Don’t look back in anger ta-ta THE FIRST PART OF OUR REVIEW OF 2020: PAGES 8 & 9 2020

Series 2 No. 8386 Established May 1848 Thursday January 7, 2021 www.eladvertiser.co.uk 80p BRIEF ING NEWS Kerry’s passion for town lands her a job More infectious virus forces new lockdown THE Alliance has Measures close schools and businesses as vaccine is rolled out announced the appointment of and dispersed. One man, aged gence of the new variant is its project assistant. 39, was given a fixed penalty taking its toll.” Kerry Wonfor will work with notice. Mr Smyth highlighted the its community enterprise man - The surge in the number of importance of ramping up the ager, Nicol Nicolson. cases in the region means it has vaccination programme and Big elf and little the second-highest case rate in renewed his call to speed up Full story: Page 3 . the delivery of support for busi - FEATURES It has been described as nesses. elf bring us joy and Liddesdale, “deeply worrying” by South He said: “People will be dis - Time to browse the along with all of mainland Scotland MSP Colin Smyth. mayed and worn down by the Scotland, was plunged into The total number of cases here latest news and will ask why, a seed catalogues lockdown at midnight on since the start of the pandemic year into the pandemic, we still Monday as cases of COVID- stands at 2,337 compared with do not have regular testing for 19 soared. 1,499 on December 29. teachers and senior pupils. The lockdown comes with a “The lack of mass testing for new legal requirement forbidding all key workers is one of the anyone from leaving their home, catalogue of failures which except for essential purposes. means people feel we are almost These include essential shop - back to square one. ping, education, childcare or to It’s either too cold or too wet “It's frustrating that people support the vulnerable. Everyone to work outside, so if there over 80 still haven't received must now work from home was ever a good time to settle letters with details of their vac - where they can. down indoors with a hot drink cination appointment and I know Schools are closed for at least and a stack of seed catalogues, many are anxiously waiting.” the rest of the month, except it’s now. He added: “Government sup - for children of key workers, port for firms is still far too Full story: Page 14 where required. slow. It’s not good enough that, In her statement First Minister weeks after new help was G J Latimer’s Les Murray and Katherine Latimer Nicola Sturgeon said a steep announced for some sectors, ap - with the elves, down from their shelves increase in COVID-19 infections plications, never mind payments, and the intensity of pressure on haven’t even started for many Online Subscriptions to THE top prize for an annual festive competition in the NHS had created a race grants.” between the virus and the vac - the E&L Advertiser Langholm was bigger than ever. In the week ending January 3 The giant elf, presented to the winner of the Elf on the cines now coming online. now available from only 801 new, positive cases were Shelf hunt, was won by Suhaer El-Khaled. The number of COVID-19 £1 per week identified in the region, up from Sam Mitchell won the small elf and Nairn Railton the cases in Langholm and Eskdale 122 the previous week. A new way to read the selection box. in the seven days up to last Jeff Ace, NHS Dumfries & Saturday totalled 27. (See page Colin Smyth South Scotland MSP ‘Langholm Paper’. The winners of the Shop Local draw were: Kathy Galloway chief executive, said: 5 for more details). Mr Smyth said: “This sudden “This is a worrying situation. Published weekly and Robinson £100; James Ritchie £50; Marion Rodger Police Scotland reported that available to read anytime £25; Lacey Adams £15; and Ann Christie gin hamper. surge is deeply worrying and “We know, with the trajectory at about 5.40pm on New Year’s takes us to a place we have not of cases, things are almost certain and anywhere Shoppers, who bought items for more than £10, were day officers were called to a been in since near the start of to get worse before they get using multiple devices from entered into the draw to encourage more people to house party at a property in the pandemic. better. mobile phone to tablet shop in their own high streets and support the busi - Eskdaill Street, Langholm. “It seems easing restrictions and laptop. nesses through this difficult trading climate. Six people were offered advice over Christmas and the emer - > Turn to Page 2 log on to www.eladvertiser.co.uk THE ESKDALE & LIDDESDALE ADVERTISER • Owned by the Community, Published for the Community 2 Thursday January 7, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk

Deaths Thanks for Sympathy SMCOTTISH supeormodel Sdtella Tenneant, l dies ANDERSON whose parents, Lady Emma and Toby BELL Tennant live on their farm near Suddenly on 29th December 2020 at Cumberland Newcastleton, has died aged 50. Infirmary, Ellen Anderson, nee McCrindle, The family of Billy Bell would like to thank all Stella, who leaves a husband and four Braehead, Langholm, those who expressed their condolences after his children, made her name in the early Beloved wife of David, dear mother of Angela recent passing. 1990s on catwalks for designers, like and Helen and a much loved granny and great- They were comforted to see many friends on the Karl Lagerfeld and Versace, and on the covers Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. granny. street as he made his final journey from She married French-born photographer Funeral private due to current circumstances. Langholm Mill. David Lasnet in the small parish church of Oxnam in the Borders in 1999. They set up their family home in Duns. Her family said: "Stella was a wonderful CUTTERIDGE DONALDSON woman and an inspiration to us all. She The family of Joe would like to thank everyone for will be greatly missed." Very peacefully on Tuesday 29th December their kind words, cards, flowers and messages They said her death was "sudden" and 2020, at Westfield Care Home, Lockerbie; David following their recent sad loss. It’s very much police said there were "no suspicious Charles Cutteridge, aged 90 years, late of Billholm, appreciated by the whole family. circumstances". Westerkirk, beloved husband of Megan, father Thanks also to staff of the Thomas Hope and Her death came on December 22, five days after her 50th birthday. of Clare and Sarah and grandfather of Sebastian doctors from Langholm Medical Partnership. The family statement said: "It is with and Sophie. Thanks to David Erskine for his professional care Funeral private due to current circumstances great sadness we announce the sudden and guidance and the Rev Pickles for his service death of Stella Tennant. Donations if wished to Langholm Day Centre. at the cemetery. "Her family ask for their privacy to be respected. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date." Funeral Services Tennant shot to fame after being pho - LAW tographed for British Vogue aged 22 in 1993 and went on to work with designers Isabella (Sybil) Law and fashion houses including Alexander FUundnerteakrera &l M Donuimrenetacl Sterovirce s Frank and family would like to thank all family and McQueen, Calvin Klein, Jean Paul New Memorials supplied neighbours for their kindness, cards and Gaultier and Burberry. donations to Church after the sad loss Additional Inscriptions and Cleaning Aristocratic of Sybil. Thanks also to the Rev Morag Crossan Tennant was known for her androgynous and Hedley and Turnbull undertakers. sultry looks and aristocratic heritage, being the granddaughter of the 11th Duke of Devonshire, Andrew Cavendish, and David W. Erskine Stella Tennant at the London Olympics Briery Bank, Ewes, Langholm Deborah Mitford. opening ceremony in 2012 Church Notices She also starred in the closing ceremony Tel: 013873 81251 or 07710 906257 of the 2012 London Olympic Games alongside British models Kate Moss and normal you're not that interested in con - CANONBIE UNITED Naomi Campbell. suming, [and not] loving shopping as FUNERAL LANGHOLM, Before becoming a model, she studied much as when you're much younger. We & LIDDESDALE ESKDALEMUIR, at Winchester School of Art and embarked all need to think a little bit harder." DIRECT ORS PARISH CHURCHES EWES & WESTERKIRK upon a career in sculpting, which she In 2012, she was inducted into the For a Personal Service Although Covid-19 has described as "my first love". Scottish Fashion Awards Hall of Fame. meant our doors are closed PARISH CHURCHES In the late 1990s Lagerfeld unveiled Lady Emma is recognised as an Hedle y and Tur nbull we remain available to offer With no services, the her as the new face of Chanel, noting accomplished gardener and botanical 013873 75404 / 013873 75532 / 0789 655 7941 support where we can. church is getting little or her resemblance to Coco Chanel. artist, while Toby is a livestock farmer. Please contact the Session no income. Tennant retired from the catwalk in They live at Shaws Farm. Clerks on 013873 25255 or If you wish to donate by 1998 because she was pregnant with her Up until a few years ago he was a community councillor for Upper [email protected]. making a bank transfer first child but later returned. The Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser Liddesdale and Hermitage and served a is part funded by the following Canonbie Treasurer Fiona please contact the trea - She worked on campaigns to promote using less energy and reduce the envi - period as chairman. organisations along with Smith has received the new surer, David Johnstone, ronmental impact of fast fashion. Stella, along with her brother and sister, charitable trusts and individuals weekly offering envelopes. on the phone numbers be - from the community of Langholm. If you would like to receive She said at the time that she was reusing Eddy and Isabel, attended Newcastleton low and he will supply yours or wish to donate by clothes she had had since the 1990s and primary school. Supported by the necessary details. buying only about five new items a year. In August last year it was reported that Dumfriesshire East Community Benefit Group bank transfer please contact which is funded by ScottishPower Renewables her on 013873 71616 or "At my age I think it's probably quite Stella and her husband had separated. Ewe Hill Windfarm [email protected] Tel: 013873 80859. for details. Mobile. 07543 179469

