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Castle Craigs Club sets out its reasons for cancellation of events

THE ESKDALE & LIDDESDALE ADVERTISER • Owned by the Community, Published for the Community

Thursday June 25, 2020Series 2 No. 8361

Langholm MoorCrowdfunding

AppealTHE total raised is climb-ing and if you would liketo add a donation, go towww.gofundme.com/f/langholm-moor-buyoutThe Langholm Initiativemust raise £6.4m to buy10,500 acres of land tocreate the Tarras ValleyNature Reserve.The Scottish Land Fundhas given £1m.

AMOUNT PLEDGEDTO DATE

£198,000

- £5.4m goal

Langholm ride-outswill definitely be off

RACING fans Alan Miller and Kirsty Ash joinedtens of thousands of other Royal Ascot fans inputting on their finery, despite being unable to go.They took part in the meeting’s #styledwiththanks

fundraiser by posting a photo of themselves on RoyalAscot’s Instagram page to raise money for the National Emergencies Trust Relief Fund, NHS Charities Together, the Care Workers Charity andBerkshire Community Foundation Coronavirus Fund.And very stylish they look, too.

A day at theraces at home

ALL ride-outs in the lead-upto Langholm Common Ridinghave been cancelled.The Castle Craigs Club has

reaffirmed its position, which ithas stated previously, that noevents associated with the clubwill go ahead.This is because of the restric-

tions put in place to combat theCOVID-19 pandemic and it isin line with similar events inthe region.The club has neither bought

insurance nor sought permissionfrom any landowners to crosstheir land during this summer.Anyone riding, running or

walking those routes on whatwould normally be club dayswill be doing so entirely of theirown volition and totally inde-pendent of the Castle CraigsClub.Iain Lindsley, club president,

said: “We have been asked anumber of times now why wemade the decision we did andwould it not have been possibleto have waited a while longer.“Our response, although written

at least two months ago, spellsout how we reached the decisionand why we cancelled at thattime.“Several different factors came

into play in our decision-making.“As much as we would have

liked to have waited, we didn’treally have any other option.“We need to have insurance,

which isn’t cheap, in place forall our ride-outs. If we had paidthis and cancelled, it would been

detrimental to club finances.“There is the task of liaising

with the police and applyingfor road closures, all of whichtakes time to put in place andneeds to be done well in advanceof the ride-outs, even thoughit’s the same, near enough, yearon year.“We also rely on the goodwill

and kindness of every landownerwho lets us cross their ground.“At such a time as this, which

must be worrying for them all,I’m sure the Castle Craigs Clubjust isn’t a priority and any approach to them at this timejust wouldn’t be appropriate.“Although many folk have

their own horses, we would havehad few, if any, hirers supplyinghorses because of other CommonRidings and Borders festivals

being cancelled before us.“There is also the issue of the

working parties who check theroutes and carry out work whereit’s needed to improve the routesfor the safety of the horses andriders.“At the end of the day, the

club exists to "foster the spiritof the Common Riding" andprovide events and ride-outs forall ages and abilities. It is centralto everything we do.

Support“In conjunction with this is

our support for the Cornet fromthe night he is elected to attending our AGM and fulfillinghis duties in Langholm andaround the region to the lastFriday in July and beyond.

>Turn to Page 2

Tribute to armed forcesSPECIAL WEEK TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO SERVE AND HAVE SERVED: PAGE 10

Cornet Henry Jeffrey leaves The Benty with his followers

www.eladvertiser.co.ukEskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser2 Thursday June 25, 2020

No Cornet, no activities> From Page 1“He should never be, and I hopehe is not, in any doubt we are withhim every step of the way and willdo everything we can to make itthe most memorable time of hislife.“For me, personally, and I’m sureI’m not alone in thinking that havingno Cornet elected this year is gut-wrenching not only for the club butalso for the town, its exiles andfriends all over the globe.“Our ride-outs are led by our Cornet so any ride-out organisedby the club without the Cornet lead-ing it, just wouldn’t be right.“If this craziness abates and theCommon Riding members can organise something nearer the time,I’m sure we, like everyone else,will give them our full support.

“But for ourselves, time was noton our side for what we need to dofor our events and, as much as itgoes against everything we want todo, we had to cancel.“It wasn’t an easy decision tocome to terms with but we couldn’tlet our hearts rule our heads andwe have to stand by the decisionwe have made.“I have said it before and willcontinue to say it. The health andwell-being of our riders and sup-porters must be paramount to anydecision we make.“God willing, we will be rid ofthis virus and have all our eventsnext year.“Right now, our priority must beto get us all through this to the timewhen we can ride, eat, sing, drinkand be together again.”

Back to schoolPupils will return to full-time schooling

Church Notices

Funeral Services

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

For a Personal Service

Hedley and Turnbull013873 75404 / 013873 75532 / 0789 655 7941

Funeral DirectorsUndertaker & Monumental Service

New Memorials suppliedAdditional Inscriptions and Cleaning

David W. ErskineBriery Bank, Ewes, Langholm

Tel: 013873 81251 or 07710 906257

CANONBIE UNITED& LIDDESDALE

PARISH CHURCHESAlthough Covid-19 hasmeant our doors are closedwe remain available to offersupport where we can.Please contact the SessionClerks on 013873 25255 orcanonbiechurch@gmail.com.Canonbie Treasurer FionaSmith has received the newweekly offering envelopes.If you would like to receiveyours or wish to donate bybank transfer please contacther on 013873 71616 orfionasmith2402@gmail.comfor details.

LANGHOLM, ESKDALEMUIR,

EWES & WESTERKIRKPARISH CHURCHES

With no services thechurch is getting little orno income.If you wish to donate bymaking a bank transferplease contact the trea-surer, David Johnstone,on the phone numbers be-low and he will supplynecessary details.

Tel: 013873 80859.Mobile. 07543 179469

Charity no. SCO11946

GRAHAM

Sheila and family would like to thank all for themany kind expressions of sympathy, cards andflowers received following the sad loss of Alastair.Grateful thanks also to Jean Martindale, DavidErskine, the Ambulance Staff and all who linedthe road to show their respect.

All ServicesCANCELLEDuntil further notice

All ServicesCANCELLEDuntil further notice

Thanks for Sympathy

LeaderD & G

The ScottishGovernment

Scottish RuralDevelopmentProgramme

The European Agricultural Fund

for Rural Development

Supported by the Dumfriesshire East Community

Benefit Groupwhich is funded by

ScottishPower RenewablesEwe Hill Windfarm

The Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser

is part funded by the following organisations along with charitable trusts and individuals from the

community of Langholm.

SCHOOLS will return full-timein August if Scotland continuesto make progress on suppressingCOVID-19.The moves comes after significantprogress was made in reducing incidence rates of the virus, puttingScotland on a more positive trajec-tory than previously expected.The return to class full-time isconditional on infection rates beingsufficiently low to continue to controlthe virus, public health and testingsystems being in place and protectivemeasures and risk assessments beingdone in schools.Councils will continue to prepareblended learning models as a con-tingency and these will be scrutinisedby HM Inspectors of Education.John Swinney, Deputy First Minister, said: “Since May, becauseof the efforts of ordinary people tostay at home, Scotland has madesignificant progress.“There are now only about 2,000infectious people in Scotland, adrop of 90 per cent since May.“If we stay on track, continue todo what is right and can furthersuppress this terrible virus, we believe we should prepare for chil-dren to return to school full time.“A return to full time schoolingwould enhance children’s lifechances and start to reverse anydamaging impacts of recent months.“Even with this return, it’s imper-ative we raise levels of digital inclusion.“We’ve committed to a digitalboost by investing £30m to providelaptops and connectivity solutionsfor disadvantaged children.Colin Smyth, South ScotlandLabour MSP has described this U-turn as a ‘victory for parents’.He said: “It’ll be greeted with asigh of relief by those who havebeen worried by the government’shandling of their children’s education.

“The news the return to school isbased not on new resources forextra teachers and classroom spacebut on scrapping social distancingfor pupils will have many askingwhy John Swinney claimed daysago that scientific evidence suggestedwe would need such distancing inschools for a year but now we don’tneed it at all.

