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News and weather for the Douglas and Glespin area To submit items for the Douglas & Glespin weekly newspaper column click HERE.
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If you wish to comment on any of our news stories or our website please click HERE Access to information - Gazette letter 02 September 2010 Access to information - Gazette letter
Notice given...but community councillors asked for more access information
 Dear Ed, Having given over a major part of the Community Council meeting on August 11 2010 to allow Mr I L Fleming to present, and speak to his correspondence, it was surprising to read a reproduction of his letter in your issue of August 18. It would appear that Mr Fleming has adjudged that the community council members have not been suitably contrite during their response to his complaint. It is difficult to ascertain if the discomfiture felt is brought about by the questions posed or the fact that someone had the audacity to pose them. It may be that such an extreme reaction can be explained by attempting to understand the position of those who exist within the cocoon of an autocratic environment suddenly being confronted by the realisation that we are governed by a democratic process, in which the "power" belongs to the majority. Mr Fleming's complaint seems to centre on Douglas and Angus Estates access policy, which we learned from him, is not in written form. However, our understanding is that the relevant legislation to which reference should be made, in instances such as those in dispute, is the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Having received numerous complaints regarding the removal of access, with which Mr Fleming concurred, the Community Council referred the issue to the appropriate authority. We understand that the Authority has subsequently advised Mr Fleming of the proper procedure to be employed for any such future activities. Ironically the time spent in pursuing this complaint could have been spent advising the public of the timing, location and temporary nature of the planned activities, all of which were omitted from the posted notices.  On a positive note it is encouraging that Douglas and Angus Estates is enthusiastic in welcoming the general public to use and enjoy the traditional walks, since the Core Paths Network will provide an excellent opportunity for the reinstatement and improvement of the numerous existing Right of Ways and footpaths on the estates land.Yours etc, THOMAS CRONIN, Secretary, on behalf of Douglas Community Council. Carluke and Lanark Gazette 2/8/10 For more information about South Lanarkshire Councils 'Core Paths Network' click on link below Signs essential for safety - Gazette letter 01 September 2010 Signs essential for safety - Gazette letter
 Deery deer...estate said signs were posted in the woods to protect the public
Dear Ed,
It is sad to see some members of Douglas Community Council, who are elected to represent the interests of the local community, again resorting to wholly unjustified criticism of Douglas and Angus Estates for carrying out essential forestry management work in a safe and responsible manner. The latest entry on the community council's website can only be described as slanderous mischief making. Douglas and Angus Estates has always actively encouraged the people of Douglas to have access to, and enjoy, the many walks on the Estate around the village with many of the walks being familiar to generations of villagers'. The temporary notices pictured on the community council's website are erected for the safety of the public, whilst the Estate gamekeepers are carrying out deer management in the woodland areas around the village. This is an essential operation to control the numbers of deer in order to prevent damage to young trees. Those people who do walk in the Douglas Woodlands will be aware of the significant areas of new planting that have been carried out this spring, which are particularly at risk from deer damage. During the last 12 months specific areas in the woodlands have been closed for a total of six days in order to allow us to carry out this essential work. It is disingenuous of the community council to make public accusations when there is absolutely no intention to alter the Estate's Policy on access and the public's enjoyment of the walks and woodlands on the estate. To suggest otherwise, without making any attempt to establish the facts, is typical of the community council's approach to anything that happens in the village. I would like to assure people that Douglas and Angus Estates has no agenda to restrict access and will continue to welcome members of the public onto the Estate to enjoy the traditional walks as they have done for generations. Yours etc,
IAN L. FLEMING, Estate Manager. Carluke and Lanark Gazette
19/8/10 This weeks news 27 August 2010 One o’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday August 17 were dominoes – Jean Crawford, challenge dominoes – Jean Crawford, whist – Jimmy Lawrie and bowls – Robert Gardiner and Peggy Brown.
Douglas Valley Church – The minister Rev Robert Cleland led worship on Sunday August 22 and the session clerk Sinclair Scott read the lesson. Intimations for this week’s service sheet should be handed to church secretary, Mrs Irene Smith by lunchtime on Friday. The church office is open on Tuesday between 9am and 12.30pm and on a Friday from 9am until 4pm. Bible study meetings are held on Thursday evenings at 7.15pm at the Manse in Douglas to which all are made welcome. A course of meetings on ‘Christianity Explored’ takes place in Glespin Village Hall beginning on Tuesday August 31 at 7.30pm.
