Friday 29 August 2025
Welcome to Community, your Dumfries and Galloway community bulletin.
We are always keen to hear of any positive stories about things that are happening in your community and would like to feature them in Community – please email us at communitybulletin@dumgal.gov.uk and one of our reporters will get back to you.
Paul Ross
618,827 miles
This is the total annual mileage covered by Waste Services vehicles operated by Dumfries and Galloway council in 2024.
Paul Ross topped the driver mileage charts, covering 10,138.90 miles last year while working his round in the Stewartry and spending 1462 hours at the wheel.
Overall, the council fleet of vehicles including buses and waste services covered an amazing 6,471,318 miles during this time.
There are 948 vehicles of all shapes, sizes and power trains within the fleet and this number of vehicles needs plenty of support.
The council fleet is driven by 3535 authorised drivers during the year and this includes HGV and bus drivers.
The council performs 7876 licence checks yearly, as some of the authorised drivers need to be checked four times a year. Among the biggest users of fleet vehicles are buses, waste services and social work services.
Thank you to all the technicians and support staff who keep these vehicles on the road throughout the year and keep Dumfries and Galloway services moving.
 Local Bus Service Improvements
Dumfries and Galloway Council and regional transport partnership SWestrans have been working closely with local bus operators to modify some bus services in the region - in response to customer feedback.
Following the recent reprocurement of the subsidised bus network and the award of 45 new contracts to local operators, several enhancements have now been introduced to support school pupils and communities.
Among the changes is the splitting of previously merged Dumfries town services. Houston’s Coaches have now separated the D1/D2 and D10/D12 back into four separate routes: D1, D2, D10, D12. Updated timetables are available on the council’s website.
Other recent improvements include:
- A new 8.25am service from Cargenbridge to support secondary pupils travelling to school.
- A second dedicated school transport service from Kirkconnel and Kelloholm to Sanquhar Academy to address timing issues on the commercial 246 route, which some pupils had been using.
In addition, a trial second bus has been introduced on the 246 route at school times to support pupils travelling to Wallace Hall Academy, running Monday to Friday until the October school holidays.
There is a feedback form on the council website to capture all suggestions in one place and also a comprehensive bus network Q and A, which is regularly updated.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Thompson, said:
“We’re listening carefully to the feedback on recent changes to the bus network, especially from parents and carers. The council remains committed to meeting our statutory obligation to provide safe and reliable home-to-school transport for entitled pupils. We also recognise that many young people rely on public buses to get to school.
“Improving the network is an ongoing priority and some of the solutions we have put in place are short-term while we work closely with operators to find longer-term improvements. We’re encouraging everyone to check the updated Q and A and to complete the feedback form to help shape future improvements.”
Chair of SWestrans, Cllr John Campbell, said:
“We're encouraged by the progress made so far and recognise the value of ongoing dialogue with communities. SWestrans will continue to work with partners to support practical changes that make a difference locally, and we'd urge people to use the feedback form to help us understand local needs and priorities as we plan ahead.”
To see the latest updates, visit: Bus Network Changes – Your Questions Answered | Dumfries and Galloway Council.
To provide your feedback, please complete this form: Dumfries and Galloway Bus Network Feedback Form.
VJ Day Across Our Region
Commemorative events to mark VJ Day were held across our region between 15 to 17 August 2025.
Ceremonies were held on Friday at war memorials and town halls to remember the 50,000 UK and Commonwealth service personnel who lost their lives fighting Japanese forces and the sacrifices made by those who survived the conflict.
Some of the events in Castle Douglas, Newton Stewart and Stranraer culminated in themed tea dances or refreshments while the Dalbeattie branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) organised a firework display and beacon lighting at Craignair Quarry.
In Dumfries, the biggest event was held on Saturday that brought together community members, dignitaries and veterans to honour those who served in the Far East campaign.
The proceedings began with a parade led by standard bearers under the command of Parade Commander Gordon Little. Attendees were joined by the Royal British Legion Scotland Riders' Branch and a display of vintage army vehicles provided by John Webster.
