Meet Your Town Board
Kenny Bowie
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.
Prentice Baines
Individual
As a young person living in Dumfries I am passionate about making a difference. I currently work for Dumfries and Galloway Council in the Waste Service team. Prior to this I have held roles with the Care Regulator ‘The Care Inspectorate’ and worked for a number of years at the Award Winning Moore’s Fish and Chip Shop in Castle Douglas. While working I also studied at University attaining a degree in Business Studies and Economics. I am hoping the monies used can be transformational for Dumfries and really make a difference in bringing people back to the town and surrounding area.
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’
James Findlay
Large Business Owner
My journey to the Town Board started from a very personal place, a strong belief that fairness and accountability should be at the heart of every local decision. After experiencing the challenges of navigating regional contracting firsthand, I became determined to push for better, more transparent outcomes for everyone involved. That experience now shapes the perspective they bring to the board, where they work to ensure every voice is heard and every opportunity is fair. At the core of it all, I am focused on building a future where the town operates with clarity, integrity, and real effectiveness for its community.
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.
Christine Gourlay
Business Owner
I am Christine Gourlay, founder of In Step Dance Studios on Dumfries High Street. A decade in business has afforded me expertise in building a strong community and culture, developing a team, events management, sales, marketing and social media. My other entrepreneurial ventures consist of key note speaking, workshop hosting, success coaching, digital marketing & digital product sales, company collaborations, podcasting, e-commerce, web-design and more. I am passionate about our region and the people of it, and I look forward to further contribution to our area through Dumfries Board.
Isabelle Johnstone
Town Board Secretariat and Shine Co-ordinator
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
Town Board 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.
David Roan
Ashleigh Scotland LTD
I am very passionate about Dumfries and have stayed all my life. I served my time as a joiner with a local Dumfries company. At present I am an Area Director and co-owner with Ashleigh ( Scotland ) Ltd where I have worked for the last 21 years. I find it extremely exciting being given the opportunity to make a positive difference in Dumfries
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 played 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.
Have Your Say
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