Recent Press Releases

We publish all of our press releases from the last 12 months here so you can keep up to date.
Please email pressenquiry@dumgal.gov.uk if you'd like further details on any of our press releases.
If you want to speak to a communications officer, you can find their office-hours telephone numbers and what areas of the council they cover at www.dumgal.gov.uk/pressenquiry.

  • Annual Youth Conference - 'Roots24'

    Wednesday, 16 October 2024 11:21

    Our council is delighted to announce the dates for the annual youth conference, ‘Roots 24’, that is set to take place on Saturday 30 November at Castle Douglas High School.

    This will offer young leaders, volunteers and activists a day full of inspiration, learning, and networking. The exciting conference is co-designed by young people for young people, with a jam-packed agenda that includes interactive workshops, discussions and fun activities.

    Roots 24 will feature a diverse line-up of inspiring speakers and hands-on workshops, including sessions on craftivism, autism awareness, vaping, peer mentoring, coaching, and much more. The event aims to provide a platform where young people can share stories, exchange experiences, and build connections with their peers from across the region.

    Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in table discussions on pressing issues such as poverty and bullying, giving them a voice in matters that directly affect their communities. Plus, throughout the day there will be engaging team challenges, with exciting prizes up for grabs!

    During lunch, the fun doesn’t stop. Delegates can enjoy a variety of activities, from inflatables and glitter face painting to a Photo Booth and self-care stations. It’s a day designed to inspire creativity, develop leadership, promote well-being and celebrate the amazing young people in our region.

    Speaking on the importance of Roots 24, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Maureen Johnstone said,

    “Events like Roots 24 are vital in empowering our young people. They provide a space for youth voices to be heard, offer essential tools for developing leadership and skills, and allow young leaders to take charge of issues that matter to them and their communities.”

    Louise Church, Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, who has been involved in organising the event said,

    “As young people, we often have the passion and drive but need opportunities like Roots 24 to harness that energy, learn from one another, and make meaningful change. This event hopefully inspires young people to get more involved in their local community.”

    Roots 24 is now open to young people across Dumfries and Galloway aged 12 to 25 years, but pre-registration is essential.

    Councillor Lynne Davis, Vice Chair of the Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee is encouraging young volunteers and activists to sign up for the event,

    “By taking these opportunities to upskill and learn, you not only grow personally but also contribute to the strength and resilience of our entire region. Your dedication as volunteers is invaluable and these new skills will empower you to make an even greater impact. Let’s keep learning, growing and building a brighter future together.”

    For more information and to register, please visit https://youthwork.dumgal.gov.uk/

  • Council Continues To Invest In Festivals And Events

    Wednesday, 16 October 2024 11:13

    Dumfries and Galloway Council has announced that two funding programmes for festivals and events in the region are to open for applications.

    The Major Events Fund 25/26 and the Regional Events Growth Fund 25/26 will support the sustainable development of many renowned events in the region and encourage new projects to start up.

    The total budget for the two funding programmes is £82,000. The Council will also provide up to £5000 for a Dumfries and Galloway Events Conference to take place in 2025.

    Councillor Maureen Johnstone, the Chair of the Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee said,

    “We are committed to the full delivery of the Dumfries and Galloway Events Strategy 2023-27 and working in partnership with the region’s festivals and events organisers. Festivals and events help create local pride, attract visitors and support hundreds of regional businesses. These two funding programmes will benefit communities across our region.”

    The Council’s Major Events Fund has in recent years assisted the growth of Stranraer Oyster Festival, the Gralloch UCI Gravel Cycling World Cup in Gatehouse of Fleet and the Music at the Multiverse Festival near Sanquhar.

    The Council introduced the Regional Events Growth Fund for financial year 2024/25 and 24 separate projects were supported, with grants totalling £64,000. This new Fund supported events in thirteen different communities across Dumfries and Galloway.

    Councillor Lynne Davis, the Vice-Chair of the Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee said,

    “The Council’s sustained investment over many years in our festivals and events has paid dividends. I am confident that local people and our visitors will have many superb festivals and events to look forward to in 2025, that are as good as any in rural Scotland. Our regional events have proved sustainable, durable and memorable and with the Council’s support the sector can continue to go from strength to strength.”

    The two funding programmes open for applications from Monday 21 October with the deadline for applications on 22 November. Full details are available on the Council's website and by emailing events@dumgal.gov.uk

  • October Holiday Activities At Our Museums

    Wednesday, 09 October 2024 09:31

    Dumfries and Galloway Council’s museums have lots of free family fun happening this half term break. These run from 11am to 3pm on Tuesday's at Annan Museum and Thursday's at Dumfries Museum.

    There’s no need to book, visitors can just drop in during these times and can also enjoy themed trails around the museums.

    Annan Museum

    Tuesday 15 October – Creepy Crafts and Spooky Stories

    Create artwork using Halloween printing blocks, enjoy spine-tingling tales with our storyteller, and brew up some witch’s potions with colour changes, fizzes, and pops!

    Tuesday 22 October – Weaving Legends and Braiding Bracelets

    Join our medieval storyteller to enjoy their curious tales and amazing legends. Enjoy strange stories from Annandale, Viking adventures, and much more. You can also learn Viking braiding techniques to make a bracelet or two to take away.

    Dumfries Museum

    Thursday 17 October – Medieval Murder Mystery

    Join us for a free, fun family activity combining science and history. In 1306, Robert the Bruce and the Red Comyn walked into Greyfriars Monastery but only one of them walked out. Who killed the Comyn? Meet medieval characters and hear their story, then try some modern forensic science techniques to help piece together just what happened. Along with trying out chromatography experiments on ink, studying clothes fibres, fingerprints and footprints, you can also handle replica medieval artefacts and see original objects from the time, even some of the bones of Robert the Bruce.

