Kirkcowan Community Council – Monday 16th February 2026 at 7.30pm Kirkcowan Hall.
1. Council Members present – John Drysdale (Chair), Andrew Gladstone (Treasurer), Mary Harkness (Secretary), Hazel Matthews, Mary Mackenzie, Jim Rae, Robert Drysdale
Public present- Cllr Richard Marsh, Alix Smith, David Edwards, Elizabeth McMillan, Lynn Marshall, Charlie Marshall, Kevin Dean, Bill Harkness
Apologies for absence – none
2. Minutes of Last Meeting, Approval, and matters arising – Minutes previously circulated and approved. Proposed MH, seconded JR.
3. Police Matters -Nothing to report.
4. Notified Public Concerns -None received.
5. Reports and Updates –
Treasurer’s Report (AG)
No.1 Account £321.14 No.2 Account £20,539.49
Outgoings:
Dusty Murray – cleaning of bus shelters £ 150.00
Bank Service charge x 2 £ 8.50
Kirkcowan Hall – fees 1 x KCC, 2 x Knitting x 2 £ 30.00
geViews – 16 new planters £9,285.12
Income – nil
Planning
Three Lochs Bottling plant application refused.
6. Elected Members Reports
Cllr Richard Marsh – Apologies for delay in local road repairs/potholes. After numerous phone calls – Kirkcowan roadworks are now underway.
Budget to be decided by D&GC at the end of February. Due to the large deficit, cuts must be made as well as raising Council Tax. Front line services need to be prioritised – health and social care; road repairs; management costs; youth work; education and other issues were raised.
7. Correspondence
a) ‘Thank you’ card received from Rainbows for the KCC donation from the CREPL fund.
b) Roadworks at Newton Stewart roundabout – official diversion via Port William
c) D&GC notification re legal process for introducing parking restrictions, charges and traffic wardens.
8. KCC representation on KCDT Board
Following the KCDT AGM on 12th February a discussion was held about whether to put forward additional individuals to the Trust Board, as was the case previously, given that HM, JD and RD are now full Directors of KCDT. Though no immediate need was felt, it was decided unanimously to maintain the right to send Associate Directors in the future, if circumstances require. An official report of each Trust meeting will be sent by Foundation Scotland (KCDT secretariat) to the KCC Secretary for information. This will also be available to the general public via the KCDT website.
9. Minute Secretary Vacancy
No response to the public request for a volunteer to take this on. MM will continue in the role in the meantime.
10. Resilience Group Insurance
The activities covered by the blanket insurance policy as provided by D&GC is changing to a more defined list. Cover for any Resilience Group activities not included in this list will require additional insurance to be purchased. The policy renews in April and when exact wording of new policy is known, AS will advise if additional cover required.
DG&C Resilience Officer has confirmed that the generator can be used at the school under KCC auspices.
11. Welcome to Kirkcowan Sign – still waiting for installation.
12. Planters – The 16 new planters have been delivered and have been stored under cover, thanks to Jim Rae, until planting time. Decision to be made about removal/reuse of old boxes & compost by April. £600 remains of the grant to buy compost and plants. HM to get a quote from Galloway Heathers for a pallet load of potting compost.
MH to ask at the Surgery for permission to site 2 planters there.
13. School Visit
AG & MH attended the primary school to hear the children explain what they have learnt about Rights Respecting Schools, and were very impressed by their knowledge and understanding of children’s legal rights.
14. Defibrillator
The 8-year Service agreement is coming to an end. A new battery will be needed, and the equipment may also need replacing. Should KCC change maintenance company? Contact Wendy Baird, who is the designated co-ordinator. It was suggested that a defibrillator should also be installed at the top of the village, near the park/school/church. It would need a power supply, although it is possible to buy solar-powered ones now. Exact location, costings and planning permission to be researched.
15. War Memorial cleaning
Douglas Swan and Sons of Kirkcudbright have supplied a quote of £1500 for the specialist cleaning of the granite memorial and bronze plaques with CWGC approved materials and methods and including the erection of scaffolding. Agreed – MH to confirm with company.
16. Any Other Competent Business.
– Gents’ toilet light in Hall intermittent. MH noted fault.
– Electricity supply interruption on 4th March for the replacement of transformer at bottom of the village.
Meeting closed at 8.50pm
Next meeting 16th March 2026