The report, by consultants Studio Arc and Rob Robinson Heritage Consulting, is in its final draft and has been widely consulted upon among the local community.
And members of Annan the History Town group say it has been well received, particularly the main ideas for developing the Everholm and Motte and Bailey to attract more visitors; recognising the potential of The Bruce and Gracie’s Banking; and bringing Annan Museum up to modern standards.
Meanwhile, a suggestion about establishing an iconic centrepiece for the town has taken a new twist, with thoughts turning to creating some public art from the steel remains of the washed away bridges, reflecting the themes of loss and sacrifice as well as hope and commemoration.
Of the blueprint, group chairman Richard Brodie said: “It sets out a really exciting plan to transform the town to attract visitors to Annan. There are many good ideas to pick out: a significant investment in Bruce’s Motte and Bailey, the Everholm and Riverside Walk, the Gracie’s Banking site in the centre of town, interpretation trails and the development of an Annan App will produce a quick payback in the creation of local jobs and visitor spend in the High Street.
“We have consulted widely, emailed over 100 businesses and representatives of over 30 local organisations and we have received positive feedback.
“In addition to this wide engagement, he group has also conducted a survey of 70 local individuals on the High Street and received over 80 per cent support for the central recommendations of the feasibility study.”
Explaining the next steps, Mr Brodie added: “Now that our community group has a funding plan, we can start to go forward to put Annan on the map.
“We are going to start immediately with applications and start talking to funders and getting support from the people and businesses affected and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
“Firstly, we are going to concentrate on things that deliver in two to three years like landscaping, interpretation boards. Other things will take a bit of time to develop but we are hoping to have some things initially which will make an impact.”
He revealed he is most excited about the development of the historic Motte and Bailey site, adding: “I am also inspired with the idea of telling the story of WWI and how the pubs in Annan were taken over and a huge leisure complex was built at Gracie’s Banking.”
Above: history town members, left to right: John Thomson, Peter Russell, Richard Brodie, Val Russell and Graeme MacGregor with the report