Douglas Flower Show – Entries should be registered in St Brides Community Centre on Tuesday August 31 between 6.30pm-7.30pm. All entries should be brought to Douglas Primary School on September 4 between 8-9am. Any school children and nursery children should bring their "Fill a Tub" entries at above times on Saturday morning. Come along on Saturday September 4 to Douglas Primary from 1pm onwards and view the flowers, vegetables, baking, jams and jellies, handicrafts, floral art and children’s exhibits. The official opening will be at 2pm followed by the presentation of trophies including the winners of the garden and scarecrow competitions. Added attractions include Coalburn Pipe Band and photographs of all the gardens and scarecrows entered. Tea and coffee will also be on offer. To finish off the day the committee are holding a family ceilidh in St. Brides Community Centre at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £7.50 are available from Joan Gold on 01555 851882. Primary school children accompanied by parents will have free admission and secondary children tickets will be £3. A finger buffet will be provided. Prize money for all winners will be paid out on Wednesday September 8 between 6.30 and 7.30pm in St. Brides Community Centre
Cubs and Beavers – Cubs and Beavers will restart on Thursday September 9 in St Brides Community Centre between 6 - 7.30pm. Boys aged 6 - 8yrs can join beavers and boys aged 8 – 10 and a half years can join Cubs. Come along on September 9 and meet the leaders and join in the fun. Douglas guys are good pick - Gazette 26 August 2010 Douglas guys are good pick - Gazette
 Bloomin' well done...Tom and Jim
Green fingered Douglas man Tom Kirkland has picked up a top award at the prestigious Ayr Flower Show at his very first attempt. Tom, from Nursery Avenue, won the Bruno Brontke trophy for best display of geraniums at the flower show having only started gardening this year. He said: "I hadn't done any gardening at all for about 20 years. Then, when I moved into my new house, I decided to get back into it. "It was the first time I had entered the show at Ayr and it was quite a sight to see so many people there and the flowers looked absolutely brilliant. "I was very surprised to win but obviously I was delighted. Hopefully the flowers will be fine for Douglas Flower Show too! "Next year I'm hoping to get a bigger . greenhouse and enter more flowers into the show but I don't think this year was bad for a first attempt!" Tom was joined at the show by good friend Jim Smith who himself was entering Ayr Flower Show for the first time. Jim picked two first places, a second and a third for his begonias and was delighted with the awards. He said: "It was my first time down at Ayr as well so to come away with a couple of firsts was really good. "I've been showing flowers for a long time so I'm surprised i haven't went down to Ayr before. "The funny thing was that I didn't even realise Tom was down there. I didn't even see him down there." Carluke and Lanark Gazette Douglasdale Folk Festival 2010 19 August 2010 Douglasdale Folk Festival 2010
From far flung parts and beyond; including Wanlockhead, an excellent line up of entertainment has now been confirmed for this years exciting weekend of music at the 2nd Douglasdale Folk Festival in Glespin.
This two-day event; 17th and 18th September will include the following...
Friday 17th THE PAUL McKENNA BAND
ELAINE DAVIDSON & DANNY HART SKIRLIE MARK McANAW... and Saturday 18th
GABERLUNZIE
ANNA MacDONALD DAVE GIBB CHEAT the BEGGAR The entertainment will start at 8pm and finish at 11pm approximately for both days of the festival.
Food, camping and hard standing will be available.
For more information about the event including tickets click on the link below
This weeks news 19 August 2010 One o’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday August 10 were dominoes – Madge Heian, challenge dominoes – Cathie Thomson, whist – Jimmy Lawrie and bowls – Margaret Gardiner, Jenny Morris and Tilda Sneddon.
Douglas Valley Church – The minister Rev Robert Cleland led worship on Sunday August 15 and Jeanette Fleming read the lesson. Intimations for this week’s service sheet should be handed to church secretary, Mrs Irene Smith by lunchtime on Friday. The church office is open on Tuesday between 9am and 12.30pm and on a Friday from 9am until 4pm. Bible study meetings are held on Thursday evenings at 7.15pm at the Manse in Douglas to which all are made welcome. Elders are reminded of the conference this Saturday August 21 in St. Brides Centre.
Douglas Senior Citizens – Douglas senior citizens are going to the Scottish Fiddlers Orchestra in Glasgow concert hall on Sat September 11. The bus will leave Douglas Arms Hotel at 6pm.There will be a charge of £10 when you give your names to any committee member. Please do this before Aug 24.If you are missed contact Kathleen on 851484 or Mary Rankin on 851794. They will be holding a prize bingo on Wednesday Sept 15 at 7pm in the bowling club.
