Who we are
A’ the Airts contributes to the social, economic and cultural well-being of the communities of Upper Nithsdale by actively encouraging participation in a range of arts, crafts and related activities.
We are a Community Arts and Crafts centre nestled in the heart of Upper Nithsdale.
Our fully accessible building is a hub where individuals or groups meet and express their creativity.
Our well regarded Café is situated on the ground floor and caters to all visitors.
We also have a shop, a great place to browse the unique made in house Sanquhar Pattern knitwear and accessories and a superb variety of wares from local crafters.
In addition, we have a number of facilities such as workrooms, a theatre & exhibition gallery, on offer.
History
In 2000 some Sanquhar residents had the vision of turning a run-down building in the High Street into an arts, crafts and cultural centre, to help with the regeneration of the area. Local consultation showed considerable support for the idea.
After a lot of hard work and considerable commitment, funding was acquired to purchase the site and building work commenced, but stalled in 2008 when some anticipated funding was lost. In the meantime, a group called “Friends of A’ the Airts” was set up to organise cultural activities in Upper Nithsdale.
With support from the Big Lottery and the Scottish Government among others, building started again in April 2010, and the centre was finally completed in November 2010. We had a fantastic opening day on 20th November 2010 – with over 500 people through the doors.
An official opening followed on 2nd December, when local solicitor Kenneth McLean unveiled a plaque and thanked our many supporters.
Since then we have had a varied programme of events including music, drama and poetry. The café and the shop are thriving, we are building partnerships with other local and non-local organisations and there is increasing interest in the centre as a base for a wide variety of arts, crafts and cultural activities.
To date, our project has continued to receive support and funding from the Big Lottery Growing Community Assets Fund and Dumfries and Galloway Council, as well as project related funding from the Hugh Fraser Foundation, The Gannochy Trust, Sanquhar Community Council, Propel, The Robertson Trust, the Holywood Trust, Santander and Foundation Scotland.
Aims:
to provide opportunities for people to enjoy arts and crafts and to provide a valued entertainment and learning resource in the area.
to promote the work of artists and craftspeople in Upper Nithsdale, showcase their work and to assist them to develop their economic viability.
to increase community engagement by working with other groups and schools in the area, supporting young people, the elderly and the disadvantaged.
to attract tourists into the area, to work with and benefit all local businesses and help with economic regeneration.
Most of all
we want our community arts centre to be for the community, with events, classes, workshops, performances and exhibitions for people of all ages and from all sections of the community.
We welcome everyone through our doors and also welcome people’s contributions, whether through volunteering or donations or simply telling us what you think and what you would like to see happen.
Yvonne has been Centre Manager at A’ The Airts since July 2017 and has worked in community based education, training and the arts for over 25 years. As an experienced Project Manager who is passionate about people and enhancing the confidence and skills of others, she is dedicated to the Centre’s success and developing opportunities for all involved.
We are super proud of our Centre Manager, Yvonne Barber for making the list of the top 100 Women in Tourism 2022. Top three in Dumfries and Galloway.Everyone who has met Yvonne knows her warmth and welcoming nature. Her work with the Upper Nithsdale Tourism Partnership and her commitment to include local businesses in A’ the Airts events have made Sanquhar the must-see stop for Upper Nithsdale. Working with other third sectors organisations within Dumfries & Galloway she has created community links that move the Centre forward.
Women In Tourism (WIT) was created in June 2015 by a small group of destination leaders who are all passionate about the Scottish tourism industry and recognise both the challenges and opportunities for women within the sector.
Peer-nominated, this years awards received nearly 250 nominations, the highest number in the awards 5-year history. Yvonne is one of only three short listed from Dumfries & Galloway.
Yvonne is in the centre from Tuesday to Saturday. If you have an idea that you wish to discuss with Yvonne please feel free to visit her at the centre, or call her on 01659 50514.
Yvonne Barber
Centre Manager
FAQs
The name of the centre?
The Scottish Poet & Lyricist Robert Burns travelled through Sanquhar many times. He would often spend the night here to break the journey from Ayrshire to Dumfries.
The song “Of A’ The Airts The Wind Can Blaw” was written by Burns
A’ The Airts means ‘from all directions’ which was seen as a fitting name for a centre which lies at a central place in the heart of South West Scotland.
Is the Centre Dog Friendly?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Is the Centre accessible?
A’ The Airts is a fully accessible building. We have a rear access ramp into the venue, a lift running to all floors plus an additional wheelchair lift for a small set of internal stairs.
Our Café is located on the ground floor, with an adjoining terrace and garden. While our terrace is accessible, our garden is the only location which is not.
Community Project of the Year Winner 2022
Community Project of the Year award winner A’ The Airts of Sanquhar; Megan Callaghan, Willie Waugh, Yvonne Barbour, Catreona Archibald, Hayley with Lydsey Featherstone of sponsors Croma Vigilant
PHOTO COURTESY OF DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY LIFE
The Dumfries and Galloway Life Magazine awards were held at Easterbrook Hall on the 11th of November. Local charity A’ the Airts won in the category of Community Project of the year.
There were 330 people in attendance at the event. Local businesses, performers, sportspeople and community groups from a cross Dumfries and Galloway.
Chair Willie Waugh of Upper Nithsdale Arts and Crafts Community Initiative, known as A’ the Airts was in attendance with Board member Elizabeth Griggs and Centre Manager Yvonne Barber. Willie said, we are thrilled for our Centre and for the community of Upper Nithsdale. This is a great achievement and we are grateful to the community for their ongoing support. Thank you to all our staff, volunteers, funders and Board members.
Centre manager Yvonne Barber said, I am so pleased that we won, hopefully it will encourage people to visit this beautiful area. Thank you to everyone who supports us.
Contact us
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