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Friday 26 June
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.
 Lockerbie Teachers Receive Inaugural Gen+ Award
Lockerbie Academy has been recognised for its dedication to developing meta-skills in young people, becoming the first Dumfries and Galloway school to receive the inaugural Gen+ Award.
Presented by Scottish charity Gen+, the award recognises educators committed to improving skills identified by the Curriculum for Excellence as essential for learning, life and work.
The school has earned the award following the successful delivery of a range of Gen+ programmes to S1–S3 pupils, helping pupils develop key meta-skills including communication, collaboration and resilience.
Gen+, which is supported by the Peter Vardy Foundation, has worked with more than 22,000 learners across Scotland this academic year.
Gen+ is a leading meta-skills charity delivering interactive and engaging skills-based learning to more than 22,000 young people across 18 local authorities. With courses designed for learners aged 9–14, schools across Scotland have incorporated these into their curriculums to support Health and Wellbeing, Personal Development and transition from primary to secondary school.
Whitesands Public Drop-in Event – 1 July
Members of the public are invited to a drop-in session to meet the Whitesands project team and find out more about upcoming works.
The event will take place on Wednesday 1 July, 4–7pm, at the former Tourist Information Office on Whitesands.
Attendees can learn about Phase 1 works, what’s planned over the coming months, and ask questions in an informal setting. There’s no need to book – just drop in.
Further events will be held as the project progresses to keep the community informed and involved.
 Interactive Map for Dumfries Road Closures
A major programme of road improvements is to take place across Dumfries, starting from next week, with residents set to see a significant increase in maintenance activity over the coming months.
An interactive map has been developed to make it easier to see what's happening when.
While the improvements will bring long-term benefits, disruption is expected, including traffic management measures, diversions and potential delays – particularly alongside other ongoing works in the town.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and plan journeys where possible.
New Recruit Gains Hands-On Experience in Surface Dressing Operations
The Roads Service is also supporting the development of new talent, with recent recruit Sophie Ingram gaining practical, hands-on experience in surface dressing operations.
Sophie, who joined the council on 1 June and is based at Abercromby Depot, is currently being trained to operate the Phoenix chipper – a specialist machine used as part of the surface dressing process.
The role involves carefully coordinating the application of stone chippings onto freshly laid bitumen. The Phoenix chipper is fed by a lorry travelling behind, which loads material into a hopper before conveyor belts carry the chippings forward to be evenly distributed across the road surface.
Operating the machinery requires a high level of precision and skill. Sophie is being supported on site by an experienced operator, who is guiding her through the process to ensure safe and effective operation.
New Repair Technology to Improve Road Maintenance Efficiency
Roads operatives from Dumfries and Galloway Council have recently completed training in a new repair system designed to deliver quicker, more durable fixes to road defects.
Eleven council employees took part in training on the Meon PermaFyx system over two days. The innovative surface course treatment has been developed specifically for use around ironwork, such as manhole covers and road gullies.
Unlike traditional methods, PermaFyx is a fully cold-applied material, meaning it requires no hot asphalt or mechanical compaction. This allows repairs to be completed safely and efficiently, with roads able to reopen to traffic in as little as 30 minutes.
The new system is expected to help reduce disruption for road users while providing longer-lasting repairs. Roads teams will now begin using the product more widely over the coming months, closely monitoring its performance to ensure it meets expectations in terms of durability and effectiveness.
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Help Shape the Local Licensing Forum
People with an interest in alcohol and licensing issues in Dumfries and Galloway are being invited to join the Local Licensing Forum.
The forum plays a key role in the licensing process, reviewing the work of the Licensing Board and providing advice based on the five licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, securing public safety, preventing public nuisance, protecting and improving public health and protecting children and young people from harm.
The forum meets four times a year, with meetings held in public and papers published online.
We are seeking members from a wide range of backgrounds, including those in: health, education and social work; local residents; young people; licence holders; and representatives from services such as emergency services or alcohol support agencies.
This is an opportunity to contribute local knowledge and support informed discussion on licensing across the region.
To apply, complete the application form. For further information, contact the Licensing Standards Officer at LicensingStandards@dumgal.gov.uk or call 01776 888428.
Completed applications should be returned to licensing@dumgal.gov.uk.
The closing date for applications is 10 July.
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Summer Support for Families
With the school summer holidays approaching, we’re reminding residents about the range of support available for families across Dumfries and Galloway.
Our one stop shop (Cost of living support | Cost of Living) brings together practical advice and information on financial help, benefits and local services.
Scotland’s national children’s charity, Children First, offers a support line, which is available throughout the holidays. The free, confidential service offers emotional, practical and financial support to families, seven days a week.
The summer period can be challenging for many households. Whether concerns are big or small, trained advisers are on hand to listen and provide help. Support is available by calling 08000 282233 or through webchat at Children First.
Children First offers particular support to families experiencing financial pressures, those in kinship care arrangements, or where there may be trauma or mental health concerns. Advisors can also connect families with additional services, including specialist financial wellbeing support.
New Roads Apprenticeships Offer Route into Engineering Careers
Dumfries and Galloway Council is offering the opportunity to take the first step into a career in engineering with two new apprenticeships in the Roads Service.
These four-year apprenticeships offer the chance to earn while you learn, working towards a fully funded Civil Engineering qualification (HNC or BSc) while gaining hands-on experience on real projects across the region. From day one, apprentices will play an active role in maintaining and improving the roads that keep communities moving.
One apprenticeship is in Roads Maintenance, supporting inspections, data collection and on-site maintenance and improvement works. The second is within Roads, Safety and Development, helping to support road safety, traffic management and development planning.
Apprentices will gain a well-rounded experience, combining site work, office-based learning and study, with a starting salary of £25,791+, rising as you progress. No prior experience is required – these roles are open to motivated, practical individuals with an interest in engineering or construction and a willingness to learn.
The Roads, Safety and Development position will be based in Dumfries, while the preferred candidate for the Roads Maintenance position will be based in their nearest depot – either Dumfries, Lockerbie, Castle Douglas, Stranraer or Newton Stewart. Interviews will take place between 13–17 July with start dates from the end of July.
Interested applicants can apply online via MyJobScotland for more information.
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.
Have Your Say
We publish all of our consultations and engagement on our website. Open consultations and engagements include:
- Statutory consultation on the potential let of common good property, open space at Rotchell Park, Troqueer Road, Dumfries.
- Help improve walking, wheeling and cycling in your area.
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:
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Dumfries and Galloway Full Council – 25 June 2026.
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Planning Applications Committee – 24 June 2026.
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Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee – 18 June 2026.
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