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.

  • 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

    ENDS

  • 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.

    ENDS

  • 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 25thOctober 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

  • Lockerbie is Next for Temporary 20mph Speed Limit

    Tuesday, 16 July 2024 14:25

    Lockerbie is the next town in Dumfries and Galloway to receive a temporary 20mph speed limit – starting on 26 July, ahead of the schools returning in August.

    Following the decision at Communities Committee in December 2021, a target in the National Transport Strategy (NTS2) and feedback from the public, the scheme will assist in the development of a national strategy for 20mph speed limits across Scotland. To deliver safer roads, Transport Scotland has an aspirational target to ensure all appropriate roads in built-up areas will have a safer speed limit of 20mph by the end of 2025.

    The National Strategy has an ambition to improve road safety and health outcomes, with additional consideration being given to active travel and climate change targets.

    The introduction of the new speed limit aims to reduce perceptions of road danger, while encouraging people to walk, wheel and cycle. It will also seek to encourage considerate and respectful driving within Lockerbie and create a safer experience for locals and visitors.

    The scheme layout, that was designed in accordance with current national guidance and in consultation with local Councillors, will remain for an initial period of 18 months. Monitoring and evaluation information, including data supplied through traffic data surveys, will then be presented for appropriate council committee to seek approval for a permanent speed limit.

    Councillor Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “Following on from the successful implementation of both Stranraer and Annan’s 20mph speed limit schemes, a 20mph limit for Lockerbie will not only reduce vehicle speeds and accidents, but also make the roads and streets more attractive and safer for active travel and vulnerable user groups.

    “The Annan 20mph scheme has resulted in initial speed reductions of up to 20% at some survey sites. We aim to replicate this success in Lockerbie and encourage more people to reduce their speed and drive more considerately. Lowering traffic speed supports our local towns and villages to be places where people are free to travel in ways that are safe, sustainable, healthy and fair.”

    ENDS

  • Celebration of Robert Burns

    Monday, 15 July 2024 14:11

    The anniversary of the death of Robert Burns will be marked at Burns House in Dumfries with a celebration of his life and works on Sunday 21st July between 2pm and 5pm. The poet lived the last three years of his life in the home and it was there that he died in 1796 aged 37.

    Visitors will be able to explore the house, including the writing room where Burns penned some of his best-known songs, and the bedroom where he died. There will be a focus on his final days and those artefacts connected with his death.

    To help mark Burns’ ongoing legacy, there will be the chance to enjoy tunes from award-winning piper Gregor Grierson as he performs outside the house through the afternoon, including in the new performance space in Burns’ Backyard.

    Tours of Burns’ Dumfries will start from the Midsteeple at 2pm and 3.30pm, following the route and ending in St Michael’s Churchyard, with a chance to step inside the mausoleum where Burns was later reburied in 1815. Free guided tours start at the Midsteeple on Dumfries High Street at 2pm and 3.30pm.

    Burns House is of international significance, being the place where the poet spent his final years producing works which are still sung today, and with artefacts and original manuscripts of the Bard, it makes the perfect place to mark this occasion. People will be welcomed to the house to discover this history and celebrate the impact of Burns’ works.

    St Michael’s Church, where the poet worshipped, is just a short walk from the house. A memorial service will be held for Burns at 11am and the church will be open from 2-5pm for visitors to enjoy its history.

    Events at the house run from 2pm to 4.30pm, house open 2-5pm.
    All the activities are free of charge.

  • UK Parliamentary General Election Results 2024

    Friday, 05 July 2024 10:39

    The results of the UK Parliamentary Election to elect a Member of Parliament for Dumfries and Galloway County Constituency and Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale County Constituency are as follows:

    Dumfries and Galloway County Constituency:

    • John Matthew Cooper - Scottish Conservative and Unionist– 13,527
    • David Phillip Griffiths – Heritage - 230
    • Charles Anthony Keal – Reform UK – 4,313
    • Tracey Little - Scottish National Party (SNP) – 12,597
    • Iain McDonald - Scottish Liberal Democrats – 2,092
    • Laura Moodie – Scottish Greens – 1,249
    • James Wallace – Scottish Labour – 11,767

    John Matthew Cooper, Scottish Conservative and Unionist hasbeen electedas Member of Parliament forthe Dumfries and Galloway County Constituency.

    Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale County Constituency:

    • Dominic Ashmole – Scottish Greens – 1,488
    • Drummond Begg - Scottish Liberal Democrats – 2,800
    • Daniel Coleman - Scottish Labour – 10,140
    • Gareth Kirk – Scottish Family Party – 208
    • David Alexander Kirkwood – Reform UK – 3,822
    • Kim Marshall - Scottish National Party – SNP – 10,757
    • David Gordon Mundell - Scottish Conservative and Unionist-14,999

    David Gordon Mundell, Scottish Conservative and Unionist has been elected to serve as Member of Parliament for the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale County Constituency.


    For more information visit Dumfries and Galloway Council website:

    https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/27163/UK-Parliamentary-General-Election-July-2024

  • Dumfries and Galloway Fine Arts Society Annual Exhibition

    Wednesday, 03 July 2024 16:42

    The Dumfries and Galloway Fine Arts Society Annual Exhibition starts on 6 July at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries.

    Originally set up in 1922, Dumfries and Galloway’s largest practising art group presents a fascinating selection of over 160 works, from painting and drawing to craft and sculpture – and there is always something to catch the eye. As most are available to buy, it’s the ideal exhibition to start or enhance your original art collection with prices to suit all pockets.

    The new Honorary President of Dumfries and Galloway Fine Arts Society (DAGFAS), Lockerbie based artist, Bella Green, said: “I am so looking forward to this year’s summer exhibition – it promises to be a good one. The society is a vibrant group of like-minded people who are creative in their own homes and at our classes and workshops throughout the year. We welcome artists, both professional and amateur, and anyone with a keen interest in the arts.

    “If anyone is interested to see what we get up to, our Summer Exhibition is a fantastic chance to view a huge variety of paintings in oils, watercolour and acrylics as well as applied arts in a variety of mediums. And if you would like to join us there will be information about all our actives throughout the exhibition which will fill five rooms at the wonderful Gracefield Arts Centre.”

    A council spokesperson said: “Congratulations to the all the artists for another wonderful annual exhibition – it’s great to see so many members’ artwork and to have the chance to purchase a locally created piece for our own home.”

    The society will also be screening their centenary film, made but local filmmaker John Wallace to celebrate their 100th year in 2022. Look out for well-known faces and a glimpse behind the scenes of the exhibition-hanging and art workshops.

    The exhibitions are open Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 5pm, admission free, 28 Edinburgh Road Dumfries. For more information on what’s on at Gracefield and all the Councils other arts and museums visit www.DGCulture.co.uk

    Art for All Ages

    Summer holiday art and craft workshops start from Wednesday 3July for ages 5 to 12 years, and from Thursday 4July for Teens, aged 13 to 16 years. Please contact the gallery for details of spaces available – teens workshops are FREE as part of the Amazing Summer funded programme, so don’t miss your chance to try printmaking, jewellery, eco textiles and more…book early.

    ENDS

  • Thousands Gather for Youth Beatz Festival 2024

    Tuesday, 02 July 2024 09:04

    A capacity crowd descended on Park Farm, Dumfries on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June for the UK’s largest free youth music festival.

    An audience of around 40,000 over the course of the weekend were entertained by fantastic performances on the Main Stage, Second Stage and Dance Stage. The Youth Beatz Festival Main Stage featured performances from well-known UK acts Saint Phnx, Cascada, Jonas Blue, Alice Deejay, Sigala and Talia Mar, as well as some young up and coming performers from across Dumfries and Galloway.

    The Second Stage, ran in partnership with DMC (Dumfries Music Collective) featured performers from across Dumfries and Galloway and the rest of Scotland including Reece Williamson, Connie Ewart and Megan Black. The Dance Stage featured performances from dance acts from across the region, including Stranraer, Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Lockerbie.

    Over the weekend, social media has been full of posts, tags and comments – with some of the acts also getting involved in posting content.

    Saint Phnx shared multiple videos and photos to their Instagram stories showcasing their Sunday night performance as well as thanking the crowds in Dumfries.

    Alice Deejay shared on Instagram “Thank you for all of this weekend’s energy, love and fun! We had a blast on stage.”

    Sunday performer Sigala shared content on his Instagram stories showing his journey to Dumfries as well as videos from his action-packed slot as Youth Beatz 2024’s final Main Stage act.

    THE TOON youth drama production is a major feature of Youth Beatz and is designed to be a hard-hitting and shocking way of providing information to young people aged 14 to 25 about current issues that may be affecting them or may affect them in the future.

    The interactive experience was host to over 2400 young people on the Youth Beatz Festival weekend – that is on top of the schools shows and preview performances to young people in the week leading up to the festival weekend. Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Youth Work Service, together with partners, support a group of young volunteers to deliver the interactive youth zone by attendance at issue-based training plus performance and production camps. The Toon invites groups of young people to experience issues focussed on domestic abuse, knife crime, drugs and alcohol, mental health and bullying in short interpretive scenes.

    Some of the comments from young people who went through The Toon were:

    “Information presented through the Toon is relatable because it’s been designed and delivered by young people for young people.”

    “The Toon really opened my eyes as to what young people today go through and the challenges they face, it’s good to know you are never alone with how you’re feeling and the support that is available.”

    “The Toon young volunteers have done a fantastic job again in delivering their drama production, a huge well done to them all.”

    Other attractions on the weekend included a wide range of activities from youth information to giant inflatables. Youth Work partners promoted their services alongside partners from local and national community organisations within the youth information marketplace. The Kids Tent was non-stop all day, featuring performances from Road Runner, Tell Together Tales by Renita Boyle, and Double Trouble, and transforming into a huge children’s party each night with BJ Children’s Entertainer and Sophie Stardust.

    A Dumfries and Galloway Council spokesperson said: “Dumfries and Galloway Council is once again delighted with the high-quality event that has been delivered in our region. As the UK’s largest free youth music festival, Youth Beatz has highlighted what our region has to offer and this would not be possible without the help and valuable inputs of all the dedicated staff, Events Team and volunteers both youth and adult, and we are incredibly appreciative of all of their fantastic efforts.

    “Youth Beatz is more than a music festival, it allows young people to broaden their horizons and to try new things, and we already can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2025.”

    One young person attending the festival over the weekend said: “Thank you for the best two nights of my life.”

    Another festival goer said: “Very well organised and a wonderful weekend for all ages, thank you for all the hard work and effort that goes into this event!”

    Families and young people travelled from across Scotland for the event. One said: “Came down from the central belt and are so happy we came down, was plenty for the kids to do and see! Thank you to all of the organisers for the obvious hard work that goes into this event.”

    Another key feature of the festival is the Youth Beatz Fringe, which runs in the lead up to the event, and this year featured events in each Ward area of our region. The events that featured were all well attended by members of the local community, and included silent roller discos, urban adventure nights, outdoor games and challenges, inflatable sessions, dance nights and family fun days.

    The award-winning event was managed through a partnership led by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Young Peoples Service in conjunction with the Oasis Events Team and Event Scotland. Funding for the event has been secured from Young Start, Awards for All, Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Dumfries and Galloway and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

    Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “EventScotland is proud to have supported Youth Beatz Festival 2024 through our National Events Programme. As Scotland's largest youth music event, it is an important part of Scotland's annual portfolio of annual events, providing young people from across Dumfries and Galloway and the rest of Scotland the chance to connect, enjoy and share a memorable experience.

    "Events play an important role in our communities and I'd like to congratulate the Youth Beatz team, including all the volunteers, on delivering another outstanding, sold-out event. They provided the perfect stage to celebrate the diverse talent and endless potential of young people from across Dumfries and Galloway in a safe and friendly environment."

    The Council’s Youth Work Service would like to thank all partners involved in planning the event and hopefully look forward to building on the success in the future. To view pictures of the event, head to the event social media channels and the website www.youthbeatz.co.uk

    ENDS

  • Royal Mail Delay to Delivery of Postal Votes in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale and Dumfries and Galloway Constituencies

    Friday, 28 June 2024 16:04

    Dumfries and Galloway Council is taking measures to ensure a small number of postal voters in the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale and Dumfries and Galloway constituencies who won’t be at home next week can cast their vote in next Thursday’s UK Parliamentary general election.

    The distribution of postal votes nationally has been hit by delays, but Royal Mail has confirmed that all packs in the two constituencies should be delivered tomorrow (Saturday) or Monday.

    Due to these delays, we have taken the following steps:

    • From today (28 June), and over the weekend, voters in the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale and Dumfries and Galloway constituencies who have yet to receive their postal votes – and will not be at home next week – should contact elections@dumgal.gov.uk or call our dedicated helpline immediately on 01387260 008. The helpline will be staffed between 9am and 3pm Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June.
    • A small number of people who haven’t received their postal vote but will not be at home next week in the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale and Dumfries and Galloway constituencies have already been in touch with our council and we are reissuing them with a voting pack.
    • We have posted updates on our website, social media and issued a media statement.

    We are prioritising those who will not be at home next week.If you will be at home next week, please wait for delivery and only contact us early next week if you still haven’t received your voting pack.

    The Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale Constituency covers parts of the Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders and South Lanarkshire Council areas. The Dumfries and Galloway Constituency lies within the Dumfries and Galloway Council area only.

  • Project SEARCH Dumfries and Galloway Celebrates 10 Years of Success and Expands to Stranraer

    Friday, 28 June 2024 10:06

    Project SEARCH, a pioneering programme dedicated to preparing young people with autism spectrum conditions and other learning disabilities for competitive employment, is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary in Dumfries and Galloway. This milestone coincides with an exciting expansion of the programme into the west of the region, in Stranraer, making Dumfries and Galloway one of the few areas in Scotland to offer Project SEARCH across two locations.

    Over the past decade, Project SEARCH has been a beacon of opportunity for young people aged 16 and above, providing them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workplace. The programme is a collaboration between Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Employability and Skills Service, Dumfries and Galloway College, and local employers, fostering a supportive environment where interns can gain real-world work experience.

    Gillian Brydson, Executive Director of Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing at Dumfries and Galloway Council, reflected on the programme's impact: “Celebrating 10 years of Project SEARCH is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our interns, colleagues and partners. The expansion into Stranraer marks an exciting new chapter, allowing us to extend these invaluable opportunities to even more young people across our region. We are immensely proud of what has been achieved and look forward to many more success stories in the future.”

    Anne Clark, Curriculum Manager, Education and Access, at Dumfries and Galloway College, echoed these sentiments: “Project SEARCH has a strong record in supporting our interns into employment as well as equipping them with the skills and experience to pursue their career goals. The expansion to the West of the region in Stranraer demonstrates our confidence in the programme, and we are looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on more young people accessing Project Search and their local communities.”

    One of the current Project SEARCH graduates, Ally, shared their experience: “With the help and support of DFN Project SEARCH, I was able to grow. I improved my work skills by completing three workplace rotations. I can comfortably say that completing DFN Project Search has given me the confidence and skills to set me up for both my working life and personal life.”

    Over the past 10 years, Project SEARCH has seen countless success stories. Interns have embraced the challenges of the workplace, developed new skills and grown in confidence. This programme not only helps them achieve their career goals but also celebrates their talents and dedication, as demonstrated by the inspiring graduation ceremonies held each year (most recently on 14 June).

    As Project SEARCH marks this important anniversary and prepares for its next cohort, the programme remains dedicated to its mission of empowering young people with the skills, confidence and experience to secure and sustain meaningful employment. The addition of the Stranraer location will enhance the reach and impact of the programme, continuing to pave the way for an even brighter future for young people across Dumfries and Galloway.

    For more information about Project SEARCH and its upcoming expansion, please contact: ESS.referrals@dumgal.gov.uk

  • Youth Beatz 2024 - The Wait Is Nearly Over

    Wednesday, 26 June 2024 10:59

    After months of excitement and preparation, Youth Beatz 2024 is almost here, with 40,000 young people expected to attend the UK’s largest free youth music festival on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June at Park Farm Showfield, Dumfries

    The festival continues its offer of music acts, performers and free activities available for young people across a variety of stages and areas of the site. The continued enhancement of Youth Beatz is thanks to the ongoing support of Dumfries and Galloway Council, who value our region’s young people and want to give them a truly memorable experience at what is the UK’s largest free youth music festival.

    At this year’s Youth Beatz Festival, there is a massive range of activities for all of the family to get involved in; Inflatables, Ziplining, Kids tent, Glasgow Science Centre, DG Arts Festival, Youth Work tent, 3Sixty stunt display team, Target Wrestling tent, giant inflatables, Circus Sensible and much more! There will also be a Youth Information Area where local and national organisations will be promoting their services for young people. The Council’s Youth Work Service team also have their Youth Work area, where you can find out what youth services you can become involved in, and what is on offer across Dumfries and Galloway.

    Four stages will be entertaining crowds for the duration of the weekend on the Dance Stage, Kids tent, Second Stage and Main Stage. Full lineups and timings are available for all stages on the Youth Beatz website, at www.youthbeatz.co.uk/whatson

    Park Farm will play host to well-known performers CASCADA, TALIA MAR, JONAS BLUE, SIGALA, SAINT PHNX and ALICE DEEJAY, as well as a variety of Dumfries and Galloway’s young and upcoming performers.

    Youth Beatz 2024 also sees a return of the hard hitting, immersive and interactive youth learning experience – The Toon. The Toon Productions presents an alternative take on common issues that affect young people in their day-to-day lives. Topics addressed will include poverty, alcohol and drugs, knife crime, sectarianism and domestic abuse. Over 50 local young volunteers have been working since Easter to put together this award-winning educational experience. Make sure you book in early at the Toon Box Office on the event days to ensure that you get a place on a tour, as the tickets always go fast.

    If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, we also have a dedicated Quiet Area and Sensory Space that can be found in the quietest corner of the site away from the Main Stage. British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will be available at both event entrances between 12noon and 2.00pm for general queries. There will also be dedicated Toon Tours with BSL interpreters on both event days, on Saturday 4pm to 5pm and Sunday 2:30pm to 3:30pm and 4pm to 5pm. If you would like any further information on BSL interpreters, you can visit the Festival Box Office on event days.

    Music performances will be provided throughout the day on the Second Stage, giving festival goers the opportunity to see some of Dumfries and Galloway’s best up and coming young performers including Reece Williamson and Ella Campbell, with the Main Stage also hosting performers from across the region, and Scotland including Ben Walker and Robin Ashcroft. The Second Stage has been programmed in partnership with local organisation DMC (Dumfries Music Collective).

    Now in its fourteenth year, the award-winning event is managed through a partnership led by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Youth Work Service in conjunction with the Oasis Events Team. The event is supported by the National Events Programme Fund, managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate. Support for the event also comes from National Lottery Young Start, Alcohol and Drug Partnership, YouthLink Scotland and Awards for All.

    Mark Molloy, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Manager for Young People’s Services said:

    “Once again we have seen a strong demand for tickets for this year’s Youth Beatz Festival, with all tickets being allocated within 35 hours of the launch event. There are no further tickets available, so we would advise that those without tickets do not turn up to the event, as no tickets are available on the gate. We recommend that people arrive early, and that there will be no admission into the event after 8:30pm on both event days. Attendees can bring in packed lunches, but there are no liquids permitted into the Festival site and searches will be carried out upon entry. We would also ask that people follow all traffic directions which will be in place across Dumfries, and to respect the parking restrictions that are in place for the event.”

    Police Scotland continues to work in partnership with Youth Beatz planners to ensure the focus of Youth Beatz is on young people being able to attend and enjoy the event in an environment that is safe. This is a strictly no alcohol event and a robust policing plan is in place to ensure that anybody who enters this area in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol will be refused entry.

    Superintendent Nicola Robison, Policing Commander for the event said:

    “We would like to remind those attending Youth Beatz that it is an alcohol-free event and anybody in possession of or under the influence of alcohol will not gain entry to the event. Youth Beatz is one of the largest events within the region and a huge community effort for all those involved. It`s success over the past 14 years is linked to the thorough planning that takes place at a local level with a host of partners in Dumfries and Galloway.All partners involved in the planning and delivery of the event want the event to be a success and enjoyable for all. We would appreciate the ongoing cooperation of those attending to achieve this.”

    To get up to date information surrounding this year’s event, visit www.youthbeatz.co.uk or follow us on social media.

  • Council Scoops National Digital Award

    Tuesday, 25 June 2024 15:52

    The Education teams of Dumfries and Galloway Council together with East, North and South Ayrshire Councils won the Digital Transformation Award at the Municipal Journal (MJ) Awards on Friday last week with ‘SWConnects’, - the digital delivery of qualifications.

    ‘SWConnects’ delivers live on-line teaching for Advanced Highers and Highers to pupils in 40 secondary schools and across the four councils as part of the Regional Improvement Collaborative.

    This win follows a Highly Commended award at the Local Government Chronicle Awards the previous week where the judges said ‘this project hugely impressed the panel with an approach which had a direct and measurable impact on students and at no incremental cost. They went on to say they 'would recommend any other Councils with similar challenges in delivering qualifications in rural areas to speak to the team and learn from what we had achieved through SWConnects.'

    Before SWConnects, learners across south-west Scotland were given less choices of courses to study at Higher and Advanced Higher level, largely due to rurality and geography. It would not be feasible or achievable for someone in Largs to travel to Langholm to study Advanced Higher History for 3 hours per week. Thanks to this partnership though, this became not only reality, but the norm, and learners from across the south-west study virtually, in classes and courses run by teachers from across all four local authorities.

    Executive Director of Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing for Dumfries and Galloway Council, Dr Gillian Brydson said on behalf of the Regional Improvement Collaborative:

    “We are delighted to have won this MJ award as it validates and recognises the quality of the work we have delivered so successfully. Winning an MJ Award acknowledges the tremendous effort of all the staff and learners within the four local authorities and shows what can be achieved if we are brave and work together. To be able to offer a broader range of qualifications to pupils in rural areas has meant they’ve had the chance to go on to study courses at colleges and universities that would not previously been possible. A sincere thank you to all the teachers, support staff and learners who have made it such a success. This model has proven that on-line delivery of learning towards qualifications works, and we look forward to expanding this approach with our colleagues across the Councils."

  • Summer Of Activities Launched

    Monday, 24 June 2024 11:34

    Young people in Dumfries & Galloway will have the chance to take part in a wide range of free activities over the Summer Holidays taking place in local communities across our region. Dumfries and Galloway Council has invested £264,000 of funding that will provide activities to ensure that children and young people across the region have a Summer to remember.

    Activities are available from Tuesday 2 July until Tuesday 20 August and are specifically aimed at children and young people aged 5-16 years old (up to 25 years old for care experienced young people) who are within the priority groups that the funding is aimed at.

    The activities on offer will give young people the opportunity to meet with their friends, make new friends, and to take part in fun and free activities and new opportunities. The programmes and activities available throughout the duration of the school summer holidays will provide support to children and young people who may otherwise struggle to access experiences during the holidays, giving them the opportunity to play, socialise and get to know organisations and services within their local community.

    There are activities for all ages, and all interests including sports sessions, arts sessions, free leisure facility access, Summer Camps, workshops on different topics, day trips and creative and performing arts sessions and much more.

    The young people who were involved in the Amazing Summer Fund through the co-production group have ensured that the activities on offer across Dumfries and Galloway have been designed by young people, for young people through co-design with organisations, and that they opportunities are spread the length and breadth of the region. Young people also helped to set the fund’s priorities and sat on the independent scoring panel, ensuring that the activities will make a positive difference to young people in communities across Dumfries and Galloway.

    To see all that is on offer, and how to sign up for activities, please visit: www.youthenquiryservice.org/whats-on

  • ‘Eye to Eye: Sir Henry Raeburn’s Portraits’ Opens at Kirkcudbright Galleries

    Monday, 24 June 2024 11:12

    Kirkcudbright Galleries is delighted to present ‘Eye to Eye: Sir Henry Raeburn’s Portraits.’

    Sir Henry Raeburn (1756–1823), widely recognised as Scotland’s foremost and finest portrait painter, takes his place in the pantheon of the best in a Golden Age of British portraiture; Allan Ramsay, Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, and Thomas Lawrence.

    Living in Edinburgh all his life, in his most prolific years from c.1790 to his death, Raeburn painted over 1000 known portraits. These record a remarkable range of society at a time when Scotland flourished as a crucible of thought and science and was made hugely wealthy through transatlantic trade. Sitters, from society’s traditional great and good to the aspiring, upwardly mobile middle classes, flocked to him for the ultimate status symbol – their portrait.

    Dumfries and Galloway Council has partnered with Kirkcudbright 2000 Ltd to present this exquisite exhibition that has come to fruition after 18 months of careful planning and preparation. Containing some 40 works, the exhibition has drawn from public and private UK collections – with many portraits never seen in public before. ‘Eye to Eye’ challenges the general opinion that Raeburn’s genius – and he never made sketches – was best directed at portraits of men. His women and children, always more private works, are full of allure and great charm.

    But there is more. What do Raeburn’s extraordinarily characterful works have to do with today’s ubiquitous selfie? His portraits define an era – directly comparable to 21st century obsessions with image. This comparison is illustrated in the exhibition.

    Curator, Amanda Herries, says: "Raeburn’s portraits are extraordinarily well-observed records of Scottish society. We could see these faces in the street any time. Elegant and flattering, yes, and the same preoccupation with image that we see everywhere today. The difference is simply that Raeburn’s sitters had only once chance to have their ‘essence’ captured and reflected, unlike the selfie generation."

    A book accompanying the exhibition, ‘Sir Henry Raeburn; the mirror of Scotland’ by Amanda Herries, priced at £12.00, will be available from 29 June. Enquiries for the book to Lily.Knott@dumgal.gov.uk.

    This exhibition has been supported by: Friends of Kirkcudbright Galleries, The Whisky Shop, The Holywood Trust, Foyle Foundation, Robin Rigg Offshore Wind.
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