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Made your mind up yet? Our MSPS cOntinuE tO MAkE thEir PitchES tO SEcurE yOur vOtE : PAGES 8 & 9

Series 2 No. 8402 Established May 1848 thursday April 29, 2021 www.eladvertiser.co.uk 80p BRIEF ING nEWS C’est si bon to wear summer glamour Residents fear for

tNehighebouirsr ar e lexitrevmeely cson ceernevd aebourt thye s tadte ofa spiy re THINK summer, think hot, think hot colours. THE threat from a “dangerous” wooden planks are rotting and falling C’est si bon is the very first building is putting residents in fear to the ground. summer collection by Rose’s of their lives. “A couple of weeks ago, one of the Wardrobe Vintage of Alison and Robert Aston, who live boards round the spire was hanging . in the shadow of the derelict Erskine loose.” church in Langholm have watched Alison added: “It’s scary. Do I have Full story: Page 11 it deteriorate over decades. to be killed in my bed from falling nEWS The church has passed from owner masonry before and to owner at auctions and is currently Galloway Council does anything on the market again. about it?” Online Subscriptions to Robert believes that purchasers Councillor Ronnie Tait said: “This the E&L Advertiser don’t know the location - on the is a never-ending saga and the council now available from only bend on the A7 - when they buy it has picked up the tab for the scaf - £1 per week and when they visit, they just put it folding for a long time. back on the market. “It was bought by a man late last A new way to read the Scaffolding was put up about 12 year and the council thought he ‘Langholm Paper’. years ago but the wood is now rotting would do something with it but it’s Published weekly and and falling into the passageway back on the market. available to read anytime between the listed building and the “You’ve no idea what it’s like and anywhere Astons’ house. inside; it’s unbelievable. using multiple devices from When asked whether they thought “Periodically, the scaffolders come mobile phone to tablet the building was dangerous, Robert down and write a report for building and laptop. said: “If you lived here, what would control at the council which has an log on to you think? obligation to keep the building safe. Fwuwll ws.teolrayd: vPeargtiesser.co.uk “The scaffolding is secure because The scaffolding on the Erskine church has it’s fixed to the stonework but the > Turn to Page 2 Alison Aston shows some of the debris SPOrt falling from the church spire been up for almost 13 years

Latimers of Langholm

OPENING TIMES: Monday - Friday 8.30am-5.30pm | Saturday 8.30am-4.30pm GREAT SAVINGS ON SOFAS • CHAIRS • RECLINERSSSSS • LIFT & RISEAAAA CHAIRS • DIVANSLLLL • BEDROOM EEEE AND DINING FURNITURE 2 Thursday April 29, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk

Funeral Services Church Notices Services resume Town hall reopens with restricted hours LANGHOLM Customer Service FUundnerteakrera &l M Donuimrenetacl Sterovirce s LANGHOLM, Centre in the town hall reopened , to the public on Monday but with New Memorials supplied different opening hours. Additional Inscriptions and Cleaning EWES & WESTERKIRK Registration, NEC, Blue Badge PARISH CHURCHES applications and PC use are by Church Services appointment only. Sunday 2nd May The opening hours are Monday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm; David W. Erskine 3pm to 5pm by appointment only Briery Bank, Ewes, Langholm Langholm 10am Tel: 013873 81251 or 07710 906257 for registration, NEC, Blue Badge Contact us for transport and PC use only; Tuesday and 0744 885 8818. Wednesday closed; Friday to Sunday FUNERAL closed. Social Distancing People can also apply for new DIRECT ORS will be observed. national entitlement cards online at Please wear masks. https://getyournec.scot/nec or ring For a Personal Service 01387 260196 to make an appoint - Preacher: the Minister. ment. Hedle y and Tur nbull Tel: 013873 80859. In Annandale East and Eskdale 013873 75404 / 013873 75532 / 0789 655 7941 Mobile. 07543 179469 the council worked with the Eskdale Foundation to reopen Eskdale Sports Charity no. SCO11946 Centre on Monday. After First Minster Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement on main - land moving to Level 3, the council confirmed its venues J.Independent & A. Family Hodgson Funeral Directors UNITED would reopen. 134 High Street, Annan & LIDDESDALE A Caring Family Firm Four months PARISH CHURCHES It’s been four months since they Caring for your family were forced to close for the second Private Rest Room Canonbie Church time at the end of December. For 24 hour caring personal service welcomes you to The council is pleased to welcome Langholm Customer Service Centre is now open to the public again Worship on Sunday back customers to its leisure and Tel. 01461 205920 morning at 11:30. Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors Member customers service centres, exhibi - individual activity in line with the Monday, May 17. Worshippers will be tions, heritage displays and cinema Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans available on request government’s route map. Councillor Andy Ferguson, com - required to adhere to screenings. Junior swimming club, junior club Covid restrictions. Museums and art galleries will munities committee chairman, said: ice sports and junior and adult “All our sites have health and safety If you are seeking start to reopen from tomorrow. individual club curling also restarted measures in place, in line with James Rae & Sons pastoral support or They include on Monday. Headstones and Memorials wish to arrange a Galleries, Gracefield Arts Centre, To comply with the national guid - national guidance, to allow our cus - wedding or baptism Museum, Dumfries ance, the number of people allowed tomers and visitors to enjoy their ● Headstones please contact Rev Museum, Stewartry Museum, Annan at any one time has been adjusted visits and ensure they feel safe. Morag Crossan on Museum, the Robert Burns Centre and all activities must be booked. “There’s hand sanitiser for them ● Memorials and the Tolbooth Museums in 07861736071 or email More details about leisure centres and we ask them to wear face cov - ● Children’s Memorials Kirkcudbright and . and to book an activity are at erings. mcrossan@ Cinema screenings will resume at ● Desks and Vases “The booking systems we have in churchofscotland.org.uk the Robert Burns Centre Film www.dumgal.gov.uk ● Memorial Design Gymnastics coaching, swimming place allow us to hold records for ● Memorial Restoration Theatre from Monday, May 17. Leisure centre fitness rooms and and ice sports lesson programmes Test and Protect as well as control 11a George Street ● Annan swimming pools have reopened for and fitness classes will begin from user numbers.” 01461 202083 ● www.jraeandsonsheadstones.co.uk share the news of any...... • engagements • marriages Church is once again up for sale > From Page 1 • anniversaries “If it got to the stage where the • births spire started to crumble, the council • thank yous would declare it a dangerous build - ing. • congratulations “It would probably have to put scaffolding on the A7 and who Contact us on 013873 80012 knows what would happen then. [email protected] “The council doesn’t want to spend a lot of taxpayers money The Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser on it and never get it back.” is part funded by Mr Tait said he would like a report to go forward to the com - East munities committee so it could be considered by members. Community Benefit Group He had highlighted recently the and charitable trusts and individuals George Hotel in Stranraer which from the community of Langholm. had been dilapidated for years. The council eventually bought Scottish it and a nearby street closed be - Rural Development cause of the danger but the building Programme Erskine church towers over the was found to be beyond repair. houses in the High Street This shows the broken batons from the ends of the scaffolding planks Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community Thursday April 29, 2021 3 IN BRIEF Row over hub’s role in Washing machine dumped A LANGHOLM resident has wit - serving its community nessed a flagrant case of fly- tipping along a riverside track. Validity of a questionnaire on catering for shooters is doubted The woman, who was out run - CRITICISM has been levelled ple whether they agreed or dis - Advertiser they said: “The Es - ning, was going along the fisher - at the board of the Upper agreed to the Hub providing kdalemuir Hub has received men’s path from Skippers Bridge. Eskdale Development Group catering support to the shooting hundreds of thousands of The path runs below and parallel (UEDG) over a questionnaire range organisation. pounds in grants in addition to to the A7 and next to the Esk. it sent to residents relating to More than two thirds were more than £1m from the lottery As she approached the spot the operator of a proposed against providing catering and but it seems that, if the board where there is an informal lay-by shooting range . Victoria Long, chairperson, said don’t agree with you, you’re on the road above, she heard a The complaint being made is more than 100 questionnaires not welcome as a law-abiding loud crash and glass smashing. that the questionnaire missed had been delivered, either by group of people.” She looked up and glimpsed a out a number of properties in email using the Hub’s database They had made enquiries and silver car pulling away from the the civil parish and did not or by hand. discovered there were quite a lay-by. properly reflect residents’ few properties which didn’t A little further along the path opinions. Approached receive the questionnaire from she came across a washing However, the chairperson of In publishing the result, the the Hub, including David machine which had clearly been the board, which runs the board explained that it felt it of Over Cassock, the pushed down the banking by the Community Hub, has defended had to do a questionnaire The Eskdalemuir Community Hub, owned by the Upper Eskdale people at Marlside and the res - driver. the process they undertook to because a few members in the Development Group, decided not to cater to shooting range groups ident at Pengrain. The incident happened last valley had approached them gauge people’s views. Comments from respondents to be fair and hear everyone’s One of the cottages at Clerkhill Saturday. about the catering request. The questionnaire was done included people saying they responses whatever they didn’t and had to request one They said they would no in response to a request by the would not feel comfortable wanted. by email. ______longer use the hub or its services range operator to use the Hub using the hub or they would “I think I covered everyone They said there were seven if it entered into any formal as a venue for catering on on foot, apart from one or two houses around the Billholm arrangement with the shooting not use it at all. training days. Based on that level of negative houses. Some of them are hol - area which were in the civil The board thought this request range organisation. parish but didn’t receive a ques - feedback, the board decided it iday homes. might be opposed by members This was of concern to the tionnaire. would be untenable to agree to of the community. board because its primary pur - Complainers They spoke to four of these Drains still Its constitution states: “The pose was to serve the commu - the request to do the catering. “We sent more than 100 and residents and deduced this area objectives of the organisation nity as stated in the constitu - This was a difficult situation more than 70 responded.” wasn’t covered. don’t work are to promote any charitable tion. to deal with because the board The complainers identify The statement added: “These NEWCASTLETON community purpose for the benefit of the It wanted to find out whether also had to consider its com - themselves as “Some of the people vote in Eskdalemuir and councillors continue to voice con - community in the civil parish a boycott of the hub was just a mercial sustainability. residents and friends of in the articles of association of cerns about some of the drains in of Eskdalemuir.” minority view or a general con - Victoria told the E&L Eskdalemuir”. UEDG they should have been the village. The questionnaire asked peo - sensus. Advertiser: “We really wanted In a statement to the E&L included. At their April meeting they were discussing the lack of effort to resolve the blockages in the drains at the south end when a call-out was made because rising waters had crossed the grass verges on the riverside. Even outwith flood and heavy downpours, they continued to cause concern near properties, with all of them slow to drain away. Kilt walkers sound the bell Scottish Borders Council would A FANTASTIC and gener - Catherine was raising ous response to a charity money for the MS Society, again be asked to sort out the sit - walk has raised more than a charity close to her heart, uation. £700. for which she has done a Members are also still waiting Catherine Lithgow and great deal of fundraising, to hear when the footpaths in Lois Lane, who both live in and this time she collected Houghton Park and Oliver Place Canonbie, took part in the £705. will be repaired. annual Kiltwalk which, for Every penny she raised is Lyndsay Patterson, acting chair - person, said Oliver Place had the second year in a row, topped up by 50 per cent, been on their agenda since she was held in people’s own thanks to the generosity of joined three years previously. communities rather than a Sir Tom Hunter and the They were told that the work mass event in Glasgow. Hunter Foundation. would be done in the new financial Catherine, who works at She said: “We had a bell year but no date had been allo - Langholm Day Centre, and which I kept ringing and Catherine takes the weight off cated yet. Lois decided to walk every people were so generous. street in Langholm last It was a fantastic day and Saturday. I’d like to thank everyone Book y our eye test today They used the digital Map who gave a donation.” Book your eyetest today My Walk to work out how The pair are now set to Personal care and attention from your Personalfirst care appointment and attention with from us. your best to cover every street do the Macmillan Mighty first appointment with us. and set off from the Hike in September. Spectacles and & Contact Contact Lenses Lenses Kilngreen at 10am. to suit allall budgetsbudgets They made their way up to Holmwood and covered the New Town. Longtown They had lunch at the ERIC Tel: 01228 791664 Kilngreen before tackling Catherine Lithgow and Lois Lane ring their bell in Academy Place Br ampton the rest of the town, pausing HAGAN during their Kiltwalk in aid of OPTICIANS Tel: 016977 42703 for ice creams from the MS Society Pelosis. wwwwww.erichaganopticians.co.uk erichaganopticians co uk 4 Thursday April 29, 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] Letters to the editor Langholm ...... 101 Newcastleton ...... 101 people receive may vary Many older people are have never heard of. COUNCILS slightly, there will always be a reluctant to claim pension Two of them are the two Council Pension gap between the two rates of credit which is why there is Use your ego-led parties. The Scottish ...... 030 3333 3000 ...... www.dumgal.gov.uk pension and this gap will such significant underclaiming. Greens should also be ignored Fault reporting (potholes/street - Credit increase because of the annual I must question why those on vote wisely because they have, sadly, just lights etc...... 0800 042 0188 percentage increases applied to the pre-April 2016 UK state AS THE first Presiding become an adjunct of the SNP. Langholm Town Hall/Library underclaimed both rates. pension of £137.60 were not Officer of the Scottish parlia - The Tories cannot expect extra ...... 013873 80255 given the post-April 2016 rate ment, I am very concerned support after Boris Johnson took Dumfries and Galloway PENSIONER poverty has of £179.60. that the parliament should us out of the EU with lavish bus timetables been highlighted recently in Why discriminate against promises and without even the www.dumgal.gov.uk/timetables the media, particularly the regain control of its commit - Scottish Borders Council . pensioners because of when tees, whose independence was “oven-ready” trade deal with underclaiming of pension their birthday fell? Europe, much to the fury of 0330 100 1800 credit by older people on low destroyed by the SNP under out of hours 01896 752 111 The way women were treated Alex Salmond. businesses, especially our farm - Scottish Borders income. when the UK state pension age ers and fishermen. While this is extremely To achieve that, we need to bus timetables was equalised has had I urge all your readers to use worrying, one of the underlying ensure that party does not retain ...www.scotborders.gov.uk significant coverage, thanks to that precious second vote for contributors to pension poverty control of the parliament as it the WASPI campaign but this the Scottish Liberal Democrat UTILITIES goes unnoticed. has done for the last 14 years. two-tier state pension level, list. Scottish Water Changes to the rate of the UK Your readers will be faced on which condemns so many ...... 0800 0778 778 state pension in April 2016 May 6 with two ballot papers ...www.scottishwater.co.uk pensioners to poverty for the means people reaching state and, naturally, most will Scottish Power rest of their lives, also needs to David Steel pension age before that date concentrate on electing their ...... 105 be highlighted and tackled. The Rt Hon ..www.scottishpower.co.uk will this year have a basic state constituency MSP. That comes to a loss of almost Lord Steel of Aikwood Scottish Gas emergency .. pension £42 a week less than I want to remind them that £44,000 over 20 years, not Selkirk 0800 111 999 those reaching state pension each will be handed two ballot allowing for annual increases. Ann Ferguson National Rail enquiries ..... age after that date. papers, the second of which al - 03457 484 950 This means many older Street This is based purely on lows a vote for a party list for ...... www.nationalrail.co.uk people, who are locked into the Dumfries birthdays and is nothing to do the South of Scotland area. Floodline SEPA lower state pension, will rely with length of working life or That paper will be huge be - ...... 03000 996 699 on claiming pension credit to ...... www.sepa.org.uk contributions made. cause there are 17 parties to eat and keep warm. BEAR Scotland (A7) Although the actual pension choose from, some of whom I ...... 0800 0281414 ...... www.bearscot.com no access onto this bridge. closing another route. POST OFFICES This cannot happen in an All interested parties in Newcastleton 013873 75361 Equestrian equestrian town and I plead Dumfries and Galloway Council Canonbie ...013873 71348 with everyone with equestrian should look at ways to boost Rowanburn 013873 71542 access interests to contact him asap. equestrian tourism in the region, I URGE the horse riders in The planned siting of this not sideline it, and the example HOSPITALS bridge is at an old river crossing of the work ongoing with D&G Royal Infirmary Langholm to look at the article ...... 01387 246246 in the the E&L Advertiser of I remember fishermen using. Scottish Borders Council should Cumberland Infirmary February 2, 2021 about a new set the standard...... 01228 523444 bridge over the Esk and the Wauchope I can be contacted about either Borders General Hospital flood defence plans for The second issue is the ford issue - the newspaper has my 01896 826000 Langholm. over the Wauchope Water, used contact details - and I urge all Thomas Hope Hospital Neither of them acknowledges for many years for ride-outs riders, yard owners and tourism ...... 013873 80417 equestrian access in and around and accessing the toon by horse businesses to be pro-active and DOCTORS the fantastic Muckle Toon, an owners up on Warbla. make their voices known. Langholm ..013873 83100 equestrian potential hotspot. If the flood defences go ahead, Langholm has a great future Newcastleton 013873 75100 To the bridge first. It is listed this will be closed. This is the in equestrian tourism but not if Canonbie ..013873 71313 as pedestrian/cycle/wheeling only crossing over the Wauchope we stand back and allow our NHS24 ...... 111 bridge, funded by Sustrans. and becomes critically important hoofprints to be ignored. with the planned afforestation CHURCHES I have been in contact with Many thanks. Langholm,Eskdalemuir Ewes Graham Robertson of Loreburn of Warbla Hill. and Westerkirk Parish churches Housing Association and asked Unless the bridge into the park Erica Turnbull Ms Joy Lunn that he contact Sustrans to is made horse-friendly, no access British Horse Society Session clerk 07584 357180 re-evaluate the planned bridge will be available to the access representative Canonbie United Parish church because horse riders will have Murtholm track and beyond, Annandale & Eskdale The ford over the Wauchope Water on Caroline Street is under threat Session Clerk.. 013873 25255 Liddesdale Parish church Session Clerk.. Glynis Cambridge 07469 397065

