Public asked to name revamped town centre building

Work is expected to be completed this summer on the prominent town centre building

The public is being asked to name a prominent town centre building in Dumfries after a multi-million pound makeover.

The Midsteeple Quarter project at the old Baker's Oven on the High Street is due to be completed this summer.

Voting has now opened online to chose a name between The Standard, The Rise and Gaitherin' Place.

It runs until 31 January with people also able to nominate a name of their own choice.

The community-led Midsteeple Quarter scheme is aimed at breathing new life into the town centre and is being watched across Scotland to see if it could be repeated elsewhere.

Work began on the building in 2022

It has seen a number of vacant properties bought up in order to be redeveloped.

The old Baker's Oven is currently being converted into flats and enterprise spaces.

The three shortlisted names each aim to reflect different aspects of the building.

They are:

• The Standard - due to its history as former home to the local newspaper

• The Rise - because of its previous role as a bakery

• Gaitherin' Place - aimed at reflecting the sense of community

The new name will be announced at a celebration event at the site on 22 February.

Kathryn Hill, Midsteeple Quarter's community engagement activator, said: "There's a real buzz - and hope - surrounding what we're going to achieve by creating these new homes and enterprise spaces.

"The people of Dumfries own this site through our community benefit society and their ambition is clear.

"This should be the beginning of a bright new era for our town centre, while celebrating our proud past."