Generous Dalbeattie business helps playgroup with move to new home

A generous Dalbeattie business has stepped in to help the town’s playgroup move to their new home.

Jas P Wilson has donated the final £4,500 needed to allow the Copeland Street premises previously occupied by Birchvale Nursery to be upgraded to Care Inspectorate standards.

And that means the work should hopefully be complete by the time the summer holidays are over.

Dalbeattie Playgroup management committee member, Michelle McRobert, said: “We are delighted.

“We have been trying for the last six months to raise the £10,000 to carry out the work. We had a meeting with them and they agreed to provide the rest.

“They have been absolutely super.

“We have signed a lease for five years and we’re hoping to open after the holidays.”

The playgroup is now into its last few months in the annex at the old primary school.

Work that needs to be carried out before they can move includes new windows, gates, flooring and a garden.

Jas P Wilson’s generosity has also been recognised at Holyrood, where South Scotland MSP Emma Harper has raised a motion.

She said: “Dalbeattie Playgroup is a charity-run child day care provider and carries out fantastic work with young people, from play activities to educational excursions, and I understand that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the group has been making use of the outdoors for outdoor education.

“I have raised a motion to parliament to recognise the generosity of Jas P Wilson in donating to the playgroup and I thank the company for their kindness in helping to find the group’s new premises, which will allow space for more young people to access the service. I wish the group well for the future.”