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Region Celebrated National Fitness Day 2023

Region Celebrated National Fitness Day 2023

National Fitness Day, took place on Wednesday 20 September, and was to encouraged the nation to celebrate the fun of fitness and physical activity across the UK.

It also aims to raise awareness of being physically active for overall health and wellbeing.
Whilst many people love nothing more than heading out into the glorious hills of Dumfries and Galloway for a walk in the fresh air to stretch their legs and benefit from the quietness of the countryside to maintain their fitness, others prefer to tie up their rugby boots and head on to the field for 80 minutes of intense physical competition. How you chose to improve or maintain your fitness is entirely your choice, and here in Dumfries and Galloway we really are spoilt for choice with so many options, either from local community sports clubs and businesses, or from services delivered by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Did you know that our Active Communities has 59 Walk leaders who delivered 18 weekly walks last year, that saw 5,614 people take part and that more than half of our schools take part in the Daily Mile UK programme? Walking, whilst it may seem simple in its form is one of the simplest forms of exercise is one of the most effective ways of improving physical fitness and clearly one of the most popular.

Whilst walking for health is hugely popular, we must celebrate the ever-increasing number of young people attending extra- curricular sessions delivered by Active Schools over the last year. A whopping 6,936 young people took part in everything from athletics to cricket, orienteering to dance.

The disability sports team also delivered 1,314 sessions last year and between DG One, Annan and Castle Douglas Swimming pools over 1,000 children took part in curricular swimming lessons and that Active Communities also delivered physical activity classes to 11,518 people! That’s a lot of opportunities to keep fit, happy and well right here in Dumfries and Galloway before you look at the countless number of committed community sport club and private businesses who go above and beyond to support residents improve their physical fitness.

Communities Committee Chair, Councillor Ian Blake said:
“National Fitness Day 2023 is a great opportunity to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to recognise the importance of prioritising being active for our mental wellbeing as well as physical health. The smallest changes to your daily routine can have the biggest impact on your overall physical fitness. The work being carried out by the Active Communities team to support residents to improve physical fitness and reduce social isolation has been a pleasure to see develop over the last few years. The impact by those attending is often feedback to instructors, and hearing that confidence is increased and social isolation is decreased as a direct result of attending only goes to show that the impacts are truly profound. “
Communities Vice Chair, Councillor Jackie McCamon said:
“No matter your state of fitness, taking small steps to be more active more often will have huge benefits throughout your life – and that journey could start on National Fitness Day when you try something new. Dumfries and Galloway Council has the health and wellbeing of all residents at the heart of its priorities, and it is incredibly encouraging to see so many people engaging in the opportunities that services provide.”

For more information about improving your physical fitness in your community please visit – https://dgdoingmore.co.uk/active-communities.

30 Barn Owl Boxes installed Across Galloway

30 Barn Owl Boxes installed across Galloway

The Galloway Glens Barn Owl Project has supported the location and installation of more than 30 purpose-built nest boxes in the Ken/Dee valley and surrounding area, with follow-up monitoring of the boxes and ringing of chicks produced by breeding pairs.  This has been a partnership project in the truest sense, using funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, support from landowners, British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) ringer Tom Greenaway and licensed raptor handlers with the nest boxes being made by HM Prison Dumfries woodwork shop.

 

The project generated great interest amongst local communities, farmers, landowners and individuals with the first boxes installed at the National Trust Scotland Threave estate at Kelton Mains.  The installation of boxes has followed at 17 different locations between Carsphairn and Kirkcudbright on farms, woodland, commercial forestry, gardens, derelict buildings and the Kirkcudbright military range.

 

Jonathan Barrett, Galloway Glens Land Management and Access Officer said

“The aim of this project has been to promote and support a healthy and sustainable population of Barn Owls throughout the Glenkens and surrounding areas.  By broadening the range of the local Barn Owl population, the opportunity for residents and visitors alike to see and enjoy the presence of this iconic bird has been significantly improved.  Our thanks go to Tom Greenaway for all his work, all the partners and landowners who have contributed time and locations to make this project a success”.

