Castle Douglas Development Forum

Set up in 2012 the Castle Douglas Development Forum works to make Castle Douglas and nearby villages a better place to live, work, and visit. They help to bring people together and reduce isolation, they support those struggling with food or money, and attract visitors to help local businesses. They also work on long-term plans for community spaces and the environment.

Anyone living in the area is considered a member, and locals can join the board that runs it.

The Forum runs lots of community projects, for example:

The Town Shop – a charity shop that raises money for local groups.
Stepping Stones Food Larder – helps people with food support.
Heart of Galloway Visitor Centre – promotes tourism and local products.
Men’s Shed – a workshop and social space for men.
Farmers’/Producers’ Market – monthly local food market.
Community Garden & Eco projects – encouraging sustainability.
Events – like Castle Douglas Civic Week and other town activities.
Castle Douglas Journal – a local magazine.

Current big projects include:

The Crannog Project – turning the old outdoor centre at Lochside Park into a community hub focused on the environment and sustainability.
Inclusive Play Park – creating a play park that children of all abilities can use.
Securing funding – they recently won government money (around £120k over 3 years) to keep projects running.

👉 In short: CDDF is a local charity that keeps Castle Douglas lively, caring, and forward-looking by running shops, food support, events, markets, and projects like a play park and community hub.