SCHOOLS Langholm Primary ...... 013873 80900 Langholm Academy Fife Feswas tTheiy Svhall aComle F romo the fs maBll grorupsa to rsehears se out - ...... 013873 80418 LANGHOLM Town Band Newcastleton won best third section band East. doors...... 013873 75240 at the virtual Fife Festival of These two pieces were part It has accepted an invitation Canonbie Brass last Saturday. of the band’s prizewinning Cory to play in the National Brass ...... 013873 71336 The band was up against 11 competition programme. Band finals of Great Britain on other bands from Scotland. The Watch the whole competition September 18 and 19 in CHEMISTS winner was the Whitburn band on the YouTube channel Cheltenham. Davidson Chemist , Langholm ...... 013873 80220 and the most entertaining band https://www.youtube.com/watch Monday to Friday went to Unison Kinneil. ?v=e4EkGAcOMYY&t=910s 8.45am -1pm; 2pm-5.30pm. Langholm is delighted with The next virtual event for the Saturday 8.45am-12.30pm. its seventh place overall. band is the Fodens Whit Friday Boots Pharmacy, Longtown Its 10-minute entertainment competition. It will be online ...... 01228 792859 programme, which was intro - live from May 28 to 30. Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm. duced on screen by Alasdair From June 26 to 27 the band Saturday 9am-5pm. Hutton, showcased a march takes part in the Whitburn Band DENTISTS called Star Lake. virtual festival for Scottish bands Mark Buddy 013873 80521 The second piece was Lady and 37 bands will compete. Emergency - outside opening Stewart’s Air and the final piece Now the coronavirus restric - hours tions are being relaxed, the band 01461 202508 Langholm Town Band competed in looks forward to meeting in the virtual competition Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community Thursday April 29, 2021 5 IN BRIEF Correction Knitters in stitches to photo FORMER Langholm man Irving Edgar, who lives in the Wirral, contacted the paper about a school photo on the over their woolly hats Nostalgia page. Textiles skills are delivered virtually for all ages in Langholm The photo showed pupils who will all turn 80 this year. By Judith Johnson, for all the secondary schools in make from wool barely covers Irving called to say he was Textiles Eskdale the region. the shearing. the boy in the back row, third SPRING has sprung and nee - COVID-19 restrictions mean The good people at the from left, and not Louis Pelosi dles have been clicking and it’s online and we were happy Galloway & Ayrshire Biosphere as stated. He said Louis was a sewing all over Langholm and to facilitate filming at Drove have pulled together a group of year younger. Eskdale. Weavers, Rose’s Wardrobe and interested parties in the region He also said the girl with no The In Stitches group has con - Elliott’s Shed to demonstrate to consider a more positive name on the second row next tinued to meet on Zoom and the role of STEM (science, tech - future for wool here, both for to Hilda Morrison was Margaret work away at home to create nology, engineering and maths) commercial products and hand- Grierson who lived at the the lovely items for the Easter in today's textile industry. made, artisan creations. Skippers Bridge. window display in Welcome to Many thanks to those busi - We are delighted to be part of Langholm. nesses for giving up their valu - the Upland Langholm Made ______Thanks to Emma and Leanne able time and to Justin Thomas project as it gathers momentum of Rose’s Wardrobe, we have from Developing the Young in celebrating the textile heritage created a series of filmed tuto - Workforce for including us in and skills of Langholm people. rials so the pupils at Canonbie the preparations for this event. With our partner OutPost Arts Primary School can make friends We have encouraged those we are encouraging makers, not Proposal with their new sewing machines. new to knitting on Zoom only of textiles but also all sorts The first three tutorials were sessions with tutor Emma of things to send photos to artist delivered in time for British MacLellan, a student at Heriot Deirdre Nelson on the Facebook withdrawn Science week, a useful reminder Watt University, who is pas - page or by emailing AN APPLICATION by that sewing skills are a domestic sionate about all things woolly. [email protected] Langholm, Eskdalemuir, Ewes science. She has created her own pat - At the same time, we’re and Westerkirk parish church Young people are being tern for us, Knit a Bunnet, which Knit a Bunnet is tutored by university student Emma MacLellan encouraging people, who to remove the church organ and encouraged to consider textiles is written in an engaging style worked in the weaving industry, a stained-glass leaded window and the creative industries to suit absolute beginners of all Still home to contact artist and filmmaker and replace it with a plain glass through this year’s Bang Goes ages, supported by a series of on the subject of wool, we are and explore the innovative uses Emma Dove to chat about their window in Eskdalemuir church D&G event in May. short film clips to support the delighted to be involved with for wool springing up in the experiences in the weaving has been withdrawn. Normally, this is a huge event learning. Get in touch if you an investigation into the potential UK. industry. Do spread the word at Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries fancy having a go. for wool processing closer to Sadly, the money farmers can and please get in touch.

Online subscriptions to the Diamond celebANNr anad Etcki Cohrisn tie of Langholm celebrated 60 years of marriage on April 15. The couple, who are Langholm born and bred, knew each other at school and got married when Ann was 16 and Eck was 18. For 50 of those years they have lived in their home at Townfoot. Ann said: “We were the first people to move in. We love it are now available at here.” The couple have two daughters, Ann, who lives in Livingston with www.eladvertiser.co.uk her husband, David, and Melanie. They also have two grandchil - dren and a great-granddaughter, A new way to read the ‘Langholm Paper’. Luna, who is three. Published weekly and available to read Ann added: “We haven’t seen Luna since a year past Christmas anytime and anywhere using multiple devices from so we’re now looking forward to mobile phone to tablet and laptop. going up for a visit.” Their special day was made even more special after David GREAT IDEA FOR A GIFT STARTING AT AWEEK make them a beautiful cake and ! £1 Ann and Melanie prepared an afternoon tea for them, which was a surprise, and there was plenty for everyone. Ann said: “It was a lovely day with people just popping by. We said to everyone that if they want - Ann and Eck Christie of Langholm celebrate their diamond wedding ed to share “o’er the dyke”, that was allowed.” 6 Thursday April 29, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk

