Latest news with #Dumfriesshire
BBC News
11-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
How scarves could help to save a rare Scots sheep breed
Rebecca McLellan is trying to safeguard the future of a rare breed of sheep one scarf at a fell in love with the Castlemilk Moorit and now has her own flock of 18 on the farm where she and her husband live in Rockcliffe on the Solway was keen to look at ways to help ensure the long-term survival of the sheep, which are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) "at risk" was when she hit on the idea of learning to weave to try to encourage other potential breeders to follow her lead. She was born in Kenya and worked in London before moving to Scotland to a house which had been in her husband's family for about a century."With that came the responsibility and the stewardship for that land," she said."The reality was it had always been grazed by sheep, so we took a look at it and thought, well, there we go, that's the answer - we've got to get some sheep."After that they had to narrow it down to what type."Some native breeds in Scotland are becoming ever rarer, and I'm mad about my conservation," she said."We started to look for rare breed of sheep that were native specifically to this corner of Scotland and settled on the Castlemilk Moorit." The brown-coated, curly-horned sheep were originally bred in the 1920s by Sir John Buchanan-Jardine for his Castlemilk estate in are on the "at risk" list, with an estimated breeding population of between 900 and 1, said they were originally bred as a "park sheep"."They are an elegant-looking breed of sheep," she explained."They've got sweeping back horns, they've got neat legs and a sort of gazelle or deer-like head."So they grace the field - but they also have this practical side with the fleece."It is a soft fleece - I blend it to make it go further - but it's a soft mocha colour, it is cream at the tip down to chocolate at the base."She describes the sheep as "quite flighty" but also "quite curious"."If you do anything in the field or anywhere near them within a blink of an eye, they're all standing around in a circle, watching," she said. Rebecca turns their fleeces into tapestries, knitwear and upholstery and hopes her work can help save the breed by showing the value they can offer."We've got breeds that have developed and evolved in Scotland particularly - but across the UK - which suit the geographical nature of our landscape," she said."So you're not trying to raise a breed of sheep that isn't suited to where you are from."There's a reality that these are breeds that need to be helped to survive and not sort of forgotten in the rush to have ever more economical sheep which are good for raising just for meat." Rebecca is throwing open the doors to her workshop as part of the Spring Fling open studios event across Dumfries and Galloway between 24 and 26 will get a chance to see what she produces, how she does it and meet the rare breed the process, she hopes it might convince a few more people that the Castlemilk Moorit deserves to flourish in the years to come.
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Dumfriesshire puppy conquers fear of water to complete unique charity frisbee challenge
Dumfriesshire puppy conquers fear of water to complete unique charity frisbee challenge Black labrador Arthur ran back and forth into the Solway Firth at Powfoot to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland. Black labrador pup Arthur took on a frisbee challenge for Alzheimer Scotland A Dumfriesshire puppy conquered his fear of the water to complete a unique frisbee challenge for charity. Black labrador Arthur ran back and forth into the Solway Firth at Powfoot Beach 62 times – raising £360 for Alzheimer Scotland in the process. The number of times represents the 62 per cent of people living with dementia who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. One-year-old pup Arthur showed no fear as he completed his challenge – under the watchful eye of owner Lynn Janssen from Brydekirk – wearing a mini life jacket. And his feat was even more impressive as it came just weeks after he almost drowned in Loch Lomond. Organisers of major Scottish cycling event announce cancellation of 2025 race READ MORE: Strike action involving Scottish Water staff in Dumfries and Galloway called off READ MORE: Lynn, who is also Alzheimer Scotland's day services manager for