Flower Show – Douglas Flower Show will take place on Saturday September 4 in Douglas Primary School from 1-4pm. Official opening and presentation of prizes, all winners from the day as well as garden and scarecrow competition, will take place at 2pm. Entries should be registered in St Brides Community Centre on Tuesday August 31 between 6.30 - 7.30pm. All entries should be brought to Douglas Primary School on September 4 between 8-9am. Any school children and nursery children should bring their "Fill a Tub" entries at above times on Saturday morning.
The scarecrow competition will be judged on Sunday August 29. All scarecrows should be on display by 1pm on that day. The prizewinners will be announced on Saturday September 4 at the Flower Show.
The committee are holding a family ceilidh on Saturday September 4 in St Brides Community Centre between 7.30pm - 11.30pm. Tickets, priced £7.50 are available from Joan Gold on 01555 851882. Primary school children accompanied by parents free, secondary school children £3.00. A finger buffet will be provided. This weeks news 14 August 2010 One o’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday August 3 were dominoes – Jimmy Lawrie, challenge dominoes – Cathie Thomson, whist – Mary Ramage and bowls – Margaret Gardiner, Tilda Sneddon and Peggy Brown.
Douglas Valley Church – As the Minister Rev Robert Cleland was on holiday, Mr Billy Cruickshanks from Caldercruix led worship on Sunday August 8, and Margaret Bannatyne read the lesson. Intimations for this week’s service sheet should be handed to church secretary, Mrs Irene Smith by lunchtime on Friday. The church office is open on Tuesday between 1pm and 4pm and on a Friday from 9am until 4pm. Bible study meetings are held on Thursday evenings at 7.15pm at the Manse to which all are made welcome. Blackwood Court – Friends of Blackwood Court committee would like to thank the residents of Blackwood Court and local people who attended the monthly social evenings, your support is much appreciated and we hope to see you all in the coming months. Thanks again.
Family Ceilidh – A family ceilidh will take place on Saturday September 4 in St. Brides Community Centre from 7.30-11.30pm. Tickets costing £7.50 are available from Joan Gold on 01555 851882. Primary school children accompanied by parents will have free admission and secondary children tickets will be £3. A finger buffet will be provided.
Is the circle around the community closing ? 10 August 2010 Is the circle around the community closing ?
Local residents have expressed their concern to the Douglas Community Council about landowners ‘STRICTLY NO ACCESS’ signs that have appeared at rights of way and woodland entrances around Douglas.
 As the pictures above clearly show, by erecting these signs accompanied by red and white tape, Douglas and Angus Estate intend to prohibit access to countryside woodlands surrounding the village, at various points of entry. (Click on images to enlarge / download)
The only information provided locally on the arbitrary decision to prevent access to all areas, is that contained within the prohibition notices. With the simultaneous closure of all popular local walkways compounded by the existence of operational mineral sites, residents are left with little or no choice for outdoor pursuits; save the stable lake pathway, constructed on Douglas and Angus Estate land at a cost of £30,000, which was provided by a variety of public funding bodies.
In circumstances such as this, it should be of no surprise that residents have expressed the view that their access rights are being unduly curtailed, and that the opportunity to safely enjoy the untouched countryside environs are being diminished year on year for both residents and visitors alike.
The visual impact of unfettered expansion of open cast mining continues to surpass all previous descriptions tendered by those concerned with this industry. The restoration and grandiose after use plans at Dalquhandy unsurprisingly failed to materialise, and the sites of further exploration at Townhead suggests that our once scenic valley environment will be subjected to further desecration; and if allowed, the circle will be complete.
In the recent past if we chose to leave our valley we did so in the knowledge that we would be bound to encounter the HGV traffic associated with the mineral industry. However, despite previously defined routes being subject of agreement, minerals traffic is now a familiar sight, passing through the village en route to Ayrshire, in particular to the school crossing patrol personnel.
We should not be surprised that there is a more pressing need for deer management since the destruction of our woodlands as a result of mineral open cast operations, has resulted in fewer places to provide safe habitat for the deer and other wildlife for that matter, to enjoy a natural existence.
Is this level of degradation sustainable…?
How much more can our valley endure…? How bright is the economic future…? Douglas and Angus Estate can contacted at the following...
Ian Fleming
Estate Manager Douglas & Angus Estates Newmains Douglas Lanark ML11 0RH Tel: 01555 851536 Fax: 01555 851140 Website - http://www.dandaestates.co.uk/ For information about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, click on the link below
Open Cast Community Liaison Meeting 17/8/10 09 August 2010 The next Poniel / Mainshill Wood Open Cast Community Liaison Meeting has been set for Tuesday 17th August at 6pm in the St Brides Centre, Douglas.