In association with FarmingC & D AUCTION MARTSon - LONGTOWNthe & DUMFRIESBorder Guidance on how to manage access Most injuries are EASING COVID-19 restric - cant costs, a source of great tions is likely to come as a frustration to our members. relief to many but it is “Properly-managed outdoor already a source of great access has huge potential to concern to farmers. benefit rural Scotland and the Last year there were huge wider economy but not at the the risk of injuries during dif - as were poisoning incidents, issues over public access tak - expense of farmers trying to on livestock farms ferent agricultural operations. including asphyxiation, relating ing on an unprecedented scale. run a business. This method, which divided to manure management opera - Gemma Cooper, NFU “Access to our fantastic the production system into a tions. Scotland’s head of policy team, countryside must be better number of operations and used Noha said: “Agriculture is one said: “Organisations, like ours, resourced and a long-term expert assessment to estimate of the most dangerous working were inundated with calls from strategic approach is a critical the risk of injury in each, was environments globally and, concerned members looking part of this conversation.” applied to two production sys - despite the technological for help, logging problems NFUS has created a new tems: cattle and pig farms. advancements in agricultural with out-of-control dogs, live - access hub on its website to The study, which was pub - production, the frequency of stock worrying, fly-tipping, give information on access lished in the Sustainability jour - injuries and fatalities is relatively wild camping and access to issues – guidance on access, nal, found the type of injury high. farm buildings and private signage, livestock worrying, varied considerably between “The method developed as a gardens. wild camping and a log to different operations. part of this research allows for “The pandemic has shone a record any issues members Crushing, falling, cutting and detailed data on operations to spotlight on visitor manage - may be having on access. poisoning were considered the be collected and the likely im - ment and the fact there are Members can go to A study has been done on the various injuries to livestock farmers most common types of injury pact of changes in them to be currently major weaknesses. www.nfus.org.uk/policy/ on livestock farms, with crush - assessed. “The result is that land man - campaigns/access-information- AGRICULTURAL injuries that the risk of injury on cattle ing injuries estimated to be “This enables the risk of injury agers are left to carry signifi - hub.aspx on farms are more likely to farms is three times higher than more frequent on cattle farms. to be linked to separate opera - happen through interaction on pig farms. The risk was greatest during tions and provides the necessary with animals than other Noha Mahmoud, a postgrad - milking and the movement and knowledge for prioritising operations, according to new uate researcher from Scotland’s treatment of animals on both interventions to reduce that SOLWAY AGRICULTURE research. Rural College (SRUC) and types of farms. risk and improve the sustain - The study of a small group of Aarhus University in Denmark, Falling injuries were frequent ability of agricultural develop - LIMITED farmers in Denmark also found developed a method to estimate during the repair of buildings ment.” Glasgow Road, , Dumfriesshire DG11 2SE Tel. Lockerbie (01576) 204124 Around the marts Fax. Lockerbie (01576) 203806 C&D Auction Marts had forward weekly sale at Longtown on Thurs - topping at 340p for Texels consigned 303p Pole, 300p Pasture House, a nice show of ewes with lambs at day, April 22. by M/s D&I Mackintosh, Kirkton Thorns, Longburgh Fauld & Bal - Beet Pulp Pellets, foot on Tuesday, April 20. Another A larger entry of cast cows was of Kingoldrum, Angus. Cheviots liemeanoch. Charolais 309p Black - strong ringside of buyers, with many forward, although a mixed selection, topped at a mighty 337p for a pen leaze, 309p, 303p Tetcott. Mule 307p Barley Grains, going home short of requirements. but continues to sell at recent rates of 36 well-finished hoggs, consigned Lurgan, 306p Rigfoot, 300p Newton Selling to a top of £112 a life for a and more numbers are needed weekly. by M/s JW Davidson & Co, Crosslee of Logierait, 297p Prior Rigg, Pasture NB Grains, Wheat Grains Texel ewe with single lamb from The sale topped at £1,066 and £1,053 Farm, Ettrick. House, East Buccleuch & Western - Rolled Barley, Messrs Rutter, Townfoot, who also for Angus cows shown by Messrs Blackfaces topped at 327p for a hopeburn, 295p Plumpe & Prior sold twins at £100. Many more are Byers, Cubbyhill, Longtown. Top pen of 48 expertly presented hoggs, Rigg. Herdwick 305p, 300p Wheatfeed, Rapemeal, needed to satisfy buyers’ demand. price per kilo of 143p for Limousins consigned by M/s JH & KA Thorn - Auchengray, 305p Newton Field. Ewes with single lamb: Texel £112 from E & D Barker, Palmer Hill, hill, Haresteads Farm, Cheshire, Cheviot Mule 304p Tetcott, 300p Hi Pro Soya, etc. Townfoot, £90 Shaw Head, £88 High Brampton. whose run of 136 Blackface hoggs Newton Cottage. Swaledale 300p Acres, £78 Heathery Knowe. Cheviot New season spring lambs sold to averaged a staggering 319p and £113 High Priorscales, 290p Pasture House. Can be mixed to your Mule £86 Shaw Head. Ewes with a top of £150 for Suffolks consigned per head. A larger show of 1,821 ewes was requirements twin lambs: Texel £100, £88 Town - by H M Martindale, The Land, Many more well-fed lightweight forward to a full ring of buyers, en - foot, £84 Shaw Head, £80 Heathery Lockerbie. Texels sold at £150 from hoggs can be sold to vendors’ ad - suring all classes of ewes were slight - Knowe. Mule £72 Shaw Head. Suf - Messrs Hewson, Burgh Head, vantage and are needed weekly to ly firmer on the week. Heavy ewes Collect or deliver ex Laurmar, folk £71 Inch, £69 High Acres, £68 Carlisle. satisfy overwhelming customer de - had the biggest rise. Hill ewes are a Heathall Ind. Est., Dumfries Townfoot. Shearlings with single A similar show of 2,306 prime mand. serious trade and all classes of ewes lamb: Texel £90 Heathery Knowe. hoggs forward, albeit a very mixed Principal prices (per kilo): Beltex and rams are wanted. Heavy ewes The mart had forward a small sea - show of quality. Again, well-finished 369p Drumcairn, 367p, 358p New topped at £200 for Texel ewes from Bekina Wellingtons, sonal show of store hoggs, which hoggs were good to sell, while lean Kelso, 353p Newton Cottage, 340p Beckfoot. sold to recent high rates. Top of hoggs sold to last week’s rates. They The Wreay. Texel 343p Blackleaze, Hill ewes were off the clock, top - £124 for Suffolks from Millholm; achieved a very satisfying overall 341p Newton Cottage, 340p Kirkton ping £124 for Blackface ewes shown Waterproof Leggings & Mules to £116 Millholm; Easycares sale average of 298p (SQQ 304.2p). of Kingoldrum, 332p Brackley, 330p by GM & C Walton, Allensgreen, to £101 Croys Lodge; Texels to £97 Topping the price per kilo was a Plumpe, 324p Cambeckhill, 322p Bardon Mill. Cheviots sold at £122 Jackets, Boiler Suits, etc Rowhead, £90 Millholm; Cheviots pen of five Beltex hoggs selling to Pasture House, 321p, 320p Upper from Gillesbie Farms, Lockerbie. to £90 Cowburn; North Country 369p, consigned by M & W Fother - Senwick. Cheviot 337p Crosslee, Rams were a for nominal trade, Cheviots to £88 Rowhead; Herdwicks ingham, Drumcairn, Perth. 334p Lurgan, 329p Tormore, 327p topping at £216 for Suffolks from FOR ALL LAMBING to £67 Rowhead. Top price per head of £170 for Crosslee, 324p Sandbed, 320p West - Beckfoot and for Rouges from View - Feeding ewes to £108, £93 from Beltex hoggs also from Drumcairn ernhopeburn. Suffolk 326p Plumpe, ley, along with several pens of REQUIREMENTS Gillalees, £93, £89 Glenkiln; Mules and for a pen of Texel hoggs con - 320p New Kelso, 316p Kirkton of weighty tups, selling to £190 plus lamb colostrum, lambs milk, to £100 Gillalees; Blackfaces to £94, signed by M Dart, Tetcott, Devon, Kingoldrum, 309p Plumpe, 308p All classes of ewes are in demand £80 Gillalees. Cast rams to £102 for whose run of 259 Texel, Suffolk and Blackleaze, 307p Tetcott, 305p Burn - and keenly sought after. Many more bottles, teats, lammacs, a Texel from Gillalees. Mule Hoggs averaged a mighty house & Tetcott. Blackface 318p, ewes can be sold to vendors’ advan - castration rings and pliers The mart had forward 4,127 sheep 294ppk or £154. 317p Harestead, 313p Balliemeanoch, tage. comprising 2,306 prime hoggs and Lightweight hoggs maintained last 312p Westernhopeburn, 306p Clon - marking sprays etc. 1,821 cast ewes and rams at the week’s blistering rates of returns rae, 305p Haresteads, 304p Thorns, Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community Thursday April 29, 2021 7 Tales for our climate YOUNG writers in Eskdale Latimers: rock of ages and Liddesdale are being urged to put pen to paper and unleash Langholm’s mainstay shop celebrates 139 years in business their creativity by submitting a piece of writing on the theme of climate change as part of a new BBC Radio Scotland com - petition, Climate Tales. Young people aged 5 to 16 can submit a short story, poem, written word piece, monologue or rap on climate change, recog - nising that COP26 will be held in Glasgow this year. The entry must be fewer than 500 words and the closing date is June 30. Judging will be done during the summer. The Scottish Library and Information Council will recruit volunteer librarians in Scotland to help whittle down entries before an industry judging panel decide on the final nine. The judging panel will be led by broadcaster Janice Forsyth. ON APRIL 26, 1882 a new Four generations later and The winning submissions will shop opened in Langholm after 139 years in business the be revealed at an awards cere - and it was to become the shop has become a popular mony and performed either by mainstay of the High Street retailer with customers far and the winner themselves or a for more than a eentury. wide from those seeking a celebrity. It was on that day that the completely new look with fur - The ceremony will be pre- first advert for Latimers of niture and carpets to others recorded and broadcast on BBC Langholm was published in the popping in to buy a tin of paint Radio Scotland and the BBC E&L Advertiser. or a torch. Scotland channel to coincide The sign above the well-loved Latimers was closed for 24 with COP26. and highly-regarded store says weeks out of the 52 during the Visit www.bbc.co.uk/climate - G J Latimer but it was, in fact, pandemic but having reopened Clockwise: Latimer’s original advert from the E&L Advertiser of April 1882 tales for more information on founded by David Minto earlier this month is happy to The company delivers to homes, large and small, all over the south of Scotland how to enter and the terms and David Minto Latimer founder of the business Latimer. say they have been very busy. conditions. 8 Thursday April 29, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk www.eladvertiser.co.uk Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser Thursday April 29, 2021 9 THE election campaign is hotting up as Scotland enters the final week of candidates vying for votes. This week the E&L Advertiser asked the parliamentary hopefuls in Dumfriesshire and in Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, about immigation policies. Would they like Scotland to have the powers to run its own immigration policy? Why would that be better/worse for Scotland? If it does have its own policy, what sort of immigration rules would they like to have? Free for all? A points system based on shortage of certain employees? Or Election hopefuls speak up on migrant issue country related? Don’t miss next week’s edition when we will give them the final chance, on polling day, to convince voters to put a cross next to their names. The E&L asks candidates for their views on the implications of Scotland running its own immigration policy HE new UK points-based COTLAND should definitely N PRINCIPLE, powers should AM standing in this election on immigration system will deliver have the powers to run its own be devolved, except when they NFORTUNATELY, some peo - a firm commitment to keep our HE past year has been so tough what businesses in Scotland immigration policy. are better retained or shared when ple, who come tae live and together. for everyone.The pandemic have asked for and work in the Our own population, particularly in there are strong mutual interests. work in the Scottish Borders, has separated us from our Tinterests of the whole of the UK. IStarting from the basics: I believe plans for a separate Scottish Srural areas, is aging and declining. have had tae go through a lot harder iImmigration system are just another friends and family. Now we have left the EU, we are While Scotland has often perceived Scotland is not sufficiently attractive tUimes than me as an Independent TBut we can be proud of the way our able to fully take control of our borders to retain enough of its active population, nationalist ruse to break up our country itself to be a welcoming and inclusive candidate. by stealth. community has pulled together to sup - and form a policy which best suits the society, there is much work we have nor sufficiently appealing to draw all I would like tae see our own immi - I don’t see any need or real benefits port each other. requirements of the nation. not yet done to examine the extent of we need from the rest of the UK. gration policy control in the Scottish to having a separate system and it We can’t go back to the old arguments. We do need to look at how we best racism and white supremacy in Scotland Many of our best and brightest leave Borders. doesn’t, in my view, have widespread For too long Scottish politics has been ensure immigration policies work for and the legacy of empire and colonial - for England or abroad. We must tackle I think living on a border makes for support. dominated by division. Forcing people rural communities such as the Ettrick ism. our own failings; more tolerance and understanding. to pick a side. “Yes” or “No”, “Leave” Valley and Liddesdale. Most migrants to Scotland seek to, People