Friday 30 January 2026
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.
Up Yer Airts Launches Sunday Scratch
In partnership with Loreburn Hall, Up Yer Airts Launches Sunday Scratch, a new platform for young musicians.
Up Yer Airts, the youth-led creative powerhouse in Dumfries and Galloway, is shaking up the way young musicians get seen with Sunday Scratch, a monthly live session giving artists and event creatives a professional stage to experiment, grow and get noticed.
The first-ever Sunday Scratch takes place on Sunday 15 February from 2–5pm at Loreburn Hall, Dumfries. Young bands and solo artists will have access to a full PA, backline, lights, and a live engineer to rehearse, perform, and test new material in front of a real audience.
The event also opens doors for young event creatives. From sound engineers, lighting designers, photographers, filmmakers and social media whizzes – the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a supportive live environment is here.
The inaugural line-up features DJ Lil J, Alex Bailey, The Hazards, BLANC and The High Priestess, with more acts to be announced. Entry is free.
For audiences across the UK, Sunday Scratch represents a model for how grassroots organisations can create meaningful, sustainable pathways for young artists, combining mentorship, professional access, and public visibility. For the young musicians on stage, it’s just the start.
Sign up by Tomorrow for Garden Waste Collections Starting in March
Got a garden? Make life simpler this spring with Dumfries and Galloway Council’s garden waste collection service.
For £40 per bin permit, we’ll collect your grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, plants and weeds from your doorstep every fortnight from March to November.
Why do thousands of residents love it?
- No more trips to the recycling centre – saves time and fuel.
- Eco-friendly – your waste is recycled.
- Convenient – just wheel your bin out on collection day.
Sign up by Saturday 31 January to get the full 9-month season starting in March. Miss the deadline and you’ll pay the same but get fewer collections.
Police Scotland’s National Roll Out of Body Worn Video Moves into the West
Police Scotland’s national roll out of body worn video continues with officers on duty equipped with the cameras in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
Around 900 officers including road policing officers and dog handlers and custody staff, will be provided with devices over the coming weeks.
The equipment can help to de-escalate incidents, improve public trust in policing and reduce complaints, as well as support officer and staff safety, and bring wider benefits to the criminal justice system.
Every frontline uniformed police officer, including Special Constables, will be expected to wear a video camera on their uniform while on duty and to activate it when using police powers, whether a stop and search, an arrest of a suspect or executing a search warrant.
The footage may be used as evidence, but it will not replace existing procedures and requirements when gathering all available information.
Update on Gigabit Broadband in Dumfries and Galloway
Around 12,500 homes and businesses in Dumfries and Galloway are set to benefit from gigabit-capable broadband, following a national announcement by the Scottish Government.
The investment forms part of Project Gigabit, a UK-wide programme aimed at improving broadband connectivity in harder-to-reach areas that are not currently covered by commercial rollout plans.
The announcement confirms that £18 million has been allocated to extend gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure in Dumfries and Galloway, building on earlier progress made through the Scottish Government's Reaching 100% (R100) broadband programme.
Project Gigabit focusses on communities where fast, reliable broadband is more challenging to deliver, helping ensure that rural and remote areas are not left behind as digital services continue to expand.
A Family Turning Heartbreak into Hope
A Dumfries family is inspiring people across the region with a remarkable year‑long fundraising challenge in support of Sands UK, the charity that helps families affected by pregnancy and baby loss.
After the devastating loss of one of their unborn twins, Cole and Abbie chose to channel their grief into something positive. In November, they launched a challenge to turn £1 into £1,000,000 within one year. It’s a goal that aims not only to raise funds, but also to bring comfort, understanding and awareness to families experiencing similar loss.
Despite caring for their three children and preparing to welcome their fourth, Cole and Abbie have already raised over £450,000.
Through creative activities, community events and strong social‑media support, they continue to grow their campaign and highlight the vital work Sands provides. For Cole and Abbie, their fundraising isn’t simply about reaching a number. It’s about building a more supportive and empathetic community for anyone touched by pregnancy or baby loss.
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