For more information, minutes, questions etc contact... Rodger Dick Minerals Monitoring & Enforcement Officer Enterprise Resources Planning & Building Standards South Lanarkshire Council Montrose House, 154 Montrose Crescent
Hamilton, ML3 6LB
Tel:01698 455902 Fax: 01698 455984 E-mail: rodger.dick@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Click HERE for SLC* Minutes of last Poniel Liaison meeting (PDF) Click HERE for SLC* Minutes of last Mainshill Wood Liaison meeting (PDF) *SLC - South Lanarkshire Council Douglas Valley Angling Club Inaugural Meeting 07 August 2010  Douglas Valley Angling Club The Inaugural Meeting will be held in Douglas Community Fire Station at 7:00pm on Thursday 12th August.
New members welcome.
Sword slices a good price - Gazette 05 August 2010 Sword slices a good price - Gazette
 Slice of history...Douglas broadsword
A broadsword linking Robert the Bruce and Sir Alex Douglas Home sold for more than £10,000 this week. The broadsword dates from 1705 but has a much older Scottish blade from the 14th Century.
It was passed down through the Douglas family to Sir Alec Douglas Home MP for Lanark from 1931 until 1945, and then later British Prime Minister. It sold for £10,800 at Bonhams sale of Antique Arms and Armour on Wednesday. The rare English silver-hilted broadsword from the Douglas family bears the maker's mark of Thomas Vicaridge. It carries an Imperial crown and a lion rampant between the inscription Pro Rege Et Regno Anno 1331. Another panel has the devices of the Douglas family, a wild man (wodewose) with a heart on his left breast between the inscription For Strength In Stier This [the heart] I Bier (for strength in battle this heart I bear). The inscriptions and the heart referred to on the sword hark back to a famous journey of Sir James Douglas to the Holy Land with the embalmed heart of his friend King Robert the Bruce. It was the king's dying wish that his heart should be taken to the Holy Land but its journey ended with the death of Douglas fighting the Moors in Spain in 1330 and the heart became a talisman for the Scottish contingent at the Battle of Teba. The date of 1331 on the blade probably commemorates this. Carluke and Lanark Gazette
5/8/10 For more on the above story click on the links below...
Robert the Bruce sword fetches £10,000 - Scotsman
Robert the Bruce memorial sword is sold - Press & Journal Sword recalling the carrying of Robert the Bruce's heart in battle sells for £10,800 - PF Collectables Sword made to commemorate the carrying of Robert the Bruce's heart auctioned for 10,000 pounds - newKerala.com
Secret sword sale
So who do you think sold it, and why did they sell it, and who bought it...? Is this more of our local history being lost or just more wheeling and dealing ? We would love to hear what you think of this secret sale...click HERENext DCC meeting 11/8/10 04 August 2010 Douglas Community Council - The next scheduled meeting of the Douglas Community Council will be held in Glespin Community Hall, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11th August , where all will be made most welcome. Agenda items to be considered should be with the secretary 14 days prior to the meeting. The Community Council can be contacted via this website or at DouglasCCouncil@aol.com
New President for Federation - Gazette 31 July 2010 New president for Federation - Gazette  Tom Galloway, a Partner in the firm of T. & R. Galloway, based in Douglas, is the new President of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation.
He is the eighth President of the Federation to come from Lanarkshire. Tom is married to Rosemary, who is also his business partner and has two sons, Bryan his elder son works within the Construction Industry and is married to Kari, whilst Craig his younger son, is the firm’s Contracts Manager and lives with his partner, Josephine. Tom has two granddaughters, Alix and Ailee and one grandson, Abe. Carluke and Lanark Gazette He was elected at the Annual Conference which was held in the MacDonald Crutherland House Hotel, East Kilbride on Friday, 21st May, 2010 For more SNIPEF information, click on the link below Mary's not guising, folks! - Gazette 29 July 2010  Mary's not guising, folks! - GazetteRetired teacher Mary McCarron describes herself as a housewife who does embroidery.
However, visitors to Stirling Castle's refurbished Renaissance royal palace will soon be dazzled by her work. For Mary (59), who lives in Uddington, near Douglas, is part of a talented Scottish team creating two beautiful cloths of estate embroidered with the heraldry of James V's French queen, Mary of Guise.
The first, which is nearing completion, will be a metre tall and a centrepiece of the sumptuous Queen's Bedchamber...
Mark of respect for Mrs Ramage - Gazette 29 July 2010  Mark of respect for Mrs Ramage - GazetteDougls lady Mary Ramage (nee Napier), who died in Lady Home Hospital on July 12, packed an incredible amount into her 100 years.
