Dumfries & Galloway Standard
DUO ALL SET FOR WORLD RECORD BID
Two Dumfries men are ready to take their shot at a Guinness World Record — by playing 184 holes of golf in 24 hours straight. Jeff McKean and David King will play round after round, through daylight and darkness, in a bid to smash the current world...
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DRIVER WHO RAN OVER COP JAILED
A man who ran over a police inspector and threw him 15 feet into the air in a brutal hit and run at Heathhall has been jailed for more than four years. Martin McGroary, 27, ploughed into Jonathan Edgar on July 28 last year. Police officers dragged...
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BACK FROM THE BRINK
Families are being pulled back from the brink across Dumfries and Galloway — thanks to more than £1.1 million invested in tackling poverty and inequalities. One dad, who was provided with crisis support as he fought to overcome substance abuse and set...
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GETREADY FORWORLD CUPFEVER
Residents and businesses are being urged to go fitbaw crazy over the next few weeks to celebrate Scotland competing in their first World Cup finals for 28 years. Dumfries Guid Nychburris committee are calling on people to decorate their windows and...
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HOOSEFORTHE BAIRNSWHEN NEEDEDMOST
A pioneering centre designed to support children who have experienced abuse or violence is on the verge of opening in Dumfries and Galloway. The Bairns Hoose — a Scottish Government-led initiative being rolled out across the country — brings together...
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NEWFUELPOVERTY FEARSINTHEREGION
Another wave of fuel poverty could force more people to depend heavily on warm hubs in Dumfries and Galloway, a councillor warned this week. Council chiefs are on alert because of the current unpredictability of the oil and gas market – and further...
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‘BLUEWALL’ HOLDS FIRM
Conservative candidates enjoyed double election success in Dumfries and Galloway. Craig Hoy and Finlay Carson’s blue army of supporters helped them secure victory and deny the SNP a majority at Holyrood with the ‘Blue Wall’ in the south of Scotland...
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Turning the calendar again
Dumfries Musical Theatre Company’s new production – Calendar Girls: The Musical – is set to open at Dumfries Theatre Royal for a week-long run. The musical, written by Gary Barlow with Tim Firth, retells the heart-warming true story of a group of...
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‘SICK’THIEVES STEALDAD’S TRIBUTETO TEENAGESON
The devastated family of a teenager who died following an incident in the River Nith on Thursday night have condemned heartless thieves for stealing tributes left to him at the scene. Benjamin Glen drowned just days after celebrating his 18th...
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MANDROVEHIS CARINTO POLICEOFFICER
A man faces jail after admitting hitting a police officer with a car. Inspector Jonathan Edgar was thrown up to 15ft over the road after he was struck by the motor driven by Martin McGroary in Heathhall last July. The cop suffered a dislocated...
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FUNDRAISER SAVESJACKO FROMDEATH
A dog that was hours from death is on the road to recovery after big-hearted animal lovers raised thousands of pounds for a lifesaving operation. Beautiful black Lurcher Jacko had been taken in by a family who found him wandering alone, thin,...
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ST MICHAEL’S PS MARKS 160TH YEAR
Medical laboratories in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary have been giving young people an insight into their work. Thanks to the national initiative known as Harvey’s Lab Tours, eight-year-old Amelia-Jane Houston and Briana McKinnel from...
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SERIALDOMESTIC ABUSERISCAGED
A thug who controlled his girlfriend’s social media accounts and abused a dog has been unmasked as a serial domestic abuser. Christopher McMenamin, pictured, was jailed at the High Court in Glasgow after isolating the woman from friends and family,...
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RENTAL MARKET INCRISIS
Hundreds of private landlords in Dumfries and Galloway have been forced to pull their properties off the rental market because their tenants are being paid the lowest amount of housing allowance benefits in Scotland. The weekly Local Housing Allowance...
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BRAKESPUTON KEYBUSSERVICE
The wheels are coming off bus transport provision in Dumfries again – after another operator announced it will be pulling the plug on a key route. The 501 Dumfries to Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas service is up in the air because the company that...
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Town Board receives nod to move into ‘delivery phase’
A 10-year vision for the future of Dumfries has reached a major milestone. The Dumfries Town Board has received confirmation from the UK Government that its £20 million regeneration plan has been formally endorsed. It means the Town Board can now...
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THE BIG EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA
31.03.2026 The weather failed to put a dampener on an Easter Eggstravaganza of fun in Lockerbie on Saturday. The RH Youth Organisation held the event for people of all ages and everyone had a great time. The volunteer-run charity was established in...