    Thursday 24 October – Creepy Crafts and Spooky Stories

    The phantomtastic spooky season activity pops up at Dumfries Museum. Create artwork using Halloween printing blocks, enjoy spine-tingling tales with our storyteller, and brew up some witch’s potions with colour changes, fizzes, and pops.

    Cllr Maureen Johnstone, Chair of Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee said:

    “Our council places a large emphasis on our cultural sites to attract locals and visitors alike to visit, and these October holiday activities are a great excuse to visit one of our sites, whether you are a first time visitor or a regular to any of our sites.”

    Cllr Lynne Davis, Vice Chair of Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee continued:

    “We’re very pleased to be running more of these free activities at our museums, they are great for families to enjoy together, learning and having fun at the same time. We have lots on across the October holiday fortnight and I hope the activities are well supported.”

  • Reach For The Stars At Dumfries Museum

    Tuesday, 08 October 2024 12:05

    Dumfries Museum is inviting visitors to discover the amazing astronomical history of the building and find out how to get the most out of star gazing at home. On the evening of Saturday 12October and repeated on Saturday 19October, there will be the opportunity to meet with members of the Dumfries Astronomy Society to learn what we can see with the naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes.

    Visitors can learn how to find some basic features to navigate around the night sky from our latitude and how this revolves throughout the winter months. The museum will be open to discover the building's connections to astronomy and explore some related artefacts such as those which belonged to Robert Waland, the Dumfries man whose work developing lenses helped map the moon for the lunar landings.

    Dumfries Museum was originally established by the Dumfries and Maxwelltown Astronomical Society back in 1836 and their original telescope can still be seen today in the Observatory room.

    Admission is free to these special events. All ages welcome, there is no need to book, visitors can just turn up. Hot drinks will be provided, and we advise wearing warm clothing for the outdoor parts of the display.

  • Members Agree Budget Consultation Mandate

    Friday, 04 October 2024 16:40

    A budget consultation mandate for 2025/26 and future years was agreed by elected members at a meeting of Full Council yesterday (Thursday 3 October).

    The consultation – where Dumfries and Galloway Council will ask people to fill in an online survey detailing costed budget saving options – will begin in late October and run until Friday 6 December.

    The results will be reported at the next meeting of Full Council on Thursday 12 December and inform the decisions taken by councillors in setting spending plans at the council’s annual budget meeting in late February 2025.

    In common with other local authorities, Dumfries and Galloway Council faces significant financial pressures, with a need to find around £30 million in savings over the next three years 2025–2028.

    The financial landscape remains uncertain until the Scottish Government confirms the council's funding for the upcoming financial year 2025/26, expected in December 2024. The council’s large rural geography and increasing demand for services make these financial challenges even more pressing.

    Dumfries and Galloway Council Convener, cllr Malcolm Johnstone said: “Some extremely difficult decisions will need to be made to stay within our budget. Although we've saved £130M over the past 15 years, we need to save £30 million more over the next three years and we’re committed to finding innovative solutions that work for everyone.

    “The reality is we need to change, reduce or even stop some services and/or generate extra income from fees and charges.

    “The council is committed to listening to the people of Dumfries and Galloway’s views in deciding its 2025/2026 spending plans. Their feedback will play a key role in shaping decisions about service priorities, potential savings and new opportunities to generate income – we value their input and want everyone to have their say.”

    The consultation will begin on Thursday 31 October. There will be a dedicated budget consultation webpage from where people can fill in the online budget consultation survey, complete with costed budget saving options.

    And an online Budget Challenge simulator will be available so people can explore which areas of council spending they want to save money from and which ones they don’t want to reduce.

    In addition, there will be a series of Community Conversations budget consultation drop-in-sessions in each council ward where people can come along, speak to council employees and have their say in person.

    And a programme of sessions across some council Customer Services Centres will be held for those citizens without access to a digital device or connection at home, to help them complete the consultation survey.

    Cllr Johnstone added: “Like many other councils, we’re facing a huge challenge, but with people’s help, we can overcome it. We look forward to hearing what the people of Dumfries and Galloway have to say and I would encourage everyone to take part and fill in the survey.”

    Further information will be shared on the council’s social media pages in the coming weeks. More detail about the consultation can be found in the consultation mandate approved by elected members at Full Council yesterday (Thursday 3 October): https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s61918/Budget%20Consultation%20Mandate%20Appendix%20Final.pdf

    (ends)

  • Youth Work Conference 2024 - Spaces Now Open

    Wednesday, 02 October 2024 12:05

    On Saturday 16 November, a regional Youth Work conference will bring together Youth Work practitioners from across Dumfries and Galloway. Working at the Coalface will take place at North West Community Campus, Dumfries from 10am to 5pm. The programme will feature a wide variety of workshops and speakers for the day.

    The programme for the Working At The Coalface conference includes keynote speaker Graeme Armstrong, a Scottish writer who has also presented a BBC documentary series on Street Gangs. Graeme uses his lived experience plus research to focus on the themes of street violence, substance abuse and masculinity, whilst sharing inspirational examples of best practice. Alongside overcoming his own struggles with drug addiction, alcohol abuse and violence, Graeme defied expectation to read English as an undergraduate at the University of Stirling; where, after graduating with honours, he returned to study a Masters' in Creative Writing.

    Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor said:

    “Working at the Coalface will provide Youth Work practitioners and volunteers from across our region with a valuable opportunity to take part in a range of high-quality activities and workshops. It is important that we are investing this time into our Youth Work sector for the benefit of all of our young people across Dumfries and Galloway. If you are a Youth Work practitioner or volunteer within any sector, I would strongly encourage you to sign up for this fantastic event.”

    We are also delighted that the conference will include workshops on:

    • Creative Consultation and Effective Evaluation delivered by Youth Scotland.
    • Young People and Consent delivered by Rape Crisis.
    • Imagine A Man delivered by Youth Link Scotland and No Knives Better Lives
    • ACES: Understanding how trauma makes us behave, delivered by Dr Louise Cumbley – Director, Clinical Psychology, NHS
    • Drugs and Weapon Use delivered by Fast Forward

    The event will also feature a lunchtime marketplace, with organisations from across Dumfries and Galloway sharing information on the services they provide for young people as well as staff.

    Lunch and refreshments will be included. If you would like to register to attend, please sign up at https://youthwork.dumgal.gov.uk

  • Going For...Going For...Gold!

    Wednesday, 02 October 2024 10:39

    It is not only athletes in Paris winning Gold lately, two of our very own primary schools have been working incredibly hard to achieve the Sport Scotland School Sport Gold Award.

    Both Lochrutton Primary and Shawhead Primary, who are partnership schools, both individually worked through the framework and showcased their exceptional commitment to sport and physical activity at the end of the last academic year. After much anticipation the great news of achieving Gold was announced at the start of September which means celebrations of this accomplishment are now in full swing.

    A Gold School Sport Award is awarded to schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment and dedication to promoting physical activity, sports participation, and overall well-being among their students. The School Sport Award provides a framework for all schools to be recognised across gold, silver and bronze levels and enables the Active Schools networks and schools to work effectively together.

    From learning Paralympic sports such as boccia at lunch times, to attending after school badminton and football clubs, there really isn’t many sports these pupils haven’t had a go at in the last few years. Delivering these clubs are local volunteers, teachers and community sports coaches, all supported by Active Schools to ensure a high level and quality experience for all taking part. The assessment of the schools’ efforts also highlighted the number of competitive opportunities, as well as fun festivals that all pupils are given the opportunity to attend each year, events including those on the Active Schools events calendar and other national level invitational events.

    As if taking part in a number of sporting opportunities wasn’t enough, senior pupils in P6 and P7 regularly take part in the Play leaders programme - creating fun and engaging games within the playground for younger pupils, further encouraging inclusion through sport at break and lunch times. Developing leadership skills and promoting healthy, active lifestyles – all in a day’s work for pupils in both Lochrutton and Shawhead primaries.

    Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Gail MacGregor said:

    “I would like to congratulate both Lochrutton Primary and Shawhead Primary for achieving such a fantastic award. Sport Scotland’s School Sport Gold Award is a significant milestone in the continued work being carried out to ensure sport, physical activity and wellbeing is prioritised within school for every pupil.”

    What is particularly important to highlight is the partnership between these two schools working together with their communities, working with volunteers, local sports club and of course our Active Schools and Community Sports team. This partnership approach supports the continued efforts of all to provide free, inclusive opportunities for our learners in which to learn, grow and achieve here in Dumfries and Galloway.”

  • Garden Waste Collection Service Permit Applications Open

    Tuesday, 01 October 2024 14:53

    Residents of Dumfries and Galloway can now apply for their new Garden Waste Collection Service permit.

    The permit, priced at £40 per bin, provides access to regular garden waste collections from March to November 2025. This makes it easy to manage grass clippings, leaves, and other garden waste. By applying early for your garden waste permit, you will make sure your collections will begin from the start of the season – getting the best value for money.

    By choosing to take part in the new Garden Waste Collection Service, you are helping to make sure that garden waste is not contaminated by your general waste in a grey-lidded bin – meaning it can be processed and composted. By recycling your garden waste through the new collection service, you are also helping to reduce reliance on peat-based compost.

    Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor said: “We are excited to launch this new kerbside garden waste collection service, providing a convenient and cost-effective solution for the residents of our region. Applying for your permit early ensures you don’t miss out on this fantastic service and helps us plan effectively to deliver the best possible service for the community.”

    The new service is supported by a £2,331,405 capital grant from the Recycling Improvement Fund, which is administered by Zero Waste Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. The funding has enabled the purchase of six refuse collection vehicles, 32,000 wheeled bins, and the procurement and installation of garden waste bays at the Annan and Castle Douglas Waste Transfer Stations.

    David Gunn, Recycling Improvement Fund Manager at Zero Waste Scotland, said:“It’s fantastic to see Dumfries and Galloway residents will soon be able to recycle their garden waste at the kerbside for the first time.

    “It’s a service improvement that can help everyone in the region recycle as much as they possibly can, realising the benefits for their local community as well as for the environment.

    “A total of 41 projects across Scotland have now benefitted from Recycling Improvement Fund grants, helping hundreds of thousands of people to live more sustainably and accelerate Scotland’s circular economy.”

    You can apply for your permit online via the Dumfries and Galloway Council website or in person at a customer service centre.

    By signing up by 30 November, you will receive your new garden waste bin and a sticker to place on it from February, ready for collections beginning in March.

    Find more information on the new service at: www.dumgal.gov.uk/wasterecycling

    ENDS

  • Dumfries and Galloway Council expresses disappointment to UK Government as Chapelcross loses out on GB Energy.

