The Glentrool Hive is the newly renovated multipurpose community centre for the beautiful village of Glentrool.
Nestled on the outskirts of the Galloway Forest Park, Glentrool is an idyllic retreat from the stresses of modern life and a haven for people looking to be surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in South West Scotland. The Hive is a community run project by the Glentrool and Bargrennan Community Trust which aims to promote the local area in all its diversity whilst providing a focus for social and economic growth for the community.
Originally a village custom built in the 1950s to accommodate the large workforce tasked with planting the woodlands of the Galloway Forest, Glentrool had many young family’s resident. However, with the inevitable evolution of the industry, the manpower was replaced with machines and people were forced to relocate to seek alternative employment.
This had a devastating affect on the Glentrool Primary School at the centre of the village, with dwindling pupil numbers, education inspectors concluded it was not sustainable to keep the school open.
With support from several funding bodies including Dumfries and Galloway Council, Community Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Killgallioch Community Fund, The Robertson Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Lottery Community Fund the Glentrool & Bargrennan Community Trust started on the long and at times difficult process of community acquisition in an effort to reinvent their community’s future.
Fast forward to today and the extensive renovation has rejuvenated the old school building in to a fantastic multipurpose community centre.
With two large halls available for rent, wheelchair accessible toilets and showers, fully equipped kitchen and an integrated projector and screen, the possibilities here are endless. A maximum capacity of 70 people, it lends itself well to private functions and celebrations which in turn provide much needed sustainable income and employment opportunities for this rural community.
In addition to the state-of-the-art facilities within the community hall, The Hive boasts a modern and uniquely located self-catering accommodation unit. Sleeping up to 5 people, fully wheelchair accessible and overlooking the beautiful Village Green, ‘The Coorie’ offers visitors the perfect base from which to explore all Galloway has to offer.
Incorporated into the Hive also is the long running Gallery and Crafts Shop. They have up to 40 local artists, makers and producers on the books and their support for the project allows Glentrool Hive to stay open for the community & visitors alike. Proud supporters of the UNESCO Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere their Gallery ethos is to be as eco friendly, sustainable and kind to the artists, makers, visitors and unique natural environment as possible.
Having just opened it’s doors, the Autumn/Winter events calendar is still being scheduled, however local groups and organisations have been keen to be among the first to host their day at the Hive. Notable upcoming events are the first annual Glentrool Hive Fete, Saturday 10th September from 12 noon, children’s entertainment, stalls, arts and crafts, food and much more. And the Womens Wellness Day, hosted by Sarah Redman of Swim The Lochs on Saturday 24th September, a day of wild swimming, meditation and yoga.