 

The Ken/Dee valley has an abundance of suitable habitats but fewer breeding pairs of owls than it should have.  The project has successfully encouraged the presence of more Barn Owls in suitable habitats in the area and visitors are encouraged to look for evidence of the presence of Barn Owls on their travels.  Suitable habitats are disused or derelict buildings and woodland in isolated and undisturbed areas surrounded by open grass land.

Barn Owls are birds of prey, hunting and catching small mammals, mostly Field Voles, and have some extraordinary adaptations to help them hunt for food at night, such as incredibly sensitive hearing and the ability to see movement with very little light. Barn Owls are an iconic and much-loved species which is widely distributed across the UK although their populations have declined over the last 100 years as a result of changes in agricultural practice and loss of habitat.

The Barn Owl is specially protected under Schedules 1 and 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to kill, injure or take a wild Barn Owl or to take or destroy its eggs.

 

 

Scotland To Become Leader In Recycling Windturbine Blades

SCOTLAND TO BECOME LEADER IN RECYCLING WINDTURBINE BLADES

An initiative to position Scotland as a European hub for the recycling and repurposing of wind turbine blades is included in a deal agreed by the Scottish Government and industry.

The commitment to establish at least one specialist facility by 2030 forms part of the Onshore Wind Sector Deal signed today at the Scottish Renewables Onshore Wind Conference in Edinburgh.

The Deal lays out how the Government and industry will work together to harness the full potential of onshore wind to benefit communities, boost the economy and reduce carbon emissions.

Disposing of decommissioned turbine blades is an increasing challenge and the sector’s commitment to open a treatment plant, with Government support, will provide an environmentally-friendly solution, create jobs and place Scotland at the forefront of the emerging global technology.

The Deal also includes a Scottish Government aim to determine applications for larger new wind farms within a year when no public inquiry is required and two years with an inquiry. This would reduce the average determination time by 50% and will be achieved by streamlining processes while improving the format of applications. Further commitments will enhance training and resources while agreeing clear guidelines to ensure responsible development enabling positive outcomes for climate and nature.

Also in the Deal:

  • industry commits to creating apprenticeships, training opportunities and skilled jobs in Scotland for the lifetime of the deal
  • companies will engage with communities at the earliest possible opportunity to agree a community benefits package that meets or exceeds the Scottish Government’s good practice principles. This could include investment in low carbon heating in local homes and energy efficiency improvements
  • partners will work together to produce co-ordinated and resourced plans for the transport by road of wind turbine components
  • a commitment to support supply chains to reuse and refurbish parts to create a circular economy

Energy Secretary Neil Gray said:

“This deal is a practical example of Government and industry working closely together to reinforce our shared commitment to reaching net zero.
“As we embrace the possibilities, we acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Balancing the needs of energy production with proper environmental stewardship demands diligence and continuous innovation. This deal charts a course that safeguards our natural heritage while delivering clean, affordable energy to power our lives and industries.
“By benefiting communities we are ensuring the rewards of our onshore wind revolution are shared by all. This helps meet our Programme for Government commitments and create a green and growing economy with fairness at its heart.”

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said:

“The sector deal reflects our shared determination to grow Scotland’s vital wind power sector and to create green jobs across the country as we transition to a net-zero economy. It will see more wind farms, more communities benefiting, and more economic opportunity, while ensuring developments are in harmony with our environment.
“ This deal also positions Scotland to become a world leader in decommissioning, remanufacturing and recycling of wind turbines and related assets, and I look forward to working with the industry to help make this happen.”

Scottish Renewables’ Chief Executive Claire Mack said:

“Today is a huge moment for the onshore wind industry in Scotland.
“A world leader in renewable energy, Scotland has an ambition for onshore wind to have 20GW of onshore wind by 2030 and the Onshore Wind Sector Deal will play a key role in helping us to hit this target.
“An incredible amount of hard work has gone in to making this deal happen and it is a real benefit to the industry knowing that the time onshore wind farms take to go through planning will be halved to only 12 months. It is also encouraging to see onshore wind farm operators and the Scottish Government committed to creating a sustainable solution and a circular economy supply chain for the recycling of wind turbine component parts.
“We look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure the Onshore Wind Sector Deal is effectively implemented on the road to achieving Scotland’s net-zero ambitions.”

