The Galloway Glens Scheme is a Heritage Lottery Funded initiative supporting projects up and down the Ken/Dee Valley in the Stewartry, seeking to connect communities and people to the amazing heritage of the area, while driving economic activity.
The Scheme is now in its delivery phase, with approximately 35 headline projects proposed over the next five years. Several projects are already underway, including the Old Smiddy restoration works in Balmaclellan, the new education shelter in Kirkcudbright’s Barrhill Woods and a range of training activities.
The Galloway Glens Scheme is overseen by a Partnership Board, made up of a range of partners from statutory agencies to community groups. The Scheme’s former chairman, Sir Alex Fergusson, unfortunately passed away a couple of months ago and, when informing the Board of his illness he was clear in his request to waste no time in seeking a replacement. The Board considered a number of options and approached Ted Leeming to take over the role of Scheme Chairman. Ted brings a wealth of experience to the position, with a background working with Natural Power and in more recent activities as a Landscape Photographer.
Ted Leeming said:
“I was very flattered to be approached by the Partnership Board for this role, though in the saddest of circumstances, and am delighted to accept.
The Galloway Glens Scheme is working to make the heritage of the area current and relevant for today. I want us to overcome the perception of being a ‘forgotten’ area of Scotland. I see the combined projects of the Galloway Glens Scheme as an opportunity to address a range of challenges we face, from encouraging visitors and investment, supporting existing businesses, through to addressing skill shortages. Recent statistics regarding the ageing population of Dumfries & Galloway highlight how important it is to plan for a sustainable future.
It is excellent news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has supported the Scheme’s aims with such a generous award. I will, with the other members of the Partnership Board, be encouraging the Galloway Glens Staff to really grasp every opportunity over coming years to spend this money well and shout about what a great part of the world we live in.”
McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team leader, said:
“We are delighted that Ted has agreed to take on the role of Scheme Chairman. The Partnership Board plays a very important role in setting the strategic direction for the Scheme and someone with Ted’s energy, experience and enthusiasm for the area is ideally placed to make sure we make the most of this opportunity.”
The Galloway Glens Scheme is a five-year programme of activity taking place from 2018-2023, working to connect people to the area’s unique natural and cultural heritage through a range of projects up and down the Ken/Dee valley. The Scheme is a recipient of a grant of £2.73m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and is supported by a range of partners including Dumfries & Galloway Council. Proposed projects vary from path improvements to canoe trails, from building refurbishments to marketing campaigns, and from training schemes to visitor attractions. For more information, visit www.gallowayglens.org, where you can also sign up for the Scheme newsletter.
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