Nominee summary
DGWGO (Dumfries and Galloway What’s Going On) is a community-driven online platform dedicated to sharing positive news, local events, business updates and community achievements across Dumfries and Galloway. Through its website and active social media presence, DGWGO connects residents, supports local charities, promotes small businesses and highlights inspiring stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. Founded in 2011 as a Facebook page which now has a following of over 169,000 to promote the region in a positive way, DGWGO quickly grew a large following. It has since expanded to multiple websites and social media platforms, becoming a trusted hub of uplifting local news that helps communities feel connected and proud of where they live.
Why do you think nominee should win this award?
DGWGO truly embodies everything the Good News Award represents. At a time when headlines can often focus on negativity, DGWGO consistently shines a light on the positive stories emerging from across Dumfries and Galloway. From celebrating local achievements and fundraising milestones to promoting community events and independent businesses, the platform plays a vital role in showcasing the very best of the region.
DGWGO began in 2011 when founder Robin Baird created a Facebook page because there was no platform dedicated to promoting positive news and events across the region. The page quickly gained a strong following, demonstrating how much local people valued a place where community achievements and uplifting stories could be shared. As the audience grew, DGWGO expanded to include additional social media platforms such as Twitter and YouTube.
Around eighteen months after launching, the idea of creating a dedicated website emerged. This was when Derek joined the project, bringing a strong background in technology and marketing.
Remarkably, the entire operation is run by just two people. Robin continues to run his 520-acre family farm single-handedly while managing DGWGO in every spare moment available. Together, Robin and Derek operate the website along with all the platform’s social media channels, without any additional staff.
What makes DGWGO truly special is its genuine commitment to the community. It does not simply report news; it actively champions local people, charities, organisations and businesses. Fundraising campaigns gain visibility, community groups receive recognition, and small businesses benefit from valuable promotion and engagement.
In a large rural region where communities can feel geographically spread out, DGWGO provides a vital communication bridge. By sharing timely updates, inspiring stories and local achievements, it strengthens community pride and reminds residents of the positive things happening around them every day.
For its dedication, impact and the remarkable effort behind it, DGWGO is a truly deserving recipient of the Good News Award.
Some recent stories DGWGO has run include:
Highlighting a habitat restoration project restoring reedbed habitats in Carlaverock National Nature Reserve: https://www.dgwgo.com/rural-farming-news/dumfries-and-galloway-reedbed-reboot-leads-to-rare-raptor-return/
Cammy from the Sheep Game YouTube channel wining an award: https://www.dgwgo.com/rural-farming-news/sheep-game-youtuber-recognised-with-nfu-scotland-ambassador-award/
Highlighting a documentary about a local dairy enterprise: https://www.dgwgo.com/rural-farming-news/award-winning-local-documentary-screens-in-dg-ahead-of-usa-premiere/