Background

Onshore Wind Sector Deal

The deal was signed by Energy Secretary Neil Gray, Energy Minister Gillian Martin, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables Claire Mack and Managing Director Onshore UK and Ireland for ScottishPower Renewables Barry Carruthers.

The commitment on consenting for new windfarms relates to Section 36 applications

Programme for Government – Energy Secretary priorities

Tenants Settle Into New Energy Efficient Affordable Homes in Dalbeattie

Tenants are now enjoying bright new energy-efficient homes in a £3.8 million project that has completely transformed and regenerated a derelict brownfield site.

The development consists of a mixture of general needs and amenity properties, all designed and constructed to Passivhaus standards.

Station Road resident, Alan Vinnie, said: “Having grown up in this area, I’ve loved the opportunity to come back to my roots after so many years.

“This is so much more than just a home to me. I lost my job a few years ago and with that I lost my house too. I was made homeless and was offered accommodation in Stranraer. I had to put all my stuff into storage, but I had no choice but to move.

“After half a year I was moved over to Castle Douglas. While I was closer to family, my mental health suffered. The windows looked out to nothing, you couldn’t even see what the weather was like, and my mum couldn’t visit as it wasn’t accessible – that really upset the both of us.

“I didn’t enjoy living there and neither did my dog, Rhett. He’s been my rock over the last few years so to see him so unhappy was heartbreaking.

“I was in desperate need of a fresh start and I was over the moon to be offered one of these new homes. This is the beginning of a brand-new chapter and I can already notice a difference in my wellbeing.

“I really do see myself retiring here. I’ve found somewhere that I belong.”

Each new home has been carefully designed and built to meet the highest standards of comfort, energy-efficiency and accessibility, ensuring a positive living experience for all.

Alan continued: “I had no idea what having Passivhaus home meant and before moving in I didn’t appreciate it for what it really was. I found it so interesting how it all worked.

“You can just tell that there’s something different about the way that the house operates. You can really notice the change in the air and it’s so quiet.

“The homes are so much more efficient, and it’ll really help to lower my energy bills which is another huge relief. I think all future builds should be of this standard.

“I’ve been smiling ever since I moved in, I couldn’t be happier about being back.”

The airtight homes contain high levels of insulation and use mechanical heat recovery ventilation to help remove condensation and moisture, while providing a regulated temperature throughout the property.

Gavin Johnston, our Director of Property and Development, said: “We are immensely proud to welcome tenants into their new homes and hope that their enhanced energy-efficient design delivers on our aspirations for the success of the development.

“These tenants are embarking on a new chapter of sustainable living, in homes fit for the future, where they can flourish and create lasting memories.

“They are a testament to Loreburn’s commitment to a sustainable future, where technology and intelligent design principles converge to create homes which support a sustainable future for our tenants.’

“With a focus on the future, the design ensures that tenants can create a lifetime of memories within their walls, fostering a sense of belonging and a deep connection to their community and new home.”

Alcohol Minimum Price Could Increase By Further 15p Per Unit

ALCOHOL MINIMUM PRICE COULD INCREASE BY FURTHER15p PER UNIT

The Scottish Government proposal to increase the Minimum Unit Price of alcohol in Scotland by 15 pence per unit to 65 pence is included in a new consultation on the future of the public health policy.

Views are being sought on whether to continue the Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) legislation beyond the current term which ends next April, and the level at which it should be set.

A Scottish Government report on the operation and effect of MUP in its first five years, an Interim Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment and a report on public attitudes to the policy have also been published. These papers assess the success of the measure so far and look at the future impact on health and industry sectors if it is continued and the potential effects of different minimum price levels.

This builds on Ministerial engagement with business and health stakeholders which has taken place throughout the summer.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said:

“The recent rise in alcohol-specific deaths highlights the need for more to be done to tackle alcohol-related harm.
“Our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) policy is one of the measures we know can make a difference. Recent research estimated it has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions each year – and also contributed to reducing health inequalities. It is one of a range of measures we have in place across prevention and treatment services to reduce alcohol harm.
“We believe the proposals set out in this consultation strike a reasonable balance between public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and subsequent impact on consumers, but we want to hear from all sides and urge everyone to take the time to respond.”

