A rapist who attacked a 13-year-old girl on multiple occasions over four months has walked free from court. Sean Hogg pounced on the girl several times between March and June 2018 at a park just outside Edinburgh.
15.03.2023 - 11:59 / dailyrecord.co.uk
Kirkcudbright Burns Club has voted to end its long standing policy of men only membership.
The move was backed by a majority of members after the result of a secret ballot was declared at the club’s AGM in the town’s Arden House Hotel on Thursday.
It means that the days of a man delivering the Reply to the Toast Tae the Lasses – a speech traditionally designed to give women the chance to get their own back – are at and end.
Speaking after the historic decision, Kirkcudbright Burns Club president Rev Graham Finch summed up his feelings on the rule change.
He told the News: “I am pleased at the decision taken by our members to admit ladies to Kirkcudbright Burns Club.
“I look forward to welcoming lady members at our 2024 Burns Supper.”
During proceedings, retiring president Alistair Crawford reflected on a highly successful Burns Supper held on January.
And it was he who was pleased to announce that following the Burns Night ballot the change would now be implemented.
It means that women are now welcome to apply for membership of the club. Applications can be made by contacting any office bearer.
Following their election at the AGM, the new post holders are Rev Graham Finch (president); Ian D Swan (vice-president); Dr John Locke (secretary) and Ivor Waddell (treasurer).
No numbers were disclosed in terms of the vote as to how wide the margin was.
Delighted committee member Ian McIntyre, pictured right, a former Robert Burns World Federation President, said: “It’s an historic moment for the club which is more than 100 years old.”
As part of its work in the community, the club judged Burns and Scots recitals at four local primary schools over the Burns season.
It also donated a new trophy to Kirkcudbright
A rapist who attacked a 13-year-old girl on multiple occasions over four months has walked free from court. Sean Hogg pounced on the girl several times between March and June 2018 at a park just outside Edinburgh.
Police are urgently trying to trace a missing Scots man from Dundee as concern grows for his welfare.
A man has been rushed to hospital after crashing into a stationary unmarked police car this afternoon.
A woman has been left burned by hooded teenagers who launched a hot drink in her face during a doorstep attack.
St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson wants to line up a summer raid for Morecambe defender Jacob Bedeau.
Pregnant Laura Anderson hits out at cruel trolls and says she has a 'zero tolerance policy' on nasty comments.
Janey Godley has taken to her social media to share a heartwarming video clip of her during her 'Not Dead yet' tour when she was performing in Glasgow earlier this month.
Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn became the latest player to respond to criticism of Scotland's style of play after Manchester City ace Rodri suggested it was 'rubbish'.
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho played a role in Scott McTominay choosing to represent Scotland, according to former boss Alex McLeish.
Aldi has launched an Adult’s Breakfast Club for Scottish parents who are being forced to skip meals in a bid to feed their children during the cost of living crisis. The supermarket giant has now donated 10 tonnes of cereal and 5,000 gallons of milk to food banks across the country, including a community centre in Bathgate, West Lothian.
Social Security Scotland has announced that it has now processed all automatic payments of the new annual £50 winter heating bill support. Around 400,000 households are expected to have received the Winter Heating Payment by the end of March, however, in a new post on social media it said that some payments will have to be processed manually.
Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes are both in agreement about Scott McTominay’s quality after the Manchester United star netted twice in Scotland’s historic win over Spain on Tuesday evening.
A top energy expert is warning that “a few thousand” people over State Pension age only have until the end of this week to claim winter heating bill help, worth up to £600. Malcolm Grimston, Senior research fellow for Energy Policy and Technology at Imperial College London, said that millions of pensioners have already received the payment automatically, but two specific groups may not - and they need to make a claim before March 31, 2023.
A footballer accused of raping two women and sexually assaulting another is still playing for his Premier League club.
The Limes in Kirkcudbright will be open to visitors on Sunday as part of the Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.
Police have locked down a street in Johnstone after a man was seriously assaulted in the street.
A man whose body was found in the garden of a Fife house has been named locally as village resident Henry White.
A search has been launched for a missing man who vanished after travelling to Perth. Michael Sheldon left a property on Thornwood Drive in Glasgow at around 6.50am on Tuesday March 21.
A man has died suddenly in the grounds of the University of Glasgow. Emergency services rushed to University Avenue in Glasgow at around 9.25 am following reports that a 62-year-old male had taken unwell.
A derelict building in the middle of a housing estate has been branded an “eyesore” by local residents who claim rats have been spotted running around the site. Locharbriggs Social Club closed its doors in September 2020 after operating for more than 40 years.