Dumfries & Galloway Standard
PUBLICANS CLOCKUP £20K FORCHARITY
Sanquhar publicans Norman and Libby Clark will be bowing out of the Crown Inn on a high. The pair have been instrumental in raising more than £20,000 for a charity close to their hearts. Dozens of residents joined them in a challenge of clocking up...
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REGION’S NHS HITBYCRISIS
A crisis situation at the health board is resulting in patients having to spend nights in hospital corridors or treated in the wrong locations. It is now impacting “massively” on “patient flow and access to treatment”. Gavin Marr, chief officer for...
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DANCE FEVER FORSCOTLAND
World Cup fever is reaching the toes of Dumfries and Galloway’s school children. The region will be at the forefront of a quirky homage to Scotland’s historic qualification to the prestigious footballing competition for the first time since 1998. A...
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MILESTONEIN FUNDRAISING
A Dumfriesshire family have brought in the New Year by smashing through a fundraising milestone. Thanks to the support they’ve received, more than £100,000 has now been raised for the David Hill Memorial Fund. It means David’s family will be able to...
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NEWYEAR HONOUR FORKATE
Delighted granny Kate Kaye said being recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours list has made her “entire life”. Kate, 77, will receive the British Empire Medal for services to Early Years Childcare after dedicating her life to little people. She...
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COPSTARGET SEXOFFENCES ONINTERNET
A crackdown on online sex offenders has led to police recording the highest number of sexual crimes in six years in Dumfries and Galloway. The region’s police force has increased staffing numbers in digital forensics teams, which is directly leading...
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IT’SANICECHRISTMAS
Big-hearted sports fans have been spreading Christmas joy to children spending Christmas in hospital. A staggering 200 soft toys donated by fans at the Solway Sharks ice hockey team club’s annual Hurl a Hug event at Dumfries Ice Bowl, and more from...
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JINGLE ALL THE WAY...
Staff at the Dumfries Tesco Extra supermarket, Cuckoo Bridge, had a special visitor on Saturday – Santa. And, with his elves, had an amazing couple of hours of festive fun with eager children — and some adults — keen to tell him their Christmas wish...
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COUNCIL ACCUSED OF BREAKING LAW OVER WHITESANDS
The council has been accused of breaking the law by pressing ahead with the Whitesands flood prevention scheme. Former Dumfries man Mike Sutherland claims the local authority does not have the necessary legal permissions to carry out the project. He...
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PHONELINE WILLHELP SAVELIVES
A Dumfries mum who claims she was starved by her husband has welcomed a new national helpline for victims of economic abuse. Pat Feetham is rebuilding her life after separating from husband John, who she says financially exploited her during Covid and...
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RAPISTGUILTYOF ABUSING GIRL,14
A serial rapist who claimed his 14-year-old victim stole his sperm to have his baby is behind bars after being convicted of repeatedly abusing the youngster. Jordan Lee Wilkins, pictured right, was found guilty of repeatedly raping the girl, who can’t...
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ROYALSEALOF APPROVALFOR STREETPASTORS
A major initiative is under way to keep Dumfries safe for residents, shoppers and party-goers this Christmas. For the first time, the town will have its own Street Pastors – following a commissioning service held in St Mary’s Church (The River of Life...
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SUPERFLU IS ASTRAINON NHSSERVICES
Dumfries and Galloway is being battered by a super flu, with cases rising rapidly. Some hospital wards have been closed to new admissions due to an early rise in seasonal flu and norovirus infections. Dr Kenneth Donaldson, medical director for the...
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WHITES ANDS PROJECT COSTS SOAR TO £68M
A “crucial” final decision is set to be made on whether the controversial Whitesands flood protection scheme will go ahead as it’s been revealed the cost has soared to a staggering £68 million. The last estimated price in 2023 stood at £37.5m. The...