    Wednesday, 25 September 2024 15:08

    The Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor, has written to The Rt Hon Ed Milliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, and The Rt Hon Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, to express the disappointment of Dumfries and Galloway Council in not being chosen to host the new headquarters or satellite offices of the GB Energy at Chapelcross, the site of the former nuclear power station near Annan.

    The 198-hectare site at Chapelcross, which has already been earmarked for development and is in the process of attracting partners and investors, would have been an ideal location as it offers a number of strategic advantages and opportunities to support the transition to net-zero that benefits both our region and the UK as a whole.

    The site already has existing grid connections, road access, and infrastructure that can accommodate a wide range of energy-related activities, such as hydrogen production and storage, carbon capture and utilisation, renewable energy generation and export, and circular economy solutions.

    The area was proposed because of its excellent geographical location and crucial connectivity and transport links to the A74M and A75 with the potential for regional, national and international distribution from the site.

    The letter states that such an arrangement would not only leverage the site’s existing green energy capabilities but also demonstrate a tangible commitment to regional equity and the broader strategic objectives of the UK’s energy policy.

    Leader of the Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor, says of the letter: “We are deeply disappointed that Chapelcross has not been selected as GB Energy HQ. The site and wider region would have benefitted from the economic leverage attracting other businesses developing a centre of excellence and innovation for GB Energy. Despite this news, we will press ahead with delivery of our ambition for the site.

    We have a strong and supportive partnership with the Scottish Government, the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, academia and industry. We also have a committed and engaged local community that welcomes the opportunity to be part of the energy transition and the green recovery.”

    ENDS

  • Annan’s Incredible Saltmarsh was Centre Stage at the ImMerse Festival

    Wednesday, 25 September 2024 13:51

    Celebrating Nature in Dumfries and Galloway

    • Over 80 young people taking part in citizen science learning workshops on water health and saltmarsh science.
    • The ImMerse Festival helped build knowledge and a sense of pride in the merse (saltmarsh) and its potential to thrive into the future.
    • Nature based organisations share the crucial work they are doing to help Scotland’s nature survive and thrive.
    • Thought provoking films on the health of Scotland’s natural world.

    The ImMerse Festival helped connect people with Annan’s incredible saltmarsh, its wildlife and beauty though a serious of fascinating walks and talks and citizen science activities, and over 12 environment organisations celebrated nature through fun craft activities in the festival hub at the harbour.

    As part of the festival, ImMerse also ran water testing, investigation and saltmarsh school sessions with Brydekirk and Elmvale Schools, testing the water quality of the River Annan as part of the Great UK Waterblitz. The Great UK Waterblitz ran concurrently over the weekend to mark World Rivers Day, and worked with the ImMerse Festival on a UK wide citizen science project.

    ImMerse also celebrated Scotland’s Climate Week by spotlighting an often-overlooked habitat that provides our coastlines with protection from tides and sea level change, while storing carbon and providing valuable habitat for many marine species.

    Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “It was wonderful to see a nature and environment-based festival coming to Annan – celebrating Annan’s unique “merse” or saltmarsh that is so important for wildlife, flood mitigation, water purification and locking in carbon.I met so many people and organisations committed and passionate about helping our natural environment recover and thrive into the future helping with the nature climate crisis that is impacting us and our natural world now.

    “The saltmarsh was alive with groups of interested people taking part in walks and talks with experts, learning saltmarsh science, sketching on the saltmarsh, children taking part in saltmarsh school and Galloway Fisheries Trust sharing their knowledge about the merse as an important nursery for young fish.

    “With educational workshops, about saltmarsh and the health of our rivers, taking place in Brydekirk and Elmvale Primary Schools on the Friday and the Monday of the ImMerse Festival, we are hopeful our natural world will be in good hands in the future.”

    Olena Kadochnikova-Yashkina, project officer of the Annan Harbour Trust said: "The ImMerse Festival was a fantastic experience, offering a great opportunity to share our knowledge with the community and school children, while showcasing the River Annan, brimming with life, health, and the beauty of the merse. We were honoured to screen our first film, In Nature, giving young people a platform to be heard. It was inspiring to see the support they received and the enthusiasm for continuing our environmental work and citizen science projects, engaging the local community.

    “It was heartening to see so many like-minded individuals come together, asking important questions and drawing valuable conclusions. We extend our heartfelt thanks to SCAMP, DG Climate Hub, and Biosphere for their cooperation, the volunteers for their dedication, and the participants for their interest and ideas. This is just the beginning – we are proud that Annan has become a hub of green initiatives. Together, we can achieve much more to preserve a healthy environment for ourselves and future generations."

    Elmvale School brought along primary 5, 6 and 7 to learn about the science of water, saltmarsh science and all the wee creatures and incredible wildlife who live in this special nurturing habitat. These young scientists of the future discovered crabs, fish and even a huge jellyfish.

    Elmvale’s’ young people shared their experiences of ImMerse’s saltmarsh workshop:

    “The Saltmarsh was fun!

    I liked when we were picking up creatures with our nets.

    It was an adventure, and we learned which creatures live in Saltmarshes.

    I never knew that creatures could live in mud.

    I liked to see the way that the crabs walked.”

    And on the water testing they said:

    “It was very interesting learning about the various invertebrates.

    I loved looking at the insects under the magnifying glass!

    I never knew that there were so many invertebrates living in the river!

    It was interesting looking at the invertebrates and what they look like!”

    Annan Cinema hosted a showing of In Nature a moving film by young filmmakers from Annan followed by the film ‘Why Not Scotland?’, which followed Flo, a young person from Scotland who visits Europe to see how nature thrives in other countries and comes home asking the question, “Why Not Scotland?” The film was followed by a lively panel discussion with McNabb Laurie from Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands and ecologist Nick Chisholm from the SCAMP project.