fleeing from cross-border Richard Brodie It is just another distraction and excuse The Greens continue to call for the for the SNP's failings here and I think or “Remain”. We need to retain more people in our devolution of immigration to combat and have made, a valuable contribution oppression is what we have had plenty Scottish Liberal Democrats rural areas through improving job to the abilities and cultural strengths of the bigger question is why we continue The Tory and SNP candidates want the racist consequences of UK Home of experience of. Paul Wheelhouse security, opportunities, infrastructure our society. We are the better for having E HAVE all benefited from to see an exodus of young people from that to continue for the next five years. Office hostile environment policies, for Jenny Marr The Borders should have the powers SNP Joan McAlpine and services. them with us. doctors, nurses and carers our region. But, if we are to fully recover from SNP adequate support and an end to destitu - Scottish Liberal Democrats tae allow families settling here tae find who have come from the pandemic, we need to focus on The SNP has neglected this for 14 There are millions of the world’s peo - employment immediately because so It is also clear from recent comments years and young people move away to tion in the asylum process and for ple for whom life in Scotland would be RRESPECTIVE of whether they abroad to better themselves. from their candidates and Nicola what unites us as a community, not asylum seeker accommodation to be in many immigrants have proven tae be WBusinessmen from around the globe seek new opportunities. an improvement on the poverty, misery worthy. believe in independence, on one Sturgeon that all the SNP are really divides us. local hands. have enriched our palates by serving COTLAND is a welcoming and There is a need for controlled and and oppression from which they suf - Those, especially, who have had tae thing almost all parties agree: UK interested in is closing the border with You deserve to have an MSP com - Within the scope of powers already E ARE one island so I us exotic dishes and many of our inclusive nation and we value managed immigration for certain sectors fer. escape oppression in their own coun - migration policy clearly doesn’t work England. mitted to bringing our whole community devolved there are clear priorities for believe immigration I everyone, no matter where they such as fisheries and agriculture. They would wish to access jobs, edu - in Scotland’s interests. orchards would remained unharvested together and working in the national should be a UK policy. try. The anti-English sentiment within were born, who has chosen to make I am glad that in the previous parlia - action. cation, health, housing etc. Most are UK immigration policies fail to recog - but for poorly-paid migrant workers. interest. But the Westminster government Their willingness tae work and provide their movement is disgusting and is a Scotland their home; to live, work, ment Scottish Conservative MPs were In our manifesto the Scottish Greens good and decent people who could nise Scotland’s unique needs, arising But how should immigration be man - oWught to understand population chal - for their family can only be an asset foretaste of the bitterness we can expect That includes pressing for a more pledge to campaign for all asylum from an underlying low birth rate, aged? study, raise their families and build instrumental in ensuring we will have lenges in parts of the UK, including make a positive contribution to Scotland. tae the Borders and it is always their if they get another referendum. humane immigration system and an seeker support to be devolved to exacerbated by hundreds of thousands Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland their lives here. a further 10,000 seasonal workers to Scotland, and adapt its systems to However, we cannot take them all, way of saying 'thank you' for being Far from creating jobs, as some have end to the hostile environment which Scotland has unique circumstances to help in agriculture. Scotland and, in the meantime, will: which means no open borders. of Scots of working age leaving Scotland are lucky to have their own parliaments take these into account. given a new chance in life. claimed, having a hard border with the caused the Windrush scandal of British the rest of the UK and, therefore, has ensure decent working and living con - Bad employers, of whom Scotland in the 1970s and 1980s as UK govern - which have wide-ranging powers but Once people have arrived, they The rules should simply be work hard rest of the UK will damage our local citizens being deported. different immigration needs. ditions for migrant and seasonal workers has more than a few, will always seek ment economic policy triggered a rapid most parts of England have to do what should have the freedom to move and contribute tae the economy, pay economy. Our immigration system must allow That means the current one-size-fits- in the agricultural sector, removing cheap labour, to use a surplus to force yer taxes and ye should receive the decline in Scotland’s traditional strengths they are told by Westminster. within the country as we all do to Westminster also decides what happens us to recruit the people we need and all immigration system is failing agricultural subsidies and financial sup - down wages and conditions and avoid same chance tae educate yer children in manufacturing and caused a ‘brain maximise opportunity. on matters such as immigration in welcome them and their families, who Scotland. port for those found in breach of stan - the costs of training by poaching. and yer sels as us and be considered a drain’ of talent to an overheating London It goes without saying that our Scotland etc and is unlikely to relinquish do so much to support our NHS and Scotland has a declining population. dards; Borderer. and south-east economy. this power. key sectors such as agriculture. Projections show deaths are expected call on the UK government to accept immigration system is in desperate There are too many countries around UK policy should emulate other Consequently, everyone is forced to We must also keep our borders more to outnumber births in every one of the more asylum seekers, particularly need of reform. the world, which the British Empire nations, like Canada, in awarding follow what is best for the south of secure and that means reversing the next 25 years and the gap is widening. unaccompanied children, and ensure The Conservatives have created a has pillaged and interfered with, and additional points to migrants locating England. massive cuts to border control staff We need people to come here to work there are safe routes to the UK; hostile environment and it has caused we can be too judgemental aboot them to areas requiring working age people. Liberal Democrats believe that, if the made by the Tory government. in our businesses, our universities and reject the principle of ‘no recourse to far too many innocent people to or their citizens. Instead, it is actually harmful to our union is to survive the strident calls We need to reform our immigration in our public services. public funds’ and ensure local authorities have their rights violated, most We have been guilty of exploiting the communities and future prosperity and for independence, we must have fed - system so it works for all nations and In rural Scotland some businesses are enabled to provide assistance to all notably the Windrush generation. riches derived from slavery. is inhumane and degrading. regions in the UK now that the UK has rely heavily on foreign nationals such Rachel Hamilton In the aftermath of Brexit the NHS Modern Borderers have a compas - eralism in which the home countries Scottish vulnerable individuals who require it, Brexit has made it more difficult for and regions of England are equal part - left the EU. as agriculture and food processing. regardless of immigration status. needs to be able to recruit the staff sionate side tae them and show a will - much-needed EU nationals to remain Brexit has ended freedom of movement Conservatives ners going forward. Labour supports a work visa system “Scotland must play its role as a wel - we need for it to sustain. ingness tae accept and tolerate different here, despite 62 per cent of Scots voting Even if the did which is flexible enough to ensure we and put in place inappropriate salary coming and supportive country but is Families should not have to be religions and peoples as long as they Oliver Mundell to remain in the EU. have powers of immigration, there is a can fill any skills or labour shortages and skills requirements for all migrants. For years, the SNP government has often held back by the UK govern - separated by unfair, complex visa themselves show a willingness tae Scottish This is disastrous for Scotland and campaigned for a different immigration Ian Davidson UK policies could, therefore, cause danger that Holyrood would form its arising in particular parts of the country ment. requirements. There is no longer integrate, which is not always the case further working-age population decline, Conservatives could send our working-age population system which goes against the recom - of oor English neighbours who tend policy to suit the Central Belt and rural but is, ultimately, fair. “Scotland has unique needs, best han - any confidence in the system. threatening our ability to generate tax Dumfriesshire would have its needs Our area deserves better than a repeat into further decline. mendations of the independent and We want a plan to ensure migrants tae try and change things tae suit their dled by immigration policy made in Many of our health employees, ful - revenues and causing serious staffing of the division and arguments of the That is a threat to future tax revenues impartial Migration Advisory Committee. way. neglected. It seems to me the drive for different Holyrood, not Westminster. coming to the UK are welcomed filling a valuable role for us, will have shortages in our NHS, care services Unlike Annan and Langholm, people past decade. and could cause staff shortages in the Applying different immigration rules for the skills and contribution they I don't like the points system. The immigration rules is all part of the plan NHS, care services and key sectors to different parts of the UK would “Scots oppose the draconian immi - been trained at the expense of countries and key sectors such as tourism, agri - in central Scotland have access to more to drive a wedge between Scotland and You deserve better government but gration laws, imposed by the Conser - bring, while guaranteeing everyone willingness tae work and be part of the such as tourism, agriculture and con - create additional burdens for business poorer than us and often in greater Borders by their economic contribution culture and construction. job opportunities, our nearest neighbours. also a better opposition in the Scottish vative government, which reduce im - has confidence that the immigration struction. and create borders within the UK. need; is enough. With independence and full power We are the forgotten valley, still strug - In contrast, the SNP seem to want parliament. migrants to their economic utility and system is functioning as it should. Scotland needs a tailored migration What causes great concern to me is Access to Scotland must not become Their work ethic can be more an over migration policy, we can build an gling from the loss of Pinneys fish fac - You deserve an MSP focused every Asylum seekers should have the open borders with everyone else without policy suited to our specific circum - the lack of clarity from the SNP over net worth, dividing families and building a back door to the rest of the UK. The inspiration; especially tae young people asylum and immigration system geared tory and the decimation of the textile any rules at all. minute of the day on delivering a a hostile environment designed to drive right to work three months after creation of an immigration barrier along to meet Scotland’s distinct needs and and fine arts industry. stances and needs, which allows our what would happen to immigration in rather than be perceived as a threat tae While I believe there is a need for Recovery Plan to help Eskdale rebuild an independent Scotland. people away instead of welcoming them they have applied and 10,000 unac - the Scotland England border is unde - ensure it’s founded on fairness and I have been conducting a survey of communities, our economy and our employment. migration where there are skill shortages, after the pandemic, creating jobs, public services to thrive. There would, undoubtedly, be a hard to a new home. companied refugee children should sirable, however many jobs it creates. human rights. Langholm voters and it is clear they Other people frae other countries bring we should be working just as hard to delivering an education comeback plan It is not unusual in other parts of the border if Scotland went independent. “We can do things differently. We be resettled in the UK over the next We want to play a role, proportionate UK ministers should devolve migration want jobs created for local people and a richness of their own cultures which make sure we train local young people for every child, real action on the envi - world for different parts of a country Recent comments from , should have our doors open to anyone 10 years. to our capacity, in providing sanctuary policy to Scotland now so we can build immigration is less important than should be considered as an asset, rather for gaps in the jobs market. ronment and restoring our NHS and to take bespoke approaches to immi - who is standing in the South of Scotland who wants to make their home here Immigration policy should also be to those in greatest need. a fair system which meets Scotland’s bringing prosperity to the area or than a threat tae the Border way o' life. As the only candidate, who can beat social care services. gration, for example, in Canadian region for the SNP, were concerning, and join our thriving community of flexible enough to ensure both the Scotland should participate in struc - improving bus and train services. needs and incentivises migrants to make the SNP here in