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ANDREW’SONTHERUN FORHISLATEDAD
A former Dumfries schoolboy has taken on gruelling challenges in memory of his dad who died months after being diagnosed with a horrific disease. Andrew McEwen is on a mission to raise money for research into motor neurone disease. His police officer...
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APPLEGARTHCHURCH SAVED BY COMMUNITY
A call to help save a historic church has been answered by descendants of a family with centuries-old links to the building. Applegarth Church, near Lockerbie, was put up for sale earlier this year. But concerned about what the future held for it,...
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ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Doonhamers Tartan Army supporters had the time of their lives at Hampden on Tuesday when Scotland booked their place in the World Cup finals for the first time in 28 years. Ross Corbett and Co cheered on Dumfries ’very own Grant Hanley and Lyndon...
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ALMOST £300K OF COUNCIL TAX IS WRITTEN OFF
The cash-strapped council has been forced to write off nearly £300,000 of unpaid council tax in just six months. The debt was racked up by 803 accounts between April 1 and September 30 this year. A further £77,828 has been lost due to 161 housing...
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HOLLYHELP INSPIRESA CHASCAUSE
In memory of her incredibly brave daughter, Holly Clarke, a bereaved Dumfriesshire mum is backing a Christmas appeal by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland. Stevi, aged 46, personally knows how valuable CHAS’s support can be as they helped her and...
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EX-BOYFRIEND TO STAND TRIAL FOR MURDER OF MUM
The former boyfriend of a Dumfries mum who died on a Greek island is to stand trial for her murder. Nikos Koutoulakis has been accused of killing Jean Hanlon 16 years ago. Jean’s body was found in Crete’s Heraklion harbour after she emigrated to...
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FIGHT TO STOP CUTS TO FREE MUSIC TUITION
More than 1,800 people have signed an online petition against council budget proposals which threaten free musical instrument sessions in the region’s schools. Annan Town Band launched the petition to ensure youngsters in Dumfries and Galloway “have...
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COUNCIL TO FIND £250,000 TO FIX BUS NETWORK
The council is set to spend up to £250,000 on consultants to help sort out the region’s failing bus services network. According to a new report, a specialist member of staff will also be hired to investigate the issues around bus provision in Dumfries...
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JOBS THREAT OVER ADVICE SERVICE CUTS
Dozens of jobs will be lost and thousands of people across the region will be plunged deeper into poverty if the council withdraws funding for Dumfries Citizens Advice Service. Its chief executive Phil Stewart said he was “absolutely shocked” to learn...
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FREE MUSIC TUITION IN SCHOOLS COULD BE AXED
Free music lessons at Dumfries and Galloway’s schools is under threat due to budget cuts. Ending funding for the Youth Beatz festival in Dumfries, reducing bin collections and closing schools are other options being looked at. They’re among “savings...
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BABY AND TODDLERS INJURED IN COLLISION
A baby and two toddlers remain in hospital after they were seriously injured in a horrific incident in Dumfries on Monday. A loose trailer flew off the road and struck a pram on a pavement at Pleasance Avenue. An eight month old baby and 14 and...
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MORE CREAM FOR THE CROP AT ARLA FOODS
Ninety new jobs will be created at a Lockerbie creamery as Arla Foods has confirmed plans to invest more than £144 million at the site. A new £34m cheddar cheese facilities upgrade building was officially opened by Mairi Gougeon MSP, Scottish Cabinet...
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£10K TRIBUTE FOR ROCKERBIE LEGEND
Almost £10,000 has been raised in tribute to a much-missed Dumfriesshire man. The late James Turpie – who died in 2023 after losing a brave battle with an aggressive melanoma skin cancer – was a popular member of the Lockerbie community and is famed...
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HUSHCOUNCILEXITS TOBEINVESTIGATED
Hush-hush exits of senior officers from Dumfries and Galloway Council came under scrutiny amid calls from councillors for more transparency. An independent investigation into the past processes of chief officer recruitment had been planned, but this...
