Dumfries and Galloway College Heritage Trail • Stop 1
The Beginning: From George Street – The Crichton
Exploring 65 years of education, community and opportunity.
Watch and Listen
Our first waymarker introduces the beginnings of Dumfries and Galloway College.
From early technical and evening classes in Dumfries to the opening of the College’s first home on George Street in 1961, this stop explores where the college began.
Dev Note: Video to left is just an example until ours is ready.
Read the video transcript
Welcome to the Dumfries and Galloway College Heritage Trail.
This project was created as part of the College’s 65th anniversary celebrations.
For more than six decades, Dumfries and Galloway College has played a central role in education, skills development and community life across the region. From its early beginnings delivering evening classes in Dumfries, the institution has grown into a modern regional college supporting thousands of learners each year.
Today, as part of the Crichton Learning Campus, the College sits within a unique community of education, research and culture. This trail tells the story of that journey through the voices and experiences of the people who shaped it.
Did you know?
Dumfries and Galloway College was once known as Dumfries Technical College and first opened its doors in a small building on George Street in 1961.
The early years
The origins of the College lie in the post-war expansion of technical education across Scotland.
During the 1950s, evening classes and vocational courses were delivered across Dumfries to support local employers and growing industries. These early courses laid the foundations for a more structured system of technical education in the region.
Our story formally begins in 1961 at George Street in Dumfries, where Dumfries Technical College first welcomed its students.
(DEV NOTE: This is temporary just to show as an example)
Growing beyond George Street
What began as a small centre for technical training quickly grew as more students sought opportunities to gain new skills and qualifications.
By 1966 it was clear that the College had outgrown its original home. Plans were made for a new campus, and in May 1968 Dumfries Education Committee acquired a 20-acre site on a former airfield at Heathhall.
Built at a cost of £1.2 million, the Heathhall campus was completed in 1973. Officially opened by Princess Alexandra, it represented a major investment in education for the region and allowed the College to expand its workshops, classrooms and student facilities.
(DEV NOTE: This is temporary just to show as an example)
What came next
The College’s journey did not end at Heathhall…
As it continued to grow, new opportunities followed – expanding with a second campus at Stranraer and developing initiatives such as the George Street School of Art, the Newton Stewart Learning Centre, and The Learning Shop.
This period of progress eventually led to a move from Heathhall to a modern campus at the Crichton.
DGC Campus Development Timeline
From the first dedicated teaching base at George Street to modern facilities supporting digital learning, STEM and green skills, Dumfries and Galloway College has continued to grow with the needs of learners and communities across the region.
1961
George Street Technical College Opens
The college established its first dedicated teaching base at George Street in Dumfries.
Early 1970s
Planning for Heathhall Campus
Growing student numbers led to plans for a new purpose-built campus at Heathhall.
1973
Heathhall Campus Officially Opened
Princess Alexandra officially opened the Heathhall campus, providing modern workshops and teaching spaces.
1990
Stranraer Campus Opens
The John Niven Campus opened in Stranraer, expanding access to further education in the west of the region.
1994
George Street School of Art Opens
Creative arts education strengthened through the opening of the School of Art building.
1999
Newton Stewart Learning Centre
A local learning centre opened to improve rural access to further education.
2000
The Learning Shop Opens
A community-based IT learning centre opened in Castle Street, Dumfries.
2008
Crichton Campus Opens
The modern Dumfries campus opened at the Crichton estate, consolidating facilities from older sites.
2015
STEM Facilities Investment
Investment supported science, engineering and technology learning environments.
2020
Digital Learning Infrastructure
Digital learning spaces and technologies were expanded to support flexible, modern study.
2023
Green Skills Facilities
Facilities were adapted to support renewable energy and sustainability-related programmes.
Continue the trail
As you continue to the next marker, discover how Dumfries and Galloway College expanded at Heathhall and strengthened its role in supporting employers, industries and communities across the region.