Kirkcudbright scallop boats are being displaced from traditional summer fishing grounds by wind energy developments, according to a skipper. Steven Girgan estimates up to 15 vessels have abandoned seas off Wick and Montrose for waters elsewhere. Underwater cables, turbine towers and buried rock make trailing dredging gear too dangerous, he claims. Huge areas now off-limits include SSE’s 84-turbine Beatrice windfarm, in the outer Moray Firth, which went fully operational in June. Mr Girgan, pictured left, told the News: “We are usually away for five months “These are traditional and important grounds. But we can’t work them because there’s cables all over the bit. “So we have lost our summertime fishery. We are on the west coast of Islay just now. “Other Kirkcudbright boats are up at Skye and some are in the Channel.” The Susan Bird skipper added: “This fishing has been pretty poor which has added to the problem. “It has had … [Read more...] about Wind energy projects displacing skippers
Local News
Vintage tea raises £600
More than 70 people enjoyed a vintage afternoon tea on Sunday. The committee at Glenlochar Community Centre organised the day to help with the running costs of the hall. A range of delicious treats was offered on cake stands with refreshments offered in lovely china cups. Committee chairperson, Yvonne Grant, said: “It went well. We raised £600 which is fine. “There were a lot of other things on but we had good support.” As well as enjoying afternoon tea, people were able to enter the raffle to win one of two fabulous hampers. … [Read more...] about Vintage tea raises £600
Operation cancelled due to lack of beds
A Castle Douglas woman spent five hours waiting for a hip operation – only for it to be cancelled at the last minute because the hospital had no beds. Staff initially told the 57-year-old that the call-off was due to a previous operation over-running but health bosses later admitted, in a letter, it was a beds issue. The operation has now been re-arranged for later this month at Dumfries Infirmay. The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “That letter confirmed what I thought all along but it wasn’t what I was told. “It was at the back of my mind that the longer I sat, the more chance there was it was going to be cancelled. “At least they have phoned and I can start planning again but it’s another three weeks. I could be on the road to recovery. “I am not blaming the staff. They were doing everything they could. The problem is higher up with their bed management.” The woman reported to the short stay unit at 8am to collect forms to be … [Read more...] about Operation cancelled due to lack of beds
Auchencairn to host climate crisis meeting
Auchencairn is to lead local efforts in highlighting dangers associated with the growing climate crisis. A public meeting on Friday night will sound out opinion on possible ways the community can respond. It is the first to be co-ordinated at grassroots level since the council recently declared a climate emergency. The event in Auchencairn Village Hall will comprise a climate change film show and discussion. Organisers Naomi Wight and Bill Barlow said it was “time to get together to talk as a community”. Ms Wight said: “This is about creating a space for discussions on climate change because there has not been that public space until now. “And it’s about raising awareness, providing information and giving people the opportunity of getting involved. “We would expect themes such as recycling initiatives, transport or food growing as well as other areas that people might be interested in. “We’ll see what comes up and whether people want to … [Read more...] about Auchencairn to host climate crisis meeting
What do Crossmichael folk make of gala return?
Crossmichael Gala makes a welcome return to Kirkcudbrightshire’s summer events calendar on Saturday. It’s been around 15 years since the lower Glenkens community day was staged on the meadows beside the River Dee. Behind the scenes a power of work has gone into rescuing the gala from oblivion. What are the thoughts of some of those involved? Marion Ross, 74, is delighted the gala is returning. She said: “I think it’s a great thing for the children and the community too. I’m hoping there will be a good turn out and we get a good day for it. It will be great for the village.” Marion’s son, Alistair, has been heavily involved in the gala committee which made the event possible. “Preparations have been ongoing for about a year,” said Alistair. “The community council asked the community whether they would like another gala and to make it an annual event. “There was a good response and at the first few meetings we got between … [Read more...] about What do Crossmichael folk make of gala return?