Council officials defy local opinion. Education officials are to ignore the results of a recent public consultation and are recommending that Dalry Secondary School should be mothballed after the summer holidays.

Twenty-eight year old soldier Beth Duggleby was presented with an MBE by the King for operational services in the field during an investiture at Windsor Castle.

The Glenkens Hub has been growing and evolving, expanding in response to feedback and demand from local voices. In this article are examples of new information and resources now available on the Hub.

Are you having trouble with paying household bills? Do you know someone who is struggling? Galloway Food Hub is piloting a scheme to help people who are experiencing food inequalities in the Glenkens.

A newly-registered childminder is up and running and set to welcome the first children into her business in the Glenkens thanks to an innovative campaign to recruit new childminders in rural areas.

The St Margaret’s Church Guild presented a cheque for £400 to Castle Douglas Hospital League of Friends.

Carsphairn Community Council organised a festive meal for the senior members of the community in the Lagwyne Hall in December.

The Stewartry Birdwatchers always welcome non-members at our meetings.

After 15 years leading the Watson Birds project, having reached the age of 80, Roger Crofts would like to hand the project over to new folk, giving the local project new life and impetus.

Scottish Women's Institute (SWI) member Margaret Brown of Carsphairn has been presented with the organisation's Loyalty Award by Mary Burney, the SWI's national president.

What does Outlander's Sam Heughan, a witch and Old Mortality have in common? They have all got links to Balmaclellan; not bad for somewhere with a population of around 130 people! When I heard about the witch I had to find out more...

The new D&G Climate Hub has been off to a busy start since its November 2023 launch. This is a Scottish Government funded initiative hosted by the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. Climate officer Sarah Thomas is covering Wigtownshire and Stewartry supporting community climate action, while Annandale & Eskdale and Nithsdale is covered by climate officer Steven Clark.

Groups across the Glenkens have been hard at work to turn the Glenkens Land Use Vision into reality.

The Ken Bridge Hotel changed ownership in September from that of long-time proprietors who we wish well in their retirement. New owners are Alistair and Tatiana Elder who will be helped by their two sons, Leo and Owen

It’s 6:30am and, armed with my tow float, I take a deep breath and plunge into the ice cold loch. Frost twinkles as the water laps all around as I swim. I feel clarity and calm. It’s stunning, so peaceful, yet 100% invigorating.

Looking for an adventure in 2024? Why not join the fantastic team of drivers at Galloway Community Transport!

There has been a lot of creativity at the Glenkens Youth Group over the past few months. The members often choose to paint or draw, and they are a very talented group. The space is always filled with music, with their own playlist setting the scene. An informal sing-a-long is a common occurrence!

The festive season was made even more enchanting for children in the Glenkens in 2023, thanks to a Christmas Wonderland event at the CatStrand in December.

What’s all the Hubbub? Have you heard? There is a lot going on at New Galloway Town Hall lately.

Perhaps it feels like you’re hearing a lot about menopause these days with celebrities making TV programmes about it and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) shortages making the news.