Dumfries and Galloway Council

21/06/2026

We are delighted to share this year’s free Amazing Summer funded activities across Dumfries and Galloway for children and young people aged 5–18! There are opportunities for young people in every Ward area of our region, from day trips to magic workshops, to summer camps.

Head on over to https://orlo.uk/ZzYlc and type in your town, postcode or what you’re looking for to see what you can get involved in.

19/06/2026

Planned Road Works – Edinburgh Road, Dumfries (A701)

Surfacing works are scheduled on the A701 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries from the A75 to the Moffat Road roundabout.

📅 Dates: 6–10 July 2026
⏰ Times: 8am to 5pm daily
🚫 Traffic management:
• Road closure in place during working hours
• Parking suspension will apply

Diversions:
Main Diversion - Via, A701 Edinburgh Road, A780 Loreburn Street, A780 English Street, A709 St Mary's Street, A709 Lockerbie Road, A75(T).
Local Diversion - Via Summerpark Road, A709 Lockerbie Road A75(T) and Vice Versa.
Main Diversion - Via C201n Moffat Road, A709 Lockerbie Road, A75(T) and Vice Versa.

Monday 6 July will involve a full closure to allow removal of existing surface and works will then be carried out under a phased approached to allow as much access to residents as possible.

These works are part of the council’s summer road improvement programme, helping to maintain and improve local roads.

For more information, visit: hhttps://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/news/2026/dumfries-summer-road-improvement-work-your-questions-answered?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo

We ask for your patience while these essential improvements are carried out.

19/06/2026

🐶 A dog-themed art exhibition is coming to Gracefield Arts Centre this summer.

‘A Dog’s Life’ opens on 27 June and features photography, sculpture, illustration and interactive activities inspired by our four-legged friends.

Visitors can test their dog knowledge, see what they’d look like as a dog, share photos of their own pets and much more.

Find out more: https://orlo.uk/mPWbZ

19/06/2026

No matter how warm the weather outside is (not today, obviously 🙄), the water temperature is always cooler and can cause shock if you jump or fall in.

Here's Jane from Port William Inshore Rescue with some important advice about how to stay safe in and around water as part of Drowning Prevention Week.

19/06/2026

Our Youth Work Team always put on a brilliant programme of activities – whether during term-time or in the holidays.

Next up is the newly announced summer programme!

Click below to see the range of youth groups, pop-up youth events, community fun days and everything else the Youth Work D&G team has planned 👇

18/06/2026

🎶 More Youth Beatz 2026 acts and activities announced. 🎶

The Up Yer Airts Stage, Dance Stage and Kids Tent line-ups are now live, featuring young local musicians, dance groups, children’s entertainers, storytelling, discos, arts and crafts, face painting and more.

See the full line-ups for Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June here: https://orlo.uk/KXAAr

18/06/2026

On the school run? 🚗

Did you know children breathe in twice as much air as adults for their size, making them especially vulnerable to vehicle emissions?

Idling for just 30 seconds produces twice as much air pollution as switching off and restarting your engine.

Even small changes to how we travel can make a big difference to the air we all breathe.

By working together to reduce air pollution, we can help protect the health of children and adults across our communities.

Find out more 👉 https://orlo.uk/2QcQC

18/06/2026

👏 Congratulations to all of the learners recognised at this year's Lifelong Learning Awards.

A brilliant celebration of hard work, confidence and achievement across Dumfries and Galloway.

🤩🥳🙌 What a brilliant day at our Lifelong Learning Awards. Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make it such a positive and enjoyable event.

It was great to hear so many inspiring stories and to celebrate the achievements of our learners across Dumfries and Galloway. The room was full of pride and support for everything that has been achieved.

Most importantly, well done to all of our learners. The day was all about your hard work and success, and it was a pleasure to recognise that together.

18/06/2026

Newton Stewart Suspension Bridge Update

We’ve recently completed further improvements around the suspension bridge in Newton Stewart, with two new benches installed on the Old Minnigaff side of the river – creating more space for people to stop, rest and enjoy the riverside.

A new handmade picnic bench has also been prepared and installed on the Newton Stewart side – fixed to existing trunks of trees that were removed – adding to the public space for residents and visitors.

These works build on earlier repairs to the bridge and essential tree works carried out to keep the structure safe, alongside new planting to enhance the area for the future.

Thanks to everyone for your patience while this work has been completed.

18/06/2026

Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental risks to our health, linked to conditions such as heart and lung disease.

In Dumfries and Galloway, we’re already taking action. Dumfries and Galloway Council and SWestrans are investing in new electric buses, cleaner transport infrastructure and better public transport facilities to make it easier for people to choose more sustainable ways to travel. These quieter, zero emission buses will help reduce local air pollution while supporting everyday journeys across our communities.

By making simple changes to how we get around, we can all play our part – helping protect the planet and ensuring future generations can live happier, healthier lives.

Here are three simple ways you can help this and beyond:
🚲 Walk, wheel or cycle when you can, especially using quieter streets away from traffic
🚌 Consider switching to public transport – with cleaner, more comfortable electric buses now being introduced across the region
🚦 If you do have to drive, remember to switch off your engine when you stop

Find out more about how air pollution affects our health and what we can all do to protect ourselves 👉 https://orlo.uk/KW8Mo