All Services All Services CANCELLED CANCELLED Charity no. SCO11946 until further notice until further notice Leader The Scottish D & G Government Limit interaction > From Page 1 share the news of any...... “These current figures don’t account now than I have been at any time since • engagements for the further rate of increase from March last year. increased social interaction on Christmas “The advice of our clinical advisers is Scottish Rural The European • marriages Development Agricultural Fund Day. very clear. The increased transmissibility Programme for Rural Developmenrt • anniversaries “What the current situation means is of the new variant means the current • births we all have to limit our interactions level 4 measures may not be sufficient because this is how COVID-19 spreads to bring the R number back below 1. • thank yous and we know the new variant doesn’t “It is essential that we further limit congratulations allow any margin of error.” interaction between different households • On Monday the First Minister said: to stem the spread and bring the situation Contact us on 013873 80012 “It’s no exaggeration to say I’m more back under control while we vaccinate [email protected] concerned about the situation we face more people.” Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community Thursday January 7, 2021 3 Fly-tipping warning Kerry’s passion for town INFURIATED residents in Canonbie had to remove a large amount of rubbish dumped on the outskirts of the village. The fly-tipping was along the Forgebraehead road between the lands her the dream job Cross Keys hill and the Hollows. It consisted of leylandii hedging, Assistant’s role will give her the chance to shape town’s future 40 litres of roof resin, plastic gar - THE Langholm Alliance has sent to the Alliance to share den tubs, fencing wire, barbed announced the appointment with the public from the chair - wire, polystyrene, a TV and can - of its project assistant. man of South of Scotland isters. Kerry Wonfor will work with Enterprise (SOSE). They were infuriated that some - its community enterprise Denis said: “The message is one thought it acceptable to dump manager, Nicol Nicolson. for all the organisations in this when half of it could have Kerry, who has lived in the Langholm and it’s very heart - gone in their wheelie bin. town for 13 years, previously ening that our organisations They believe someone knows worked for Edinburgh Woollen and their efforts are being recog - where this came from. Mill, initially at its headquarters nised by SOSE at this very try - One resident said: “We have in Langholm and later in ing time. disposed of it and put up signs Carlisle. “It gives real hope for continu - saying fly-tipping is punishable Nicol said: “Kerry demonstrated ing development in the com - with large fines. her passion for Langholm, its munity.” “We were lent some motion- people and its ambitions from censored CCTV cameras which the start of the recruitment pro - Diversity we have deployed in the area to cess. Professor Russel Griggs, SOSE catch any future fly-tippers. “Like so many of our residents, chairman, said: “Our commu - “A mattress was dumped in one Kerry hails from elsewhere but nities are at the heart of every - of the bypass laybys opposite has made a firm decision to thing in southern Scotland. where all this rubbish was dumped. call Langholm home. “As the new economic devel - “We contacted Dumfries and “She has all the fundamental Nicol Nicolson, community enterprise manager, welcomes Kerry Wonfor, project assistant, to the Langholm Al - opment agency in the south, Galloway Council but it’s not skills we need to progress the liance office in the High Street we are here to build upon the responsible for the A7. It contacted community plan to make passion, diversity and experi - BEAR Scotland for us and they Langholm a better place to live “We’re hugely fortunate to have or move out of the town, my a job in the town and I’m excited ences in our communities. uplifted it, thankfully. in, work in and visit by 2030. her on the team. previous employer included. about my new role and look “Here in Langholm there is an “If the paper can publish this “As someone affected by the “I would like to say to residents “I have seen first-hand the im - forward to the challenge ahead. abundance of this passion and incident, it will send the message recent collapse of Edinburgh to not hesitate to talk to her as pact this has had on Langholm “I would love to see real change vision and you should all be that such behaviour is unacceptable Woollen Mill, Kerry under - we aim for fruitful and happier so I feel very passionate about and see Langholm thrive in very proud of your achieve - and it may deter others.” stands and empathises with the times ahead for the community the regeneration of this fantastic being an even better place to ments so far. challenges facing the commu - and its people.” place. live in, work in and visit.” “Things can only get better for ______nity. Kerry said: “When I came to Denis Male, Alliance chairman, Langholm. You have created “In her role as a garment tech - work and live in Langholm, I Appreciative added: “I’m delighted to wel - great momentum and we’re nologist, she was, above all, a was instantly attracted to the “I truly believe there is no better come Kerry to the team. delighted to support the key communicator with people amazing community spirit and place to live than Langholm, “It is unfortunate that it is during Langholm people, businesses operating on all levels, demon - friendly atmosphere we have which makes me passionate the current circumstances but, and community into the future. Treatment strating an ability to negotiate, here. about the work I’m helping to thankfully, there is work which “We look forward to working compromise and get things “Sadly, over the last few years implement. can be done from a distance.” with you in the coming months is timely done. I have watched businesses fold “I’m very appreciative of having Denis highlighted a message and years.” FIGURES published for July to September 2020 show that Borderers with cancer, or sus - LANGHOLM lad Lewis with a 14-mile walk, dressed pected of having cancer, who were Barnfather powered his as Christmas puddings and treated locally, experienced some scooter round the streets holding a cream jug and serv - of the timeliest care in the coun - of Langholm in the run-up ing spoon all the way from try. Lewis, scooting champ to Christmas to raise money the Eskdalemuir Hub to More than 97 per cent of eligible for a charity. Langholm war memorial. patients, who were given an Lewis, eight, was fund- She said: “It was ideal ‘urgent suspicion of cancer referral’ raising for Walking With The weather and took about four received their first cancer treatment Wounded and its campaign hours. within the Scottish government’s Walking Home For Christmas “We had a lunch stop at 62-day target. which supports veterans and Bentpath where Margaret This was 10 per cent above the their families. Sanderson generously gave average for Scotland as a whole. His mum, Eilidh McGregor, us some home-made soup, All Borders’ patients received their first treatment within the said: “Thank you everyone tea and scones which was government’s target of 31 days from Lewis for every single hugely appreciated. from the date of the decision to donation, especially in light of “We took off our pudding treat which, again, was higher how financially tough a year costumes out of respect before than the average for Scotland. it has been and still is for we got to the memorial itself.” many. “The total raised is £686.47 Book y our eye test today which will undoubtedly make Book your eyetest today Personal care and attention from your a difference to those who have Personalfirst care appointment and attention with from us. your served and their families.” first appointment with us. Lewis scooted around 77 Spectacles and & Contact Contact Lenses Lenses streets, some several times to suit allall budgetsbudgets Left: Lewis Barnfather raised nearly £700 for the over, and also did a stint in charity Walking with the Wounded Buccleuch Park, went around the primary school grounds Longtown Above: Lewis’ mum Eilidh Macgregor and her partner Tel: 01228 791664 Alan Warwick joined in the effort by walking 14 miles and crossed the suspension ERIC dressed as Christmas puddings bridge. Br ampton Eilidh and her partner Alan HAGAN OPTICIANS Tel: 016977 42703 Warwick joined in the effort wwwwww.erichaganopticians.co.uk erichaganopticians co uk 4 Thursday January 7, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk EMERGENCY NUMBERS Have your say on the issues affecting our area. You can write to us at Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser, 54 High Street, Langholm DG13 0JH or email your comments to [email protected] POLICE SCOTLAND Letters to the editor Langholm ...... 101 Newcastleton ...... 101

