Explore the South of Scotland - Issue 17

South of Scotland EXPLORE

COASTAL ESCAP

START HERE

The South of Scotland has a story to tell! Embark on a adventure exploring rugged coastlines, secluded cove rich wildlife and a wealth of family-friendly activities. S planning your summer break in the South of Scotland

EXPLORE the South of Scotland Magazine

Explore the South of Scotland Magazine is produced bi-monthly with the twin objectives of promoting the tourism offer in the South of Scotland region - and the all important task of helping you plan ahead for your visit.

Your team

Editor David Pike

Editorial

Meriem Yahiaoui

Chris Pike

James MacDonald

Photography

Steven Somerville

Ian Bell

Dennis Laing

Get in touch

Explore the South of Scotland Magazine is free of charge and e-mailed to desktops everywhere. Make sure of a regular copy by getting in touch at the editor’s e-mail below.

And if you have a story you would like to share or an event coming up we would love to hear from you.

m 07970 811 831

e davidpike55@googlemail.com

c Copyright All rights reserved. Vertu Corporate Communications.

Welcome to the South of Scotland

The South of Scotland region is kicking off the new year in style with a lively programme of entertainments and events.

We are pleased to flag up some of the highlights in this issue as we look forward to Spring and prepare for another busy tourist season.

And we are delighted to report on advance news that the region will be at the heart of the first stage of the Tour de France cycle race in 2027 and the centre of attention for a global audience.

As we step into Spring visitors can rely on a warm welcome waiting in the South of Scotland - a region that has something for everyone.

Happy reading.

Editor

EXPLORE the South of Scotland Magazine

Events

10 - 11 Reivers

20 - 21 Picture perfect

Here to help you plan ahead

Playing a trump card for tourism in the South of Scotland

Whether its a day trip, a weekend break or an extended stay, the South of Scotland offers something for everyone. And it’s essential to plan ahead.

Explore the South of Scotland Magazine, in association with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, is your perfect companion introducing you to places of interest, activity breaks and a look at what’s coming up for the two months ahead.

Our magazine is produced by experienced journalists, writers and photographers to help you make the most of your stay in a truly remarkable part of the world.

February and March are often overlooked months for travel – yet in the South of Scotland, they reveal something quietly special.

Across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, late winter brings a sense of space, clarity and connection that rewards those who choose to explore at this time of year. Our landscapes feel bigger in these months. Crisp mornings lift over the Solway Coast, the forests of Galloway glow with early hints of spring, and the Borders hills offer miles of walking, cycling and quiet reflection without the crowds.

From star-filled dark skies and wildlife encounters to coastal strolls and warming café stops, this is a season that invites you to slow down and savour the moment.

Culture and stories are never far away.

Historic towns, abbeys and museums are open and welcoming, while galleries, theatres and local events continue to showcase the creativity that defines the South. Food and drink take centre stage too – hearty menus, local produce and a warm welcome that feels all the more genuine when there’s time to chat.

For visitors planning a trip, inspiration and practical ideas can be found on the Scotland Starts Here website (www. scotlandstartshere.com) and app – your

Late Winter, Lasting Impressions

Why the South of Scotland Shines in February and March

gateway to experiences, itineraries and businesses across the region.

This season is also about building momentum for our visitor economy. As part of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) seasonality campaign, we are inspiring more people to visit at this traditionally quieter time of the year and supporting the businesses that make these experiences possible.

If you’re a tourism or hospitality business, now is the time to get involved. Joining the SSDA connects you to a powerful network, shared marketing, advocacy and insight – all designed to help your business thrive year-round.

And there’s no better place to feel that collective energy than at our Annual Conference on 11th March in Dumfries (www.ssdalliance.com/conf26). It’s the key moment of the year for our sector to come together, share ideas, hear from inspiring speakers and shape the future of tourism in the South of Scotland. Speakers include: the Outlander global superstar Sam Heughan; Vicki Miller, CEO VisitScotland; Colin McKinlay, CEO Center Parcs UK; Tourism Minister Richard Lochhead MSP, and many, many more.

Late winter doesn’t mean waiting for better days. February and March are a crucial time, with brilliant opportunities, for visitors and businesses alike.

We invite all tourism businesses in the South of Scotland to get involved by, if they haven’t already, joining the SSDA (www. ssdalliance.com/join/membership).

