Friday 12 September 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.
Archie Dryburgh receives his Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lifetime Achievement Recognised for Councillor Archie Dryburgh
Annandale East and Eskdale elected member Archie Dryburgh has received a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to local government.
He was honoured at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) UK-wide Annual Charity Awards, held in Glasgow yesterday ((Thursday 11 September). The APSE Awards celebrate excellence in frontline services across UK local authorities, with winners selected by a panel of expert judges across 17 categories.
Archie has been a Scottish Labour councillor since 2007 and currently serves as Armed Forces Champion at Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Cllr Dryburgh said: “Obviously, it was a surprise and very humbling that the National Council of APSE felt that I deserved such a wonderful accolade. I believe if you’re going to do a good job you need good people to support you and in this local government life, the more the merrier."
Council Leader Cllr Stephen Thompson paid tribute to his fellow councillor, saying:
“Archie’s commitment to public service and his tireless advocacy for veterans and their families have made a lasting impact not just in Dumfries and Galloway, but across Scotland.
“This award is a fitting recognition of his dedication, humility and leadership. We are proud to have him as part of our council.”
A former Gordon Highlander, Archie is well known for his advocacy for veterans and their families, having led commemorations for events such as the WWI centenary and the Quintinshill Disaster.
He was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to the Armed Forces and local authority, and in 2024 was named Role Model of the Year at the Scottish Veterans Awards.
Dumfries and Galloway Council were shortlisted in 3 categories, listed for Overall Council of the Year, Best Work Force Initiative, and Best Community and Neighbourhood Initiative.
New Road Safety Campaign Launched by Police Scotland Safety Cameras
Police Scotland Safety Cameras has launched a new road safety campaign aimed at changing attitudes to speeding and improving driver behaviour.
Running across TV, radio, digital platforms and outdoor advertising, the campaign delivers a clear and powerful message: 'There’s a story behind every speed camera. Don’t make it yours.'
Building on last year’s campaign, which highlighted that speed cameras are placed where someone has been seriously injured or killed due to speeding, this year’s message goes further. It encourages drivers to reflect on their own attitudes and consider the real-life consequences of speeding.
A thought-provoking TV advert brings this message to life, telling the story of a motorist who believed it would never happen to them until it did.
 Dr Fiona Armstrong, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, with Edna Wells (left) and Charlotte Forsyth (right), accompanied by Councillor Jim Dempster.
Two Local Women Celebrate a Century
Dumfries and Galloway has been celebrating two very special birthdays, as Edna Wells and Charlotte Forsyth each reached the milestone age of 100.
Both received congratulatory cards from His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen, recognising their incredible lives and contributions to their communities.
Edna Wells, a well-known figure in Dumfries, served in the Wrens during the Second World War and has long been involved with Legion Scotland. A talented dressmaker, Edna is fondly regarded by many across the region. Her birthday was marked with flowers, cake, and a gathering of family, friends, and members of Legion Scotland.
Fiona Armstrong, Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, presented Edna with her royal card and said:
“What a special day. We’re all so proud and happy to be with this remarkable lady as she celebrates such an important birthday.”
Meanwhile, in Sanquhar, Charlotte Forsyth also celebrated her 100th birthday with a royal card and a heartfelt message from the palace.
Charlotte moved to Sanquhar after marrying and helped run the family butcher’s shop on the High Street. Forsyth’s meat was highly regarded, and Charlotte became a key part of the local community, contributing through the Scottish Women’s Institute and other local initiatives.
She was joined on her special day by Lord-Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong and Councillor Jim Dempster. Fiona shared: “I asked Charlotte what the secret to a long life is, and she told me it’s simply being happy with a good family.”
Charlotte was in great spirits and guests enjoyed a delicious locally made cake to mark the occasion.
Organ and Tissue Donation Week: Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt
The Scottish Government’s organ and tissue donation campaign, 'Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt', launches on 22 September, supporting Organ and Tissue Donation Week, which runs from 22 to 29 September.
This national campaign encourages everyone aged 16 and over to record their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and to share that decision with loved ones.
Featuring specialist nurses, the campaign highlights the importance of making your choice known to ensure it's honoured. It will run until the end of October, with real-life experiences shared to encourage more people to register.
The key messages are:
- People in Scotland aged 16 or over can choose to be an organ and tissue donor, or to opt out.
- If you do nothing, it’s assumed you agree to donate if you die in circumstances where donation is possible.
- Whatever your decision, record it on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your loved ones.
- Knowing your decision helps family and friends ensure it’s respected. Don’t leave them in doubt.
- Organ and Tissue Donation Week coincides with National Eye Health Week (22–28 September), highlighting the importance of cornea donation.
 Merchant Navy Memorial Stone Unveiled in Dumfries
A commemorative event was held on Saturday 30 August in Dock Park, Dumfries, to honour the service and sacrifice of the Merchant Navy during the First and Second World Wars.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, Dr Fiona Armstrong, unveiled a newly installed memorial stone dedicated to those members of the Merchant Navy who lost their lives in both conflicts. The ceremony included a reading and blessing led by Canon Stephen Hazlett.
Former Merchant Navy personnel joined the gathering to hear a moving address from Captain Alistair Brown of the Dumfries Merchant Navy Association (MNA), followed by the laying of wreaths in remembrance.
The sandstone monument, shaped like a ship, now stands as a permanent tribute in Dock Park.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh, Dumfries and Galloway’s Armed Forces Champion, served as master of ceremonies. The event was also attended by representatives from The People’s Project, council members including the Provost, and members of the local community.
Could You Be a Befriender?
Are you caring, reliable and trustworthy? Do you have a few hours to spare each week?
Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project is looking for volunteer befrienders to support young people aged 8 to 18 across Dumfries and Galloway. Befrienders offer a listening ear and help young people build confidence by sharing new experiences together.
If you’d like to make a difference in a young person’s life, we’d love to hear from you.
Email: Laura@befriending.org
Call: 01387 247812.
Join Spring Fling 2026
Artists and makers across Dumfries and Galloway are invited to apply for Spring Fling Open Studios 2026, taking place from 23–25 May 2026.
Organised by Upland, Spring Fling is Scotland’s leading open studios event for contemporary visual art and craft. Each year, it attracts thousands of visitors and celebrates the region’s vibrant creative community. Over one bank holiday weekend, participating artists open their studios to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore their workspaces and creative processes.
In 2025, the event saw over 29,800 studio visits, with reported average sales of £3113 per studio.
Applications close at 9am on Monday 13 October 2025.
 Dumfries Get Together Annual Social and Joining Night
Following the success of last year’s event, Dumfries Get Together is holding its Annual Social and Joining Night on Thursday 18 September.
Dumfries Together is a ladies' group in Dumfries and Galloway aimed at reducing social isolation and promoting friendship among women aged 35 and over. The group organises a variety of activities and seeks fun, connection and community spirit.
The event will be held at Baptist Church Auditorium, Gillbrae Road, Dumfries, DG1 4EJ.
Tickets are £5, payable at the door. This includes buffet, quiz entry, raffle ticket and two complimentary refreshments.
All proceeds support Dumfries Get Together activities.
Lochside Community Collective: Shaping the Future Together
A new opportunity has launched for residents of Lochside to help shape the future of their community.
The Lochside Community Collective invites local people to get involved in setting priorities and delivering real change, whether that’s improving transport, creating jobs, enhancing green spaces or developing local services and facilities.
With a £130 million investment planned for the area, community input will be essential to ensure the regeneration brings long-lasting, meaningful benefits for everyone.
The Lochside Masterplan was just the beginning. Now the focus is on working together to turn that vision into reality.
The Lochside Community Collective will meet at the YMCA Cafe, Lochside Road, Dumfries, DG2 0NF on Wednesday 17 September from 5.30pm-6.30pm. All are welcome to come and get involved.
Healthy Planet, Healthy People
The Royal Society of Edinburgh, with generous support from the Williamson Trust, has reopened its Healthy Planet, Healthy People Catalyst Awards.
This fund offers up to £5000 to support community-led research projects that create a healthier planet and healthier people.
Funding will be provided to support new and existing research projects that promote the health of individuals through fostering healthy environments and communities, and enabling access to healthy foods.
Projects can run for up to 12 months and applications are welcome from across Scotland.
Applications close at midday on Thursday 4 December 2025.
Volunteer With Children’s Hearings Scotland
Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) is currently recruiting volunteer panel members across Dumfries and Galloway.
CHS panel members play a vital role in supporting children and young people by making legal decisions in children’s hearings. If you’re empathetic, a good listener and want to make a positive impact in your community, this could be the opportunity for you.
There are 2300 people across Scotland who volunteer to be part of the Children’s Hearings Scotland community, otherwise known as the Children’s Panel.
The role of a panel member is to listen and make legal decisions with and for infants, children and young people. They are there to ensure that the young person is at the heart of every decision taken because every decision, no matter how big or small, has an impact.
Panel members are appointed for a three-year period. Full training and ongoing support are provided.
Get Involved with Active Communities
Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Active Communities programme offers a variety of friendly and inclusive activities designed to help you get moving, meet new people, try something different and have fun while doing it.
Gentle Movement
These low-impact, seated sessions may include:
- Boccia (a game similar to French boules).
- Shibashi/Qigong movements.
- Indoor curling.
- Coordination activities.
- Seated exercise to music.
Gentle Movement is ideal for anyone looking for a relaxed and enjoyable way to stay active.
Strength and Balance
These classes are designed to support mobility and improve confidence. They’re suitable for people who feel unsteady on their feet, are concerned about falling or have experienced a fall. Activities are low-impact and mostly seated.
Stroll and Strength Walks
These sessions combine a short, gentle walk (around 20 minutes) with 10–15 minutes of strength and balance exercises. They’re perfect for those who walk at a slower pace or use walking aids. The exercises help improve stamina, flexibility and reduce the risk of falls.
Walking Groups
The walking groups offer a welcoming and supportive way to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity. Walks take place weekly across Dumfries and Galloway and are free to attend.
 Kickstart Your Business With a £3000 Start-Up Grant
Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? The Enterprise Seed Fund 25 is now open for applications. This start-up grant supports new and early-stage businesses across Dumfries and Galloway and it’s awarded on a first come, first served basis.
What’s Available
We know that starting a business comes with financial challenges. That’s why this grant covers 50% of eligible start-up costs, up to a maximum award of £3000. You can invest up to £6000 in start-up costs to unlock the full grant value.
What the Grant Can Fund
The grant supports capital investments linked to starting your business. Examples include:
- Equipment and tools.
- Digital technology.
- Uniforms.
- Initial shop or workshop fitting.
- E-commerce websites.
Who Can Apply
You can apply if your business is:
- Based in Dumfries and Galloway.
- Registered as self-employed (sole trader or partnership) or a limited company within the last 24 months.
- Planning to register for self-employment or set up a limited company within the next three months.
Application Process
Each application is reviewed by our funding panel based on your business plan and cash flow. The timeline depends on how quickly you submit your documents and purchase approved items. Once everything is in place, decisions typically take a few weeks.
Start by speaking to a Business Gateway adviser to check your eligibility and discuss your project.
This grant is supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda. The Fund invests in communities, local businesses and skills development across the UK.
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