Silent“There remain no plans for aproper transition for P1 and S1pupils or how extra support will begiven to pupils to help them catchup from weeks of lost work. “Crucially, the government is silenton what protective measures andtesting will be done to keep teachersand other staff safe.”Before Tuesday’s announcementthe E&L Advertiser asked familieswhat they thought about the returnto part-time schooling.Sarah Douglas of Canonbie has twochildren, one of whom is moving upto Langholm Academy in August.She said: “I think they need to beback full time. I don’t understandhow parents are supposed to work.“I have managed to juggle runninga busy haulage firm while home-schooling an eight-year-old and 11-year-old.“They need to go back not only

for educational purposes but alsosocial. My daughter has not seenany of her friends since March andI feel she has become lonely.“My son starts S1 and I feel hewill struggle because of lack of tran-sition time. They should be in fulltime and wear masks if need be.“I’m sorry but, if you can go shop-ping to IKEA and Primark, it’s safefor children to go back to school.“I’d like to add that the teachersat Canonbie have been brilliantabout online work and knowing thepressures both parents and childrenare under.”Erin Couperthwaite of Langholmsaid it would be better if it was fulltime but understood why it wasn’t.“I work in childcare so I'll strugglewith the school/work balance. It'sbeen hard enough home-schoolingand the thought of having to do itfor an extra three days a week forthe foreseeable is quite disturbing.“My child has no interest to learnat home and I don't want her school-work to suffer because of this.“I also have a child in the Academywho has already missed exams thisyear. I worry what impact her notbeing at school full time will haveon her grades.”

SUPPORTING OUR

Pupils at the Langholm and Canonbie Schools Cluster will return to school full-time

James Rae & SonsHeadstones and Memorials

● Headstones● Memorials● Children’s Memorials● Desks and Vases● Memorial Design● Memorial Restoration

11a George Street ● Annan01461 202083 ● www.jraeandsonsheadstones.co.uk

In Memoriam

In loving memory of

Janet JardineDied 25th June 2019

A loving mum, grandma, sister and auntie

Stevie, Donna, Ben and Eilidh

Thursday June 25, 2020 3

Cases anddeaths aredecreasingTHE number of COVID-19cases in Dumfries andGalloway has risen to 285.Fewer than five people werein hospital on Monday nightand that was the same for theScottish Borders where thetotal number of cases stands at346.The number of newconfirmed cases in Scotland onTuesday was 12 and there werefour new reported deaths ofpeople who had tested positive.As of June 15, this includesconfirmed cases where peoplehave been tested through theUK government (UKG) testingprogramme and those throughNHS Scotland labs.A total of 235,359 people inScotland have been testedthrough NHS Scotland labsand UKG to date.Of these 217,177 wereconfirmed negative and 18,182were positive.This is an underestimate ofthe number of cases.Not everyone with the viruswill display symptoms and notall those with symptoms willbe tested.Of the people who havetested positive, 3,995 inpatientshave been discharged fromhospital since March 5 and 512were in hospital on Monday,seven of whom were inintensive care.Another 14 people were inintensive care with suspectedCOVID-19.The number of deaths inScotland is 2,476.

CLAIMS are being made thatthe NHS in Dumfries and Galloway is holding secret talksover the possible closures ofcottage hospitals.This includes the Thomas HopeHospital in Langholm.David Mundell, MP, and OliverMundell, MSP, who both repre-sent the town, have called onNHS Dumfries & Galloway tocommit to the long-term futureof cottage hospitals after rumoursof plans to close some of themcirculated.They were contacted by a num-ber of well-informed constituentswho were concerned that dis-cussions to axe the much-valuedcommunity beds were takingplace behind closed doors, with-out public consultation.The suggestion has been madethat the hospitals are no longerfit for purposes or needed inlight of the COVID-19 outbreak. They believe it is too early tomake that kind of assessmentand are worried this may just bethe latest in a long line of excusesfor trying to shut their doors. They wrote to Jeff Ace, chiefexecutive, asking him to dispelthe claims and confirm no plansto permanently close the hospitalsin Moffat, Annan, Langholm,Thornhill and Lochmaben wereunder discussion.Oliver Mundell has also lodgedparliamentary questions at Holyrood to seek assurances fromthe government that majorchanges to service delivery shouldnot go ahead without consultationand should not take place duringa global health pandemic.

David Mundell said: “I havelost count of how many timesthese hospitals have been threat-ened with closure in recent yearsand I’m concerned to hear fromconstituents that plans may beafoot to do so at this time. "The virus outbreak will havean impact on how health servicesare delivered but this cannot beused as a justification for clo-sures.”Oliver Mundell added: “Peoplewill be worried to hear that sucha major redesign of health servicescould be underway without anyconsultation.

Priority"The hospitals and their staffdo an exceptional job for com-munities and allow people to receive treatment and care closerto home. "Getting NHS services back tonormal should be the first priorityat this time and big decisionslike this should be kicked intothe long grass until there is timeto engage with residents.”An NHS Dumfries & Gallowayspokesman said: “We believethese concerns result from a decision to task four cottage hos-pitals to serve as dedicated step-down facilities for treatingCOVID-19 patients as part ofescalation plans to address thecoronavirus.“We have been fortunate thatwe did not have the number ofcases of COVID-19 in the firstwave which we might have expected.“We attribute this to fantasticongoing public compliance withnational guidance and the work

undertaken to suppress replica-tion, now backed by Test andProtect.“A consequence of these lownumbers of cases is that we have not had to rely on thesefour dedicated hospitals inKirkcudbright, Moffat, Thornhilland Newton Stewart.“While they may have been amongthe busiest if we had experienceda high number of cases, the

resulting lack of activity has givenus concerns over their usage.“While we have not yet had torely on them, we remain in aprecarious position.“There is a possibility of a secondwave of infections, faced by apopulation which has had littleexposure to the virus and hasvery little resistance.“Arrangements for those fourhospitals to stand ready as step-

down facilities remain in place.“Staff, who would normally workin the cottage hospitals, are tem-porarily supporting either othercottage hospitals or the commu-nity nursing teams.“They are also positioned to sup-port care homes in the event ofstaffing shortages because ofCOVID-19.

Cross-infection“It is unavoidable that we willneed to adapt and evolve theway services are delivered tominimises the risk of cross-infection to patients and staff.“There will likely be no serviceunaffected in some way by thissituation and this includes cottagehospitals where layouts can createparticular challenges aroundCOVID-19 transmission.“We are focused on re-establishing services for the mosturgent cases, including thosewhose wait for treatment hasbeen extended by this.“Any long-term changes, whichresult from this adaptation, willbe developed in partnership withcommunities, staff and stake-holders and with proper consultation.”

Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community

Closure claim denied

Welcome towww.eladvertiser.co.ukthe new website for the E & L Advertiser

At a time when we are continually beingreminded to stay at home, we have decidednow is the time to launch our new websiteand hope that it helps everyone in Eskdaleand Liddesdale to keep in touch with whatis happening locally. In these troubledtimes, self-isolating at home is a challengingexperience and the more rural our home,the more difficult it can be to get to ourlocal shops and buy our everyday needs,including our weekly copy of the E&L.

We had planned an all singing, all dancing website with subscriptions, interactions and afull digital version of the E&L but that will come later once the coronavirus, COVID-19,has been consigned to the history books....

Aye, the best laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft a-gley !

In the meantime, we hope that you will get some enjoyment from this abbreviatedversion which will become available early next week where you can access articlesfrom each week’s E&L as well as recent editions of the digital version of the E&L.

Hopefully, this will enable you to keep up with what is happening in Eskdale andLiddesdale and we can all look forward to the launch of the completed version ofwww.eladvertiser.co.uk later in the year.

And once you’ve tried it, let us know what you think of it –sharon@eladvertiser.co.uk

“Owned by the Community............Published for the Community”

Multi-coloured marvel

The Holm Bridge at Newcastleton in all its illuminated glory Photo by Chris Jones of Centre Stage

Thomas Hope Hospital in Langholm

But NHS says it must adapt to meet threat of a second wave

LANGHOLM couple Roy and Lilian Park will celebratetheir golden wedding this Saturday.The couple had been looking forward to a party tomark their 50 years of marriage but, unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations, theyare not able to celebrate with family and friends. Roy, a construction worker for Border, and Lilian, atextile worker at Waverley Mill, were married on Saturday,June 27, 1970, at the Evangelical Union CongregationalChurch in the Kirk Wynd in Langholm.This would have been one of the last weddings heldup the brae before it closed. The service was conductedby the Rev Harry Scott.The bride was given away by her father, the lateWullie Copeland, and attended by her cousin, HelenMurray.Her nieces Karen Copeland, Allison Graham andLorna Graham, were the flowergirls.The bridegroom was looked after by his best man,long-time friend, the late Terry Scott, who also sharedthe bridegroom’s passion for hound trails and carpetbowling.The ceremony was followed by a reception and dancein the Eskdale Hotel.The couple began married life in Walter Street beforemoving next door to Lilian’s parents, Lena and Wullie,in Charles Street in 1972.Since 2005, they have lived in Caroline Street.They have two sons, Graham and Gregor, and fourgrandchildren, Melissa, Corey, Jake and Zara.

www.eladvertiser.co.ukEskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser4 Thursday June 25, 2020

EMERGENCYNUMBERS Fifty golden years

Letters to the editorHave your say on the issues affecting our area.

