the testimony of her neighbours, to send her to the Tolbooth in Kirkcudbright for imprisonment. Elspeth had not confessed, so a confession was sought from her. She stayed in the tolbooth for over two years, before she confessed, was tried and then was strangled and burned at Silvercraigs in Kirkcudbright. Elspeth was one of the last Join the archaeological dig at Stroanfreggan Continued from front page... Stroanfreggan, probably Sròn a' Chreagain as its original Scots Gaelic name, meaning ‘nose of the rocky place' (which describes the location perfectly), hosts the enigmatic hill-fort on boundary of Carsphairn and Dalry parishes. Following support from the landowner, Historic Environment Scotland and the Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund, an excavation overseen by AOC Archaeology will take place in September and October 2025. As the excavation will also open a trench in the (potentially bronze-age) kerb cairn at the foot of the sròn, the fun (work!) will be readily accessible to most people interested in coming along to see what's happening. For further information and importantly, as the project relies on volunteers for the dig, to sign up as a volunteer visit www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/stroanfregganarchaeological-researchproject-volunteering-tickets women in Scotland to be executed for Witchcraft. She has been on my mind a great deal again lately, as I have been talking to Jo Jackson at Cultural Glenkens about her, and because I have also been speaking with the poet Ros Ollin, who is about to publish a book of poems telling Elspeth’s story. Ros will be speaking about Elspeth and reading some of her poems at the Kirkcudbright Fringe this year, on Friday 5 September at 10am. You can also check out the two videos about Elspeth on my Galloway Retold YouTube channel, to get a more detailed history of her death, as well as more of a sense of who she might have been in life. Angela Miller is the librarian at Dalry Library and a keen local historian. You can view her YouTube channel by searching YouTube or Google for 'Galloway Retold'. Stroanfreggan Community Archaeological Research excavation Project (SCARP) 23:09.25 - 17.10.25 Open daily 3pm-5pm Introduction to the excavation project July 27th, 15:00 to 17:00 at the CatStrand, New Galloway. Come along to the CatStrand to hear from Cathy MacIver, AOC Archaeology about the fort the excavation project and how you can join in on the dig! Michael Ansell The TV programme ‘Digging for Britain’ will record some of the project, and although too late for the current session, will be kept for broadcast in the future. Tickets are free for this event and can be booked at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/catstrand/t-ojgexdp or on 01644 420 374 or in person at the CatStrand, New Galloway. As the excavation will also open a trench in the (potentially bronze age) kerb cairn at the foot of the sròn, the fun (work!) will be readily accessible to most people. GAZETTEarts Glenkens Gazette page 24 Campestral exhibition O n Friday 20 June I attended an exhibition opening from local artist Vanessa (Ness) Johnston BA (Hons) in The Maclaurin Gallery, in Rozelle House Museum and Galleries in Ayr. Ness has been studying art for eight years, inspired by visiting a local art group in St John’s Town of Dalry and being prompted by a member of the group to go to college to study art. Eight years later, after working her way through an HNC to MA, she delivered an exhibition titled Campestral, a word derived from Latin meaning 'of a field', drawing inspiration from not only the art of indigenous peoples in Mexico, but also the local area of Dumfries and Galloway, in which she resides and works. heavily on inspiration from the techniques and stories of indigenous peoples from Mexico, finding links and personal connections between their mediums and aesthetic choices, incorporating abstraction, collage, printmaking and a use of vibrant colour to expand her work