Background

Alcohol: Review of the minimum unit pricing and continuation consultation

Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012: Report on the operation and effect of the minimum pricing provisions 2018 – 2023

Interim Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) Continuation and future pricing. 

Public attitudes to Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol in Scotland

Legislation setting the price was laid in March 2018 and approved in Parliament in April 2018.

The Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 contains a ‘sunset clause’ which sets out that the minimum pricing provisions expire at the end of the six year period (which ends on 30 April 2024) unless Scottish Ministers make provision to continue the legislation by laying an Order in Parliament.

Dumfries Rail Station Footbridge Plans Officially Approved

Credit - Network Rail

In a recent development, the Dumfries and Galloway Planning Committee has granted approval for the plans of a new footbridge with step-free access at Dumfries Rail Station.

This significant decision paves the way for construction work to commence later this year, marking a crucial milestone in enhancing accessibility for local residents.

The project, supported by Access for All funding, has been a focal point for Network Rail Scotland’s commitment to improving convenience and inclusivity for station users.

The initial unveiling of the project took place during a special event organised by Network Rail Scotland for local residents, held at the Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club on Thursday, June 15. This event provided Dumfries residents with the opportunity to review and discuss the finalised plans for the new accessible bridge, with active engagement from the project team.

The approved footbridge design will incorporate lifts, facilitating smooth and convenient platform transfers for individuals with mobility challenges, including local residents. The addition of step-free access promises to significantly elevate the overall travel experience, making Dumfries Rail Station more inclusive and accessible for the community.

With the planning committee’s approval secured, the focus now shifts to the forthcoming construction phase. During this period, efforts will be made to ensure that the new bridge seamlessly integrates with the station’s architectural and historical significance.

This approval aligns with Network Rail Scotland’s and the Access for All funding’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and accommodating railway environment in Dumfries. The start of construction later this year brings the project one step closer to realising these goals and enhancing the railway experience for all residents of Dumfries.

Castle Douglas Inclusive Play Park Opens

Castle Douglas’ new Inclusive Play Park was officially opened on Friday 15 September at a small ceremony held at Carlingwark Park.

In 2018, Dumfries and Galloway Council prioritised £500,000 of investment to assist in the development of four inclusive play parks in Newton Stewart, Kirkconnel, Lockerbie and Castle Douglas. The main aim of an inclusive park is to provide facilities that are accessible to all – enabling all park users, through the design of the space, to play together safely.

The council provided funding of £125,000 towards the inclusive park and has supported Castle Douglas Development Forum (CDDF), who has been the principal partners in the project.

CDDF and Dumfries and Galloway Council worked together to carry out consultation with the community to establish the most suitable location for the park and what elements were needed to make it accessible to all. Information gathered during the consultation was used to produce the final project design.

Now that the play park has been completed, there will soon be a Changing Places Toilet located in Carlingwark Park. This is being purchased in conjunction with CDDF. This is currently being tendered for and we hope to have this installed in 2023. This, with plans to improve the path network within the park, will make a huge difference to the lives of people with enhanced needs.

Ian Blake, Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee said: “This project has been a great example of our Council and community partners working together to achieve a project which brings huge benefits to the local area and most importantly to our children and young people. The hard work and determination of CDDF is to be commended and the addition of fully accessible toilet facilities in Castle Douglas will make such a difference to the lives of many”.

Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair of Communities Committee said: “This is a great facility for Castle Douglas and has been a huge team effort. It is also fantastic that work is continuing to develop a Changing Places Toilet and improved path network to improve accessibility to this fantastic facility”.

Carolyn Yates, Chair of Castle Douglas Development Forum said: “It is wonderful to see this play park being used, particularly by children who require accessible equipment. Behind a project like this, there is a strong community and a strong partnership with the council. There are so many people to thank, in particular the volunteers who got this initiative started about five years ago, Tracy Walker, Holly Nelson and Gillian Warden, and the council officers who worked tirelessly to keep up the momentum – despite a pandemic intervening. Thanks also to the Allsopps for their sponsored activities, Wave Blues band for a fundraising gig and the people of the town who made private donations and who supported our fund raising events.