You can write to us atEskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser,

54 High Street, Langholm DG13 0JH oremail your comments to rachel.norris@eladvertiser.co.uk

DUMFRIES and Gallowaycouncillors will be asked toapprove the £12.8m invest-ment in the Dumfries ZeroWaste Park today.The new park will allow a

flexible, state-of-the-art approachto recycling for the region andwill have three key features.There will be a building to

receive the dry recyclates col-lected from households for sort-ing and bulking before sale anddisposal.A modern, safe and efficient

household waste recycling centrewill replace the constrainedbuilding at Locharmoss.A refuse collection vehicle sta-

bling, fuelling, washing and main-tenance site will be created.The three-phase approach to

completing the site has startedand has a completion windowfrom late 2021 to April 2022.The ongoing impact of COVID-19 is a key consideration in thework plan flexibility.The communities committee,

the waste strategy implementa-tion sub-committee and the

finance, procurement and trans-formation committee receivedreports on the site plan and costsbut members will sign off onthe investment from the capitalinvestment strategy later today.Another key part of the report

up for approval is the roll-outof kerbside recycling.It is planned to start this three-

bin approach to recycling in thewest where kerbside recyclinghas existed for some years.

Councillor Elaine Murray,council leader, said: “This is acomprehensive report whichsummarises how we will takeforward our recycling arrange-ments in the medium term.“The investment in the Zero

Waste Park means we can func-tion more efficiently and providea recycling service to residentswhich is vital for tackling climatechange and sustainability.”

____________________

Top: Roy and Lillian Park on their wedding day in 1970

Bottom: The wedding party: Roy and Lillian with their best man Terry Scott,

bridesmaid Helen Murray and flower girls Karen Copeland, Allison Graham and Lorna Graham

Thanks tofrontlineAS THE Queen’s personalrepresentatives in Dumfriesand Galloway, we would liketo record our support andour grateful thanks to theregion’s frontline staff andvolunteers.

From Wigtownshire and theStewartry to Dumfriesshire wehave been greatly impressedbut not surprised by thetremendous way ourcommunities have cometogether.

Dumfries and Galloway isan inspirational place and thereare so many to thank and keepthanking: our NHS staff; ourcarers; shop workers; refusecollectors; teachers; posties;our council … the list goes on.

You have been keeping usgoing at this very difficult time

and you continue to do so.Then there are our

volunteers; what a differenceyou are making. On behalf ofthe Queen, can we say howgrateful we are for everythingyou do.

Please stay safe and, if youare still separated from familyand friends, remember, as HerMajesty says, we will meetagain.

Fiona Armstrong, Lord Lieutenant, Dumfries

Aileen Brewis, Lord Lieutenant, Wigtown

Patsy Gilroy, Lord Lieutenant, The Stewartry

POLICE SCOTLANDLangholm.......................101Newcastleton ................ 101

COUNCILSDumfries and Galloway Council .................................030 3333 3000.............www.dumgal.gov.ukFault reporting (potholes/street-lights etc) ............................0800 042 0188Langholm Town Hall/Library ..013873 80255Dumfries and Gallowaybus timetableswww.dumgal.gov.uk/timetablesScottish Borders Council ....0330 100 1800out of hours ..01896 752 111Scottish Bordersbus timetables ......www.scotborders.gov.uk

UTILITIESScottish Water.....................0800 0778 778......www.scottishwater.co.ukScottish Power.......................................105.....www.scottishpower.co.ukScottish Gas emergency ....0800 111 999National Rail enquiries ........03457 484 950.........www.nationalrail.co.ukFloodline SEPA.....................03000 996 699.................www.sepa.org.ukAmey (A7) .....................0800 042 0188...www.scottishtrunkroadsse.amey.co.uk

POST OFFICESLangholm .....013873 81109Newcastleton ..013873 75361Canonbie ......013873 71348Rowanburn ...013873 71542

HOSPITALSD&G Royal Infirmary......................01387 246246Cumberland Infirmary......................01228 523444Borders General Hospital ...01896 826000Thomas Hope Hospital.....................013873 80417

DOCTORSLangholm .....013873 83100Newcastleton ..013873 75100Canonbie .....013873 71313NHS24 ...........................111

CHURCHESLangholm,Eskdalemuir Ewes andWesterkirk Parish churchesMs Joy LunnSession clerk...07584 357180Canonbie United Parish churchSession Clerk..013873 25255Liddesdale Parish churchSession Clerk..Glynis Cambridge07469 397065

SCHOOLSLangholm Primary......................013873 80900Langholm Academy......................013873 80418Newcastleton ......................013873 75240Canonbie ......................013873 71336

CHEMISTSDalston Pharmacy, Langholm......................013873 80220Monday to Friday8.45am -1pm; 2pm-5.30pm.Saturday 8.45am-12.30pm.Boots Pharmacy, Longtown ......................01228 792859Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm.Saturday 9am-5pm.

DENTISTSMark Buddy .013873 80521Emergency - outside opening hours

01461 202508 Fiona Armstrong, Lord Lieutenant, Dumfries

£12m for waste centre

There will be three wheelie bins for every household in the region

Thursday June 25, 2020 5

Trust creates threejobs to develop plan

Warningover scamA LANGHOLM woman, whofound herself caught up in ascam, is warning others to beon their guard.Eileen Dalgliesh, who livesin Eskdaill Street, said she received an email purportingto be from BT.It looked very much like ithad come from BT because ithad all the correct details.Eileen said: “They came upwith details of my old BT account and asked me to updatethem, which I did.“I couldn’t get into the secondpart of the email which I thoughtwas strange.“I rang BT myself and theysaid they had not sent me anemail since March 15.“I called my bank and got everything stopped but the banksaid there had been no activity.“I don’t know whether thescammers were trying some-thing using the old account.“I contacted the police becauseI thought it might be identitytheft and other people inLangholm should be warned.“It’s so like what you’d expectto find; they have all your de-tails. I don’t know how theyknow all these things. Peoplecan be caught out quite easily.”

Newcastleton community praised for its positive contributionsTHREE jobs are being createdby the Newcastleton and District Community Trust tohelp it deliver its communitydevelopment plan.The trust is inviting applica-tions for the three positions ofdevelopment officer, leisure assets worker and an informationrole – a listening ear and supportworker.Newcastleton, with a hugeamount of support from manyavenues, has turned a corner,the trust says in its regularnewsletter.The Scottish Land Fund hasawarded the trust £850,000 totake ownership of and develop750 acres of land by buyingpart of the Holm Hill Estatefrom Buccleuch.Ideas include housing to thenorth of the village, recreationalactivities, forestry, a solar arrayand knocking down the golfclubhouse and replacing it witha new building which incorpo-rates a Dark Sky observatory.There are ideas for new walk-

ing and fast mountain-bikingtrails and glamping and campingon Cow Hill.The land buy-out comprisesphase two of a bigger project,the first phase focusing on redeveloping Buccleuch Housewhere there will be a bunkhouseand education centre and thePolysport where it is intendedto build a covered area for useon wet days.

PassionWith funds granted from theCOVID-19 supporting commu-nities fund, the trust created acommunity hardship fund.To date, it has helped morethan 60 community householdswith awards.The trust has thanked the com-munity because, without its pas-sion and drive, none of thiswould have happened.They now all had an enormousopportunity to grow and developthe community for the yearsand generations to come.This has been achieved throughcollaborative working.

Voluntary community groups,huge numbers of volunteers, theresilience group, the communitycouncil and the trust have allworked with partners in theThird Sector, public sector, Scottish government and fun-ders.Some of this came together in

February to help the recoveryfrom Storm Dennis which hitthe village so badly but evenmore support was needed whenthe pandemic hit in March.Steve Hartley, trust chairman,said: “We thank them all fortheir time, expertise, patienceand for being there. Without

them doing their bit, we wouldnot be where we are today.“While 2020 started badly, wenow have the chance to changedirection and we are very readyfor that.

New dawn“Soon we’ll be able to meet again and we hope that,when the time is right, we seeyou all here to join the commu-nity in celebrating our newdawn.”Steve added: “To everyone,who we have had to ask forhelp, we say thank you againfor your ongoing support andencouragement.“It continues to be a very un-settling time but we know that,when we all pull together withthe same objectives, we canovercome. Working togetherachieves more.We continue to urge peopleto take extra care and adhere tothe Scottish government adviceand guidelines. Stay safe.”www.visitnewcastleton.com/holm-hill-buyout

IN BRIEF

THE residents of Riverside Park in Canonbie have beenentertained eachThursday eveningwhile out clapping ontheir doorsteps for theNHS and other frontlineworkers.Resident Jock Irving,

who piped around theestate, was presentedwith a bottle of whiskyas a token of apprecia-tion by his neighbours.It was decided to split

the surplus funds between the ThomasHope Hospital inLangholm and CanonbieSurgery.One resident said:

“Jock was more thanhappy to pipe around theestate each Thursdaynight and it brought outall the neighbours toshow their appreciationfor the NHS.”