COUNCILS is a more deadly danger than Why should Scotland not be a Council the COVID-19 virus (so far). part of this wider world ...... 030 3333 3000 Whatever While It is ironic that 10,000 dele - Is Nordic community? ...... www.dumgal.gov.uk gates plan to fly to Just look at a map. Scotland Fault reporting (potholes/street - (in their private jets?) is geographically part of the lights etc...... 0800 042 0188 next? Scotland for COP26, the UN climate Council an Nordic group. It’s nearer to the Langholm Town Hall/Library WELL, we’re finally out of Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway ...... 013873 80255 the EU, bar a few technical change conference in Dumfries and Galloway slept November when the city has option? and Denmark than London. bus timetables trade hitches. It follows that I would like to It remains to be seen the This uniquely unconvivial not reduced its air pollution THE Nordic Council, formed www.dumgal.gov.uk/timetables Hogmanay found me abed levels to the legal limits set in 1952, currently comprises see Scotland open an office in Council . effects of the withdrawal over Brussels and Copenhagen and and up again at my usual by our erstwhile EU masters. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, 0330 100 1800 the coming years. maintain and expand contacts early (ish) hour so I was To return to the matter of Norway, Sweden, the Faroe out of hours 01896 752 111 Since the UK joined the with our European friends, part - Scottish Borders traffic in and through Islands, Greenland and the Common Market in 1973, privileged to experience a ners and allies, with an equiva - bus timetables naturally there have been many more pleasing unusual phe - Langholm. Aland Islands. ...www.scotborders.gov.uk The main purpose is to facili - lent EU and Nordic Council dramatic changes. nomenon, a traffic-free Not only does it cause air tate agreement to manage shared presence in Scotland. There is no doubt it has cost Langholm. and noise pollution and the UTILITIES interests. Let’s face it: crashing out of an awful amount of finance and While Scotland slept, I sur - ever-present dangers of 40- Scottish Water The UK, of which Scotland is the EU with whatever Prime ...... 0800 0778 778 many other pains to join, stay in really walked the length of tonne behemoths loaded with currently a very junior and sub - Minister Boris Johnson declares ...www.scottishwater.co.uk and, ultimately, leave. the High Street down the cen - logs or gravel thundering servient part, has left the EU will not be good for Scotland, Scottish Power The question is, was it worth tre of the A7, encountering along a road built for the ...... 105 against the declared wish and especially because we are being it? History: in 1973, when the only a single pair of joggers. ..www.scottishpower.co.uk horse and cart. votes of the Scottish people. dragged out against the will of British and their representative Scottish Gas emergency .. Not only did this induce But my New Year’s morn On January 1 the UK finalised the Scottish people. government finally agreed to 0800 111 999 relaxed joie de vivre but the reverie struck me how much this exit. Our MP, David We lose our freedom to travel National Rail enquiries ..... join the Common Market, they Langholm air was as sweet prettier Langholm looked with - Mundell, will no doubt swallow and explore our continent of 03457 484 950 didn’t quite make up their as up on Whita’s top. out the ugly brutes which are his previously declared princi - Europe without hindrance and ...... www.nationalrail.co.uk minds whether it was for the Not only was the usual modern cars. ples, easily done I would guess, with the security of accessing Floodline SEPA best and, to this day, still don’t...... 03000 996 699 shocking stench of diesel and For instance, I can think of and he will Rejoice! free health care should it be Part of the British character, ...... www.sepa.org.uk petrol absent but the coal no popular modern cars to Incidentally, I wonder, did he needed. This will affect ordinary perhaps? BEAR Scotland (A7) fires and wood burners were match the elegant style of, ever explain to the school pupils citizens. Meanwhile, the rest of the ...... 0800 0281414 also yet unlit. say, the old Citroen with pneu - in his constituency the “benefits” So, Scotland’s government ...... www.bearscot.com world wonders, whatever next? Incidentally, Asthma UK matic suspension, the Saab which the loss of free movement should declare itself willing to and British Lung Foundation in Europe would provide for forge alliances. POST OFFICES A D Gray 2-stroke or even the charming Newcastleton 013873 75361 Partnership are asking people them? Maybe not. Why not start with courting Henry Street quirkiness of the Citroen 2cv Canonbie ...013873 71348 My proposition is this. the Nordic Council of nations? Langholm with log burners to use them or even the VW Beetle. Rowanburn 013873 71542 only if they have no other The well named Chelsea Scotland should liaise with the We have much to offer and much to gain. What’s not to source of heat. Tractor, or Langholm tank, Nordic Council, based in HOSPITALS like? D&G Royal Infirmary They can triple the level of just intimidates which, with Copenhagen by the way, and ...... 01387 246246 harmful particulates inside names like Defender and initially seek observer status to Michael Clarke Cumberland Infirmary the home as well as create promote Scottish interests. Warrior, is what they are sup - Hillside Crescent ...... 01228 523444 dangerous levels of pollution posed to do. Since 2016, Schleswig-Hol - Borders General Hospital Langholm in the surrounding neighbour - All in all, the UK’s coinci - stein, part of Germany, has had 01896 826000 this status. So, I ask, why not hood, as reported by the Daily dental exit from the EU would Thomas Hope Hospital Scotland? ...... 013873 80417 Telegraph last Saturday. be a good time for Boris Both indoor and outdoor Johnson to make good his DOCTORS pollution caused by the stoves election promises to lever up Langholm ..013873 83100 Newcastleton 013873 75100 caused serious health issues the north and spend some of Canonbie ..013873 71313 from breathing difficulties to the billions previously shov - NHS24 ...... 111 an increased risk of heart elled to the EU on long over - attacks, strokes and lung can - due boons like a Langholm CHURCHES cer. bypass. Over to you Boris. Langholm,Eskdalemuir Ewes and Westerkirk Parish churches Researchers measured Ms Joy Lunn the fine matter and found it Richard Lennox Session clerk 07584 357180 “flooded” into the room when Henry Street Canonbie United Parish church the door of the stove was Langholm Session Clerk.. 013873 25255 opened to add more fuel. Liddesdale Parish church Air pollution from all sources Reykjavik, Iceland. Iceland is a member of The Nordic Council Session Clerk.. Glynis Cambridge 07469 397065

SCHOOLS Langholm Primary ...... 013873 80900 Langholm Academy ...... 013873 80418 AE NEnW dand inodepefnd entt rthae UKd suspeends retdaliatoirys tar - p“uIndusttrye boss es hhave emadel itps Borders’ mills Newcastleton approach to long-standing iffs resulting from the Boeing very clear to me that the knitwear ...... 013873 75240 trade conflicts which resulted dispute to help bring the USA industry is being hit hard. Canonbie ...... 013873 71336 in Borders businesses being towards a reasonable settlement. “This is welcome news and slapped with heavy export tar - The move is part of the gov - should mean the USA sees sense CHEMISTS iffs by the USA has been ernment’s strategy to de-escalate and removes its tariffs. Davidson Chemist , Langholm announced by the UK govern - trade tensions so the US and “It is very frustrating that the ...... 013873 80220 ment. UK can draw a line under a dis - dispute between the US and the Monday to Friday Borders’ textile mills are heav - pute which harms industry on EU leads to iconic Scottish prod - 8.45am -1pm; 2pm-5.30pm. Saturday 8.45am-12.30pm. ily penalised by the US govern - both sides of the Atlantic. ucts, like cashmere and Scotch Boots Pharmacy, Longtown ment when exporting cashmere Knitwear industry leaders have whisky, being hit so hard...... 01228 792859 products to the country. repeatedly called for MP, John “I recently met the US Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm. This is because of a long- Lamont, to do what he can to Ambassador to the UK, Woody Saturday 9am-5pm. running trade dispute between remove the damaging tariffs. Johnson, to make the case for the USA and the EU about aero - Mr Lamont, who represents the removal of these tariffs. DENTISTS plane manufacturing. , Roxburgh and “As the UK regains control of Mark Buddy 013873 80521 Emergency - outside opening However, as the UK leaves Selkirk, said: “I am under no its trade policy, we can shape it hours the EU, the UK regains control illusions about the difficulties to suit the needs and interests John Lamont MP visits a textiles mill in the Borders where companies have 01461 202508 of its trading policy. this causes for Borders busi - of our economy.” been affected by high tariffs on goods exported to the USA The new approach will mean nesses. Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community Thursday January 7, 2021 5 IN BRIEF Row over New variant causes court move A CALL has been made to reverse the decision to move sheriff and jury trials from Dumfries and Stranraer Sheriff leap in COVID cases Courts to Ayr. and Eskdale experienced a notable rise last week South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth raised the matter with In the Scottish Borders 499 An NHS spokesperson said: Humza Yousaf, justice secretary, new cases were reported, a rate “We continue to work to increase in the Scottish parliament. of 432 and the seven-day test capacity to support rising Mr Smyth told members: “The positivity rate was 15.9 per cent. demand because of the out - reality is these plans will Denholm and Hermitage, break. increase travel for some peo - which includes Newcastleton “The booking slots are avail - ple. but excludes Hawick, recorded able only through the national “For example, in some cases, 31 new cases (400+). testing programme.” solicitors will have to make a THE number of COVID-19 In Scotland on Tuesday 2,529 People can also use the postal 200-mile round trip daily. cases in Langholm and new cases were reported. test kit service. Find out more “To propose a solution which Eskdale in the seven days up Of the 18,336 new tests, which at https://www.gov.uk/get-coro - asks people to travel from Dum - to last Saturday totalled 27. reported results, 14.8 per cent navirus-test fries and Galloway to Ayr (dur - Based on a population of were positive. Along with the rest of main - ing the pandemic) is the height 3,742, that means the seven- Eleven people, who had tested land Scotland, Dumfries and of irresponsibility. day rate per 100,000 is 400+. positive, died and 93 people Galloway is now at Level 4. “I appeal to the cabinet sec - There were 62 cases in Gretna were in intensive care. Valerie White, interim director retary to intervene to find a (400+) and in Annandale East Another 1,347 people were in of public health, said: “The more local solution, even at 12 cases (200 to 399). hospital with COVID-19. this late stage.” The mobile testing unit returns to the Kilngreen in Langholm today region has suffered tragedies as had six cases (100- NHS Dumfries & Galloway Mr Yousaf said: “I have raised 199), Lockerbie nine (100-199); says the new variant of COVID- a result of COVID-19 but has Potentially, any part of the More testing capacity with the not been as badly affected as this with the Scottish Courts four (100-199); 19 is suspected of playing a and Tribunal Service. To give region could experience a rise mobile testing unit is now in some other areas. Annandale West (six (200-399); role in the rise in cases here. him the short answer, yes, we in cases at a similar pace if peo - place at various locations. “If this new B117 variant is Annan East 25 (400 plus); This is the biggest increase in will keep these decisions under quickly establishing a foothold, Eastriggs 36 (400 plus); and cases it has seen since the start ple did not exercise extreme https://www.nhsdg.co.uk/test - review.” caution as they went about their ing/ Booking slots open at 6pm it has the potential to signifi - Annan West 10 (200-399). of the global pandemic. After the question session, Mr In Dumfries and Galloway lives at work and home. every day for appointments the cantly alter the outlook. There has been an exception - Smyth added: “Regardless of 798 new cases were reported in ally rapid rise in While it was already a highly- next day. “It’s more important than ever the restrictions, we shouldn’t those seven days, a rate of 536.1. and Stranraer since the start of transmissible virus, the variant People should continue to self- that everyone follows the na - The seven-day test positivity December and, notably, a rise is understood to be up to 70 per isolate if they are symptomatic tional directions, including the ask people to travel between rate was 18.2 per cent. in Annandale and Eskdale. cent more transmissible. until they can book a test. FACTS guidance.” low and high COVID-19 preva -

Bridge is vandalised The THE footbridge over the Liddel Water in Newcastleton has been vandalised. E & L Gallery The safety barriers at the entrance to Whithaugh Bridge were removed and dumped in the river nearby. This has been reported to police and recorded as vandal - ism. If anyone saw anybody at the bridge behaving in a suspi - Send us your photographs! cious manner, they are asked Every week we publish a reader’s photo on to report it to the police or Crimestoppers. our Gallery page. This can be taken on a The bridge connects locals phone or a camera. Submit your photos to and visitors to the forest and the Editor who will select the best for has been a huge asset to the community since it opened in publication. Let us know what camera or 2014. phone you took it on. It enables people to enjoy the Two Bridges walk and acts as Email them to [email protected] the funnel to feed footfall and or drop a printed copy into our office at cyclists into the village. A spokesperson for Copshaw 54 High Street, Langholm. Community said on Facebook: Photo by: Caitlin Weatherstone “It is our bridge. For someone to do this deliberately is heart - less.” The safety rails have been temporarily replaced to enable the route to remain open. Parts of the safety barriers of Whithaugh Bridge were dumped in the water by vandals born in 1848 ...... and still going strong! 6 Thursday January 7, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk

In association with FarmingC & D AUCTION MARTSon - LONGTOWNthe & DUMFRIESBorder The appliance Farmers fear lack SoCOTfLA NDs’S Rcural iCoellege narticficiale intell igence, machine (SRUC) has teamed up with learning and digital innovation NVIDIA, the world’s leading in the agri-food industry is to AI company, to accelerate the provide trusted evidence that use of artificial intelligence its activities can have a positive and machine learning in the impact on climate change, agrifood sector, including live - improved animal health out - of commiecotnomym and post-COVeID-19 n“The at bsence of such com - stock genetics and bacterial comes, natural economy prof - recovery, while enabling farmers mitments will threaten the sta - diseases. itability and resilience and be to deliver on environmental and bility of Scottish farm businesses Edinburgh-based SRUC more broadly valued in soci - climate change ambitions. entering an uncharted period. researchers are using an NVIDIA ety. While the UK government’s “But it is not all about sums DGX Station in the fight against spending review in November of money; it is just as much bovine tuberculosis (bTB) which Expertise confirmed the same funding, about how funding is used. affected about 37,000 animals “We look forward to working which Scotland received via “Agriculture and related policy in 2020 and costs the country more closely with the team at the CAP in 2019, would be are devolved so that lies entirely about £176m a year. NVIDIA, whose world-leading available to the Scottish gov - within the gift of the Scottish Mid-infrared (MIR) spectral expertise in AI technology will ernment for 2021/22, this fell government. data can now be analysed at 10 help us to develop and deploy short of previous pledges to “Assurances that it will con - times the speed it could previ - innovations to improve the lives commit funding annually. tinue to play its part in funding ously, screening more cows for of farmers, consumers and There is no commitment from existing schemes will give sta - bTB. society as a whole.” 2022/23 onwards which would bility and continuity. The increase in speed allowed Tony Paikeday, senior director uphold the Bew Review rec - “Commitments are also SRUC to test more models more of product marketing for AI ommendations. needed to initiate transformation, quickly and achieve results com - systems at NVIDIA added: “AI Equally, the union believes not least in the face of climate parable to the current skin test. is transforming every industry, the Scottish government should change challenges. Its researchers will work with using data to drive insight, and Andrew McCornick, NFUS president, is frustrated by a lack of a long-term guarantee its own financial com - “Budgets may enable change NVIDIA to enhance SRUC’s SRUC is using AI supercom - commitment by both governments to agriculture mitments in its forthcoming but it is how money is spent new Challenge Centre for Digital puting to speed up data analysis THE absence of any future decades. budget. which is key to agriculture thriv - and Data Innovation. and improve milk safety for funding commitments from A fully adequate and effective A frustrated Andrew ing and delivering on everything Led by Professor Mike Coffey, consumers without the need for the UK and Scottish govern - funding settlement for Scottish McCornick, union president, expected of it. the virtual centre applies digital data centre infrastructure. ments beyond 2022 is eroding agriculture beyond the CAP, said: “Farmers must have access “Responsibility rests with both and data technology to plant “With NVIDIA DGX Station, confidence of agricultural which was promised in two to the same funding as they governments and we’ll continue and animal health, welfare, in combination with develop - businesses which face Conservative election mani - had under the CAP, as promised to ensure those responsibilities breeding, image and spectral ment resources like pre-trained the prospect of a potentially in the Conservative manifestos are met. festos (2017 and 2019), remains data analysis, phenotype pro - AI models available through chaotic and turbulent post- and should not be disadvantaged “Investment in Scottish agri - duction, genomic evaluation, the NVIDIA NGC software hub, transition period. a priority for NFU Scotland. financially by Brexit. culture now will deliver a green genotype and sequence analysis SRUC will be able to advance The UK has left the EU and Such funding is critical to “We need clear, long-term recovery in the rural economy, and weather data analysis. its world-class research, the Common Agricultural Policy ensuring the sector continues commitments from the Treasury the national economy, jobs, the Professor Wayne Powell, prin - improving the agri-food industry (CAP) which consistently to underpin Scotland’s high- to honour promises made for environment, biodiversity, cli - cipal and chief executive of with leading-edge AI.” delivered significant financial quality food and drinks sectors at least the rest of the UK par - mate change and our national SRUC, said: “A key goal for support to agriculture for which are so important to the liamentary term to 2025. well-being post-Covid-19.” Around the marts C&D Auction Marts Limited had for - of 40 fantastic lambs went on to average £120 Killocraw & Lingey Field. Beltex Miller Hill, £103 Breckon Hill, £101.50 Crubasdale, £97 Glendearg, £95.50 Suffolk ewes sold to a top of £130 ward 6,446 sheep comprising 4,520 38kg, 321p and £122.80. £137 Kerfield, £132 High Hall, £130 Cara View, £101 High Crubasdale, Fingland, £95 Breckon Hill, £93.50 from Messrs Wales, Thackwood, prime lambs and 1,926 cast ewes and Heavy lambs saw a slight rise in the Killocraw & Kerfield, £128 Killocraw, £100 Heathery Knowe, Low Dunashery Canina Gardens, £93 Silloans & Brisco Raughton Head and Mule ewes topped rams at the weekly sale at Longtown week, with many good runs of com - £127 High Stenries, £126 Breckon & Thornship. Cheviot £104.50 Rigfoot, Meadows. at £97 from Marygate. on Tuesday, December 29. mercial heavies averaging well over Hill, £124 High Hall & Killocraw, £103 Cara View, £102 Rigfoot, £100 A similar entry of cast ewes and rams Hill ewes to £88 for Cheviots from J A much larger show of prime lambs £105 and sold to a top price of £145 £123 Breckon Hill & High Stenries, Kirkton, £99 Catslackburn & Kilnford was forward. All classes of ewes were Lamb, Ingleston, Ayr. Blackface ewes was forward, with light lambs and for Texel lambs shown by EJC Dean, £122 Breckon Hill, £120 High Hall. Croft, £95.50 Mainside, £97 Elwick, firmer on the week as numbers tighten. topped at £85 for a penful from DA & commercial export lambs again the Kirk House, Brampton. Overall average Suffolk £124 Riddings Hill, £114 Dun - £96.50 Roughet Hill, £95 Laundry Heavy ewes were £3-£4 a head sharper MA Teasdale, Grindon Hill, Haydon trade of the day. Demand outstripped of 232.3p (SQQ 239.2p). jop, £110 Outertown, £109 High Cottage. Cheviot Mule £100 and can be sold to vendors’ advan - Bridge. supply and ensured a blistering trade. Principal prices (per head): Texel £145, Machriemore, £108 Dunjop & Breckon Guardsmill, £97.50 Brisco Meadows, tage. Cast rams saw a big rise on the week, Topping the sale at 337p was a pen of £142, £139 Kirk House, £137, £134 Hill, £106 High Cattadale & High £97 Whitchester & Guardsmill. Herd - Heavy ewes topped the sale at £182 being very good to sell. Rams sold to 10 Beltex lambs from R & J Lines, Tercrosset, £132 Howgillside, £128 Machriemore, £105 Rigfoot. Charollais wick £100 Breckon Hill. Lleyn £98 for a pure-bred Texel shown by T £150 for Texels from D McGregor, Killocraw, Campbeltown, whose run Westcote, & Kerfield, £124 Rigfoot, £123, £122 Breckon Hill. Mule £107 Cleongart. Blackface £97.50 High Illingworth, Howgillside, Eaglesfield. Longrigg, Roweltown. l e a g r a u p t