Indeed, she spent the final 74 of them in the same home in Kilncroft Terrace!
Born in Thankerton as Mary Napier on June 9, 1910, Mary was only four when her mum died, and she was brought up instead by her grandparents.
After attending the local Covington School until she was 14, Mary started working as a maid on farms.
She soon met and fell in love with pit worker Andrew Ramage, and the couple wed in Thankerton Hall on July 14, 1933.
Mary and Andrew's first marital home was at Braehead, Douglas, before they moved to Kilncroft Terrace in September 1936...
Click headline or link below for online story
By Craig Goldthorp Picture by Lindsay Addison, copyright of the Carluke and Lanark Gazette
29 July 2010
This weeks news 29 July 2010 Flower Show Garden Competition – Judging of the ‘Best Garden’ competition will take place on Saturday July 31 from 10am onwards. The winner will be announced at the official opening of Douglas Flower Show on Saturday September 4. Good luck to all the participants. Next DCC meeting 28 July 2010 Douglas Community Council - The next scheduled meeting of the Douglas Community Council will be held in Glespin Community Hall, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11th August , where all will be made most welcome. Agenda items to be considered should be with the secretary 14 days prior to the meeting. The Community Council can be contacted via this website or at DouglasCCouncil@aol.com
This weeks news 23 July 2010 One O’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday July 13 were dominoes – Jim Taylor, challenge dominoes – Cathie Thomson, bowls – Robert Gardiner and Jenny Morris and whist – Janet B Taylor. This weeks news 17 July 2010 Douglas Valley Church – The Minister Rev Robert Cleland led worship on Sunday July 11 and John Gold read the lesson. Intimations for this week’s service sheet should be handed to church secretary, Mrs Irene Smith by lunchtime on Friday. The church office is open on Tuesday between 9am and 12.30pm and on a Friday from 9am until 4pm. Bible study prayer meetings are held on Thursday evenings at 7.15pm at the Manse to which all are made welcome. Anyone who needs the service of a minister is asked to contact Mr Cleland.
One O’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday July 6 were dominoes – Margaret Scott, challenge dominoes – Madge Heian and whist – Lizzie Sneddon. Action Group Against Dovesdale Incinerator meetings 08 July 2010 Action Group Against Dovesdale Incinerator meetings...
Monday the 12th of July - Cameronian Hall- Larkhall 6 -10pm Tuesday the 13th of July - Kirkmuirhill Church Hall 6 - 9pm
Wednesday the 14th July - St. Ninians Church, Stonehouse 6 - 9pm
Thursday the 15th July - Netherburn Community Hall 6 -10pm
The Action Group that has been formed to oppose the ScotGen incinerator proposal at Dovesdale Farm near Canderside, will be giving short presentations between 6.30 and 8pm on the dates above, with some extra background on the issues, as well as a short Q & A session.
The above meetings are drop in events, so please feel free to drop in anytime between the times mentioned. These events will have information displays and Action Group members on hand to answer any questions you have. Advice on how to write an objection letters will also be provided.
The action group can be contacted by emailing dovesdaleincinerator@gmail.com
or going to their website by clicking HERE For more about the Dovesdale Incinerator proposal click on the link below Mineral application is refused....by South Lanarkshire Council ! 07 July 2010 Mineral application is refused....by South Lanarkshire Council !
 Yesterday, at a planning meeting of South Lanarkshire Council, they actually refused permission for a minerals application.After months of campaigning, the Clyde River Action Group (CRAG) realised the fruits of only a year campigning to stop a possible 15year quarry application by Patersons of Greenoakhill at Overburns Farm, Lamington.
To read the report to the planning committee click HERE
To read the online Carluke and Lanark Gazette article click HERE Douglas delight - Gazette 04 July 2010  Douglas delight - GazetteIt was all smiles at Douglas Gala Day as the 2010 gala queen Caitlin Marshall was crowned.