to fit her vision of rural life. Ness discusses these inspirations in her artist statement: “My surroundings of fields and the forest, it’s sounds, sights and smells, and the wildlife of both the rare and the everyday such as crows and ravens have inspired these works. Yet I wanted to find a way to tell my story of rural life through my art, but I wanted to do this by travelling beyond myself.” Frequent motifs in her work include animals, birds, trees and the Galloway countryside, shown through an abstract lens, skewed in various different ways to provide something fresh. To “travel beyond”, she drew Watson book launch T he launch of a new book about local bird artist Donald Watson was held in Dalry Town Hall. Watson Birds Patrons Dame Barbara Kelly, the Duke of Buccleuch and Richard Agnew joined Chirs Rollie, Roger Crofts and others. Copies of the book are available for purchase at the CatStrand shop or online at www.whittlespublishing.com Ness said: “The works presented here are very much ‘of my place’, formed form my creative conversations with the landforms, wind, rain and the heavens of Galloway. I hope you enjoy them.” Vanessa Johnson at the Campestral exhibition launch Vanessa is currently finishing her final studies and will be graduating as a Master of Art (MA) in July 2025. Kaelan Johnston Fish Wish I must go down to the sea again, with a rod and a line and bait, With a restless slap on a clinker hull of a tide that will not wait. To seek the flounder, pollack, sprats, the herrings with their roes in, The brill and ling to bring ashore at the long day's closing. I must go back in time again to make a nice fish meal, With coley, whiting, thornback, skate, monkfish or conger eel. A fishmonger with 30 different types that we could choose, And *rock and chips on a Friday night wrapped in the Evening News by Sue Wiseman * rock was a term for 'rock salmon' or dogfish Excerpt from the RNLI publication All About Fish: The Healthy Dish, 1986 David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Gordon McAdam 07709 144 299 Plumbing & Heating - wood burners - multi-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspection - certificates issued - feel free to call for advice - 22 Kirkland Street St John’s Town of Dalry Covering the Glenkens & further afield Find me on Facebook 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 GAZETTEbusiness Glenkens Gazette page 25 BUSINESS in the SPOTLIGHT W e’re Brandecosse, a small family business proudly based in St John’s Town of Dalry. We specialise in high-quality walking boots, footwear, and workwear – built to last and designed for people who value craftsmanship. We believe in doing things properly: quality over quantity, always. And for us, there’s no better place to live and work than this corner of Scotland we call home. The Glenkens has been our home for nearly 30 years, and it’s shaped everything we do. The landscape is not only where we live – it’s where our boots are tested, refined, and worn. followed by Hunter, at the Gates Rubber Factory in Dumfries. After a time spent as a consultant for rubber footwear production around the world, the opportunity arose to create something of our own – a collection of country boots that combined Italian craftsmanship with Scottish practicality especially curated for the fieldsports community. And so, Brandecosse was born. In 2021, we moved into our current home – the old bank building just across the road from where it all began. From here, we now welcome and ship to customers from across the country (and beyond). Fast forward to today, and Brandecosse has well and truly grown arms and legs. Jane and Mark’s sons, Ben and Josh, have now joined the business. What began as a small country boot brand has grown into the hiking and outdoor living markets, while continuing to earn a reputation for 'bombproof' footwear among the hunting community. Our work has also taken us further afield, forging strong ties with international brands who share our