“We are grateful to the Holywood Trust for its generous donation that, in addition to supporting this playground, will also contribute to accessible pathways, fitness equipment and a Changing Places toilet in the park. Other organisations that have provided financial support include our local Co-op, Barfill Charitable Trust, The Galloway Association of Scotland, The Rotary Club of Castle Douglas and the town’s Common Good Fund. Without all this support and teamwork, projects like this that improve our town simply couldn’t happen.”

The Inclusive Play Park at Carlingwark Park has been installed by PROLUDIC (Scotland) LTD.

New Recruits for Local Citizens Advice Service

Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&GCAS) have recently welcomed three new members of staff, covering strategic positions within the organisation.

Cara Hyles has been recruited to the position of Youth Engagement Worker, Sonya Fitzsimon is the new Volunteer Development Officer and Andy Hemingway in the role of Communications Officer.

Chief Executive Officer, Phil Stewart explained, “We are very pleased to welcome all three new recruits to their roles. The opportunity to recruit new staff was assisted by the resignation of a member of staff who covered both communications and recruitment of volunteers. Splitting these roles up enables us to create additional focus on these two areas critical to us in achieving our objectives and meeting demand for our Service. The role of Youth Engagement Worker has been a long time in the pipeline. We are delighted that we have received funding from the Holywood Trust and Young Start delivered by the National Lottery Community Fund to realise our ambition of increasing engagement and participation with young people to encourage them to use us as clients, volunteers and raise awareness of paid opportunities when they arise.  It is a very exciting time for us.”
Moving from the role of Creative Design Officer, at Berneslai Homes in Barnsley, Andy said, “I’m delighted to join the Citizens Advice Service here in Dumfries and Galloway and really looking forward to working on upcoming projects.”

Cara’s post as Youth Engagement Worker, is a new role funded by the Holywood Trust and Young Start delivered by the National Lottery Community Fund. After nearly ten years working for Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Youth Work Service, Cara brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with her.

Sonya began working for the Citizens Advice Service as a volunteer advisor, before moving to a paid role as an energy advisor. “I definitely enjoyed working as an advisor, however felt a new challenge was in order,” said Sonya, who is keen to get to grips with her new position as Volunteer Development Officer.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering, contact Sonya, youth engagement, contact Cara or visit the D&GCAS website at www.dagcas.org.

Winners of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards 2023 Announced

Winners of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards 2023 Announced
Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards 2023

Dumfries and Galloway Council is delighted to announce the winners of the 2023 Design Awards, recognising outstanding architectural and design achievements in the region. The prestigious awards aim to celebrate and honour remarkable projects that contribute to the enhancement of the built environment in Dumfries and Galloway.

This year’s awards are for development or building works completed between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2023 (as development slowed down in the last few years due to lockdown restrictions, so the 2023 Design Awards cover four years).

The winners were selected from a strong pool of candidates, showcasing the diverse and innovative design talent within the area. The judging panel, comprised of esteemed professionals from the fields of architecture, planning, and design, carefully reviewed each submission and assessed them against various criteria, including sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

Dumfries and Galloway Council is committed to promoting excellence in architecture and ensuring that our region continues to thrive with beautifully designed buildings and spaces. Dumfries and Galloway Council believe that good design should be accessible to all and that it can positively impact our quality of life. By recognising and celebrating exceptional architectural projects, we aim to inspire others to strive for excellence in their designs.
Dumfries and Galloway Council would like to extend congratulations to all the winners and express gratitude to all the participants for their exceptional submissions. These projects exemplify the commitment to design excellence and contribute significantly to the overall quality of life in Dumfries and Galloway.

