The much-loved Annan Harbour Festival returns on Saturday 19 September, from 10am to 4pm, with a special Pirates and Mermaids theme.
Come along to Annan Harbour for a fun family day of music and live performances, local stalls, food and refreshments, ice cream, crafts and activities for all ages. Fancy dress is encouraged, so dig out your best pirate or mermaid outfit and join us for some fun.
This year’s Festival is held in memory of our friend Captain Roy Kerr, captain of the tall ship La Malouine and one of Dumfries and Galloway’s much-loved characters. La Malouine was always a favourite at many local festivals and a much-loved part of the Annan Harbour Festival too, with Roy welcoming ‘pirates’ of all ages on board.
The Pirates and Mermaids Costume Parade will take place from 1pm, with prizes for the best-dressed pirates and mermaids. This year sees the introduction of the Captain Roy Prize for Best Dressed Pirate, in memory of Roy Kerr. The competition will be judged by his daughter, Pam Halliday. There will also be prizes for the best-dressed mermaids.
The winning design from the Pirate Flag Competition will be displayed at the Festival, with the winner announced during the afternoon. There will be plenty to keep children and families busy throughout the day, including:
Kids pizza-making workshops with Minaudough’s Neapolitan Pizzas from 10am to 11.30am. Booking is essential
Small wooden pirate boat making from 11am to 3pm. Drop-in, no booking required.
T-shirt painting with the Bereginya Group from 12pm to 4pm. Drop-in, no booking required.
Fun activities from Cubby Construction – Sea-Struction Crafts, Construction Bingo, Treasure Dig Site.
Pirate ship decorating and face painting throughout the day.
Enjoy live music and performances throughout the day, with Lewis Shaw as MC, including Piper Callum Watson, Burgh Ukulele, The Solway SheGulls, Catherine Jardine and Cairn Chorus.
There will also be plenty to explore around the harbour, with local crafters, makers, producers and community organisations, as well as food, refreshments and ice cream.
A COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
Held each September at the historic Annan Harbour, the Festival brings together local people, visitors, community groups, businesses, makers and organisations for a day of entertainment, creativity and family fun. This year’s Festival is generously supported by Cubby Construction, the main contractor delivering the £15.65 million Annan Harbour regeneration project.
We are grateful to Cubby Construction and all of our partners, volunteers, performers, stallholders and supporters for helping make the Festival possible.
Saturday 19 September 2026
10am-4pm
Annan Harbour, Port Street
Free entry
Come dressed as a pirate or mermaid, bring your family and friends, and enjoy a day at Annan Harbour.
Annan Harbour Action Group (AHAG) are seeking an Education & Community Engagement Officer and a Youth Activities & Events Coordinator. Both jobs are full-time with an immediate start.
The role of the Education and Community Engagement Officer will be to deliver environmental and heritage-led programmes, support the development of autonomous volunteer and interest groups, and strengthen AHAG’s capacity to engage local people in long-term, inclusive, and meaningful ways, with a particular focus on young people.
The Youth Activities and Events Coordinator will be required to build on the existing events and activities programme and create new strands that will attract, stimulate and fulfil the young people of Annan, supporting their positive development. Helping them reach their potential by confidence building in an inclusive environment where the young people are heard and feel valued.
Summary Information for Education & Community Engagement Officer (E&CEO)
Hours: Full Time 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £29,600 per annum
Start Date: Immediately
Reporting to: Designated Line Manager and AHAG Trustees
The Education and Community Engagement Officer (E&CEO) is a key delivery post within AHAG’s wider strategy to embed community participation, environmental action, and heritage-led regeneration at the heart of its regeneration work. The post is funded through to March 31st, 2027, by the Coastal Benefit Fund and the Holywood Trust. The role will build local capacity, strengthen place-based learning and nurture a sustainable programme of activity that reflects the unique natural and cultural heritage of Annan Harbour.
Summary Information for Youth Activities & Events Coordinator (YA&EC)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Full Time
Salary: Living Wage, plus, dependant on experience
Start Date: Immediately
Reporting to: A designated line manager and the AHAG Board
The Youth Activities and Events Coordinator (YA&EC) is a new post within AHAG’s wider strategy to ensure that young people are at the heart of all our delivery programmes. The post is funded through to March 31st, 2027, by the Holywood Trust, sponsorship and AHAG balances. The role is designed to engage with young people and allow them to design a range of activities and events that can be expanded into the programmes that will be delivered when our new facilities at Annan Harbour open in 2028.
A groundbreaking ceremony has taken place to mark the official start of work on the £15.65 million Annan Harbour Regeneration Project.
The event brought together project partners, funders, councillors and trustees to celebrate a major milestone for one of the region’s most significant community-led regeneration projects.
Led by Annan Harbour Action Group, the project will transform the historic harbour area into a vibrant destination for local people and visitors. It will create a heritage visitor centre, community hub, café, water sports lagoon and improved public spaces, while bringing the former Collett’s Building and the Minister’s Merse back into productive use.
The project is expected to generate more than £27 million in economic and social benefits by boosting tourism, increasing visitor spending, creating jobs and skills opportunities and supporting the long-term regeneration of Annan. It will also provide five new full-time equivalent jobs, support three existing posts, create 10 training places each year and bring 1.4 hectares of vacant and derelict land back into use.
Works include a new footbridge to improve active travel links, environmental improvements to the Minister’s Merse, biodiversity enhancements and the creation of a leisure lagoon that will provide new opportunities for recreation and water-based activities.
The ceremony on Wednesday featured the symbolic re-dressing of a 250-year-old block of Corsehill sandstone by Deputy Lieutenant for Dumfriesshire Kate Thomson, replacing a perished stone in the historic harbour warehouse. Stone from the building is being reclaimed wherever possible to preserve its character and heritage while supporting the project’s sustainability ambitions.
Mike Rodger, Chairman of Annan Harbour Action Group, said:
“After years of decline and neglect, the dreams and vision of a small, determined group of people are now being realised. This small charity has demonstrated what can be achieved through dogged determination and when that effort is married to the support of enlightened funders, there is no limit to what can be accomplished. Today is proof of that. Annan is a superb town and its residents deserve this. Very soon, Annan Harbour will be revitalised and the Solway coast will have an exciting new destination for everyone to enjoy.”
Tom Morton of Arc Architects said:
“Many of Scotland’s towns face multiple challenges of economic and environmental decline. Annan is showing how with effective empowerment, those processes can be reversed and better futures can be delivered- thriving futures with derelict buildings restored, new jobs and skills for local people, nature restoration and climate resilience, opportunities for culture and enterprise. It’s the challenge of our times, being met here at Annan Harbour.”
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“The Annan Harbour Regeneration Project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a strong community vision is backed by partnership working and targeted investment. Thanks to the dedication of Annan Harbour Action Group, this important site is being transformed into a place that celebrates Annan’s culture and natural heritage while creating new opportunities for local people and visitors.
“This project will support jobs, skills development, recreation, learning and wellbeing, while helping to attract further regeneration and investment to Annan and the wider region. Dumfries & Galloway Council is proud to support this milestone and we look forward to seeing the harbour take shape over the next two years.”
Jenny Gilruth MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, said:
“I recognise that reaching this point has been the result of much hard work by the Annan Harbour Action Group and all the partners involved.
“The ceremony is a much-deserved moment to take the time to reflect on the journey so far and on the history of the harbour as its new future starts to take shape with the beginning of the construction works.”
Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said:
“This is one of the most significant days for Annan Harbour and its thousand-year history.
“While the harbour has faced considerable challenges in recent years, the ambitious vision being driven forward by the Annan Harbour Action Group deserves praise and support.
“These regeneration plans will breathe new life into the area, creating a vibrant destination that benefits local people, attracts visitors and strengthens the town’s future.
“Empowering communities to be ambitious, enterprising and sustainable is at the heart of what we do at South of Scotland Enterprise. Working alongside local and national partners, we are proud to support this investment, helping to transform Annan Harbour into a thriving asset for the town, the region and future generations.”
The £15.65 million project has been made possible through funding of £11.82 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, £1.34 million from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, £622,000 from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme, £416,000 from Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Community Led Economic Regeneration Framework, and £1.45 million from South of Scotland Enterprise.
Initial construction activity will include work to create the new leisure lagoon and bridge access to the Minister’s Merse. The area will be rewilded with native species and will feature viewing platforms and a bird hide, allowing visitors to experience parts of the river that have been inaccessible for more than 60 years.
Help shape the future of Annan Harbour as Annan Harbour Action Group (AHAG) enters an exciting new chapter.
Following years of planning, community engagement and partnership building, we have begun the multi-million-pound construction phase of our ambitious Regenerating Annan Harbour project. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a historic harbour into a vibrant, sustainable community destination. We are now seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Strategic Business Development Manager to help shape what comes next.
SALARY: circa £40,000
LOCATION: Annan, Dumfries & Galloway
HOURS: 35 hours per week
CONTRACT: Full-time, fixed term (3 years funded initially)
CLOSING DATE: Monday 22 June 2026, 9:00am
Working closely with our Chair, Trustees and partners, you will help create the activities, partnerships and income streams that will underpin the long-term future of Annan Harbour and support the facilities planned for completion in 2028. This is a rare opportunity to build something lasting – creating economic, social and community impact for Annan and the wider region.
THE ROLE
You will lead the development of new opportunities that strengthen our sustainability and future growth by:
Identifying and developing new income-generating opportunities
Building relationships with partners across community, public and private sectors
Managing and coordinating projects from concept through to delivery
Supporting commercial thinking and innovation across the organisation
Working with Trustees and stakeholders to help deliver AHAG’s long-term vision
Supporting the development of a sustainable operating model for the future harbour facilities
Raising the profile and visibility of AHAG and its work
ABOUT YOU
We are looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery. You might currently work in:
business development
community regeneration
partnerships
economic development
social enterprise
heritage or visitor development
income generation or fundraising
YOU WILL IDEALLY BRING:
A successful track record in developing projects, partnerships or income streams
Strong relationship-building and networking skills
Experience managing projects and delivering outcomes
Commercial awareness combined with community values
The ability to move comfortably between strategy and hands-on delivery
Excellent communication and influencing skills
Most importantly, you will share our belief that community-led regeneration can create lasting positive change.
