Index - DGC Press Releases

Dumfries – Gifhorn Twinning Link Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Thursday, 05 September 2024 16:43

A special ceremony to mark the 30^th 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.”

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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)

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Burns Walks Throughout September

Wednesday, 04 September 2024 11:57

A new initiative in Dumfries began this summer and it is set to continue into September - free Robert Burns themed walking tours.

The Burns walking tours start at the recently cleaned Burns Statue at 6.30pm on Wednesday evening and at 2pm on Saturday afternoon. The tour takes a walk down the High Street stopping at places associated with Burns such as the Midsteeple, Bank Street and places where he made merry! The tour is accessible and lasts between an hour and a half and two hours.

The walks are supported by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance who are seeking to enhance the existing Burns offer.

Council Leader Gail MacGregor commented:

“There is so much history in the town connected with Burns and this will be a great way for locals and visitors to find out more. We have three incredible sites in Dumfries under our council remit - Burns House, the Robert Burns Centre and the Mausoleum and they are all great places to visit in their own right, but having a tour of the town which draws attentions to all the sites is a really welcome addition.”

Burns Mausoleum has also been receiving a lot more visitors this year due to a change in how it is opened. There are now set times for opening so the public no longer have to arrange this in advance – they can just drop in at 11.15am or 2.15pm Monday to Saturday.

Burns Walking Tours and Mausoleum openings will be available throughout September. For more details see: https://www.dgculture.co.uk/

Raeburn Reimagined

Tuesday, 03 September 2024 15:25

An events and workshop programme, co-curated with young people, to take place at Kirkcudbright Galleries this September.

Kirkcudbright Galleries is delighted to present an events programme with a difference this September. To celebrate ‘Eye to Eye: Sir Henry Raeburn’s Portraits,’ Kirkcudbright Galleries brings Raeburn Reimagined – a series of events and workshops co-curated with young people from Kirkcudbright Youth Project and Kirkcudbright Academy, with support from The Holywood Trust and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

With generous support from the Holywood Trust, Kirkcudbright Galleries has been working with young people to develop events and workshops that will bring the exhibition to life for young people and the wider community.

On Saturday 21 September, Raeburn Reimagined: Off the Wall, 10am from 4pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the characters from the paintings, pose as 18th Century aristocrats in our pop-up Georgian Portrait Studio and join collaborative outdoor drawing and printing workshops. This event is suitable for all ages.

Henry Raeburn, Lady Raeburn and characters from the portraits will be in the galleries and the Soaperie Gardens to meet visitors. If you have ever wondered what life was like in 18th Century Edinburgh when Raeburn was working, come along to Kirkcudbright Galleries and find out. You will also be able to transform yourself into an 18th Century portrait by dressing up in Georgian costumes, take part in fast paced drawing workshops, and add your portrait to the drawing wall.

Kirkcudbright Galleries will also be offering Raeburn Reimagined workshops in silver clay (28 September) and ceramics (18th September), aimed at young people aged 12 to 18 years.

In the wider programme, Kirkcudbright Galleries will be joined by eminent portrait artist Ewan McClure (10 and 25 September), who will be leading a workshop working directly from Raeburn’s work, and the historian Lisa Williams (17 September), who will be highlighting the stories of Raeburn’s subjects and discuss the relationship between the growth of the city of Edinburgh and the transatlantic slave trade.

Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council said:“It is fantastic to see opportunities for our young people to have their voices heard and to develop their creativity skills by working in partnership with Kirkcudbright Galleries, with support from the Holywood Trust and Dumfries and Galloway Council. Kirkcudbright Galleries is developing the creatives of the future in projects like this, and we are delighted that young people are influencing our cultural venues in such a positive way.

“This exciting range of activities and events, developed with our young people, is a fantastic draw for visitors to Kirkcudbright, boosting tourism for the region. There is a range of events for all ages and abilities, which will appeal to our local audiences and attract more visitors to our fantastic venues.”

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Dumfries and Galloway Council Announces Start Date for Kerbside Battery Recycling Service

Tuesday, 03 September 2024 13:47

Dumfries and Galloway Council has announced the start date for the Kerbside Battery Recycling Service, an important step toward our commitment to safety, sustainability and environmental protection. Starting next week, 9 September, residents across the region will be able to conveniently recycle household batteries as part of their regular kerbside collection service.