values. Through our brand development work, we’ve partnered closely with two Kiwi icons - Swanndri Clothing and Skellerup Footwear - both with rich farming heritage and a commitment to making gear that lasts. Visit us Being based in the Glenkens means we’re surrounded by endless inspiration whether that be those who work in the outdoors or the brutal yet beautiful landscape. While our office in Dalry is very much a functioning office, our kettle is always on and our boot room always has a space for you to find your next trusty pair. Brandecosse was founded in 2008 by our directors, Jane and Mark Trueman. At the time, our entire operation ran from a very cosy shed behind Wright’s (then Newton’s) shop in Dalry. Whether you walk your four-legged pals doon the Ken or are in quick pursuit of your tea in the Galloway hills, we have something for you. Pictured are Brandecosse founders Jane and Mark Trueman outside their premises in The Old Bank on Dalry's Main Street Mark brought with him a wealth of experience from his years at Dunlop, David 07513 180 960 JOINERY & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Renovation & Conversions New Builds Extensions Groundworks Roofing Kitchen Fitting Windows/Doors Interior Finishings Covering Dumfries & Galloway Reliable Tradesmen We change lives! Come and help us. Your journey starts here! Check out our projects on our socials! D.Mason Joinery Volunteer with us @d.mason_joinery d.mason.joinery@gmail.com dagcas.org • 0300 303 4321 • info@dagcas.org Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service is a Company Limited by Guarantee No: SC179254. Scottish Charity No: SC027107 Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEinformation page 26 Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEinformation page 27 USEFUL GLENKENS CONTACTS DOCTORS’ SURGERY Glenkens Medical Practice - 01644 420 234 COMMUNITY CONTACTS • Balmaclellan: Martin Warnock - 07939 261 391 • Carsphairn: Liz Holmes - 07718 358 160 • Corsock: Julie Garton - 07769 647 702 • Kirkpatrick Durham: Heather - 07551 639 629 • Crossmichael: Richard Middleton - 01556 670 691 • Dalry: Michele Owen 07940 313 445 • New Galloway: 07741 656 601 • Parton: Tom - 07835 821 976 FOOD DELIVERIES • Galloway Foodbank 07730 788 335 • Galloway Food Hub - glenkens.scot/localdirectory-listing/glenkensfood-hub • Ballards Butchers 01556 502502 (they also deliver groceries) • Grierson’s Butchers: 01556 502 637 • Henderson’s Butchers: 01556 502 654 • Mitchell’s Greengrocers: 01556 502 077 • Fleet Fish: call 07966 103 912 to find out about Glenkens delivery days • Roan’s Dairy - 01556 620 374 • Harris & Co: www. harrisandco.uk LOCAL ORGANISATIONS/GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Helen Crowther on 0790 467 8599 or drop by the shop on Main Street, Dalry Glenkens Scout Group: Contact Heather McIntosh on 01644 420 375 Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact info@ling.org.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Michelle Owen at sjtdalrycc@ gmail.com Dalry Town Hall: Contact Lesley Blissett at lesleyblissett52@gmail.com Glenkens Community Centre: Contact Sarah McAdam on minimac01644@gmail.com Lagwyne Hall: Contact lagwynehallsecretary@outlook.com for info, or to book email lagwynehallbooking@gmail.com New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact ngce5000@gmail.com or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins at julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact info@catstrand.com or 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Visit the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Initiative: Contact Ben Ade at carsphairnhi@gmail.com Galloway Food Hub: Contact Lesley Atkins on lesley@propagate.org.uk or 07587 122 151 Bairn Banter: Contact Melissa on bairnbanter@outlook.com or 07979 492 791 If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. GLENKENS CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services Crossmichael (Church Hall), 9.30am: Aug 3 (Crossmichael Church); Aug 10, Aug 17, Aug 24, Aug 31, Sep 7, Sep 14, Sep 21, Sep 28, Balmaclellan, 11am: Aug 3, Sep 7, Carsphairn, 11.15am: Aug 10, Aug 31, Sep 14 Kells, 11am: Aug 17, Sep 21, Dalry, 11am: Aug 24, Sep 28 (Harvest Festival) SPECIAL EVENTS - Aug 3, 2pm, Guild Stall at The Scottish Alternative Games, New Galloway For further info contact Ian Knox on 07840 506 516 or at i.knox29@btopenworld.com, or Irene McCreath on 07974 861927 or at irenemccreath.im@gmail.com SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway, DG7 3RP The Rev Dawn Matthew Sundays:10.30am, Holy Communion with refreshments after the service. Tuesdays: 10-12noon, come for private prayers or to chat with Dawn when the ‘church is open’ sign is outside. Wednesdays: 7.30-8pm, evening prayers via Zoom shared with All Saints’ Challoch. Please contact Dawn for the link. SPECIAL SERVICES - Harvest Festival, 10.30am, Sunday 21 September – all welcome! For further information call Dawn on 01644 420 431 or visit www.stmargaretsnewgalloway.org Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEinformation Glass Recycling Points • Balmaclellan Stores, Balmaclellan • Memorial Hall, St Michael's Road, Crossmichael • Kirkland Street, St John's Town of Dalry • New Galloway, Carson's Knowe Car Park • St David Street, Kirkpatrick Durham USEFUL NUMBERS ● Pothole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 page 28 MINUTES/REPORTS OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT SPENDING ● Police, non-emergency: 101 or email stewartryCPT@ scotland.police.uk GLENKENS DISTRICT TRUST (GDT) www.glenkenstrust.org.uk/gdtcorporate-information ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 CARSPHAIRN RENEWABLE ENERGY FUND LTD (CREFL) www.carsphairn.org/CREFLArchive ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Local Job Vacancies Up-to-date job and volunteering opportunities can be found online at the Glenkens Hub on www.glenkens.scot GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE You can now apply for a Garden Waste Collection Service permit at £40 per bin. for regular collections from March to November 2025. Apply online at www.dumgal.gov.uk/ wasterecycling or in person at a customer service centre such as Dalry Library. The Glenkens Gazette is a member of independent UK press regulator, Impress. To find out more about our complaints process you can visit www.glenkens.scot/ complaints-and-corrections or scan the QR code here. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £50 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £108 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £200 FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £332 Please get in touch further details including small business/ charity rates and series discounts. Email glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk or call/ WhatsApp 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 334 0905 24 GALLOWAY COMMUNITY TRANSPORT WEDNESDAY ROUTE SUMMER BUS TIMETABLE Outward Kendoon 18:00 Dalry 18:20 Balmaclellan 18:25 New Galloway 18:30 Mossdale 18:42 Laurieston 18:52 Ringford 19:07 Castle Douglas Tesco 19:20 Castle Douglas Aldi 19:25 THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Return Castle Douglas Aldi 20:25 Castle Douglas Tesco 20:30 Ringford 20:43 Laurieston 20:58 Mossdale 21:08 New Galloway 21:20 Balmaclellan 21:25 Dalry 21:30 Kendoon 21:50 GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS General Medical & Dispensing Services FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY The Surgery High Street New Galloway Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm Sat 2-2.30 pm Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm  01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS  FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEinformation page 29 GALLOWAY COMMUNITY TRANSPORT www.gallowaycommunitytransport.org email: gct@catstrand.com / gctadmin@catstrand.com phone: Jon 07841 512449 / Jason 07704 662925 