David Hope-Jones OBE, CEO, South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) Scotland Starts Here!

An invitation to step out at Jedburgh

The ever popular Scottish Borders Walking Festival is to be hosted by Jedburgh later this year.

It will take place from September 4-12 and preparations are now underway to organise a programme of guided walks backed up by complimentary community events.

The festival, launched over 30 years ago, showcases the exceptional countryside appeal of the Scottish Borders and has become a draw for walkers everywhere.

Key project team organsiers are Georgiana Craster, Mary Wyse and Alison Monteith. "The chance to host the walking festival is a golden opportunity to promote our wonderful town and the surrounding countryside.

"To ensure it is a big success we are inviting the community at large to get involved and bring collective energy, expertise and ideas to the table," she said.

Festival organisers want to hear from:-

• Volunteers: Individuals to lead or back-stop walks and welcome and guide walkers

• Caterers and food businesses: Partners to provide catering for walkers.

• Accommodation providers: Festival organisers will be working closely with those in the accommodation sector to list availability for visiting walkers.

• Traders: Local businesses are being contacted for their ideas on how they can get involved with the festival.

The Walking Festival was last hosted by Jedburgh and Denholm in 2014 (plans for the event in 2020 had to be dropped because of COVID).

"The formal handing over of the festival walking stick from Galashiels will take place on the evening of September 4 at a ceilidh. The next morning will be marked with a short ceremony at Jedburgh Abbey, just before people embark on their first walks," said Georgiana.

The walking programme, already taking shape, will offer at least three walks a day based on easy, moderate and difficult categories. “We are looking at a strong social calendar as well, covering art, music, a quiz, a cinema night and a night walk. The committee is keen to work closely with the community so please get in touch with any ideas,” she added.

For updates on preparations for the Walking Festival and how to get involved your key contacts are:

georgiana.craster@btinternet.com marywyse@hotmail.co.uk alison@wyness.myzen.co.uk

Reviving a proud tradition at Langholm

In its heyday Langholm, nestled in the valley of the River Esk, once hummed and thrummed to the rythm of up to 17 textile mills; industrial activity that employed thousands and earned it the title of the Muckle toon - literally big town.

A tradition that started way back in 1789 and earned the town an international reputation for excellence sadly went into decline in the mid-20th century.

When the railway line to Langholm closed in early 1960s textile making, with a few small exceptions, had been consigned to the history books.

Now, an ambitious community driven initiative has designs on revitalising the town's links to textiles.

Under the banner of the Creation Mill, established as a Community Interest Company in 2021, the aim is to promote all things textile, from fibre creation to recycling textiles and textile workshops.

The initial inspiration for Creation Mill came from Emma Duncan who brought a lifetime's interest in textiles to Langholm when she moved there and is now Creation Mill's Creative Director.

"I came from Lancashire where there's also a big tradition textiles and grew up wanting to be fashion designer.

"It seemed such a shame to see how the textiles industry had diminished and we wanted to do something about it.

"Creation Mill acts as a textile scrap store, a workshops and training hub and a heritage centre.

"By engaging with local people, including schools, the profile has improved significantly. We are contributing environmentally and providing work

experience," said Emma.

Creation Mill has also forged links with local farms, incuding the Hebbs Alpaca experience, which provide wool and fibres, and in the future will welcome tours organised through the mill.

Weaving success: Creation Mills Board of Directors –left to right; Al Green, Judith Johnson, Emma Duncan, Leanne Duncan, Gillian Stephenson and Steph MacKenzie.

Start stitching

Monday - Tots Textiles - 10-12pm & Mending Monday - 1-3pm

Tuesday - Langholm Evening In Stitches - 6-8pm & Canonbie In Stitches 2-4pm (fortnightly on alternating weeks) & After School Club 4-5:30pm (term time only)

Wednesday - Welcome Wednesday 10-3pm & Kirkpatrick Fleming In Stitches 10-12pm (fortnightly)

The Scrap Store is open Monday Friday 10-3pm More information at: https://www.creationmill.org

Festival time

Hawick Reivers Festivalbringing history back to life

You can't go far in the Scottish borderlands before crossing paths with the legacy of the Border Reivers - a violent brand of lawlessness that held sway for almost 300 years.

