A Dumfries Cruise event is expected to take place at the Crichton Campus in Dumfries between 19.00hrs and 21.00hrs on Sunday 20 May. While at this stage it is not confirmed how many will attend the event, it is anticipated that around 250 cars may turn up.

Cruise events such as these are organised by car enthusiasts who want to share their passion for like minded people.

Sergeant Doug Millar from the Roads Policing Unit said: “As a result of the increased numbers attending this event, we would ask local motorists to be aware of possible traffic congestion in and around Dumfries town centre on Sunday evening.  I would also ask anyone planning to attend the event to drive with consideration for all other road users. We will deal with any traffic violations or anti-social behaviour like any other time.”

NHS Dumfries and Galloway say they continue to implement infection control measures in DGRI with regard to the norovirus or “winter vomiting bug” which has affected several patients and a number of wards.

Currently one ward – Ward 18 – at the hospital remains closed to new admissions and patient transfers but it is anticipated this will reopen for normal business by tomorrow morning( Friday).

A number of patients in wards 4, 7, and 12 Midpark Hospital, Darataigh Unit Stranraer, and Annan Hospital have also shown signs of the symptoms and are being closely monitored.

No new patients have been reported as suffering from the bug as at 1000hours this morning. Read the rest of this entry

Dumfries Independent Retailers were encouraged to take part in an innovative ‘Let’s Talk Shop’ programme in March, the first to be held in Scotland. It had been intended that 12 businesses would be given an opportunity to receive an ‘in-store’ surgery to allow them to benefit directly from the Shop Doctor’s specialised advice, but demand was so high that the numbers were immediately doubled. All the one-to-one visits have now taken place and changes are already being seen around the town.

Colin Hetherington was the first to enrol and has embraced the changes recommended by the Shop Doctor, Bill Smith.

“This has been a fantastic opportunity for my business and I welcomed the recommendations made. I received a comprehensive report and adopted most of the recommendations within 48 hours. The grant funding made available to implement the changes has meant that I have been able to install a digital interactive display in the shop and am the first wallpaper shop in Scotland to have this particular technology. It means that it now makes it easier than ever for customers to own the wallpaper of their choice. They can use our state of the art touch screen to browse through thousands of wallpaper choices – easily search by style, colour or pattern and digitally visualise the paper on the wall at the touch of a button.” Read the rest of this entry

Police are growing increasingly concerned for the wellbeing of a man who has been missing since Monday 14 May. The missing man is:

PHILIP MOORHEAD, aged 39 years, from Eskdalemuir.

He was last seen when he was dropped off by a friend in Eskdalemuir at around 12.30hrs on Monday 14 May. He is described as: around five foot ten inches tall, with short dark hair and possibly wearing dark green combats and a navy coloured hooded top.

He may be travelling in his Y-registered white coloured Ford Transit Van.

Anyone who has seen Philip, his van, or know his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 0845 600 5701 or anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Local learner Malcolm Campbell is on his way towards achieving a top national honour. He is in the final for the Scottish ‘Adult Learner of the Year’ award. This prestigious accolade will be decided at the Scottish Adult Learning Partnership Awards Evening to be held at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh on 17th May.

Malcolm, a single father, has brought up each one of his six children on his own for some time in their lives. His achievements within education previously were limited and some time had elapsed since he had taken part in learning. He came to Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Community Learning and Development Service seeking help with basic ICT in early 2011 to enable him to support his children with their future school work. He joined a First Steps into Computer Literacies class at the North West Resource Centre successfully gaining a SQA Level 2 in ICT before progressing to achieve a Level 3 SQA award. He has managed the busy demands of single parenthood and attended classes regularly. Throughout his learning tutors were consistently impressed with his commitment and dedication. In January 2012 an opportunity arose for Malcolm to work towards an ECDL qualification with Dumfries and Galloway College which he has taken up with his customary enthusiasm.

Malcolm has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to learning over the past year, quietly persevering, building on his skills and progressing through appropriate learning opportunities. He has grown in confidence and ability becoming a positive role model to other learners within the centre and of course to his children.

Each year the achievements of outstanding adult learners are celebrated through the Adult Learners’ Week Awards organised by the Scottish Learning Partnership. There are two categories of award – the individual award and the group award.

Police now confirm missing hill climber Paul Henry’s body was recovered from the mountain area of Glen Rosa, Brodick, Arran a short while ago. A formal identification has taken place and family members are aware.  There would appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Police at Lamlash in Arran are appealing for information in an attempt to trace a man believed to be missing from Arran.

Paul Henry (31) from Stranraer was last seen at 1700 hrs on Saturday 5 May 2012 at the Ardrossan Ferry Terminal. He is a keen hill walker and it is thought that he was heading to Arran to hill walk. At around 1245 hrs on Sunday 6 May he contacted a family member and said that he was in the Brodick area of Arran. No-one has heard from him since.

Paul is described as white, 5ft 6 with short brown hair. When last seen he was wearing a black jacket, blue trousers and was carrying a red rucksack.

Police and the members of Paul’s family are becoming increasing concerned for his safety. They urge anyone who has seen Paul since Sunday 6 May or anyone who knows of his present whereabouts to get in touch with police immediately on telephone number 01294 404599.

There are 3 councillors to be elected.

The percentage poll was 46.07%. There were 3310 valid votes and 38 rejected papers.

The first preference votes received by each of the candidates:

Dick, Iain  (Scottish National Party) 450 ELECTED

Dougan, John  (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party) 497

McCutcheon, Marion  (Scottish Labour Party) 306 ELECTED

Scobie, Willie   2057 ELECTED

There are 3 councillors to be elected.

The percentage poll was 43.67%. There were 2949 valid votes and 26 rejected papers.

The first preference votes received by each of the candidates:

Forster, Grahame 1330 ELECTED

McClung, Jim (Scottish National Party) 741 ELECTED

McCutcheon, John (Scottish Labour Party) 403

Tuckfield, Roberta (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) 475 ELECTED

There are 3 councillors to be elected.

The percentage poll was 45.92%. There were 3462 valid votes and 49 rejected papers.

The first preference votes received by each of the candidates:

Geddes, Alistair (Scottish National Party) 1027 ELECTED

McColm, Jim (Independent) 993 ELECTED

Meldrum, Heather (Scottish Labour Party) 471

Nicol, Graham (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) 644 ELECTED

Snell, Doug (Scottish National Party) 227

Stewart, Sheila (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) 100