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Protesters bail to Birkhill - Gazette
07 February 2010
Protesters bail to Birkhill - Gazette
As the evictions continued at Mainshill in Douglas, where protesters against an opencast coal site have been camping in the wood for seven months, business was brisk at Lanark Sheriff Court, with over 40 brought there from custody.
On Tuesday the court sat until 6.45pm to hear the initial cases involving 19 protesters taken into custody on Monday, the first day of the evictions.
All pled not guilty to various charges, generally involving aggravated trespass, and all were released on bail conditions, most of them giving a bail address at Birkhill House, Coalburn. Bail conditions included an agreement that they would not return to Mainshill.
A further six protesters were brought to court from custody on Wednesday, along with one woman who appeared on an undertaking, relating to charges arising from Tuesday's evictions.
All seven were released on bail after agreeing that they would not return to Mainshill, and the six who appeared from custody were all granted bail to the Birkhill House address. All seven denied the charges facing them.
Oliver Munnion (24) and Michael Starkey (21) were charged with trespassing on land on which people were engaged in lawful activity, the execution of an eviction order, and of tying themselves together in a treehouse intending to disrupt or obstruct the eviction.
Esther Tew (24) and Rosie Barker (22) faced a similar charge of intending to obstruct the eviction by sheriff officers by locking on to each other while suspended 30 feet in the air from a treehouse.
Danya Ellis (21) was also charged with intending to obstruct the eviction, and that alleged that she had locked herself to a metal entrance to a tunnel.
The charge facing Sophie Bastable (22) alleged that she had refused to descend from a treehouse and climbed further up the tree, to obstruct the eviction.
Rosalind Bullen (30), the only one not to appear from custody, faced a charge of breach of the peace, alleging that she disrupted staff working on the site, placed her arms round the boom of a JCB and attempted to lock herself to a JCB.
In her case the fiscal opposed bail, but Sheriff Valerie Johnston allowed it, after confirming that she too would not return to Mainshill. Trial dates in May were set for all of them.
Appearing from custody on Thursday were eight protesters arrested the previous day, seven from Mainshill and one from Ravenstruther Coal Transfer Station.
Court No2 was set aside for the appearances with Sheriff Derek Livingston there to hear the cases.
All those arrested at Mainshill faced trespass charges alleging that they obstructed a legal eviction being carried ourt by Sheriff Officers, with an alternative of breach of the peace. All those arrested at Mainshill pleaded not guilty and trial dates were set for them.
All were bailed with special conditions that they not only desist from re-entering Mainshill Wood but also the other opencast industry sites in Clydesdale which have been the target for environmental protests — namely the Ravenstruther Transfer Station and mines at Poneil, Broken Cross and Glentaggart.
First in the dock was Mary Hunter (24), care of Birkhill House, Coalburn; she was accused of obstructing the Sheriff Officers by refusing to come out of a runnel.
After her solictor entered a not guilty plea and a request for bail, depute fiscal Gary Dow said that he would not be opposing bail but wanted the special conditions on the opencast sites imposed.
The solictor, who acted for all those appearing, argued against the condition covering the sites other than Mainshill itself, stating that the standard condition not to offend while on bail would be adequate to prevent further incidents.
However, Sheriff Livingston ruled that the special conditions were not unreasonable and Hunter and the subsequent Mainshill protesters accepted this ruling.
The others arrested at Mainshill to appear were Daniel Milnes (22), Heta Heta Haavisto (26), Nathan Samari (23), Angus Chalmers (17), David Shand (24) and Jake Butcher (24). All gave the Birkhill House address, with the exception of Haavisto who gave his as the Faslane Peace Camp.
Trial dates in May and June were set.
The only person to appear not arrested at Mainshill was Rory Walker (23), of 8 Blades Street, Lancaster, apprehended on Wednesday conducting a one-man protest at Ravenstruther Transfer Station.
He pleaded guilty to causing a breach of the peace by climbing onto the roof of a coal transport lorry and refusing to come down; work at the transfer station was held up for some hours as special equipment was brought in to allow police to bring him safely to the ground.
Sheriff Livingston noted that Walker had no previous convictions and had carried out his action "for the best of motives but you crossed an acceptable line."
He deferred sentence on Walker for three months, ordering him to be of good behaviour; the sheriff said that, should Walker not re-offend in the interim, he would recommend the sheriff finally sentencing him should admonish him.
