47 young dancers competed in 2019 at one of the largest traditional Scottish dancing competitions in South West Scotland.
Dancers celebrate their acheivements at the Highland Dancing Competition in 2018
Southwest Scotland's biggest Highland dancing competition is held at Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival.
Highland Dancing Competition
Make sure you book early for the 10th annual Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival over 12th-14th July 2024.
Weekend Passes 2024
Join local and visiting musicians for a traditional Scottish and Irish tune/song session. Musician's very welcome and/or just come along and enjoy the music, atmosphere and the craic'.
22nd March 2024
Performing at Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival over 12th-14th July 2024. Weekend passes on sale now!
Buy Weekend Pass
Performing at Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival over 12th-14th July 2024. Weekend passes on sale now.
Don't miss the chance to see the incredible, prolific singer-songwriter Ivan Drever at The Vault!
20th April 2024
Don't miss the combined talents of Brendan Mulholland (flute) and founding Réalta members Conor Lamb (uilleann pipes, whistles) and Deirdre Galway (guitar), better known as Music in the Glen, this July!
Co. Cavan fiddle player and composer Gráinne Brady confirmed for July's traditional music & dance festival, accompanied by guitarist and singer Luc McNally. Weekend passes on sale now!
Join local and visiting musicians for an evening of live traditional Irish music all in celebration of St Patrick's day!
17th March 2024
5 Mar 19by Kacie Jess
GFT are presently investigating the distribution of North American Signal Crayfish across Galloway and are interested in hearing reports of any recent sightings.
North American Signal Crayfish are a non-native invasive species introduced into Britain in the 1970s. They are a major threat to freshwater ecosystems and can potentially be spread throughout different waters. Signal Crayfish are omnivores and are known to prey on juvenile fish, fish eggs, aquatic invertebrates and may modify habitats by grazing on a range of vegetation species. They are also known to burrow into riverbanks which may contribute to habitat degradation. In burns, large crayfish often live under over hanging banks excluding the larger trout that typically reside there thus increasing trout vulnerability to predation. Impacts on fish appear to be greatest in running waters but there are also concerns regarding stillwater environments.
North American Signal Crayfish are present in Dumfries and Galloway. We are looking for information on any recent reports of crayfish populations in Galloway to help understand where they are at present, their impacts on fish populations and to direct future investigative surveys. There is a well-known population in the Dee catchment, particularly around Loch Ken. GFT are interested in how much they have spread throughout the Dee system in recent years. We are also interested please to hear of any possible reports from other places in Galloway too (especially within the last 10 years). It was back in 2009 when the last detailed mapping was undertaken. We have our own records of where we have caught them electrofishing but we are keen to get reports from any other sources please. These could be possible sightings, caught during angling or predator kills.
We would appreciate any information please regarding the location, year and general description of the record e.g. was the crayfish caught or spotted in the water. Any crayfish reports would beappreciated, even if very vague. All information sources will be kept confidential. Please send any information by email to Kacie Jess at temp@gallowayfisheriestrust.org , private message us on our Facebook page or just call if it is easier. Thank you.
We are delighted to announce that the incredible Kirkcudbright musician Bruce McKenzie will be opening for Ivan Drever on the 20th of April 2024 at 7pm! Don't miss a chance to see two incredible performers live at The Vault Arts Centre! Tickets available now!
14 Mar 24Charlie McAdam
Don't miss the incredible Folk Club on the 22nd of March 2024 at 7pm. Join local and visiting musicians at The Vault Arts Centre for a night filled with live music, fun and banter! This event has free entry so don't hesitate to come along for a tune!
Join local and visiting musicians for an evening of live traditional Irish music on Sunday the 17th of March all in celebration of St Patrick's day!
13 Mar 24Charlie McAdam
The 10th annual Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival takes place over the 12th-14th July 2024. It's an incredible achievement. The charity has created a viable, sustainable, event that continues to grow and develop, proudly celebrating the very best in traditional Scottish, Irish and World music. Make sure you book early for what is shaping up to be the biggest event yet!