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Friday 28 November

Welcome to Council News, your fortnightly update from our council.

Our team is always keen to give you updates on the things that matter the most to you.

We also want to share positive stories about things that are happening in your community.

If you have news that you'd like to share – shining a light on an individual, community group or event – we would love to feature them in our Community bulletin.

Please email us at communitybulletin@dumgal.gov.uk with feedback or story ideas and one of our reporters will get back to you.

Councillors to Consider Next Steps for Whitesands Project

Dumfries and Galloway Council will consider the future of the Whitesands Project – combining a major flood protection scheme with significant public realm improvements – at its Full Council meeting on Thursday 11 December.

The Whitesands Project is a key initiative to safeguard Dumfries from the River Nith flooding while revitalising the riverside area. The town has suffered regular flooding, which has damaged property, deterred investment and is expected to worsen under climate change.

A Full Business Case has been developed in line with HM Treasury Green Book guidance. It sets out the strategic, economic, management, commercial and financial cases for the project.

Following the completion of the Full Business Case and project design – to be discussed by elected members at Full Council on 11 December – the total project cost is £68.6 million, an increase from the estimated cost of £37.5 million in 2023.

Under the funding structure for this flood protection and public realm improvements project:

• The council’s investment of £13.7 million (20%) would unlock £54.9 million (80%) in match-funding from the Scottish Government.

• To date, £5 million has already been allocated by the council. Approval of the additional £8.7 million by councillors at the meeting of Full Council on 11 December would bring the council’s total contribution to £13.7 million.

The project is now fully designed and although the cost has increased due to the development of the project design and inflation, there is now financial clarity around the project, which would revitalise the Greensands, Whitesands and Dock Park areas of Dumfries.

Amanda Beck receives her award.

Scottish Paralegal Association – Nomination for Superstar Award

Amanda Beck from our legal team received a Paralegal Super Star Award from the Scottish Paralegal Association on 21 November. 

With over 20 years' legal experience and nearly 10 years with Dumfries and Galloway Council, Amanda, a Law Society of Scotland Accredited Paralegal, is a key member of the council’s Legal Service specialising in property and conveyancing matters.

Her knowledge and understanding of the legal context, processes and the assets the council holds is first class, as is her work ethic. Recently, over a six-month period, due to a lack of property solicitors within the service, Amanda took on the responsibility solely for delivering all property work and conveyancing with limited assistance.

During this time, Amanda dealt with some highly complex and high-profile matters, such as negotiating 16 radio hill mast agreements with the country’s leading mobile telecommunications providers which contained complicated provisions for installation of equipment housing, limitations to the technical requirements as well as convoluted service charge and rental arrangements.

Amanda has the respect of her management team, her peers and her clients as a result of her knowledge, credibility and her ability to deliver positive outcomes. 

Well done Amanda.

Appointment of New Councillor Julie Currie

Julie Currie has been appointed as the newest councillor in Scotland – a milestone that coincides with an important anniversary in political history.

On 21 November 1918, the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act received Royal Assent. This landmark legislation allowed women to stand for election as Members of Parliament for the first time. Remarkably, the act was just one page long and stated simply that women were no longer disqualified by sex or marriage from sitting or voting in the House of Commons.

At that time, women could vote only if they were over 30 and met certain property qualifications. However, there were no such restrictions on becoming an MP, meaning women could stand for election from the age of 21 – the same as men.

Councillor Currie’s appointment falls on the 107th anniversary of this historic act.

Sixteen Days Action Against Gender Based Violence

Dumfries and Galloway Council has joined partner organisations across the Public Protection Partnership in marking the 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence programme, which runs from 25 November to 10 December.

Partners have come together to organise a number of events to raise awareness of the issues which affect women and girls, as well as to signpost to valuable support options and to push for change.

On Wednesday 26 November, the Public Protection Partnership supported women to come together for ‘reclaim the night’ marches in Dumfries and Stranraer. Both events saw a fantastic turnout of women and male allies, with entertainment, discussion and peaceful marching all part of a programme calling for better safety for women in public after dark.

In addition, Dumfries and Galloway Council is proud to support the White Ribbon campaign that aims to ensure men and boys are empowered to stand up for women and call out sexist behaviour when they witness it. The council’s Chief Executive is a White Ribbon Ambassador and activity takes place throughout the year to support staff in the council and in partner organisations with White Ribbon training.

In the News

We publish all of our press releases from the last 12 months on our website so you can keep up-to-date.

Recent releases include:

• Councillors to Consider Next Steps for Whitesands Project.
• Councillors to Consider Regeneration of Former Interfloor Factory.
• Dumfries and Galloway Council to Recognise Armed Forces Champion's Achievements and Ongoing Support for Armed Forces Community. 

Have Your Say

We welcome your feedback and hold public consultations and information days so that you can take part in decisions that affect you.

Recent consultations (now closed) include: 

• Budget Consultation 2026-2027.
• Visitor Levy.

Watch Council Meetings

We stream videos of a wide range of council meetings on our YouTube channel.

You can still watch previous meetings to find out the key issues being discussed. Recent meetings include:

• Planning Applications Committee.
• Dumfries and Galloway Licensing Committee.
• Wigtownshire Area Committee.