Friday saw a further nine protesters, all arrested at Mainshill the previous day, appear in custody, charged with obstructing the eviction action with the alternative of causing a breach of the peace; all pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.
Again, the fiscal asked that all the open cast sites plus the rail station be ruled exclusion zones for the protesters but Sheriff Nikola Stewart, presiding on Friday, said that the condition should apply only to Mainshill.
She commented: "I'm not going to start banning people from going to other parts of Scotland unless I have evidence in front of me that there is real cause to suppose they will commit an offence there. In the absence of that, I will limit the condition to Mainshill."
Friday's accused all gave Birkhill House as an address and were given various trial dates in May and June.
They were: Natalia De Santos (21), Samuel Jones (24), Eleanor Julings (23), William Roper (22), Behia Evans (21), Sophie Preston (24), Lorna Marcham (24), Elizabeth Whelan (24) and Richard Shore (25).
Police sources indicated on Friday that these were the last arrests expected at Mainshill and that the site was now clear of protesters.
But protesters were non-committal when asked by the Gazette if this was their understanding of the situation.
The protesters have had months to dig underground hides in the woods.
It is understood that, as a result, an almost inch-by-inch search of areas of woodland is being carried out before bulldozers are then sent in to clear the area of vegetation and protest camp debris.
Despite all the controversy over the past year regarding mining in the Douglas Valley no-one could argue that the area has a rich mining heritage.
For more than 100 years, deep mining was a part of the community giving the area job security and economic prosperity.
Thanks to a changing economy and lack of investment deep mining was consigned to history in the late 1960s.
To view pictures and read the online Carluke and Lanark Gazette article by Ross Thomson click on the link below
4/2/10
One O’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday January 26 were dominoes – Mary Paterson, challenge dominoes – Jenny Hastie, bowls – Peggy Brown & Jenny Morris & whist – Jenny McAdam.
WRI – On Thursday January 28 the member’s night was held in St Brides Centre. The committee prepared a buffet meal and South Lanarkshire’s Christmas Meal Grant funded this. Members from Coalburn and Carnwath joined us for the evening and Ultimate Karaoke provided entertainment. The committee are pleased to announce that we have received funding of £6041.00 from ‘Awards For All Scotland’ to hold various events in this the 90th anniversary of Douglas WRI. The first event is an anniversary dinner in The Cornhill House Hotel on Thursday 25th February.
Douglas Senior Citizens – The February social evening will be held in St. Brides Centre on Wednesday February 10 at 6.30pm and transport will be the usual arrangement. Bobby & Nancy will supply the entertainment for the evening. Will members who are going to Cornhill House Hotel on Thursday February 4, please remember the bus will leave from the Douglas Arms Hotel at 5.30pm sharp.
St. Brides Guild – It was appropriate that the guest speaker for the Guild on January 25 was Dr Sandy Addison, as his subject was the life and times of Robert Burns. He gave an informative insight into the lifestyle of Scotland during Burns’ lifetime. The hostesses on the afternoon were Margaret Bannatyne and Susan Wilkinson.
Douglas Valley Church – The minister Robert Cleland led worship on Sunday January 31 and Mrs Jeanette Fleming read the lesson. If you know of anyone who would appreciate flowers from the church, please speak to Mrs Shona Nimmo, flower convenor. Mrs Irene Smith, church secretary should have any notices for inclusion in next week’s service sheet by Friday at the latest.
As the eviction of the Mainshill Solidarity Camp enters its fifth day, the
number of arrests has now reached 43, with more expected over the weekend. This
eviction is the largest of its kind in the last eleven years, since protesters
were removed from the site of Manchester Airport's second runway in 1999.
Supporters of the camp have maintained a 24-hour vigil outside the camp since
Monday, and continue to do so now.
The eviction is the climax of a seven-month occupation of the proposed new
open-cast coal site at Mainshill Wood, near Douglas, South Lanarkshire. During
this time, occupants constructed defences such as tunnels, treehouses, and
bunkers, in preparation for the onslaught of bailiffs, police, and machinery.
Over 28 acts of direct action in opposition to coal mining in the area have
taken place at Mainshill and in neighbouring open-cast mines and other coal
infrastructure.