Dumfries and Galloway, said: 'Arthur did so well, we're so proud of him, especially after the close call in Loch Lomond. Article continues below 'We just assumed he would naturally know how to swim, but the loch is deceptively deep and as he went further out he suddenly got into trouble. We could see him dropping down into the water and his paws were waving in the air. Arthur with owner Lynn Janssen 'Thankfully my husband Stephan was able to reach him from the pier and pull him to safety.' Following Arthur's scare, Lynn paid for access to a special dog friendly swimming pool in Glasgow to teach Arthur him to swim. The 54-year-old added: 'Once he got the hang of swimming, I wanted to do something more to build his confidence. I try to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland at least once a year, so I thought the frisbee challenge would be a great way to help improve Arthur's swimming while also raising money for a great cause. 'On the day of the frisbee challenge we put a life jacket on him for extra safety, as well as his Alzheimer Scotland bandana, and he absolutely loved every minute.' Lynn manages Alzheimer Scotland's day centre and community groups across Dumfries and Galloway, from her base at the charity's dementia resource centre in Gordon Street, Dumfries. Arthur proudly wearing his Alzheimer Scotland bandana The money raised will help support vital dementia care, research and improvements in brain health. Lynn said: 'My gran had dementia so I've experienced first-hand how this illness can impact those living with a diagnosis, as well as family members and friends. 'Alzheimer Scotland runs a centre in Dumfries as well as a number of community groups right across Dumfries and Galloway and we're opening new groups all the time. 'We recently launched Brydekirk Buddies, a dementia-friendly group that meets every Wednesday in the village hall where people can take part in different activities or just come along for a chat. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. 'These services are provided free of charge and I can see the huge benefit they have to the people we support. Article continues below 'No one should face dementia alone and I wanted to do my bit to raise some funds to help keep these vital services going so that we can help even more people, both in Dumfries and Galloway and across Scotland.' To support Lynn's fundraiser, click here. More information is available about Alzhimer Scotland's work in Dumfries and Galloway by calling 01387 261303.
Daily Record
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
South of Scotland Golfers' Association players compete for the Drennan Salver
Eight man teams from Wigtownshire, Kirkcudbrightshire and Dumfriesshire competed for the SSGA Drennan Salver at Colvend Golf Club recently. The course was in excellent condition and the good weather set it up for an excellent days golf. After the morning foursomes Kirkcudbrightshire and Dumfriesshire had three wins each, with Wigtownshire unable to get any points. Some very good singles matches were played in the afternoon and Kirkcudbrightshire were able to claim five of their eight singles which allowed them to edge past holders Dumfriesshire who had four wins. Wigtownshire had a better afternoon and won three matches. The final totals were: Kirkcudbrightshire 8, Dumfriesshire 7, Wigtownshire 3. Full results – Kirkcudbrightshire (K), Dumfriesshire (D), Wigtownshire (W). Foursomes: A Kerr/I Rae (K) beat K McClung/K Johnstone (W) 2up; M Grunwell/M Whatley (K) beat M Cowie/R McHarrie (W) 2/1; C Heuchan/G Finlay (K) beat S Hislop/Harkness (D) 1up; L Carruthers/B Irving (D) beat W Squires/C Riddick (K) 4/3; D McConnachie/A Birdsall (D) beat C Hamilton/F Greenhorn (W) 3/2; F Copeland/C Corbett (D) bt S Whannel/C Milby (W) 5/4. Kirkcudbrightshire 3, Dumfriesshire 3, Wigtownshire 0. Singles: K McClung (W) beat S Hislop (D) 1up; C Harkness (D) beat K Johnstone (W) 3/2; M Cowie (W) beat L Carruthers (D) 1up; B Irving (D) beat R McHarrie (W) 5/4; D McConnachie (D) beat A Kerr (K) 1up; I Rae (K) beat A Birdsall (D) 4/2; M Grunwell (K) beat F Copeland (D) 2/1; C Corbett (D) beat M Whatley (K) 2up; C Heuchan (K) beat C Hamilton (W) 7/6; G Finlay (K) beat F Greenhorn (W) 4/3; W Squires (K) beat S Whannel (W) 7/5; C Milby (W) beat C Riddick (K) 1up. Kirkcudbrightshire 5, Dumfriesshire 4, Wigtownshire 3. Final totals: Kirkcudbrightshire 8, Dumfriesshire 7, Wigtownshire 3.