A formal royal salute and inspection of the ranks was conducted by His Majesty’s representatives: Mr Gordon Dickie, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries; The Lord Sinclair, Lord-Lieutenant for The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright; and Mrs Aileen Brewis, Lord-Lieutenant for Wigtown.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE, Armed Forces Champion for Dumfries and Galloway Council, welcomed guests, followed by addresses from Mr Gordon Dickie and Councillor George Jamieson, Vice-Chair of the council's Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing committee.
Padre Tom Bonnar, Veterans’ Chaplain, led a moment of reflection before the solemn observance of the Last Post and two minutes of silence. The ceremony concluded with the sounding of the Reveille, symbolising remembrance and hope.
A final service of commemoration was held at St Michael's and South Church in Dumfries on Sunday was attended by Vice Lord-Lieutenant Gordon Dickie. A wreath-laying ceremony took place afterwards in the nearby Garden of Remembrance.
 Support with Tea and Chat
Dumfries Tea and Chat is a support group for patients (men and women) with secondary breast cancer, which is funded by the charity Make 2nds Count. It is a small group, which meets at The Usual Place on Academy Street in Dumfries on the second Friday of each month from 12–2pm.
The group is a friendship support group – it is just like meeting friends for a blether, rather than a traditional support group. It is open to any patients with a secondary (stage 4) breast cancer diagnosis.
The group is hosted by Sarah McDiarmid who also has secondary breast cancer. Sarah was diagnosed at the age of 40 and struggled with the lack of support options in Dumfries and Galloway.
The group was started just over one year ago and is a friendly, safe place to chat with others who are able to empathise. Make 2nds Count fund lots of patient support services as well as research into secondary breast cancer, also known as stage 4, advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It is treatable, but incurable, meaning that patients will always have it.
The charity is relatively small but provides a wealth of support services to patients, both online and face-to-face.
The group looks forward to welcoming new and existing members on the second Friday of each month from 12–2pm.
Public Engagement Sessions in September
Drop in to the Standard Building on the High Street, Dumfries, and share your ideas on how the riverfront should look, feel and function. Your feedback will help shape inclusive and sustainable public spaces.
We want to hear how people use these spaces. Your input will help us design spaces that adapt to future climate, social and demographic changes. We look forward to hearing your views.
The engagement sessions will be Tuesday 2 September from midday to 7pm and Wednesday 3 September from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
The online survey below can be used by those who can’t attend one of the sessions, or those who would like to share further thoughts.
You can also email the project team: WhitesandsProject@dumgal.gov.uk.
 Moffatt Crime Fest
A new crime festival will take place in Moffat, showcasing local authors and global bestsellers.
It will take place on Saturday 4 October at Moffat Town Hall and participating authors include: W. Craven, Douglas Skelton, Jackie Baldwin, Ann Bloxwich, Michael J. Malone, Caro Ramsey, William Hussey, Matt Hilton, David Bishop, Claire Wilson, Daniel Aubrey and James Oswald.
VIP tickets are £48, which includes all the writers' panels plus a three-course dinner with the authors and a quiz, while tickets to individual panels come without dinner and are £5 each.
There are only limited tickets available, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Lord Dowding Commemorative Event
This year's Dowding commemorative event on Saturday 6 September has a special significance this year as it will see the installation of a scaled down Spitfire replica in the grounds of Dowding House, and the unveiling of a small bust of Lord Dowding.
Air Chief Marshal Dowding commanded RAF Fighter Command in 1940 and made an enormous contribution to defeating the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain.
Dowding was born in Moffat, and the old family home at Dowding House is now owned by the Royal Air Force Association for the use of ex-service personnel.
The unveiling will take place in the grounds and will be supported by a flypast of two aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. A commemorative church service and wreath- laying will be held at Upper Annandale Parish Church in Moffat.