WHY JOIN US?
This is an opportunity to play a central role in one of South Scotland’s most exciting community regeneration projects and help shape a legacy for future generations.
Contact details of two people able to provide references
Include the title of the job and your surname in the email subject title.
The deadline for applications is 9.00 am on Monday 22nd June. Interviews are expected to take place in person in Annan during the week beginning Monday 29th June.
For an informal conversation about the role, contact Alan Thomson, AHR Project Consultant ahagharbourofficer@gmail.com
If you require information in an alternative format or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments for the application or interview process, please contact us at the email address above.
BUILDING BEGINS: ANNAN HARBOUR REGENERATION REACHES LANDMARK MOMENT AS LOCAL CONTRACTOR APPOINTED
Annan Harbour Action Group confirms Cubby Construction Ltd as main contractor, with works set to begin in April 2026 Annan, Dumfries & Galloway
Annan Harbour Action Group (AHAG) is proud to announce the appointment of Cubby Construction Ltd as the main contractor for the long-awaited regeneration of Annan Harbour, a milestone that marks the start of a transformative new chapter for one of the South of Scotland’s most historic waterfronts, and a proud moment for a project backed by the UK Government Levelling Up Fund.
Following a competitive procurement process, Carlisle-based Cubby Construction, a well-established name in heritage, conservation and civil engineering projects across the North West and Scottish Borders, has been selected to deliver the £15.65 million redevelopment. Mobilisation works are already underway, with Cubby expected to take full possession of the site on 7 April 2026 and the main construction programme running for two years.
The project will breathe new life into Annan’s historic harbour basin and the adjacent Georgian sandstone warehouse, transforming them into a vibrant destination for local people and visitors alike. Facilities will include a visitor centre and café, maritime heritage centre, event space, leisure lagoon, training and retail space, and accessible nature walks along the Ministers’ Merse, a stretch of land reclaimed after more than 30 years of abandonment.
Dipping Pond at Annan HarbourCafe at Annan HarbourBird Hide at Annan Harbour
Mike Rodger, Chairman of Annan Harbour Action Group, said:
“After many years of decline and neglect, the dreams & vision of a few determined people are about to be realised. Designs have been prepared, the public consulted, all options costed and the necessary funding secured. Now, after six years of preparation, contractors have been appointed and contracts signed, and work will begin next week.
I am delighted that the project has been let to a local company Cubby Construction, whose enthusiasm and commitment to the project is reassuring. They will do a great job for the people of Annan.
It would be fair to say that it has been a Herculean task to get us to this point, and we wish to express our thanks to all thosewho have helped us to reach it. Very soon we will see the results: Annan Harbour will have been revitalised and we will have an exciting new destination for people to enjoy.”
Kirk Taylor, Managing Director at Cubby Construction, said:
“Cubby Construction is honoured to be appointed as the main contractor for the regeneration of Annan Harbour. The project represents a significant milestone for the community, and we are proud to play a leading role in delivering it.
We bring considerable experience in delivering key projects that generate significant social and community value and are committed to delivering a sustainable development that respects the historic character of the harbour. Our focus will be on working closely with Annan Harbour Action Group, local stakeholders and the wider community to ensure the works are delivered safely, on time and to the highest quality.”
The project has been made possible through the generous support of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme and Place Based Investment Programme, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the South of Scotland Enterprise.
By its fifth year, the regenerated harbour is expected to attract 11,000 additional visitors to Annan annually and generate an estimated £27 million in socio-economic benefits for the wider area. The project will also create employment, apprenticeship and volunteer opportunities, and the new facilities will host wellness, learning and engagement activities for local residents and attract new visitors to the region.
As work progresses, there will be opportunities for the local community to get hands-on with the project, particularly through planting and landscaping activities on the merse in the later stages of construction.
Tom Morton of Arc Architects said:
“This is the magic point when six years of talking and designing turns into two years of action to transform the amazing historic and natural environment of Annan’s harbour into a thriving part of Annan’s future, bringing life, money, culture and learning back to a very special place. None of it would have been possible without years of hard work by dedicated local people and we look forward to highlighting opportunities for community involvement in the project, including training and employment, as the works progress.”
The regeneration of Annan Harbour has been years in the making, rooted in a community-led vision to reconnect Annan and its surrounding area with its harbour, revive it as an economic driving force, and celebrate its thousand-year history of fishing, trade and shipbuilding.
With the appointment of Cubby Construction, that vision is now firmly becoming a reality.
Join us, at Port Street in Annan, on Saturday 20th September 2025 for our annual Annan Harbour Festival – a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, nature and coastal heritage.
With over 50 stalls, live music, hands-on workshops, children’s activities and the return of the Tall Ship La Malouine (complete with pirates!), this year promises to be our biggest and most exciting festival yet.
Programme of Events
Festival Opens at 10am on Saturday 20th September
Welcome music from The Solway Pipers
Street food, craft stalls, partner exhibits and children’s activities open for the day
