Latest news with #MattMckerlie
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Fundraising campaign launched to help Dumfries and Galloway restaurant hit by fire
Firefighters were called out to The Olive Retreat on King Street on Tuesday night to tackle the blaze. A fundraising campaign has been launched to help a Castle Douglas restaurant hit by fire. Firefighters were called out to The Olive Retreat on King Street on Tuesday night to tackle the blaze. The popular eatery is a big supporter of the local community, organising annual raffles to support good causes. They have also helped fuel the team at Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby, which takes place this weekend. And, in both its current guise and previous name Nikos, it has helped support Ukrainian refugees who fled to the region following the Russian invasion in 2022. Now, an online fundraising page has been set up to help the team at The Olive Retreat, with more than £700 raised inside 24 hours. One of the Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby organisers, Matt Mckerlie, posted: 'Help the team at The Olive Reteat. 'As most will know, tonight there's been a fire which couldn't have come at a worse time with summer season arriving. 'Sam and the team have supported the town, groups, fundraising, charities and our community. 'It will take time to get back on their feet so lets show them how much we support and appreciate them. 'They are a pillar of the community in the heart of the town." The fundraiser can be found on JustGiving. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: 'We were alerted at 6.55pm on Tuesday, July 8, to reports of a fire within commercial premises on King Street in Castle Douglas. 'Operations control mobilised two fire appliances to the scene, and the fire was extinguished. 'There were no casualties, and crews left the area after ensuring it was safe.'
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Thousands of people set to line King Street for Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby
Homemade racers and their crews will be challenged by the special course, which features plenty of obstacles. Thousands of people are set to line King Street on Sunday for the Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby. Homemade racers and their crews will be challenged by the special course, which features plenty of obstacles – and a few surprises. And a fun-filled day is in store for the whole family One of the organisers, Matt Mckerlie, said: 'We've 15 teams and we'll start building the ramp from Wednesday. 'We've made a few tweaks and different additions to the track. 'The seesaw has been replaced with something – I'm not saying what, but they're big! 'The ramp is a bit longer and we're lining the street with the plastic from Solway Recycling to give it a bit of a smoother run to start with.' This will be the fourth Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby and the third since the coronavirus pandemic. The event is free for spectators, although Matt is encouraging people to show their support by buying one of 1000 programmes that have been printed. He said: 'We're hoping to sell all of them. They showcase the sponsors and there's some cash prizes. 'We want people to think of it like an entry ticket – the programme is £3. Other derbies in England charge £50 for a family of four. We always want to be free but cover the costs in the background.' The action is due to start at 1pm but there will be entertainment at Market Hill from 11am. That includes the Samba Sisters, The Roadrunner, fairground rides dinosaurs and Transformers. There will also be 30 stalls – including soap box derby merchandise – food vendors and a big screen for those who don't want to stand on the street. Colin Wilson from the post office will be doing the commentary, with the awards ceremony around 4.30pm. Support for this year's event has come from the National Lottery, which has helped buy generators and other electrical equipment that can be used by the whole community – such as in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn in January. Volunteers are needed to help set-up for the derby. If you can help, get in touch through the Castle Douglas Soap Box Derby Facebook page.