Residents can now place household batteries in the provided pink bag and place it on top of their wheelie bin or sack on their usual collection day each week. Upon collection, a replacement bag will be left under the lid of the bin. The types of batteries accepted include AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V, mobile phone, laptop, and button batteries that fit in the pink bag. This service is not for car batteries or other large, industrial batteries, or electrical items such as vapes or mobile phones – which should continue to be taken to one of the council’shousehold recycling centres.

"We are pleased to announce the start of collections for the kerbside battery recycling scheme in our region," said Councillor Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council. "This initiative is a key part of our strategy to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable practices across the region. We thank the community for their patience and ongoing support as we continue to improve our waste management services."

Residents can collect a new pink bag from one of the council’s customer service centres or household waste recycling centres. For more information on the kerbside battery recycling scheme please visit our website at https://new.dumgal.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/recycle-batteries.

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Road Safety Roadshow

Friday, 30 August 2024 09:57

Dumfries and Galloway Road Safety Partnership is organising a Road Safety Roadshow on Saturday 14 September from 11am to 3pm at Park Farm Showground, New Abbey Road, Dumfries.

There will be ‘come and try’ activities and driving experiences, a traffic collision demonstration, children's entertainment, refreshments and road safety partners offering safety advice. Entry is free with on-site parking (cash donations welcome) and a free shuttlebus leaves the Whitesands every half hour, opposite the Salvation Army church.

Dumfries and Galloway Road Safety Partnership brings together partner organisations from across the region involved in road safety and with a keen interest in keeping the public and most at-risk road users safe through initiatives, campaigns, events and educational guidance.

Road safety is important for all ages and road users, come along for an entertaining day, meet the emergency services and other partner organisations and increase your own awareness of how to keep yourself, your family and other road users safe.

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Pipes and Drums of Canada to Perform in Dumfries

Wednesday, 28 August 2024 10:51

The Pipes and Drums of Canada will perform and parade on the streets of Dumfries on Friday 30August.

At 11am, around 22 Pipers, 6 Drummers, 7 Colour Guard, 41 Family and Supporters of their parade team will set off along the High Street from the Loreburn Centre, heading for the Plainstaines. They will be led by Pipe Major Chris MacDougald and welcomed by Provost of Dumfries Councillor Maureen Johnstone.There will be a short display with the parade leaving the Plainstanes around 11.45am and disbursing along the High Street near Burns Statue.

The Pipes and Drums of Canada was founded in 1974 under the direction of Senior Pipe Major Ross Baxter, of the Collingwood Legion Pipe Band. He envisaged a band travelling the world representing Canada, Ontario and the Royal Canadian Legion. Collingwood remains the core of the band but, over the years, pipers and drummers from other provinces of Canada have joined it.

The band has performed around the world, making its first tour of Scotland in 1979. It has featured in events such as the Braemar Gathering, Edinburgh Festival Cavalcade, and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This will be the band’s fifth visit to Dumfries, the last being five years ago, with previous visits attracting large crowds.

The 2024 itinerary has included Berwick on Tweed, Stirling, Scone Palace, Dunfermline, Pitlochry, Balmoral (to perform for King Charles), Blairgowrie, Oban and ending in Dumfries.

Provost of Dumfries Maureen Johnstone said: “I will be delighted to welcome The Pipes and Drums of Canada back to Dumfries. Previous visits have certainly been a highlight in terms of music and colourful spectacle. It will be a pleasure for the town of Dumfries to host our Canadian 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.”

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Museum and Gallery Visitor Numbers On Up

Monday, 26 August 2024 14:25

Dumfries and Galloway Council’s art galleries and museums are celebrating a year of success. Overall visitor figures increased by ten per cent in the year of 2022-2023 to 2023-2024. Part of this rise in visitors is due to the recovery from Covid - Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Arts and Museums Service cares for three collections which are recognised as significant to the Scottish nation and the return of overseas visitors in this time period can only have helped at internationally significant sites such as Robert Burns House and Kirkcudbright Galleries. But the increase is also a testament to the work being done across the thirteen different museums and galleries run by the Council in Dumfries and Galloway.

Part of the success can be attributed to collaborative ways of working – the museums and galleries have been engaging with community and other cultural groups to develop diverse programmes. Exhibitions such as the Diane Arbus photographic exhibition at Gracefield Art Centre are other success stories. Encouraging school groups as well as hosting talks, walks and tours all provide reasons for repeat visits which have increased in this time period.

