Representing Scotland’s highest village, perched at 1,531 feet above sea level in the beautiful Lowther Hills of Dumfries and Galloway.

With around 150 residents, Wanlockhead is a small but vibrant community surrounded by rugged landscapes and a rich mining heritage. Often referred to as “God’s Treasure House,” our village has a fascinating past rooted in lead and gold mining.

Wanlockhead is home to many unique features, including:

• The Wanlockhead Inn, Scotland’s highest pub, where visitors will find a warm welcome, hearty pub food and a fine selection of ales. The inn is popular with walkers, cyclists and tourists exploring the Lowther Hills and surrounding countryside. It also offers glamping pods, giving visitors the opportunity to stay overnight in Scotland’s highest village and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
• The Museum of Lead Mining, celebrating our lead and gold mining heritage with a visitor centre, tearoom, guided tours and underground mine experience, well worth a visit.
• The Wanlockhead Community Centre, once the village school the Community Centre continues to bring residents together and plays an important role in village life.
• The Wanlockhead Subscription Library, the second-oldest subscription library in the United Kingdom.
• Wanlockhead Beam Engine, one of the oldest water-powered beam engines in the world still sitting on its original site. The engine is an important part of Scotland’s industrial heritage and remains a popular visitor attraction.
• A community defibrillator – located at the Museum of Lead Mining.
• Holiday accommodation available throughout the village.
• Nearby leisure facilities including the Lowther Leisure Pool.
• Access to the stunning landscapes of the Lowther Hills, which offer excellent opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife watching and enjoying dark skies.

Community councils are the most local level of elected representation in Scotland, giving communities a voice in decisions that affect everyday life. Our council is made up of residents aged 16 and over who represent the views and interests of the people of Wanlockhead. By law, community councils are consulted on matters such as planning and licensing applications, helping to ensure that the community’s voice is heard when important decisions are made.

Beyond this formal role, the Community Council works to support the wellbeing of the village. We bring people together, encourage local initiatives and support projects and activities that strengthen community life. Community councillors volunteer their time to attend meetings, engage with residents and community groups, and represent the village’s interests to public bodies and organisations.

Members are also involved in distributing local wind farm community benefit funds, applying for grants and funding opportunities, and developing and managing projects that bring practical benefits to the community. There is also an increasing role in community resilience, which includes working with local partners, preparing for potential emergencies and helping ensure the village is ready to respond to challenges.

Wanlockhead Community Council aims to represent everyone in the community fairly and without prejudice. We are non-party political and welcome the involvement of people from all backgrounds who want to contribute to village life.

At its heart, the Community Council is about local people working together. Everyone can help ensure Wanlockhead remains a vibrant and supportive place to live.

How to Get Involved
Wanlockhead Community Council welcomes the ideas and involvement of residents. You can get involved by:
• Contacting our secretary: secretary.wanlockhead.cc@gmail.com
• Attending Community Council meetings
• Supporting local projects and events
• Standing for election as a Community Councillor