South Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine has praised a local community group as they prepare to get their project up and running again following lockdown.
The local MSP was speaking during a visit to the Old School Thornhill development this week. The group had put their activities on hold throughout the pandemic but have now announced a range of events to build support in the local community.
Ms McAlpine was given a tour of the premises by project Chair, Simon Robertson and Development Manager, David Smith. The building has lain derelict since 2010 when the new Wallace Hall school was built nearby.
Commenting Ms McAlpine says
“I’m delighted to hear that the Old School Thornhill project is getting back up and running over the next few weeks with exciting plans to engage the local community.
“Their first step will be to start clearing the site, enabling them to get the outside spaces back in use. They can then start putting together an events programme which, I understand, will include a community barbecue and a drive-in movie as well as a mural to brighten up the boards on the front windows.
This is an exciting project which will preserve and re-purpose this lovely old school, eventually providing much needed work spaces for local businesses, a community kitchen, creative spaces for children and young people and a dedicated performance and cinema space which Thornhill doesn’t currently have. The group have made tremendous progress already and I wish them every success in this new phase of development.”