Building works and funded projects have also transformed some of sites. Refurbishment of the toilets at the Robert Burns Centre saw it increase its Visit Scotland star rating. The historic Main Hall of Dumfries Museum, built in 1862, has been redisplayed in the past two years with co-curation from local young people. This has completely transformed the space as has the display of historic bicycles installed to celebrate 2023’s Summer of Cycling. Works at The Stewartry Museum in Kirkcudbright provided an opportunity for parts of its historic collection to be redisplayed.

Council Leader Gail Macgregor said:

“I am so pleased that more visitors are enjoying our cultural offer here in Dumfries and Galloway. Our museum and galleries contain great collections in some of the most beautiful historic buildings in our region. Our staff have great enthusiasm for their work and have been making a real difference to the events and exhibitions that are programmed. This is a difficult time for heritage organisations but it is good to know that visitors appreciate our art galleries and museums and we hope to see even more people visiting and enjoying all that they have to offer in future.”

For full details on the museums and art galleries, including how to visit, see:

https://www.dgculture.co.uk/venues/

School Week Structure Consultation Underway

Thursday, 22 August 2024 15:25

Dumfries and Galloway Council is consulting on proposals to change the structure of the school week, so that there are four slightly longer days and one day per week that finishes at lunchtime.

This model exists in other parts of Scotland and has the potential to improve the education, wellbeing and outcomes for our children and young people as well as making Dumfries and Galloway Council a more attractive prospect for teaching staff to apply to.

A questionnaire is now live on www.dumgal.gov.uk/theschoolweek for all stakeholders to complete. Whether you are a parent or a carer, a transport provider or a local employer, we want to hear your views on these proposals. If you do not have access to complete the questionnaire online, you can complete it in hard copy at any of our council Customer Service Centres.

We will also be hosting 16 community drop in sessions.

Dalbeattie High School	Monday 26 August
Douglas Ewart High School	Tuesday 27 August
Stranraer Academy	Wednesday 28 August
Castle Douglas High School	Monday 2 September
Dalry Secondary	Tuesday 3September
Dumfries Academy	Wednesday 4 September
Dumfries High School	Monday 9 September
North West Community Campus	Tuesday 10 September
St Joseph's College	Wednesday 11 September
Wallace Hall Academy	Monday 16 September
Kirkcudbright Academy	Wednesday 18 September
Sanquhar Academy	Thursday 19 September
Lockerbie Academy	Monday 23September
Langholm Academy	Tuesday 24 September
Annan Academy	Wednesday 25 September
Moffat Academy	Thursday 26 September

Join us any time between4.30pm and 7pmto hear more about the proposal and tell us your views.There will be information and staff available on the night and you will have the opportunity to fill in a survey.

The Community Drop-in sessions at Dumfries Academy and Kirkcudbright Academy will be supported by BSL translators.

Council Leader, Gail MacGregor said of the consultation:

“It is vital that we receive as much feedback as possible in relation to the proposals to make changes to the structure of the school week. We have created a dedicated web page (www.dumgal.gov.uk/theschoolweek) and I would urge everyone to take a look at this page. It contains digital, easy to follow content that explains the proposals, links to parent/carer and general stakeholder questionnaires, details of our community drop-in sessions which start next week and much more.

No decision on these changes will be made without this extensive period of consultation, which runs until 11 October. Please take the time to fill in a questionnaire and attend a drop-in session if you can.”

The consultation runs until 11 October. Queries can be emailed to theschoolweek@dumgal.gov.uk

Exam Results Summary

Thursday, 22 August 2024 14:39

Like several local authorities, the SQA exam results in Dumfries and Galloway show some variability.

This year, full course assessments were reintroduced for National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher courses.Entries at all levels have increased since 2019, although there has been a slight decrease compared to 2023. At the National 3 and National 4 levels, pass rates were recorded at 88% and 84%, respectively, indicating a minor decline in attainment for National 3, while National 4 presentations show a modest improvement.

For National 5, there has been a slight decrease from last year, particularly in the proportion of A passes, which fell from 34.5% to 31.3%. The pass rate for Higher remains consistent with 2023, however, the number of A passes decreased from 29% to 27.2%. Additionally, the pass rate for Advanced Higher has also dropped from 2023, but the proportion of A passes has experienced an increase from 26.7% to 27.2%.