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a G d e l n P a Roughsyke, Roadhead, Carlisle, CA6 6NL 016977 48227 www.quadbikescumbria.co.uk Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community Thursday January 7, 2021 7 IN BRIEF Let’s get on with 2021 Ready to support Politicians pass on their thoughts for the coming year NEWCASTLETON Commu - nity Outreach Team are remind - ing villagers that the team are Colin Smyth John Lamont here and ready to support them South Scotland Labour MSP Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP and their loved ones in any way they can during this time of 2020 was a year like no other keep one another safe. 2020 was a really tough year. terrifying and it is a huge relief lockdown. and one we’ll all remember That goodwill and generosity The coronavirus restrictions that no lives were lost. With so little opportunity for for a long time. remind us of the real values of have taken their toll on residents Despite being a good distance spontaneous human interaction, COVID-19 has dominated this time of year: love for your and businesses. from Hawick, Carlisle or every part of our lives since neighbour, working together, the team have to be pro-active In some ways, we are lucky Langholm, Newcastleton and and creative to ensure everyone March and I pay tribute to hope and compassion. to live in a rural area where we the surrounding areas always everyone in Dumfries and stays connected and stays well. Heroes can get out for a walk in nature cope well when the going gets Residents can access their help Galloway for pulling together when those in cities or suburbs tough. and doing all they can to help The real heroes of 2020 have and support at support@new - been our fantastic key workers, cannot. castletoncommunitytrust.co.uk stop the spread of this terrible I know many people have Community virus. from teachers and social care or call 013873 75723. been grateful for this both for Not only is there a strong As we look to 2021, we must workers to all those in our Calls to this number are being amazing NHS and many more. their physical and mental health. sense of community but there redirected to the team and it all remain vigilant, especially Being unable to visit a loved in light of the very serious news For far too long our key work - are also dedicated groups of takes a few rings to get through. ers have been taken for granted one in a care home or meet a people who ensure they remain The First Minister Nicola from the past couple of weeks. friend for a coffee and a chat It is of some consolation that by our governments but I hope ready for whatever comes Sturgeon announced a new lock - this can finally change and they has been hard. around the corner, be that down for mainland Scotland a vaccine has been approved With the new restrictions, I can receive the pay and support localised flooding or a global earlier this week. and, by now, many of our key fear the worst of the economic they deserve. pandemic. By law, everyone must stay workers and vulnerable people hit might still be ahead. will be well on the way to There have been many other There are reasons to be hope - at home as much as possible. Businesses have done their People can leave home only being vaccinated. unsung heroes in our commu - ful for this year. Coronavirus utmost to keep people in work if they have a reasonable excuse Hopefully, you and your fam - nity from those running food - is by no means over. banks to those just taking time and stay afloat. It is important to or if it is for an essential ily will receive it by the summer But, with vaccinations well to look out for their neighbours. we all continue to support them purpose. and you can start to move for - underway in the Borders and I want to say a heartfelt thank as much as we can. There is no limit on how many ward. the UK, there is a real sense you to you all. Before coronavirus, we times they can leave home to “One aspect of 2020, which I that normality is within reach. hope we can continue when I hope all readers had a happy had the horrendous flooding in exercise. and safe New Year and 2021 Newcastleton. Before then, there is a lot of Adults can meet only one COVID-19 is finally suppressed hard work for us all to do to is that increased sense of com - heralds a renewed effort to It is easy to forget the dev - other person from another keep our communities safe. munity spirit which I’ve seen build the kinder, more com - asting effects of Storm Dennis household outside. in our region. passionate society and world hit less than a year ago, given I hope 2021 can be a year of Everyone must work from People really have pulled we all want to live in. all that has gone on since. recovery for Liddesdale. Most home where possible. together to help each other and I heard from a lot of locals of all, I hope you and your Those, who were previously when I visited shortly after the family have a safe, healthy and shielding, are being advised not floods. Their experiences were prosperous year. to go to work. It is essential that everyone follows the updated guidance David Mundell Oliver Mundell to stop the virus spreading fur - Dumfriesshire, and MP Dumfriesshire MSP ther and to protect vital services. A spokesperson said: “We WHEN I wrote my 2020 New touched in other ways such as AS WE move into a new year, viduals who have gone above remain focused on making sure Year message, few of us the impact on jobs, businesses I'm grateful for this oppor - and beyond to help. the most vulnerable people in realised we were so close to a and general well-being. tunity to wish all my con - As we embark on what looks our communities receive the global health emergency I wish to praise the dedication stituents the very best for like another eventful year, the support they need in these chal - which would transform all of our frontline NHS staff, care 2021. vaccination roll-out appears lenging times.” our lives. community, emergency services The last 12 months have been promising but the virus remains The last 10 months have been and the army of key workers memorable for all the wrong a serious threat to many and I ______dominated by coronavirus in the public and private sectors reasons, not least the global urge readers to continue to which, despite the welcome de - who have worked often in ex - pandemic, which affected to a closely follow all the latest velopment of a vaccine, will tremely difficult circumstances. greater or lesser extent on the health advice and guidelines. likely remain a concern for Achievement lives of most people and, sadly some time. for some, brought the pain of Rebuilding Stay alert Obviously, the arrival of a My firm hope for the coming Difficult times, however, bring vaccine so quickly was a great losing a loved one. out the best in people and I My thoughts remain with year is that coronavirus is achievement and I hope the finally brought under control for crime have been impressed and heart - those who have been bereaved A concerned member of the roll-out goes smoothly, locally and we can focus on rebuilding ened by how our com- or were negatively affected in public contacted Police Scotland and nationally, so we can put the country and bringing people munities have come together other ways through the impact in the Borders on Monday to the pandemic behind us, with back together. in adversity. on employment or businesses. report a suspicious blue vehicle the key task then rebuilding Time will tell but, perhaps, It is a great privilege to the economy. Those difficult months, how - being driven about residential we can even move on from live in and represent this con - I hope the Borderlands ever, have also brought out the streets in Kelso. Two men were Brexit and leave the division stituency where stoicism and Growth Deal I championed as best in our communities. inside. of Scottish independence compassion have long been Scottish Secretary can play a Through my work as con - The registration number was behind us. evident. significant part in that by cre - stituency MSP, I've seen first given and related to a blue Ford Happy New Year and my best For both myself and my son, ating new jobs and businesses. hand the efforts of so many in Transit Drop side lorry. wishes to you and your family Oliver, Dumfriesshire MSP, it From a political perspective, assisting in the community and The vehicle is registered to a for a brighter 2021. has been our busiest time yet, the Scottish parliament elections encouraging those most vul - man known for his involvement including helping hundreds of are due on May 6. nerable through this unexpected in rural crimes of dishonesty in constituents, businesses and I’ve no idea what form the and life-threatening crisis. Scotland and northern England. organisations by providing campaign will take but hope In particular, I pay tribute to Police are asking people to information, making contacts there will be some opportunity our selfless frontline NHS staff, remain vigilant, check the and, where possible, facilitating to get out and about and meet the wider care community, security of their property, out - practical support. people. It's that personal contact emergency services and other buildings, sheds and garages My thoughts remain with I’ve missed most this year. key workers, together with the and report any suspicious inci - those who have lost loved ones I wish readers a Happy and, many organisations and indi - dents on 101. to COVID-19 or have been above all, Healthy New Year. 8 Thursday January 7, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk www.eladvertiser.co.uk Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser Thursday January 7, 2021 9 2020~A cheerful look back on a cheerless year~2020 JANUARY APRIL 020 began much as it had always done, with little hint of what was to hit the country only a few months down the y the start of April, communities affected by the lockdown 2line. were pulling together, with many volunteers going shopping People looked forward to their season of Burns suppers and fans Bfor those shielding and businesses doing deliveries and offering of hit TV show Dancing On Ice admired the skills of para-athlete take-aways. Libby Clegg who made it all the way to the final. The Scottish government declared that all school exams would Cross-border traffic was disrupted when part of the parapet on be cancelled and employees were furloughed through the job Longtown bridge crashed into the river below after an accident. retention scheme. One lane of the road was quickly opened but to light traffic only Those with talents for handicrafts helped the NHS and care so HGVs experienced many months of long detours. workers by making scrubs, bags and pyjamas. Archie Dryburgh, an Annandale East and Eskdale councillor, Langholm Day Centre, unable to open, delivered meals to its was made an MBE in the New Year’s honours in recognition of his members, while Newcastleton’s resilience team, having had to work as Dumfries and Galloway Council’s armed forces champi - cope with the flood in February, was now looking after people on. confined to their homes. After six years of driving the Langholm Day Centre bus, Billy There was bad news for Drove Weaving after it was announced Scott hung up his keys and retired. He was also a regular in-house that 16 jobs were at risk while Lochcarron of Scotland considered singer. the Langholm company’s future. The Townfoot Sports Centre working group appointed the architect Jean McKie of Canonbie celebrated her 100th birthday with a to design the new centre, Robert Potter and Partners of Dumfries. socially-distanced garden party. A price tag of £6m was put on the 10,500 acres of Langholm The top table at Ewes WI Burns Supper in January 2020 Moor which the Langholm Initiative hoped to buy from Buccleuch and turn into a nature reserve.