The actual cost of the eviction has not been disclosed, but will be revealed in
subsequent court cases. Based on previous site evictions, costs are estimated
to be in the millions of pounds (1). Scottish Coal, incidentally, is footing
the bill.
The Mainshill Solidarity Camp has vowed that the fight to stop the fifth
open-cast coal mine in the Douglas Valley is not yet over. Fiona, an occupier
of the camp, said: "We may have been arrested and bailed away from the site of
Mainshill Wood, but our solidarity with the local communities in the Douglas
Valley is enduring. The campaign will be taken to new levels as the struggle
against Scottish Coal and corrupt politicians intensifies."
While the eviction ended the seven-month occupation of Mainshill Wood, many are
seeing this as the beginning of a concerted community-based direct action
campaign against the expansion of the coal industry in the central belt of
Scotland and beyond.
As part of this expansion, some 18 new open-cast sites have either been proposed
or approved in Scotland (2), raising massive concerns over impacts on
communities (3) and the climate. A protester from Mainshill calling himself
Magpie said: "As Climate Chaos grows exponentially worse, it is becoming more
and more important to resist and obstruct the ever enlarging fossil fuel
industry. We will do everything in our power to make the extraction, transport,
and burning of coal as financially unviable as possible by continuing to fight
against it at every step of the way, from the mines to the power stations."
Support from locals has been invaluable to the occupiers of Mainshill during the
last seven months, and many community members came to join the 24-hour vigil as
the occupiers were taken from the camp. Lindsay Addison, chairperson of Douglas
and Glespin Community Council (4) said, "We are sad to see this part of our
community so forcefully taken from us by the same people destroying our health
and our countryside. Why is it not a crime to dig up and burn coal when we know
that the planet and people are suffering because of it? Why would you arrest and
criminalise the people trying to protect the planet? The real criminals are
those making this mine happen against the wishes of the community."
Media contact: 07500163480
http://mainshill.noflag.org.uk
Notes:
(1) A protest camp at Dalkeith in 2006 cost £1.9 million and took 11 days to
evict.
(2) Coal Action Scotland Targets Brochure _http://coalactionscotland.noflag.org.uk/?page_id=10_
(3) Information on the health impacts of open cast mines can be found in the
Douglasdale Edition of the Coal Health Study online:
_http://coalhealthstudy.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/douglasdale_v42.pdf_
(4) The Douglas Community Council has been staunchly against the open cast and
has supported the Mainshill Solidarity Camp since the start,
_http://www.douglascommunitycouncil.info
Mainshill protesters moved on - Gazette
28 January 2010
Mainshill protesters moved on
The eviction of a hardy band of environmental protesters at Mainshill Wood has finally started although those demonstrating maintained they would not leave quietly.
At 8.30am on Monday the National Eviction Team and Strathclyde Police began the long process of removing protesters from the wood, with 19 arrests reported.
However, with tunnels, treehouses and enough food to feed a small country, it seems the protest, which began seven months ago, is far from over.
Protester Ross Jones spoke to the Gazette from his treehouse....
Douglas Valley Church – On Sunday January 4, the minister Rev Robert Cleland led worship and Mrs Margaret Bannatyne read the lesson. If you know of anyone who would appreciate flowers from the church, please speak to Mrs Shona Nimmo, flower convenor or leave a note in the box at the south door. Church secretary Mrs Irene Smith should have any notices for inclusion in next week’s service sheet by Friday at the latest. ‘Life and Work’ magazines are available from Elizabeth Savala or from the church office.
One O’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday January 19 were, dominoes – Margaret Laidlaw, challenge dominoes – Jean Crawford & whist – Mary Ramage.
Prize Bingo – Douglas Flower Show committee is holding a prize bingo in the Bowling Green on Wednesday March 3 at 7pm. Tea tickets costing £1 are available at the door on the night. Any donations can be handed into 9 Addison Drive. Your continued support is very much appreciated.
Forced eviction of Mainshill Solidarity Camp under way - Indymedia Scotland
This morning at 08:30am around 25 private bailiffs, supported by 10 police, began their dawn assault to evict the Mainshill Solidarity Camp in South Lanarkshire. The bailiffs are acting on behalf of landowner Lord Home (1) who is set to profit from allowing Scottish Coal to extract 1.7 million tonnes of coal from Mainshill Wood near the village of Douglas. Despite the formidable police and bailiff operation, camp members are staying put down their tunnels and behind their barricades, fortified towers and tree houses. Numbers at the camp have swelled over the weekend with people arriving from across the country. The eviction could take weeks and cost the land owner millions (2) and it is hoped that the delay to the mine and the price of eviction will deter those who want to develop new coal projects in the UK.
The camp was occupied 7 months ago in solidarity with communities in the Douglas Valley who have been fighting the plans for ten years. As such it was well received with many supplies donated by the camp’s neighbours including a full Christmas dinner. The setting up of the camp has heralded a campaign of direct action against the mining of Mainshill, a necessary step after the 650 letters of objection to the mine were disregarded when South Lanarkshire Council which granted permission to the application.
By Mainshill Solidarity Camp, submitted by Jon B
25/01/2010
For full story and more click on external link below
Eco-warriors face Scottish Coals eviction squads with tree-houses, barricades and arm-locks
The tree-houses have been built, the tunnels dug, the barricades erected and the arm-locks secured to branches. Mainshill Wood, in the Lanarkshire countryside, is expected to become Scotland's new environmental battleground this week when an army of bailiffs moves in to evict protesters against a huge opencast mine.
Scottish Coal was last year given permission to extract 1.7 million tonnes of coal from the site located on Lord Home's Douglas estate. If it goes ahead, South Lanarkshire will become one of the most intensively mined areas in Europe.
But first the company will have to remove around 50 protesters....
Douglas Valley Church – On Sunday January 17 Mr Ross Blackman, a lay reader, led worship and the lesson was read by John Gold. As the minister Rev Robert Cleland is on holiday, anyone who needs the services of a minister is asked to contact Rev Ian Watson on 01555 892409. If you know of anyone who would appreciate flowers from the church, please speak to Mrs Shona Nimmo, flower convenor. Church secretary Mrs Irene Smith should have any notices for inclusion in next weeks service sheet by Friday at the latest.
Guild – The Guild met on Monday, January 11 at 2.30pm, when the guest speaker was Mrs Edith Easton. She told of her many harrowing and also pleasant experiences on a visit to India with her husband. The hostesses for the meeting were Ann Leitch and Jeanette Fleming. There will be a bake less sale at the next meeting on January 25.
Austaralia sends thanks for community Mainshill support
18 January 2010
"Thanks so much for looking ofter them. We are in Australia and our daughter is on site so we really appreciate that the community values them so much and is caring for them, especially in the weather that you are having. Happy New Year and good luck with the whole campaign. We are with you in spirit!"
Douglas Curling Club members were in outdoor action in an idyllic setting at First Pond on Saturday, with the frost still on the adjacent trees and the sun shining.
Six sheets of ice were laid out, resplendent in traditional coloured rink markings of red and blue, in a three and a half hour contest to find the winners of the Carmacoup Quaich.
After a few words from President Rob Gentle, Willie Mitchell Snr fired the gun which signalled the start of the proceedings.
Forty-eight curlers including rinks from Bellshill, Lesmahagow and participants from the Upperward Ladies, and at least as many spectators, then proceeded to enjoy an afternoon of sport and hospitality, in an exhilarating atmosphere of shared friendship.
President Gentle said: "It was an absolutely great day which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
"We heard the day before that Tuesday's Grand Match on the Lake of Menteith had been cancelled, so it was an even bigger bonus to get out on our own ice.
"We usually curl indoors at Hamilton Ice Rink, and this was our first outdoor game since 2004. Back then, we wondered if an outdoor match would ever happen again due to the effects of global warming.
"The turnout was incredible. Apart from teams from Bellshill and Lesmahagow bringing their own curling stones, between 70 and 80 stones were brought by Douglas villagers which was amazing."
Each team played 13 ends with liberal 'comfort' breaks before the gunshot announced close of play. At the end of it all, in a close finish, the rink comprising Jim Smith, Stephen Smith, Kevin Chapman, and Davy Clarkson were pronounced winners. Andrew Morrow then presented the victors with the quaich, before Willie Mitchell Jr led players and spectators alike in a rousing rendition of the Curlers Song.
A truly remarkable and extremely enjoyable day could not have been possible without all of the hard preparatory work.
