The Galloway Glens Scheme is five years of activity in the Ken/Dee valley in the Stewartry, seeking to ‘connect people to their heritage’ while boosting the local economy and supporting sustainable communities.
A range of project are underway up and down the valley, and this month marks one year left of delivery. With almost £4million spent through the scheme, thoughts are turning to what can be delivered before completion and how to maximise the positive legacy of the scheme.
The scheme is an initiative of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Environment team, funded by a range of partners including a main grant of £2.7million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Approximately £4million has been spent through the scheme so far, on a range of projects up and down the Ken/Dee valley. These have varied from visitor facilities to footpaths, from intern positions to place names studies, and from tree planting to outdoor education camps, with everything in between.
With 75% of expenditure to date being spent with D&G Businesses, it can now be calculated that the scheme has delivered a direct boost of more than £3million to the local economy. This is direct scheme expenditure in the region and before any multipliers from that spend or the impact of projects supported are considered.
Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, The Galloway Glens Scheme is supported by a grant of more than £2.7million through the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Caroline Clark, Director for Scotland, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, pictured, said: “The Galloway Glens team have demonstrated huge commitment, enthusiasm and imagination and have undoubtedly been successful in transferring that to action through their engagement in local communities.
There has been a real drive to empower local people to take control of activities, events and projects to ensure they are sustainable for the long term. This milestone might mark the final year of the Galloway Glens Scheme but I am sure it is only the starting point for its lasting legacy in Dumfries and Galloway.”
Ted Leeming, Chair of the Galloway Glens Partnership Board added: “I am genuinely amazed at the results that the team have achieved with the various interest and community groups they have been working with. Working together in partnership, listening to all voices and a ground up, hands on approach have all been key to the various successes that have been achieved.
“I look forward to the final year, completing the remaining projects and now also how to deliver a lasting legacy for the community. As always, if you have any ideas, please do not hesitate to give us a call”.
Looking ahead to the last year of scheme delivery, Team Leader McNabb Laurie said: “With us now entering our last year, it is tempting to pause and take stock of work supported through the scheme, but we have so much still to do! Final year’s plans include footpaths, visitor attractions, events and final burst of intern positions. Some of the really good stuff we have been supporting is only now ready to be celebrated.
“As ever, we are so grateful to everyone involved, particularly our main funder National Lottery Heritage Fund and partners including Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, Drax – the owners of the Galloway Hydro Scheme, and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.”
The Galloway Glens Scheme seeks to ‘connect people to their heritage’ while boosting the local economy and supporting sustainable communities. It is an initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, primarily funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by a whole range of partners including Drax, the owners of the Galloway Hydro Scheme, and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.