At its meeting on 9 June, the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee considered the annual outturn report, which sets out how investment has been delivered during 2025/26 and highlights progress on key projects supporting communities, the economy and local services.
The report confirms that £74.005 million was invested across the capital programme during 2025/26, representing 93.1% of the total budget. Members noted that this reflects delivery of the largest capital programme the council has undertaken to date, significantly higher than historic levels.
Councillors also agreed to recommend that £9.525 million of funding be carried forward into 2026/27 to allow projects already underway to continue progressing to completion.
Alongside this, members noted a draft improvement plan which will further strengthen how capital projects are planned, managed and delivered in future.
The update highlights progress across a wide range of major projects that are delivering improvements for residents and communities.
At Dumfries High School, the new building has been handed over to the council by the contractor and pupils have now transferred to the facility – marking a key milestone in the delivery of modern education facilities.
Work is also progressing on major regeneration and infrastructure projects, including:
- The Whitesands Flood Protection Scheme, where works have now begun on site, providing long-term protection for Dumfries town centre while enhancing the riverside environment.
- Specimen designs have been produced for a new Kirkcudbright Bridge and outline design work has been carried out on how the new bridge could connect to the local road network. Community Conversations have taken place in Kirkcudbright to let the community see the designs and provide feedback.
- The Annan Harbour regeneration project, where construction works are now underway, helping to support economic growth and tourism.
Further investment is also supporting community and leisure facilities, including the delivery of new indoor tennis facilities at King George V in Dumfries on budget and progress towards new transport hubs, active travel infrastructure and electric vehicle charging across the region.
The report also notes ongoing work to address challenges within some projects, including managing programme delivery, responding to external factors such as supply chain pressures and ensuring the best use of available funding.
In addition, members agreed to accept an additional £100,000 of Scottish Government funding to support the Lockerbie Enterprise and Wellbeing Hub, helping the project move towards completion in 2026/27.
Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Andy Ferguson, said:
“This report highlights the scale of investment being delivered across Dumfries and Galloway and the strong progress being made despite the challenges of such an ambitious programme. These recommendations will support continued delivery and ensure that projects remain on track as we move through the next financial year.
“Importantly, this work is already delivering real benefits for our communities – from improved infrastructure and facilities to supporting jobs, growth and long-term resilience across the region.”
Vice-Chair, Councillor Tony Berretti, added:
“The range of projects underway demonstrates how investment is being used to support both local communities and the wider economy. It is encouraging to see progress across key developments, alongside a clear focus on strengthening how projects are delivered.
“By continuing to invest in our infrastructure and public spaces, we are helping to create opportunities, improve services and support sustainable growth for the future.”
The full report can be viewed at: Agenda for Economy and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday, 9th June, 2026, 10.30 am | Dumfries and Galloway Council