Dalbeattie Community Initiative, which is the lead in the former Dalbeattie Primary School regeneration project (Rocks and Wheels), was formed in September 1997 in response to a number of local business closures and the subsequent negative impact on the local economy and the community. The Initiative’s aims and objectives remain the same: “To act as a catalyst within the community, to respond to local needs and effectively reflect local priorities in order to promote and encourage the economic, social and physical growth of Dalbeattie and the surrounding district”.
In addition to the “Rocks and Wheels” project the Initiative also runs the following community projects:
- Community Admin Services
- Preloved Charity Shop
- Visitor Information Point
- Preloved Awards
- Walking Festival
- Hardrock Challenge
- What's On Guide
- Community Screens Project with Dalbeattie High School
- Kippford Pontoon and Slipway
- Musical Minds
- Solway Forest and Red Squirrel Network
- Community Outdoor space maintenance
- Christmas Lights
- Outdoor gym in Colliston park
- Community Ebikes
- Dalbeattie Matters Website & facebook
- Foodbank
- Burn Street Box
- Supports JAS P Wilson Pop-up shop management
- Etape Solway
The Initiative has a volunteer management team made up of 7 Directors, a Secretary and Treasurer and employs 6 members of staff:
The CEO, Michelle McRobert, operates from the main office at 71 High Street with the resty of the staff team. Michelle maintains the company's administration, and the development and management of our projects and services. In doing so, she collaborates closely with DCI Directors, staff and volunteers as they take forward their work.
Project Developer, Maria Rawlings, has been in post since December 2021 and is working specifically on the regeneration project for the old Primary School site based from the office at 71 High Street. Maria is working with the volunteer steering group to develop their community's ideas into a viable business model for the Listed buildings and surrounding 5.3 acres of grounds.
Tom Marshall, the E-bike Co-Ordinator, who with a team of local volunteers organises rides in the area to help build confidence and wellbeing. Aidan Harper started as a volunteer back in 2025 and now works part-time alongside Tom.
Erin Houston, joined the office team as a volunteer back in 2023 to gain office experience and now works part-time since 2024 covering events and supporting administration duties for all of the projects.
Tracie Gorst, the Initiatives Charity Finance Officer joined in 2023 after relocating to the area. Tracie keeps the project coordinators in check with budgets and makes sure invoices and wages are paid on time!