The Newcastleton and District Community Trust held an exhibition lastDecember so the public could give their views on the Holm Hill buy-out

Piper Jock’s good turn

Jock Irving entertains the residents of Riverside Park in Canonbieduring the clap for the NHS

Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community

www.eladvertiser.co.ukEskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser

Farming on the BorderIn association with

C & D AUCTION MARTS - LONGTOWN & DUMFRIES

6 Thursday June 25, 2020

C&D Auction Marts Ltd had forward358 ewes with lambs at the sale at Long-town on Tuesday, June 16.A slightly smaller show was presentedto a strong ringside of buyers with allclasses in great demand.Principal prices. Hoggs with singles:Texel £80 No 3 Cottage. Mule £78 No 3Cottage. Ewes with single: Texel £76 &£74 & £68 High Dovecote, £73 & £69Low Tipalt, £67 Foxglove. Cheviot £68Douglas Square. Cheviot Mule £64 Bayles.Blackface £55 Douglas Square. Shetland£50 Brewery House Barn. Ewes withtwins: Texel £71 & £70 Low Tipalt.Suffolk £70 Low Tipalt, £61 Foxglove.Berrichon £64 & £56 Low Tipalt. Mule£59 Woodhouse Bungalow, £52 BreweryHouse Barn. Blackface £54 DouglasSquare.The mart had forward 4,612 sheep com-prising 450 prime hoggs, 1,460 primelambs and 2,702 cast ewes and rams and

37 cast cows at the weekly sale on Thurs-day, June 18.A fantastic entry of 37 cast cows wasforward to a busy ringside of eight activebuyers, ensuring all classes of cows werea great trade and more required weeklyto fulfil demand. The sale topped at 180pfor British Blues from J & AJ Smith,Drumalea, Argyll with top per head of£1,039 for Angus cows from RW Telfer,Spadeadam, Brampton. Principal prices (per kilo): British Blue180p, 165p Drumalea. Holstein 154p Dru-malea. Whitebred Shorthorn 144p, 143pMaidencots. Hereford 137p Drumyeon-more. Angus 135p, 134p Spadeadam,133p, 130p Ifferdale, 130p Drumyeonmore.Limousin 132p Bellfield. Luing 128pBlarghour. Simmental 124p Bellfield.Shorthorn 120p Argyll & Lochaber Estate.Charolais 119p Maidencots. Galloway119p East Deloraine.Principal prices (per head): Angus

£1,039, £857 Spadeadam, £845 Drumyeon-more. British Blue £1,006, £936 Drumalea.Hereford £979 Drumyeonmore. Charolais£969 Maidencots. Simmental £905 Bell-field. Limousin £871 Bellfield. Another large show of 1,460 springlambs was forward to the same ring ofcompetitive buyers, ensuring all classeswere very well bid for, being dearer thanother centres during the week.Best export lambs and heavy lambswere well short of buyers’ requirements,with many more needed to satisfy pur-chaser demand. The sale topped at 290p for a fantasticpen of Texel lambs consigned by TD &JR Byers, Cubbyhill, Longtown, with topprice per head of £128 for Texel lambsfrom M Watson, Four O Boot, The Knells.Overall average 231.7p (SQQ 231.1p).For further advice on marketing yourlivestock in these difficult times, contactauctioneers: John Walton 07880 527066;

Nick Woodmass 07584 200489; SamHogg 07584 207323; Norman Douglas07786 366833The sale topped at 205p for Cheviothoggs from C Saunders, Barr Hill, NewtonStewart with a top price per head of £97for Cheviot hoggs shown by R Vevers &Co, Cloggers Cottage, Waterbeck.A much larger show of 2,702 ewes wasforward to an increased ring of potentialpurchasers, with a ring of 14 competitivebuyers operating 33 sperate accounts, en-suring all classes dearer again on theweek.Topping the sale at £184 were Texelewes from IF Murray, Shepherds Cottage,Lowick, with hill ewes selling to £75 forSwaledale ewes shown by Messrs Jenk-inson, High Priorscales, Seascale. Ramssold to £130 for a Bleu du Maine fromMA & A Barnes, Tarnside, Farlam.

Around the marts

Fly-tipping a riskto food production

More pessimisticon Brexit futureABOUT three-quarters ofScottish farmers have a sceptical or pessimistic viewof the industry post-Brexit.The new analysis of a surveyof nearly 2,500 participants wasput together by Scotland’s RuralCollege (SRUC) and the JamesHutton Institute for the Scottishgovernment. The briefing note finds threemain types of farmer based ontheir outlook towards Brexit.Twenty-six per cent of thesample were positive about thepost-withdrawal landscape, although the rest were less positive. About 37 per cent of respon-dents voiced negative viewsabout the outcome for Scottishagriculture after withdrawal,while the other 37 per centhad more neutral views but hadconcerns over planning for thefarm business.Farms in less favoured areas

and in the Highland & Islandswere more likely to hold morenegative views towards Brexitthan those outside these areas.Professor Andrew Barnes ofSRUC, who conducted the research, said: “What this workshows is the large amount ofstasis in the industry, driven bythe uncertainties over Brexitand wider trading conditions.“The concern is that this leadsto a decline in investment andhas consequent impacts on productivity and growth.“Making a business more resilient to change, as in theCOVID-19 outbreak, is essentialto ensuring sustainability forour agricultural industry.” Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service, which is delivered bySAC Consulting, part of SRUC,helps farmers untangle someof the complexity of Brexitwith practical advice on its web-site.

THE second phase in liftinglockdown restrictions is nowin place and larger groups likely to meet outdoors so anew wave of people going out into the countryside is expected.To help inform the publicabout the farming activities theymay encounter while out, linkingthose to food production andthe countryside, NFU Scotland’sNext Generation has produceda colourful set of posters formembers.Many of the people, who havevisited the countryside in thepast three months, have beenresponsible and recognised theneed for farmers to look afterlivestock and grow crops.“There is an irresponsible minority spoiling it. A catalogueof incidents and case studiescompiled by the union showshow difficult this period hasbeen for many farmers, espe-cially those on the urban fringes.People have ignored govern-ment recommendations and trav-elled considerable distances totake access.They have walked throughfields of cows with calves orewes and lambs with dogs offthe lead.They have failed to pick updog poo and, in some instances,have bagged it and thrown itinto fields.People have gone into farmbuildings and farmyards and

abandoned vehicles in gatewaysand farm roads to go for a walkor bike ride.The have ignored requests touse hand sanitiser when openingand closing farm gates and nottaken litter home.

BarbecuesThey have walked across fieldsof crops rather than walk roundand not left gates as they foundthem.Groups have held picnics andparties, often with dangerous

barbecues and farmers have suf-fered arson, vandalism and prop-erty and posters being destroyedon their properties.Sadly, the countryside has con-tinued to be used as a dumpingground.In the first stage of lockdownrestrictions being lifted localauthority recycling centres reopened only to some baggedwaste which meant reports offly-tipping continued.Some have targeted fields,

laybys and lanes to dispose ofcommercial building waste,household waste, unwanted fur-niture and appliances and DIYremnants.Garden waste has beendumped and that poses a hugerisk to the health of livestock.The union’s key messages areto leave gates as you find them,don’t damage crops and takeyour litter home, be aware oflivestock and keep your dogunder control and adhere to sig-nage requests.Charlie Adam, NFUS vice-president Charlie Adam said:“We continue to see a significantincrease in people safely enjoying the countryside, manyof whom will be new to theoutdoor experience.“Farming operations and theproduction of food have con-tinued throughout the crisis,giving people the opportunityto see the working countrysidein action and learn a bit moreabout where their food and drinkcomes from.“However, the work and effort,which many of our membershave put in this spring, has beenspoiled by the poor behaviourof a minority.“Most people are as appalledas we are at the catalogue ofdestruction, vandalism, livestockworrying and fly-tipping wehave sadly seen.”

SSOOLLWWAAYY AAGGRRIICCUULLTTUURREELLIIMMIITTEEDD

Glasgow Road, Lockerbie, DumfriesshireDG11 2SE

Tel. Lockerbie (01576) 204124Fax. Lockerbie (01576) 203806

Beet Pulp Pellets,Barley Grains,

NB Grains, Wheat GrainsRolled Barley,

Wheatfeed, Rapemeal,Hi Pro Soya, etc.

