GCAT has sourced funding from NatureScot for a one-off special edition of the Glenkens Gazette, to be published with the April / May 25 Gazette. The special edition will have a focus on Community Action Plan delivery, with a particular focus on the Glenkens Land Use Vision, and will serve as a showcase for the important community-led work that is being carried out across the Glenkens.

The aim of this conversation is to proactively collect visions for a positive future for south west Scotland that address known, existing and potential future issues, irrespective of whether a National Park goes ahead or not.

It finally feels like real progress is finally being made with regard to finding a constructive way forward for Glenkens education. This comes after months of work from community groups and individuals across the Glenkens – years for some parents and members of the community.

Feedback from an Evening with Cairngorms National Park CEO by Ted Leeming

Sometimes, a journey leads you down paths never contemplated when you first set out.

Just how does the Scottish Government’s commitment to planting 45,000 acres of forest each year between now and 2050 work to mitigate the biodiversity crisis?

Galloway faces an existential crisis. A trio of demographic, economic and environmental decline risks turning this jewel of Scotland into little more than a giant power generating facility accompanied by plantations of cheap wood. Major changes are needed, and perhaps one such major change would be the establishment of a national park.

The proposers of a national park in Galloway claim that its establishment will result in a better future for people, communities, economy, culture and the environment in the area. Is this likely? What are the real issues that need to be addressed during this consultation? Who is best placed to provide the solutions we need? How can the friction and concern in our communities be minimised? And what’s the hurry?

On Sunday 1st December 2024, four ladies from Carsphairn SWI enjoyed a great afternoon taking part in the Stewartry Federation Carpet Bowling Competition.

Balmaclellan’s Local Place Plan will offer a once-in-a-decade opportunity for residents to express their views on how the village should develop, what works well, what is missing, and what could be improved.

This year 110 Crab Apple Trees from across Dumfries & Galloway were tested to identify whether they were ‘pure’ crab apples (Malus sylvestris) or hybridized with other ‘non-native’ apple trees (Malus domestica).

The village of Carsphairn in Dumfries & Galloway has been announced as the newest addition to the Biosphere Communities scheme, the pioneering sustainable development initiative led by the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership.

The splendid event that is Corsock Craft Fair returns this weekend to Corsock Village Hall.

Roundup of Carsphairn SWI’s AGM, which took place in Lagwyne Hall on 21st November 2024.

Carsphairn Community Council need  an experienced cook or team to provide our Christmas meal for the senior members of our community.

New research commissioned by Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) has revealed that innovative approaches to rural education are vital for community sustainability.

At COP29, the UN climate summit taking place from 11th November to 22nd November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the main issue for discussion will be finance to allow poorer countries to not only cope with climate change but also to transition to cleaner energy and cut their carbon emissions.

Audiences in the Stewartry are in for a treat as SongWave Community Choir brings their Winter concert series, Wassail! Songs for the Turning of the Year to the region.

Children from all around the Glenkens joined the Carsphairn based children's group Bairn Banter for a haunting Halloween party in Lagwyne Hall on Saturday 2nd November.

The next Glenkens Story event will be on Saturday 30th November when we will be welcoming back David Bartholomew, a regular contributor to our programme over the years.