AUGUST 2025 - SEPTEMBER 2025 MINIBUS DRIVING We are looking for drivers to help us deliver our 517 service in the Kirkcudbright/Borgue area, paid on a self-employed basis. This will be 1 - 2 days a week. For a discussion about the role, please call Jon on 07841 512449 or email gct@catstrand.com PATIENT TRANSPORT We also urgently need drivers with their own cars for our patient transport service. Our volunteer patient transport drivers receive a generous mileage reimbursement and the satisfaction of providing a vital service to vulnerable people in our communities. Interested? Email: gct@catstrand.com Phone: 07841 512449 / 07704 662925 VEHICLE HIRE FOR MEMBERS We have vehicles for hire by community organisations. ranging from 4 seat capacity to 16 seats, including wheelchair accessibility For information about membership and terms and conditions of hire see the GCT website or phone 07841 512449 / 07704 662925 www.gallowaycommunitytransport.org REGULAR SERVICES Please see the Gazette’s Info page for details of our regular timetabled routes Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEevents WHAT'S ON page 30 August/September AUGUST Sat 2, Crossmichael Graveyard Tours, 1.30–5pm, Crossmichael Heritage Centre in the Church Hall Sun 3, Scottish Alternative Games, New Galloway Park, see back page Fri 8, Glenkens Pollinators Project banner making workshop, drop-in 12noon-5pm, Dalry Library Sun 10, Carsphairn Community Woodland Forest Wildlife Family Fun Day, 11am-3pm, along the B729 between Carsphairn and Dalry (DG7 3TD) Tue 12, Loch Ken Family Fun Day, 11am3pm, Parton, see p12 Wed 13 to Mon 18, Land Notes: Glenkens Festival of Land, see p18 Thu 14, Ken Words Writers’ Café, 7pm, CatStrand, New Galloway SEPTEMBER September, Glenkens Food Month, see front page September & October, Stroanfreggan Community Archaeological Research Project Dig, see front page & p23 Fri 15 to Sun 17, Land Notes Festival, CatStrand and Dalry Town Hall, see p10 Sat 6, Bat Box Building, 1pm-4pm, New Galloway Community Garden Sat 16, Glenlair Feastival, 10am-10pm, Glenlair Steading, see p18 Thu 11, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk: Ian Bainbridge - The East Atlantic Flyway for Coastal Birds, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall, see p13 Thu 21, GCT Bus Trip: Dumfries House and Gardens, see p29 Sat 23, Great Corsock Show, see p4 Sun 24, Pollinator ID Workshop, 2-4pm, New Galloway Community Garden, contact abi@propagate.org.uk Fri 29, Glenkens Community Cardiac Responders Group training with Scottish Ambulance Service, see p12 Sat 30, 12.30-9pm, Crossmichael Gala Day, see left Fri 12, Practical Permaculture Workshop, 10am-4pm, Lochhill Agroecological Farm, contact abi@propagate.org.uk Fri 12, Cheese & Wine Evening, New Galloway Town Hall Mon 22, Defibrillator Training, 6:30-9pm, New Galloway Town Hall Tue 30, Dalry High School Skills and Jobs Fair, see front page & p2 BUS ROUTE CHANGES Dumfries & Galloway Council and SWestrans have issued an update on bus services effective from Thursday 7 August. There are many changes to timetables and service destinations, including the removal of part of the 520 service between Carsphairn and Dalmellington, for example. Please check to see if your service is affected here: https://www. dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/roads-transport-parking/public-transport/busferry-timetables. Users can also contact the council on: 030 33 33 3000 or find paper copies of timetables in local libraries. Glenkens & District Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council: Bi-monthly, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall - contact Martin on 07939 261 391 Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Communty Council: contact mcnabblaurie@hotmail.com or 01644 440 200 Carsphairn Community Council: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn - contact carsphairncc@gmail. com or 07531 035 824 Balmaghie Community Council: contact secbalmaghiecc@ btinternet.com or 01644 450 621 Dalry Community Council: First Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall - contact sjtdalrycc@gmail.com or 07940 313 445 New Galloway & Kells Community Council: Second Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Parton Community Council: contact ericaporteous@hotmail. co.uk or 01644 470 277 Crossmichael Community Council: Second Wednesday every month - contact crossmichaelcc@gmail.com or 07803 204 433 Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library or online at www.glenkens.scot For up-to-date information visit the Glenkens Hub at www.glenkens.scot Glenkens Gazette GAZETTEevents page 31 REGULAR EVENTS & OPENING TIMES Balmaclellan Village Hall Tuesday Afternoon Teas, 1st Tues each month, 2.30-4pm, warburton.julie@ googlemail.com Exercise Class, Tue, 6-7pm Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3pm Zumba, Fri, 6.30-7.30pm Glenkens Crafters, Wed, 10am-12noon, julia.higgins55@outlook.com Community Library, Wed, 10.30am– 12.30pm; Sat, 10am-12noon Make Do & Mend, fortnightly from 14 Feb, 7-9pm Stewartry Birdwatchers, 2nd Thu each month Sep to Apr (Sep & Apr, 7.30pm; Oct-Mar, 2.30pm) Soup & Sandwich, Sat, 12noon-2pm, Oct-Mar Men's Shed, Balmaclellan General Opening Times: Mon, Wedn & Fri, 9.30am–12noon Stick Making - Mon, 7-9pm Art Group, Thu, 2-4pm Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Monday Morning Social, 11am-2pm, 07710 124 255 Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thu of the month, 7.30pm Craft Group, Fri, 10am-12noon, includes tea & coffee, carsphairncraftgroup@ gmail.com Bairn Banter; family stay & play session, Sat, 10am CatStrand, New Galloway Art Ambassadors (age 11+), Mon, biweekly, 4.30pm Behind the Scenes, bi-weekly, Mon, 5.30pm Energising Yoga Flow, Tue, 9.30am, booking essential, 07733 111 466 Citizens Advice Drop-ins, every other Tue, 10am-4pm Weekly Bus Service to Tesco, Wed, 7pm Dramarama, (age 6-10), Wed, 4pm Up Skills: Musical Theatre, (age 15+), Wed, 5pm Young Writers Cafe, (age 12+), Wed, 6pm, monthly Piano Lessons, weekly, term time 4–6.30pm Morning Flow Yoga, Thu, 9.30am, booking essential, 07733 111 466 CatStrand Singers, Thu, 11am Dance Steps (age 10-18yrs), Sat, monthly, 12.30-3.30pm Art Explorers, (age under 10yrs), Sat biweekly 10am Art Club, (age 11-16yrs), Sat, bi-weekly 11.30am Musical Misfits, Sat, bi-weekly, 10am Youth Players Panto rehearsals, (10yrs plus), weekly, Sun, 3pm The Smiddy, Balmaclellan Taste of Music, monthly, 10am (under 10yrs) Mini Music Makers, family session, monthly 11.45am (under 7yrs) Weekly Ukuele, guitar & keyboard lessons, 12.30–4pm (6-16yrs) Art Explorers, Sat, 10.30am, fortnightly New Galloway Town Hall Wet Felting Group, Tue 10m-12:30pm Community Larder, Mon 9am–4pm; Tue 10.30am-12noon; Thu 9.30am–4pm, (side door open for access) Men’s Monday Morning Coffee, Mon 9.30-11am Dance for Wellbeing (adults), Mon 2.30pm Creative Movement for Children, 4pm LING Community Cafe, Mon, 12.30– 2pm Sports Evening, Tue, 7–9pm, carpet bowls or table tennis Zumba, Wed, 6.30pm Ukulele Group, Wed, 6.30pm Hubbub, Thu, 12noon–3pm, drop-in Martial Arts, Thu, 5.30-9pm, all ages For further info email info@ling.org.uk, phone 07749 249 781 Glenkens Community Centre Citizens Advice Drop-ins, every other Mon, 10am-4pm Glenkens Youth Group, Mon, 7-8.30pm Dalry Good Neighbours Club, Tue, 2pm, 07795 613 148 Wee Wonders, Thu, 9-10am Kickback Martial Arts, Thu, 5.30-7pm, kmabrian@gmail.com or drop-in Song Share, 1st Friday each month, 8-11pm, anne.chaurand@btinternet. com Yoga For All, Fri 9.30am, drop-in, 07733 111 466 Friendship Group, Sat (excluding Glenkens Producers Market days), 1011.30am, 01644 430 052 Table Tennis/Badminton, available to hire by arrangement, 07500 861 041 Glenkens Charity Shop Opening Times: Mon 10am-1pm, Tue 6-8pm, Wed, Fri & Sat 10am-4pm Dalry Library Main St, Dalry - 01644 430 234 Library Opening Times: Tue 2-5pm, Fri 12noon-5pm with the first hour for NEC Bus Pass & Blue Badge