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WE’REOVERWHELMED BY YOUR SUPPORT
A Dumfries family are “completely overwhelmed” at the amazing support they’ve received following a devastating diagnosis. Builder Grant Learmont, aged just 40, was given the “unimaginable” news on Valentine’s Day that he has stage 4 metastatic...
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BERESFORD SLAMMED AS ‘UNFIT FOR PUBLIC OFFICE’
A Dumfries businesswoman standing as a Reform candidate for May’s Holyrood election has been described as being “totally unfit for public office”. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said “Nigel Farage must sack this poisonous candidate” after some of...
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700 NEW JOBSFOR DUMFRIES
More than 700 high-quality jobs are to be created in Dumfries at a pioneering new hi-tech domestic storage battery factory. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney visited the Kight Powerhub’s manufacturing facility on Wednesday to see for himself how...
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FURYOVERPLANFOR NURSERYCLOSURES
Dumfries parents have been left “deeply worried”over the council’s proposals to close some nurseries in the region. The local authority plans to shut several nurseries which currently have fewer than 10 children attending, and will move the kids to...
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EXHIBITION CELEBRATES GIRL GUIDES
The newly-launched free exhibition, Celebrating Girlguiding in Dumfries and Galloway, is evoking memories at Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura ... and aiming to inspire new members. Girlguiding came about when founder of the Scout Movement, Army...
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APPALLING
Queen of the South officials have condemned the “appalling” actions of young fans after a brick was launched through the window of a Stenhousemuir supporters bus on Saturday. In a video circulating on social media, Stenhousemuir fans could be heard...
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COUNCIL BLAST HOTEL PROTEST
The council has condemned protestors who gathered outside a Dumfries hotel that houses asylum seekers on Friday night. Before yesterday’s annual budget setting meeting took place – where it was agreed to hike up council tax by 8.5 per cent – depute...
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MOB PROTESTOVER ASYLUM SEEKERS AT DUMFRIESHOTEL
Protestors shouted “get them out” as they gathered outside a Dumfries hotel that houses asylum seekers on Friday night. Dozens of people turned up to a demonstration that was organised following claims that a phone belonging to one of the refugees...
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SAINSBURY’SSETTO COMETODUMFRIES
More than 100 jobs are in the pipeline for Dumfries as supermarket giants Sainsbury’s look set to move into the former Homebase store at Cuckoo Bridge Retail Park. Homebase went into administration in late 2024 and the site subsequently closed with...
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SUPPORT FOR UNDER-THREAT CITIZENS’ ADVICE SERVICE ‘GREATLY HEARTENING’
Thousands of people have shown their support for the region’s threatened Citizens’ Advice Service ahead of a crunch meeting on its future funding. A petition to protect crucial funding the service receives from the council each year has been signed by...
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ANEWCHAPTER FORTHEBARD’S POETICGROUND
Plans are underway to transform Robert Burns’s “sweet poetic ground” in Dumfriesshire. Campaigners fighting to restore Ellisland Farm near Dumfries, the only house the poet designed and built himself, are ready to submit restoration plans to Dumfries...
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SHOCK AS CARE WORKERIS STRUCKOFF FORSERIOUS MISCONDUCT
A support worker who was loaned cash by a vulnerable client and failed to pay it back, has been struck off from the profession. Helen Martin lost her registration with the Scottish Social Services Council after her fitness to practice was found to be...
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MAN WARNS OF PHISING SCAM THREAT
A Dumfries businessman has been left devastated after fraudsters stole thousands of pounds from his family firm in a “terrifying” phishing phone scam. Mike Dixon, pictured, who runs Handmade Craft House with his wife, daughter and son-in-law, was...
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SWINNEY’SPLEDGETO BURNSFARM
Scotland’s First Minister has pledged to visit Dumfriesshire’s Ellisland Farm and see for himself the work under way to raise £12m to save it for the future. John Swinney, pictured inset left, said he would be “delighted” to come and see first-hand...
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WENEEDTOUGHER ACTIONONSPIKING
The family of a spiking victim have called for better protection in pubs and clubs as suspects go undetected. Colin and Wendy Mackie (pictured right), who lost their son Greg in November 2017 aged just 18, said the police need greater resources to...
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WISHYOU WEREN’T HERE...
Hundreds of people have ridiculed a council campaign encouraging families, young professionals and remote workers to move to the region. More than 400 Facebook users responded to a video where Councillor Stephen Thompson showcases “everything that...
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£23K WAGESHIKE FORCOUNCILBOSS
A huge pay increase for council chief Dawn Roberts has come under scrutiny this week as the local authority prepares to make drastic service cuts to balance next year’s budget. The 13 percent wage hike will take her salary to just over £200,000 per...
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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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