Galloway Glens legacy continues
The second round of Galloway Glens Legacy funding has been award to local projects to support their ongoing work.
The Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership scheme came to an end in September 2023 after a fantastic five years. The legacy of the project can be seen in many wonderful ways, including a suite of new footpaths across the area and renewed community buildings and assets. However, its legacy can also be found in the constructive and collaborative spirit of communities working together across the Glenkens.
A Dumfries and Galloway Council Environment Team project supported by the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, the scheme administered more than £6 million of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (plus others) over its five-year duration.
Since drawing to a close in 2023, the Galloway Glens Scheme has distributed small maintenance grants to ensure that Galloway Glens funded projects can continue to deliver great outcomes for the communities they serve. £45,000 was available and is being spent in annual rounds over three years. The first round in 2024 saw awards totalling £15,000 made to nine excellent projects.
In November 2025, a further competitive round was oversubscribed and nine projects were supported. These are:
Loch Ken Trust – towards the 2026 Seasonal Ranger and Junior Ranger Scheme
Crossmichael Heritage Group contribution to operational costs
Castle Douglas Men’s Shed – contribution to operational costs
Propagate towards Nature Celebration Workshops and Events
Crossmichael Community Council woodland maintenance and equipment
Galloway Fisheries Trust towards Loch Ken fish monitoring
Glenkens Community Spaces Network (via GCAT) contribution towards Year of Sustainability Events
Robin Ade (via GCAT) completing the second 'BrownTrout: From the Glenkens to Afghanistan' video
Glenkens Community & Arts Trust – contribution towards Glenkens Gazette and the Glenkens Hub
Awards varied from £2,400 to £950. The Galloway Glens Legacy Fund will re-open for the third and final round in September 2026.
Andrew McConnell, GCAT Chief Executive