Can be mixed to yourrequirements

Collect or deliver ex Laurmar, Heathall Ind. Est., Dumfries

Bekina Wellingtons,Waterproof Leggings &Jackets, Boiler Suits, etc

FOR ALL LAMBINGREQUIREMENTS

lamb colostrum, lambs milk,bottles, teats, lammacs,

castration rings and pliersmarking sprays etc.

Farmers are urging the public and traders not to dump rubbish in the coun-tryside because it disrupts their work and endangers livestock

Thursday June 25, 2020 7Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community

A NEW WAY TO TACKLE CORONAVIRUSThe Test & Protect service from NHS Scotland will help us keep the rate of infection down and stop the spread of coronavirus.

If you have a cough, fever, or loss or change in taste or smell, you need to request a test right away at NHSinform.scot/test-and-protect or call 0800 028 2816if you can’t get online.

Please do not leave your home except to get tested tokeep others safe. If symptoms worsen or last for more than seven days, call 111.

If the test is positive, NHS Scotland will confidentially ask who you’ve had close contact with recently. This is so we can let those people know they may be at risk, request they do not leave home for 14 days, and offer them a test if appropriate.

Anyone could be asked to stay at home and not go outat all, to keep your community and loved ones safe.

For more information go to NHSinform.scot/test-and-protect

By Mairi Telford Jammeh

LANGHOLM Moor. When Iwas young, we never called itthat.For us it was ‘the back o’ thehill’ and we went to the ‘back o’Tarras’ for picnics.We loved it there. Clear, coldwater for paddling and swimming,space for playing family roundersand the sense of being in the wildand away from it all. Later, I went there regularly withmy father to see birds and saw acouple of rare ones with him, andwith Tom Irving on at least one

occasion, including a ring ouseland a green woodpecker as wellas the birds of prey.I rode over the hill a few timeson Common Riding day - to theCastle Craigs and the commonmoss and, as a student, did somegrouse beating on the hill.We chased the grouse out of theheather and on to the guns. But along-term study found there werenot enough of them nowadays tomake this a financially viable option to sell as a sport.This spring I have spent hourson the ‘back o’ the hill’ watchingbirds and seeking out other

wildlife.I’ve walked much of the lengthof the Tarras valley from Glentarras, past the Morl Well to the bridge near Rashiel and on through Cronksbank and Perterburn, through the ford andonto the Tarras road, passinggoats, seeing hen harriers and thewonderful short-eared owls.Both the Tarras valley andLangholm moor are rich inwildlife and have a huge biodi-versity. I’ve seen a cuckoo, heron, ravens,sandpiper, snipe, curlew, a merlin,short-eared owls and the harriers.

I’ve watched a fight between acurlew and a merlin, an aerial‘dog fight’ between harriers and raven and watched male and female hen harriers pass foodfrom one to the other to feedyoung.Spectacular and cheap entertain-ment with only a pair of binoculars.

SoundtrackI’ve seen roe deer and adder as

well as enjoyed the smaller birdslike the skylark, whose trillingsong provides the soundtrack forthe moor at this time of year. It’sbeen the best spring watch ever.

As well as the birds and animals the flora on the hill and in thevalley are beautiful.The yellow irises and orchids

are now in bloom and the bogcotton is blossoming. Tormentil,buttercups, clover and raggedrobin are out and there’s more tocome. The heather and bracken provide

cover for all the ground-nestingbirds, including the hen harriers,the short-eared owls, curlews,grouse and skylarks so, if walking,stick to roads or paths at thistime. Some people travelling across

the hill to Copshaw see littlebut, if you know the time to goand where to look, the environ-ment is rich and diverse in therange of species which make ittheir home.There are those which travel

across it by air. Last week an os-prey, carrying a large fish, wasphotographed from the hill flyingto its nest, possibly at Kielder.The skies have been devoid of

planes this year, making the bird-song louder and the peaceful re-laxation one gets while sitting onthe hill in the early morning evenmore chilled.

We are lucky – it has been saidso many times this spring – thatwe live in a beautiful place.I hope the community can buy

Langholm Moor and create a nature reserve for our young peo-ple and community.I think the alternative may be

something we find hard to dealwith because we will have littlecontrol over this most beautifulwild space on our doorstep.We have a unique resource on

the back o’ the hill and we shouldbe proud of what we are doinghere.

www.eladvertiser.co.uk Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser Thursday June 25, 2020 9www.eladvertiser.co.ukEskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser8 ThursdayJune 25, 2020

A male stonechat

A family of wild goats keeping an eye on things

Osprey in flightPhoto by Caroline Legg

A small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly

Langholm Moor or the back o’ the hill?

Short-eared owl Yellow flag irises

Mairi Telford Jammeh reports on the wonderfully diverse flora and fauna available to see on our doorstep

www.eladvertiser.co.ukEskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser10 Thursday June 25, 2020

Tribute paid to armedforces past and present

Fishing isallowedKIELDER Water & Forest Parkhas announced that TowerKnowe is now open every dayfrom 10am to 4pm.It is stocked with fishing baitand tackle, take-away drinks,fresh pasties and other tastysnacks to choose from. Find itat NE48 1BX.Please note that Kielder Waterside is currently closedbut fishing on Kielder Water isnow open and various car parksare open for use.To book a fishing permit goto bookwhen.com/waterside-parksnorthTo book a car park ticket visitbookwhen.com/car-parking

___________________

ForestryvisitorsFORESTRY & Land Scotlandis looking forward to welcomingvisitors in line with governmentguidelines allowing them todrive locally for leisure purposesand to meet two households.With its continued phased approach to staff getting backto work with new, safe-workingpractices in place, it has set outits priorities for a return to busi-ness in the ‘new normal’.It has prioritised activities suchas wildlife management, top-up spraying and groundpreparation in line with ScottishForestry's forestry sector restartand resilience plan.A spokesperson said: “We’regrateful that many of you haveexercised patience with us aswe made difficult decisions,like closing car parks and moun-tain bike trails to align withScottish government guidance.“As we enter Phase Two, wecontinue to do the necessarymaintenance and safety checkson our car parks and other leisureand recreation venues to allowus to gradually reopen themshould Phase Three allow.“It’s taking time to workthrough our own recovery andget our staff back to work withnew, safe-working practices soplease help us to help you byvisiting our sites only once theyare fully reopened and followall current NHS health advice.”If people are planning to visit,they are asked to stay locallyand travel to forests only neartheir homes and not travel bycar because the car parks areclosed. All the toilets are closed.If a site is busy when they arrive, they are asked to findsomewhere else to enjoy.Be kind and considerate tothe staff, take home all litterand follow all the governmentand NHS guidelines.For details go to forestryand-land.gov.scot/covid-19

ARMED Forces Week 2020is being celebrated, despitethe restrictions, and will cul-minate this Saturday with aservice.On Monday Armed ForcesWeek flags were raised at anumber of prominent buildingsin Dumfries and Galloway.Councillor Archie Dryburgh,armed forces champion, said:“The exceptional and challeng-ing circumstances of theCOVID-19 emergency meanArmed Forces Week is very dif-ferent from previous years.Every year since 2009 we’veparaded to show our appreciationto those currently serving andhave previously served in ourarmed forces and people haveturned out around the region toshow their support.But, as we continue to be re-stricted because of COVID-19,it's important we can still showour resolve and commitment toour service personnel, past andpresent.“As holders of the gold awardin the employers' recognitionscheme and as part of our com-mitment to the Armed ForcesCovenant, we raised flags aroundthe region.“During the rest of the week

we’re sharing a programme ofevents through the council’sFacebook page, finishing witha service this Saturday

CeremoniesDavid Mundell, MP for Dumfriesshire Clydesdale andTweeddale, said: "We cannot,because of COVID-19, markArmed Forces Day this Saturdayin the same way we usually doat ceremonies and events aroundthe constituency. "Despite this, I believe it isimportant we convey thanks toall servicemen and women, pastand present, for everything thatthey have done for us."It is an opportunity to supportthe excellent work carried outby SSAFA, the armed forcescharity, in their ongoing work."The Army is carrying outcoronavirus testing around theregion, showing the range ofwork carried out by our forcesis extensive. "In this uncertain world allbranches of our armed forcesare as vital as ever so, this Saturday, let's salute them inwhatever way we can. They deserve our appreciation andsupport."Oliver Mundell, MSP for

Dumfriesshire, added: "ArmedForces Day gives me the opportunity to say thanks to ourservices on behalf of my con-stituents."Over last few difficult monthsArmy personnel have helpedthe NHS logistically and carriedout COVID-19 testing.“That has been a reminder ofall the hard work our forcescarry out to help us all staysafe. They are always on standby,ready to do what is needed.

