Following the disappointing postponement of the inaugural edition of Raiders Gravel due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event organisers are excited to announce the rearranged date for the event. Raiders Gravel is set to return to the Galloway region and Gatehouse of Fleet from August 25th to 28th 2022. 

With winter upon us and slippery pavements once again a threat, the current locations of grit bins across the town can be checked on a useful interactive map on the D&G Council website.  They are there for the use of residents for example to put grit on the paths/pavements/roads outside their houses. 

To prepare for future harvesting operations, Forestry and Land Scotland will be carrying out engineering works at Barhill in Cally woods in the coming weeks.

Vegetation control will commence on Monday 22^nd November 2021 followed by road surface preparation throughout December. This work will be carried out by one excavator. Stone will then be brought along Cally Avenue from Glengap quarry to complete the work. There will be no work carried out between 23^rdDecember 2021 and 5^th January 2022. Works and stone haulage will resume from 6^th January and be complete by Friday 28^th January 2022.

Since way back in 2019 there has been a plan to build a hide in Cally Woods from which people could watch and photograph woodland wildlife near Gatehouse.  Finally, this goal has been accomplished and the hide was opened on 10 November. 

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.   

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