Langholm’s rugby lamb lifts the spirits in lockdown April FEBRUARY plan to build a medicinal cannabis oil farm got the go-ahead from Dumfries and Galloway Council. The eAnterprise will create up to 50 jobs. MAY Langholm Chilli Club, through its Langholm Digs For Victory project, proposed creating a community allotment, garden and esidents of Eskdale and Liddesdale described their lives eco-project at the Dump. in lockdown - from home schooling to lambing. In the second week of the month both Eskdale and Liddesdale RThey also voiced their fears of being put at risk of catching the were battered by Storm Ciara. virus after the UK government relaxed travel restrictions in Newcastleton came close to being flooded after the Liddel Water England and visitors were able to cross the border into Scotland. burst it banks but the following weekend, when Storm Dennis hit, The mobile testing unit arrived in Langholm and three groups, dozens of properties were flooded as water swept through the Langholm Day Centre, OutPost Arts and Langholm Covid support streets. Michelle and Leanne Duncan turn their skills to making PPE for the NHS group shared £34,000 from the Scottish government’s supporting Some river gauges showed a rise of 1.5m in fewer than three community fund to help them run their services. hours and a couple had to be rescued from their car, stranded in The Townfoot Sports Centre working group announced it was floodwater at Kershopefoot. preparing to show three potential plans to the public. Mairi Gougeon, Scottish environment minister, visited the village Appreciation for key workers, particularly the weekly applause a few days later to meet community representatives and flood vic - for health and care workers, became established. tims. In Langholm this culminated in lighting up the monument, an A group of textile students from Carlisle College, including Ben event masterminded by Calum Graham and Chris Jones and Glen Ewart of Langholm, organised a fashion shoot in the dyehouse. Cavers of Centre Stage Community Theatre. Old Habits – Never Dye showed clothes they had made from scrap fabrics, which would otherwise have gone to landfill. Copshaw’s Pauline and Nicol Elliot make sure the isolated get their deliveries Langholm P4/5 pupils raised £700 at their Valentine’s day coffee morning. The £8m flood protection scheme for Langholm was presented to the public at an event in the Buccleuch Centre and there were many diverse comments about the plan to line the Esk and JUNE Wauchope with walls and embankments. Roger Maxwell, Langholm Common Riding chairman, announced he Met Office revealed that less than an inch of rain fell in his intention to step down as officiating magistrate after the 2020 Eskdalemuir during April and there were 18 days without event. Train. The Observatory recorded 192 hours of sunshine. Canonbie SWI’s team won gold at the Ruralympics in Dumfries. The Langholm Moor community buy-out was offered £1m by the Scottish Land Fund but was given a deadline of October 31 to raise Langholm’s Ben Ewart took part in a fashion shoot at FTS Dyers the other £5.4m. Meanwhile, the Newcastleton and District Community Trust heard it had been awarded the full £850,000 to buy 750 acres of Holm Hill from Buccleuch. MARCH Scotland’s environment watchdog, Scottish Natural Heritage, warned ewcastleton and District Community Trust started the of the significant adverse effects on the Esk and Ewes valleys from month with news of a windfall from Buccleuch. the proposed Faw Side windfarm. NThe landowner gifted a number of amenity sites, including the The Castle Craigs Club announced all the ride-outs were cancelled. Polysport, golf course and showfield. It said that with no Cornet elected, the ride-outs would not go ahead. Both Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders councils Deputy First Minister John Swinney said schools would return full raised their council taxes by 4.84 per cent. time in August if Scotland continued to make progress in suppressing Langholm Academy pupil Cameron Greer was elected a Member COVID-19. of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Dumfries and Galloway. Scottish Borders Council, which has the contract for and manages The weather observatory at Eskdalemuir confirmed that the the X95 between Edinburgh to Carlisle, via Langholm, began a con - previous month was the wettest February recorded at the station. sultation on the proposed withdrawal of a number of services. More than 16 inches of rain fell. By the end of March, COVID-19 was taking hold and many Jock o’ the Hollows pipes in support of the NHS in Riverside Park, Canonbie events were being cancelled, including Langholm Common Riding, and schools were closed. The message Stay at Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives became See next week’s E&L Advertiser for a review of the mantra during the national lockdown. Volunteers clean up the banks of the Liddel in March Ryan Milligan of Langholm Co-Op takes part in a fund-raiser in June July to December 2020 10 Thursday January 7, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk Picturesque pictures

The Esk valley from Over Dumfedling Chrissie Coburn-Krzowska

Winter view from Warblaw Well-fed Bullfinch Mairi Telford Jammeh Gavin Graham

Fascinating fungi New Year’s Day walkers on Potholm Bridge Canonbie postie, Jen Grieve Louise Tait and Mika on Warblaw Bruce McCartney Gavin Graham

Rockin’ Robin Zak at Castle Craigs Mist rolling in up the Esk Mairi Telford Jammeh Stan Wilson Sharon Tolson Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community Thursday January 7, 2021 11 IN BRIEF MP votes for EU deal A Kiwi ESKDALE’S MP voted in favour of the government’s Brexit deal in the House of Commons last Wednesday. David Mundell, who repre - sents Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale Christmas and Tweeddale, welcomed the Langholm lass sends positive vibes from a land down under deal, which was secured with By Rhea Cavers In the run-up to Christmas the EU on Christmas Eve. myself and my boyfriend, Sam, Mr Mundell said: "I consis - AFTER leaving bonnie went on a three-week road trip tently argued that every effort Langholm on December 28, round the South Island in a had to be made to leave the EU 2019, I would never have pre - camper van. with a deal rather than a dam - dicted my next Christmas We saw some amazing sights aging No Deal because that was being a Kiwi one. and had fabulous weather. It the best outcome for my con - The twists and turns of 2020 didn’t feel Christmassy in the stituency, Scotland and the UK. laid out my path and kept me slightest, though. "I welcome the fact we have in New Zealand for all the right On the 23rd Sam and I headed secured what is a good trade reasons. to Cromwell ready for the fes - agreement, protecting EU-UK To have met friends, who have tivities to begin. We put up trade with no quotas and tariffs, become family, all around the some Christmas decorations at while allowing us to strike new country is the best feeling. Elspeth and Joe’s to try to get trade deals around the world. Coming to New Zealand last in the spirit of things. “It also takes us out of the December has been the best Common Fisheries Policy which has done so much harm to decision I’ve ever made. Peculiar Scotland's fishing industry. I’m still loving every minute It felt so peculiar and seemed "It contains many other of being in this beautiful country as though it should have been important provisions such as and feel incredibly lucky to be mid-July. co-operation on security and here throughout this whole A friend of mine, Jen MacLeay, law enforcement issues, which pandemic. from Inverness, who I met in June, also spent Christmas with was a concern for many. I’m so grateful to have Elspeth "Of course, any such deal is a Zemla, a cousin of my late us, which was great. Christmas morning was beau - compromise and there will granny Joan Armstrong, and Joe inevitably be some people who Zemla in Cromwell as my ‘Kiwi’ tiful with blue skies all around. We had breakfast cooked on will be unhappy with parts of parents. the deal. Their house has been a second the barbecue, then drank cham - pagne in the sun - the dream. “But that was no reason to home. It’s been my base since vote it down and face leaving the day I arrived here: My go Another couple, who were friends of Joe and Elspeth’s, with No Deal and the disruption to for help, advice, a comfy that would bring. bed, a good feed, a familiar joined us for a delicious Christmas dinner. "We really now need to grasp welcoming face and a Langholm the opportunities, which come accent. Great food, drinks and lots of laughs were had. Hospitality at from this deal, and work together to overcome any chal - Experience the Zemlas is always amazing. Rhea with her friend Jen MacLeay, help prepare for a slightly different Christmas dinner To have this pair at the other My first experience of a Kiwi lenges. side of the world has made my Christmas was a special one, “It's time to put the Brexit experience so enjoyable. I’m sure even though I missed my family I hope the new year brings divisions behind us and move it puts my mum and dad’s minds dearly and a few tears were health and happiness to all my on, with defeating the coron - at ease, too. shed. fellow Langholmites. avirus pandemic the priority." To spend Christmas in Cromwell I’m always thinking of everone Sending lots of positive vibes ______with the Zemlas was the next back home in these home from NZ for better days closest thing to coming home. horrendously hard times. to come in 2021. Job Start Payment YOUNG people, who are start - ing work or have started a job in the last three months, including temporary Christmas jobs, are encouraged to check whether they qualify for Job Start Payment. The one-off cash payment of £250 is open to 16 to 24 year olds who have been out of paid work and on a qualifying benefit for at least six months. The payment rises to £400 if the person has a child. The job must average 12 hours a week over four weeks but doesn’t need to be permanent. The money can be spent on anything they need like travel costs, lunches, tools or new clothes. People can find out more and apply through mygov.scot or Elspeth and Joe Zemla, originally from Langholm, with their young guests Rhea, Sam, Alicia and Ben Rhea and Sam drink a toast to their New Zealand Christmas by calling 0800 182 2222. 12 Thursday January 7, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk Times Past