Pride"During the recent VE Daycommemorations the Queen reminded us of the tremendousefforts of all the armed forcesdown the decades and of herpride in their achievements.“I would also like to pay tributeto councillor Archie Dryburgh,the local authority Armed Forces champion and an ex-serviceman.“He has done much work toensure veterans and those con-tinuing in active service are aswell looked after as possible."This Saturday and every daywe should do our utmost to takecare of those who take care ofus."

Special week to remember those who serve and have served

Stay responsible and save lives

Oliver Mundell and David Mundell at an Armed Forces Day service at theMidsteeple in Dumfries in June 2018

RESIDENTS of Eskdale are beingreminded of the continuing COVID-19 restrictions still in force.Last Thursday the Scottish gov-

ernment announced the implemen-tation of Phase Two of the routemap out of the coronavirus lock-down.Chief Superintendent Linda Jones,

Police Scotland’s local divisionalcommander for Dumfries and Galloway, has issued a message tothe public,She said: “The regulations remain

that people should leave the housefor only very limited purposes suchas for basic necessities, exercise orrecreation, medical needs or travellingfor work which cannot be done fromhome.“Chief Constable Iain Livingston

has made it clear that we are askingpeople to take personal responsibilityfor doing the right thing.

“He has also asked everyone toremember that the purpose of thesemeasures is to aid the collectiveeffort to stay safe, protect othersand save lives by preventing thevirus from spreading.“Our officers will continue to engage

with the public, explain the legislationand guidance and encourage com-pliance.“We will use enforcement as a last

resort only where there is a clearbreach of the legislation.“We recognise that people have

made significant sacrifices but wewould ask them to use their judge-ment and avoid places which arebusy."The mobile testing unit, run by the

Army, will be at the Kilngreen inLangholm on Friday, July 3.It will be in the town every two

weeks and appointments can bemade each day from 9.30am by log-ging on to https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-testIf anyone does not have access to

the internet, phone the NHS Dumfries& Galloway contact tracing hub on01387 241350.Testing is available to all members of

the community with coronavirus

symptoms who are aged five or older.People, who work in health or social

care, for the emergency services orfor Dumfries and Galloway Counciland have symptoms of

coronavirus,even if mild, can arrangefor testing through NHS Dumfries &Galloway via the well-establishedroutes.

Chief Superintendent Linda Jones is reminding people to remember the restrictions in place

Thursday June 25, 2020 11

X95 service throughEskdale under threat

Thank youeveryoneTHREE leading Scottish Borders councillors have issueda statement thanking everyonewho worked so hard to combatthe coronavirus pandemic.Shona Haslam, council leader,David Parker, convener, andStuart Bell, leader of the oppo-sition, said: “We have had todeliver many of our services ina very different way and manystaff have gone above and beyond in ensuring we havecontinued to deliver our servicesto those who most need them.“Over the summer we willcontinue to meet officers to ensure our response to COVID-19 is as effective as possible.“We wish to convey our thanksto all staff, our partners in NHSBorders, Live Borders, com-munity councils, the Third Sector, resilient communitygroups and all the volunteersin our communities.”____________________

Extend thedeadlineA SOUTH of Scotland MSPhas called on the UK govern-ment to extend the Brexit tran-sition period before the deadlineto avoid a second massive eco-nomic hit.Joan McAlpine’s interventioncomes alongside mounting evidence that a no-deal Brexitwill damage businesses and theeconomy on top of the devas-tating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.The SNP MSP cited PhilipRycroft, the former permanentsecretary of the department forexiting the EU, who gave evi-dence at a meeting of the Scottish parliament’s culture,tourism, Europe and externalaffairs committee meeting,chaired by Ms McAlpine.He agreed that leaving theEU without a deal would causehuge damage to the economyand businesses would face addedcomplexity and uncertainty.This was confirmed by a Scottish government studywhich showed billions of poundscould be wiped from the econ-omy if an extension is notagreed.Ms McAlpine said: “Withoutan extension or having a freetrade deal in place, the agricul-tural, fisheries and manufactur-ing sectors will be especiallybadly hit.“Coronavirus is already caus-ing enormous economic disrup-tion to businesses in Dumfriesand Galloway. They don’t havethe capacity to prepare for Brexiton top of a pandemic.”

Scottish Borders Council consults on withdrawing some routesA MEETING is being organ-ised to discuss under-threatservices on the X95 routethrough Eskdale.Scottish Borders Council hasthe contract for and managesthe Edinburgh to Carlisle service,via Langholm and Canonbie,which is run by Borders Buses.The public transport bodySWestrans, which includes Dumfries and Galloway, con-tributes £38,000 a year for theevening and Sunday journeys.These are Monday to Fridayfrom Hawick to Carlisle at5.05pm and 6.05pm; Friday onlyjourneys from Hawick to Carlisleat 9.05pm; two journeys fromCarlisle to Galashiels at 7.25pmand 8.25pm; Friday only journeyfrom Carlisle to Galashiels at10.55pm; and four Sunday returns from Galashiels toCarlisle, leaving Galashiels at9.15am, 12.15pm, 3.15pm and6.15pm. They return fromCarlisle at 11.38am, 2.38pm,5.38pm and 8.38pm.

SWestrans board membersheard at their meeting last Fridaythat Scottish Borders Councilhad advised that these serviceswere out for consultation withthe public.The consultation centres onwithdrawing the Monday to Friday services from Hawick toCarlisle at 6.05pm and the Fridayservice at 9.05pm.The journeys from Carlisle under threat are at 8.25pm Monday to Friday and 10.55pmon Fridays only.Sunday services will be cutfrom four to three.Douglas Kirkpatrick, lead officer, SWestrans, told members:“The impact of COVID-19 hasdelayed progress on this proposaland it is now likely that changes,if they are agreed, will be implemented this September,subject to the ongoing impactof the pandemic.“It is understood that councilis looking to reduce its costsand, by default, ours for this

provision by about half.”He had asked the council toconfirm what the situation waswith the Monday to Friday andFriday only services which alsorun on a Saturday at the sametime and are also proposed tobe amended.The council replied that theSaturday evenings journeys are

commercial, not supported, butthis would be clarified.Mr Kirkpatrick said: “This removal of service has a muchgreater impact on Dumfries andGalloway residents. “For those going to Edinburghthe changes make travel almostpointless.“The earliest arrival is 12.56pm

and the last to return is 2.43pmwhich gives people about 90minutes in the city.”He had asked the councilwhether the options for extendingthe 6.05pm from Hawick toLangholm/Canonbie been dis-cussed with Borders Buses.The council said a meetinghad been arranged with the operator and the possibility ofthis extension had been dis-cussed.Councillor Ronnie Tait, aSWestrans board member, said:“Scottish Borders Council’s intention was to reduce the pro-vision on Monday to Fridayevenings and on Sundays.“But, because Borders Busesis waiting for some clarity fromthe Scottish government on thevirus, the situation is unclear.“We asked SWestrans to con-tact Scottish Borders Council toarrange a virtual meeting withthem and include the Annandaleand Eskdale members who arenot on the SWestrans board.”

IN BRIEF

A LANGHOLM councillor has criticised thedumping of clothes at the textile recycling bin inthe Co-op car park.Ronnie Tait took this photo to make the point thatthe bins are clearly not to be used, having beentaped up and people should not be leaving items.Ten of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s 12 house-hold waste recycling centres have reopened, includingAnnan and Lockerbie.Annan is open seven days a week from 9am to6pm, while Lockerbie is open from Thursday toMonday from 12.15pm to 6pm.Only cars are allowed; no vans or trailers.Residents can now use the council’s booking systemto visit the centres and fully recycle their waste.The booking system is operating and the councilhas posted on its Facebook page to tell people howto book.This system will allow people access to all 12 sitesto recycle safely.Traffic management arrangements are in place andpeople are asked to follow the signs and the directionsof staff. There may be queues.Councillor Elaine Murray, council leader, said thatthe sites were working to national guidelines onsocial distancing to keep staff and the public as safeas possible.She said: “We know there will be queues and itwill be busy but, please, follow the guidelines anddispose of your own waste.“Our staff will not be able to unload your vehicles.We can’t compromise their welfare or yours.”Go to supportdg.dumgal.gov.uk/waste

The X95 bus is important to passengers in Eskdale

Dispose of your waste properly

Councillor Ronnie Tait has asked people not to leave items next to the recycling bins which have been taped up

Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community

www.eladvertiser.co.ukEskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser12 Thursday June 25, 2020

Times Past

75 years: Male Voice Choir

At a general meeting of members of the above Choir held on 19th June, Major EJ Bell, honpresident, presided. A financial statement on the recent concert in aid of Salute the Soldier weekwas submitted by the treasurer, along with a general statement of the Choir funds, both of whichwere approved and considered satisfactory. The Chairman complimented the conductor and mem-bers on the good progress the Choir had made since its formation, and the excellence of the pro-grammes submitted, and said he felt sure their future efforts would be much to look forward to.Plans were made to present two variety concerts next season, and it was agreed to suspend rehearsals until the last week in September.