 

Speaking on behalf of the independent judging panel, Mark Douglas said:
“The judging panel was delighted that this year’s Design Awards attracted 35 entrants from across the region and covered a variety of projects, large and small, including the reuse of existing buildings as well as new build projects. It was a daunting task to draw up a short list of projects to visit over two days, which given the geographic spread of the entries was limited to a total of 14 projects. We acknowledged the work that all entrants had undertaken in submitting their entries and enjoyed looking at all these, all of which had merits – there was definitely a strong theme of sustainability running through all the projects from both clients/end users and designers.
Architecture plays a vital role in shaping the character and identity of a place. It has the power to inspire, uplift, and create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable. Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards serve as a platform to acknowledge the architects, designers, and construction professionals who have made significant contributions to our built environment across the region. It is hoped that the projects that have been given awards and commendations can be used as positive examples of good design to encourage future developments in the region.
As we come together to celebrate the Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards, let us appreciate the beauty and significance of architecture in our lives. May this event serve as a reminder of the impact that good design can have on our communities and inspire us to continue creating spaces that are both visually stunning and functionally efficient.”

 

Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Resources Committee Chair, Cllr Ian Carruthers, said:
“I am delighted to be a part of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards 2023. This event provides us with an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the outstanding architectural achievements in our region. The awards not only showcase the talent and creativity of architects and professionals but also highlight the importance of good design in our communities.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all the architects, designers, and construction professionals who have taken part in this year’s Design Awards. Your dedication, passion, and innovation have truly transformed the architectural landscape of Dumfries and Galloway.”

Cllr David Inglis, Vice Chair of the Economy and Resources Committee, said:
“I congratulate all the winners and nominees of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Design Awards. The Design Awards are an opportunity to highlight the outstanding projects that have transformed our towns, villages, and landscapes. It’s a chance to celebrate the unique character and heritage of Dumfries and Galloway, while also embracing contemporary design and innovation.
I encourage everyone to explore the remarkable architectural achievements within Dumfries and Galloway. The Design Awards showcase some of the very best of what our region has to offer, and I am confident that they will continue to inspire and drive innovation in the years to come.”

 

Project, designers, owners, contractors Independent Judging Panel: Comments RESULT

1 New Housing, Castle Crescent, Closeburn

John Gilbert Architects
Nith Valley LEAF Trust – owners
South of Scotland Community Homes
(Stewart & Shields contractor now gone out of business) Although a modest terrace of only three units, the panel recognised the positive impact of this small scheme; well designed to Passivhaus standards and one of the first community-owned homes.

The judges also liked the simple introduction of colour to allow the individual houses to be clearly identified and how the redevelopment of the site creates a frontage to the village green opposite. AWARD

2 Replacement house at Hazelrig, by Balmaclellan

Graeme Ditchburn Architect & Simon Winstanley Architects*
Colin and Susan Nimmo – owners
Gary McKeand, GM Construction

* Simon Winstanley retired in 2018, and, sadly, died in 2021, but was part of the design team at the outset. This is a “tour-de-force” new private house, replacing an earlier house on a wooded site looking out over open countryside.

The client had a very clear-cut brief for an exemplary energy-efficient building and the panel was impressed by the attention to detail inside and out and the high standard of workmanship achieved. AWARD

3 New house, Hemp House, Gatehouse of Fleet

Rachel Bevan – architect
AG Turnbull & S Walter – owners
George Shaw Associates – contractors The new house was designed to make maximum use of the sloping site leading down to the river and was built with a real passion to minimise its environmental impact, both through the use of Hempcrete (which afforded the opportunity of delightful “rounded” junctions and enables good temperature control in both winter and summer) and locally sourced reused materials.

The panel recognised the very individual nature of this energy-efficient house. AWARD

4 New café building, The Gather, Laggan

Adam James, New Space Architecture
Duncan McConchie – owner
3B Construction The judges appreciated the choice of location for the new café taking full advantage of the southerly view to the Islands of Fleet, the name “The Gather” was a reminder of a former use of the site to gather the sheep and there were some echoes of this past use of the site in the new building where corrugated iron panels were used in the bar.

The panel particularly liked how the internal and external elements were thoughtfully integrated, with the outside seating area set down into the ground to minimise its impact. The building itself is a simple timber clad box with a fully glazed façade and is unobtrusive in the landscape setting.