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HOUSING CRISIS ON THE INCREASE
The housing crisis in Dumfries and Galloway has gone from extremely bad to even worse. A year after the council declared a housing emergency and admitted they were failing homeless people, a new report has revealed the situation hasn’t...
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TOILET CAM CLAIM MSP’S STAFF TOLD: ‘HE’S STILL THE BOSS’
Staff working for South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth have been told he is still their boss and they must continue reporting for work despite toilet spy cam claims. Smyth, 52, has been charged in connection with alleged possession of indecent images of...
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THUG’SATTACK LEAVESVICTIM ‘LEGALLYBLIND’
A Dumfries man was left with horror injuries after a thug squirted him in the face with ammonia. Kyle Gilmour is now described as “legally blind” after the attack by Cairen Brown in a flat in the town. Glasgow High Court heard Brown, 23, accused Mr...
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DEMAND FORFOOD PARCELS WILLRISE
Charity workers supplying emergency food parcels to people say there has been no let up in desperate pleas for help – and fear demand will grow in the coming year. The team at The First Base Agency in Dumfries have revealed that demand has “escalated...
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ASTUDYINTO COUNCIL-RUN BUSSERVICES
An investigation is to be carried out into issues around bus services in Dumfries and Galloway. And that, along with looking into the potential for a council-run transport network, could cost as much as £250,000. The council and SWestrans spent the...
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ELECTED MEMBERS ARE BEING ‘SILENCED’ BY COUNCIL CHIEFS
Council chiefs are trying to “silence” councillors and prevent them from doing their jobs properly, it’s been claimed. Mid and Upper Nithsdale Councillor Andrew Wood hit out after he became the second elected member in a matter of months to be...
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PHOEBE’S MENTAL HEALTH MISSION
A woman whose life was “turned upside down”when her dad took his own life at just 42 has been helping others affected by mental health difficulties. Phoebe Murray has now raised an incredible £50,000 for charities that help to support people like her...
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MSP DENIES ‘SECRET CAMERA IN TOILET’ ALLEGATIONS
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has been charged over allegations a secret camera was placed in the Scottish Parliament toilets. The Labour politician had previously been suspended by the party after being charged in connection with possession of...
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NEW MCDONALD’S SET FOR DUMFRIES
Councillors have defied planners and given a second McDonald’s in Dumfries the green light. And the development is set to create more than 100 jobs. Members of the council’s planning applications committee unanimously approved the £4 million Annan...
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SCHOOL PUPILS LEFT STRANDED BY BUSES
Kids were left stranded by the side of the road on the first day of the new term. More than 30 pupils trying to get to Wallace Hall Academy were unable to get on buses as they were are already full by the time they reached their stop. Stagecoach West...
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MSP ON INDECENT IMAGES CHARGES
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has been charged in connection with possession of indecent images. The former Dumfries and Galloway councillor has also been suspended by the Scottish Labour Party. Mr Smyth was arrested at a house in Dumfries earlier...
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REGION’S HOMESIN URGENT ‘STATEOF DISREPAIR’
Plans are being drawn up to tackle a housing emergency as it emerged thousands of homes across the region are in a serious state of disrepair. A damning new report has revealed nearly a third of privately rented homes in Dumfries and Galloway have...
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CANCER CENTRE BRINGS HOPE
A mum living with incurable stage four secondary cancer has welcomed the news that a Maggie’s cancer care centre is finally to be built in Dumfries. Sarah McDiarmid, 42, said: “It’s fantastic news for our whole region. “I really hope that the plans...
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I WILL NOT BE SILENCED
A councillor has vowed he “won’t be silenced” as an investigation is carried out over claims he has bullied the local authority’s boss. Ian Carruthers has been handed an interim suspension amid allegations he has behaved in a “threatening and...
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WORKS ‘BEYOND A JOKE’
The lack of joined up thinking for roadworks on a major Dumfries road has been branded “beyond a joke”. Motorists using the A701 in Heathhall faced delays and tailbacks again this week after duct clearing was carried out on behalf of Nexfibre Networks...