In S5, 53% of young people achieved at least one Higher. The percentage of those achieving three or more Highers was 32%, and 14% achieved five or more. This reflects an improvement compared to last. This data indicates that the consistent emphasis on the attainment of all learners have contributed positively to outcomes.

In S6, the percentage of young people achieving at least one Higher was 59%, and those achieving three or more Highers was 38%, while 24% achieved five or more. The percentage of young people in S6 achieving one or more passes at the Advanced Higher level was 16%.

Council Leader Gail Macgregor commented:

“First of all, I would like to say well done to all of our young people and remind them that their results do not define the rest of their lives, and support and advice is readily available should anyone require it.

The young people, school staff and partners have worked hard over the last academic year and there are a significant number of individual success stories for our schools and young people, including the increase in the number of young people achieving National Progression Awards and Skills for Work Awards. There are small increases and small decreases in results across the board, so as we always do as a Council, we will take time to reflect and work to improve opportunities and results for our young people in the short, medium and long term.”

Council Top CAT's In National Awards

Friday, 16 August 2024 15:24

A team from the council’s Thriving Communities service presented our region’s work on Community Asset Transfers to a panel of national experts on Wednesday 14 August in Edinburgh.

Selected as one of just three finalists in the COSLA Local Government Excellence Awards for Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy, officers from across the region showcased the amazing transformations that community groups have achieved over the last seven years – including a Pilgrim bunkhouse and heritage exhibition in Whithorn; a Planetarium and Gin Distillery in Kirkcudbright; eco-housing in Closeburn; and a playpark in Annan.

The Judges were particularly interested in the links between Community Asset Transfers and other work in our communities including the 59 Place Plans in progress; and were suitably impressed by the external funding of £27million that has already been brought into the region through the Transfers.

Councillor Gail Macgregor, Leader of the Council said:

“I’m delighted that the work on Community Asset Transfers has been recognised at this national level – to be one of just three finalists in this category and fifteen over all the categories itself proves just how good our arrangements are and what local people have achieved. Although I’m not one of the Judges, I know through my work as a COSLA Spokesperson that you really have to have something special to stand out from across all 32 councils, so my congratulations and thank you to everyone involved. This could not have been achieved without genuine partnership working from almost 100 groups and organisations over the last seven years; all councillors have taken an active interest in the Transfers being progressed in their Ward; and there’s many different council services who work together to make these transfers happen.”

The COSLA Awards take place in Edinburgh on 19 September.

Dumfries and Galloway Council seeks local MPs and MSPs support for GB Energy headquarters at Chapelcross site.

Wednesday, 14 August 2024 14:47

Following on from earlier letters to the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor, has now written to Dumfries and Galloway MPs and MSPs, seeking their support for Dumfries and Galloway Council to host the headquarters of the new GB Energy company at the site of the former Chapelcross nuclear power station near Annan.

The site, which is almost 200 hectares in size, is already in the process of attracting investors, industries and developers. Our Council believes that the placement of GB Energy’s headquarters here would be a natural progression of the already established site and recently launched Chapelcross Masterplan.

Positioned almost centrally to the whole of the UK, and with established grid connections, road access, and infrastructure, the site 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. It also has excellent transport links to the A74M and A75 with the potential for regional, national and international distribution from the site.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor commented: “As I have stated previously, Chapelcross is a prime location to host GB Energy headquarters. The site is also recognised as a site for national development detailed in the National Planning Framework 4 and has been earmarked for redevelopment as a green energy hub since 2013. It was identified as a location for one of Scotland’s thirteen regional hydrogen hubs, with an emerging hydrogen supply chain cluster.

“We would welcome the development for several reasons, but obviously it would provide a huge boost to our local economy and population by attracting skilled workers and upgrading local skills. This would also help to combat depopulation in Dumfries and Galloway by creating more high-quality jobs and career prospects for our residents, especially in the green energy sector.”

The Leader stated in the letter that she would welcome letters of support for the proposal by MPs and MSPs at the Chapelcross site which offers unparalleled advantages and opportunities for the future of energy in the UK.

You can read more about the site at www.cxproject.co.uk

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Community Council Elections

Wednesday, 14 August 2024 13:08

Community Council Elections for the return of all Community Councils across Dumfries and Galloway will take place on Thursday, 3 October 2024. There are 106 Community Council areas with the maximum membership of each determined by the population it serves and varies between 4 and 17 members, with an overall total of 1,291 Community Councillor places available across Dumfries and Galloway.

Community Councils are voluntary organisations set up by statute and are the most local tier of statutory representation. They comprise of people who care about their community and want to make their area a better place to live. Community Councils have an important role in democracy by representing the views of their community on local issues to the local authority and other public and private agencies.

The role of the Community Council includes to encourage and facilitate consultation with their local community to listen to and act on the views of local people and should aim to establish effective working relationships with the Public Authorities and wider organisations. Community Councils also facilitate a wide range of activities which promote the interests and wellbeing of their local area by bringing together local people to make things happen.

If you are keen to influence decisions that your affect your village, town, or neighbourhood, then this is your opportunity to represent your local community and to stand as a Community Councillor.

Please note that all those currently serving as Community Councillors, that would like to stand again, must also submit a nomination form.

A copy of the Nomination Form and Guidance Notes can be found on our Community Council webpage at Community Councils - Dumfries and Galloway Council (dumgal.gov.uk).

Nominations will close at 5pm on Tuesday, 3 September 2024.

If there are more nominations than places on a Community Council an election ballot will be held in that area on Thursday, 3 October 2024.

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

“As the most local tier of elected representation in Scotland, Community Councils play a key role in local decision-making by advising, influencing, and advocating on behalf of their local communities. They are there to encourage and facilitate consultation with their local community and to listen to and act on the views of local people. Dumfries and Galloway Council is committed to ensuring that our local people and communities are at the heart of our decision-making and are keen to work closely with Community Councils to make our communities better places to live.”

For further information please email us at Community.Councils@dumgal.gov.uk.

Short Term Let License Application Deadline Approaching

Wednesday, 14 August 2024 10:45

The Scottish Government's Short Term Let Licensing Scheme came into force on 1 October 2022, meaning all hosts (existing and new) need to apply for, and obtain, a licence before they accept bookings and welcome guests. This was to ensure a mandatory set of standards that apply to all short-term lets across Scotland.

Since the introduction of the scheme, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Housing and Licensing Standards team has received a number of applications – but not all had the required mandatory information.

Scottish Government legislation allows us 9 months to process applications from new hosts and 12 monthsfor existing hosts. This is subject to all mandatory conditions being met by the host and consideration by statutory referees Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

If you have been asked to supply further information, please act now so we can process your application. If we don't receive the requested information, your short-term let licence application will be refused, in terms of Paragraph 5(3) of Schedule 1 to the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

Councillor Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “There is a wealth of visitor attractions in our region, and we wish to support local business. The provision of a consistent standard of accommodation to tourists coming to Dumfries and Galloway is vital, and we wish to support accommodation providers in every way we can.

“I’d like to encourage anyone who is part way through their application to provide the final information so our team can finalise your application.”

The council works in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) on Dumfries and Galloway’s licensing scheme. The SSDA is the strategic destination management and marketing organisation for the South of Scotland, encompassing Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. It represents businesses and is led by South of Scotland business leaders.

David Hope-Jones, SSDA Chief Executive Officer said: “There are a number of businesses which started an STL application but, when asked by the council, have not come back with the necessary detail or documents. Dumfries and Galloway Council is doing all they can to reach out to and support these businesses but, to meet the statutory processing times, if businesses have not given what has been requested after 9 months (for new businesses) or 12 months (for existing businesses), their application will formally be rejected. Businesses who have had an application rejected must cease trading within a month and cannot apply again for a year.

“We want to do all we can to develop and grow the South of Scotland’s visitor economy, we therefore strongly encourage businesses in this situation, to be responsive when the council requests further information. None of us want to see quality businesses have to close. Any business needing support, or with concerns they may have to close, can contact me directly on davidhj@ssdalliance.com.”

If you would like to discuss a short-term let licence, please call 01387 273164 or email shorttermlets@dumgal.gov.uk.

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A Journey Shared – Exhibition Hits Gracefield

Thursday, 08 August 2024 15:41

This summer at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries, we’re celebrating the lives and work of Elizabeth Blackadder and John Houston with works on loan from the Royal Scottish Academy and drawn from our own permanent art collection.

A Journey Sharedgives an unparalleled insight into the work and lives of these two hugely influential Scottish artists, and honoured Royal Academicians and includes works from across the breadth of both artists’ careers with Blackadder’s enduringly popular botanical and cat studies together with still life and landscape studies by her husband John Houston.

The exhibition is be accompanied by a publicationfeaturing writings by Alexander Moffat RSA, Stuart Duffin RSA and other Academicians who worked alongside Blackadder and Houston. Selected artworks, including prints and paintings will be available to buy. The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday 10 August.

Council leader Gail MacGregor says:

“Dumfries and Galloway Council is delighted to welcome the exhibition from the Royal Scottish Academy, and to see such a wonderful selection of these popular and influential Scottish artists here in the region for the late summer-autumn.”

A Journey Shared continues in Gallery 2 until Saturday 26 October, so there’s plenty time to catch this special exhibition with gallery talks and a special printmaking masterclass with Stuart Duffin in September and October – see the website or social media for all the details.

Coming soon to Gallery 1 is locally based artist, Mishi Bellamy who’s exhibiting her work for the first time in Dumfries and Galloway in a major exhibition: Faces and Places, 1990-2024 which open Saturday 17 August.

After nearly thirty years of living abroad, first in India, then in France, Mishi Bellamy has now made Dumfries and Galloway her home. After living in London (briefly working for the Beatles) a second marriage brought international travel and great change, where from the rich culture of Rajasthan to the elegance of the Loire valley in the Touraine, she found much to inspire her creativity in both those very diverse countries, during the long-extended period of happy exile.

During her time away she exhibited in Delhi and Jaipur, in St Tropez, Aix en Provence and Chinon. European at heart, earliest influences came from her artistic German family and she preferred sculpture to painting until finding her metier as a portrait painter in the early 1980's.

Her husband played polo in India and many of the equine paintings stem from that period. History was one of their shared passions and living so closely to the various royal chateaux brought a romantic feel to the large paintings she produced at that time. Portraiture work continued, in both countries, in a variety of styles and mediums and the unusual latter portraits, from here in Scotland and mostly pastel work, now reflect a contemporary departure. Mishi continues with a career in graphics and illustration, designing book covers, prints, posters, working digitally as well as using conventional methods. Exploring new techniques and mastering them (if possible) is still her way forward, but painting will always be the focus of her life.

Admission to Gracefield exhibitions is always free and we are open Tuesday-Saturday 10am -5pm.

Masterplan Released for Chapelcross Green Energy Hub

Tuesday, 06 August 2024 13:02

A masterplan for the future of Chapelcross has been unveiled today, showcasing the vision to develop the site into a Green Energy Hub.

The development of the hub will transform the local economy, creating the conditions for growth and actively kick-starting and progressively building a market with high value jobs, skills and activities in the green energy economy.

The multi-million pound, net-zero focused development will include hydrogen production, storage and associated logistics, advanced manufacturing, energy and enterprise campuses.

Renewable energy production in the South of Scotland exceeds local need, providing a competitive platform for the region to benefit from the energy transition.Chapelcross has the scale of site, legacy infrastructure and transport connectivity, along with established investment interest to act as a regional catalyst for green growth.

Almost 60 hectares of the northern part of the site will be developed with the aim of generating jobs and economic activity for Annan and the surrounding region.A series of artist impressions illustrate how the future Chapelcross Green Energy Hub will look, as momentum at the Annan site gathers pace.

Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader, Councillor Gail Macgregor, said; ‘By commissioning this masterplan, we have a clear vision for delivering future jobs which supports our transition to net zero for the region. We are united with Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and South of Scotland Enterprise in our ambition for the future of Chapelcross as a powerful force for change in the local economy and look forward to the design developing.’

Scottish Government has already included the site as a regional hub in its Hydrogen Action Plan, recognising the area has an emerging hydrogen supply chain cluster, including hydrogen enabled industrial boilers produced at nearby Cochran UK in Newbie.

The NDA are now looking to identify a strategic partner who will bring expertise and private finance to help deliver the partners’ vision for the site.Avison Young, land agent for the NDA, have today released a Request for Proposal for the private sector to develop the northern area of the Chapelcross site.

Strategic Partner Proposals must be submitted by 25^thOctober 2024 and the NDA hope to make an appointment early in 2025.NDA CEO, David Peattie, said: “We are committed to decommissioning our sites safely, securely and sustainably, leaving a positive, long-lasting legacy for future generations.

