A community publication is to make a re-appearance after a gap of almost 170 years with the historic title being re-launched.
The Castle Douglas Journal, which was published in the 1850s, is to be re-launched on 1 September 2019. Not only that, but John Low’s newsagents, which closed 9 years ago, will re-open its doors to host a launch for the new publication giving local people the opportunity to visit the much-loved shop again. The new Castle Douglas Journal will be launched on 1 September and published bi-monthly for a 6 month pilot. It will focus on celebrating life in Castle Douglas and surrounding villages with features on people, places, local history and events as well as a photograph competition sponsored by the Fullarton Theatre.
As a supporter of the venture right from the start, Drew Low, who is reopening his shop for the launch, said, ‘The original Castle Douglas Journal was a bit before my time but I wish the new version every success. It is a real boost to have something like this for the community.’
Gill Fullarton, who has been leading the group behind the publication, on behalf of Castle Douglas Development Forum, said. ‘From the very start, local people and businesses have given a warm welcome to the idea of having a publication celebrating life in and around Castle Douglas. We are fortunate to have funding from the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership which will fund a pilot of 3 bi-monthly issues but we really hope to be able to attract sponsorship and advertising to keep the CD Journal going long-term. There are so many stories to tell and no shortage of material about life in our wonderful local area.’
‘A few months ago, while initial discussions were taking place we discovered that there had been a publication called the Castle Douglas Journal published in the 1850s. We only have a few extracts from all those years ago which report on celebrations in the community – exactly the aim of the new publication. Instead of coming up with something completely new, it was decided that the Castle Douglas Journal would be re-launched – who would have thought this would happen in a digital age, after a gap of almost 170 years!’
Helen Keron, Education and Community Engagement Officer at the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme said ‘We are delighted to be supporting this inaugural edition of what is sure to become a much-loved community publication for Castle Douglas and the surrounding area. One of the main aims of the Galloway Glens scheme is to support sustainable rural communities.’
The Castle Douglas Journal will be delivered to every household in Castle Douglas by a distribution team organised by the Better Lives Partnership as well as being available at distribution centres in surrounding villages. All members of the community are also welcome to attend the launch on Sunday 1 September at Low’s shop, Castle Douglas from 12.30-1.45 pm. There will be refreshments, nibbles an exhibition of local photographs and, of course, a preview copy of the CD Journal! This will be followed by a fundraiser Vintage Tea in the Parish Hall (tickets £8 from Heart of Galloway on the Market Hill and Jenny Wren on King St.) Low’s shop will also be open on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 Sept for local people to drop in and meet the production team.
The launch of the CD Journal adds to the community’s delight over King Street being shortlisted as a ‘Rising Star’ in the Great British High Street Awards.
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