These were the men who bequeathed bereavement and blackmail to the English language, whose power was built around family allegiances and whose brand of doing business asked for no quarter – and rarely received it.

Famous Scottish reiver family names include Maxwell, Johnstone, Scott, Kerr, Hume, Pringle, Douglas, Armstrong, Turnbull and Elliot…and on the English side Musgrave, Charlton and Dodd.

After uniting the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603, James VI vowed the break the power of the reivers and stamp his authority on the region.

What he failed to do was eradicate the tales that became folklore and gave the Border Reivers legendary status that survives to this day.

And Hawick, at the heart of Reiver culture and a stronghold for several powerful families, celebrates that heritage with a superb annual festival where there's a warm welcome for everyone to take part and enjoy.

Now in its 23rd year, this year's three-day festival takes place from March 27 to 29.

Visitors to the festival can experience a weekend of activities that include historical talks, guided walks, plays, traditional music concerts, ceilidhs, historical re-enactments, a 16th-century market, children's games, and the highlight - a memorable torchlight procession and fireworks display along the River Teviot.

Much more information is available at the official Hawick Reivers Festival website. Check it out at ...

https://www.hawickreivers.com

A fresh take on tradition

by Jane Rae

The Borders region is rich with textile traditions and with this heritage firmly in mind, the Borders Modern Quilt Guild (BMQG) is holding its 10th anniversary exhibition – Quilts 2026 - on 24 & 25 April at The Haining in Selkirk.

The Haining, a beautifully restored 18th-century manor house, gifted to the people of Selkirk is a much-loved community landmark.

For two days, its elegant interiors will be transformed by the colour and visual excitement of modern quilting, with more than 100 quilts and quilted objects displayed throughout the house.

Modern quilting blossomed in the early 2000s and has since grown into a global movement.

The Modern Quilt Guild, founded in the USA, now supports more than 200 groups, with close to 18,000 members worldwide.

Established in 2016, BMQG brings together passionate makers from across the Borders, keen to try something new while drawing inspiration from traditional quilting techniques.

Visitors to the exhibition will discover what defines a modern quilt: clean lines, bold use of colour, generous negative space and improvisational piecing, alongside inventive reworkings of traditional quilt patterns.

Beyond the exhibition, the event offers plenty to enjoy. There will be opportunities to purchase handmade items created by group members, an on-site café for refreshments, and inspiring woodland walks through the surrounding estate.

The Haining has been at the heart of Selkirk life for over 500 years and remains rich in both history and natural beauty. Its grounds are alive with wildlife and dotted with intriguing features, from the Old Ginger bronze statue celebrating the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, to the Walking Tree, the Clootie Tree and Selkirk Castle at Peel Hill, a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance.

A wonderful celebration of creativity and heritage, this anniversary exhibition is a standout event in the Borders’ calendar.

Event Details

Dates: Friday 24 & Saturday 25 April 2026

Venue: The Haining, Selkirk, TD7 5LR

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Entry: £3.00 (children under 12 free)

Parking: Ample parking and disabled parking

in the South of Scotland

Shaping the region's future for tourism

The south of Scotland's headline event for the tourism sector is set to take place in Dumfries in March.

South of Scotland Destination Alliance's annual conference, the region's largest and most significant tourism, is expected to attract up to 300 delegates.

It is to be held at Dumfries Baptist Church in Gillbrae Road and will offer an exciting programme of presentations, interactive workshops and networking opportunites.

Guest speakers will include Outlander's star actor Sam Heughan, Visit Scotland CEO Vicki Miller, the CEO of Center Parcs, Colin McKinlay and CEO for Invisible Cities Zakia Moulaoui.

A free bus is available for those coming from the Scottish Borders and there is an optional networking dinner on the evening of the conference.

That wll take place at the Cairndale Hotel, both of which can be added when booking your tickets.

Booking is available via the SSDA website at https://www. ssdalliance.com/conf26/

Registration starts at 9am for a 10am start when SSDA CEO, David Hope-Jones OBE will welcome delgates.

The conference is scheduled to finish at 5pm.

Tales from the Tower

As we step into 2026, Gilnockie Tower is proud to present a full season of heritage events celebrating the turbulent, fascinating, and resilient era of the Border Reivers.

