Guestbook

I would like to wish all Douglasians a very happy and healthy New Year.Especially
Russell,Hair,Goldie,Geronimo,
Sludden,Clarkson and Gunner.

From

George (BUSTER) Stratford

I had a pleasant walk round Douglas, the castle grounds and was very pleased to see the Polish soldiers' monument. I'm more of a hillwalker, but was interested to note that fishing is free on Stable lake. What type of fish are there, and what type of baits/tackle are permitted? I'm something of a beginner and whilst not registered disabled, I do have a disability classed as minor, as I posess all my limbs and faculties. So any information would be most welcome, and you're not that far away that I could not drive down from Glasgow.

I recently watched a programme on the Histoty Channel on Fox T.V. in Australia, about the Douglas Family. The programme was about the the power and the esteem in which the Douglas family was held in the 13th. to 15th centuries.
During the course of the programme the narrator described the prominence of the Good Sir James, The Douglas Larder, the story of the Heart, Castle Dangerous, Old St. Brides and much more. The programme also included film of Castle Dangerous, Old St.Brides, the Clock and the cemetry, Earl of Angus statue, "The Grounds", the Strip and many other places I walked as a boy, growing up in Douglas.
Watching this programme filled me with pride and reminded me of the no small part Douglas played in Scotland's history.
I again visited the village in July of this year whilst on holiday. Sad to say I felt quite depressed to see the state of the village and had similar sentiments as those of Barry Muldoon [ letter of 24/10/11]
Several years ago a Historical Society was set up in the village by a group interested in portraying the village for what it was and is. I am not aware if this still exists, but I believe my late uncle Andy Taylor was a founding member. I am sure Jimmy Clarkson, a schoolboy pal of mine would know.
Although I have lived all my adult life away from the village I am still proudly Douglasian and still call Douglas home.
I earnestly hope that the village can rise and present itself and the position it held as a tourist "must see"

John Hastings,
Australia.

Does anyone have the contact details for the chap who was selling areal pictures of properties in the village. I understand they were taken in August and very good, we missed him and would like to get in touch. Many thanks Graham

On a recent visit to Douglas I had to drive on the wrong side of the road, up near where the chapel was, to avoid an elderly lady forced to walk on the road owing to overgrown trees/bushes covering the path.
I also noted that the gutters and drains by the side of the road were clogged up with grass and weeds growing.
It reminded me of the West before it was all demolished.
Surely the Council can address this matter as down the Village was pristine or is there plans to remove the scheme to make way for an open cast mine or perhaps some more wind turbines that we don't know about yet?