The plaque recognising the efforts of NHS and other frontline staff during the Covid-19 pandemic was unveiled on 10 July by Gordon Rowan and Nick Morris, Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Primary Care NHS. Other organisations represented at the ceremony included the Gatehouse Surgery, the NHS Pharmacy Team, Fleet Valley, Gatehouse Pharmacy and the Stars Team NHS. While accepting the Thankyou on behalf of the NHS, Nick Morris also acknowledged all the efforts undertaken by the local community to deal with pandemic.

Spring Fling Open Studios is an open studio event based here in Dumfries & Galloway. Every Spring since 2003, 70-100 artists, makers and designers across the region open their studios for visitors.  In light of the ongoing pandemic, this year’s programme has a mix of online and physical socially distanced approaches. No studios will be physically open this year, but the Virtual Studios, piloted in 2020 in response to the pandemic, will be back.   

The organisers are also working with Ottersburn Gallery in Dumfries and our own Mill on the Fleet to present two temporary pop-up exhibition/shops to view and buy work from the artists.  The Mill on the Fleet Spring Fling Pop-Up will be open every day from Saturday 29 May until Sunday 6 June 2021, 10am-4pm.

Laura Derby - Round hand-tufted rug

Gatehouse Community Council has taken a first step in a long-term recognition of the efforts of NHS and other frontline staff during the Covid-19 emergency by planting a silver birch sapling by the entrance to the main car park. A stone plaque with an  accompanying unveiling event will take place later in the year.

A housing survey has flagged up the need for new affordable housing in Gatehouse.  Over the years much of the local social housing resource has been sold and there are also a growing number of holiday homes and short term holiday lets, reducing the availability of homes to rent.

The opportunity for community members to try an electric bike with active support and advice has now resumed after the lifting of lockdown restrictions. You may have seen small groups of cyclists in hi-vis vests, circulating around the streets of Gatehouse, stopping, starting and signalling. This is most probably Annick and her groups of intrepid cyclists, gaining skills and confidence and practicing manoeuvres. The initiative, called I Bike Communities, helps more adults get active through cycling and explore the local cycle routes and, in particular, to cut down on the 1-5 mile car journeys that are one of the biggest contributors to pollution. The project is funded by Sustrans – the charity that makes it easier for people to walk and cycle for everyday journeys.

Gatehouse red Squirrels has launched a campaign to raise funds to allow the group to continue its work in protecting the red squirrel population in the Gatehouse Area. 

The helpline will be reactivated on 6 January 2020.

THE CONTACT NUMBER REMAINS: 01557 520377

• The service offered will consist of advice and information during the current lockdown;
• Unlike the previous arrangements, we will not be able to collect and deliver shopping unless it has been paid for in advance. No payment on the doorstep will be possible;
• Collection and delivery of prescriptions can be carried out.

The changes to the shopping arrangements are the result of Spar being unable to accept payment for orders over the telephone

Volunteers will be able to provide details of retailers and other volunteer groups able to take shopping orders and payment, either by telephone or through online shopping.

Gatehouse of Fleet Community Council

A document providing up to date information information and advice for individuals, families, businesses and charities is available here. 

ate of release: 3 June 2020.

Topics covered:

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE

OTHER SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

OTHER INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES

INFORMATION FOR CHARITIES

Public Forum

The Community Council will be holding a "virtual" meeting due to the Covid-19 restriction. Consequently, public attendance is not really feasible. If any members of the Gatehouse community have any issues that they wish to raise that are within the remit of the Community Council, could they please send an email to the Chairman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. outlining the issue in question.

Since the first Men’s Shed was set up in 1996, the concept and interest in them has grown remarkably, particularly in the last few years. Since the opening of the initial shed in Barrhead in East Renfrewshire, there are now 78 in operation and 47 in development.  Men’s Sheds are similar to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practise skills and enjoy making and mending.