Dumfriesshire, I hope provinces. to say the least. New Scots.” catching and processing sectors have tured and organised programmes which Scotland their home and enrich our If I became the MSP, it would voters will, once again, feel able to put The establishment of the Scottish par - She claimed jobs would be created in access to the labour they need. bring in refugees and asylum seekers. be my mission to support communities economy and society. their trust in me. liament was designed to allow distinct border towns because of a hard border. If Scotland is to have fewer people This does not mean permitting access and businesses to create jobs in For as long as our fate lies in Boris The next Scottish government should solutions to be developed to respond to However, these jobs would be only of working age, as predicted, we to traffickers and criminals who prey Dumfriesshire. Johnson’s hands, we call on UK minis - focus on creating jobs and opportunities, distinct challenges. immigration and customs-related jobs upon the vulnerable. If Scotland had powers over immi - need to attract people with skills ters: to introduce a fair and humane not trying to set up a new immigration Decisions about Scotland’s population as a result of bureaucracy and checkpoints. Devolution is not a static concept; it gration, the rules should be tailored to who can help us flourish. asylum and refugee system where people system. and migration needs should be taken Life in the Borders is so explicably must evolve with the needs of the time. meet the needs of the whole country. We have a long history as a refuge can work and contribute to society; lift Nothing the SNP have done over the by Scottish ministers, accountable to linked and interwoven with life in both from persecution and any immigra - Immigration is one of the areas where harmful restrictions caused by No Immigration should apply only where the Scottish parliament and to the people Northumberland and Cumbria. we need to have a grown-up national there is a substantial lack of expertise past 14 years of failure gives me any tion policy should seek to reflect Recourse to Public Funds rules; and confidence they would be up to the of Scotland. We cannot let the SNP drag us out of that and put human rights at its conversation about how we address our and where “local” people always have future population needs. review family migration and the needs task. There is cross-party consensus in the the UK and put in a hard border. heart. of children born here. the first opportunity but have failed to parliament about the benefits migration The SNP doesn’t understand how Unfortunately, the form of the present take employment. Together, we can stop the SNP's plans Crucially, we believe all EU nationals to break up our country and push back has brought and wide agreement that immigration works and seems to have constitutional debate, polarised and ster - But what’s your view on this and ile, fails to include the nuances of should have the right to stay in the UK against these kinds of ideas which will Scotland needs the powers to tailor issues understanding the gravity of the other issues? You can still take part in balance which are necessary if we are automatically or, at the very least, UK damage Langholm and the rest of migration policy according to our cir - situation if people couldn’t travel freely, my online survey at https://www. cumstances. for example, between Carlisle and to have a sensible discussion on a com - Jesse Rae ministers should cancel the looming Eskdale. Scottish Labour surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DBFWH6V Newcastleton. plex topic. Independent and deeply unhelpful deadline for its Dr B A Harvie, Scottish Green Party EU settlement scheme. 10 Thursday April 29, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk IN BRIEF Community shop Techno DJ on stage ESKDALE Community Shop in Langholm’s High Street re - opens on Monday, May 17. The current COVID-19 restrictions will remain in place, for mansion house gig with only two people allowed in the shop at one time to ensure Michael Gough of Langholm plays at new summer festival social distancing. DJ MICHAEL Gough, also “I’ve really enjoyed the Being a small event, attendees The shop will open to receive known as VeeringEast, will take opportunity to connect with will have the option to meet the donations only on Monday, May the stage as part of Springkell audiences around the world but artists for no extra cost, which 3, Wednesday 5, Monday 10 Live, a new music festival for it’s going to be great to play and Wednesday 12. south-west Scotland in June. live again, especially at a new John Scott, manager, said: Springkell Live is on from festival in our area. “We’re looking for good quality June 25 to 27 in the beautiful “I’ll be playing Saturday clothing, accessories and mansion and grounds of afternoon, ahead of the main bric-a-brac. Please don’t offer Springkell in Eaglesfield, near any electrical goods because acts, and I hope we’ll have good Lockerbie. weather.” we are not allowed to sell these The three-day event, originally on.” “There are a lot of music fes - planned for 2020, was delayed tivals out there now but we The Eskdale Foundation owns by a year because of the COVID- the building and it is run by wanted to create something a 19 pandemic. little bit special,” says Simon volunteers under the Langholm Langholm resident Michael, Community Centre management Hewitt, organiser and promoter who has lived in the town for for Springkell Live. committee. almost 14 years, will be DJing The funds raised go towards alongside a mix of established offering the user groups of the acts and newcomers. Refined Community Centre a reduced These include Space, who had “The mansion and estate are rent, with 25 per cent going to a succession of hits in the 90s simply beautiful. By hosting a the Eskdale Foundation to cover with Female of the Species, weekend-long music event there, A new weekend festival is being the cost of maintenance. Neighbourhood and The Ballad we are offering something a bit held at Springkell in Eaglesfield of Tom Jones, plus 80s chart- more refined which will appeal toppers Doctor and the Medics. not only to regular gig-goers ______Michael Gough, also known as VeeringEast, looks forward to performing but also to those who want to Former Argent and Clapton to a live audience at Springkell in June is unusual for a festival. guitarist John Verity will top try seeing some great live music “Onsite accommodation will off the Saturday night with his He told the E&L Advertiser: guest artists from Ireland, Egypt for the first time. include camping, motorhome band, while Gary Clail “Before lockdown I regularly and Canada as well as other “I know some people have parking or luxury hotel rooms Soundsystem, who scored a huge played gigs in the Ivy and Cab local DJs and musicians. traditionally been put off from in the mansion itself. HandyVan 90s club hit with Human Nature, Vol in Edinburgh and the Ivy in doing this; they don’t like the More details, ticket information featuring Tony Wrafter, performs Glasgow but since lockdown I Audiences idea of the hustle and bustle of and social media links can be in the afternoon. have been DJing from home. “Borderlands Radio plays on many festivals and shows. This found at springkell.live restarts Michael specialises in under - “I started my own radio show, stations in Barbados, Toronto won’t be a big event but it will Michael’s radio shows are at ground progressive and techno. Borderlands Radio, and feature and Ireland. certainly be amazing.” borderlandsradio.com D&G HandyVan is delighted to announce it has resumed a full service from Monday this week. Scottish government guidance now allows tradespeople into homes. If anyone has called the service PA SMuALL vpillage ischlool shas g ainetd hrive in the digital age in the past few months, with a an award for its use of digital small repair needed inside their technology. home, HandyVan will start Hottsbridge primary school has received working its way through these. Digital Schools Award Scotland accred - If anyone needs help, they can itation by Education Scotland. call the office on 0800 069 This is a national award to promote, 9173. recognise and encourage a whole school Fitters Charlie and Dave have approach to the use of digital technology looked forward to meeting in nursery, primary, special education everyone now they are back at and secondary schools. work and can attend people’s Dora Carter, principal teacher, said: homes. “We’re thrilled to receive this award. At Hottsbridge we feel it is very ______important that all pupils have access to digital technology. “Being competent in the use of a range of digital technology is so important in a world where digital devices are used so much. Road open “We use digital technology every day to enhance learning experiences for our on Sunday pupils.” THE B709 from the Scottish There is also now a school Twitter Borders boundry to the Samye page (@hottsbridge) and a Facebook Ling Tibetan Centre and page so readers can follow all the things Monastery will remain closed pupils do. every day until 5pm this The school has worked for two years Sunday. to gain the award. Pupils and parents Dumfries and Galloway were involved in the process and the Council is carrying out patching parent council helped to gain funding Hottsbridge primary school pupils show off their Digital Schools Award Scotland accreditation certificate works to the road surface. Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser • Owned by the Community : Published for the Community Thursday April 29, 2021 11 IN BRIEF Railway C’est si bon to wear voices A COMMUNITY voices project involving all eight community councils in Teviot and Liddesdale is on track. some summer glamour The councils, including Rose’s Wardrobe Vintage launch their first summer collection Newcastleton, are working with Alchemy Arts of Hawick to produce a film depicting peo - ple’s thoughts on extending the Borders Railway to Carlisle. The film will give communi - ties a voice and an insight into the social gain of extending the railway. Scottish Borders Council’s community fund awarded a grant of £4,878 to the project, which costs £5,420 in total. The money is being used to cover research costs, film pro - duction, marketing, photography and technical support. In their submission the appli - cants said they wanted deci - sion-makers to consider the social consequences of not reinstating the railway line in a region widely recognised as suffering from a transport deficit. The report added: “In response to concerns that communities feel powerless and are not being heard, the community councils developed the idea of the film and consider it to be an acces - sible way for people to be heard. “The film intends to portray real lives and real places to improve the understanding of what the campaign means to people. “The councils believe their project will add a personal voice to the evidence being put for - ward in the overall campaign. “The project will give com - munities the opportunity to share stories and memories of the previous line. “Alchemy Arts is drawing on its archived materials and fea - turing interviews with individ - Emma models the Jean blouse and the Pat short, ideal for a summer read The Eda dress, inspired by Emma’s The beach set, a great outfit for a picnic at the seaside on the riverbank great grandmother, Edna uals representing a cross-section of the community.” THINK summer, think hot, mer and meeting family and blouse, the shorts are Pat and Barbara Elborn, secretary of think hot colours. friends again. the skirt is Edina. The square Newcastleton community coun - C’est si bon is the very first “It's so good, necked Eda dress is inspired by cil, said at the April meeting summer collection by Rose’s Just wandering around, Edna. that she and Greg Cuthbert, Wardrobe Vintage of Langholm. Arm in arm, arm in arm, “The Josie dress is a new dress chairman, had met Alchemy. This 1950s’ song, sung by And Singing songs.” combining the Jean blouse and She added: “They have found Eartha Kitt, which translates to “My Nanna is always singing best-selling Rosie skirt. some new footage and they’re It’s so good, is the inspiration and I can’t wait to see her again “Matching accessories are avail - quite excited about it. for this exclusive collection, soon. able in all the fabrics and there “We expect the film to be out along with accessories, by the is a jewellery range by Bow & before the end of May.” Langholm-based company. Palette Crossbone.” The designs and colours hark “The colour palette came from The launch day coincided with ______back to the decade of optimism the tile fabric we have used in Leanne’s birthday and with fash - when the country was emerging the collection and the fact my ion revolution week. from war and women wanted great-grandmother and Nanna It was set up after the Rana bright, fresh colours. travelled a lot, with my great- Plaza factory collapse in Dhaka, The collection has been put grandad being in the Army, so Bangladesh in 2013. Smiley face together by Emma and Leanne reflected the hot climate colours. Emma said: “We are using sus - Duncan, whose business is based “I have a black and white photo tainable fabrics, like hemp, or - sign due in Drove Weavers. which shows my great- ganic cotton and Tencel, a fabric Emma said: “Part of this col - grandmother Edna, my Nanna's processed from wood and envi - A POLE, which will display a lection was supposed to be mum. She is a great inspiration, ronmentally sustainable, along smiley face to help drivers keep released last April but we put it one of our brand’s muses.” with some limited edition 1950s to the speed limit, has been in - to one side to sew scrubs. So it’s Emma added: “The pieces fabrics.” stalled at the southern entrance our first summer collection. reimagine some of our best- Use the code LOVE - of Newcastleton. The sign will “One of the song’s verses just selling styles. LANGHOLM for free Langholm be fitted soon. Emma and Leanne Duncan are co-founders of Rose’s Wardrobe Vintage brought me hope about the sum - “The three-piece set is the Lily delivery. 12 Thursday April 29, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk Times Past