From food and fashion to weapons and ghostly tales, this year brings new experiences, new voices, and our biggest gathering yet.

Coming Up

March 14 – Mostly Ghostly

April 18 – Food of a Border Reiver

May 16 – Reiver Equipment Displays

Gilnockie Tower remains deeply committed to building a shared future for Borders tourism. We continue to prioritise preserving the rich history of the Border Reivers, supporting local producers and makers, fostering meaningful community connections.

More at www.gilnockietower.co.uk

Casting off on the Tweed

Sarah-Jane Laing, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, will formally open the River Tweed salmon season on February 2.

Raised in the Scottish Borders town of Kelso, Sarah-Jane Laing brings both a deep personal connection and a strong professional understanding of the region.

“The Tweed salmon season is a powerful reminder of what good stewardship can achieve. Careful river management and conservation not only protect this iconic river, but also support tourism, local jobs and the wider Borders economy. The Tweed’s international reputation has been earned through generations of responsible land and river management, and that balance between nature and rural livelihoods remains as important as ever." she said.

Coldstream, where love crosses borders

by Fiona Blair Senior Registrar Marriages & Civil Partnerships

As Valentine’s Day approaches, hearts turn to romance, tradition, and tales of enduring love.

And where better to celebrate the season of affection than in the Scottish Borders – a land of poetry, passion, and poignant stories of lovers defying the odds?

Nestled gently on the northern bank of the River Tweed, Coldstream is more than just a picturesque town with rolling views and ancient bridges – it's a place where history and beauty intertwine like lovers’ hands. Known as “The Gateway to Scotland,” Coldstream has long been a magnet for sweethearts seeking to formalise their love, especially in times when English laws made it more difficult than crossing a national line.

Forget Paris – in the 18th and 19th centuries, Coldstream was the real City of Love, at least for eloping couples desperate to escape the strict marriage laws of England. Long before registry offices and wedding planners, young lovers fled across the border to Scotland, where the only requirement was mutual consent. No priests. No parental approval. Just love.

At the heart of this romantic rebellion stood Coldstream’s Old Marriage House, a now-private residence perched proudly at the Scottish end of Coldstream Bridge. Here, for a fee, couples could be wed on the spot by so-called “priests”, often local tradesmen rather than clergy, who offered vows, witnesses, and a quick ceremony to start a lifetime together.

gestures, it’s about quiet moments: a handheld across a bridge steeped in history, a whispered “I love you” where thousands once said, “I do.”

One of the most famous among them, William Dickson, is said to have married over 1,400 couples in just 13 years. Imagine that: a town shoemaker with a side hustle as Cupid's right-hand man.

Today, Coldstream still holds onto that romantic legacy, with sweeping river views, cosy B&Bs, and walks that stir the soul. A Valentine’s weekend here isn’t about grand

And if you’re thinking about popping the question, what could be more symbolic than doing it where so many began their love stories; standing on Coldstream Bridge, where England meets Scotland, and past meets present?

Coldstream is more than a town – it’s a testament. A living, breathing reminder that love doesn’t always follow the rules,

that the heart wants what it wants, and that sometimes, the most romantic journey is simply crossing a bridge.

So, this Valentine’s Day, skip the clichés. forget the overbooked restaurants and supermarket roses.

Instead, follow the footsteps of history’s most daring lovers, and let Coldstream remind you that real romance is timeless and borderless.

For more information: RegistrationService@ scotborders.gov.uk

Curtains upDunsPlayFest is on its way!

The “Best Wee Fest” just got bigger and better ...

The well-established community festival of new dramatic writing and so much more, promises to deliver delight, wonder, challenge and enlightenment to the people of the Borders and beyond.

Duns will be the centre of attention for the performing arts world from May 1-9.

Established in 2019, DunsPlayFest concentrates on new works presented as script in hand, rehearsed readings to full scale productions, but also features poetry, storytelling, workshops, children's events, film and lots of music.

Based in the Volunteer Hall, Duns, fabulously transformed by local artists for the occasion, the festival now takes in neighbouring venues around the town and has become THE place for theatre-lovers.

Featuring up to 100 events, DunsPlayFest this year will welcome back such luminaries of the Borders theatre world as Firebrand, John Nichol and Tideline Runners.

