Many thanks to David Gilbert for his time in updating us all with this report:

 

Chairperson’s Report August 2020

Hello everybody, I am just wondering where the year has gone. In only a matter of weeks I expect that
we shall see the return of the geese for which this area is so famous. I had rather hoped by now that we
would be able to meet but with current restrictions, despite some easing, that seems a long way off. In
the circumstances I continue to report on matters through this note.

A number of people have asked if a “Zoom” online meeting might take place. For the following reasons I
have ruled this out for now but will be happy to reconsider this if there is anything pressing that needs
community input:

– There are many parts of the community that do not have adequate Broadband
– Not everyone has the ability to access the relevant software or operate it
– My experience of using various meetings packages is mixed and if it fails it can be more frustrating than no meeting at all
– I am also hoping that September will see a resumption of our printed monthly Newsletter so keep an eye on your letterboxes.

As Scotland comes out of the initial lockdown, and notwithstanding the twists and turns yet to come, it
has been good to witness a return to some level of normality. In particular, it has been encouraging to
see our businesses open to their more traditional trading and witness the support they have received. It
is only by that support that we can help them survive what will continue to be difficult times. So a big
thank you to everyone for that.

It was also inevitable that we would see more people wishing to visit this beautiful area. Essential
maintenance has been carried out to Castle Corner and that has reopened to motorhomes and caravans,
as too did the Quay End. Both the NNR and Caerlaverock Castle are now open.

The Quay in particular, is valued community space and I know that many of you feel strongly about its
use. We have updated our guidance on the website reminding visitors that we are sharing our space
with them and seeking considerate behaviour in return. We have received a number of positive
comments thanking us for sharing this community area and in the main things have been positive.

I have been reminded by PC Jac Irving that if you are suspicious of anything you should report it. In
particular, strange vehicle movements should be noted and reported with registration numbers if
possible. We have also had reports of two unknown males within the gardens at Wellington Street on
two separate occasions recently so caution should be exercised. Reports of dog theft abound on the
internet so it pays to be vigilant.

I am pleased to see that with a return to income since I last reported we have received £602.48 with an
expenditure of only £85.21 in respect of mower repairs. Overall we therefore have a satisfactory balance
which exceeds our annual budget. I still propose we be cautious in respect of expenditure and I am
conscious that we shall have more IT expenditure this year given all that we have done online. At
present we can be optimistic about our financial position and our financial commitments.

I have been discussing applying for community finding for a new pump to keep the slipway clear of mud
and if there are any developments will let you know.

I have received brief reports from a number of our usual contributors and these are set out below.

Lady Clare has been keeping in touch and whilst there are no estate matters to report at present. She
has asked me to express her deep gratitude to the community for agreeing to share a small part of the
grass at the Quay enabling The Boathouse to trade outside when weather permits.

I have no specific D&G Council matters to report although they continue to offer support in relation to
Covid related matters.

I am sure that many of you will have taken an interest in the allotments and will have noted how they
developed from a bare field to the cultivated plots they now are. The grass has been kept trim by the
volunteers and they really do look great. As you know, this is a one year trial project which I hope we
shall see develop into a permanent feature of the village. I expect to have more for you on this later in
the year.

It remains the case that if anyone has issues or concerns I shall be pleased to hear them and do what I
can to help.

Best wishes

David Gilbert
Chairperson

SNH – NNR Caerlaverock

Apart from everything being very busy on all our sites, we have mostly been lucky enough to avoid the
more serious issues relating to higher visitor numbers across other parts of the country. We have been
catching up on maintenance work across the reserve, so it should be getting back into shape.

Caerlaverock Primary School

Message from Mr. Tennant – Principal Teacher…

All the pupils are excited to be back and have settled in well. There is no social distancing being adhered
to between the children in the school, but the adults are still keeping a 2m distance from one another.
There is a little more emphasis on outdoor learning, but in general we will be getting back to full time
education across all curricular areas, but with some restrictions in some areas. The children and adults
are constantly keeping clean by washing hands and sanitising at every opportunity.

Isolation Support Group

We propose that this facility will remain in place in the short term as there is every indication that we
still have obstacles to overcome. In the longer term we may consider a change of title to cover other
contingency/resilience issues rather than isolation but that is for the future.