5 Conversion and remodelling at Glentrool Hive (former school)

John Gilbert Architects
Glentrool & Bargrennan Community Trust
Broatch Construction The school dates back to 1954 and has been transformed by the Glentrool and Bargrennan Community Trust in the Glentrool Hive.

The judges were impressed by the way that the Trust had used the development of the Hive as a core integrated regeneration project in the heart of the village. The provision of a holiday let within the Hive both provided a welcome visitor facility and also provided some core income to support the community use. The original school building has been externally clad in timber with great care taken to extend the eaves and window surrounds.

The Hive also manages the surrounding former school playing field as a natural open space with allotments.

6 Re-use of a historic building and associated redevelopment of the site for holiday accommodation, Borgue of original Category A, Coo Palace

Joel Pinnington, JMP Architects Ltd
HPB (Holiday Property Bond)
3B Construction The Category A listed Coo Palace was originally built as a “model” cow house for his 12 belted Galloways by the local laird just before the First World War. Sadly, in recent years it had fallen out of use and was in poor condition and featured on the “Buildings at Risk Register” for many years.

The panel welcomed the redevelopment of the farm, by the Holiday Property Bond, which includes new holiday accommodation in a traditional style and a club room in a more contemporary style. It however still allows the Coo Palace, which has been completely restored with great attention to detail, to read as the dominant feature in the landscape, and the whole complex is powered by a biomass boiler.

7 Conversion and extension for re-use of former Harbour master’s Office, Stranraer –

Jamie Bateman, Smith Scott Mullan Associates
Dumfries & Galloway Council – Property Services and Stranraer CARS project officer Pam Taylor

Enterprising DG – no longer in business Originally built as the harbour office in an Art Deco style in the 1930s, the building has now found a new life as a Harbour Centre to promote local tourism and businesses.

The panel appreciated how the new extension connected to the original building by a glazed link, echoed the architectural style, and allowed the clock tower to remain the dominant feature, in part assisted by the external landscaping with bench seating centred on the tower. COMMENDATION

8 Replacement house at Whitehill, Kirkandrews

Graeme Ditchburn Architect
Rob and Anna Hale – owners
Gary McKeand, GM Construction Once the owners had taken the bold decision to take down the remains of the farm building on the site, the brief for the new house was very straightforward – an energy-efficient house, taking advantage of the sea views to the south and west. The result is a simple and effective building that with its slated roof fits into the landscape. The interior has been designed to accommodate the client’s needs, with contrasting light, spacious and dark, cosy spaces. COMMENDATION

9 Conversion of category B stables and associated housing development at Lincluden Stables

Douglas Bodell, Robert Potter and Partners Ltd
Wheatley Homes South, Denise Peat
Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited
The panel welcomed the bringing back into use of the former Category B stables for residential use and the associated “enabling” development of new social housing, with the use of glazed brick to unify the scheme.

There was some concern about the dominance of the roadways in the development, in particular the uncertainty of parking areas with unprotected trees, but the re-use of the building and architecture of the scheme was considered worthy of commendation.
COMMENDATION

10 Off-grid Woodland hut, Clifton and Black Sea Woods

John Murray Architect
Adam & Susan Gillingham, owners

Neil Hutchison, PRS Building Contractors [no longer in business] A unique property erected at the edge of a woodland holding to take advantage of both the views to the south and to maximise the potential of PV electrical generation – the hut is completely off-grid.

The panel liked the light touch installation using timber posts and how the building was broken down into smaller linked components to minimise its impact.

Please note: there will be a display of Design Award 2023 entries at the Ewart Library from 25 September to 9 October.

Police Appeal After Break In at Property near Lockerbie

POLICE Officers are appealing for information after a break-in at a property near Lockerbie.

The property in Corrie was broken into sometime between approximately Sunday, 10 September and Sunday, 17 September.

A number of items were stolen from within.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone who may have information.

Detective Inspector Graeme Robertson said: “We appreciate there is a long timescale for this theft however, I would urge anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the area at any time, perhaps people or vehicles you didn’t recognise, to please come forward.

“Anyone who believes they may be able to help can call 101, quoting reference 1712 of 17 September, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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