Crowning Lady Hazel Greig carried out her duty as family and friends looked on at Crabtree Park. Earlier in the day the colourful procession set off from the St Bride's Centre and as always the people of Douglas did not disappoint with some fabulous and comical floats. Douglas Gala chairwoman Hazel Moule was delighted with the day. She said: "It was a great success. I thought Queen Caitlin and her court did remarkably well. Crabtree Park was very busy with the usual stall and sports and the weather was very kind to us. "The procession is always a great success and I don't where some people get their ideas from. "At the end of last year there was a question there might not even be a gala day and for the committee it was our first year of organising the event. "There were a few hiccups along the way and I don't think anyone realsied how much effort goes into organising these type of events but hopefully next year it will be a bit easier." As always there were plenty of laughs as the procession was set to leave from St Bride's Centre on Saturday morning. Several residents went back in time to the Days of Old float, complete with knights and princesses. Organiser Fiona Morrison said: "We always have an entry in the procession every year. This is our fourth year and it's becoming a habit for us. "Thankfully the weather has been good because it was overcast this morning but I'm glad it's cleared up. "The kids decided they wanted to dress up like princesses and knights and then it was up to the rest of us to build the float." Familiar faces from Peckham came up to Douglas as Del Boy, Rodney and Uncle Albert joined the party, complete with their Reliant Robin three wheel van. The Douglas Masons never fail to provide a laugh on gala day and this year was no exception as they became the stars of Little Britain including Lou and Andy and Daffyd 'the only gay in the village' Thomas. Several happy youngsters certainly weren't green with envy as they Hulked up. Team Hulk, which included Nathan and Cara Whitefield and Aaron and Lewis McLeod were led by parent Nicky Whitefield. He said: "It's fair to say the kids didn't need much persuading to dress up as the Hulk." As well as some Spanish senoritas and the Brownhill Mob gangsters Woody, Buzz, Mr Potato Head and the rest of the Toy Story team dropped in. Lianne Murphy organised to the float. She said: "A couple of friends decided to put something together but it was the kids' idea although us big kids don't mind dressing up for the day. "We have been working on the costumes for a while now and I'm delighted with the way they have turned out." Carluke & Lanark Gazette
1/7/10 By Ross Thomson 'Congratulations to all who made the 2010 Gala Day a success'.
Douglas Community Council
2010 GALA DAY COMMITTEE
Chairperson - Hazel Moule, Vice-Chair - Gillian Mitchell, Treasurer - Lindsay-Anne Marshall, Secretary - Jayne Riley Members Donna Lees, Josephine Macmillan, Michelle Mair, Sibyl Kadel, Debbie Halliday, Kelly Nicol, Marion Main, Stephanie Main, Vicky Munro, Charles Mooney Coal mining group set for £250m stock market listing - heraldscotland 03 July 2010  'Open-cast coal miner Scottish Resources Group is to seek a stock market listing that is expected to value the company at up to £250m, hand management a £25m war chest and give its private equity backers a partial exit.''Alex Salmond hails Scottish Resources Group's plans for London listing' - Scotsman WASTE FUMES FEARS - Gazette 02 July 2010 WASTE FUMES FEARS - Gazette
Fears that incinerator could pollute Clydesdale  Campaign begins...at the site of proposed waste incinerator plant
Photo' - Copyright of the Carluke and Lanark Gazette
Dire warnings have been made that our major towns of Lanark and Carluke plus the whole of the Clyde Valley could suffer from the 'fall-out' from a major new waste incinerator being built on the fringes of Clydesdale.
The £50m state of the art waste-to-power recycling plant Scotgen plans to build in the countryside between Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill and Stonehouse is already facing major opposition by local residents, fearful of the effect of fumes escaping the plant on communities within a 14-mile alleged 'fall-out' area.
Scotgen have countered by emphasising the 'green' credentials of the plant plus the fact that it means up to 50 new local jobs and a million pound plus annual boost to the local economy from the wages it will be paying.