50 years: Presentation

A very pleasant ceremony took place in the Eskdale Hotel a fortnight ago when Mr Gordon Little,Eskdaill Street, on behalf of the staff of the Hotel, presented Mr and Mrs MacDonald, proprietorsof the hotel, with a coffee table on the occasion of their own impending departure from the town.Making the presentation Mr Little, on behalf of the staff, wished Mr and Mrs MacDonald everysuccess in their new home and occupation in Haddington, and hoped that they would long retainmany happy memories of their sojourn in Langholm. Replying, Mr MacDonald said he was deeplyappreciative of the gift to his wife and himself. He would not forget the many friends his wife andhe met in Langholm since coming to the Eskdale Hotel, and he could assure all his acquaintancesin the Muckle Toon that he would never forget them nor all the customs and traditions which wereinseparably connected with the Capital of Eskdale known as “Langholm”.

25 years: Lovely weather for ducks - even plastic onesOver 1000 plastic ducks were set off on the command of Cornet Stevie Ellwood on Sunday. Theevent was organised by the Langholm Horse Riding Association, who let the ducks go at 3pmclose to Miltown. With Ewes water at one of its lowest levels ever the ducks struggled along thegently tumbling falls at Ewesbank and those which avoided the rocks arrived at the Kilngreen tobe met by Langholm Pipe Band and a larger number of spectators than usual as everyone madethe most of the glorious weather. The ducks then had to negotiate the many youngsters enjoyingthe cool wates of the Ewes and were collected in before reaching the Esk. Winning duck was 936purchased by Mrs Lesley Knowles who won £100, second was Robbie Wylie with duck 126 whichwon him £25 and third was 841 which won £10 for Downe c/o Alison Ritchie.

100 years: The Gentleman Tramp

“The Gentleman Tramp” who left Carlisle on Friday, reached Cross Keys Hotel, Canonbie, thatevening, and the Eskdale Temperence Hotel, Langholm on Saturday. He stayed at Langholm onSunday, and on account of the large correspondence he had to attend to was not able to leave forMosspaul till Monday night. Notwithstanding that he is over 77 years of age, he walks with won-derful joy and vigour, and planned his journey as something to accomplish in the way of exercise,intending to walk from Lands End to John o’ Groats in a rather zig-zag course of 1000 miles inthree months. Sir Arthur Pearson, however, induced him to collect for St. Dunstan’s Hospital forBlinded Soldiers and Sailors, and this will involve him in another month on the road. He speaksin warm terms of the kindness he has experienced, though paying his own expenses. The famoussix miles between Canonbie and Langholm he described as particularly pretty, and said it remindedhim of the Wharfe and Bolton Abbey woods. He says he was never a sportsman, but alwaysfavoured philanthropic work. He had no intention to have his journey made public, but Sir A Pearson said he must allow himself to be “paragraphed” as it would help the subscriptors. As heleft Langholm, he said he desired to thank Mr and Mrs Gilchrist for going out of their way to makehim exceedingly comfortable. “The Gentleman Tramp” creates a most favourable impression.

This group of girls were waiting at the finish line of the Langholm Horse Racing Duck Race 25 years ago

Pinder’s Circus(continued)

I laboured on for anotherhour and a half and althoughI was very tired, I developeda wonderful affinity withthese elephants.Instead of having to wait forspace to pour in the water, theyknew I was the one providingthe water and even though thehandle of the bucket was cut-ting into my right forearm all Ineeded to do was to tap any oneof these huge beasts on the legwith the fingers of my left handand they would move over. Ifelt at one with these magnifi-cent creatures.Unfortunately, when I finallygot the tank full, I was so tiredthat I let the bucket fall into thefoot of the tank and I was soafraid of what the elephant manwould say that I ran all the wayhome. That evening my motherasked me if I was going to thecircus but I said no, as I didn’tfeel well, so she gave me aspoonful of “syrup of figs” andput me to bed. I don’t know to

whom Pinder gave the otherticket. The rivers with Pinder in sum-mer were pure heaven. The hillswere static and beautiful, butthe rivers were alive like thelifeblood of the valley. Ragingin winter with great floods butin spring they would bring theirmigratory sea trout and salmonfrom the far oceans of the worldand in summer they would con-gregate in crystal clear pools onour rivers and as boys we wouldbe one.

GulletsNo one today could believethe number of fish in our riversin the early 1930’s unless theyhad seen them for themselves.During a spring and summerflood the migratory fish wouldcome up the River Esk in theirthousands. Not only would theysweep onwards up the Esk butthey would turn up the tribu-taries of the Wauchope andEwes rivers. “Spittie Adam”(Adam Grieve the newsagent)on a half day closing on aThursday, between one o’clockand sundown landed 99 sea

trout out of the Skipper’s Gullets and when told of histotal the next day he said that ifonly he had known he couldeasily have topped the century.Rob Graham, plumber andgreengrocer son of Jimmy Gra-ham the carder in EskdaillStreet set out at the “KingPool”(which is the junction of theWhite and Black Esk) andcaught a salmon in every poolof the River Esk right down tothe Solway Firth.

Dowie PoolWhen we had the heald (Hid-dle) factory in my father’s backgarden, Alex Johnstone – betterknown as Pont – who lived nextdoor, came in and asked if hecould use our spring balance.Out of a bag he pulled the fronthalf of a male salmon with ahuge hooked lower jaw. Wehung it on the scales by the gilland the needle went round to27lb. When I asked him wherethe other half of the salmonwas, he said that his brother Jim(Squeak) had it. He said theygot it from under the overhang-ing willows at the Dowie Pool.

Langholm with the Lid OffWe continue our serialisation of Wattie Bell’s book.

The famous cousin Pinder (left) with his father Wull flanked by the Bell brothers “Fizzball’ and “JC”

King Pool - where the Black Esk meets theWhite Esk courtesy of Langholm Archives

www.eladvertiser.co.uk Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser Thursday June 25, 2020 13

NATIONAL Theatre at Home presentsthe London Theatre Company’s production of A Midsummer Night'sDream at the Bridge Theatre.

You can watch the play on the NationalTheatre’s YouTube channel from 7pmtonight until next Thursday.

“The course of true love never did runsmooth.”

A feuding fairy king and queen of theforest cross paths with four runawaylovers and a troupe of actors trying torehearse a play.

As their dispute grows, the magicalroyal couple meddle with mortal lives,leading to love triangles, mistaken iden-tities and transformations … with hilariousbut dark consequences.

Shakespeare’s most famous romanticcomedy stars Gwendoline Christie(Game of Thrones), Oliver Chris (GreenWing, One Man, Two Guvnors, TwelfthNight, NT Live: Young Marx), DavidMoorst (NT Live: Allelujah!) and HammedAnimashaun (Barber Shop Chronicles,'Master Harold’… and the boys) play

Titania, Oberon, Puck and Bottom.The production is directed by Nicholas

Hytner and the theatre becomes a forest:a dream world of flying fairies; contagiousfogs; and moonlight revels, all surroundedby a roving audience following the actionon foot.

Colourful sunset over a colourful Canonbie Kirk. Photo by Lois Lane of CanonbieCamera: Apple iPhone 8

The E&L Gallery

A Midsummer treat from NT at Home

Titania Photo © Manuel Harlan

Bottom Photo © Manuel Harlan

By Sharon Tolson

MY LOCKDOWN walk onday 54, Saturday, May 16,took us downstream to Hagg-on-Esk along the banks of theEsk on to The Hollows, to Claygate and back home alongthe Tarras Road.I’ve always enjoyed getting

out for walks in our gloriouscountryside and when the newscame that the country was goinginto lockdown on March 23,we decided to make the mostof our “daily exercise” by get-ting onto the hills and alongthe river to explore the manypaths we had never taken.We have been blessed with

lovely weather which has beenour savour through this crisisWe started the walk from

home, going through BuccleuchPark and around the Murtholmto Skippers Bridge, SkippersCottage and into the wood onthe left.Follow the path for a few

yards before it takes you downto the riverside where you stayon the path, passing a coupleof footbridges, fallen tree trunksand lots of wild garlic.High in the trees we spotted

heron nests and could hear thechicks squawking while waitingfor their lunch. This part of the walk by the

river comes to a sandy bay nearto Dog Island across the river.You could continue along to

the banking to bring you uponto the old A7 but I wouldadvise against it. There is nopath as such and it’s a realscramble among the thorn bushes and rocks.We came up the hill onto the

makeshift lay-by on the A7 justafter the Middleholm road endand carried on to the properlayby where we followed thecycle path onto the old A7

towards Irvine House. Just before Irvine House there

is a break in the stone wallwhich leads to a path takingyou along the back of the houseand walled garden.Here you will find beautiful

rhododendron bushes andswathes of bluebells. The pathleads to an area where there isa bench and a stony bay wherewe saw mother duck and hersix ducklings having a paddle.They were very shy and tended

to stay across the other side ofthe river.We stopped briefly for a drink

before heading south over awooden footbridge and scram-bled across fallen trees to thepath again.If you are unsure about this, I

would say don’t be put off; itlooks worse than it is. Just takesmall steps and it’s only a coupleof fallen trees to duck underuntil you are back on the path.Further on, the path becomes

narrow and someone has kindlytied a rope to help you acrossand prevent you from slippingdown the rocks. Again, this iseasier than it sounds.

