Snowy start for Xmas tractor run

SNOWY conditions and Storm Bert were not going to stop the popular Christmas tractor and truck run going ahead again at the weekend. And despite the weather, even more vehicles than last year turned out to take part on Saturday evening, believed to be 282 in total. A huge crowd was there to wave them off from from Lockerbie Auction Mart and hundreds more lined the route through Lockerbie town centre, then Lochmaben and Dumfries, before returning via Johnstonebridge. Organiser Ryan Muir is “overwhelmed” at how well it went and said: “I never imagined it ever getting this big but now that it is. It gives me a great drive to get it bigger and better every year. “I absolutely love seeing the joy it brings to so many people, spreading Christmas spirit and helping raise for such a special cause, i.e the neonatal ward that is so special in helping our tiny little warrior nicu babies and parents.”

Already starting to think about the 2025 event, he added: “I don’t see myself ever planning on stopping it because now people see it as a tradition and will expect it to come every year - and who am I to disappoint the thousands that come out to see it?!” In the meantime, there’s an after-party at Greens in Dumfries on December 7 to help raise even more, with tickets now on sale for that. Ryan and family are still counting up the fundraising from the run but it’s expected to be at least £15,000 and the justgiving page continues to be open for donations. The final 2024 total is expected to be revealed on about December 10. It will all go the neonatal unit at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, a cause close to the Muirs’ hearts after their baby spent time on the ward.