Local Voices - What people say
The voices of the people who live and work in the Southern Uplands
 |
"There's no cars where I live
in the woods. When I grow up I'm going to be a baker and bring
cakes home for a nightime feast. School is brilliant, everytime
I go outside after lunch I get chased by Callum - he's 8 -
and David - he's 7. On holidays I play on my computer, climb
trees and nick strawberries, raspberries and peas from our
garden and I like feeding our hens, Rosie, Penny and Peck-Peck." Child age 6 |
 |
|
 |
I trained at Glasgow, worked in London
and Australia, then came back home to set up my own workshops,
making jewellery and teaching. This area inspires my work and
there is a good network of crafts people and strong support for
the arts. Silversmith |
|
|
 |
“Running a successful Graphic
Design company here in the Southern Uplands gives me the best
of both worlds... access to global clients via the internet and
a location that makes me feel like I’m on holiday.” Graphic Designer |
|
|
 |
“I love it – out in the
wilds, you get to meet everyone – all
the people who are hidden away. There’s a good mix around
here, lots of interesting people.” Postman |
|
|
 |
“‘Drain the bog!’ they
said. I drained the bog, I piped the ditches and we ploughed
right up to the dyke back. I was advised and grant aided to do
it. Now, 40 years on, the first snipe are to be seen again, the
wheel of time is turning and the bog is slowly reclaiming its
territory.” Retired Lady Farmer |
|
|
 |
“The south of Scotland is
famed for its beauty, hospitality and serenity. Perhaps less
well known is the opportunity to study in this productive and
dynamic area of Scotland. Being a student in such a culturally
rich part of Scotland is both exciting and academically stimulating.” Postgraduate Student |
|
|
 |
“Community spirit is still
strong here and the Community Councils are important. We lobby
on important issues like low cost housing and keep community
events going for locals and to bring people into our towns
and villages.” Community Councillor |
|
|
 |
“I work with people and organisations
on a day to day basis helping them care for the natural heritage.
What is diferent about this part of the country is that we are
at the northern geographical limit for some species such as nightjars,
and the southern limit for others. The mix of plants and other
wildlife is unique in a UK context; it makes for a fascinating
place to work. There is also a great range of landscapes, from
highlands to coastal scenery - it’s really a very special
place.” Environmentalist |
|
|
 |
We run a hill farming unit with
hill sheep and beef cattle as the main enterprises. The farm
has a small amount of woodland whereas a significant number
of nearby farms have been turned over entirely to forestry.
These land-uses have contributed much to the variety and beauty
of the regions landscape. Unfortunately both agriculture and
forestry have been under much financial pressure thus in line
with agricultural trends elsewhere farming businesses have
in general declines in mumber; grown in size and employ fewer
people than in the past. The challenge is to keep agriculture
profitable and contribute to sustainable local communities.” Hill Farmer |