In that respect special mention must be made of Robert and Sandra Anderson, Peter Gemmell, Kenny and Dominic Sludden, Archie and Eric Gilbert, lan Fleming and Jim Smith, together with a number of other willing helpers.
The social nature, and the visual and audible attraction of the 'roaring game' in its natural environment, was never better epitomised in a day that few of those in attendance will ever forget.
Although Bob's rink finished well down the field, he relished the rare outdoor experience and revealed that the day was rounded off in fine style in the Cross Keys Inn.
Lady Home Hospital – The Christmas held at Lady Home raised £202.70, thank you to all who donated prizes. We would also like to say a big thank you to Jim and Tom Gold who entertained patients and staff on Wednesday December 30, well done it was much appreciated.
Douglas Valley Church – On Sunday January 10, the minister Rev Robert Cleland led worship and Ian Fleming read the lesson. The new church secretary is Mrs Irene Smith who can be contacted at the church office. ‘Life and Work’ co-ordinator is Miss Elizabeth Savala; subscriptions to ‘Life and Work’ may be paid at the office. This Sunday brings Ross Jackman from Carluke to the pulpit as Mr Cleland enjoys a welcome break. Anyone who needs the services of a minister is asked to contact Rev Ian Watson of Lesmahagow.
Still in love... 70 years on - Gazette
09 January 2010
Still in love... 70 years on
Douglas couple Alex and Betty Wilson remain together an incredible 76 years after first meeting at Alex's old house in the now defunct Douglas West. To mark the couple's Platinum Wedding Anniversary on December 30 commemorating 70 years of marriage around 50 family and friends packed into Biggar's Cornhill House Hotel to enjoy a four-course meal and celebratory drinks. "It was a great occasion," said Alex (93), who has lived with Betty in Hill Street for the past 50 years.
"I just sat back and took in everything that was happening. We got some magnificent cards and enjoyed food and drink which included a large cake iced by Douglas woman Anne Smith. "I must thank Cornhill very much." Alex, who moved to Douglas West from Tarbrax at the age of 10, met his future wife for the first time in 1934. "Betty and I met at my mother's house," Alex said. "She was a friend of my sister Annie and came to the house quite a lot. "I liked her and we have been together since I was 17 and she was 14." After getting engaged two years after first meeting, Alex and Betty got married in Douglas West Welfare Hall in 1939. For over 40 years, Alex worked in the Douglas doctors surgery of George MacFeat and Olive Somerville, doing several jobs including driving, joinery and decorating work. "I really enjoyed working there for all those years," he said. "My wife also helped Dr Somerville for 30 years and nursed her in her latter years until Dr Somerville died." Alex and Betty have three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, the youngest of whom is two-week-old Luca.
Sport has also played a big part in the couple's lives, both winning curling trophies at Hamilton Ice Rink and Alex having been a member at Leadhills Golf Club before finally hanging up his clubs at the age of 88. Betty was also a member at Douglas Victoria Bowling Club. Alex and Betty were thrilled to receive letters congratulating them on their Platinum anniversary from the Queen, and South Lanarkshire Council.
Guild – The Guild will resume its meetings on Monday January 11, 2010, when the guest speaker will be Mrs. Easton. Will members please note meetings during January and February will start in the afternoons at 2pm. Transport will start to pick up at 1.15pm.
Douglas Senior Citizens – Will the members who are going to the pantomime on Saturday January 9, 2010, please note the bus will be at the Douglas Arms Hotel at 12 noon.
Spirit of Christmas - Gazette
07 January 2010
Spirit of Christmas
Mainshill Woodprotesters received a welcome visit from Santa, who dropped off some much-needed supplies, as the big freeze continued to bite.
Santa gave the protesters, who continue to demonstrate at Douglas and Angus Estates against a new opencast mine, a three-course Christmas dinner and other supplies to help them through the biggest cold snap that Scotland has witnessed in 20 years.
Warm welcome ... Santa delivers Christmas dinner to cheer up mine protesters
Mainshill protester Mark said: "We were delighted to get so much food.
"We enjoyed a Christmas dinner and even had people coming down with chocolates, biscuits and drink.
"People also came with drink on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. The response we've had in the past few weeks has been unbelievable.
"There's no doubt the past few weeks have been very challenging. At the moment you have to unfreeze everything before you can use it!"