A Facebook campaign has been set up to highlight the opposition to Scotgen's plans with its creators, Linsey Powell and Dawn Forrest, trying to get their anti-incinerator message across to the wider community. Said Dawn: "If this goes ahead it will take at least 90 per cent of South Lanarkshire's waste and essentially use this greenbelt land as a dumping ground. "Our campaign is all about informing people that this is happening and letting them make up their own minds. We have been getting support from every nearby community that this will affect. "There will be a series of public meetings in the near future but for the moment we have to distribute leaflets and let people know what impact this company would have." Clydesdale MSP Karen Gillon said: "I have requested an urgent face-to-face meeting with Scotgen representatives on Friday. "I would want more information than what is currently available, including the impact of the number of lorries, which will be coming to and from it. "From a Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill point of view, we have begun a process of diverting a large number of lorries going through the villages onto an alternative route and I don't want to see them replaced with another load." Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill Co-ordination Group member Jim Cook said: "We are 2.8 kilometres away from the proposed site so it will affect us in a big way. But the fumes will travel 360 degrees so it will affect everyone in the surrounding area. "From our point of view the biggest impact will be the increase in lorries coming down the B7078. The biggest problem we have at the moment is the lack of information." Carluke Community Council has already had initial discussions about the plans, and member Billy Clark warned that local people would begin to see the effect on the environment in five to 10 years time. And he added: "Seventy-seven lorries have been going to the site at Dumfries every day. Carlisle Road just wouldn't be able to cope with that amount of heavy vehicles." The Royal Burgh of Lanark Community Council isn't due to discuss the issue until its meeting next Monday night. But the anger the plan has aroused was shown at a public meeting due to be held at Stonehouse Public Institute on Monday evening. The 400-capacity hall wasn't big enough to hold all those who turned up, estimated to be nearly 1000 people, and they had to make their way to a nearby park and hold the meeting outdoors! At that meeting were representatives from Carluke and Lesmahagow Community Councils. Carluke and Lanark Gazette
24/6/10 By Ron Harris and Ross Thomson  Click on image above to enlarge local map showing proposed site boundary in red
For more details about the above proposal click HERE Click HERE for map with arrow showing site of proposed incinerator This weeks news 01 July 2010 Douglas Community Council - The next scheduled meeting of the Douglas Community Council will be held in Community Fire Station, Douglas, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 14th July , where all will be made most welcome. Agenda items to be considered should be with the secretary 14 days prior to the meeting. The Community Council can be contacted via this website or at DouglasCCouncil@aol.com
Douglas Valley Church – Mr Billy Cruickshanks, from Caldercruix, led worship on Sunday June 27, and Margaret Bannatyne read the lesson. Intimations for this week’s service sheet should be handed to church secretary, Mrs Irene Smith by lunchtime on Friday. The church office is open on Tuesday between 9am and 12.30pm and on a Friday from 9am until 4pm. Kirk session is asked to meet tonight (Wednesday) at Rigside Manse at 7pm.
Join the Party – The Latin Inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie burning, feel-it-to-the-core, fitness party, “Zumba Fitness” starts in the St Brides Centre, on Friday July 9 from 7-8pm. So go on get a group of friends together or just come on your own and join the party!
A ‘scheme’ in Douglas is to receive grant of over £130,000 21 June 2010  A ‘scheme’ in Douglas is to receive a Scottish Government grant of over £130,000 towards environmental heating to ‘reduce emissions and cut costs’.It is understood that eleven tenants at Newmains Home Farm properties were recently told by their landlords Douglas and Angus Estate that they were to be part of a centralised heating system. It appears that this new ‘Biomass Heat Scheme’ is part of Scottish Government funding, and Douglas and Angus Estate stand to benefit along with fifteen other projects around Scotland.
Scottish Government Energy Minister Jim Mather said:
"A viable renewable heat sector is vital to become a truly low carbon economy. We have the forestry resource and the skills in Scotland and there are many opportunities for businesses to use more biomass heating, especially in areas off the gas grid.
"These Biomass Heat Scheme grants will help a range of different businesses reduce emissions and cut costs, while securing green jobs. The use of more woodfuel will build sustainability into our economy. "We are working with Forestry Commission Scotland to look at all aspects of supply to maximise the available resource and meet the rising demand for woodfuel. We announced earlier this year that 100 million trees would be planted in Scotland by 2015, providing more sustainable materials for biomass heating." The tenants of Newmains Home Farm are a stones throw from Scottish Coals controversial Mainshill Open Cast Coal Site. This coal production on Lord Homes’ Douglas and Angus Estate land is likely to create many hundred thousand pounds of profit.
The Mainshill open cast is one of several active Scottish Coal mineral excavations surrounding the Douglas Valley villages of Douglas and Glespin in what South Lanarkshire Council had designated as an ‘Area of Great Landscape Value’.
The Government grant awarded to Douglas and Angus Estates ‘Newmains District Heating Scheme’ was £134,405.
For more information on the above click on the link below
This weeks news 17 June 2010 One O’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday June 8 were, dominoes – Robert Gardiner, challenge dominoes – Margaret Muir, bowls – Margaret Gardiner and Jenny Morris and whist – Campbell Sloan.
Douglas Valley Church – The minister Rev Robert Cleland led worship on Sunday June 13 and John Gold read the lesson. Intimations for this week’s service sheet should be handed to church secretary, Mrs Irene Smith by lunchtime on Friday. The church office is open on Tuesday between 9am and 12.30pm and on a Friday from 9am until 4pm. Bible study meetings are held on Thursdays at 7.15pm at the Manse to which all are welcome. As the minister reads from the New International Version of the Bible, anyone wishing to follow these by purchasing a copy of the NIV from the minister can do so at a reduced rate of £9.