appointments, etc. Book at the library or call 01387 260 196. Bookbug and Parent & Toddler Session, Tue, 10.30-11.30am Glenkens Book Group, last Fri each month, 2pm, 01644 420 361 Lego Stay N' Play, every 3rd Sat of the month, 1-3pm, contact Michele Owen on Facebook Dalry Town Hall Tai Chi, Mon, 2pm Dog Training, Tue, 7pm, 07831 590 822 Song Share, 1st Fri each month, 7.3010.30pm Mossdale Village Hall Mossdale Painters, Wed, 9.30-11.30am Yoga, Fri, 2.15pm Various Bumps, Babies & Beyond, every 2nd Mon, 10.30am, Kirkpatriack Durham Village Hall Learn to Play Bridge, Mon, 7-9pm, Lochinvar Hotel Keep Fit with Alex, 7.15-8.15pm, KPD Village Hall Strictly Get Dancing, Mon, 7pm, Loch Ken Activity Centre, Parton Spalding Bowling Club Sweep Nights, Mon, 7pm, shazfish1@gmail.com Cosy Corner, Tue, 1-5pm, Crossmichael Church Hall, 07889 016 963 Glenkens Oil Painters, Wed, 10am, Corfield House Art Studio Crossmichael Heritage Centre, Wed 2-4.30pm Cub Scouts, Wed 6.15-7.30pm, Scout Hall, New Galloway Patchwork Workshop, Thu, 1-3pm, Crossmichael Church Hall Dragon Boats on Loch Ken, Sun 9.30am, Galloway Activity Centre Knockvennie Hall Heat Bank & Snooker Club, contact Andrew on 01556 690 677 Outdoor Bowls, Dalry, contact Fiona on 07500 554 751 Snooker/Indoor Bowls, contact Gary on 01644 430 521 Mum & Baby MovementThu, 9.3011.30am, Laurieston Village Hall Crossmichael Youth Club, Fri, Crossmichael Memorial Hall For up-to-date information visit the Glenkens Hub at www.glenkens.scot Glenkens Gazette page 32 Chasing the sun through Carsphairn C hase the Sun North cycle race came through Carsphairn, with roughly 350 riders streaming through the village. The event starts in Whitley Bay in the early morning, with participants ‘chasing the sun’ all the way to Ayr on the summer solstice - so cycling coast-to-coast. A number of our community groups joined forces to provide a safe rest space and, food and drink to riders and supporters. Lagwyne Village Hall Committee, and Carsphairn Village Shop Ltd, worked as a team to organise and execute a great day of fundraising for the village hall. Some of the children had created a rhyme they chanted loudly and along with a freshly made bacon butty to show what was on offer in the hall, it encouraged the riders to stop and make use of Lagwyne Hall's facilities. Using the Chase the Sun tracking app, organisers and volunteers kept a close eye on the riders progress. It became a finely tuned system of frying eggs and bacon, buttering bread rolls, and preparing drinks just in time for groups of weary cyclists to roll in and refuel! As the evening progressed and the number of cyclists dwindled, a small team of volunteers stayed behind to clean up. But when news came in that the last four riders were still tackling the long stretch down the B729, the group agreed - the hall doors would remain open. When the final riders arrived, they were warmly WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk welcomed, offered refreshments, and sent on their way with cheers and well wishes as the sun dipped behind the Rhinns of Kells. The organisers would like to thank everyone who contributed before, during Chase the Sun cyclists enjoying a pit stop at and after the Carsphairn's Lagwyne Hall, photo by Sarah McCusker event for making the day such a the backdrop of one of the most success. From beautiful corners of Scotland. sandwich-makers to cheering Here’s to next year’s ride - and children, every role made a more sunshine to chase. difference. Emily Wall It was a true celebration of community spirit, set against Editing & Design: sarah.ade@gmail.com OCT/NOV COPY DEADLINE: 5 SEP The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish Charity No SC032050 The role of the Gazette is to represent the voice of the community and does not necessarily represent the views of GCAT.  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 149 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG-149 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette