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.

  • Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council and Scottish Youth Parliament Sign Up Open

    Friday, 01 September 2023 14:38

    Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council (DGYC) and Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) Elections are now OPEN for young people to register their interest in standing as a candidate!
    The Youth Council is a youth-led organisation made up of 35 young people from across our region and it is their role to represent the voices of young people on a local, regional, and national level to decision makers. The Youth Council was established in 2019 and this is the third full-scale elections cycle.
    There are three types of representatives on the Youth Council:
    • Ward Youth Councillors: this role is about representing the views of young people who live, work or study in each Ward area to local decision makers. There are two Ward Youth Councillors for each of the region’s 12 Ward areas.
    • Nominated Youth Councillors: this role is about representing the views of young people who have minority identities from across our region to local decision makers – there’s a Nominated Youth Councillor role for Young Carers, Care Experienced Young People, Young People with Additional Support Needs and Disabilities, Ethnic Minority Young People, Young People from Gypsy Traveller communities, Young Parents and LGBT young people.
    • Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament: this role is about representing the views of young people to national decision makers through the Scottish Youth Parliament. There are four seats available across the region broken into two for each constituency Galloway and west Dumfries and Dumfriesshire.
    Any young person in S1 or above can become a Ward or Nominated Youth Council Member. Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament must be aged 14+ at the time of the elections in November 2023. The sign-up link is below:
    https://linktr.ee/DGYouthCouncil
    Being a member of the Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council is an incredible opportunity for young people who are interested in being instrumental in making sure that young people’s voices are represented and heard in decision making. Serving a two-year term, DGYC members advocate on behalf of their peers. As well as ensuring that these voices are heard, it is an invaluable experience which can assist the development of a young person’s confidence, communication, and leadership skills.
    The current membership has benefited from regular meetings and support, training days residentials and representing young people in various guises. Members of Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council have been key players creating opportunities for young people across the region.
    Information and training sessions will be available for young people to attend upon registering their interest as will assistance to run their campaign should they decide to become a candidate.
    Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities Committee said: “I would encourage any young person within the age range to put themselves forward to become part of Dumfries and Galloway’s next regional Youth Council. Our Council is in full support of the Youth Council and are impressed with their vision and dedication so far ensuring our region is a better place for young people to live, learn and work. We are committed to collaborating with the Youth Council and are excited to see how it further develops during this next term.”
    Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice-Chair of Communities Committee added: “The Youth Council have achieved so much since being established in 2019 and as a Council, we are excited to launch the third full-scale elections process for young people. Elected Members want to hear from young people in our local communities and the Youth Council provides a unique link to young people and an opportunity to listen and act upon what young people have to say.”
    Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council’s Chair and Vice-Chair, Finlay Anderson, MSYP for Galloway and West Dumfries and Cloe Allison, Ward Youth Councillor for Stranraer and the Rhins said; “The Youth Council isn’t just about what you as a Member can do for young people, it’s also about what you can get out of being involved in a youth-led organisation – we have both had amazing opportunities as individuals and part of the organisation that we wouldn’t have had the chance to do had we not decided to become a candidate at the last elections sign up! If you think it’s important for young people to be included when decisions are made that affect us, then sign up today!”.


    ENDS

  • Community Safety Survey 2023

    Friday, 01 September 2023 14:07

    Does dog fouling annoy you? Is there too much litter in your neighbourhood? Did you stop in a lay-by last week and see fly-tipping?
    The Council are asking members of the public about local issues in their community. The results of this survey will allow the Community Safety Team to focus their resources on tackling the issues that the public want.
    You may fill in the survey online, or you could be asked to complete a survey by any of our officers who will be out and about over the next five weeks. Please share your views and help us be the most effective we can be by providing accurate and open opinions on the work the team carry out. If you do not have access to the Internet, call into any Council customer service facility, and staff will be happy to help you complete the survey there.
    Chair of Communities Committee, Councillor Ian Blake said: “We receive a lot of feedback on what is important to the communities across our region. Some of this relates to dog fouling, littering and abandoned vehicles, among other things. Our Community Safety Team needs your input to continue to make a difference in your community. This survey is your opportunity to inform how the team target their work across the region”.
    Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair of the committee, added: “The previous survey generated unprecedented response levels and the feedback generated from it allowed the Community Safety Team to focus in on key areas of our region to detect and deter, to make our residents feel safer. This year’s survey will give members of the public the opportunity to tell our Council how safe they feel within their own area, as well as how they’d like us to deploy resources to deal with various issues.”
    One major point to come out of previous surveys was how much involvement the team had with key stakeholders in communities across the region. As a result, officers are visiting schools, attending community groups and community council meetings, and are having more of a presence in local hubs within communities more regularly.
    The Community Safety Team consists of 8 patrol staff (often working together in 4 pairs), based regionwide and focusses on the detection, deterrence, and public awareness of anti-social behaviour such as littering, dog fouling and fly tipping. The team also dispose of discarded needles, investigate and remove abandoned vehicles and deal with anti-social behaviour and neighbour disputes in communities region-wide.
    These patrols are out from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 11.30am to 9pm Friday to Saturday with the aim of deterring antisocial behaviour and detecting and ultimately fining those offending. They also offer a mediation service to assist neighbours to resolve disputes:
    https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/15208/Mediation-service
    You can find out more about the Community Safety Team at:
    http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/15202/Community-Safety-Team

    The Community Safety Survey 2023can be accessed until 6 October: https://tinyurl.com/2fs5rxpx

  • Looking at future housing provision for Dumfries

    Friday, 01 September 2023 10:08

    At the March 2023 meeting of Economy and Resources Committee (E&R), Members agreed to allocate a £1million Town Centre Living Fund budget that aims to increase the provision of high-quality accommodation.

    Members of E&R Committee (5 September) will receive a report on the work being carried out between the Council and Dumfries Partnership Action Group (DPAG). DPAG is a unique collaboration of Dumfries based businesses, community organisations and social enterprises with Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) status. It has worked with the Council to draft a 10 year vision and action plan for Dumfries town centre.

    A Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) estimates the number of additional housing units to meet existing and future housing need and demand. It also captures information on the operation of the housing system which can be used to assist local authorities develop policies on new housing supply, management of existing stock and the provision of housing-related services. It is used to inform policy development, decision making and the use of resources.

    A Housing Market Partnership (HMP) has been established to oversee the development, production and sign-off of the HNDA. Membership of our region’s HMP includes representatives from registered social landlords, the private housing sector, the NHS and Integrated Joint Board, gypsy travellers, private rented sector, South of Scotland Enterprise, the Councils homeless, economic development, planning and strategic housing services.

    The DDD document identifies 5 key place themes that see Dumfries as a place to: Live and Belong; Visit and Experience; Work, Learn and Do Business; Access, be Active and Green; and Grow and Play. Each of these themes is supported by series of drivers which emerged from the extensive engagement process.

    To focus delivery and investment, the document also identifies several priority activity areas – High Street, the river and Whitesands, Friars Vennel and Bank Street, independent shopping streets, Shakespeare Street / Nith Place and arrival points and improving connections.

    Chair of Economy and Resources Committee, Councillor Ian Carruthers said: “We need to ensure that the housing target meets the housing needs of the people living in the region, but we acknowledge that further engagement is required with town centre stakeholders to develop short, medium and long-term actions that will lead to real change. The future of housing means that we need to plan sustainable, modern homes which are fit for the needs of residents; homes that meet people’s needs and promote physical and mental wellbeing, and the creation of sustainable communities.”

    Councillor David Inglis, Vice Chair of Economy and Resources Committee said: “Between January and March 2023 the Scottish Futures Trust facilitated a series of workshops engaging Dumfries stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness and future of its place-based and collaborative approach to regeneration. This confirmed Dumfries as a national exemplar with DPAG and the DDD Action Plan at the core of the future success of the town centre. Very well done to all who participated.”

    ENDS

    To read the report in full go to: Agenda for Economy and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 5th September, 2023, 10.30 am - Dumfries and Galloway Council (moderngov.co.uk)

  • Community has their say on the future of Stranraer

    Friday, 01 September 2023 10:05

    Our Council agreed in 2021 that five places across Dumfries and Galloway should be included in the Borderlands Place Programme as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. The five places were Gretna, Kirkconnel, Stranraer, Whithorn and Wigtown. As part of this, a Place Plan for Stranraer has now been prepared. The Place Plan, if endorsed by Members of the Council’s Economy and Resources Committee (5 September), will be presented to the Borderlands Place Programme Board for consideration in September 2023.

    With support from our Council and local partners, a Town Team led by local groups has completed an extensive consultation and planning making process that has engaged over 2,000 people. The engagement process consisted of 27 extensively publicised events, over 6 months, at various venues throughout Stranraer. These were often linked with other ongoing projects in Stranraer, such as the developments planned for The George Hotel and the Marina and waterfront.

    The Town Team was made up from Stranraer stakeholders, including representatives from private sector, third sector, education, health care, plus youth and community councils. Representatives from Dumfries and Galloway Council, South of Scotland Enterprise and NHS Dumfries and Galloway worked closely with the Team at all stages of the Plan’s preparation.

    The Place Plan identifies issues and opportunities for the town, sets out a place-based framework for addressing these and highlights six priority projects that could benefit from funding support from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

    The Place Plan has now been prepared and it identifies the key issues and ambitions that the community has for its place. The are set out as five ‘Stands’:

    • Quality of Life – Healthcare | Poverty | Drink/Drugs

    • Work & Opportunity – Transport | Enterprise | Employment

    • Play & Creativity - The George | One Waterfront | Playtime

    • Environment & Climate - Climate | Food Futures | Environment

    • Pride & Citizenship - Vacant/Derelict Spaces | Democracy

    The Place Plan examines the five strands from a place perspective and identifies opportunities to help the town thrive, expressing these as four quarters for particular action:

    • Quarter 1 – ‘One Waterfront’ – Featuring the new water sports centre, Marina expansion and Marine research centre.
    • Quarter 2 – ‘Uptown’ - The George as a creative hub, bunkhouse and climbing centre.
    • Quarter 3 – ‘Enterprise Zone’ - Town centre transformation for mixed use.
    • Quarter 4 – ‘Sanctuary’ - Black Stank, a 20-acre sanctuary, wild wellness, growing and learning

    Six priority projects have also been identified and ranked by the People of Stranraer as follows:

    1. East Pier Event Space – Augment the east pier, create safe public space.
      Transport hub.
    2. Wet Weather Escapes – Indoor family fun in the town centre i.e., bowling or laser tag.
    3. The Big Makeover – transform the town centre i.e., augment shop fronts and streetscapes. Connecting the town to the waterfront.
    4. Revive. Town Centre Living – Transform empty retail premises for housing and enterprise.
    5. Sanctuary Outdoor Nursery – Outdoor childcare provision Inc. training and work experience/ placements.
    6. Dick’s Hill Wellbeing Hub – A shared resource for wellbeing, growing skills, social connection and activities.

    Councillor David Inglis, Vice Chair of Economy and Resources Committee and Chair of Wigtown Area Committee said: “This is a great achievement and I’d like to thank all those involved. For over 2,000 local people to have participated is not only a fantastic result but proves that the local community need this and want to be part of it. I look forward to the next steps to regenerate Stranraer.”

    Chair of Economy and Resources Committee, Councillor Ian Carruthers said: “This Stranraer Plan, and the Place Plans for the other four areas, gives locals a real opportunity to have a say and shape the towns they live in, so that community need is met, and funding and provision is targeted to where it is required. Providing E&R committee agrees, the next steps will be to recommend the Place Plan to the Borderlands Place Programme Board and the Borderlands Partnership as the basis on which to prepare a Borderlands Town Investment Plan.”

    ENDS

    To read the full report, including the Stranraer Place Plan, go to:

    Agenda for Economy and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 5th September, 2023, 10.30 am - Dumfries and Galloway Council (moderngov.co.uk)

  • Proactive Property Maintenance, Land Reclamation, and Community Collaboration Through the Council’s VDLPS

    Thursday, 31 August 2023 16:07

    The Council’s Economy and Resources committee (5 September) will consider a report on the Vacant and Derelict Land and Property Strategy (VDLPS). The report outlines the Council’s approach to managing and regenerating vacant and derelict land and property. It also outlines the Council’s wider ambitions for the region, including job creation, affordable housing, and economic development.

    The committee will be asked to:

    • Note the update on the delivery of the Vacant and Derelict Land and Property Strategy Action Plan.
    • Agree on the addition of several projects to the Council’s Vacant and Derelict Land Register for submission to the Scottish Government.

    The Council Plan 2023–2028 sets out a strong commitment to Dumfries and Galloway's economic development, supporting our citizens, communities and being a responsive Council. Delivery of the Vacant and Derelict Land and Property Strategy supports investment in the region, benefitting the local economy and residents.

    By focusing development on sites with former uses, the Council protects the region's natural capital while continuing to support inward investment. Emphasis will be placed on addressing the higher density of vacant and derelict sites in areas of deprivation. Furthermore, it reinforces the Council's commitment to promoting community and health through the provision of high-quality, affordable housing that supports wellbeing.

    This Vacant and Derelict Land and Property Strategy is intended to link closely to the core strategic plans of the Council, including; the Regional Economic Strategy (RES), Local Housing Strategy (LHS), and Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP).

    The Council’s Local Development Plan 2 (LDP) also promotes the principle of reusing brownfield, vacant, and derelict land and buildings, instead of greenfield land, when identifying sites for development. Vacant and derelict land disproportionately affect communities in more deprived areas.

    Back in June 2019, Dumfries and Galloway Council declared a climate emergency with the forward-thinking target of becoming a carbon-neutral region. A focus on land reuse could also play a major role in tackling climate change. Reusing brownfield land in preference to greenfield sites can help reduce the impact of development on the climate by reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for work and leisure.

    The Low Carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP) offers funding to transform long-term vacant and derelict sites. Applicants can bid for grants from an available £15 million from 2024 to 2025 as part of a two-stage application process. Dumfries and Galloway Council has submitted two stage 1 applications to the fund, with investment panel recommendations due in August 2023.

    By prioritising the reuse of persistent vacant and derelict land, and protecting existing natural capital, the Council can ensure that future investment goes into areas where it is most needed, supporting shared ambitions for place, community regeneration, town centres, and rural communities.

    Councillor Ian Carruthers, chair of the Economy and Resources committee, said:

    “Our VDLPS supports the Council's core priorities of 'Supporting our citizens, communities, and being a responsive Council', and 'Safeguarding our future and supporting our communities'. Our region can benefit from the proactive identification and consideration of all funding options available to address vacant and derelict land in order to repurpose it into spaces and buildings that are vital to our local communities.”

    Councillor David Inglis, vice chair, said:

    “It is important to work towards repurposing these sites so that new jobs can be created, and economic growth can be achieved. The potential redevelopment of these sites must be done in a manner that is beneficial to local communities, reducing poverty and inequality, and revitalising neighbourhoods. Our Council’s VDLPS is central to achieving this goal. This includes creating jobs, creating affordable housing, and stimulating the local economy.”

  • Council’s SHIP Charting the Course for Sustainable Housing Development for Years to Come

    Thursday, 31 August 2023 16:05

    A Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) sets out a local authority’s strategic investment objectives for housing over 5 years, specifically affordable housing, and Gypsy/Traveller accommodation.

    Members of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Resources Committee (5 September) will be asked to note the Resource Planning Assumptions allocated to this region from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme (section); agree the inclusion of the Challoch site in the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (following submission to the Council by Wheatley Homes South); and agree the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2023.

    The development of energy-efficient, high-quality housing contributes to tackling socio-economic challenges as well as providing secure homes that improve people's lives. Construction jobs and training opportunities can also be gained by delivering new, affordable housing.

    SHIP developments aim to bring brownfield sites back into use, regenerate empty buildings, and contribute to town centre sustainability. Finding a productive use for derelict sites can help address climate change by limiting urban sprawl, avoiding green space, and reducing the need for travel. Building affordable homes within walking distance of local services also enables people to live better, healthier lives and supports the Council’s net zero carbon ambitions.

    Rent affordability plays a crucial role in tackling the rising cost of living, with housing costs being one of the biggest drivers of poverty, especially affecting single adults and families with children. Increasing affordable housing helps by providing high-quality homes at a lower cost to residents. New properties developed via the SHIP will also meet high energy efficiency standards, supporting work to lower fuel poverty.

    The SHIP is a live document, subject to change throughout the year. The annual review allows Elected Members to identify new projects for consideration. To support delivery over the long term, pipeline developments are crucial. Members have stressed the need to identify projects in-demand areas, particularly in areas that have previously been constrained in delivery.

    The Council has included 56 units on this site in its Local Development Plan (LDP) for Challoch, Leswalt. Individuals and families will be able to live here. In addition to bungalows built to amenity standards, social rent will be available. Upon completion of this development, around £13m is expected to be invested, including £5.7m from the RPA. It will also help meet the growing demand for energy-efficient homes.

    The Scottish Government has committed to invest over £3.44 billion nationally in affordable housing over this parliamentary term. To allow Dumfries and Galloway Council to plan delivery for 2023/24 to 2025/26, a total RPA of £61.841m has been allocated to the region.

    Chair of the Economy and Resources Committee, Cllr Ian Carruthers, said:

    “The SHIP demonstrates how several Council Services work closely together to achieve a positive outcome. As part of their collaborative efforts with RSLs and developers involved in affordable housing delivery, relevant stakeholders can add value to the process. Increasing housing costs are a major cause of poverty, particularly for single adults and families, so rent affordability is key to addressing the rising cost-of-living. The SHIP provides high-quality homes for residents at a lower price, and contributes to the reduction of fuel poverty. New properties developed through the SHIP will meet high energy efficiency standards. By ensuring that these newly constructed homes are energy efficient, it also contributes to our Climate Emergency commitment.

    Vice Chair, Cllr David Inglis, said:

    “In addition to addressing climate change urgently and transitioning to a carbon-neutral region, the SHIP provides an important contribution to council priorities such as ‘Supporting our citizens, communities and being a responsive Council’. Affordable homes will support sustainable communities and economic development.”

  • Elected Members Vote Not to Support Increase in Council Tax for Higher Bands

    Thursday, 31 August 2023 16:01

    Members of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Finance, Procurement and Transformation Committee (FPT) received a report this week (Tuesday 29 August) on the contents of the Joint Scottish Government and COSLA Consultation on a Fairer Council Tax.

    Elected Members agreed that council tax has been subject to criticism and concern due largely to its regressive nature – when council tax charges are expressed as a proportion of property values, the tax rate is higher for lower value properties and lower for higher value properties.

    The report stated that proposed changes to band-multipliers would only partially address the regressive nature of council tax.

    After a lengthy discussion, Elected Members decided to respond to the consultation proposals, which would mean an increase in council tax in the 25 per cent highest-valued properties in the region that fall into council tax bands E to H – and to indicate that the Council does not support the proposals.

    The Committee recognised that inflation and higher interest rates associated with the increased cost of living are affecting all households and accepted that the proposed changes would only increase these pressures for those whose properties fall into council tax bands E to H.

    Chair of FPT Committee, Councillor Ivor Hyslop explained: “Although the proposals were designed to cover properties within the region with the highest value, we know that some families in these bands are in receipt of assistance because of low income.

    “We recognise that some people will be asset rich but cash poor and the increase in council tax would provide additional burdens on these families and individuals.

    “Our Council will not knowingly disadvantage anyone in our region, so the decision was made to not support the proposals within the consultation.”

    A motion was agreed by the committee that stated that one in four households in Dumfries and Galloway – including larger families and older residents – would be subject to this rise, whether or not they are at risk from poverty or struggling with cost-of-living increases.

    The motion went on to say that data from the Office for National Statistics shows that weekly earnings in Dumfries and Galloway are 8.4% below the Scottish average.

    Vice-Chair, Councillor Richard Marsh said: “Further review and potential reform of the current council tax system is required, but an increase in taxation on higher value homes is not the answer to the overall problem and this would only provide additional financial impact to low-earning and large families.

    “Members from across the political spectrum voted at committee not to support the proposals within the consultation. The multiplier measures being proposed do nothing to address the requirement for a more progressive form of taxation and we will continue to look into this further.”


    To read the full report go to: COMMITTEE REPORT TEMPLATE & GUIDANCE (moderngov.co.uk)

    (ends)

  • Elevating Dumfries and Galloway’s World-Class Food and Drink to the Next Level

    Wednesday, 30 August 2023 14:43

    Plans have been agreed to boost Dumfries and Galloway’s growing food and drink sector.

    Dumfries and Galloway Council is investing £145,000 to develop a Regional Food Plan, delivered through the appointment of a new economic development officer.

    The individual will work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure the plan focusses on supporting collaboration, innovation, job creation and inclusive growth across the sector.

    The creation of a Regional Food Plan is aligned with the Good Food Nation legislation currently being approved by the Scottish Government.

    The funding was agreed at a meeting of the Council’s Finance, Procurement and Transformation Committee yesterday (Tuesday 29 August).

    Committee Chair, Councillor Ivor Hyslop said:

    “This sector is massively important to our economy locally. The creation of a Regional Food Plan will align with national objectives around food production and sustainability to support local businesses and communities through better cross working and supply chain management.”

    The area is famous for production of seafood and shellfish, salt marsh lamb, beef and dairy produce. Food and drink is Dumfries and Galloway’s largest, fastest growing and most valuable economic sector, with an annual turnover of £1.2 billion; accounting for 25 per cent of all private sector economic activity.

    Spanning the full supply chain from field and sea to plate, the sector includes primary production, through to small food producers, large scale food manufacturers and processors, leading to distributors, restaurants, cafes, visitor attractions, speciality retailers and distilleries.

    “This plan will be a practical step towards supporting and helping to grow one of our most important industries. Dumfries and Galloway is already one of Scotland’s most important food producing regions and it is essential that we build on our natural strengths in planning for a more successful, resilient and sustainable economy.

    “It will give us a structure to unlock the region’s food and drink sector’s full potential, with all the benefits that will bring to communities and the local economy,” added Committee Vice-Chair, Councillor Richard Marsh.

    The Regional Food Plan will be developed over the next two years.

    To read the full report go to:

    Agenda for Finance, Procurement and Transformation Committee on Tuesday, 29th August, 2023, 10.30 am - Dumfries and Galloway Council (moderngov.co.uk)

  • Dumfries and Galloway Council Roads Service Investment

    Tuesday, 22 August 2023 10:54

    As part of its additional £30m investment over the next five years, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Roads Service has recruited 13 new operatives. The report presented to Communities Committee on 22 August confirmed that this is the first phase of recruitment with the service, and that we are looking to recruit further frontline staff shortly. A hugely successful recruitment campaign, which received over 100 applications, has resulted in new staff being employed in depots across the region – making a positive contribution to their local communities.

    The report also set out plans for how the service is increasing work in tackling road repairs over the next few months as part of their repair programme, to ensure the investment is prioritised in those parts of the road network where maintenance is most needed.

    Alongside its regular works programme of road repairs, the Roads Service is starting an additional £1 million of carriageway patching works across the region’s roads. This investment will be spread right across the region, ensuring that a minimum of £50,000 of additional repairs will be undertaken in each of the 12 wards. During August and September, the Council will have five spray injection patching teams and two thermal patching teams operating in addition to its normal resources.

    Thermal patching is an ultra-eco-friendly repair system which provides permanent repairs to large areas of the region’s road surfaces. The equipment reheats the existing road surface, bringing it back to a workable state where it can be recycled and used again. The use of spray injection patching equipment allows the patching teams to spray filler directly into the pothole or road defect enabling defects repairs to be completed more quickly.

    Councillor Ian Blake, Chair Communities Committee explains, “It is essential that the additional investment approved at Full Council in February is used wisely to ensure the maximum benefit. The first step was to build up our workforce to ensure that we have the resources required to deliver this major maintenance programme. I am delighted to see that we have recruited 13 new operatives so far, increasing our capacity to maintain the regions roads. This can only be a positive step for our Roads Service and the region as we create good quality jobs, growing local employment opportunities.”

    Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair Communities Committee, “The additional investment in plant and equipment of this type will enable us to repair more potholes and improve the condition of our carriageways. It is a fantastic opportunity to look at new more eco-friendly methods of road repairs as we seek to improve the condition of our roads in Dumfries and Galloway, which are so vital in connecting communities and building our economy.”

    ENDS

  • “Prudent Approach” for Dumfries and Galloway Council as Committee Set to Receive Latest Budget Position Update

    Monday, 21 August 2023 10:22

    Prudence will be required from Dumfries and Galloway Council to meet budget commitments over the medium-term.

    The Council’s Finance, Procurement and Transformation Committee will hear an update later this month (Tuesday August 29) on the local authority’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, which outlines the budget position and financial projections over the next three years.

    Committee members will hear how the Council will need to make estimated total savings of £21M over the next three financial years – £7.1M in the current year rising to £21.12M by 2025/26.

    The report also points to three areas of “potential volatility” that could affect its projections: pay, non-pay inflation and Scottish Government grant funding.

    Committee Chair, Councillor Ivor Hyslop said:“Faced with a three-year £40M funding gap coming into this year’s Council Budget in late February, our Council took some difficult decisions, but still the fiscal situation remains challenging for all local authorities.

    “Although these savings estimates are based on the best information we currently have available, they will potentially have to be revised dependent on what the Scottish Government’s grant funding for local government is going to be.”

    Annual grant funding from the Scottish Government represents around 83% of the total funding of the Council’s net revenue budget, which is £437.45M for the current financial year.

    The Scottish Government expects its own budget to grow steadily from £45.26M in 2023/24 to £50.97M by 2027/28, an overall cash increase of 12.6% and a real-term increase of 6.8%.

    However, according to research by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), the local government share of the Scottish Government’s budget has fallen from 34% in 2014 to just 28% today, a real-term cut in local authorities’ core funding of 15.2% over the same period.

    “Although funding at a national level is increasing, this does not necessarily result ina boost for Council budgets,” said Councillor Hyslop.

    The Council is currently establishing a programme of service change to support future financial sustainability and prioritisation of services – and meet its funding shortfall.

    Committee Vice-Chair, Councillor Richard Marsh said: “Although we are by no means alone among local authorities in facing a tightening fiscal position, we will have some hard decisions to make as a council in the coming years. That’s why we are taking a prudent approach.

    “We are currently developing a multi-year Change and Savings Programme to ensure balanced budgets on a sustainable basis and that any changes centre on and are aligned to the key principles, themes and strategic outcomes in our new Council Plan.”

    To read the full report go to:Agenda for Finance, Procurement and Transformation Committee on Tuesday, 29th August, 2023, 10.30 am - Dumfries and Galloway Council (moderngov.co.uk)

    To read the new Council Plan go to:

    Dumfries and Galloway Council Plan 2023 - 2028 (dumgal.gov.uk)

    (ends)

  • Council Boosts Dumfries Economy with £56 million Local Spend

    Monday, 21 August 2023 10:18

    Last year Dumfries and Galloway Council injected more than £56 million into the local economy through supply chain spending.

    Overall, more than 30% of all Council suppliers were locally based and more than 50% based within Scotland.

    The figures will be unveiled to the Council’s Finance, Procurement and Transformation Committee when they are presented with the local authority’s Procurement Annual Report at a meeting on Tuesday, August 29.

    Total procurement spend amounted to £199 million on goods, services and works across the financial year 2022/23. In total the Council used 666 suppliers with 209 of them at a registered address within Dumfries and Galloway, at least 156 of which were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The largest sector of spend was construction at more than £40 million.

    Committee chair, Councillor Ivor Hyslop said: “Procurement is recognised as key in contributing towards the successful delivery of the Council’s priorities, particularly economic development. Our procurement activity can have a positive impact on our communities, and we are pleased that we are succeeding in diverting so much spending locally.”

    New for the reporting year was the establishment of a Community Benefits programme that has been built into all relevant contracts by the Council.

    This includes a Community Benefit Wishlist element where local community groups can apply for support from contractors.

    Community Benefits are a range of activities aimed at improving the economic, social, or environmental wellbeing of the Dumfries and Galloway region and are delivered by contractors in addition to their main area of work.

    Some examples of community benefits throughout the year include, Connected Kerb Ltd, which was contracted for electric vehicle charge point development. The company supported the funding and installation of a defibrillator at North West Community Campus.

    Health and safety consultancy Genesis OHS Ltd, provided work experience for a S6 student helping them secure a place at university, and as a condition of the contract to refurbish a primary school, William Waugh (builders) agreed to employ two local apprentice joiners.

    “Community Benefits are designed to bring added value to area when we tender for a contract by ensuring that the winning supplier gives something back to the community to improve the environment, create training openings or by increasing social opportunities,’ added Committee Vice-Chair, Councillor Richard Marsh.

    One of the organisations to benefit was Langlands School, a secondary for young people with complex needs. Clark Contracts donated £1,000 to help Friends of Langlands maintain its school minibuses.

    Kemal Altug, the Co-Chair of Friends of Langlands said: “Clark Contracts provided a generous donation to help keep our minibuses on the road.It is great to see the impact of Council spend in our community.Dumfries and Galloway Council created this Community Benefits Wishlist and it has definitely worked for Langlands School, so thank you.”

    Communities can apply online to the Community Benefits Wishlist.

    To read the full report go to:Agenda for Finance, Procurement and Transformation Committee on Tuesday, 29th August, 2023, 10.30 am - Dumfries and Galloway Council (moderngov.co.uk)

  • Stranraer Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS)

    Tuesday, 08 August 2023 14:35

    Extensive work at Stranraer Museum has been successfully carried out over recent months as part of strategic investment in the town’s Conservation Area. The scope of work in progress extends from the weathervane on top of the clocktower spire right down to the drainage system below the building. Roof work has included re-slating, renewal of leadwork and replacement of cast iron gutters and downpipes. Comprehensive masonry repairs are being carried out by specialist stonemasons incorporating structural reinforcement while maintaining a traditional finish to the visible face of the stonework. Windows are being refurbished and render finishes removed or repaired over the whole of the building.

    The scale of work the Museum requires, along with the limited availability of some of the materials needed, means that work on the exterior is now scheduled for completion by mid-October. This will require the continuation of existing traffic and pedestrian management arrangements around the building. Protection of the public and the workforce are of paramount importance and the scaffold and site compound arrangements have been designed to meet these important safety needs. The investment being made in the building will ensure it continues to be an asset to the people of Stranraer long into the future. The extension of the Museum works makes it likely that there will be an overlap with the start of works on the redevelopment of the neighbouring former George Hotel. The George project will require its own site protection and further traffic and pedestrian management arrangements to be in place.

    Further to recent tendering of CARS repair schemes for Gillespie’s bakery in King Street and the Arches in Hanover Street, the owners of each property have appointed WH Kirkwood Ltd to carry out the construction work required. Improvement of these key buildings will enhance the quality of the town centre and protect the distinctive character of the Conservation Area. Work at Gillespie’s will include comprehensive repairs to the building façade on King Street while the historic Arches shopfront will be reinstated. Gillespie’s bakery is considered one of the best examples of a traditional bakery in Scotland and is a Category A Listed Building in recognition of this. Work at Gillespie’s is expected to start in late August while there will be a slightly longer lead-in time to work at the Arches while components of the replacement shopfront are manufactured off-site. Scaffold arrangements at each of these properties is expected to have minimal impact on traffic and pedestrian movement.

    Councillor Ian Carruthers, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Resources Committee said, “Investment in Stranraer’s historic buildings ensures the high quality of Stranraer’s built environment is maintained for the benefit of the local community, businesses and visitors to the town. The work complements the many other initiatives currently underway in the town centre and on the waterfront as part of the drive to reposition Stranraer as a prime marine leisure tourism destination.”

    Councillor David Inglis, Vice Chair of the Council’s E&R Committee added, “Facilities like Stranraer Museum provide a valuable education service for the local community and are a key part of the diverse range of activities a successful tourist destination needs to offer. Protecting heritage features such as Gillespie’s bakery and the Arches shopfront maintains the unique character of the town centre and helps make Stranraer a desirable place to live, work and visit.”

    Stranraer CARS is enabled by funding from Historic Environment Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

  • Mayor of Kandy Visits Dumfries

    Friday, 04 August 2023 13:23

    Dumfries and Galloway Council had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Kesera Senanayake, the esteemed Mayor of Kandy, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, 2 August. As part of his holiday in Scotland with his family, Mayor Senanayake made a stopover in Dumfries, accepting an invitation from local retired schoolteachers, Jill and Nick Riley.

    This visit was set in motion during Jill and Nick's trip to Sri Lanka in 2022 when their friend, Dumfries Fountain campaigner, Kirsten Scott, suggested that they reach out to Mayor Senanayake. They presented him with a letter, sharing the fascinating story of our twin fountains. The Mayor had no prior knowledge of the Scottish connection that our fountains share – both crafted in the Sun Foundry, Glasgow, and sharing many identical features.

    Provost of Dumfries, Maureen Johnstone, welcomed the guests at Municipal Chambers then conducted a guided tour of Dumfries town centre for Mayor Senanayake, showcasing many historic landmarks and, of course, the beautifully restored Dumfries Fountain.

    Provost Johnstone expressed her delight, saying: "Dumfries and Galloway shares many links with Sri Lanka, one being our twin fountain in Kandy. It was an honour to show the Mayor, his family, and his hosts some of our town's wonderful historical landmarks, especially our newly renovated fountain."

    Mayor of Kandy Kesera Senanayake added: “It has been an honour to receive such a warm welcome by our new friends here in Dumfries. Our countries have many historical connections and it is a privilege to play a part in strengthening these bonds between us. We have thoroughly enjoyed our visit and the hospitality extended to my family and myself. We are bonded to the town and look forward to future cooperation and a lasting friendship.”

    The visit provided a wonderful opportunity for the two towns to foster lasting friendships and celebrate shared heritage, along with exploring historical connections between Dumfries and Sri Lanka. Notably, Sir Alexander Johnson, born and laid to rest at Carnsalloch, played a crucial role in the abolition of slavery in Sri Lanka. Additionally, thanks to the contributions of Scotsman James Taylor, who introduced tea to Sri Lanka in 1860, many Sri Lankan tea plantations carry names inspired by Scottish towns, including our very own Sanquhar.
    ENDS

  • Cycling Endurance World Record Holder Launches New Exhibition At Dumfries Museum

    Tuesday, 01 August 2023 16:03

    Cycling endurance World Record holder Josh Quigley has opened Dumfries Museum’s new ‘First Bike’ exhibition.

    Last year Josh broke the record for cycling the furthest distance in a single week, when he completed 2,179 miles in seven days.

    Running through August the ‘First Bike’ exhibition showcases the history of bicycles and their impact on the way people live.

    This exhibition, part of the Dumfries and Galloway Summer of Cycling, will delve into the themes of freedom, fitness, leisure, and work, highlighting the significant role bicycles have played in people’s lives and society.

    "With the area having such an affinity with the bike, it’s fitting that the Museum is putting on this exhibition to coincide with the UCI Paracycling World Championships. It is great to see so much cycling activity going on across the region this summer, which hopefully will inspire even more people to get out on their bike and explore what Dumfries and Galloway has to offer." said Josh.

    One of the key exhibits will be the velocipede, the world’s first bicycle, a ground-breaking invention created by Kirkpatrick Macmillan in 1839. The museum is delighted to have an example of this historic bicycle on display, which predates the first commercial bicycles being designed and produced by nearly thirty years.

    To personalise the exhibition Dumfries Museum has invited contributions of photographs featuring individuals with their first bikes These photographs will be prominently showcased, allowing visitors to relate to and appreciate the personal experiences and memories associated with their own first cycling adventures.

    Josh was joined at the opening by Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Chair of its Communities Committee.

    Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ian Blake said:

    “We are very proud to be home to the inventor of what we know is the first modern bicycle, so what better way to pay homage to Kirkpatrick MacMillan than to showcase his creation at the centre of an exhibition dedicated to cycling. We are delighted too that so many people have chosen to share their memories of their first bike, it is a charming exhibition and well worth a visit.”

    Vice Chair of the Committee, Councillor Jackie McCamon said:

    “Dumfries Museum is a treasure trove to explore and enjoy for families, tourists and local residents. I hope that many of the visitors to the World Paracycling Championships will take the time to detour to the Museum, enjoy its panoramic views over Dumfries and be inspired about the history of cycling and bicycles.”

    A documentary about Josh’s cycling journey ‘Josh Quigley: Cycling Saved My Life’ is currently available on BBC I-Player.

    The exhibition runs at Dumfries Museum from Tuesday 1 August to Saturday 2 September.

  • New exhibitions at Gracefield

    Monday, 31 July 2023 13:49

    Gracefield Arts Centre presents exhibitions by two well-know local artist this month. The first show opening in Gallery 2 on Friday 4 August is Immerse, a new body of landscape work by Lochmaben-based Minette Bell Macdonald. Minette is inspired by the local area and the new work draws on her fascination with landscape and equine subjects, with eight of the horse studies to be auctioned to raise funds for Ukraine in a silent auction. A wide selection of the stunning landscapes are also available to buy. Minette say of her work: “Landscape feeding Abstract, Abstract feeding Landscape. I feel my way through life with paint.”
    Minette graduated from Carlisle College of Art with a First-Class Honours Degree in Fine Art and has since exhibited in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bath, and Boston USA – but this is her first solo show at Gracefield. Her father, Alan Bell Macdonald, was on the committee that helped establish Gracefield as an arts centre back in the 1950s, and one of Minettes’ 1990 graduation pieces was purchased for the permanent collection. This new exhibition offers an opportunity to see where her practice is now and reflect on a long and successful career so far. All are welcome to attend the private view on Thursday 3 August at 6.30pm, but please book/rsvp in advance. The exhibition runs until 30 September.
    Opening on the 12 August in Gallery 1, Alexander Robb brings his 50 Years of Painting to Gracefield. Born in Kirkwall, Orkney in 1950, Alexander studied Glasgow School of Art from 1968 to 1972. He taught art in Stirling from 1974 to 1978 and moved to Dumfriesshire in 1978. Working full-time as a primary school art specialist he then changed to part-time teaching in 1989. Many of his past pupils will remember him and his wife Margaret Robb, also and artist and teacher from their school days, often cover more than one generation in local families. He finally gave up teaching completely in 2007 to concentrate more fully on painting and has continued to create new works in oil, pastel – and more recently, printmaking. His work has been shown in many group shows at Gracefield, at the Royal Glasgow Institute (RGI) the Society Scottish Artists (SSA) and private galleries. For this retrospective, Alexander has borrowed many works from private collections together with some new work (available to buy) and works from the Gracefield permanent collection, to showcase over 80 artworks. The exhibition opening event is Saturday 12 August between 2-4pm. Please rsvp to arts@dumgal.gov.uk, or call 01387 262084. The exhibition continues to 7 October.
    Ian Blake, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities Committee, who will be attending the launch events said: “This is a fabulous opportunity to see two of the region’s best professional artists – a significant body of work from both, and they should be rightly proud of their achievement.”
    Vice Chair of Communities Committee, Councillor Jackie McCamon added: “As usual, there is lots to do and see at Gracefield – exhibitions are always free and a new season of kids and adults’ workshop will be getting underway in September, so there’s a chance to explore some hands-on creativity for all ages.”
    To hear from the artist first hand, there is a Conversation Café gallery event on Saturday 2 September at 11am. The artists will lead a free guided tour of the exhibitions, followed by tea/coffee and an informal chat. Please pre-book on 01387 262084 or email arts@dumgal.gov.uk
    The exhibitions are open at Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries. Admission is free and open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.
    For more information on what’s on at Gracefield and all Dumfries and Galloway Council’s other arts and museums visit www.DGCulture.co.uk
    ENDS

  • Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club Champion Cycling For All

    Monday, 31 July 2023 11:58

    The Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club has secured funding to lead an innovative new initiative to get more young people into cycling.

    The Club has been selected by Scottish Cycling to lead the ‘Rock Up & Ride’ project in Dumfries & Galloway.

    ‘Rock Up & Ride’ which is funded by Transport Scotland provides cycle training and bikes for children aged between 5 and 12, to ensure equal access to cycling for all.

    The Club will support up to 80 young people with four hours of rider coaching to develop skills and confidence which includes and basic maintenance checks. The young people who participate will then be eligible to receive a bicycle, with the intention that they can enjoy and benefit from cycling throughout their childhood.

    Club Chair Person, Secretary, Gavin McHallum said:

    "Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club is delighted to be working in partnership with Scottish Cycling and Transport Scotland to deliver Rock Up & Ride. The main aim of our club is to get as many people on bikes as possible whether mountain bikes, gravel riding or road cycling.

    This project will allow us to introduce cycling in fun way to young people who might never have had the opportunity to own a bike and the pleasure that this can bring.

    The project was launched with the help of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Chair and Vice Chair of its Communities Committee.

    Chair of the Communities Committee, Councillor Ian Blake said:

    "The Galloway Hillbillies is a club right at the heart of the community and is an ideal partner to deliver this initiative across the area. I’m sure it will be the start of a lifelong love of cycling for dozens of young people who otherwise may have missed out."

    The Council has supported the Hillbillies to part-fund and deliver three Summer of Cycling events this summer and is prioritising promotion of the region as a cycling destination.

    Vice Chair of Committee, Councillor Jackie McCamon said:

    "Hosting the UCI Paracycling World Championship will give a huge international profile for Dumfries & Galloway as a superb cycling venue and destination. We have hundreds of miles of gravel tracks, first class mountain bike trails and unspoilt quiet roads that cyclists love. We are keen to do all we can to put the area on the international cycling tourism map."