Shark Bait and SlashHouse will be coming back from Edinburgh and two brand-new works - Derby Day and Perfect Dead Girls - will to command considerable attention and give rise to the concerted discussion - one of the hallmarks of the festival.

As is community involvement which this year will be thrillingly demonstrated by the Peebles-based project, Rope & Flame, about the shocking persecution of Borders "witches" in the 17th century.

Festival Director John McEwen said: “DunsPlayFest is known for both historical drama and up-to-theminute issue-based plays and both aspects will be well represented as usual in 2026.

“With two stages and a packed schedule, the Volunteer Hall will feel like the centre of the theatrical world at the beginning of May.

“This is the Best Wee Fest, DunsPlayFest, where you can attend a workshop, listen to poetry, hear excellent music, watch three plays, eat an excellent dinner and drink a glass or two of wine, all in one evening, and all without moving out of a single building.

"It is like the Edinburgh Fringe but - with high standards guaranteed, a carefully devised schedule and no rushing from venue to venue - even better,” he said. For more information about DunsPlayFest go to Facebook and Instagram

Get in touch at info@dunsplayfest.org.uk or with Producer Sara Best, at sara@dunsplayfest.org.uk

Time travellers adding to region's tourism appeal

The south of Scotland's rich history is has always played a key part in developing a vibrant tourism sector.

Castles, battles and iconic chracters such as Robert the Bruce, William Wallace and Rabbie Burns have all played their part.

Travelling back in time has become an increasingly popular option for visitors to the region - whether as family tree detectives using extensive heritage hot-spots (see Issue 10) or those heading in increasing numbers to dedicated archaelological sites.

Digging into the region's past is especially popular with students who travel from as far away as North America and throughout the UK to take part in official digs.

The Edinburgh based Heritage and Archaeological Research Practice (HARP), that has a strong presence in the Borders, is one of their first stops.

HARP director and principal Field Archaeologist Ian Hill said: "We run training fields for students from all over the world and the desire to take part in historic digs has become very popular.

"My current area of research is concentrated on post-medieval Scotland and we are well served with that period in the Borders."

HARP, in association with the Ancrum and District Heritage Society, has been involved in an extensive investigation into Ancrum Mantle Walls, a former palace of the Bishops of Glasgow that lies buried just outside the village.

Substantial built remains have been identified during recent digs and ploughing in the field regularly turns up pieces of pottery and fragements from the architecture of the building.

"It is an unfolding story, and the dig was an overall success with 20 volunteers from ADHS taking part and 17 students from around the world gaining valuable experience for their studies," added Ian.

World’s biggest bike race heads to South of Scotland

The Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway is gearing up to play a major part in hosting the Tour de France 2027.

The region will host the majority of Stage 1 which will start in Edinburgh and finish in Carlisle.

Stage 1 route: After departing Edinburgh the race will head south to Innerleithen, then onto Galashiels and Melrose.

The route will then take riders to the edge of Selkirk and onto Hawick and Newcastleton before travelling through Canonbie in Dumfries & Galloway towards the stage finish in Carlisle.

The Tour de France will bring hugely significant opportunities with the event broadcast to over 190 countries with an estimated global TV audience of almost 4bn people across the three-week race.

At least 12million people watch the Tour de France each year at the roadside.

SOSE Chair Russel Griggs said: “This is fantastic news for the South of Scotland, giving us another opportunity to highlight what our region – which is the global Home of the Bike – has to offer.

“Through the South of Scotland Cycling Partnership, our region now has a track record of delivering successful, worldleading cycling events.

“This includes the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, which provided a direct economic impact worth £8million to Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders.

“However, these figures will be surpassed by the Tour de France, which is estimated to have a global TV audience in the

billions.

“We want cycling to become the most popular choice for shorter, everyday journeys by 2032 in the South, and hosting the Tour de France will provide a transformative step towards achieving this goal,” he said.

David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said: “The South of Scotland is a fitting host for the world’s most prestigious road cycling race, with its stunning scenery, welcoming culture and strong cycling history.

“The first pedal-powered bicycle was invented by Kirkpatrick Macmillan in Dumfriesshire, and cycling remains a vital part of our visitor economy, with the 250-mile Kirkpatrick Coast 2 Coast cycling route drawing flocks of cyclists from across the UK and beyond since its launch in 2024.