    Steven Clark, DG Climate Hub Officer said: "Creating a brand new climate and nature event is very much a step into the unknown, we are so grateful for so much interest and to all the people who came along to the festival. With the saltmarsh playing central stage, the climate hub and all the citizen science Annan Harbour Action Group (AHAG) are leading on, Annan is fast becoming a thriving centre for citizen science and community climate awareness.

    “The D&G Climate Hub was therefore privileged to work alongside AHAG and Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP) to co-create and develop ImMerse. The festival's public relations exercise generated exceptional media coverage that may have been beyond the creators' wildest dreams, the preciously protective nature of Scotland's unsung merse; protection that we as a species now desperately need to return in order to save the incredible biodiversity that our magnificent merse-lands support."


    ENDS

  • Dumfries and Galloway’s Culture and Heritage Sectors Receive Funding Boost

    Tuesday, 24 September 2024 13:42

    Dumfries and Galloway Council has made fourteen grant awards to cultural and heritage projects across the region totalling more than £62,000.

    The funding is from the new Regional Cultural Fund 2024/25, and the grants programme has been made possible through the council securing £96,000 of funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund earlier this year. The council is managing the fund on behalf of the steering group for the Cultural Partnership in Dumfries and Galloway.

    The funding will enhance cultural and heritage development across the region for the benefit of local people and visitors. The renowned music organisation Absolute Classics are to plan and introduce a new Jazz Festival in the spring of 2025, the Whithorn Trust will produce an in-depth new visitor guide that includes information on cycling and walking routes in the Machars, and the Henry Duncan Savings Museum in Ruthwell is being funded to modernise their displays and interpretation boards.

    Among other projects being supported is a series of events at Rosefield Mills in Dumfries to create public awareness of the mill’s history and restoration. In Annan, there is also detailed community engagement work to take forward the Annan History Town initiative.

    Gail Macgregor, the Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “There was a superb response to the Regional Cultural Fund, with thirty five eligible applications received, and the council and its partners are delighted to be able to announce the funding for 14 excellent projects across Dumfries and Galloway. It is clear that dozens of organisations which are active in our region hold our culture and heritage dear and work tirelessly to support and promote it.”

    Tabi Mudalier, Director of DG Unlimited said: "DG Unlimited was delighted by the high number of excellent responsesand high quality projects from all applicants. The successful projects will further enhancethe cultural sector in our region, and is proving to be a positiveway to sharethe prosperityof the funding received from the UK Government. We look forward to seeing the results of the projects in the coming months. Congratulations to all the awardees. Our thanks to Dumfries and Galloway Council for the opportunity to assist with the delivery of this funding round."

    Judith Hewitt, Chair of Dumfries and GallowayMuseums and Heritage Network said, “I’m so pleased that the Regional Cultural Fund has been able to support heritage projects from across our region. There hasn’t been a regional fund that heritage organisations can apply to for some time and there is clear demand. I look forward to see how these exciting and diverse projects develop to help sustain the work of our sector in Dumfries and Galloway.”


    ENDS

  • Challenge Poverty Week 2024

    Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:05

    Dumfries and Galloway Council and the regionwide Dumfries and Galloway Poverty and Inequalities Partnership are supporting Challenge Poverty Week 2024 – the annual national awareness raising week led by Poverty Alliance Scotland.

    Challenge Poverty Week runs from Monday 7to Sunday 13October.

    The aims of the week are:

    • to raise a unified voice against poverty and show that we all want to live in a more just and equal Scotland
    • to build awareness of and support for solutions to poverty
    • to change the conversation around poverty and help end the stigma of living on a low income

    Together with the Poverty Alliance, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Dumfries and Galloway Poverty and Inequalities Partnership are coming together to produce a week-long programme of videos, downloadable information and events around this year’s key themes:

    • Monday 7October – housing
    • Tuesday 8October – transport
    • Wednesday 9October – adequate incomes
    • Thursday 10October – food
    • Friday 11October – communities and volunteers
    • Saturday 12and Sunday 13October – reflection

    Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor, said:“Our council continuesto reinforce our commitment to tackling poverty and inequalities throughout our region by once again delivering a range of support mechanisms to support Challenge Poverty Week. On each day during Challenge Poverty Week 2024, we will focus on a differenttheme and these each have accompanyingkey messages that will be made available online and we encourage everyone to log onto our new Challenge Poverty Week website each day to find out about all the help and assistance available to those experiencing poverty. All of the solutions offered are designed to help people to increase their incomes and reduce their costs, which we know is the quickest way to escape from poverty.

    "In March of this year, our council committed £1,827,000 of policy development funding to tackle poverty and inequalities within our region. This funding is being used to support a wide range of projects which focus on tackling poverty and inequalities across our region. Examples of these projects include the following –we allocated funding towards holiday food fund payments to children in nurseries and for families during the school holiday periods, along with funding for the continuation of the Emergency Energy Payment Assistance Programme which provides emergency fuel vouchers along with additional dedicated support to reduce and eradicate fuel poverty throughout our region. Our taxi-card project was also again supported to enable residents with no access to transport the ability to travel to essential appointments which they would otherwise be unable to attend.

