Friday 7 November 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.
 Dumfries and Galloway Council Participation in Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday 2025
Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are opportunities for us all to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
Every year, The Royal British Legion Scotland (Legion Scotland) asks us to unite in commemorating Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
On Remembrance Sunday, 9 November 2025, Services of Remembrance and wreath laying ceremonies will take place at war memorials and in faith venues across Dumfries and Galloway in honour of those who lost their lives in the two World Wars and the many conflicts since then.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Armed Forces Champion will lay a wreath at 11am at Annan War Memorial.
Councillor Katie Hagmann, Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council will lay wreaths at 11am at Port William War Memorial and at 1pm at Creetown War Memorial.
Provost Tracey Little will lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Dumfries at 11am at St John’s War Memorial, Newall Terrace, Dumfries.
In addition, wreaths will also be laid at 100 war memorials across Dumfries and Galloway by elected members of Dumfries and Galloway Council, and in some locations, on their behalf, by community councillors, and other organisations’ representatives.
Lord-Lieutenants, Vice and Deputy Lieutenants will also be laying wreaths at ceremonies across the region.
On Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November 2025, a national two-minute silence will be held on Tuesday 11 November at 11am to respect and remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
Flags will be flown at all council flag flying locations across the region from Friday 7 November 2025 to Wednesday 13 November 2025.
Healthy Movers Programme Inspires Active Learning Across Dumfries and Galloway
A new initiative helping young children to be more active and confident is taking shape across Dumfries and Galloway.
The Healthy Movers Programme, delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, is designed to develop physical literacy in the early years while supporting children’s social, emotional and cognitive growth.
More than 40 nursery settings recently took part in a series of training sessions, joined by colleagues from Lifelong Learning, Active Schools, Education and Active Communities. The council’s Active Communities team organised four regional training days, equipping participants with practical resources to embed Healthy Movers into their everyday curriculum in ways that best suit their individual settings.
The programme supports our youngest learners through fun, engaging and active experiences that nurture physical skills, creativity and wellbeing.
The next phase will see local ambassadors from Active Schools, Active Communities, and Education working alongside practitioners to bring Healthy Movers to life within nurseries across the region. The project will also monitor its impact on children, families and communities to ensure a lasting legacy.
Over the coming year, plans include delivering additional Family Engagement training to introduce Healthy Movers to parents and carers, as well as hosting an intergenerational celebration event in partnership with Active Communities. This special event will highlight the importance of movement and physical activity at every stage of life.
Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants describing the programme as a welcome addition and a valuable boost for nursery settings – reinforcing the vital role of physical literacy in the early years.
Help Prevent the Spread of Bird Flu in Scotland
Avian influenza (H5N1) continues to affect wild and domestic birds across Scotland, including here in Dumfries and Galloway. Everyone has a part to play in protecting birdlife and public health.
If you see dead wild waterfowl, such as swans, geese or ducks or other wild birds like gulls and birds of prey, please report it to the Defra helpline: 03459 335577.
Help keep our communities safe:
- Stay on marked footpaths.
- Keep dogs on leads.
- Do not touch or pick up dead or sick wild birds.
- Avoid contact with wild bird feathers or droppings.
- If you keep poultry or other birds, wash your hands and disinfect footwear before and after tending to them.
Together, we can help reduce the risk and protect our environment.
Help Us Find Rock Whitebeam in Dumfries and Galloway
Rock Whitebeam (Sorbus rupicola) is the UK’s most widespread native whitebeam species, but it remains nationally scarce due to its scattered populations.
A new search is now underway to locate Rock Whitebeam in Dumfries and Galloway, focussing on our coastal woodland sites. The project is being led by Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands, with support from Catkin Ecology. It forms part of the development phase of the Solway Coast and Marine Landscape Connections Project (SCAMP Landscape Connections).
Although Rock Whitebeam is rare, it has been largely overlooked in ecological restoration and woodland creation efforts. Dumfries and Galloway is currently the only part of western Scotland with no recorded sightings of the species. This search aims to improve understanding of its potential role in the region’s coastal woodlands.
There are over 50 species of Whitebeam in the UK, but only a few are found locally. The better-known Common Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) looks similar at first glance. Both species have unlobed green leaves with a white-felted underside, white flowers, and red fruits. However, Rock Whitebeam has more elongated leaves that are sharply toothed at the top and smooth at the base. It also has fewer than 20 main leaf veins and fruit that is wider than it is long.
The search is being coordinated by Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands. If you think you’ve spotted a Rock Whitebeam or have historic records that could help, please contact Phil Dowling at Phil.Dowling@dgwoodlands.org. Photos and location details are especially helpful.
This work is part of the development phase of SCAMP Landscape Connections, a ten-year, nationally significant project focussed on the Solway Firth coastline.
Fitness to Drive National Roadshow
Throughout October and November, Road Safety Scotland will visit towns and cities across Scotland, talking to mature drivers about the changes to look out for as they get older and the steps that can be taken to keep driving safely for longer.
Their friendly fitness to drive team will be on hand to chat to drivers about their experiences and to provide tips and advice on steps that can be taken to remain safe behind the wheel. There will also be opportunities to find out more information about Mature Driving Reviews on the day and to sign up if you would like to try one.
They will continue to take their field events across each region of the country throughout December and January. The events are scheduled at Caulders Garden Centre, Hetland, on 19, 20 and 21 November with other dates being arranged.
Pedal Power: iBike Project Inspires Change in Dumfries
A local cycling initiative is helping people in Dumfries to travel more sustainably and much more.
The iBike project, run by the Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust, is getting more people on bikes and building confidence through friendly group rides and training sessions.
The project is funded by SWestrans through Transport Scotland’s People and Place Fund, a national programme that supports local projects to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier and more attractive for everyday journeys.
What started as support for beginners has grown, with new riders gaining confidence, discovering local routes and building social connections. Many participants are now training as ride leaders, helping to sustain the programme. Smaller sessions are also available for those who need a bit more support to get started.
The project is also helping staff and students at the University of Glasgow’s Crichton campus switch to low-carbon commuting, thanks to a free e-bike loan scheme.
The iBike team is also working with communities across Dumfries and Galloway on behalf of SWestrans, to bring similar opportunities from the People and Place Fund to other parts of the region.
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