Shaping rural education: Dalry Secondary discussions continue
The decision by Dumfries and Galloway Council to proceed with a formal consultation on the proposed closure of Dalry Secondary School has prompted renewed discussion about the future of rural education across the Glenkens.
Andrew McConnell, Chief Executive of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), said the uncertainty surrounding the school's future had already affected confidence within local communities. "The lengthy period of indecision has created uncertainty for families," he said. "Some have already chosen to move elsewhere to secure stable education for their children, while others may now think twice about relocating to the area."
Andrew said education should be seen as a key part of efforts to sustain and grow rural communities, rather than simply as a budget consideration of a single council department. "Schools play a vital role in rural communities beyond education," he said. "They influence where families choose to live, help employers attract and retain staff, and provide important opportunities for communities to come together. The impact of a school closure extends far beyond the education budget."
While acknowledging the challenges posed by low pupil numbers, he expressed concern about the longerterm effect on the area's primary schools and wider efforts to tackle rural depopulation. Looking ahead, several community organisations are already working to strengthen education, learning and skills opportunities across the Glenkens:
Since 2024, Glenkens and District Trust has funded a series of research reports on rural education, all of which are available online on the Glenkens Hub.
Carsphairn Learning and Development Committee (ClaDC) is developing proposals to transform the former Carsphairn Primary School into a community learning hub, while the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust is exploring opportunities to develop a wider Learning Hub to support education, training and skills provision across the area.
The annual Glenkens Skills & Jobs Fair will also return on Thursday 24 September, showcasing local employment, training and career opportunities.
Glenkens Community & Arts Trust has been awarded £10k from Community Led Local Development Fund to develop proposals around what a Glenkens Skills & Learning Hub might look like. The role of Development Officer for this project will soon be advertised here on the Glenkens Hub.
Community plea for Council to engage in creative solution for Glenkens education.
As work begins on refreshing the Glenkens Community Action Plan, residents will have the opportunity to share their views on the future of education, training, skills and employment in the area through a series of community engagement sessions. "We know these are long-term challenges," Andrew added. "The Glenkens Community Action Plan refresh gives everyone the chance to help shape what comes next for learning and opportunity across the Glenkens."
Dalry Schools Parent Council chair, Anne McEwan, said: "The parent council is incredibly disappointed with the recommendation for closure. The future of rural education in Scotland needs to be considered in a different way than non-rural education, and the current situation in Dalry gave Dumfries and Galloway Council an opportunity to lead the way on what rural education can look like and be a real trail blazer.
"But instead, we are left with closure as the only proposed way forward and none of the steps taken by the council previously which led to an early decline in pupil numbers are being considered or addressed."
Anne continued: "We are concerned about what this means for the Glenkens communities as well as the wider implications for rural communities in Dumfries and Galloway, many of whom feel unseen and ignored."
Keep your eyes peeled for ongoing discussion on this topic, and wider community consultation into future options for Dalry Secondary School during the Council's consultation process and in the Community Action Plan refresh.
Chair of New Galloway and Kells Community Council, Jeremy Sainsbury, added: "This is incredibly disappointing. After a number of consultations, the Council have failed to listen properly to local people and have continued with the single-minded aim of closure. "The recent process of Local Place Plans has demonstrated the important place education holds within the communities of the Glenkens. The Dalry, Carsphairn, New Galloway and Balmaclellan Place Plans all highlight the need for secondary education.
"The community stands ready to engage with councillors, politicians and council officers to create a positive plan for the future of education in the Glenkens. It’s time for constructive dialogue and creative thinking, working together to find a new system fit for the long-term needs of our rural communities.”