A consultation is being launched on whether a bid should be made to take the building used as the Wigtown Festival Company HQ into community ownership.
Number 11 North Main Street is the heart of the annual Wigtown Book Festival and the festival company, which runs a year-round programme of events.
The building is currently rented and community ownership would pave the way for it to be renovated and upgraded, providing a new venue for events and activities for local people and visitors.
Anne Barclay, Operational Director of the company, said: “Wigtown Book Festival has had a very significant impact in the community. The company that runs it, and other initiatives, has the potential to bring further social and economic benefits to Wigtown and beyond.
“Community ownership of Number 11 might be a way forward, but we need to know what the people of the town and surrounding area think about the idea before going any further.”
The Festival Committee has commissioned Community Enterprise to undertake an independent and objective feasibility study which will gauge support and allow people to think about the opportunities and any risks.
Further details are available from the Wigtown Festival Company Facebook page.
One of the easiest ways to give your view is through the online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WFC_Community_Survey.
Unfortunately due to the coronavirus, paper copies of the survey are not available but if anyone is unable to complete it online they can call Douglas on 07989 306374 or email [email protected].
If the feasibility study concludes that ownership is beneficial for the community and for Wigtown Festival Company then funding would be sought from the Scottish Land Fund.
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Notes for editors
- Wigtown Festival Company leads on the management and delivery of Wigtown Book Festival, which is the key element in promoting Wigtown’s Book Town brand. It also promotes books and reading at various event and initiatives throughout the year and is currently developing on-line projects in response to covid-19 restrictions. See www.wigtownbookfestival.com/
- Community Enterprise is social enterprise consultancy company and support agency that works across Scotland to support organisations to create resilience and to address local issues in their work. See www.communityenterprise.co.uk
For further information and interview requests contact Matthew Shelley on 07786 704299 or [email protected]
Wigtown Festival Company Ltd, 11 North Main Street, Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland, UK, DG8 9HN © 1999 – 2018. Wigtown Festival Company Ltd is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Scottish Charity No. SCO37984.