    Young people must meet certain criteria before being eligible for help through Rock Up and Ride. Anyone interested in finding out more about the project and how it works should check out Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club Facebook page or their website Gallowayhillbillies.org

  • Eardley Explored: The Art of Joan Eardley with photography by Audrey Walker

    Tuesday, 25 July 2023 10:52

    Joan Eardley’s (1921-1963) portrayal of the streets and children of Glasgow first brought her work to public attention in the early 1950s, but it was her love affair with the tiny fishing village of Catterline and its surrounding landscape near Aberdeen that brought her both creative frustration and artistic fulfilment.

    Joan met Audrey Walker, a talented violinist and photographer, in 1952 through a mutual friend and their shared love of music created an immediate bond. Audrey was born in Doncaster, but her father was from Dumfries. Audrey documented Joan at work at the Walker’s holiday cottage in the Ettrick Valley in the Scottish Borders, at Joan’s Glasgow Studio, and in the wild landscape of the Northeast. Her striking black and white photographs not only add up to a remarkable archive of her artist friend’s life, but also show Audrey’s considerable talent for seeing a good picture.

    Joan Eardley died aged just 42 from cancer in August 1963, with her mother, sister, and Audrey by her side. Audrey and her husband Allan eventually retired to Dumfries in 1975 where she lived until her death in 1996.

    Eardley’s paintings and drawings remain very special in that they reflect urban and rural Scotland in an expressive language, unlike any other artist. The cheeky grin of a Glasgow schoolchild, or the raw power of one of her seascapes, engage audiences today as much as they did when they were first exhibited over fifty years ago.

    This exhibition features a selection of Eardley works bequeathed by Lady Audrey Walker in her will in 1997, works owned by The Dumfriesshire Educational Trust supplemented by loans from The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, and selected loans from The Walker family.

    Although many of Audrey’s photographs and her letters to Joan have been gifted to the National Galleries and National Library of Scotland, some of Audrey’s vast photographic archive was also generously gifted by her family to the Gracefield Collection in 2004.

    Speaking on the exhibition, Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Communities Committee Ian Blake said: “It’s great that Kirkcudbright Galleries has been able to collaborate with Gracefield Arts Centre on bringing this exhibition to Kirkcudbright. Because of the Dumfries connection with Audrey Walker, Gracefield Arts Centre has a fascinating Eardley collection alongside special photographs of Eardley which really set the scene and the environment behind some of the paintings that Eardley produced. This exhibition is not to be missed.”

    Vice Chair of Communities Committee Jackie McCamon said: “Despite the sudden tragedy of Eardley’s death, her volume and skill of her work meant that she was quickly becoming a very prolific Scottish artist. This exhibition gives visitors a real insight into her career spanning from Glasgow to Catterline, and her great friendship with Audrey Walker. It’s fantastic that two spotlight pieces from the exhibition have been loaned to Kirkcudbright Galleries from The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, continuing our regions relations with partner galleries across Scotland.

    Eardley Explored: The Art of Joan Eardley is on show at Kirkcudbright Galleries' Gallery Two until 1 October.Suggested entry donation £3




    ENDS

  • Kirkcudbright Galleries Reflects on Fifth Anniversary

    Monday, 17 July 2023 14:43

    Last month, Kirkcudbright Galleries celebrated the fifth anniversary of opening to the public in June 2018 with decorations and lots of free cake. Now they are celebrating the anniversary of the official opening of the galleries by The Princess Royal in July 2018 with an online digital campaign, reflecting on memories created through this first five years of opening.

    Kirkcudbright Galleries has always tried to bring high quality and fascinating exhibitions that will attract both local and national visitors. The gallery has developed some amazing partnerships over the years, that will continue through the future of the gallery. When the building first opened in 2018, partnership working with National Galleries Scotland resulted in The Monarch of the Glen to Kirkcudbright, an iconic piece of Scottish art, coming to Kirkcudbright Galleries. This exhibition brought in over 11,000 visitors to see the monarch and the new refurbishment in one month alone. Despite covid closures, there has been more than 200,000 visitors to our site. Partnerships developed so far include National Museums Scotland, The Ashmolean Museum, The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, Royal Scottish Academy, Wasps, Scottish Portrait Awards and many more.

    Kirkcudbright Galleries has become an engrained part of the visitor experience in Kirkcudbright, as there is always a changing temporary exhibition programme – meaning visitors can come back and see something different each time. The mezzanine activity space has hosted many talks, workshops, and school groups, but it’s also a place that is offered to local groups and events to make sure that the galleries are able to assist with community projects. Kirkcudbright Galleries is one of the sponsors for Kirkcudbright Book Week and is using the mezzanine space as part of the offerings for Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival that takes place later in the year. There are many events planned to collaborate with Kirkcudbright Festival of Light and the Kirkcudbright Festivities programme.

    There have been a lot of highlights at the galleries so far. The Galloway Hoard was a very special exhibition that received such a fantastic response from visitors. There has also been a successful collaboration on Japan: Art and Inspiration exhibition, which involved The Galleries, National Museums Scotland, and The Ashmolean Museum who lent Hiroshige’s Views of Mount Fuij. Many people love Japanese art and traditional woodblock prints, and the authentic tea ceremony was extremely busy. Further highlights were The British Wildlife Photography Awards, Gerald Scarfe and more recently, The Raymond Briggs Exhibition. The Briggs exhibition was very poignant, and emotive. So many visitors loved being able to see images again that they hadn’t seen since their childhood.

    There are so many exciting things to look forward to this year and over the next five years – the galleries are currently showing the latest exhibition by Ewan McClure, artist in residence at Broughton House. The summer exhibition: Eardley Explored: The Art of Joan Eardley with photography by Audrey Walker is on display now until 1 October. Following that is the Scottish Portrait Awards, which showcases the quality of portrait artists across Scotland. Further ahead are collaborations with Royal Scottish Academy, National Museums Scotland and The Friends of Kirkcudbright Galleries. Everyone involved in Kirkcudbright Galleries are extremely proud of what has been achieved and are excited for all the things that are still to come.

    Reflecting on the fifth year since the galleries opened, Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Communities Committee Ian Blake said: “It has been a real pleasure to see this facility achieve high visitor figures every year, with over 200,000 people attending to date – despite covid closures. It is great to see the facility being used every day for a range of reasons, with offerings for people of all ages to engage with creativity and culture and being used as a hub for lots of different events happening in Kirkcudbright.”

    Vice Chair of Communities Committee Jackie McCamon has said: “The success of Kirkcudbright Galleries and the support from its visitors is wonderful. The Galleries can bring visitors back time and again with their thoughtful and inspiring exhibitions, providing access to artists’ living in the region, and providing access for everyone to experience exhibitions of such quality. We can’t wait to see what comes in the next five years.”

    ENDS

  • Dalbeattie Gears Up to Host Historic Scottish Rally

    Wednesday, 12 July 2023 15:32

    The RSAC Scottish Rally will blast back into action on Saturday 22 July, as the event relocates to its new home at Dalbeattie.