100 years: Another train off

Owing to the 1.18pm Carlisle to Edinburgh train being discontinued, the 1.5pm train Langholm to Riddings is dropped on and after today (Wednesday). This leaves running from Langholm the 7.5am and 8.10pm for both north and south and the 6.50pm to Riddings getting connection to the south. Times of arrival are 9.10am, 5.48pm and 7.50pm.

75 years : The new road

The Wauchope river in the foreground of Caroline Street Sir, it is with feeling I intrude on your valuable space, but I am pleading for my life as I hear from all round me that I must go to make way for a new road. The Provost says I am as much to Langholm as the Mid-Steeple is to Dumfries, but one of our Councillors thinks my removal is overdue, but I think he lacks foresight. From Langholm Station to the British Linen Bank the prop - Memories and Milestones erty (at least 80 per cent.) is condemned, or will be soon, so why not pull this down and rebuild a new shopping centre and two new hotels suitable to accommodate the tourists we hope to attract? We continue our serialisation of Tommy Beattie’s book I have stood here and witnessed many changes. Year after year I have seen the beginning and the THE SPONGE was the fact that the waterwall water and will realise it is im - end of our dearly loved Common Ridings and I have been the central attraction when a New Year was falling face down into that possible to know what damage comes along. As I look down on our Civic heads, I see a great hesitation to move with the times. WAS FULL. cataclysm. Huge lumps of con - has been done beneath the crete, weighing many tons, water. The old spirit of adventure has died and growing fastly is a destructive element amongst our The Esk rose alarmingly as were being pushed aside as if To go into the water which in Council. Like all my fellow Langholmites I like to see little arguments and discussions, but I am did the Wauchope and the they were pieces of wood. places could be an unknown afraid personalities creep in too much, and a lack of grasping the full meaning of proposals is very Ewes. Both tributaries were When the wall had gone the depth was above and beyond evident. Think again my worthy Councillors and do not have me taken away while all around me stemmed and creating havoc by earth bank, which it had been the call of duty, just to retrieve I see alternatives which would help to uphold the “Muckle Toon.” Yours The Town Clock. backwater. The Park was out of supporting, was now exposed to a few wooden bench seats sight as was the greater part of this fierce flow of water and it before they were washed into the Castleholm. too slid gently down the slope the Esk. The current was not 50 years: Mystery Solved As I stood at the end of the and was devoured by the flood. strong out there but enough to Park Bridge holding my Gradually all the bank had gone take away anything which The mystery we are referring to is an elaborate tombstone still to be seen in Staplegordon Kirkyard, father’s hand in fear, the sight and the iron railings were sus - could float. These two brave a tombstone which has puzzled local historians, antiquaries and archaeologist for over a century. was terrifying and the roar of pended over a massive hole men were Jock Reid and This particular tombstone was known to all these people, most of whom mentioned it in their writ - the water was like thunder. The where shrubs and grass had Beattie Black. Whether or not ings – notably the joint authors of “Langholm As it Was”; the late Mr Clement Armstrong; the late water was as if boiling and lap - been a feature in spring and tribute was paid to them at the ping over the bridge. Suddenly summer. time I know not. In retrospect I Mr David J. Beattie; and the late Mr. J W Allison. In their own phraseology they referred to it as we saw a huge tree coming doubt whether I would wade so “a tombstone of the ‘table’ pattern, lavishly ornamented. In the centre of the stone is an archangel down the Wauchope rolling and Damaged deep in flood water to save a and two shields”. Unfortunately, no letters are visible, though it is very evident that this tombstone leaping as the branches and few seats. marks the resting place of some person or persons of importance in a former age. In this respect roots hit the bottom, to the As the landslide gradually The water was across the road we always wondered why these writers did not make any effort to ascertain whose tombstone this adults it was obvious what was lessened, having reached the at Meilkeholm corner and be - about to happen. was, but now the problem has been solved by our present antiquary and archaeologist, Mr Alex hard surface of Caroline Street, cause the dam was full it over - My father dragged me across McCracken, who, in conjunction with Mr. Arthur Tolson, has been undertaking an exhaustive sur - fears gradually left me at least. flowed at the top of Caroline the street onto the pavement vey of all the old tombstones in Langholm Old Kirkyard; Wauchope Kirkyard and of course, Although only eight I could un - Street and was running down against the houses on Caroline derstand what would happen if all the entries off the street back Staplegordon, and of the tombstones noted and classified only those of pre 1885 were considered. Street. I felt safer there and had more of Caroline Street were to down into the main stream. not enjoyed being so near the disappear. Almost one third of When the flood waters had flood. the road width was damaged. gone there were seatrout, 25 years: Folk find it in their hearts to give to the foundation When the flood waters sub - salmon, brown trout, eels etc in The Langholm Branch of the British Heart Foundation held their annual coffee morning in the Concrete sided the huge lumps of water - the hollow area of the putting wall were exposed and that area green. The water was right up Buccleuch Hall last Saturday. Dr Mhairi Williamson, Chairman welcomed everyone before inviting We had just reached our posi - became a haven for small fish, to the old first world war field Dr Mark Phillips to open the event. The gratifying sum of approximately £530 was realised and tion against the wall when there eels, etc. gun (Cannon) which sat beyond the committee would like to thank everyone who helped in any way for their continued support. was a tremendous thump which At the height of the flood two the childrens’ swing at the far Raffle winners were: food hamper, Mrs M Latimer; bowl set, Kilncleuch; whisky, Jean Arnot; made the road shake. Next brave men were seen up to their end of the park. coffee, Marjorie Reid; wine, Jean Roebuck; BFA model, Lesley McCartney; sherry, Bill Barbour; moment the bridge had disap - chests in the flood water. You golf umbrella, Ella Porteous; chocolates, Winnie Smith, Mrs McKone, V Bell; toiletries, Katy peared. More alarming than that have all seen the colour of flood (to be continued) Little; soft toy, Mrs D Nicol; claret, Jean Goodfellow; car washing set, Winnie Davidson; table mats, Mrs J Perriss; Personal stereo, Molly Milligan; cassette player, Jean Arnott, road atlas, Mrs Morrison.

The Langholm Team which met Melrose at Gala Sevens in April 1946 Enjoying a coffe and a blether are Jean Davidson, Alice Thorburn and Bertha Innes at the BHF Coffee morning in April 1996 www.eladvertiser.co.uk Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser Thursday April 29, 2021 13 The E&L Gallery

Some masterful photography by Tom Hu?tt? on captured these chaffinches in full flight Camera:CNiakmone rDa7:0 ?0?0 Arroll Johnston at Devil’s Porridge

THE Devil’s Porridge Museum in to film some aerial footage of the has received generous sup - remaining industrial archaeology. port from Museums Galleries Scotland “This should create a new experience and VisitScotland. and perspective on our area and how it The £100,000 grant helped the museum was affected by the two wars. to prepare for reopening on Monday “When we reopen, we will have an this week, enable it to work on new exhibition about Dorothée Pullinger on projects and add new features. display. Judith Hewitt, museum manager, said: She was a pioneering female engineer “It is COVID-19 recovery and resilience and worked at Arrol Johnston in Dumfries funding so some of it is to help ensure before working in munitions during World we can reopen and we are as safe and War One. clean as we can be for our visitors.” In the 1920s she established the The museum café has also been Galloway Car Factory at Tongland near refurbished. The museum will use some of the Kirkcudbright, famously making a car funding to create audio guides in different for women which was made by women. languages, for the visually impaired and “We are so looking forward to being for people who would like to delve deeper up and running again, offering our visitors into the story of HM Factory Gretna in a great day out." World War One and the Solway Military The Devil’s Porridge Museum will be Coast from 1939 onwards. open daily from Monday, April 26. Judith added: “There is a lot of interest Booking on the website before your in the old factory site. visit is recommended. “I’m excited to work with drone pilots https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/ An Arrol Johnston car, made in Dumfries Pioneering engineer, Doroth ée Pullinger 14 Thursday April 29, 2021 Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser www.eladvertiser.co.uk

PUBLIC NOTICES (U(F)3A LANGHOLM SUSPENSION BRIDGE) (TEMPORAR Y TRAFFIC REGULA TION ORDER) ORDER 2021 E&L CLASSIFIEDS The Council has made an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act  1984 to temporarily close Langholm Suspension Bridge between Caroline 013873 80012 [email protected] St and George St from 10/05/21 to 27/08/21. The closure is necessary to facilitate bridge refurbishment works . Alternative pedestrian route av ailable via George St, High St, Thomas Telford Rd, Elizabeth St, PLUMBING & HEATING CHIMNEY SWEEP Caroline St and vice versa.

