Forestry and Land Scotland are preparing a ten year management plan for Cally Woods. There is an opportunity for all those interested in the future of Cally Woods to look at what the plan is proposing and to comment. Full details of the plans can be found on the Forestry and Land Scotland website:  forestryandland.gov.scot/what-we-do/planning/consultations/cally-woods-land-management-plan-consultation.

With the recent cold snap and perhaps more to come it may be useful to know the locations of salt bins around the town.  The Council have a useful map which shows locations of salt bins.  It also gives a guide to the priority level of roads for Council gritting as well which may be of interest. 

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

Is there enough affordable housing in Gatehouse? Gatehouse Development Initiative have been working with the charity South of Scotland Community Housing to develop a vision of what affordable housing (and workspaces) could look like in Gatehouse of Fleet. Please fill out the survey to express your views on the topic. It will only take a few minutes.

Hamish MacInnes, Scotland’s most celebrated mountaineer died at his home in Glencoe on the 22^nd November 2020 aged 90. Over a long and remarkable career, he climbed all over the world including three expeditions to Mount Everest. From his base in Glencoe, he was a prolific writer and adviser on films. He was, too, a pioneer of mountain rescue and funder of Scotland’s Search and Rescue Dog Association. He designed the first all metal ice axe and a much improved folding aluminium stretcher, known as the MacInnes stretcher which is used the world over. An examples of his ice stretcher can be seen at the Mill on the Fleet. He was the recipient of the OBE and an honorary doctorate from a number of universities.

Sadly the Covid pandemic has curtailed research on J McNeil  but there have been interesting developments.  At the time of the 1841 census, timber merchant Rodney McNeil was living in Back Street, Gatehouse with his six sons. His wife Mary Watt, daughter of Andrew Watt, had died earlier that year. Andrew Watt was a lint miller in Skyreburn but also owned number 17 High Street, Gatehouse.  Rodney and Mary’s second eldest son was James, born in 1830.  The McNeils owned the house which today is 21 Catherine Street.  However, the house was sold in 1842 and in that year a Rodney McNeil married in the Isle of Man. It is difficult to search Isle of Man records online so we do not yet know what happened to Rodney.  But what happened to his children? 

The new Gatehouse playpark is up and running after an incredible £100,000 community fundraising campaign and a major effort by many local residents.  The new park at Riverbank Wynd features new all-inclusive play equipment and is already being well used and enjoyed by local children.

A small group of people assembled at the Gatehouse of Fleet War Memorial on Saturday 15th August to remember VJ day. 

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.