Carsphairn folk “fae aa the airts” gathered on Sunday to celebrate the purchase of a woodland by the local community.
The 49-hectare acquisition at Muirdrochwood took five years – but benefits are likely to flow much more quickly.
And after a simple ceremony all those present walked through their new forest beside the scenic Water of Ken.
Carsphairn Community Woodland Ltd’s (CCWL) youngest member Courtney Duncan unveiled the sign welcoming people to the woodland.
The go-ahead group hopes the land purchase will help reverse years of social and economic decline in the remote parish.
CCWL chairman David McMillan said: “There was a good turnout of folk and a lot of supporters turned up from further afield.
“Folk were coming and going all day.
“The weather was quite reasonable – we had a brief shower but that was all.”
CCWL directors attended to answer any questions – and enjoy the occasion themselves.
Mr McMillan said: “After the unveiling we had a general chat about the history of where we started and where we arrived at five years later.
“There was the chance of refreshments and something to eat in the temporary shelter we’d put up in the morning.
“The folk then went for a general walk round the main area of woodland, particularly the area next to the river and loch.”
CCWL have become proud owners of four commercial forest blocks – and work now begins on key objectives outlined in its business plan.
Those include job creation, improving the amenity and environmental value of the land and developing a sustainable income stream.
Among the projects in the pipeline are timber extraction, restocking with more native broadleaves, improving species diversity and a woodfuel business.
Also planned is the creation of visitor amenities, a car park, paths and toilets along, community volunteering opportunities and a forest and rural skills training hub.
Mr McMillan added: “They were all impressed with what they saw. The woodland is a wee hidden gem,”
Funding for the £280,000 site acquisition came from the Scottish Land Fund and Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd.
Galloway Glens also put in £4,885 towards visitor amenities.
