A community group in Castle Douglas is aiming to use funds from the Common Good Fund to upgrade the town’s Christmas lights in time for this year’s festive season. The Forward Rotary group is seeking a grant of £4,217.40 from the fund, which is overseen by Dumfries and Galloway Council. The total available funds exceed £13,000, and council officials are recommending the approval of the grant. The matter is set to be deliberated by councillors at the Castle Douglas Common Good Fund sub-committee meeting next week.
According to a council report prepared for the meeting, the Rotary group has already raised nearly £7,000 towards the cost of new Christmas lights but requires additional funding to complete the project. In their funding application, members of the group highlighted the deteriorating condition of the current lights and expressed concerns that without financial support, there may be no Christmas lights on King Street this year. The group is planning the ‘big switch on’ event for Saturday, November 28, aiming to bring festive cheer to the local community.
The Forward Rotary Group has engaged with various stakeholders, including local councillors, businesses, and community organizations, to collaborate on fundraising efforts for the new Christmas lights. They emphasized the importance of enhancing the town’s festive decorations to benefit small independent businesses by attracting both locals and visitors to King Street and the local shops. Support from groups such as Castle Douglas Civic Week, The British Legion, and Castle Douglas Development Forum has been instrumental in the fundraising campaign.
In a joint effort to revitalise the town’s Christmas lights, the community is rallying together to ensure a successful upgrade before the holiday season. By uniting different groups and individuals towards a common goal, Castle Douglas aims to create a brighter and more festive atmosphere for all to enjoy during the upcoming celebrations.