Funded by the Scottish Government through its Addressing Depopulation Action Plan and Fund, the research was carried out by the council in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland and community enterprise CoDEL. 

The reports describe the impacts of population change and provide insights into how the region’s population has fallen from around 148,000 to 145,000 in recent years.

Each report focuses on a different theme. 

• The Housing Impacts on Depopulation in Dumfries and Galloway report examines how housing availability, affordability and quality impact local population trends.
• The Communities and Depopulation report explores why people choose to stay in, leave, or move to Dumfries and Galloway – based on on-the-ground research through speaking to a range of local community groups and individuals in the Rhins of Galloway (coastal), Newton Stewart (small town) and Glenkens (rural), ensuring the findings reflect local residents’ own impressions and lived experiences.
• The Best Interventions report reviews actions taken by other areas experiencing rural depopulations across Europe, North America and the rest of the UK, highlighting what has worked and what could be used in Dumfries and Galloway.

Like many rural areas, the region’s population is not only shrinking but also ageing. The proportion of over-55s in Dumfries and Galloway is rising, while the number of children and young adults is falling. 

The research highlights six interdependent factors that influence whether people stay in or leave a community: access to housing, employment, education, transport, health and social connections. 

Communities that have good access to these are more likely to retain and attract residents, whereas gaps in these key factors can contribute to people moving away. 

One clear existing strength for Dumfries and Galloway is its strong community spirit, which helps many residents feel a sense of belonging and attachment to the area, according to the research. 

The region also offers a high quality of life and a clean, safe environment – assets that the council and its partners hope to build on to encourage more families and young people to settle here.

Councillor Stephen Thompson, leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “Tackling rural depopulation is a top priority for us. These studies were commissioned to get a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities in our communities and to recognise the strengths across our region.

“The research findings will support our work with local communities and local and national partners to map out next steps.

“There is no quick fix, but our goal is to work for a positive future for Dumfries and Galloway – one where there are good homes for our existing population as well as those people who choose our region as a place to live, work and raise a family.”

Dr Emilia Pietka-Nykaza of the University West of Scotland is a member of the Scottish Government’s independent Migration and Population Expert Advisory Group and co-authored the Communities and Depopulation report.

She said: “The report identifies a range of assets within the Dumfries and Galloway region, alongside community initiatives that address the challenge of depopulation. It also highlights the pivotal role of social, community and family relationships in shaping decisions to remain in, return to or relocate to the region.

“These relationships, along with natural and community assets, represent important opportunities for targeted and positive action.”

In January 2026, the council also launched its Scottish Government-funded Move to Dumfries and Galloway campaign to encourage remote workers, young families and young professionals to consider making the region their home. 

That campaign – which highlights the region’s quality of life, affordable housing and career connectivity – has a dedicated information page on the council website. 

The new research reports complement this ongoing initiative by providing data and insights to support future action.

The council will now work with national, regional and local partners to review the depopulation research findings and identify next steps. 

A report on the findings and recommendations will be discussed by elected members at Full Council on 26 March 2026.