Douglas man Jim Smith was behind the plans. He believes the community will continue to throw its weight behind the protesters. "We asked villagers if they would be interested in putting a donation in to make sure the protesters had a nice Christmas," said Jim.
"Hundreds of pounds was raised and we bought a full Christmas dinner with soup and vegetarian option as well as mince pies and trifle.
"We did a similar thing at New Year too.
"These people are sleeping in minus 10 temperatures while we are sleeping in our warm houses. It shows their commitment to their cause."
Jim and the protesters would like to thank villagers who donated food.
As local residents continue to struggle to walk and drive on surfaces that are still untreated; two weeks on from the first fall of snow and freezing temperatures, it would appear we are now waiting for deliveries of African salt, due to shortages of supply
Santa delivers to Mainshill Wood camp on Christmas Day
After hundreds of pounds worth of very generous donations of seasonal goodwill from the community, Santa made a special delivery this Christmas to our newest residents to the valley at the camp at Mainshill Wood, consisting of food, drink and the usual Christmas party items.
A big thanks goes to Jim Smith and all the volunteers who made donations and assisted on Christmas Day with this very appreciated present to the protesters at the Mainshill Solidarity Camp who continue their action in support of the community opposition despite the very hard winter conditions.
On behalf of the community the Douglas Community Council would like to wish the residents of Mainshill Wood camp a very Merry Christmas and a successful New Year, and thank them for all their efforts during the year in not only supporting the community by way of their solidarity but in doing whats right by trying to protect our environment from further harmfull destruction, local and global and stop Douglas & Angus Estate / Scottish Coal from causing even more damage to the valley.
Take care and be safe for 2010.
We would also ask that the community help the Mainshill Wood campers to celebrate the New Year and support them during this cold winter period and the threatened eviction that may come at any time.
Seasonal Greetings
24 December 2009
Douglas Community Council would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
This weeks news
24 December 2009
One O’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday December 15 were dominoes – Mary Paterson, challenge dominoes – Jenny Morris & whist – Lizzie Sneddon.
Guild – The Guild recently had an excellent Christmas meal at Abington Hotel with South Lanarkshire Council meeting some of the cost. Christmas parcels were distributed after the meal followed by a fun game. A surprise visit by Santa Claus completed the evening.
Douglas Primary School PTA – Douglas Primary School PTA Christmas show tombola raised approx £480. Thank you to all the parents, friends and local businesses for donations. This is a great amount raised for all Douglas Primary School children.
As winter begins to bite and we reach the last week before Christmas, a collection is now being taken to support and assist the Mainshill Wood residents at Mainshill Solidarity Camp.
If you would like to donate food, money or anything else that would be of assistance to the campers, please contact organiser Jim Smith of Kilncroft Terrace, Douglas.
This is the least we can do to help support the protest and stop the further destruction of the Douglas Valley by those who care not for the community nor our environment.
All donations, however large or small will be most greatfully received and appreciated.
This weeks news
18 December 2009
One O’clock Club – Winners of games played on Tuesday December 8 were dominoes – Moira Thomson, challenge dominoes – Jenny Taylor, whist – Jim Lawrie & bowls – Margaret Gardiner & Moira Thomson.
Douglas Valley Church – The minister Rev Robert Cleland led worship on Sunday December 13, and the reader was John Jackson. Quiz sheets in aid of church funds are available from the church office at £1 each. Sunday School children will present their Nativity play this Sunday at 6pm in the church at Douglas. Anyone who knows of someone who would appreciate flowers from the church is asked to let Shona know. The Gift Day service takes place this Sunday, December 20 at 10am and is on behalf of a new charity in aid of Homeless people in Clydesdale. The Christmas Eve service will take place at Rigside church at 6.30pm and will be a family service.
Douglas Community Council (incorporating Glespin and surrounding area) | sitemap | log in
Deep mining in Douglas: a history
Final protesters evicted from the Mainshill Solidarity Camp
YOUR EVICTED … AND SO IS YOUR GAZETTE !
At the end of it all, in a close finish, the rink comprising Jim Smith, Stephen Smith, Kevin Chapman, and Davy Clarkson were pronounced winners.
Still in love... 70 years on
Spirit of Christmas
Regardless of the weather conditions, 2nd January heralds the annual Pagie walk, and this year was no different. 
Salt aid from Africa may bring some sunshine ?!
