GCAT

02/06/2026

We are deeply saddened at the news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague Marie Davie.

Marie has been a valued part of our CatStrand team as a dedicated volunteer since day one and was a friendly and familiar face to all at our Reception Desk every Friday. Her selfless and good-humoured contribution over so many years was truly exceptional and very much appreciated.

She was also a talented actress and appeared in many pantomimes and plays with Glenkens '73 Club at CatStrand, Dalry Town Hall and further afield at Drama Festivals.

Marie was a huge part of our community and will be greatly missed. Her sudden passing was a great shock to all and everyone at CatStrand sends their deepest sympathies to her husband Steve and their son Colin and family. 😔 ♥️

01/06/2026

⚡ There’s a new Buzz at Galloway Community Transport - GCT 🚐

We’ve recently taken delivery of our new all-electric VW Buzz van, joining our two electric minibuses to create a fleet of three electric vehicles serving local communities.

Funded through the Plugged in Communities programme, the Buzz will initially support fleet maintenance and logistics, but we’re keen to explore other ways it could benefit the Glenkens when not needed for essential tasks.

💡 Have an idea for how the Buzz could help your community? We’d love to hear it.

🚌 Looking to hire a minibus for your community group? Get in touch.

📞 Jason: 07704 662925

✉️ [email protected]

Together, we’re helping drive greener community transport across Galloway.

20/05/2026

🐱 New boss at The CATstrand and they’ve wasted no time claiming the desk, reviewing paperwork and establishing authority.

Performance reviews are expected to be brutal.
Treats may improve your chances. 😉

18/05/2026

20/04/2026

🍰 We’re Hiring at CatStrand - Weekend Catering Assistant

💷 £16 per hour

⏰ 7–14 hours per week (plus additional hours by agreement)

📅 Closing Date: 30th April

Join our friendly team and help run the popular CatStrand Café at weekends! This is a hands-on role where you’ll take the lead in the kitchen—preparing fresh food and home baking, supporting menus, managing stock, and helping deliver great service for visitors and events.

Hours:
☀️ Summer: Sat & Sun, 8.30am–4.30pm (14 hrs)

❄️ Winter: Sat + midweek cover (min. 7 hrs)

We’re looking for someone with:
• Catering experience
• Confidence in a customer-facing role
• Strong organisation skills
• A flexible, team-focused approach

🔗 Full details: https://gcat.scot/job/weekend-catering-assistant/

📧 Apply with CV + cover letter: [email protected]

16/04/2026

🎭✨ Ready to launch your career in the arts? This could be your moment!

We’re excited to share an amazing opportunity with the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) - they’re looking for an Arts Engagement & Events Intern to join the team at CatStrand Arts Centre!

This is your chance to gain real, hands-on experience in:

🎨 Arts programming
🎤 Live events
🌟 Youth engagement

You’ll be right at the heart of creative activity, helping deliver inspiring events, workshops, and projects for communities and young people across Dumfries & Galloway.

📍 What you need to know:
🕒 3 days a week (21 hours)
📅 1-year contract
👤 Open to ages 18–25
🗓 Apply by: 24 April 2026

📄 Find out more: https://gcat.scot/job/arts-engagement-events-intern/

📩 Send your CV + cover letter to: [email protected]

🙌 Huge thanks to The Holywood Trust for supporting this opportunity!

If you’re passionate about the arts and want to make a real impact - don’t miss out. Tag someone who should apply or share to spread the word! 💫

16/04/2026

‼️ 🌿 We’re Hiring at CatStrand 🌿 ‼️

Nature Restoration Development Officer

📍 CatStrand, New Galloway

💼 0.8 FTE (£32,200)

🖥️ Flexible and home working offered

We’re looking for someone to lead an exciting new project - Glenkens Roots and Renewal, developing a nature restoration strategy for the Glenkens.

This role is all about working with land managers, communities and partners to shape practical, on-the-ground projects that support biodiversity, restore habitats, and strengthen the local landscape.

If you have experience in land use, ecology, conservation or a related field and enjoy working collaboratively to make real change happen we’d love to hear from you.

📅 Deadline: Friday 1 May, 12 noon

🔗 Find out more & apply: https://gcat.scot/job/nature-restoration-development-officer/

📸 Photo credit - Colin Edgar

06/04/2026