“Hosting the Tour de France is an incredible opportunity to showcase everything the South of Scotland has to offer when it comes to cycling - while the whole world is watching!

“Cycle tourism has huge economic benefits, and we look forward to welcoming fans to the region as they pedal in the tracks of the Tour de France greats.”

Borders Art Fair

Art fair set to be one of the best ever

Fun, friendly and packed with fabulous contemporary visual art – Borders Art Fair returns in March with 80 artists, makers and galleries, making it one of the biggest ever.

While many of the exhibitors are from the Borders, others come from all over Scotland and the rest of the UK, from Wick in the north to London in the south.

Often called “Scotland’s friendliest arts fair” many participants return year after year because it’s such a great weekend – while there will be others who are brand new to the annual event.

The 2026 McInroy & Wood Borders Art Fair (BAF) takes place in Kelso, from 13-15 March.

The work includes landscape, wildlife and figurative painting through to sculptures, ceramics, digital art and printmaking.

BAF is familyfriendly and features workshops and demonstrations.

Familiar faces will include Wendy Helliwell with her colourful fashion and pop art inspired visual art and printmaker Ingrid Nilsson, both from Edinburgh, Mark Gibbs from Cumbria, East Lothian painter Darren Woodhead and Borders landscape painter Stuart Norman.

welcoming to all. So we hope that people will save the date and head along to Kelso for the 2026 fair.

“And if you are from outwith the region, it’s a great chance to stay a while and look around as there’s so much to do and see on a visit to the Borders.”

BAF takes place at The Borders Event Centre and starts at 10am each day, ending at 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 4pm on Sunday –visitors are asked to pay what they can afford to support next year’s event.

After browsing stalls and chatting to the artists visitors can relax and refuel at the indoor food village, where there will be food vans packed with all sorts of tempting treats.

Just an hour’s drive of Edinburgh and Newcastle, BAF attracts more than 4,000 visitors to meet the multitude of painters, print makers, sculptors, illustrators and others.

Frances Fergusson, Director of the Borders Art Fair, said: “With some 80 exhibitors taking part, the BAF 2026 looks set to be one of the biggest, brightest and best yet.

“We are very proud of the reputation we have for being friendly and

There’s a great selection of restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars, all in walking distance from The Borders Events Centre. Kelso also offers hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and country cottages to rent.

Visitors can enjoy much more than just BAF as the Borders has picturesque beaches, seaside villages and dramatic headlands, stately homes, mountain bike trails and the rolling hills – promising something for everyone.

For details of the exhibitors see www.bordersartfair.com and follow BAF on social media for the latest updates.

Gillian Chestnutt, a painter inspired by the birds and animals of the region, says: “I’ve lived in and around the Borders my whole life and love its beautiful countryside and country life.

Often it’s the little things - a donkey’s expression or the sunlight bouncing off the feathers of a pheasant in golds, blues and purples.

“BAF has quickly become my absolute favourite place to showcase my work.

Not only do I get to display my pictures in the Borders where it originates, but the atmosphere and friendliness of the exhibitors, organisers and visitors makes for a welcoming and fun-filled event.

I feel privileged to be a part of it.”

Events

SOUP Mandy Barker

January 31 – March 7

Presented in association with Solway Firth Partnership, Mandy Barker is an International award-winning photographer creating awareness of marine plastic pollution through her stunning assemblage works.

The exhibition includes the film Gather that celebrates beach cleaners as environmental activists, beach combers, and collectors as well as short animations created by HNC Visual Communication students from Dumfries and Galloway College.

January 31- 2pm to 4pm

Join us on the opening day, for drinks and chat with some of the Project Gather participants, with an introduction from Nic Coombey of Solway Firth Partnership at 2.15pm.

February 28 - 2pm

Gallery talk with artist Mandy Barker. Find out how Mandy creates her work with a guided tour of the works in the show and a Q&A. Free, no need to book.

Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries.

Snowdrop festivals - a welcome sign of springtime

Kailzie Estate nr Peebles

Snowdrop Festival from February 4

Snowdrop Walk - Dryburgh Abbey

Saturday, February 21 from 10-2pm

The estate reopens for the Snowdrop Festival. The woodland will be open for walks and the café will reopen at the same time.

