A Glenkens initiative set up to tackle social isolation has had to change tack over the Covid-19 shutdown.
New Galloway based Connecting in Communities had more than 20 classes meeting regularly at the Catstrand.
Hundreds of people from across the Glenkens - mostly aged over 50 - got together to socialise and enjoy activities including fitness, tai chi, yoga, photography and writing.
Glenkens Men’s Shed also comes under the Connecting in Communities umbrella and had been meeting thrice weekly.
Now, the ban on social gatherings is crippling efforts to bring people together.
But already a new plan is being drawn up to ensure some activities continue online.
Co-ordinator Chris Jowsey said: “We had hoped to get the yoga instructor Amy Fowler to come in and live stream her classes from the venue.
“But you can’t come out of your house if it’s non-essential.
“So now we are seeing if Amy can do it from her own home.
“If it all works and we can get enough people to tune in we could also do other classes such as tai chi and exercise to music.
“There are quite a few classes we should be able to facilitate online.”
Mr Jowsey, who is currently self-isolating in The Smiddy at Balmaclellan, urged everyone to take care.
He said: “Connecting in Communities is thinking about all our people and we are working very hard to try and keep them in contact digitally.
“Stay home, stay safe and look after each other.”
Connecting in Communities is the community development and engagement service of Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT).
The initiative is a supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.
