Giancarlo Rinaldi

A Victorian boating pond in Moffat has remained dry for three years despite multiple repair attempts following a wall collapse in 2022. Residents and visitors expressed disappointment over the loss of a key tourist attraction, which has affected local businesses and the town’s reputation. Specialist assessments found that the water supply is insufficient to sustain the pond, and recent rainfall only provided temporary relief before levels dropped again. Dumfries and Galloway Council plans to prepare a report to determine the cause of the leakage and assess when the pond might reopen.

Heritage and design organisations have submitted plans to Scottish Borders Council to stabilise and protect the deteriorating Bernat Klein Studio near Selkirk after years of neglect and vandalism. The coalition aims to secure the structure, address long‑standing damp issues and prevent further unauthorised entry before developing full restoration proposals. The group ultimately intends to return the 1972 Brutalist building to use as a design studio and create a permanent base for exhibitions and workshops.

A major £15.6m redevelopment of Annan harbour is underway, aiming to transform the long‑declining site into a maritime heritage centre, leisure lagoon, event space and café. Supported by Scottish and UK government funding alongside local agencies, the project intends to restore a key historic warehouse, improve biodiversity through rewilding, and create new recreational and tourism opportunities. Local leaders and volunteers emphasise the harbour’s historic importance and hope the project will stimulate the town’s economy and revitalise community engagement.

A £15.6m redevelopment project has begun to transform Annan harbour into a heritage, leisure and tourism site after decades of decline. Led by the Annan Harbour Action Group with backing from Scottish and UK government funding bodies, the plan includes a maritime heritage centre, event space, lagoon and café. Trustees and volunteers describe the project as a major step toward restoring the harbour’s economic and community importance, improving biodiversity, reopening long‑inaccessible river areas and creating a small number of local jobs while enhancing the town’s attractiveness to visitors.

Break-ins at the former Regal cinema in Dumfries have delayed efforts to reopen the 1930s venue, prompting project lead Tristan Campbell to urge the public to stay out and report any suspicious activity. Campbell warned that further damage could push back the reopening date as work continues to resolve issues caused by previous repairs, including damage to emergency lighting circuits. CCTV from the latest incident is under review, and site owners Buzz Bingo have secured the building after the recent break-in.

Dumfries maintains long‑standing ties with Norway dating back to World War Two, when hundreds of exiled Norwegian soldiers were stationed in the town and the Norwegian army command later relocated there. Wartime bonds led to marriages, cultural links and the creation of societies such as the Scottish Norwegian Society, with commemorations including a recent Norwegian Stone of Friendship. Exhibitions and memorials continue to celebrate the period when Dumfries was seen as an unofficial Norwegian capital, helping shape local support for Norway ahead of its World Cup match against England.

The provost of Dumfries, Tracey Little, urges residents to abandon persistent negativity she believes undermines efforts to revive the town centre, emphasising local strengths and the need for collective support. Her call follows a £20m government investment aimed at regeneration and receives backing from the Dumfries Partnership Action Group. Shop owner Niall Cowan challenges her stance, arguing that declining retail and ineffective council leadership have left the town struggling.

A six‑week closure of the A76 in Sanquhar is set to end on Friday, raising hopes among local traders that customers will return after significant drops in business caused by parking restrictions and diverted traffic. The road was shut to allow conservation work on the Tolbooth Museum, with the council stating the closure was necessary for safety. Businesses reported substantial disruption, including heavy vehicles entering the town despite diversion routes. The council says all restrictions will be lifted once scaffolding and site clearance are finished. In Dumfries, Scottish Water expects to reopen Annan Road by the end of the week following repairs to a sewer damaged by a sinkhole.

A Scottish family expressed pride after traveling to North America to see Callan Elliot make a brief appearance for New Zealand at the World Cup. Despite playing only 13 minutes in a draw against Iran, his father said the trip was worthwhile and praised Callan’s performance. The family enjoyed the experience at major venues including SoFi Stadium and BC Stadium, expressing enthusiasm for future tournaments.

Residents of Heriot in the Scottish Borders see renewed optimism for their village school after the local council approved a new early years nursery that will allow the school to maintain two classes. The nursery is expected to ease childcare logistics for families, help young children integrate earlier into the school environment, and attract new families to the area. Local parents say the move strengthens confidence in the school’s future, especially following the mothballing of nearby Fountainhall School, whose catchment has been temporarily merged with Heriot.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has begun statutory steps to close Dalry Secondary, Scotland’s smallest secondary school, after enrolment dropped to eight students. Parents argue the decision ignores rural commitments and alternative options such as restoring an all-through school model or amalgamating local primaries. Officials cite declining numbers, curriculum limitations and high running costs as justification. The process includes consultation, review by Education Scotland and potential Scottish government intervention.