Cllr Archie Dryburgh will introduce the church ceremony while Dr Fiona Armstrong, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, will provide the tribute and lay a wreath.
 National Innovation Week
Scotland’s National Innovation Week takes place from 22 to 26 September, spotlighting the country’s proud legacy of innovation and its leadership in developing transformative technologies and industries.
Throughout the week, events will bring together policymakers, businesses, entrepreneurs, students and researchers to share ideas, build connections and inspire innovation. Activities will be listed on the new Scotland’s National Innovation Week website, making it easy to find opportunities to get involved.
Each day of the week will focus on a key area of innovation:
- Monday 22 September – advanced manufacturing.
- Tuesday 23 September – data and digital technologies.
- Wednesday 24 September – health and life sciences.
- Thursday 25 September – national innovation summit.
- Friday 26 September – energy transition.
Events will take place across the week, alongside themed activities and networking opportunities.
Here are four ways your organisation can take part:
-
Share your innovation success stories. Use #NationalInnovationWeek to highlight your achievements and inspire others.
-
Add your events to the official website. Promote your activities and share the link with your networks to encourage wider participation.
-
Reshare social media posts. Follow and share content from Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram. Posts marking the launch of the new website will go live at 5pm on 28 August.
-
Use Scotland’s nation brand marque. Incorporate the marque into your events and communications to support a unified message about Scotland’s global reputation for innovation.
 Young voices, local priorities and plans for the future
This summer, the Dumfries and Galloway Community Planning Partnership Board met with the region’s Youth Council to reflect on shared priorities and progress.
Youth Councillors showcased their work and showed “Through Young Eyes”, a powerful short film exploring how poverty affects young people and families. The film prompted discussion among partners about how to better listen to and act on young people’s experiences.
The meeting also touched on concerns raised by young people around vaping and tobacco use. Partners discussed next steps, including awareness-raising and exploring local enforcement options following the national ban on single-use vapes.
Other summer milestones included the approval of a new Physical Activity Strategy, which aims to support healthier lives across the region. And looking ahead, a new Community Learning and Development Plan, shaped by feedback from over 450 people, is due to be considered by councillors in September.
If you're part of a local group or organisation, you can access community profiles packed with useful data to support funding bids and planning. These include statistics, trends and insights tailored to your area.
If you want to know more about how Community Planning supports your community, visit our Community Planning webpage in the link below.
 Scotland’s Climate Week
Scotland’s Climate Week runs from 29 September to 5 October, and it’s a great opportunity for organisations and communities across Dumfries and Galloway to come together and take meaningful climate action.
This year’s theme, Climate Ready Together: Action in Every Community, highlights the practical steps being taken across Scotland to support sustainability and climate resilience.
Here are five simple ways to take part:
-
Use the Climate Week toolkit. Access ready-made resources including social media graphics and posts, WhatsApp templates, and editorial content for emails, intranets and blogs. These tools make it easy to share your organisation’s commitment and encourage others to get involved.
-
Amplify the message online. Reshare content from Net Zero Scotland on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram. You can also download a social media calendar to help plan and schedule your posts.
-
Promote everyday climate-positive behaviours. Encourage actions like reducing energy use, choosing active or public transport, cutting food waste, and switching off vehicle engines when stationary. These small changes add up to big impacts for our communities.
-
Use #ScotClimateWeek and #LetsDoNetZero. Join the conversation online and showcase how your organisation is helping to build a climate-ready Scotland.
-
Share your sustainability story. Sharing your story helps inspire others, spark new ideas, and grow the movement for change.
Heather Nisbet, Dumfries and Galloway CAS Volunteer Adviser in Kirkcudbright.
Increase in Outreach Clinics for Citizens Advice
Due to demand, the Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (DAG CAS) outreach clinic at The Johnson in Kirkcudbright, is increasing its frequency from one session to two sessions per month. They will now run on the second and the fourth Monday of each month, from 10am to 2pm.
