McMillan Hall Official Re-Opening
The McMillan Hall in Newton Stewart was officially reopened on Friday 27 March after extensive refurbishment works thanks to Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Capital Works Programme. Chairman of the Council’s Community and Customer Services Committee Councillor Tom McAughtrie cut the ribbon at the landmark Hall, and was applauded by service users, Community Councillors and members of the public as he did so.
Councillor McAughtrie commented after opening the facility;
“It was terrific to see so many people turn out to the opening. The Hall clearly means a lot to the people of Newton Stewart and I hope they enjoy the use of the refurbished facility. It’s a bit of an institution in this part of the region and I have some personal good memories of the Hall stretching back more than a few years! I sincerely hope that the Hall continues to be utilised for many more years to come.”
Service users enjoyed a coffee and cake after the opening, and were treated to a wonderful exhibition by the Council’s Museum service on the history of the McMillan Hall. The local Qi Gong Yoga group regularly use the Hall for their meditation sessions. Group member Marjorie Sutherland said of the refurbished hall;
“We use the hall every Thursday for Qi Gong. We have 30 registered members of the group and we are all very impressed by the work that’s gone into the hall. The new flooring is of particular benefit to all us bear-feet Qi Gong people! The Council have done a good job here.”
A variety of activities take place in the facility every week, everything from badminton to bowls to candle parties and dancing, the McMillan Hall really is a true community facility. As well as the main hall upstairs, the building boasts office space. Skills Development Scotland use the space on the ground floor of the hall for weekly drop-in sessions. A representative from Skills Development Scotland said at the opening;
“We use the space downstairs every week and are very impressed with the look and feel of the room we use. The main hall has also been improved significantly as a result of the work. Whilst the work was being done we were re-located to the Library in Newton Stewart, which was also very accommodating.”
The local Community Council were also pleased with the work that has been done to the Hall. Chairman Tom Greenaway commented;
“Cree Valley Community Council is delighted to see a substantial capital investment into the McMillan Hall. This will save and enhance a significant local landmark and ensure its sustainability well into the future, we hope that the community of Newton Stewart will utilise this attractive historic building to its full potential.”
The McMillan Hall is also used by Dumfries and Galloway council’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) Service. One service user who was at the opening on Friday said “it was like being in a brand new hall. It is brilliant.”
Images attached of exhibition, opening and group shot of some of Qi Gong group