    "We also allocated funding for the continuation of the Fareshare project which provides surplus food to 19 organisations throughout Dumfries and Galloway for onward distribution to those most in need along with funding to continue the Free Back to School Uniform Events, our 10 permanent school uniform collection and donation points and free warm winter clothes events which are held throughout our region. In addition, we also allocated funding for the continuation of our invaluable Welfare and Housing Options Support Team who help some of the most vulnerable residents within our region to retain their tenancies in the face of various crisis which they have encountered through no fault of their own.”

    Nick Hopkins, Chair of the Dumfries and Galloway Poverty and Inequalities Partnership said: “Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity for organisations across Dumfries and Galloway to take stock of the work that they do on poverty in the region, to engage with the general public- increasing their understanding of poverty and encouraging their contribution to actions to tackle it, and to increase the awareness of people living in poverty about the services there to help them. It’s also a chance for people to bring new ideas to the table, particularly at some of the events we are holding.

    "As we go into winter, one of our big pushes will be around winter warmth for older and disabled people, but our partners’ work touches people of all ages and in every community in the region. We believe that whatever is happening in Scotland, in the UK and in the wider world, we have the power to change lives for the better locally, and invite everyone to join us in doing so.”

    To access all of the support and information available during Challenge Poverty Week, visit:dumgal.gov.uk/poverty

    For more information on the Poverty Alliance and the national Challenge Poverty Week Events and activities, visit:www.povertyalliance.org

    For more information on tackling poverty and inequalities in Dumfries and Galloway, contact:challenge.poverty@dumgal.gov.uk


    ENDS

  • Top Award for Council Top CATs

    Friday, 20 September 2024 13:00

    Dumfries and Galloway Council achieved the top spot at the local government ‘Oscars’ on Thursday 19 September by winning the Excellence Award for Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy.

    Receiving the award from Jane O’Donnell, Chief Executive of COSLA, in front of 300 of their peers was a highlight for the team from the council and the national Community Ownership Support Service – who have worked together on our programme of Community Asset Transfers (known as CATs) over the last seven years. This joint work has supported community groups to fulfil their great ideas for former council buildings and land, and lever in £27 million of external investment to our region.

    A short video shown at the event showcased some examples of the 47 community asset transfers agreed to-date from across the whole region, and explained why the team are ‘Top CATs.’ It highlighted the single point of contact for community groups, a rigorous procedure, robust business plans and involving community councillors and youth councillors in the decision-making, along with Area Committees and a service committee.

    Speaking after the ceremony, council Leader Gail Macgregor said: “I am incredibly proud of the council team, our partners and our communities whose amazing work has achieved this tremendous result. To win such an accolade, being acknowledged as the very best across the whole of Scotland, is testament to the professionalism and commitment of everyone involved. It’s a great honour for our region.”

    The award will feature at the start of the Full Council meeting on Thursday 3 October.


    ENDS

  • Inaugural Chair Sought for New Dumfries and Galloway Cultural Partnership

    Wednesday, 18 September 2024 10:03

    Dumfries and Galloway Cultural Partnership is on the lookout for its first independent chairperson to guide the partnership's development over the next 12 months and spearhead the implementation of the region’s Cultural Strategy.

    This is an exciting, paid opportunity for an individual with an understanding of the regional and national cultural sector to take forward developments across the arts, museums and heritage sectors to make a difference to this area in a number of themes:

    • Fair work and governance.
    • Visitor economy.
    • Health and wellbeing.
    • Community wealth building.
    • Education and skills.

    The post holder will chair the meetings of the partnership and will play a crucial role in guiding its development and overseeing the delivery of the region’s Cultural Strategy.

    Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader, Councillor Gail Macgregor, encourages anyone interested to get in touch: “We have taken time to develop the strategy and the plans for the partnership with all the stakeholders involved and we’re now ready to move to this next phase. This individual has the opportunity to contribute to the cultural landscape of Dumfries and Galloway on a strategic level and make a real difference to our region, we look forward to getting applications from inspiring and committed people, ready to take this on.”

    Frank Hayes, Chair of DG Unlimited, added: “We are confident that there are many people in our region who possess the talent, skills and creativity needed to lead on this new and exciting partnership that brings together the arts and heritage sectors.”

    Judith Hewitt, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Museum and Heritage Network, explained how cultural partnership “will help put our region on the national map for arts and heritage activities. Strong leadership is necessary to coordinate the efforts of the sector and to bring them together under a unified vision.”

    The chairpersonwill be appointed for an initial one-year period, on a part-time basis. The full application process and role description can be found on myjobscotland.

    Applications close on Monday 21 October at midnight.

    Ends

  • Dumfries and Galloway Council Launches New Initiative to Address Depopulation

    Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:31

    Dumfries and Galloway Council is launching a new initiative to address the region’s ongoing population decline and build on the strengths of its vibrant communities.

    Supported by £90,000 from the Scottish Government’s Addressing Depopulation Fund, this initial year-long project aims to develop a comprehensive strategy to alleviate the impact of this challenge.

    With the population of Dumfries and Galloway falling from 148,000 in 2018 to just under 146,000 according to the 2023 Census, the initiative comes at a pivotal time.

    Speaking with local communities will be at the heart of the project, ensuring that the strategy meets the diverse needs and aspirations of residents across coastal, rural and town areas.

    Key areas of focus include improving housing availability, particularly in the private rental sector, and addressing the impact of second homes. In addition, the council is committed to creating community-driven plans that will foster economic opportunities and promote Dumfries and Galloway as an ideal destination for businesses, remote workers and individuals seeking a high quality of life.

    The project will culminate in a detailed report outlining a clear roadmap for addressing depopulation and enhancing the wellbeing of residents. The insights gained could also serve as a model for other regions in Scotland facing similar challenges.

    Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader, Cllr Gail Macgregor, expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential impact: “This project is about much more than simply reversing population trends – it’s about building a brighter future for all of Dumfries and Galloway. By understanding what makes our communities thrive and addressing the challenges head-on, we can create a region that is the natural place to live, work, visit and invest.”

    Equalities Minister, Kaukab Stewart, said: “By funding these projects, we will encourage more people to stay, live and work in Dumfries and Galloway, and help to ensure housing and employment opportunities are available. This will support local communities to attract and retain the people they need to thrive.

    “This is one of six local authorities in Scotland to benefit from the £360,000 Addressing Depopulation Fund, which is part of our plan to ensure that communities right across the country are supported to address the impact of population decline.”


    The report will focus on four areas:

    • Enhancing housing opportunities: investigating the challenges within the private rental sector, the impact of second homes and identifying future housing opportunities.
    • Strengthening communities: the council will work closely with communities to understand their experiences, challenges and aspirations. This collaborative approach will ensure that any plans developed are grounded in the real needs and desires of the people who live in Dumfries and Galloway.
    • Researching and implementing proven strategies: drawing on best practices from other regions, the council will develop a comprehensive plan to address depopulation. This will include strategies for retaining young people, attracting new residents and fostering economic opportunities that make Dumfries and Galloway an even more dynamic and prosperous place to live.
    • Promoting inward migration: promoting the region as a destination for new businesses, remote workers and individuals seeking a high quality of life.

    Ends

  • Nominations Open for Dumfries and Galloway Youth Awards 2024

    Friday, 13 September 2024 15:32

    We are delighted to announce that the DG Youth Awards are back for 2024. This year the annual awards evening will once again take place at Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries on Thursday 28November and will focus on celebrating the amazing achievements and talents of young people aged 11 to 25 across Dumfries and Galloway.

    Ailsa McDairmant, Chairperson of Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council said: “It is great to see that Dumfries and Galloway Youth Awards are back once again for 2024. The awards are a significant event for young people across the region, and it has built up a strong reputation for celebrating the personalities, talents and achievements of our young people. I am really looking forward to hearing about the inspiring stories of young people from across Dumfries and Galloway this year.”

    Nominations are now open and if you know a young person, youth worker or organisation in Dumfries and Galloway who you think is deserving of recognition, you can submit a nomination from now until the closing date of Monday 21October by visiting www.dgyouthawards.co.uk.

    The categories for this year’s main awards are:

    1. Sports Award
    2. Culture, Arts and Entertainment Award
    3. Equality Award
    4. Young Volunteer Award
    5. Group of the Year Award
    6. Unsung Hero Award
    7. Young Enterprise and Business Award
    8. Rising Star Award
    9. Young Person of the Year (Overall Winner)
    10. Youth Worker of the Year (paid) Award
    11. Youth Worker of the Year (voluntary) Award
    12. Lifetime Achievement Award

    To submit a nomination, and to find out more information, please visit www.dgyouthawards.co.uk.

    Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor: “Each year, the DG Youth Awards confirm to us the dedication, commitment, and determination from young people the length and breadth of our region. Young people are doing incredible things to improve the lives of their peers within their local communities and across Dumfries and Galloway. Our council is incredibly proud to play a part in showcasing how great the young people of our region are. If you know a young person worthy of recognition, I would encourage you to nominate them today.”

    The DG Youth Awards is fully funded by Young Gamechangers Fund and the National Lottery.

    ENDS

  • New Exhibition Comes To Dumfries Museum

    Tuesday, 10 September 2024 16:05

    Dumfries Museum has created a new display focused on childhood. It includes old dolls, toys, games and more. A beautiful old leather football is on display alongside a rocking horse, dominoes and a toy sailing boat. There is a section focused on the Peter Pan books which explores the connections between JM Barrie and Dumfries. There are also charming vintage children’s clothes, christening gowns and baby’s bottles alongside paintings of children from the past.

    The highlight of the display focuses on the artworks of Anne McEntegart, several of which have not been on display in Dumfries before. Anne spent a lot of her childhood in Crocketford, her mother lived in Castle Douglas. After time in Edinburgh, London, Singapore and the New Forest, Anne and her family settled in Dunscore.

    This display includes artworks made by Anne when she was a new mother, in Singapore in the 1930s. She spent time studying the people of Malaya and created beautiful artworks inspired by this culture. Anne used her observations in books that she illustrated such as ‘A Malayan Cookbook’ and books which helped teach the children of Singapore how to read English. The work inspired by her son’s carer, his Amah, is the most remarkable with two eye catching sculptures of this particular woman.

    Visitors to the museum will be able to enjoy a special tour with Museum Curator, Judith Hewitt on Saturday 21September from 11am. This tour has been organised as part of the national Art History Festival 2024, organised by the Association for Art History.

    Council Leader Gail MacGregor said:

    “This new display presents the museum with an opportunity to explore childhood in all its varied forms. It is particularly pleasing to see a female artist being celebrated in this way and to see how she explored life in different cultures – particularly women who cared for other people’s children.. The focus of this year’s festival is Local to Global and I look forward to seeing the exhibition for myself.”

    This display will be available to see throughout 2024 and 2025. For full details of how to visit, see: https://www.dgculture.co.uk/venue/dumfries-museum/

  • Dumfries – Gifhorn Twinning Link Celebrates 30th Anniversary

    Thursday, 05 September 2024 16:43

    A special ceremony to mark the 30th Anniversary of the twinning link between Dumfries and Gifhorn in Germany is taking place this Sunday, 8 September at 2.30pm at the Plainstanes, Dumfries.

