New lease of life in store for port

PALNACKIE’S historic port is being brought back to life after the community secured over £40,000 in funding.

Since 2022, community-charity Buittle Quest have been on a mission to preserve the port’s North Shore.

However, over the last decade the villagers have faced many issues, culminating in damaged harbour walls in 2023. Scottish Water then closed the port for essential repairs to the South Shore and the wall containing their sanitation system

Now Buittle Quest has received £40,943 from Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Coastal Benefit Fund, as well as £11,000 from Foundation Scotland to match funds from the Palnackie: People, Place and Port project.

This marks the first positive step in taking forward the community’s wishes. Buittle Quest’s chairperson Angus Campbell said: “Although there is a lot still to be done, we really appreciate that the funders see the value of our port and this award will be a tremendous boost to achieving our aims.”

The first priority is public safety and the North Shore will remain closed temporarily until professionals assess the failing harbour North wall. The funding also covers professionals to cost up the groundworks for a pontoon, will provide development support and cover the expenses of clearing the North Shore.

A heritage project will encourage memories of Palnackie, events will keep the community informed, and beyond this project, able to shape the final stages of fully opening up this beloved Port.

Reg Vereycken from Buittle Parish Community Council added: “The award of this fund is the best news we have received in ages. We can now start seeing a future where our port is a beautiful and welcoming place for all, and that can only boost customer numbers in our local businesses, the village shop, Flounders café and the Glenisle pub.”