Meet The Team - Dumfries Town Board Dumfries Town Board

Kenny Bowie

Interim Chairman

I have recently retired from my position as District General Manager with SP Energy Networks since 2022 having held a number of managerial positions spanning 40 years. I am the President of Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce, Chair of D&G Young Enterprise and Board Members of DPAG and Cash for Kids Charites. I have lived in Dumfries for over 35 years and am passionate about having the best future possible for our Town. Having been part of community engagement for Dumfries Town Board and Dynamically Different Dumfries (DPAG) I believe I have the skills and experience to effect the change required for a better Dumfries.

Tom Mcaughtrie

Vice Chairman

I was a councillor for 33 years. During that time helped many people with their problems. In addition , helped to make councilors more accountable by having the voting system changed from show of hands to roll call and this meant the public could now see in the minutes which way councillors had voted on an issue. I also came up with the financial package to secure the building of the Icebowl. This was a combination of a one off capital covenanting scheme and investment by council pension fund. This was innovative and copied by other councils.

John Caskie MBE

Guid Nychburris

Retired Head Chef at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary with over 30 years’ service in the NHS. Currently chairman of The Guid Nychburris Festival Association, and Locharbriggs Community Centre Association. Born and raised in Dumfries, John is a proud Doonhamer and is passionate about the town of Dumfries, that he’s honoured to call home.

Anne Marie Coulter MBE

Summerhill Community Centre

I am extremely enthusiastic and passionate about people developing their communities. I strongly believe in partnership working and community empowerment; the need for creating new opportunities for all ages and innovative projects that bring people together; improve our region and enhance quality of life; personal development for all, regardless of circumstances. Awarded the MBE in the Kings New Years Honours List 2024 for Services to the Community of Dumfries and an Action Plan that is ‘by the Community FOR the Community’

William Currie

DG College

My name is Billy Currie, I am the Director of Estates and Sustainability at Dumfries and Galloway College. I have been at the College since May 2016 have worked in a range of maintenance related roles locally and nationally since leaving school. Dumfries born and bred, and with a young family, I have a real desire to see Dumfries flourish and grow to be a place that will provide an attraction for current and future generations. My work at the College will help the Board gain an insight into what our students, and staff, would like to see in their town centre. Given the wide demographic covered at the College, this would provide a great insight and help the Board make informed decisions.

John Dowson

Individual

I am now retired but stay active in the community as a community councillor and member of the town board. My particular expertise is in housing development. I was the founder member of Loreburn Housing Association which has built many flats in our town centre, and I am one of the founder members of the Midsteeple Quarter Project which has just completed a £7 million development in our High Street.

Craig Geddes

Business Owner

Being born and brought up in Dumfries I'm a huge advocate for 'Dumfries of old', so being a member of the board to me is an opportunity to make changes. I'm a businessman in the town with a family. I enjoy camping, walking and being outdoors whenever I get the chance and I genuinely want the best for our dear town because what we have is breathtaking when you're in the right places in Dumfries and Galloway. I'm a believer in 'if it's not broke, don't fix it' and would love to see the town we used to have making an appearance once again.

Isabelle Johnstone

Town Board Secretariat

I left Dumfries at 17 to join the Armed Forces, where I served six years in His Majesty's Royal Navy before leaving in 2024 and transitioning into my current role as Secretary for the Town Board. In this position, I am dedicated to revitalising both the daytime and night time environments in Dumfries, aiming to create spaces that appeal to both young and elderly residents. My and our vision is to foster a sense of pride in the community, encouraging people to enjoy the high streets and embrace Dumfries as a place they are proud to call home.

Joanne Johnstone

Programme Manager

With a strong background in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, I am proud to support the regeneration and development of Dumfries as Programme Manager for the Dumfries Town Board. My career spans both public and private sectors—including roles in hospitality, business management, and public health with local authorities and NHS Scotland—bringing a well-rounded perspective to community-focused initiatives. In this role, I coordinate and oversee the delivery of town centre improvement programmes, working closely with partners, businesses, and community groups to ensure projects are strategic, inclusive, and impactful. I manage budgets, reporting, and governance processes while maintaining a clear focus on transparency, innovation, and long-term benefit for Dumfries. Highly organised and detail orientated, I am committed to making a positive impact at a local level. I bring excellent communication skills, a collaborative approach, and a strong ability to coordinate across teams and partners. My focus is on supporting sustainable development, driving economic growth, and ensuring meaningful community engagement throughout all project stages.

Rachael Milligan

Covetrus

As a Dumfries local with strong ties to the community and extensive professional experience, I’m well placed to support the success of upcoming projects in our town. I bring a valuable network within the business community, a collaborative approach across sectors, and a commitment to aligning project goals with local needs. Passionate about listening to diverse voices, I aim to help deliver a project that reflects our shared aspirations and builds a brighter future for Dumfries.”

John Strange

Solway Sharks

I'm a 46 year old business entrepreneur from Glasgow. I have started investing in property and found a passion for helping people when he took on a building insurance claims management company Aspray Glasgow West. A company that helps home owners navigate their way through making a buildings insurance claim. So why Dumfries I hear you say? In 2023 I was part of a consortium who acquired the Solway Sharks ice hockey club. In the past 18 months John has immersed himself in the local community and has been accepted widely as an honorary doonhamer. In May 2024 I have assumed full control of all Solway Sharks shares and now has full control of the club. Under the stewardship the club has continued to grow more than doubling attendances. I'm excited to take on the challenge that lies ahead and do for the Dumfries Town Board what he does best. Help People.

John Cooper

Local MP

After over 30 years as a journalist on local and national newspapers, I became a Special Advisor at the Scotland Office with Sir Alister Jack. There I navigated the complex world of Government to deliver genuine results for communities right across Scotland. Now, honoured to represent Dumfries & Galloway as your MP, I want to help deliver positive change for South-West Scotland

Maureen Johnstone

Councillor of Lochar Ward

I served as the Provost of Dumfries stepping down this year. in this role I represented the town at the heart of the Dumfries and Galloway region. As Provost, I play a pivotal role in promoting Dumfries, fostering civic pride, and supporting community engagement and development across the local area. My leadership is integral to various community initiatives and events, reflecting her commitment to enhancing the well-being of residents and local businesses. I'm the Chair of the Nithsdale Area Committee, a leadership role where he advocates for local priorities within the Nithsdale region. The Nithsdale Committee oversees a broad range of services, from infrastructure to community support, ensuring that the needs of residents are addressed in a way that is both effective and sustainable. Through this position I work closely with local councils, community groups, and other stakeholders to drive forward improvements and maintain a strong, vibrant community. With a strong commitment to the betterment of Dumfries and Galloway, I'm dedicated to fostering collaboration, addressing local challenges, and creating opportunities for growth and well-being in the region.

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