New outreach clinics have also recently been established at The North West Resource Centre in Lincluden, every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm and at Ecclefechan Surgery on the first Friday of each month from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
For more information, visit https://www.dagcas.org.
ImMerse Festival Invites People to Journey from Sea to Source
A week-long festival celebrating a Dumfries and Galloway river, and its connections to community, culture, and climate resilience, takes place this September.
ImMerse Festival returns for its second year, offering residents and visitors the chance to explore the River Annan through science, storytelling, and hands-on discovery.
The ImMerse Festival runs from Saturday 20 to Saturday 27 September and combines environmental science with cultural heritage. The festival programme consists of seven carefully curated events that follow the River Annan's journey from its mouth at the Solway Firth upstream to its source in the Moffat Hills.
Each day reveals different aspects of the river's story, from the saltmarsh ecosystems where fresh water meets the sea, to the ancient woodlands and healing wells of the upper catchment.
The programme is designed to be enjoyed as stand-alone events, or as a week-long immersive experience. It includes expert-led sessions on citizen science, visits to historic estates, explorations of innovative hydroelectric schemes, and woodland walks, culminating in a challenging hike to find the river's source. All events are free of charge, but some require advance booking due to limited capacity.
The ImMerse Festival is part of SCAMP Landscape Connections project with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and D&G Climate Hub. ImMerse is delivered by a partnership including SCAMP Landscape Connections, D&G Climate Hub and Annan Harbour Action Group, and is supported by funding from Net Zero Scotland.
Shaping the Future of Cruck Cottage
Cruck Cottage Heritage SCIO exists to preserve, interpret and share the heritage of Cruck Cottage in Torthorwald, the last surviving example of traditional cruck-framed domestic building in southern Scotland.
Cared for entirely by volunteers, the trustees are now seeking insights and ideas from people across the area about its future and how to unlock its relevance for the community.
Everyone is invited to take the online survey, which will inform plans for the cottage's future.
Bumper Year for Stranraer Oysters
Marine experts have revealed that Scotland's native oyster bed has experienced a marine heatwave this summer that could deliver the best native oyster breeding season in decades, ahead of Stranraer Oyster Festival 2025.
Water temperatures in Loch Ryan, in south west Scotland, reached an unprecedented 17.8°C at the start of July, more than a full degree above normal summer temperatures, creating ideal conditions for native oyster reproduction and baby oysters, known as spats.
The marine heatwave has implications far beyond Loch Ryan. Due to the importance and high health status of the Loch Ryan bed, its native oysters are used to seed restoration projects from the Firth of Forth to continental Europe. Loch Ryan oysters are a crucial genetic reservoir for a species that has declined by 95%, making it now one of Europe's most threatened marine habitats.
The news comes as Stranraer Oyster Festival, which takes place from 12 to 14 September, unveils a marine science programme to complement the popular celebrity chef programme of events. The new events include cutting-edge research, science talks and hands-on experiences that will bring the hidden world beneath Loch Ryan's surface to festival audiences, alongside celebrity chefs, live music, a huge artisan market, and the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships.
Tickets are available with early bird weekend passes from £18. Additional charges apply for selected events, such as celebrity chef demonstrations.
Coastal Woodland Adventures Programme is a Huge Success
Through the school summer holidays, more than 300 people took part in the Coastal Woodland Adventures events held along the Solway Firth.
The events were aimed at a wide range of ages and based in five of our most special woodlands. Topics covered varied from tree ID and bug hunts through to bushcraft and survival skills.
The Coastal Woodland Adventures events were delivered in Aldouran Wetland Garden, Caerlaverock Estate, Kirkcudbright’s Barhill Woods, Kilsture Forest and Galloway House Gardens.
The events were led by Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands, a charity seeking to support native woodlands in the region. The events were only possible thanks to funding from the Dumfries and Galloway Coastal Benefit Fund and the Solway Coast and Marine Landscape Connections Project, using funds from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands benefits from ongoing support from a range of partners, including Woodland Trust Scotland, Scottish Forestry and Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Environment Team.
|