100 year s: The New Year

The New Year was ushered in in quiet fashion. Hogmanay Day was a day of pouring rain, but exceedingly mild. The usual bands of children paraded the town in the early hours of the morning making the air ring with their long-drawn-out cries of “Hogmanay” accompanied by the music (?) of tin cans. The day was observed as a holiday by the mills, which was spent by stress of the weather mostly indoors. The evening proved rather better and there was a fairly large gathering at the ‘clock’ to give a parting cheer to the old, and a welcome to the new year. The crowd, however, was good natured and orderly, among the birth-hour past, quietness speedily settled on the town. On New Year’s Day the Band paraded the town in the morning and the chief attractions were the carpet bowling tournament and a football match. Langholm with the Lid Off We continue our serialisation of Wattie Bell’s book. 75 years : Ewes Rural Institute head. The co-operative store, Good old Rugby Days At the monthly meeting of Ewes WRI held on Thursday 20 th December, Mrs G Morrison, Langholm, Bogey Loads where Spar is now got the first (continued) of Logs bacon slicing machine in demonstrated the making up of a shirt blouse so popular at present. Paper patterns of the blouse were cut out As a matter of interest Anne I have always been keen on Langholm and we would stand by Mrs W Morrison and distributed among the members. An interesting report on the National Conference Barnfather, daughter of the rugby and at the age of 10 I in wonder at the window watch - in Edinburgh was given by Mrs J B Robertson, the delegate from Ewes. After tea was served by the Jimmy and Nancy who now would carry the oranges up to ing it in action. We would get an hostesses for the evening – Miss Aitchison. Miss M Crozier and Mrs Craig – parcels from the Country lives in Edinburgh was in an Milntown. I also had to pump empty apple box from the gro - Women’s Association of Victoria. Australia, were opened. Members names were put in the hat and the con - art shop in Edinburgh and the water out of the dam for the cers in the town shouting “Any tents of the parcels drawn for. The competition for this month a small Christmas present was won by Miss M saw one of Fitba’s paintings bath. The pump was in the only empty boxes?” until we got Crozier, with Mrs J Scott, Bogfoot, second and Mrs Craig third. on offer for £200 . toilet in the changing rooms and one. We would also shout into However, I deviate back to the ref had to change in there. 1938. Come the 12 th August Milligan’s the joiner and under - There was no light and the takers in Buccleuch Square each year Mr Elton of the dole pump had a long-curved han - office would despatch this mot - “Any empty boxes?” and they dle. I couldn’t stop pumping or would chase us. ley crew to the beating for the water ran back and as I 50 years: New Year in Langholm “tofs” at the shooting behind pumped, I struck the ref in vital Husbandry Whita. The idea was that the parts of his anatomy. He would Yes, Langholm was a pretty A bitterly cold night could be blamed for there being fewer than present in the Market Place to usher in New beaters form a line armed with Oh! Ah! Ooo! Etc. People sit - exciting place for we boys in Year on Thursday night. Those who did brave the elements quickly acknowledged the brief handshakes and a white flag and drive “the ting in the stand could hear this the early 1930’s. Towards the good wishes of their fellow revellers along with the traditional “nips” from numerous bottles and the square birds” over the butts where the and ask in some alarm as to end of the 1930’s great quickly emptied as the few dispersed on their first footing rounds. On New Year’s morning the meet of Mr toffs were waiting with guns. At what was going on. “Oh it’s improvements were made in the Harry Erskine’s Holmwood Beagles in the Market Place brought out a few hardy spectators who stayed to the end of the forenoon drive nothing”, the man taking the husbandry of the land. Artificial they were told to go to a shep - listen to the Town Band play their way up High Street and round the town wishing “A guid New Year to ane money would say “It’s just the Insemination was introduced to herd’s house where the wife had an’ a’” in the traditional manner. So far as we can ascertain the various dances on Old Year Night and New ref in the toilet with a little improve bovine stock. One made sheep’s head broth. The Year’s Night were rather poorly attended and on the whole 1971 slipped into Langholm and district with boy.” farmer near Langholm had threesome ate half a panful and very much less fuss and noise than usual. ordered the vet to administer ar - the shepherd asked if they Hornby tificial insemination to his cow. would like to take the rest About that time, we had three home. They had nothing to policemen in Langholm. The As the farmer had business in carry it in but the shepherd, an Sergeant was Potter and the two town on the day the vet arrived, enterprising man made them a Constables were Boyes and he told his wife to look after the haversack out of brown paper Hornby and at Christmas, vet. The wife who shall be 25 years: Readers give thanks to Good Citizens nameless to spare her blushes and string which they hung on Latimers had a display of It was your opportunity to say thanks to local Good Citizens and we were delighted with the winners. For showed the vet the particular John Hood’s back. They were Hornby trains on the window Langholm it was a whole family that won the award for their services to the community. The Scott family of cow that was to be treated and on their way home when they and a huge placard reading Langholm have long been involved in all aspects of community work, but none more important to them than asked the vet if there was any - were caught in a cloudburst and Hornby trains for Boyes to youth work. There were several nominations, all of which included John, Mary and daughter Shirley of the brown paper haversack Potter about with. Tommy thing he required. “Could I have a bucket of warm water?” asked High Street. John’s involvement with youth work simply grew out of his own interest as a teenager in the began to disintegrate. They held Irving where Tom Calvert is youth Fellowship. the tails of John Hood’s coat up now had a greengrocer shop the vet. The farmer’s wife and the broth began to slosh with a fully dressed father brought the bucket of warm about in the sort of trough it Christmas in the window that water into the byre and set it formed . kept nodding ‘yes’ from morn down and as she was leaving till night. I went along to that she said to the vet “Now there’s Broth a nail behind the door if you When they arrived back home shop window several times a they lowered the contents into a day during Christmas week just want to hang up your trousers.” pan. For good measure they in case he began shaking his A jovial red faced farmer who scraped the back of John lived not a mile to the south of Hood’s coat with a knife, wrung Langholm had a constipated the broth out into a pan, boiled pig. The vet, a slim young man, it and ate it. Sheep’s head broth took out a long glass tube and was a speciality of shepherds’ placing a capsule in the tube in - wives in the Eskdale Valley. serted one end in the pig’s rec - The story goes that the present tum. He huffed and puffed but Queen Mother was on a shoot was unable to blow the capsule behind Whita when she asked up the tube into the pig. Seeing the shepherd’s wife how she the vet’s discomfiture, the jovial made t5he sheep’s head broth. farmer snatched the tube from “Weel!” said the shepherd’s him, turned it end for end and wife, “you take a sheep’s head with one mighty puff blew the – deed of course, and boil it. capsule into the pig. The vet You then pit peas intilt, then pit thanked the farmer profusely turnips intilt, then pit carrots in - but asked: “Why did you turn tilt, then pit barley intilt –“ “But the tube end for end?” The excuse me,” interrupted the farmer glared at the vet and Queen Mother, “where can one replied: “you don’t think I purchase intilt?” wanted it in my mouth after it E&L Editor Joy Chatters presents the Eskdale award to Shirley, John and Mary Scott in January 1996 had been in yours, do you?” Author of this book, Walter Bell www.eladvertiser.co.uk Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser Thursday January 7, 2021 13 The E&L Gallery

A wintry Tinnis Hill and Copshaw road photographed by Tom Hutton of Langholm Camera: Lumix TZ 90 Country Concerts on the Couch THERE’S no need to go without seeing www.paypal.me/KelticstormCD Please your favourite Irish Country stars at reference which show you want to view. the Buccleuch Centre in Langholm Join the fun and let them bring some this new year. live music to the comfort of your own The centre has collaborated with pro - home. moter JMG Music Group to beam their The concerts continue every Friday fantastic musicians and singers straight and Saturday this month. into your own home. There are two brilliant Concerts on the Couch shows this weekend with Gary Gamble, aka Daniel O’Double, and Keltic Storm. Tomorrow Stephen Smyth, Elaine Boyle and Shauna McStravock will be your entertainment, while this Saturday enjoy The Legends of American Country Show with Joe Moore, Tracey McAuley and Anthony McBrien. Keltic Storm are now one of the UK and Ireland’s most popular and liveliest backing bands on the circuit. They are a four-piece Country, Folk ‘n Roll band and have three studio albums released to date. Tickets are £7.50 for each show. They are available now from the PayPal link Your host for the concerts, Gary Gamble 14 Thursday January 7, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk Honour for Copshaw author It’s time to browse A NATIVE of Newcastleton has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s honours list. Broadcaster and writer Eric Robson, who lives in Wasdale, Cumbria and is honorary presi - the seed catalogues dent of Cumbria Tourism was honoured for services to tourism. It is either too cold or too wet to work outside. By Helen Knowles Eric was, for many years, the HAPPY New Year and happy Nasturtium ‘Orchid Flame’ host of Gardeners’ Question new lockdown. which has rich red flowers which Time which visited both If there was ever a good time gradually change to yellow, giv - Newcastleton and Langholm to settle down indoors with a ing the most wonderful effect during his tenure. hot drink and a stack of seed as the colours blend and change He was passionate about the catalogues, it’s now. on each bloom. border country and collaborated I was struggling to get any gardening done in December Sungold with Alistair Moffat, historian I often try different varieties and author, on an ITV series because of the combination of short days and the poor of veg but I always stick with about walking the English Tomato ‘Sungold’. It produces Scottish border. weather. The ground was just too wet the most delicious orange Quilter and, with the soil in the borders super-sweet cherry-sized fruit. Two women, who are known so saturated, it would have done It’s always good to try some - in Langholm, were also hon - more harm than good to set foot thing new so this year, in addi - oured. on them. tion to the usual white cosmos, Ann Hill, 70, of Dumfries, Now everything has frozen I’m going to try Cosmos received a BEM for voluntary solid so I’m limited to working ‘Apricot Lemonade’ which pro - and charitable services to the in the greenhouses and poly - duces soft apricot-coloured flow - community in Dumfriesshire. tunnels or browsing seed ers which fade to pale creamy Ann, who has done workshops catalogues. yellow. with Textiles Eskdale, was On the plus side we are now I’m used to growing cosmos behind the Hampden Park Quilt past the shortest day and, so these shouldn’t be too much Challenge which took 3,000 although it will still be a few of a challenge but I do have a quilters making 5,012 quilts weeks until there is a noticeable poor track record with some of four years to complete. difference in day length, it’s the brassicas, apart from kale It raised £100,000 for good to know we are heading and broccoli. Alzheimer Scotland, while rais - towards the light and warmth I’m going to give Brussels ing awareness of dementia. Sprouts another go and this time of summer. Sweet Pea ‘Matucana’ She is the quilter in residence In the meantime, I’ll spend it’s a new variety ‘Red Bull’ which, as the name implies, pro - for Alzheimer Scotland and has these dark evenings planning produce during the winter It doesn’t matter whether I try run-up to the solstice resulted duces red sprouts which will exhibited locally, nationally and what to grow this year. months so I’m trying a variety growing them from seed or if I in the plants becoming a bit look fantastic on the dinner table internationally. There are the reliable old called ‘Aalsmeer’. take on a perfectly healthy plant; drawn. next Christmas. One of her COVID-19 projects favourites I go back to year a few days in my care and the The second batch, sown slight - I’ve been doing okay with is face coverings. Together with after year such as the hardy Hardiness result is the same. ly later, is doing much better cauliflowers and have the People’s Project, she made annual Sweet Pea ‘Matucana’, It has good winter hardiness so A few years ago I got so fed and benefiting from the recent been growing a variety called and organised the distribution an old-fashioned sweet pea with I hope we will have not only up with the depressing sight of sunny days. ‘Snowball’ which produces of facemasks to keep people very strongly-perfumed maroon larger cauliflowers but can also dying cucumber plants I stopped While there may not be a small, snowball-sized heads, al - safe. Currently, more than 2,000 and purple flowers, half-hardy keep cropping them much later. even trying to grow them but bumper crop of salad leaves in though, for some reason, they masks have been issued for free. annual Cosmos ‘Psyche White’ Every gardener has their Achilles’ it’s time to give it another go. the next few weeks, there will were more ping-pong ball-sized Patricia Holt of Annan was which has attractive, fresh green, heel and mine is cucumbers, a I’ll try a smaller fruiting variety be enough for us all to enjoy. last year. also awarded a BEM for services ferny foliage and produces pure plant so many people can grow called ‘Diva’. I just hope the I’ve always been reluctant to They were ready for picking to poetry. She is the secretary white, slightly-ruffled blooms so easily and so well, yet I am plants don’t live up to their grow crops under lights because mid-summer and it would be of the Will H Ogilvie Memorial and another half-hardy annual very good at killing them. name and are a little more easy- of the running costs but it might nice to have more home-grown Trust. going. be something to consider. My winter salad crops haven’t Our short winter days are def - been as successful as I had initely a limiting factor and the hoped. I think lack of light was advances in technology have the issue because the first batch probably resulted in more became quite straggly. affordable lights. It was certainly warm enough Another project for me once for them in the polytunnel but I’ve finished looking through the short, overcast days in the the seed catalogues.