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HUNT ON FOR MAN WHO DROVE A CAR AT POLICE OFFICER
A police officer was rushed to hospital after an attempted murder in Dumfries. The man was helping a member of the public in the Heathhall area of the town in the early hours of Monday morning when a car was deliberately driven at him. He was rushed...
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HEROUNCLE SAVEDMYLIFE
A Dumfries woman has hailed her uncle a “hero” after he donated a kidney and saved her life. Brook McDowall, 23, was told she needed a transplant to stay alive after being diagnosed with stage five kidney failure. And it was her aunt Abbi’s fiancé...
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IS HERE! ALARM BELLS
A couple who say they removed “priceless” 12th-century bells from a historic church over fears they could be stolen are refusing to put them back until the building is sold. Mark Huitson and Rachel Bonde believe the bells and plaques they removed from...
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TOWN RAISES £5KFOR ARCHIE
The dad of a little boy seriously injured in a road accident says he is “overwhelmed” at the outpouring of love and generosity the family has been shown from the people of their home town. Nine-year-old Archie Begg, pictured, is being treated at a...
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YOUTH WORKER WHO THROTTLED WOMAN KEEPS HIS LICENCE
A Dumfries youth worker who throttled a woman and battered a police officer has been allowed to keep his licence. Elliot Cooney, right, also broke into the woman’s home despite being ordered not to contact her. Cooney, 31, was convicted of the crimes...
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FUND RAISER IS AN EPIC
A charity which protects lives along the Solway and Dumfries and Galloway’s inland waters is urging residents to dig deep and support an epic fundraising challenge next weekend. Running costs for the independent lifeboat search and rescue service are...
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IT’STIMETO TAKEACTION
More than 120 people die due to a lack of exercise in Dumfries and Galloway every year, it has been revealed. Research by Public Health Scotland has pointed to physical inactivity directly being linked to a surprising number of deaths in the...
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SHARON’SCLIMBIS INMEMORYOFSON
Dangerous winds of up to 60mph couldn’t stop a determined mumfrom achieving her gutsy climb to the top of Ben Lomond on Saturday. Sharon Duncan, learning support teacher at Dumfries High School, was spurred on in the knowledge that every step of the...
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TV STAR JOANNA BACKS PETITION AGAINST SCHOOL STAFF CUTS
More than 700 people have rushed to sign an online petition calling for Dumfries and Galloway Council to stop the reduction of teachers and classes at Penpont Primary. Set up by Penpont Parent Council chairperson, Samantha Gomes, the petition at...
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OFF-ROAD BIKESARE CAUSING MAYHEM
Off-road bikers are causing misery for residents who live near the grounds of a former school in Dumfries. The now derelict site at Lochside – which once housed Maxwelltown High – has become a magnet for people riding noisy dirt bikes at all hours of...
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PUTWHEELS INMOTIONFOR BUSTAKEOVER
Demands will be made this week for a publiclyowned bus service that properly serves residents right across the region. It comes on the back of news that Stagecoach is preparing to pull the plug on the majority of its services across Dumfries and...
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SCHOOLTOBE HITBYCUTS
Battlelines have been drawn by angry villagers fighting to protect the future of their primary school. People in Penpont have been left “reeling and outraged” at a shock council decision to slash their rural school’s teacher numbers to just two. It...
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CHARLIE LOSES HIS CANCER BATTLE
Inspirational young footballer Charlie Watson has died after putting up a brave fight against skin cancer. The “absolute warrior” passed away at his home in Lochmaben on Thursday surrounded by his family. Charlie, 20, had been diagnosed with the...
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£130M BOOST FOR LOCHSIDE
A multi-million pound project to regenerate Lochside in Dumfries has been given the green light. The ambitious plans will see existing homes upgraded, hundreds of new energy-efficient homes built, connectivity and active travel routes improved and new...
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SOLWAY COASTAL PROJECT GETS £8M
Nearly £8 million has been earmarked to support an environmental project across Dumfries and Galloway. The Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP) Landscape Connections aims to restore and protect the Solway coast, which stretches for more than 200...
