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Question 6 This one is a short answer 3 times maximum from 15 mls What I think is special regarding performances Never in a training basket no Need with widowhood cocks that are special just a waste of petrol .

Question 5 I have developed a system with the cocks that suits my workload The hens drive me mad exercise really well but don't beat the cocks when the chips are down ,that however is my lack of knowledge with widowhood hens ,John and I are to stubborn to let this one defeat us and with some advice from a top gentleman now look to improve with the hens .

Question 4 Yes I keep stock birds not many are retired racers they must be very special to go into the stock loft something I learned from Ben all those years ago , Regarding stock I have been very fortunate with the business I am in having built lofts for some very good fanciers many of them national and multinational winners they are also very good friends ,saying that I have been gifted all my best birds ,they are tested against what I own and if they do not compete with my present team they are out irrespective of parentage ,got a pet hate for weak backed pigeons .

Question 3 I have a 45 foot apex tiled roof loft with corridor running the length of the old bird sections it has a mesh front that can be opened if required in hot weather but such is the outside design no rain every gets in , Until last year it had a mesh ceiling but in wild weather the down draughts and temperature change were a nightmare when trying to set up pigeons ,so I installed a full length ceiling at the same time not eliminating natural sunlight keeping the ventilation was also important a small tweek is required here but along with John it will be addressed shortly , Since I moved into Moffat always been bob wires and ets such is the design at the young bird section John trapped 16 in 12 seconds from a young bird race as I stood inside with their reward ,Used to always be open door in the countryside at Wamphray however my father was a Gamekeeper No Cats No Hawks lol

Question 2 I have always raced on my own from the age of 13 My parents were very helpful in those early years Jim Marrs who was a postman prior to his retirement has been and still is a very special friend regarding helping out At present I also get untold help from my very close friend John Agnew who raced pigeons with his grandfather in Lockerbie many years ago we are now near neighbours and he has become totally hooked again .

Thanks to Andy for the invite enjoy reading of others so hear go's All started visiting the hamlet of Brydekirk near Annan as a schoolboy with my uncle's and Parents each Sunday to my Uncle Donald and Aunt Jenny's House Donald was my Mothers brother , They were a family of 11 all born in Brydekirk Uncle Donald raced a very Good team of pigeons as did most in Brydekirk there were many national winners When uncle Donald passed away at a young age his son Ben whom he raced with continued racing under the name of Mr & Mrs B Scott and were the first loft in Scotland to win 3 gold awards Wonderful memories with being amongst the all time greats in the village of Brydekirk and it was with that background I started racing on my own with some wonderful gift pigeons .

Was at a presentation quiz night over there about year or so ago Bob Donaldson and one of the wade brothers were on the panel Good night good flyers Still winning

Many thanks to all for a wonderful night Also Jim and Martin for the lift to and from the hotel Now back home once doos are fed of darting for the day (well one game ) lol All the best Lads for 2014

John hodgson has won seven scottish national races from France all widowhood cocks

Just been doing a wee job at the fechan this morning it's already spring there

Heavy duty green mineral about 40 odd quid for 10mtrs Cold tar from wickes 21 quid Very cheap over 25 years

I have a tiled roof but fitted a ceiling throughout as it was a nightmare with temperature change and draughts , As for felted roofs they should never be nailed ,If applied properly using cold tar and a heavy duty green mineral felt it will last for 25 + years Atb mick

Read De Weerd article on the internet regarding spraying with Permethrin

Our AGM of the Solway Federation was held today and my very dear friend and our President for the past 6 years Mr Walter Swanston stepped down from his post to enjoy life as a fancier Walter took over when our federation was on its knees and has now left us with a very healthy bank balance ,New Transporter and refurbished baskets not forgetting our website A big well done Walter you should feel very proud of your achievements along with Ramsey Maurice and the team Good wishes to the elected officials in carrying the federation in the right direction

Top doo Jock Well done

Good luck with the future Colin enjoy Life Atb Mick

They have been killing Billy in the Moffat water valley for many many years now Only two legged goats left protecting the Falcons .

It was used in days of olde to combat food poisoning .

That Derek was Top Drawer Superb would be an Understatement

Bet he goes one better next year second time across good luck

Those were the days Derek 11 times the channel exceptional To many obstacles now my friend .

Wonderful pigeons Austin

Yes let's hope our great sport survives Derek to allow us all the chance of that buzz once more I live in hope lol .

Would have to say a grizzle yearling cock that won the yearling trophy in the club from sartilly after four weeks previous being witnessed walking the last field home to the loft unable to fly any further when homing a few days late from a very tough Cheltenham race Pure Guts and one that will stay with me till my dying day .

Yes it's daughter won the fed for me ,the old cock I still have 19 next year is the grandfather of the birds I have been 2nd and 4th section with in recent years ,Have an outstanding daughter he bred when 16 yrs old it's fathers double .