The Will H Ogilvie Trust placed a cairn in the poet’s memory at Harden Glen in the Borders

David Mundell, Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP, congratulated all the recipients from his constituency. He said: "Every name on the list helps highlight the commit - ment, endeavour and public- spirited efforts of so many peo - ple in our area and beyond. "Whatever the reason for the nomination, I know the New Year honours awarded here are all very well deserved."

Cosmos ‘Psyche White’ Nasturtium ‘Orchid Flame’ www.eladvertiser.co.uk Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser Thursday January 7, 2021 15

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COMPLAINTS COMMUNITY COUNCIL The Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser is part funded by ESKDALE & LIDDESDALE ADVERTISER Canonbie & District LEADER Dumfries & Galloway Community Council and charitable trusts and individuals from the community of Langholm. COMPLAINTS The next community council If you wish to make a complaint about anything in meeting is on The Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, please Thursday 14th January 2021 come into the office on Langholm High Street and at 7.00 pm via Skype. speak to the editor, Rachel Norris. Members of the public Alternatively, please contact the Company Secretary wishing to join the meeting should email by email – [email protected] ADVERTISING or by writing to:- The Company Secretary [email protected] before 12noon on the 13th Jan Muckle Toon Media when arrangements can be Ashley Bank House made to enable them to join GROW Your Business Langholm DG13 0AN the meeting. E&L with the E & L! MOBILE VAN TIMES JOBS The advert below (5cm x 2 columns) will cost only £25 for a single insertion but if you Advertise your advertise your business monthly, the price falls to vacancies in the £15 and if you advertise weekly, it collapses MOBILE POST OFFICE to £10 - that’s nearly nowt! * This can include your logo or other graphic and can E&L be designed in-house. Advertiser Contact 013873 80012 for details. 013873 80012 | LANGHOLM TOWN HALL (inside) [email protected] JOHN SMITH 5cm x 2 column WEDNESDAYS JOINERYRY 10am - 3.30pm All aspects of joinery work undertaken. FRIDAYS 29 Grereen Strereet 9am - 2pm Greretna DG16 0B0BBAA ______Advertise in the E & L Advertiser t. 01461 123456 you’ll be surprised how little it costs! m. 07890 654321 *these rates apply to an annual contract and are subject to VVAAATT at the prevailing rate. MOBILE RBSE VAN An advert this size, 5cm x 2 columns, Community CEeRnVtIrCe Car Park RBS S will only cost £15 + VAT each for 12 inserts. ENTLY CharleCsU SRtrReet, Langholm This can include your logo or other graphic ELLED CANC and can be designed in-house. Contact 013873 80012 for details. born in 1848 ...... and still going strroong! NEXT SCHEDULED FIXTURES sunday 17 th january Thursday January 7, 2021 Sports News BEHIND CLOSED DOORS Sponsored by KELSO RACES 01573 221221| [email protected] Carl wins the Empire de Maulde Whisky Run wins for Ewart Horseracing RACHAEL McDonald and James Ewart teamed up with Empire De Maulde to land the feature race on the behind-closed-doors card at Kelso last Tuesday. The meeting had two inspections to ensure it was given the green light after overnight frost and the going was officially soft. Sent off at 12-1, the Langholm raider appeared Caption: Carl Heaven with his whisky prize for winning the New Year run. late on the scene to pip Gipsy Lee Rose by a He is being congratulated by the 2003 cornet Ian Earsman and one of the length and three-quarters in the novices’ limited organisers, Mike Tinker. handicap chase over two miles, six and a half time was presented by Mike furlongs. Sports Nostalgia Tinker to Carl Heaven and the McDonald, who is based with the winning stable, From E&L 8th January 2004 whisky raffle for the competitors said: “We were genuinely concerned about the was won by Ray Baird. soft and holding ground because it was only good Thirty-eight runners braved A surplus of £35 will be given when he won at Hexham last September. the tricky under-foot con - to Age Concern Langholm. “Otherwise, the race went to plan. I knew he is a ditions of snow, ice and slush Other times and placings: 5 horse you have to deliver quite late and I gave for the annual New Year’s Wattie Borthwick 60.00; 6 him a wide berth, too, because he can sometimes Day whisky run around Jim Buchanan Annan & jump out to his left.” Langholm. District 66.36; 7 Ian Warwick Sandy Thomson and Lucinda Russell were both The fastest this year in the 68.00; 8 David Little 70.00; remarkable time of 48 mins 24 on the mark with promising novices Deluxe Range 9= Ray Baird, Nigel Priestley secs for the eight-mile course and Bollingerandkrug, ridden by Derek Fox, with (Lockerbie), Owen Brown was Carl Heaven of Annan & 71.00; 12 Caroline Legg the latter lowering the colours of hot favourite District AC. Elysian Flame in the two-mile event. Annan & District 71.2; 13 Langholm’s Charlie Paul Warwick 79.00; 14= In a race affected by omitted fences because of Borthwick, who runs for Border Robert Hogg, Robert the low sun, Monsieur Co, trained by Keith Harriers, was second in 58.30 Warwick, Carol Johnstone Dalgleish, reeled in Cedar Hill in the closing and third equal were Roger 79.00; 17 Billy Graham 80.00; stages of the two-mile, one-furlong handicap Irving of Langholm and Mark Whitelaw of Annan in 58.34. 18 Rob Mitchell (Hawick) chase. 92.00. A fifth Scottish winner came in the shape of the The run was organised by Charlie Graham, who was The Langholm Five Hills race Sandy Forster-trained Charlie Snow Angel who helped by Mike Tinker and his will take place this year on held off Scoop The Pot by a neck in the concluding wife, Alison. A number of walk - Saturday, April 3, when run - handicap chase for conditional jockeys and amateur Empire de Maulde wind the feature race, behind closed doors, at Kelso on Tuesday ers also took part. ners and walkers are welcome riders. The bottle of whisky for fastest to have a go.

“It’s essential that we keep owners and trainers in the game so we have horses to enjoy when racegoers return to the track.” Morebattle race moves to March There are 13 days between the said: “We are delighted to sponsor Kelso On 2020, a year in which the race - Morebattle Hurdle and the final day of Horseracing at their most valuable meeting and can course was forced to abandon 40 per the Cheltenham Festival, a gap which THE £75,000 bet365 Morebattle expect a very competitive day’s racing. cent of its fixtures and run all but two was bridged by Master Tern when com - “The £100,000 bonus will really add race days behind closed doors, Garratt E&L Hurdle will move from mid-February pleting the Premier Hurdle/County to become the headline event on a interest to what will be an exciting race said: “While it has been difficult for all Hurdle double in 2000. bumper £209,000 programme at Kelso and we look forward to having a businesses in all sectors, we have been Large Action won the Morebattle as a SPORT

Racecourse on Saturday, March 6. talent-packed card.” determined to maintain prize money and handicap hurdle in 1995 before going 1 The seven-race card already features as much business activity as possible. on to finish second in the Champion 0 the bet365 Premier Novices Hurdle Planning “We know how vital it is to the wider Hurdle to Morley Street. Jonathan Garratt, managing director, (Grade 2) and the bet365 Premier racing industry, the rural economy and The race was staged as a conditions added: “The Morebattle reverted to our local supply chain.

Steeplechase (Listed Race). event for 10 years between 2010 and 0

being a handicap hurdle last season and 4 In addition to the increased prize fund “We remain optimistic that we will 2019 and Peddlers Cross accomplished 7 8

this development has been a long time be able to get some spectators back in 3

the winner of the Morebattle Hurdle the same feat as Large Action in 2011, 9 will be eligible for a bonus of £100,000 in the planning. the first half of 2021, even if the number while 2019 winner We Have A Dream if going on to win any race at the 2021 “We are indebted to our sponsor bet365 is very restricted at first. was second in the County Hurdle, beaten Cheltenham Festival. for its generous support which has “In the meantime, we are really grateful by one and a half lengths. 2

helped to bring the idea to fruition. for the financial underpinning provided Simonsig won the Morebattle, with a 7

Four of the seven races scheduled on 4 1

March 6, all of which will be sponsored “Our intention is to create a flagship by the Levy Board during the last few BHA rating of 146, as a novice hurdler 7 for the first time by bet365, will be day which will become a major feature months and we will continue to do before going on to win the Neptune 7 broadcast live on ITV1. of the National Hunt season in 2021 everything we can to keep the ball Investment Novices Hurdle at the

Pat Cooney, spokesman for bet365, and for many years to come.” rolling. Cheltenham Festival in 2012. 9 Published by Muckle Toon Media CIC - a Community Interest Company, at their offices, 54 High Street, Langholm DG13 0JH. Telephone 013873 80012 Price 80p