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CHILDCARE NOT IN THE COMMUNITY
Children from Dumfries and Galloway are being put in residential care hundreds of miles away in the north of Scotland. And the council expects to pay private providers nearly £9.5 million for placements during the current financial year. The shocking...
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DEDICATED CATHERINE WAS ONE OF LIFE’S ANGELS
The inspirational woman behind a charity that has helped countless people at the lowest times of their lives has died. Catherine Dale founded Kate’s Kitchen in Annan in 2008 to provide “a hot meal, cheery chat and a shoulder to lean on” for those who...
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Stagecoach route bids to determine fate of 130 jobs
Around 130 jobs could be lost and public transport “decimated” if a bus operator closes its Dumfries and Galloway depots. Stagecoach West Scotland fears contracts for school transport and council subsidised routes will not be renewed. And that could...
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‘SWITCH-OFF’ COUNTDOWN
Thousands of properties across the region are still using electricity meters that will stop working within weeks. Campaigners say homes with RTS meters could be left with heating that is permanently off, or on, from the end of next month. The data...
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£1.5M TO HELP GET SPORTY
A project aiming to help people in Dumfries and Galloway back into work has received more than £1.5 million. Let’s Get Sporty will use the cash to extend Lochvale House in Georgetown. And that will allow it to add more than 100 places to its Let’s...
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MOVE TO PUT CLAMP ON ‘DANGEROUS’ PARKING
“Dangerous” parking in Dumfries town centre is an “accident waiting to happen”. Councillor Paula Stevenson made the claim during the latest Nithsdale area committee meeting. She spoke out after members were given the chance to see a draft version of...
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AGONYOF ASECOND WOMBFOR TEACHER
A Dumfries woman whose“excruciating” pain was put down to “women’s problems” is calling for the smear test age limit to be lowered from 25 to 18. Brooke Laird, 24, was shocked to find out she had two wombs during a scan she pushed for after years of...
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VANDALS‘INSULT’ TOWARHEROES
Vandals in Lockerbie have been accused of “insulting” war heroes after a memorial wreath was damaged. A special ceremony had been held at the town’s war memorial on Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. However, by Saturday night members...
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SECRET SPY CAM DOC FILMED HIS DGRI COLLEAGUE IN SHOWER
A former Dumfries doctor who secretly spied on 30 people has been jailed for 18 months and placed on the sex offender’s register for 10 years. Ju Young Um filmed one colleague while he was in the shower and while he was being intimate with his wife at...
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END OF SCHOOL DAYS FOR PUPILS
As part of their Youth and Philanthropy Initiative project, Kayleigh, Kyla, Faith, Layla and Izzy (S3) climbed Criffel and have raised over £1,000 for their chosen charity, Prostate Buddies D&G. Well done to the group on their fantastic effort and...
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IT’S ALL BEEN FOR MY DAD
Losing her dad to suicide when she was 10 lit a fuse in a Dumfriesshire woman who has gone on to raise £35,000 for mental health charities and other causes close to her heart. Now, Penpont’s inspiring Phoebe Murray is set to generate more cash from a...
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HUNTFOR MISSING WALLABY
A huge search is under way for a little handreared wallaby who escaped his enclosure after being spooked by dogs. Wallace got out of his pen at Crazy Critters Experience near Johnstonebridge on Friday night. It is feared the three-year-old Parma...
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HARSH REALITY OF SCHOOL CLOSURES
School closures could be on the cards as it emerged the maintenance bill for outdated buildings has soared to a staggering £280 million. The council’s education director Gillian Brydson said the amount of cash it will cost to keep schools fit for...
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REGION SINKS INTO A POVERTY CRISIS
The worst cost of living crisis in memory has left some residents across the region unable to afford essential everyday items including fruit and nappies. Citizens Advice bosses are now calling on the UK and Scottish governments to help the poverty...
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