    Relocating to the `Granite Town` of south-west Scotland, new stages have been introduced that have not been seen on the Scottish Rally before. The atmospheric Ae Forest still features, but the event will also be taking in stages in Kinharvie and Dalbeattie Forests. There has been a lot of work behind the scenes between the event organisers and Forest and Land Scotland to ensure that all stages are in excellent condition.

    There is also a new service park and event HQ hosted by Jas P Wilson Forest Machinery at Dalbeattie. This is a location which has the space and facilities that are needed to give the event the infrastructure it needs.

    For the twenty-sixth time, the rally will be supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council. It’s understood to be the longest-running partnership between a rally and a local authority anywhere in Britain. It forms one of the Council’s seven signature events, which cover everything from the Big Burns Supper to arts festivals, and other major sports events such as the Tour of Britain and World Championship Ice Hockey.

    Competing crews will head out to tackle 43 miles of gravel, spread across three stages – run twice. There will be a regroup near Dalbeattie Town Centre at around Midday to split the rally. The event route will also pass through the town centre. Offering the opportunity for fans to get up close and personal to the cars and crews, the town will also welcome the winners back later in the day for the now traditional champagne spray and finish celebrations.

    As well as a stellar entry for the KNC Groundworks Scottish Rally Championship, the event will also mark a “Diamond Jubilee” of sorts. The Land Rovers of the UK Armed Forces Rally Team (UKAFRT) are always an exciting and welcome addition to the rally. 2023 marks 60 years since the first competitors of the then, British Army Motorsport Association (BAMA) made an appearance at the Scottish Rally. Always entertaining and highly competitive in their own championship, the Scottish Rally is proud of this long-running association with our armed forces rally colleagues. To mark the occasion, the Land Rovers will be running with special “diamond” door decals and the Dalbeattie stage has been named for both BAMA and the UKAFRT.

    Clerk of the Course, Jonathan Lord and his team have been working hard to create an event worthy of its long-running history: “The organising team have been working very hard behind the scenes to create a fantastic event for crews and fans alike, and we have made several changes from last year thanks to the feedback received from competitors.”

    “Our recent route survey and changes to the format of stages have ensured that we only use some of the best quality forests available to us and they are in prime condition to welcome our crews to the amazing forest roads our region offers.”

    Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee said: “The Scottish Rally is a much loved event both locally and nationally, and it’s sure to go from strength to strength in the scenic surrounds and forests of the Stewartry area of Dumfries and Galloway. It is really encouraging to hear of the high numbers of entries for 2023, which is to the credit of RSAC Motorsport in these challenging economic times. Dumfries and Galloway is a special place for rallying. The forests provide the natural terrain, and there is a celebrated history of fine drivers and rallies in the region.”

    Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair of the Communities Committee added: “For exhilarating live sport, it is hard to beat the Scottish Rally for excitement and heart-in-the-mouth tension. The Council is fully committed to delivering the Dumfries and Galloway Events Strategy 2023-2027, and the rally is one of our stand-out events that provides a great day out for many local people and visitors.”

    Previous winners of the event include World Rally Championship legends such Colin McRae, Ari Vatanen, Hannu Mikkola and Stig Blomqvist. Dumfries driver David Bogie made history in 2021 by winning the event for a record-breaking seventh time, piloting his MINI JCW WRC, winning by almost a minute.

    More information and full results can be found on the official rally website:www.scottishrally.co.uk

    Keep up to date with event information via social media:www.facebook.com/scottishrally and www.twitter.com/scottishrally

    -ENDS

  • Dalbeattie Gears Up To Host Historic Scottish Rally

    Wednesday, 12 July 2023 15:30

    The RSAC Scottish Rally will blast back into action this month [Saturday 22 July] as the event relocates to its new home at Dalbeattie.

    With the event relocating to the `Granite Town` of South West Scotland, the opportunity has been taken to introduce new stages that have not been seen on the Scottish Rally before. The atmospheric Ae Forest still features, but the event will also be taking in stages in Kinharvie and Dalbeattie Forests. There has been a lot of work behind the scenes between the event organisers and Forest and Land Scotland to ensure that all of the stages are in excellent condition.

    There is also a new service park and event HQ hosted by Jas P Wilson Forest Machinery at Dalbeattie. This is a location which has the space and facilities that are needed to give the event the infrastructure it requires.

    For the twenty-sixth time, the rally will be supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council. It’s understood to be the longest-running partnership between a rally and a local authority anywhere in Britain. It forms one of the Council’s seven ‘signature events`, which cover everything from the Big Burns Supper to arts festivals and other major sports events such as the Tour of Britain and World Championship Ice Hockey.

    Competing crews will head out to tackle 43 miles of gravel, spread across three stages run twice. There will be a regroup near Dalbeattie Town Centre at around Midday to split the rally. The event route will also pass through the town centre. Offering the opportunity for fans to get up close and personal to the cars and crews, the town will also welcome the winners back later in the day for the now traditional champagne spray and finish celebrations.

    As well as a stellar entry for the KNC Groundworks Scottish Rally

    Championship, the event will also mark a “Diamond Jubilee” of sorts.

    The Land Rovers of the UK Armed Forces Rally Team (UKAFRT) are always an exciting and welcome addition to the rally. 2023 marks 60 years since the first competitors of the then, British Army Motorsport Association (BAMA) made an appearance at the Scottish Rally. Always entertaining and highly competitive in their own championship, the Scottish Rally is proud of this long-running association with our armed forces rally colleagues. To mark the occasion, the Land Rovers will be running with special “diamond” door decals and the Dalbeattie stage has been named for both BAMA and the UKAFRT.

    Clerk of the Course, Jonathan Lord and his team have been working hard to create an event worthy of its long-running history. He said:

    “The organising team have been working very hard behind the scenes to create a fantastic event for crews and fans alike, and we have made several changes from last year thanks to the feedback received from competitors.

    Our recent route survey and changes to the format of stages have ensured that we only use some of the best quality forests available to us and they are in prime condition to welcome our crews to the amazing forest roads our region offers.”

    Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee said:

    “The Scottish Rally is a much loved event both locally and nationally, and it’s sure to go from strength to strength within the scenic surrounds and forests of the Stewartry of Dumfries and Galloway. It is really encouraging to hear of the high numbers of entries for 2023, which is to the credit of RSAC Motorsport in these challenging economic times.” Dumfries and Galloway is a special place for rallying. The forests provide the natural terrain, and there is a celebrated history of fine drivers and rallies in the region.”

    Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice-Chair of the Communities Committee of the Council added:

    “For exhilarating live sport, it is hard to beat the Scottish Rally for excitement and heart-in-the-mouth tension. The Council is fully committed to delivering the Dumfries and Galloway Events Strategy 2023-2027, and the Rally is one of our stand-out events that provides a great day out for many local people and visitors.”

    Previous winners of the event include World Rally Championship legends such Colin McRae, Ari Vatanen, Hannu Mikkola and Stig Blomqvist. Dumfries driver David Bogie made history in 2021 by winning the event for a record-breaking seventh time, piloting his MINI JCW WRC, winning by almost a minute.

    More information and full results can be found on the official rally website:

    www.scottishrally.co.uk

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