Dumfries and Galloway Council is once again hosting its Free Back to School Uniform Events, designed to help families prepare for the new school year. The initiative offers both donation opportunities and collection points for school uniforms and related items across the region.
Uniform and Stationery Donations
Members of the public are encouraged to donate school uniforms, sports clothes, school bags, gym bags, and school stationery that are still in good condition. Donations can be dropped off at any Dumfries and Galloway Council Customer Service Centre between Monday, 7 July and Friday, 15 August 2025.
Back to School One Stop Shop Events
A series of events will take place in August where families can collect free new and pre-loved uniforms, stationery, and lunch. Free ‘Back to School’ haircuts will also be available from attending hairdressers.
Find A Customer Service Centre
The events are scheduled as follows:
- Saturday 9 August 2025, 11am–3pm
The Ryan Centre, Fairhurst Road, Stranraer, DG9 7AP - Sunday 10 August 2025, 11am–3pm
Castle Douglas Community Centre, Cotton Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1AJ - Saturday 16 August 2025, 9am–12 noon
Newstart Recycle, Unit E, Provost Mill, Queensberry Street, Annan, DG12 5BL - Sunday 17 August 2025, 11am–12 noon
The Oasis Youth Centre, Newall Terrace, Dumfries, DG1 1LW
Uniform Collection and Donation Banks
In addition to the events, several collection and donation banks are available across the region. These provide access to free school uniforms, sportswear, sports equipment, and stationery for those who need them.
People can also donate good quality items at these locations:
- Reuse Recycle, Enterprise House, Fountain Way, Stranraer DG9 7UD
- Newton Stewart Initiative Community Shop, Dashwood Square, Newton Stewart DG8 6EQ
- Dalbeattie Community Initiative, 71 High Street, Dalbeattie DG5 4HA
- Action for Children, Kirkfield, Greystone Avenue, Kelloholm DG4 6RB
- Newstart Recycle, Provost Mill, North Queensberry Street, Annan DG12 5BL
- DGMA Charity Department Store, 179–185 High Street, Dumfries
- Lochside Community Association Centre, Rankine Avenue, Dumfries DG2 9NS
- Stepping Stones Food Bank, 9 St. Andrew Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1DE
- Dumfries SHAX Charity Shop, Merrick House, The Crichton, Bankend Road, Dumfries DG1 4TA
- Lockerbie Old Bank, 81 High Street, Lockerbie DG11 2JH
- Summerhill Community Centre, Ballochmyle Terrace, Summerhill, Dumfries DG2 9EF
- Thornhill Old School Project, Station Road, Thornhill DG3 5DS
All locations aim to provide school-specific uniform items for families in their local area.
For further information, residents are encouraged to contact Dumfries and Galloway Council directly.