“Our ultimate aim is to free up our land for reuse, delivering benefit to local communities the environment and the wider economy – the green energy hub will enable us to deliver this at Chapelcross.

“The masterplan marks tangible progress in making the hub a reality and is a testament to the value of partnership working. Selecting a strategic developer will enable us to build on this further and leverage the benefits of public and private sector collaboration.”

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is also taking forward an Energy Transition Zone on a 6.5-hectare section of land adjacent to the main Chapelcross site, which will aim to generate jobs and inward investment focussed on the transition to green energy production.

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE, said: “We are delighted to be progressing our Energy Transition Zone which will kickstart the development of the Green Energy Campus on the main Chapelcross site.

“We are committed to working with our Chapelcross partners to ensure this excellent location leads our region to a new economy based on green energy production.”

Richard Murray, NRS Chapelcross Site Director, added: “We welcome the CX masterplan, which builds on our rich history of low carbon energy generation and repositions this for a green energy future. The NDA landholding and the site’s range of existing utilities and grid infrastructure will maximise our contribution to net zero and support sustainable economic growth. The significant release of 60 hectares of NDA land to support phase one is the equivalent of 84 adult football pitches!

NRS will continue to play an important, strategic role in this project and is committed to retaining vital skills in the region for future developments through our comprehensive decommissioning programme, ensuring that we keep the energy sector supply chain vibrant and robust in our communities - securing opportunities and benefits for all our futures.”

Plans are also in development by Elgin Energy for a 150Mw Battery Storage facility on the adjacent land.

The overall Chapelcross Programme includes a number of partners including Dumfries and Galloway Council, Nuclear Restoration Services (formerly named Magnox), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

Chapelcross is a former nuclear power plant near Annan which is over 210 hectares in size. Decommissioning work at Chapelcross started in 2004.

Work on the next level of masterplan detailwill soon commence, considering site infrastructure and phasing along with access improvements.

The plans are supported by Investment of up to £15.3 million from both UK and Scottish Governments (£7.5m from Scottish Government and £7.8m from UK Government) through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal which could help to finance the access and utility improvements.

More information and key contact details are available atwww.cxproject.co.uk

Dumfries and Galloway Council lobbies the UK Government to position GB Energy headquarters at Chapelcross site.

Tuesday, 30 July 2024 15:58

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 Muray, Secretary of State for Scotland, to express the interest of Dumfries and Galloway Council in hosting the new headquarters of the prospective GB Energy company at Chapelcross, the site of the former nuclear power station near Annan.

Our Council believes that the 198-hectare site at Chapelcross, which has already been earmarked for development and is in the process of attracting partners and investors, is 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 is also being 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 as a region, Dumfries and Galloway already generates around four times more renewable energy than we use, making us a significant net exporter of clean electricity to the rest of the UK. By locating GB Energy's headquarters at Chapelcross, we have suggested that the UK Government would not only recognise the strategic importance of our region for the UK's energy security and net zero ambitions, but also provide a much-needed boost to our local economy and population.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor says of the letter: “We are confident that Chapelcross has the potential to become an economic lever which will have a knock-on effect to attract other businesses and develop as a centre of excellence and innovation for GB Energy. This would attract talent, investment and collaboration from across the UK and beyond, upgrading skills and creating a wider range of better-paid jobs in the area.

“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.”

The Leader has requested an opportunity to discuss the proposal in more detail and has offered to facilitate a visit to the Chapelcross site for the Members of Parliament.

You can read more about the site at www.cxproject.co.uk

ENDS

Dumfries and Galloway Council Secures £2.3 Million Scottish Government Funding for Kerbside Garden Waste Recycling Scheme

Friday, 26 July 2024 11:55

Dumfries and Galloway Council is thrilled to announce the successful grant funding of a £2,331,405 capital grant from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund, administered by Zero Waste Scotland. This substantial funding will facilitate the launch of a new kerbside garden waste recycling scheme across the region.

The funding is allocated for 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.

As agreed at the council’s Communities Committee on 4 June 2024, the new service will commence on 1 March 2025. This opt-in service will offer fortnightly kerbside collection of garden waste from 1 March to 30 November each year. Residents can subscribe to the service for an annual fee of £40 per bin, with a 50% discount available for those receiving Council Tax reduction.

This grant will support the council’s ambitions to increase recycling rates and provide an additional valuable service to the residents of Dumfries and Galloway.

Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, commented: “I am delighted that Dumfries and Galloway Council has been successful in its bid to the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund to allow the implementation of a kerbside garden waste collection service.

“This grant funding of £2,331,405 will support our ambitions to reduce the volume of waste in the general waste bin and increase recycling rates. Residents of our region have told us they are in support of a garden waste recycling scheme and this investment will make that a reality.

“Our officers are already working with our dedicated workforce to make sure everything is in place, so we are ready to start collections from March 2025.”

Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “Our Recycling Improvement Fund offers local authorities the chance to modernise their local recycling facilities and infrastructure and increase local recycling rates by making it easier for households to recycle their waste.

“While we have made significant long-term improvements on recycling, with our overall recycling rates at the highest level since records began, we must intensify our work to reduce emissions and waste if we are to meet Scotland’s ambitious recycling and climate change targets.

“Our Circular Economy Bill, alongside our Circular Economy and Waste Route Map, will help us reduce waste and cut climate emissions by making recycling services better and more consistent across Scotland.”

Zero Waste Scotland’s Recycling Improvement Fund Manager David Gunn added: “We’re pleased to see these changes being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council. By making it easier for residents to recycle more, the area will help cut its carbon footprint and stop valuable materials from going to waste.

“This is vital if we’re to ease pressure on the planet now, and for future generations by becoming a more sustainable society fit for the future.”

ENDS

The Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP) Launches Community Collaborations in Stranraer, Annan and Wigtown

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 16:26

People in Stranraer, Wigtown, Annan and their surrounding areas along the Solway coast are being invited to envision the future of their coastal and marine environment. SCAMP seeks to explore community-driven initiatives to enhance biodiversity both underwater and along the coast – benefiting people, nature, and the planet.

Those passionate about the coast and seas are encouraged to participate in the coming SCAMP Picnic discussions and talks. These events will explore ways to restore underwater habitats, such as seagrass and oyster beds in the west, and saltmarshes and coastal woodlands in Wigtown and Annan. Insights from these discussions will shape the Solway Coast and Marine Project, an ambitious 15-year initiative aimed at revitalizing 200 miles of the Solway coastline amid rising water temperatures.

Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “Dumfries and Galloway has a huge coastline, stretching all the way from Loch Ryan in the west to the inner Solway Firth at Gretna in the east, and the coast plays an important role in the day-to-day lives of many of our region’s communities.

“The Solway Coast and Marine Project will collaborate with coastal communities – our ‘Coastodians’ – to explore nature-based solutions, addressing climate change impacts and biodiversity loss. This presents significant opportunities for meaningful green investment, creating a model for future marine and coastal restoration. Our council is committed to supporting our local people, their environment, and businesses.”

Clair McFarlan, Partnership Manager of Solway Firth Partnership, welcomed the collaborations and commented: “These co-design events aim to support communities and community projects to act and help their coastal and marine environment. As nature restores then communities can reap the benefits from clean air, clean water, and a stunning natural environment. We will have better wellbeing, more nature-based tourism, education opportunities and the growth of nature related businesses. Nature-based solutions can also help communities adapt to rising sea levels and more severe weather events that are attributed to climate change.”

Upcoming SCAMP Events:

Stranraer and Surrounds SCAMP Picnic and Discussion: Wednesday 24 July, 4.30pm to 6.30pm at the Old Harbour Master's Office, Stranraer.

To book a free place, visit: https://fienta.com/scamp-picnic-and-discussion

Annan and Surrounds SCAMP Picnic and Discussion: Tuesday 30 July, 4.30pm to 7pm at Annan Harbour.

To book your free place: https://fienta.com/scamp-annan-picnic-and-discussion-97158

Wigtown and Surrounds SCAMP Picnic and Discussion: Wednesday 7 Wigtown County Building, Wigtown.

To book your free place: https://fienta.com/scamp-picnic-and-discussion-wigtown-97161

You can find out more about what SCAMP and the SCAMP Coastodians are planning at Wigtown Book Festival, The Stranraer Oyster Festival and Annan’s new ImMerse Festival.

The SCAMP engagement is funded by the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland stage 2 (FIRNS2). The Solway Coast and Marine Project is a Dumfries and Galloway Council Environment Team initiative, in partnership with Solway Firth Partnership, supported by NatureScot, the Scottish Government, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Ends

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