OCTOBER LETTER TO LOCAL LEADERS
As autumn arrives, Dumfries and Galloway stands at a crossroads. While Scotland’s population is growing, ours continues to fall—raising national concern about the region’s risk of long-term decline.
Few things illustrate the muddle of local politics more than the way two major decisions—the Whitesands project and the rejection of Galloway National Park—went through the “democratic” process, yet failed to deliver on value added or value for money.
Capital, like water, continues to flow out of the county. Unless projects are rooted in long-term vision, they will not deliver the future our communities need.
Political Engagement Over the Summer
This summer saw heightened political activity. John Cooper MP campaigned for:
Better access to local banking services
Stronger rural digital inclusion
Renewable energy innovation, including floating solar
Welcome pinpointing of Hospitality with some whimsical descriptions, like tomato a fruit not for fruit salad and slippers for limbless employers who have had their legs taxed off.
He also worked with MSPs and councillors to keep economic, infrastructure, and service issues in public debate. These efforts are welcome—but they must translate into meaningful outcomes, not symbolic gestures.
The Core Challenge: Demographic Decline
Depopulation is not just about numbers—it is about the future fabric of our society.
Youth outmigration: Dumfries and Galloway has the highest outward migration of young people in Scotland. Skilled, ambitious young people leave for jobs and opportunities unavailable here.
Ageing inward migration: Most newcomers are retirees or professionals seeking a quieter life. The median age in the region is now 51—well above the Scottish average—and rising.
Consequences: An ageing population shifts the workforce, increases social care demands, and narrows prospects for renewal.
Political leaders such as Finlay Carson MSP and others have worked to raise awareness, but fragmented, short-term budgeting remains the norm. Projects are funded piecemeal, often as crisis responses, leaving long-term strategy underfunded and unclear.
What We Need
Joined-up, multi-year plans tied to resources and economic ambition—not stopgaps.
Transparent performance data: Residents and businesses need open, comparative scorecards showing jobs, housing, services, cost controls, and quality of life—benchmarked against similar regions.
True accountability: Budget and project outcomes should be measurable, accessible, and regularly reported.
Civic Participation: Untapped Potential
Local forums such as Ootn Aboot Dumfries show strong public appetite for civic dialogue. These platforms should be used as two-way channels—testing policy ideas and integrating citizen feedback into decision-making.
Similarly, the expertise of newcomers must be embraced, not ignored. Too often, experienced professionals who invest in the region find their contributions dismissed. With an ageing inward migration trend, failure to harness newcomers’ skills risks turning them into passive service users, rather than active contributors to renewal. This is a rather too personal reflection having been rejected to serve, for free, in the area I knew best - workforce development.
Questions for Political Leaders
1. What ambitious, long-term strategy will reverse youth loss and population ageing?
2. How will budgets become both transparent and accountable in short and long term?
3. When will residents see comprehensive performance metrics on jobs, housing, migration, and workforce?
4. Will digital civic forums be used for genuine engagement, not just announcements?
5. What systems will ensure newcomers’ skills and experience are mobilised for local benefit?
We need courageous, joined-up action to secure a thriving, inclusive Dumfries and Galloway—this autumn and beyond.
Sector Focus for Accelerated GDP
Agriculture modernisation: building value-added processing on traditional strengths.
Renewable energy expansion: wind, solar, and hydrogen.
Tourism growth: developing natural assets with stronger infrastructure.
Digital connectivity: enabling remote work and enterprise development.
Comparative Value: A Compass for Decision-Making
The Whitesands regeneration must be judged against the opportunity cost of rejecting Galloway National Park. Was this truly the best value choice?
To support better decisions, Dumfries and Galloway needs a GDP Impact Scoring Matrix:
GDP Impact: contribution to local output, employment, and value added.
Strategic Fit: alignment with long-term priorities like sustainability, inclusion, resilience, and policy goals.
Such a matrix would allow objective, transparent comparison of projects—ensuring resources flow to initiatives that deliver the strongest return for our future.
Just to identify what already exists - a draw for common agreement across parties but also a catalyst for joined up action.
This is a Concise Strategy Map for Dumfries & Galloway
1. South of Scotland Regional Economic Strategy (2021–2031)
Vision: A green, fair, flourishing region
Priorities: Skilled people, innovative businesses, fair work, creative culture, green economy, thriving communities
Partners: SOSE, D&G Council, Scottish Borders Council, Regional Economic Partnership
2. Regional Economic Strategy Delivery Plan (2025–2027)
Focus: Expand housing choice, adapt skills, strengthen enterprise, attract investment, cultural and natural assets
Emphasis: Collaboration, natural capital, creative economy
3. D&G Council Housing & Development Strategy (2025–2030)
Core aims: Affordable homes, town regeneration, infrastructure-led growth, Local Development Plan 3
Purpose: Combat depopulation and support growth
4. Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal (2020s–2030s)
Geography: Cross-border regional partnership
Goals: Inclusive growth, connectivity, clean energy, innovation, cross-border investment
Backed by: UK & Scottish Governments
Cross-Cutting Themes:
Housing & place • Jobs & skills • Green economy • Connectivity • Culture & tourism
Comments
Post a Comment