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Friday 10 July
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.
Have Your Say on Nature in Dumfries and Galloway
Residents across Dumfries and Galloway are being invited to help shape the future of nature in the region.
Dumfries and Galloway Council is engaging on a draft Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), which sets out how wildlife and natural habitats will be protected, restored and connected across the region.
Biodiversity refers to the wide range of plants, animals and ecosystems that make up our natural environment. Healthy ecosystems support everything from food production and climate resilience to recreation, tourism and community wellbeing.
The draft plan has been developed with input from a wide range of organisations and stakeholders. Now, the council is keen to hear from residents, community groups, land managers, businesses and local organisations to ensure it reflects local priorities.
People are encouraged to read the draft plan and respond to a short set of engagement questions. There will also be opportunities to speak directly to the project team at local events, including Stranraer Farmers’ Market on 12 July, The Buccleuch Centre, Langholm on 15 July, The Usual Place, Dumfries, on 22 July and Dumfries Agricultural Show on 1 August.
The engagement runs until 20 September 2026.
Sanquhar Academy Darts Club Scores a Bullseye
Pupils may be enjoying their summer break, but many will be looking forward to getting back to Sanquhar Academy's popular darts club when the new term begins.
The club was introduced by Building Facilities Assistant Matthew Hubbard and quickly became a lunchtime hit, regularly attracting 35 to 40 pupils each week.
Matthew also created a colourful darts-themed mural to transform the space, with support from local businesses. Shaun McMillan of Southwest Landscapes donated paint for the mural, while Dillan Wells of Galloway Giveaways provided two dartboards and surrounds.
The club has given pupils a fun and inclusive way to develop new skills, build friendships and enjoy a positive lunchtime activity. With such a strong response before the holidays, it's sure to be busy again when pupils return to school after the summer break.
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Local Tourism Businesses Shortlisted for South of Scotland Awards
Tourism businesses, attractions and events from across Dumfries and Galloway have been shortlisted for the 2026 South of Scotland Thistle Awards.
The shortlist includes local favourites such as Burns Light, Northern Lights, 1610 at The Globe Inn, The Cairndale Hotel and Spa, Ernespie Farm Shop and Kitchen, Wild Dook Sauna, Annandale Distillery Group and Wigtown Book Festival.
The awards celebrate excellence in tourism, hospitality and visitor experiences across the South of Scotland, with 40 finalists shortlisted this year. Half of the finalists are appearing on the shortlist for the first time.
Winners will be announced at the South of Scotland Thistle Awards ceremony at Peebles Hydro on 8 October and will go on to represent the region at the national Scottish Thistle Awards.
Congratulations to all the Dumfries and Galloway finalists, and good luck in October.
Give Your Litter a Lift, Take it Home
Scotland is beautiful. People travel from all over the world to visit our mountains, lochs and castles. But look at little closer from the window as you travel by car or bus between our iconic cities, towns and beauty spots and the view is definitely not as beautiful as we claim.
More than nine in ten of us think that litter on our roadsides creates a negative impression of our country. We’re supporting Keep Scotland Beautiful’s roadside litter campaign to keep our roads and verges safe, clean and litter free. Remember to always #GiveYourLitterALift
Could You Help Shape Local Licensing in Dumfries and Galloway?
Applications to join the Dumfries and Galloway Local Licensing Forum close today, Friday 10 July.
The forum looks at the decisions of the Licensing Board and their impact at local level. It can also give advice and make recommendations to the Licensing Board.
We are looking for people from a range of backgrounds and interests, including residents, young people, licence holders and others with an interest in alcohol and licensing issues.
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:
- Common Good Register Consultation.
- 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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Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee – 30 June 2026.
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Stranraer Common Good Fund Sub Committee – 1 July 2026.
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