DownstreamThe path carries on down-

stream, passing a fisherman’shut and bench and some lovelyviews of the Esk downstream.You will come to a set of

steps which lead up to anothersmall bridge and adjoining stepsup towards the path.Follow the path which leads

to a field which you cross, keep-ing to the left. When you cometo the gate, turn right and followthe path until you come to theold metal gate on the last bit ofthe A7 across from Hagg-on-Esk just before the Hollowsturn-off. From here take the cycle path

and left towards the Hollows,

walking past Nittyholm cottages,Gilnockie Tower and over theHollows bridge where you willsee, hiding behind the over-growth, the Archimedes screw,owned by Craig Nicholson atHollows Mill. We passed the site of

Gilnockie Castle where youwill find a collection of uniquewee statues. No-one seems toknow what they refer to or whoput them there. Up the hill towards Gilnockie

Station and on to Claygatewhere we called in to see thefolks and have a quick stop anda drink before we set off on thehome straight up the Tarrasroad past The Tail, Mumbie,Tarrasfoot and Glen Tarras.A really great walk and we

hope to repeat it by doing thereverse route

www.eladvertiser.co.ukEskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser14 Thursday June 25, 2020

Site of Gilnockie Castle

Heading home via the Tarras roadThe path along by Irvine House

The bridge up to the steps

Walking through the lockdownNo outdoordrinkingTHE four divisional licensingboards in Dumfries and Galloway do not have the legalauthority to allow outside drink-ing areas or beer gardens toopen.First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

has advised that she will furtherreview this matter on July 2.Until the Scottish government

directs otherwise, all outsidedrinking areas and beer gardensmust remain closed for the saleand consumption of alcohol.If anyone wishes to discuss

options over making use of anunlicensed outdoor area or wantsmore general help and guidance,email licensing@dumgal.gov.ukor call 01776 888429.The licensing team will deal

with all applications receivedfor outside drinking areas andbeer gardens as quickly and efficiently as possible to helpbusinesses sell alcohol as soonas the government permits.The government has published

Tourism and Hospitality SectorGuidance.

____________________

Spaces forpeopleSCOTTISH Borders Council isseeking the input of Liddesdaleresidents to identify potentialschemes to put temporary infrastructure in place duringthe COVID-19 pandemic afterthe development of a new national fund.Spaces for People is a tempo-

rary infrastructure programmewhich offers funding and supportto make it safer for people whochoose to walk or cycle for essential trips and exercise dur-ing COVID-19.The programme is funded by

the Scottish government andmanaged by Sustrans Scotland.It enables local authorities to

implement measures focusedon protecting public health, sup-porting physical distancing andpreventing a second wave ofthe outbreak.Projects should focus on

essential journeys, including active travel projects to andfrom schools; to and from hos-pitals and health services; toshops and pharmacies; and forrecommended exercise such asin parks.Projects should be delivered

quickly and provide a visibleimprovement which has an immediate benefit.Suggestions can be given up

until Wednesday, July 8 atwww.scotborders.gov.uk/spaces-forpeople.

Well-placed rope

Thursday June 25, 2020 15

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Sports NewsThursday June 25, 2020

Sponsored by KELSO RACES

NEXT SCHEDULED FIXTURESWEDNESDAY 16th sePTEMBER

SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER01573 221221|info@kelso-races.co.uk

HorseracingFLAT-RACING jockeyJamie Gormley is back inthe saddle and has had 13rides over 14 days fromRedcar to Newmarket.While there have been no

winners, he had two secondplaces for his boss Iain Jardine of Carrutherstown.At Thirsk on Monday he

rode Logi into third spot forRebecca Bastiman in a seven-furlong handicap.Lining up against nine other

runners, he went into thirdinside the final furlong andcame in one and a halflengths adrift.He was at Redcar on

Sunday where he rode Ricksen in the seven-furlongnovices stakes for Jardine,coming in fourth of the ninerunners, five and a quarterlengths behind.He and Jardine earned a

fourth place at Ripon lastSaturday when riding MidDay Rush in the five-furlongmaiden fillies stakes.He had five rides at Redcar

last Thursday, the best beingfourth spot on Magical Effectfor Ruth Carr in the six-furlong handicap.

He was ninth on board Katty D in the six-furlongmaiden stakes, 11th on Golden Sandbanks in thehandicap over one mile, twofurlongs and 13th on Equidaein the seven-furlong handi-cap. All three rides were forJardine.Clearance ran a good race

for jockey and trainer in the two-mile handicap at Beverley last Wednesday.The 6/1 shot made its chal-

lenge over one furlong outand led narrowly but had noextra and was headed towards the finish, comingin three quarters of a lengthbehind.Reely Bonnie set off at 80/1

in the one-mile maiden filliesstakes at Thirsk last Tuesdayand came in seventh of the11 runners.Gormley, again riding for

Jardine, rallied the horse inthe final furlong but it hadno pace to challenge.The partnership took sec-

ond spot with Kraken Powerin the novice auction stakesover six furlongs at Pontefract.The horse was slowly into

its stride but made headwaythree furlongs from home

and was midfield whenGormley switched right andwas pushed on over two furlongs out.He pressed the leader from

one furlong out and was justheld to be beaten by a head.Gormley and Jardine were

at Newmarket with Five Helmets which was entered

into the one-mile, four-furlonghandicap against nine otherrunners and the horse camein eighth.Former Melbourne Cup run-

ner Nakeeta was enteredinto the handicap over one mile, four furlongs atPontefract and came seventhof the 11 runners at 14/1.

Langholm Rugby Club gets help to pay the bills and maintain the pitches

Milntown glad to receive grant

HorseracingSCOTTISH Racing and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) are pleasedto announce the resumptionof racing behind closed doorsin Scotland.

This follows confirmationby the Scottish governmentthat professional sport can resume in line with the moveto Phase 2 of its COVID-19route map.

Joe Fitzpatrick, minister forpublic health, sport and well-being, said: “I’m sure thisnews will be welcomed byracing fans around the country.

“The resumption of profes-sional sports is another step

towards some level of nor-mality and its safe resumptionis possible thanks only to aconstructive relationship between the government andbodies like Scottish Racing.”

The first fixture was at AyrRacecourse on Monday, thefirst held in Scotland since abehind-closed-doors meetingat Kelso on March 16.

3,400 jobsHorseracing is Scotland’s

s e c o n d - m o s t - a t t e n d e d sport annually, supporting3,400 full-time-equivalent jobsand generating more than£300m every year for the Scottish economy.

The announcement meansthoroughbred horseracing willnow have resumed safely inGreat Britain in line with thedetailed protocols designed bythe BHA and wider racing

industry, including physicaldistancing requirements, med-ical screening processes andmeasures to reduce the risk ofhaving to use NHS resources.

Nick Rust BHA chief exec-utive, said: “I’m very pleasedScottish racing has returnedsafely, ensuring our truly nationwide sport can resumein line with the protocols whichhave worked well since re-suming at Newcastle on June 1.”

Delly Innes, manager of Scottish Racing, said: “Thishas been an immensely chal-lenging time for our five excellent racecourses but thisis an important first step onthe road to recovery.

“We’ll work hard to ensureall our participants are familiarwith, and adhere to, Scottishrules and guidance where thesediffer from UK guidance.”

Scottish racecourses have resumed racing this week

RugbyLANGHOLM Rugby Club has been awarded£2,300 from the SRU’s club hardship fund.

This fund was set up at the start of the coronavirusoutbreak which closed down rugby all over Scotland in March.

It is designed to help rugby clubs cover thecosts of utility bills, pitch rental costs and groundmaintenance over the summer.

An application was made to the SRU fund byLRFC in April and last week it was confirmedthat it would receive the full amount applied forby the end of June.

This will help with the ongoing cost of main-taining the pitches and other ground work andalso help with electricity and water bills for thenext three months.

The SRU made awards to 82 rugby clubs inScotland, with more than £300,000 being givenin financial aid.

Gormley is backin the saddle

Jamie Gormley

E&LSPORT

Resumption of racing