MARK FRASER www .dumgal.gov .uk CHIMNEY SWEEP

Chimneys and Stove Flues swept. Eskdale 6 Riverside Park COMMISSIONING Wood Burning Canonbie To Community Shop ▪ Stoves Serviced. SERVICING DG14 0UY RE-OPENS Monday 17th May ▪ t. 013873 71773 advertise Opening hours REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE t. 01228 791617 Monday to Friday 10am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 3pm m. 07801 658561 m. 07810 023819 Saturday 10am to 12.30pm. in the Opening 3rd, 5th, 10th & 12th May to receive donations only. TO LET SCRAP METAL E & L Please only good quality clothing and bric-a-brac. We cannot accept electrical items. OFFICES-STUDIOS-WORKSHOPS-STORAGE CUMBRIA METALS Advertiser FARM SCRAP TO LET - LANGHOLM please call D__O___U__ GLAS HO__T__E__L_ • Ashley Bank House URGENTLY LANGHOLM • The Old Post Office WANTED ● Opening Hours • The Old Bakery, Well Close Wire Tin Machinery ● Lorries 26th April – 17th May • Garage & Studios, Lairds Entry Cars ● Vans 013873 • BFA - expressions of interest at this stage and all other scrap metal Beer Garden Opening Hours: Big or small for further information, please contact MON – WED Closed we remove it all * THU from 5pm HELEN STOREY, Ashley Bank House, Langholm DG13 0AN Registered Dealer 80012 * FRI from 2pm Tel: 013873 81066 | email: [email protected] Call Patrick: 07979 877391 * SAT from 1pm * SUN from 1pm (* weather permitting) AUTO SERVICES Customers please note, due to limited seating capacity only indoor tables can be pre-reserved for food. Diners wishing to eat outside are very welcome to do so BORDER AUTO E&L if there are seats available in the beer garden. LIDDESDALE GARAGESERVICES  NEWCASTLETON Restaurant opening hours: A VILLAGE GARAGE OFFERING A 21st CENTURY SERVICE! 5pm – 8 pm from Thursday to Sunday inclusive. MOT Tests Body Repairs inc Insurance Work JOBS Restaurant reservations now being taken Servicing / Repairs ▪ Quotations available Takeaway service will continue as normal. We can carry out services advertise in the Many thanks for your continued support at this time without affecting manufacturers' warranties. E & L Advertiser ______Tyres ▪ Exhausts ▪ Batteries you’ll be surprised 86 High Street, Langholm | Tel: 013873 81547 Diagnostics ▪ Air Conditioning. how little it costs! Bert Leishman Phone: 013873 75341 email: [email protected]

COMPLAINTS POST OFFICE TIMES

ESKDALE & LIDDESDALE ADVERTISER COMPLAINTS If you wish to make a complaint about anything in The Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, please LANGHOLM Employers!! come into the office on Langholm High Street and TOWN HALL speak to the editor, Rachel Norris. (inside) • Do you have vacancies to fill? Alternatively, please contact the Company Secretary Are you seeking to expand your business? WEDNESDAYS • by email – [email protected] or by writing to:- The Company Secretary 10am - 3.30pm We have a wide readership covering Langholm and Eskdale, Muckle Toon Media FRIDAYS Newcastleton, Longtown, Annan and Lockerbie and very Ashley Bank House 9am - 2pm Langholm DG13 0AN competitive rates. Access through rear door To discuss your employment needs contact us on 013873 80012 or email [email protected]

Advertise in the E & L.... You’ll be surprised how little it costs! www.eladvertiser.co.uk Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser Thursday April 29, 2021 15 No Sevens heaven A retrospective look at Langholm Sevens with hope s for next year RUGBY fans all over south - touring overseas team invited ern Scotland will have been to join the tournaments. feeling bereft over the past Sevens rugby will always be month. associated with the Borders A big gap in the season’s and the Kings of the Sevens rugby calendar is being keenly circuit is as popular as ever. felt for the second year in a For the players this paricular row. form of the game is hard going Last Saturday would have as they move from one tour - been the annual Langholm nament to the next during the Sevens tournament and it spring and can play up to sev - would have been a beautiful eral ties a day if they are suc - day for the day’s sport. cessful. Teams from all over the As well as playing for the Borders and beyond descend Scott Cup, awarded to the on the Muckle Toon for a full winning team, the Langholm afternoon of action. Sevens also presents the Spectators, with their picnics, Archie Smith memorial tropny line the banking, enjoying the to the player of the tourna - social gathering while ment. supporting their teams and Archie Smith was Langholm the grandstand is packed with Rugby Club president during those looking for the best the 1982/83 and 1983/84 sea - viewing . son. The players have been He was also president of entertaining their fans for gen - the Border League in 1986/87. erations, with grandfathers, His family decided to present fathers and sons, all repre - the trophy in his memory. senting their towns from Fans can now look forward Langholm to Dumfries and to the 2021/22 season and a Edinburgh, with the occasional Sevens next April. A 1946 action shot Advert in the E&L from 1921

The 1998 Langholm Sevens squad: Neil Basnett, Graham Park, Russell Tod, Alan Hotson, Mark Grieve 2005 squad: back: Andrew Jeffrey, Steven Nicol, Tom Cooper, Colin Jardine, Niall Cubbon, Keith Davidson, and David Irving, Andrew Johnstone, Davy Gordon, Brian Wilson and Stevie Jardine Davy Scammell. Front: Craig Hislop, James Sagar, Alan Hotson, Stuart Graham and Richie Scott

Back l-r: Archie Irving, Andy Warwick, George Sadler, Joe Donaldson Archie Arthur Gibson, Bill McLaren and Irving Front: Rob Wylie, John Elliot, Billy Richardson and Zander Turnbull Ball boys Elliot Erskine, Chris Waitt and Simon Tweddle NEXT SCHEDULED FIXTURES WEDNESDAY 5 th MAY Thursday April 29, 2021 Sports News behind closed doors Sponsored by KELSO RACES 01573 221221| [email protected]

“WELCOME TO LANGHOLM ” Cricket season Future Champions Awards underway

The awards, which financially support talented young athletes in Annandale and Eskdale, could not be distributed last year. Now, restrictions are slowly being lifted, the trustees agreed to issue awards to support the young people back into training and competition. A second gold award and £1,000 was given to Molly Reville, 16, of Templand. Long jump In 2019 Molly won the indoor and outdoor national long jump events at which she set new championship records. She also secured the Scottish Schools 75m hurdles title and represented Edinburgh Athletic Club at the British Youth Langholm Cricket Club Development League finals in Manchester in the long jump, hurdles, 100m and 300m Cricket Lewis Bell of Langholm and Molly Reville of Templand both picked up gold awards relay. At the start of 2020 Molly broke the LANGHOLM Cricket Club’s season gets underway with the seconds entertaining Dumfries in the Eden picked up the male performance of the under 16 long jump record at the Scottish Sports Awards Valley Sunday League this weekend. year with his club Dundee Hawkhill Schools Indoor Championships, a record A home friendly against Hawick, a fixture first played in AFTER an outstanding year in 2019, Harriers. she still holds and won the under 16 60m Langholm athlete Lewis Bell, ready to A certain Laura Muir picked up the female hurdles at the same event. 1859, was called off earlier this week because they return to the track after more than a award. Molly continued to train during lockdown were unable to raise a side. year, has been boosted with a £1,000 In February 2020, just before COVID- and is currently training five times a week, In the 2021 season Langholm 1sts and 2nds are gold award from the “Welcome to 19 intervened, Lewis continued his good including twice weekly in Peebles. scheduled to play more than 30 games so there are Langholm” Future Champions Awards. form when winning the Scottish Student In a brief window of competition in plenty of opportunities for everyone to get a game. The highlight of 2019 for Bell, 20, was 200m indoor sprint title and a bronze medal August last year Molly jumped 5.82m in In the last full season in 2019 Langholm missed out on the Scottish Athletics National U20 200m in the Scottish National Senior Indoor the long jump, cementing her position as promotion to the Premier League when finishing third. sprint title with a time of 21.86 seconds Championships 200m. the number one long jumper in Scotland at So, hopefully, with a mix of young and old, the team and a week later a silver medal in the A spokesperson for the “Welcome to under 17 and number three in the UK. can aim to finish one place higher. Scottish Athletics National senior men’s Langholm” awards said: “Congratulations This result was even more impressive The past year has been difficult for the club but in the 200m sprint final in Grangemouth in 22.10 to Lewis on his award. We wish him well with it being her first year in her age cate - grand scale of things nothing compares with the hardship seconds. as he looks to return to competition.” gory. and loss suffered by others. He competed for Kingdom Athletics in The awards are funded by the Stevenson Molly hopes to compete in both the under Hopefully, with things starting to return to normal, the the Youth Development League final in Trust, Bowman Little Trust, Auchterlonie 17 and under 20 age groups on return to Manchester, was named most improved Future Champions Awards, Arthur Bell of competition and the trustees wish her the team can welcome supporters back to the Castleholm. athlete for the University of Abertay and Langholm Trust and Stoneypath Trust. very best of luck for the coming year.”

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Everyone is bowled over to bsenieors, R Innbes; junaiors, cR Johknstone; Bowling: Old Town Bowling: New Town Henry Graham, P Warwick & L Reid; KEVIN Irving, president, opened the LANGHOLM New Town bowling club pairs, L Tolson & D Reid; Mary green at the Old Town bowling club club has opened its green for the McKone Cup: I Scott & A Christie. E&L under strict COVID-19 guidelines. 2021 season. It is 25 years since Kevin rolled the Paul Mitchell, president, thanked SPORT opening bowl at the club. all members for their hard work and 7 In his opening remarks he welcomed welcomed 12 new members who 1 members current and new, members who, were keen to participate and were like him, were looking forward to getting made very welcome. back to bowls. The clubhouse is now open for 0

Special mention was given to all the vol - members to use and they are encour - 4 7 unteers who worked hard to get to this aged to enter club competitions by 8 3 point and the sponsors for their huge gen - Monday, May 10. 9 erosity. The club asks members to use the The area remains in Level 3 and Kevin sign-in book each time they play and stressed the importance of continuing to wear a face-covering when moving 2 7

follow the guidelines’ updates to keep about in the clubhouse. 4 1 everyone safe. The presentation of prizes were 7 He wished everyone a very enjoyable made to last year’s prizewinners. 7 season. Club champion, P Warwick; Douglas Kevin Irving opens the season in 1996 Paul Warwick, Club Champion

cup, I Scott; President prize, I Scott; 9

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