After 22 years of running The Buck Dorothy and Peter have sold the house and café. They would like to thank all their customers who supported them over the decades. It is a testament to Dorothy’s skill as a baker, soup maker and cake decorator that the business flourished with customers returning year after year. Her coffee was excellent and speciality teas delicious.

We wish them a happy retirement in their new home on the west coast.

The new owner will be opening The Buck at some point in the future and we’ll be sure to let you know when that is.

Straiton is having a picnic on 25 August and as part of the entertainment you can join in a Walking Football session. You’ll be in illustrious company as no less than three members of the team which won the International Over 65s Walking Football World Cup are from Straiton! You don’t even have to be over 65 to have a go, just turn up on the day and play with some world-class talent.

You can read the full story of the team’s success by clicking here.

Scott Watson gave a polished performance on BBC’s Countryfile this Sunday. Scott, raised at Baing, a few miles up the glen where his father Geordie was shepherd, moved down south early in his career as a farm manager. The programme focussed on the radish crop and Scott was a natural on TV. Perhaps a new career beckons?

Click here to view the programme.

Straiton’s Fun Day and Hill Race starts at 1.30pm, Saturday 26 August. Come along to the play park early to see the runners set off for the Monument circuit, the winning time is usually well under 20 minutes!

Apart from the Hill Race there’ll be various stalls, the magician Fabulous Fraser, Cream Teas, Hurling Events, a Bouncy Castle, Beer Tent and Carousel. In addition there will be a Fancy Dress competition and the theme this year is Wonderful Wildlife.

A great day out in beautiful surroundings with something for everyone.

Another delightful cottage has been added to our Stay page. Braefoot 1860 has two bedrooms (a double and twin) and has been beautifully renovated. Click here to view the website for more information and contact details.

Newton Stewart Walking Festival starts on 5 May for a week. Click here to view their website and to book a place. They range from easy peasy to pretty strenuous and it’s great way to explore a new area without getting lost as all the walks are led by experienced guides. The waterfall pictured is from walk 5-1, a strenuous walk of 13.5 miles around the Clachan of Dalry.
The trail explores the attractive Glenkens landscape around St. John’s Town of Dalry. It’s a new route which combines some attractions visited on previous WalkFests but also includes a host of new additions which makes it an interesting mix of changing landscape, history and natural elements. The walk is led by  Bob Peace, a member of Galloway Mountain Rescue and a local resident who will illustrate the walk with interesting facts, figures and myths!
A finish at the Clachan Inn rounds off the day, with an opportunity for a refreshment or two!

Walkers meet at Newton Stewart, about a 40 minute drive from Straiton, before being taken to the walk start and are returned there after an enjoyable and sociable day out in the countryside.

Grab 3 friends, some sandwiches and cakes and come along to enjoy a fun evening at the McCandlish Hall this Saturday 4th March at 7.30pm. Tables cost £12 (for 4). The object is to win as many antique flags as possible, I think they still have Abyssinia and Southern Rhodesia!

Prizes for those with the most flags, and the least. Get a few tickets for more chances to win in one of Straiton’s famous raffles.