James Williams recovering in hospital following Scottish Borders incident

TRIBUTES have been paid to co-driver DAI ROBERTS, who tragically lost his life during the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders.

Roberts, aged 39 and from Carmarthen, was taking part in the rally alongside local driver JAMES WILLIAMS, 27, from Newcastle Emlyn, when their Hyundai i20N Rally2 was involved in a serious crash near Duns on Saturday, May 24.

Williams was critically injured in the collision and airlifted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. His injuries, though serious, were not considered life-threatening, and his team have confirmed he is now stable and slowly regaining strength following surgery.

In a heartfelt message posted by James Williams Rallying, the team paid tribute to Dai Roberts, describing him as a “deeply loved” member of their rallying family and someone whose “warmth, humour and passion” touched everyone he met.

“He was not only a co-driver to James, but a best friend, a pivotal part of our family-run team, and a loving and devoted husband and father,” the post read. “His love transcended motorsport.”

The team also thanked the emergency services and hospital staff for their care and said the outpouring of support from the rallying and wider community had been overwhelming.

“The support truly means so much to James and all of us. Your compassion and respect have brought comfort during this incredibly difficult time.”

James and Dai had been competing at the top level of the British Rally Championship when the incident occurred. Police Scotland confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the crash.

Motorsport UK has launched a formal investigation and is working closely with the Jim Clark Rally organisers and relevant authorities.

CARDIGAN Theatre’s bold new production ‘All This Intimacy’ is set to entertain and shock audiences at the Guildhall on June 20 and 21.

The show marks a daring departure from the group’s usual fare, diving into a provocative and sharply comic script by award-winning playwright Rajiv Joseph.

Set in New York, All This Intimacy follows the tangled life of Ty, a young poetry professor who finds himself in an unthinkable situation: within the span of a single week, he has managed to impregnate three different women—his neighbour, his ex-girlfriend, and one of his students. What follows is a chaotic and humorous journey as Ty struggles to untangle the consequences of his actions.

With a cast of expressive, high-energy performances—already teased in a colourful promotional poster—the show promises plenty of laughs, awkward moments, and hard truths about relationships, responsibility, and modern masculinity.

Cardigan Theatre has issued a content advisory for audiences: due to strong language and sexual references, the show is recommended for those aged 16 and over.

Performances start at 7:30pm on both nights, with tickets priced at £10. Bookings can be made by scanning the QR code on the event poster or by visiting the Guildhall’s box office.

Photo caption:

Expressive cast: Cardigan Theatre’s ensemble dive into dark comedy and adult themes in ‘All This Intimacy’ (Pic: Supplied)

Revised sailing delights passengers as iconic vessel returns for 2025 cruise season

CROWDS gathered at Milford Docks on Monday (June 2) to welcome the return of the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, Waverley, as she docked in Pembrokeshire at the start of her 2025 summer cruise season.

Originally due to depart Milford Haven at 3:30pm for the popular “Pembrokeshire Islands Explorer” cruise, the sailing was brought forward to 10:30am due to forecasts of deteriorating sea conditions later in the day.

Despite the timetable change, large numbers of visitors turned out to see the vessel up close, with many taking the opportunity to board the cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island. The historic ship returned to port at 3:15pm and remained moored for a public viewing window in the afternoon and again in the evening.

Built in 1947 and now run by a charitable trust, the Waverley has been fully restored and offers a rare chance to experience traditional steamship travel. Her return to Milford Haven marked the first stop in a three-week summer tour around the Bristol Channel, including planned visits to Tenby, Fishguard and Ilfracombe.

A spokesperson for Waverley Excursions thanked the Pembrokeshire public for their support and said they were “delighted” by the warm welcome and strong ticket sales, despite the last-minute scheduling change.