Friday 13 March 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.
Transport Hub Construction Update
Work is progressing well on the new active and sustainable transport hubs being delivered across Dumfries and Galloway.
The hubs will support more joined‑up and accessible everyday journeys and form part of a wider programme funded through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Steel frames are now installed at Annan, Langholm and Sanquhar, with ground preparation underway in Stranraer and Newton Stewart. Construction starts at Castle Douglas this week and work at Gatehouse of Fleet is expected to begin in April. Hubs in Dalbeattie and Whithorn will also be delivered in the coming months with updates on start of construction due soon.
Each hub will offer practical facilities for everyday journeys, including secure cycle storage, e-bike hire, EV hire and charging. Selected locations will also provide new waiting areas for bus passengers, real time information screens and convenient links to nearby rail services.
Coming up in This Week's Bulletin:
Celebrating Community Cohesion
More than 55 women from across Dumfries and Galloway came together on Monday 9 March for the Elect Her Community Cohesion Celebration at the Oasis Youth Centre.
Elect Her is a non‑partisan organisation that supports women to stand for political office by building confidence, dismantling barriers and ensuring women from all backgrounds can influence change.
Participants represented a wide range of cultural backgrounds including UK, Polish, Ukrainian, Afghan, Syrian, Brazilian, Thai, Chinese and Russian communities.
Local organisations involved included The Depot, Dumfries and Galloway Multicultural Association, Annan Harbour Action Group, Bereginya, Coppafeel, Fairtrade, Police Scotland, Triage, the Dumfries and Galloway Council Young Women’s Network, the Youth Council, Community Councils, elected members and council officers. Attendees shared lunch provided by Levantine Restaurant while networking and visiting information stalls.
In her welcome, the Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Cllr Katie Hagmann, highlighted the power of women’s leadership and the importance of inclusive spaces. She praised the Young Women’s Network, noting that their presence demonstrates that the future is something we build together. She also emphasised that investing in young women opens doors, shares knowledge and creates opportunities for bold and imaginative leadership. Cllr Hagmann welcomed New Scots women, recognising the resilience, skills and cultural perspectives they contribute to local communities.
The Young Women’s Network led an inspiring session featuring a lived‑experience panel of local women in leadership roles, sharing personal journeys, challenges and motivations.
The celebration concluded with participants making individual pledges: personal commitments to actions that will support inclusion, empowerment and community cohesion across Dumfries and Galloway. These pledges reflected the spirit of International Women’s Day and the shared determination to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Special thanks were extended to the Working Group, who developed the programme, the Scottish Government for funding the event, the Young Women’s Network for leading the session and the panel members for openly sharing their experiences.
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Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Broadcaster and actor Grant Stott is supporting Prostate Scotland this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging men across Scotland to talk openly about prostate health.
Grant recently had his first PSA test after hearing Sir Chris Hoy speak about his diagnosis. Although he had no symptoms, being 58, he decided to get checked and encouraged his long-standing school friends to do the same.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Scotland, affecting around one in ten. Early prostate cancer often develops without symptoms, meaning men can feel completely well.
A PSA test is a simple blood test arranged through a GP. It is not part of a national screening programme, but it is the starting point for discussions about prostate health.
As Scotland’s prostate cancer and disease charity, Prostate Scotland provides information, advice and support to men and families affected by prostate disease across the country.
The charity is encouraging men to remember three key facts:
· Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Scotland.
· It often develops without symptoms.
· From 50, speak to your GP about a PSA test or from age 45, if you have a family history of prostate cancer (dad, brother, uncle) or are a black man.
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Castledykes Play Park Set for Easter Opening
Families in Dumfries will soon be able to enjoy a revitalised and fully upgraded play space at Castledykes Park, as Dumfries and Galloway Council completes the installation of brand‑new play equipment in time for the Easter holidays.
The previous play area suffered significant storm damage last January, leaving much‑loved equipment unusable. Given the park’s popularity and the high footfall it attracts throughout the year, the council acted quickly to secure funding for its replacement. Through the council’s Capital Programme, £70,000 was allocated to deliver a modern, inclusive and exciting new play experience for local children and visiting families.
The project moved at pace through the formal procurement process and installation is now well underway. The new design includes climbing elements, sensory play panels, inclusive rockers, a multi‑play adventure structure, balance and coordination stations, and upgraded swing and slide options – all aimed at inspiring fun across a range of ages and abilities.
The upgraded facility will give the community a fresh, safe and fully revitalised play space and marks another positive investment in our parks and green spaces.
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Kinship Care Week
This week has been Kinship Care Week, which is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing people who step in to support children when they need it most and also the staff who help to ensure kinship carers themselves get the support they need.
Kinship care is when a child or young person lives with a relative or close family friend because they’re unable to live at home. It keeps children connected to the people who know them best, providing stability, love and a sense of belonging.
Being a kinship carer comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, and we want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible contribution of all people offering kinship support to local children who need it.
