Police in Dumfries and Galloway report that the icy roads this morning caused traffic disruption on a number of the region’s roads. A number of crashes across the region highlight again the need to take extra care on the roads during winter. The latest met Office forecast indicates that rain, snow and sleet moving across Scotland will clear during this evening, however there is a risk of widespread ice forming shortly afterwards. Again roads will be affected and drivers should again take extra care when driving in these conditions.
Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a 17 year old girl who went missing on Thursday 1 December 2011. Emma McDougall went missing from the Johnstonebridge area where she was staying and the last positive sighting of her in the Dumfries and Galloway area was of her getting a train from Dumfries to Glasgow that evening along with another female. Emma comes from the Glasgow area however has been reported as missing. She is described as being about 5’ tall, thin build with blond hair and a pale complexion. When last seen she was wearing blue jeans, a green jacket and white trainers. Police ask that anyone who may know the whereabouts of Emma gets in touch with police on 0845 600 5701.
Santa again, and I hear it is as cold in Dumfries as it is at the North Pole at the moment.
I hear the North Pole Post Box has arrived at the Loreburne Centre in Dumfries, which means you can post your letters to me! I get a lot of letters so make sure and send your letter soon!!
The Elves have just taken possession of a big delivery of nuts and bolts. Good news! We have a workshop full of dolls that we need to put together. I think there are Action men in their too. “What’s that”? Alfred the Elf just shouted that there are Action Men in their too.
“What’s that Alfred”? Yes you will have to stay up late and finish making the dolls and Action Men, the boys and girls are counting on you. You will need to excuse me, I must go and help him. It sure gets busy at the North Pole!!
Police in Dumfries and Galloway are advising drivers to exercise extra caution on the regions roads over the next 24 hours or so. The region has seen a combination of snowfall and ice on roads since late Sunday evening and as a consequence road conditions have proved to be difficult. A number of minor road crashes have occurred over this period from Stranraer in the west through to Gretna in the east. Many roads have been affected by this weather and the winter weather is expected to continue.
Winter driving is a question of common sense and drivers should ask themselves if they really need to travel when conditions are poor. If you have to travel on the roads then checks should be carried out to ensure that vehicles are adequately prepared for the conditions making sure that you have sufficient fuel supplies. Warm clothing, food and water should be considered in the event you are delayed for several hours. Is your mobile phone fully charged and have you planned your journey. Listen to media broadcasts and check your route with www.travelscotland.org or call them on 0800 028 1414.
The Met Office forecasts that widespread icy stretches will affect untreated roads across the area overnight and well into Tuesday morning especially where wintry showers have fallen. There is also a high risk of freezing rain occurring after midnight tonight and throughout tomorrow morning. This can lead to widespread black ice and effectively reduces the influence of any salt already spread on the road.
The Council will be treating Primary Routes within the Local Road Network in preparation for travel tomorrow morning, however, the public are advised to drive carefully and not to assume that because a road has been treated that it is safe.
More information on the Council’s treatment of the Local Road Network can be found at www.dumgal.gov.uk/winter
There’s one school closed in our region today; Tundergarth Primary, due to the snow. They plan to reopen tomorrow, subject to weather conditions later in the day. For more info contact the Head Teacher, Mrs A Ritchie on toffice961@ea.dumgal.sch.uk or telephone (01576) 710221.
I hope you had a great time at Church yesterday. We had some great old Christmas songs. I love “O Come of Ye Faithful”. The Elves say I cannot sing, but between you and me I love singing!!
The post this morning brought me more letters from Dumfries. Mrs Claus has put them by my comfy armchair so I can read them when I have my mid morning cup of tea.
Donner and Blitzen, who are my number 2 and 3 Reindeer after Rudolph, came to see me. They asked if they could visit Dumfries first and go along Craigs Road. I did not know they were fond of it there. Apparently they like how Georgetown looks at night but have not been along Craigs Road. So I said we will do that. So children, listen out for the bells on the sleigh on Christmas Eve if you live near Craigs Road.
Oh, that’s more wrapping paper arrived. Time I got off this computer and started wrapping.
Police report that many roads across the region are now affected by Ice and Snow motorists are asked to carefully consider whether their journey is really necessary.
Roads around the Stranraer area appear to be particularly bad.
Lighthouse Church is holding their annual fundraiser for Cash for Kids on Wednesday 14th December at 7.30pm at the Convent.
Pastor Sandy Jamieson says, “Come and enjoy a 2 course meal with fantastic entertainment. All profits go to this great charity. The cost is £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for children. To book, please email us at lccdumfries@hotmail.com or Facebook us at Lighthouse Church.
“Our Guest is Tony Vino, he has been touring the comedy scene since early 2005. Tony is best known for the way he seamlessly mixes well thought out observational humour with audience interaction and quick witted responses. His life and interests are wide ranging, and so is his material, all performed in a warm, friendly and non-offensive style”.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) is running a series of 4 Winter Skills courses and 3 Avalanche Awareness courses this winter. These one-day training courses provide a great opportunity to learn new skills, which should enable those new to Scotland’s winter mountains to be more self-reliant and make better judgements when out on the hills.
The courses are organised by the MCofS Mountain Safety Adviser, Heather Morning, who says: “The MCofS winter courses are great value for money and a superb way of equipping yourself with the skills needed in the Scottish mountains in winter. By limiting the course content to the key requirements and one day only we are able to keep costs to a minimum.” Heather went on to say: “The MCofS is working tirelessly to reduce the number of mountaineering incidents in Scotland and we are urging those that are new to winter activity to take up this opportunity of good quality training as part of achieving that aim.”
The Winter Skills courses are for MCofS members only, whereas the Avalanche Awareness courses are open to both members and non-members.
The MCofS courses are as follows: Winter Skills courses at Glenmore Lodge. Tuesday 3rd January, Friday 6th January, Saturday 28th January and Sunday 29th January. Course fee £50.
Avalanche Awareness courses are on the following dates and venues. Sunday 8th January – Nevis Range. Saturday 4th February and Sunday 5th February – Glencoe ski area. Course fee £40 for MCofS members and £50 for non-members.
For further information contact Heather Morning on heather@mcofs.org.uk or 01479 861 241 or go to the MCofS website at: http://www.mcofs.org.uk.
