Latest news with #CastleDouglasSoapBoxDerby
Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Donald Trump and Elon Musk reunite to win 2025 Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby
The US president and his former DOGE leader – AKA Davie and Alastair Grant from Kirkcudbright – saw off all-comers to retain their crown. Donald Trump and Elon Musk patched up their differences to take victory in the Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby on Sunday. The US president and his former DOGE leader – AKA Davie and Alastair Grant from Kirkcudbright – saw off all-comers to retain their crown. One of the organisers, Matt Mckerlie, said: 'People will maybe say it was controversial but it was certainly entertaining!' Cyber Trump was one of 13 racers which tackled the King Street course, thousands of people lining the road to enjoy the action – and the glorious weather. Matt added: 'We certainly had a good day and we've a lot to learn from, like we do every year. 'We want more carts and we want more people to get involved and help out and set up. 'A lot of people turn up on the day and help out and off the back of that are joining a team. 'We got the road cleared up on Sunday night and there was no sign that we'd been there. 'The team started at 6am on Sunday morning and were probably out until 11pm. 'People came from all over the UK to watch and we're hoping for 40 teams next year. 'Programmes didn't sell as well as we thought they would, we easily had 500 left. 'I know people are struggling for money but it probably costs about £25,000 to put the event on. 'The programmes are £3, are a showcase for our sponsors and help fund the derby.' An army of volunteers helped put on the event, with fundraising taking place across the year to ensure it goes ahead. Support also came from the National Lottery for the first time, with much of the equipment now belonging to the derby rather than having to be hired. Paterson ATV, CAM Engineering, William Hall Removals and Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities also provided vital support, with Adam Blaikie from Signature Woodwork the master builder. • Feedback can be provided through the Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby page, with a survey available for people to complete.
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Thousands of people set to line King Street for Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby
Homemade racers and their crews will be challenged by the special course, which features plenty of obstacles. Thousands of people are set to line King Street on Sunday for the Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby. Homemade racers and their crews will be challenged by the special course, which features plenty of obstacles – and a few surprises. And a fun-filled day is in store for the whole family One of the organisers, Matt Mckerlie, said: 'We've 15 teams and we'll start building the ramp from Wednesday. 'We've made a few tweaks and different additions to the track. 'The seesaw has been replaced with something – I'm not saying what, but they're big! 'The ramp is a bit longer and we're lining the street with the plastic from Solway Recycling to give it a bit of a smoother run to start with.' This will be the fourth Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby and the third since the coronavirus pandemic. The event is free for spectators, although Matt is encouraging people to show their support by buying one of 1000 programmes that have been printed. He said: 'We're hoping to sell all of them. They showcase the sponsors and there's some cash prizes. 'We want people to think of it like an entry ticket – the programme is £3. Other derbies in England charge £50 for a family of four. We always want to be free but cover the costs in the background.' The action is due to start at 1pm but there will be entertainment at Market Hill from 11am. That includes the Samba Sisters, The Roadrunner, fairground rides dinosaurs and Transformers. There will also be 30 stalls – including soap box derby merchandise – food vendors and a big screen for those who don't want to stand on the street. Colin Wilson from the post office will be doing the commentary, with the awards ceremony around 4.30pm. Support for this year's event has come from the National Lottery, which has helped buy generators and other electrical equipment that can be used by the whole community – such as in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn in January. Volunteers are needed to help set-up for the derby. If you can help, get in touch through the Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby Facebook page.
Daily Record
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby organisers offer teams free entry for 2025 event
Thousands of spectators are set to line King Street in July to see home made racers tackle the course. Teams are being offered the chance to take part in this year's Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby for free. The event will see home made racers whizzing down King Street on Sunday, July 13. And anyone thinking of taking part has an extra incentive – as there will be no entry fee this year. The first Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby took place in 2019 before it went into hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. It returned in 2023 and last year's event saw thousands of spectators turning out to enjoy the fun. The race was won by Dumb and Dumber, who saw off competition from Prison Break to take the title. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Food stalls and crafters did a roaring trade, with local businesses also benefitting from the large crowd. The event is organised entirely by volunteers, who organise various fundraisers throughout the year. Support for this year's event has come from the National Lottery Community Fund and Dumfries and Galloway Council's regional events growth fund.