Football Match – The annual married men v single men football match will take place on Friday June 18 in Crabtree Park with the kick off at 7pm. NB some rules may change on the night! Post match refreshments can be obtained at the Country Club. Douglas Mother and Toddlers – The above group would like to thank everyone who sponsored the toddlers on their recent ‘Toddle Doddle’ round the first pond where, they also enjoyed a picnic. A big thank you goes to the workers at Scottish Coal for their donations. All had a great day and the grand sum of £900 was raised, thanks again to everyone This weeks news 02 June 2010 St Brides Centre - The Communities in Resistance event was a great success. People from CAAOC (Communities Against Airfield Opencast Coal), CONCH (Communities Opposed to New Coal at Hunterston), and people still fighting new coal in the Douglas Valley all gathered together to share skills and information and strengthen links. It was a pretty full on day, starting at 10.30am and finishing at 6.30 in the evening but there was lots of useful discussion throughout, with a talk from environmental Lawyer Frances McCartney and a workshop by CONCH on different tactics for campaigning against new coal. We also had an amazing lunch complete with lovely home-made scones [thanks Talamh!]
We’re hoping to have another one in the future, maybe hosted by CONCH this time.
One O’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday May 25 were, dominoes – Margaret Muir, challenge dominoes – Margaret Muir, bowls – Margaret Gardiner and Jenny Morris and whist – Jim Taylor.
Douglas Valley Church – The Minister, Rev Robert Cleland led the worship on Sunday May 30 and Jim Fleming read the lesson. Intimations for this week’s service sheet should be handed to church secretary, Mrs Irene Smith by lunchtime on Friday. The church office is open on Tuesday between 9am and 12.30pm and on a Friday from 9am until 4pm. The Sacrament of Holy Communion takes place this Sunday June 6 at the usual time to which all are invited to attend. Christian Aid – Many thanks go to everyone who contributed in any way to Christian Aid. The sum of £658 has been raised for this worthwhile cause, which helps underdeveloped countries. Upperward Ladies Curling Club – Upperward Ladies Curling Club held a very successful quiz night on Friday May 21 in St. Brides Community Centre. This was to raise funds for their 40th birthday celebrations. Many thanks to everyone who supported the club in any way.This weeks news 28 May 2010 One O’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday May 18 were, dominoes – Robert Gardiner, challenge dominoes – Margaret Muir, bowls – Margaret Gardiner and Peggy Brown and whist – Mary Paterson.
Douglas Valley Church – Mr Ross Blackman led the worship on Sunday May 23 and John Jackson read the lesson. Intimations for this week’s service sheet should be handed to church secretary, Mrs Irene Smith by lunchtime on Friday. The church office is open on Tuesday between 9am and 12.30pm and on a Friday from 9am until 4pm.Bible study meetings are held on Thursdays at the Manse to which all are welcome. Church newsletters are available in the library for distributing with Communion invitations. Douglas Senior Citizens - Will senior citizens please note that the outing to Dumfries and Castle Douglas will be on Saturday June 5 and the bus will leave Addison Drive at 10am. If anyone who is 60+ and may have been overlooked by the committee and would like to go, please contact Mary Rankin on 851794 or Kathleen Greig on 851484 before May 26. Douglas Victoria Bowling Club – Winners of games played in Wednesday's promiscuous were - Margaret Sked and Margaret Tweedie. Margaret Bain and Janie Bell donated prizes for the winners. Poniel / Happendon Mixed Use Development application from SRG 26 May 2010 Poniel / Happendon Mixed Use Development application from SRG
  South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) have received an application CL/10/0180 from SRG (Scottish Resources Group) for "Mixed use development comprising industrial and storage and distribution warehousing (Classes 5 & 6), business units/office accommodation (Class 4), hotel with conference and commercial leisure facilities (Class 7), retail/restaurant floorspace (Classes 1 & 3), landscaping, open space and associated infrastructure (planning permission in principle)".
Click HERE to read the available information on the SLC planning and building standards department website. Contact planning officer Gail Rae at SLC for more information on 01555 673205 Click HERE for the Non Technical Summary Click HERE for a plan of the site The core activity of SRG is surface mining - Scottish Coal
 Timescale for a Decision - South Lanarkshire Council has until 16 August 2010 to determine the application.
Images - the top photograph shows the Dewars site, Scottish Coals Poniel Open Cast Coal Site (OCCS) and Mainshill OCCS; top left, and the Douglas Valley leading to Douglas village; top right.
The middle diagram shows the redline boundary of the proposed development - click on it to open PDF enlargement.
The bottom photograph shows the Poniel OCCS, M74 /Cairn Lodge Services; centre, above that is Happendon Wood and to the top of the picture is the A70 and the Douglas Water river. |
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