Our opening days and times will be:

Wed to Fri 11am -3pm Weekends 10am – 4pm Closed Monday and Tuesday. Entry £5

Join the Rangers to learn more about the beautiful snowdrops, heritage trees and wildlife of this special site.

Family friendly activities will be delivered throughout the day and there will also be two guided walks exploring this majestic property.

After that date visitors are invited take in the splendour of the Abbey and its grounds.

Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate Dumfries and Galloway

Drumlannrig's much-loved Snowdrop Walk Weekend on February 7 and 8, offering a stunning early glimpse of spring across the estate’s historic gardens and grounds before their official opening on the 28th February 2026.

To celebrate this special moment in the estate calendar, Drumlanrig Castle will be launching a NEW photography competition - the prize an annual pass for the 2026 season. More at https://www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk/ event/snowdrop-walk/

Top spa and hotel hosts Spring jazz festival

Swing into Spring at the Dumfries Jazz Festival at The Cairndale Hotel and Spa from Friday 27-Sunday 29 March.

Winner of the 2025 titles of Scotland’s best independent hotel and spa, it is hosting lunches, afternoon teas and dinners to the accompaniment of music from groups including the Jake Leg Jug Band (right) and Mike Daly’s Dixieland Rhythm Kings. The Cairndale has ample free on-site parking and is a few hundred yards from Dumfries railway station.

To book email hello@cairndalehotel.co.uk, call 01387-254111 or visit www.cairndalehotel. co.uk

Buddy Holly and The Cricketers

Thursday February 19

and The Cricketers – 34 Years of Rock ’n’ Rolling the World! for the ultimate Buddy Holly experience! All the hits, all the performed live by five incredible actor-musicians who bring raw haunting ballads, and laugh-out-loud moments to the stage. Office 01776 703 535. For more information and tickets visit ticketsource.co.uk/ryan-centre

Citizen scientists saving their shorelines

When over 4,000 locals took to the shorelines of the Rhins of Galloway to learn more about marine wildlife on their doorstep they made a shocking discovery.

Taking root along the region’s most beautiful beaches and endangering habitats was an invasive seaweed species native to Asia.

Led by local charity Solway Firth Partnership and supported by ScottishPower funding, Galloway Seaweed Search had set about tackling environmental challenges affecting seaweed and marine life along the shoreline.

Backed by grant funding provided by ScottishPower Renewables’ Kilgallioch Windfarm Community Benefit Fund, the team at Galloway Seaweed Search discovered the invasive seaweed species and took action.

After a year of further monitoring, it has been reported that the threat has gone, and marine life has returned to normal.

Nic Coombey, Project Officer at Solway Firth Partnership (right) said: “Galloway Seaweed Search has been one of our most impactful projects to date. Protecting and celebrating our beautiful beaches is at the heart of what we do, and thanks to ScottishPower’s funding we went even further than we had initially hoped to. This will have a lasting impact on the shoreline for years to come.”

The non-native species found was Wakame, Undaria pinnatifida Thanks to the efforts of the project, there was no evidence of Wakame found in 2025.

Gillian Arnot, Senior Stakeholder and Community Manager at ScottishPower Renewables said: “Supporting local communities is at the heart of everything we do, so playing our part in support community projects is really important to us. That’s why ScottishPower has invested more than £23million in local community initiatives over the last 17 years.

“Galloway Seaweed Search shows how volunteers and experts can work together to tackle the issues facing our region. We’re proud to support their work to understand and improve our shorelines for future generations,” she said.

Recent research run by Censuswide for ScottishPower found that 95%[1] of people surveyed living in the South of Scotland believe that supporting community projects and groups is important as a priority for energy companies. Through its networks and renewables projects, ScottishPower is marking the milestone of £23million of support being invested into the region.

Helping to tackle environmental issues, creating opportunities for young people and improving the energy efficiency of community spaces, the energy firm has supported over 1650 community projects. For information on ScottishPower’s community projects visit scottishpowerrenewables.com/about-us/powering-communities

For the good of the river

The Tweed Foundation is a charitable trust working to protect, improve and enhance the stocks of all native freshwater fish species within the River Tweed system. We are at the forefront in bringing a professional, scientific approach to fisheries management and are engaged in an extensive programme of biological monitoring, habitat enhancement and education.