Work kicks off on new village GP surgery

DEMOLITION has begun on Glenluce’s ageing GP surgery as work gets underway on a new purpose-built medical centre for the village.

The project, led by the Old Luce Development Trust, aims to secure the future of the village’s healthcare services after concerns grew about the condition of the existing building.

Work on site has now started with the new facility expected to be completed by May 2027.

Chair of the Old Luce Development Trust, Mike Lane, said the project represented a powerful example of communities working together to resolve challenges.

He added: “This project shows what communities can achieve when they come together to address local issues. The existing building had deteriorated over time and was no longer suitable for the needs of a vibrant and very well-regarded local GP practice. Rather than accept the risk to local healthcare provision, the community stepped forward to help secure its future.”

The existing surgery was originally an extension to a doctor’s residence, and is believed to have been one of the last GP practices in Scotland still operating from a converted home.

While it had served the community well for many years, the building was no longer suitable for the varied demands of 21st-century medicine, including modern clinical requirements, accessibility needs, and the operational pressures faced by contemporary medical practices.

Mr Lane said: “The start of work on the new surgery is a hugely important milestone for Glenluce and the wider parish. Securing the future of local healthcare has been a priority for many years, so it is incredibly encouraging to see the project now moving forward on site.

“The local GP practice has been extremely supportive throughout the development of the project. Their input has helped ensure that the new building will be truly fit for purpose — a modern surgery designed around the practical needs of patients and staff.”