The People's Project, Dumfries

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The People's Project, Dumfries

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The aims of The People's Project:
• Through community involvement we aim to crown Dumfries and Galloway "The Queen of the South"
•

A few of our main achievements are:

1) Dumfries was awarded "Top Large Town" in 2011 by Beautiful Scotland and entered Britain in Bloom 2012;

2)With support from the People's Project, New Abbey was awarded "Top Small Village 2012" by Beautiful Scotland;

3) The Peter Pan statue was uneveiled in 2011 to promote the fact that Dumfries is the birthplace of Peter Pan.

4) An acre of ground in the town centre (owned by the People's Project) was leant to Dumfries Academy pupils to create an allotment.

5) The PP has given over a large area in the town centre to the "Dragons Kick Boxing Cub" to create a gymnasium, complete with a full size boxing ring

6) 120 High School pupils re-built an 80 metre section of dry-stane d**e which they had previously knocked over.

7) The People's Project has risen awareness among the general public of the importance of keeping the town clean and has fitted litter posters all over the region. The PP has influenced the Council, MP's and the Scottish government, particularly it's design of a BASKETBALL BIN at St. Joseph's College.

8) We designed a "MUST DO" guide for Dumfries and Galloway, which has been distributed to local hotels and B&B's, with 14 circular drives/cycles, encouraging tourists to return to the area.

9) Through art work, we have transformed a 100 metre section of wall at QOS home Palmerston Park, and brought the public's attention to Dumfries Castle where Robert the Bruce raised the standard in 1306, by the er****on of a piece of art at the entrance to Castled**es Park.

10) We had hoped to erect a statue to Robert the Bruce in 2013, highlighting the towns important connection to the Scottish King; unfortunately plans were rejected.

11) We have tirelessly worked with the police on litter matters, with the council on a flood wall scheme for the River Nith and we have made numerous donations locally, most notably to: The Theatre Royal; Mobility Scooters; The creation of a Cafe for Disabled Young people; and local allotments.

12) We also created a special POPPY MEMORIAL at Troqueer School.

13) We are working with a new group to reopen the Loreburn Hall to the public, (a massive undertaking).

14) We intend to plant a large orchard close to Lincluden Abbey to complete the initial work carried out by the Chavs organsiation . That is a flavour of some of the things that the People's Project has achieved in the last five years. We don't just talk about it, - WE DO IT!

30/10/2026

29/10/2026

Every year we plant a huge amount of spring bulbs on roadside verges at the entrances to Dumfries. These bulbs give a welcome burst of colour early in the year and are greatly appreciated by all who see them. They continue to increase in numbers year on year. We have to date planted over 100,000 bulbs. On Tuesday we were on New Abbey Road where our volunteers planted a huge number of narcissus, crocus and fritillaries. We think it will look spectacular next spring.
Our thanks go to Oakbank Plant Hire Ltd who supply us with a digger every year and to Peam the highly skilled digger driver. We could not manage this without your help.

27/10/2026

We are greatly saddened to hear the news of the tragic death of Richard Baines,plantsman and curator of Logan Botanic Garden. Some of our members were lucky enough to attend an event at A Patch Ae Land earlier this year, which was organised by Dumfries Town Board, and at which Richard passed on some of his knowledge and expertise regarding keeping planters interesting over the autumn and winter.
We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the tragic passing of Richard Baines, long-serving curator of Logan Botanic Garden, who sadly lost his life after being struck by a falling tree near his home in Castle Douglas during Storm Boleo.

Back in August, we had the pleasure of welcoming Richard to A Patch Ae Land, where he delivered a wonderful presentation on "How to Create a Wonderful Display in Our Garden Planter" as part of Dumfries Town Board's Dumfries Bloom & Shine initiative.

Richard was an absolute joy to listen to and learn from. His passion, knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious, and what made the occasion even more special was his genuine interest in the work being done across Dumfries to bring communities together and make our town a more beautiful and welcoming place.

We feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Richard and share in his knowledge and passion. His contribution to horticulture and to the wider Dumfries and Galloway community was truly remarkable, and he will be deeply missed.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Richard's family, friends, colleagues and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

20/10/2026

Our volunteers gathered at The Remembrance Garden in Brooms Road this morning to hang the poppy drapes which were created by crafters from all over the region. This year an extra panel has been added in memory of the late Doreen Johnston who initiated this special project to commemorate those who served and lost their lives from our region and beyond.
Very many thanks to everyone who played a part in bringing this special project together including, the crafters who made the poppies, those who helped sew them on to the backing, Myra at Morrisons Dumfries Community Champion. for pulling everyone together and those who helped today with fixing and hanging the drapes.
Lest we forget.

18/10/2026

The People’s Project volunteers are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for the Dumfries and Galloway Life Awards 2026, in the Environment Champion category. It is an honour to be one of the finalists at such a prestigious award ceremony which takes place at Easterbrook Hall on Friday 6th November.

15/10/2026

Many thanks to Myra and everyone across the region who has been involved in this community project. The poppy drapes will be on display at The Remembrance Garden in Brooms Road.

🌺 Our community, coming together in remembrance 🌺

Today marked a very special milestone for the Poppy Drape project, as one completed panel was handed over to members of The People's Project, Dumfries

As Morrisons Dumfries Community Champion, Myra has been delighted to contribute her community time and help provide the space in store for our wonderful local crafters to come together for their attachment sessions.

This project, continued in memory of Doreen Johnston, has brought people together through their love of crafting and a shared wish to create something meaningful for our community.

It has been wonderful to see so many people giving their time, skills and creativity to help bring the Poppy Drape to life.

We’re looking forward to seeing the finished drape displayed in the Garden of Remembrance in Dumfries. 🌺

A huge thank you to everyone who has played a part in this special project. It’s another lovely example of what can be achieved when our community comes together. 💚

13/10/2026

It’s looking very autumnal at Castled**es Park at the moment. We finished weeding and mulching the memorial garden and had extra help, with loading the mulch, from a couple of young recruits who worked very hard. Many thanks everyone.

06/10/2026

Very well done to everyone helping to attach the poppies to the new remembrance drape. It’s looking fantastic. If you are free to help it would be greatly appreciated. Please see the dates below.

05/10/2026

All money raised from the sale of these calendars will be used for our projects within Dumfries and Galloway.

29/09/2026

Everyone involved with The People’s Project is absolutely delighted to have been presented with this award by Dumfries Town Board. We would like to congratulate everyone who took part in Bloom and Shine and commend the Bloom and Shine team for their commitment to this project. May it continue to grow and flourish.

Address

Dumfries
DG11

Website

http://peoplesproject.co.uk/

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