Striking sandstone welcome to Standard Close

Dumfries High Street’s rich newspaper history is being highlighted with a striking new entrance to what will be a busy close.

A sandstone sign has been placed at the entrance to Standard Close, which runs between WH Smith and 135-139 High Street.

And it is attracting admiring glances from those passing by.

The sign has been created by Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust's Stone Carving Project as part of a special commission by Midsteeple Quarter - and the team have done a marvellous job.

The close is currently closed to allow for the transformation of the old Baker’s Oven site, which was recently renamed as The Standard, in honour of its place as the former home of the Dumfries & Galloway Standard newspaper.

The name was announced as a temporary piece of public artwork - Welcome Hame - was opened in front of the building. Read more about that here.

Once the work to create new homes, enterprise and community spaces there is complete this summer, people will be able to enjoy other visual nods to the site’s past - with printers’ lettering featuring in the brickwork of the new building.

It is one of the latest signs of progress from the construction site as its multi-million pound transformation by Midsteeple Quarter Community Benefit Society nears its final phases.

Discussions are now taking place with groups interested in using the enterprise and community spaces when they become available. Anyone who would like to find out more about the opportunities can email info@midsteeplequarter.org.

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Welcome Hame: Celebrating community in Dumfries High Street