    Members of the Nithsdale Twinning Association, Friends of Gifhorn, the council’s Nithsdale Area Committee and former Provosts of Dumfries along with other invited guests will be present to witness the signing of a charter, pledging to maintain and development the link.

    Other features of the programme include pipers and the Dumfries Town Band, the raising of the Gifhorn flag on the Midsteeple and the attendance of fire officers from Dumfries and Gifhorn in uniform.

    The four signatories of the charter are clear on the positive benefits for the twinning link, recognising achievements to-date and the opportunities for the future.

    Provost of Dumfries Maureen Johnstone said: “I am delighted to host this event and be part of the anniversary celebrations. It is always a pleasure for the town of Dumfries to host our Gifhorn visitors and I urge as many people as possible to come and welcome them back once more with the spirit of Guid Nychburris sounding a clear welcome.”

    Kenny Johnstone, Convener of the Nithsdale Twinning Association added:“I think one reason why the twinning has lasted so long is the warmth of the welcome that each of the towns gives their visitors. There is a great deal of kindness shown by the individuals and the organisations in both towns – people are invited into homes as well as the business element – and that has forged strong bonds.”

    Ian Mitchell, Chair of the Friends of Gifhorn highlighted:“The link between Gifhorn and Dumfries in fact goes back a long, long way – Doonhamers fought alongside Gifhorn men at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. So, our 30 years of this phase is just the latest in a long and proud history. I have visited Gifhorn almost every year of our link and many groups and societies in Dumfries have been there too, which means we benefit from an international perspective on many issues.”

    Stadt Gifhorn Burgermeister Matthias Nerlich commented:“We are delighted to be here to celebrate thirtieth anniversary of the twinning link with the town of Dumfries. Over these many years we have enjoyed exchanges of sports teams, cultural groups and young people. This has helped with our local economies and tourism as well as giving people an international perspective – and of course many friendships. We hope that this link will continue for many more years in the future.”

    In addition to the four-strong Gifhorn civic delegation, there are eight fire officers on the visit. They will also take in a national dimension by visiting the Scottish Fire and Rescue facilities in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

    Scott Irving, Group Commander in Dumfries and Galloway explained the value of their involvement: “There are some similarities in our towns and so it is helpful to discuss different approaches to the same challenges, assess a wider range of equipment and hear about how training is delivered. All these things help us to deliver a better service and develop professionally, so there’s tangible benefits in maintaining the link.”

    Ends

  • Refreshed BSL Plan Launched

    Thursday, 05 September 2024 12:08

    Dumfries and Galloway Council is pleased to publish our new British Sign Language (BSL) Plan. This plan demonstrates our commitment to make Dumfries and Galloway a better place for BSL users to live, work and learn and ensure BSL users voices are not only heard but fully understood.

    Our updated plan builds on our initial 2018 to 2024 BSL Plan and will be in place until 2030.

    Our plan has been developed through engagement with our local community and is a reflection of the insight provided by the participants and our shared ambitions for our work over the next six years.

    Our BSL Plan outlines key actions across several priority areas -

    • BSL Data – To understand who the BSL Community are and their demographics and understand the level of BSL qualifications across Dumfries and Galloway.

    • BSL Awareness and Training – To increase both staff and the general public’s knowledge and awareness of BSL and provide training opportunities.

    • BSL Accessibility – To ensure our Council services are accessible for BSL users.

    • Transport – Work with the BSL community in Dumfries and Galloway to develop transport and travel information in an accessible format.

    • BSL Culture – Ensure arts and museums services are accessible and relevant to BSL audiences, working to remove barriers to participation by building and strengthening relationships with BSL users and organisations.

    • Access to Employment – To support BSL users in the recruitment, retention and development of our workforce.

    • Education - All children and young people whose chosen means of communication is BSL have the support they need at all stages of their learning so they can reach their full potential.

    Council Leader Gail Macgregor said:

    “Our council is committed to equality of opportunity for all people within our community and our BSL Plan reflects this commitment by ensuring BSL users have equal access to information, services and opportunities within our Council”.

    Our new BSL Plan is available in both British Sign Language and English and can be found on our website - https://dumgal.gov.uk/BSL-plan

  • Don’t lose your vote – annual canvass underway

    Wednesday, 04 September 2024 14:23

    As part of the 2024 annual canvass, Dumfries and Galloway residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details or risk losing their chance to vote on decisions that affect them.


    The Electoral Registration Officer will be getting in touch with every household to check that the electoral register is up to date and to identify any residents who should be registered but are currently missing.


    Alexander Clark, Electoral Registration Officer, Dumfries and Galloway Council, said:


    “Keep an eye out for important updates. The annual canvass is our way of making sure that the information on the electoral register for every address is accurate and up to date. To make sure you don’t lose your say in upcoming elections, simply follow the instructions sent to you.


    “If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”


    Recent home movers, in particular, are urged to check their details. Electoral Commission research has found that recent home movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time. In Great Britain, 92% of those who have lived in their home for 16 years will be registered, compared with 36% of people who have lived at an address for less than a year.


    Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said:


    “It’s really important that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. We urge people to check for updates from their Electoral Registration Officer on this year’s canvass. You might receive an email, a letter, or a phone call, or someone might knock on your door.


    “If you are not registered to vote, make sure you provide the necessary information to your Electoral Registration Officer when asked and register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”


    Information on registering to vote is available on the Electoral Commission website.

    Register to vote - Dumfries and Galloway Council (dumgal.gov.uk)

    ENDS

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