It is also true that kinship carers themselves sometimes need support and a listening ear, which is why we also want to say a big thank you to all of the amazing social work staff who support kinship carers on their journey. We’re very luck to have such talent and dedication on our team.
To mark the week, we asked both staff and a kinship carer to reflect on their experiences. You can read about both perspectives in the blog posts we published to mark the week.
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Journey with the Wild Geese
This April, communities across Dumfries and Galloway are invited to take part in Journey with the Wild Geese, a free, region‑wide movement challenge inspired by the incredible annual migration of around 40,000 barnacle geese from the Solway to Svalbard.
Their collective journey totals an astonishing 80 million miles and together, our region will aim to match it.
Running from 1 to 30 April, the challenge encourages everyone to get moving in whatever way suits them best – walking, wheeling, cycling, scooting, or simply adding more activity into everyday routines. Workplaces, schools, clubs, families and individuals are all welcome to take part. Every mile logged contributes directly to our shared regional target and participants will unlock colourful spring‑themed milestones as they progress on the virtual “Step into Spring” map from the Solway northwards.
Taking part is simple. Adults (18+) can download the Stridekick mobile app, create an account and join the challenge using the link or code provided. Children can participate too, with an adult logging their miles manually on their behalf. Participants can join as individuals or form teams, with a leaderboard ensuring fair competition through average activity scoring. Every single mile still counts towards the 80‑million‑mile goal.
The Wild Goose Festival team and Stridekick support are on hand to help with registration, logging activity or technical questions.
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World Cup 2026 – Licensed Hours Extension for Scotland Fixtures
Licensed premises across Dumfries and Galloway are being advised that Dumfries and Galloway Licensing Board has agreed a general extension of licensed hours for eligible premises during Scotland fixtures at World Cup 2026.
The extension applies to on-sales premises with a full premises licence where the operating plan includes provision for showing televised sport. Eligible premises may remain open until 30 minutes after the end of any Scotland fixture during the tournament.
Licence holders have been contacted by the Licensing Board and asked to indicate whether they intend to use the extension.
Premises are also being reminded to ensure appropriate management arrangements are in place and to consider additional stewarding where needed.
Premises wishing to extend hours for any other World Cup matches should submit an extended hours application by 14 April.
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BBC Radio Scotland – Make a Difference Awards 2026
The BBC Radio Scotland Make a Difference Awards are returning for 2026 and you’re invited to help highlight the people and animals who make a real difference in our communities.
These awards share their stories and celebrate their contribution at a special ceremony in September.
There are eight award categories: Active, Animal, Community Group, Environmental, Fundraiser, Great Neighbour, Volunteer and Young Hero. If you know someone who goes above and beyond for others – whether it’s a dedicated volunteer, an inspiring young person or even a helpful animal – you can put them forward for recognition.
Nominations close at 5pm on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
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Council HQ to Light Up Teal for International Long COVID Awareness
Dumfries and Galloway Council headquarters will be lit up in teal on Sunday 15 March to mark International Long COVID Awareness Day.
Observed each year on 15 March, the day aims to raise awareness of the ongoing impact of Long COVID on individuals, families and communities around the world.
Long COVID refers to symptoms that continue or develop after a COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can affect people in different ways and may last weeks, months or longer.
By lighting up HQ teal, the council is joining organisations and landmarks across the UK and internationally in recognising the experiences of people living with Long COVID and helping raise awareness of the condition.
International Long COVID Awareness Day is part of a wider global campaign, with buildings and landmarks illuminated teal as a visible sign of support.
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Customer Service Centre Easter Closures
All Customer Service Centres and our Registration Offices in Dumfries and Gretna will be closed on Friday 3 April 2026 and Monday 6 April 2026.
In the event of an urgent registration matter or other urgent business, you can call the council on 0303 33 33 3000.
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Somar’s Charity Prize Draw for The Eve Appeal
Colleagues are rallying behind Somar Fergusson, a senior social worker in our Sensory Support Team.
Somar is preparing to run the London Marathon on 26 April in memory of her mum and in support of The Eve Appeal, a charity that provides vital information, research and support around gynaecological cancers.
To help raise funds, Somar has been running a series of charity prize draws and her third and final draw features something especially meaningful. Local Dumfries artist Evelyn Gray has created a bespoke painting on glass titled “Poppies” exclusively for this fundraiser.
Evelyn’s distinctive glass‑painting technique was inspired by her time studying traditional Romanian icon art during a European arts visit. She has since developed her own contemporary approach, layering paint directly onto glass to create depth, vibrancy and beautiful light effects. “Poppies” is a stunning example of her work and would make a striking addition to any home.
Somar has been touched by the support shown across staff teams, and colleagues are encouraged to continue backing her efforts, whether by purchasing a ticket, sharing the link or spreading the word.
Tickets are £5 each, with every penny going to The Eve Appeal.
Every entry helps Somar honour her mum’s memory while supporting women and families affected by gynaecological cancers.
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