Sanquhar Enterprise Company was formed by a group of people who were concerned about the proposed sale of Sanquhar’s Post Office, the oldest working Post Office in the world.

The Social Enterprise received charitable status in February 2019, as a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation). Since then, the 2022-2026 Sanquhar & District Community Action Plan was launched by Sanquhar Community Council, and a new Development Officer was employed by Sanquhar Enterprise Company.

The Development Officer will work towards a sustainable regeneration of the community of Sanquhar, working on targeted projects, using the latest Community Action Plan as a basis for action.

Sanquhar Enterprise Company Board & Staff

Jim Dempster – Chairman Born in Kirkconnel, then married and moved to Sanquhar 55 years ago. He served as a Special Constable in Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary for 10 years, served as a Retained Firefighter with Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue Service for 20 years, ran a business on Sanquhar High Street for over 30 years, and has been an Elected Member of Dumfries and Galloway Council for 25 years. Currently Chair of the Planning Applications Committee, Vice Chair of Nithsdale Area Committee, Chair of Sanquhar Common Good Sub-Committee, as well as serving on a number of other main service committees within the Council.

Norman Burns – Secretary  A Sanquarian, born and bred in the Royal Burgh Sanquhar. Retired, time served joiner then moved on to working in social housing for over 40 years. Retired retained fire fighter in charge of Sanquhar fire station for 39 years. Worked all my life for the community.

Keith Wilson Keith is a retired civil engineer, Director of Happy Hooves Sanquhar and chairperson of Upper Nithsdale Riding for Disabled

Lisa Black Lisa worked in Spar for 14 years, 4 as manager then moved to Crossroads Caring. Due her own health, Lisa had to give up work. Lisa set up the town of Sanquhar Facebook page to highlight the sale of the Post Office, the page is now used by 4.5k followers to get all the latest information about the town. Lisa also created www.thetownofsanquhar.co.uk to highlight all that the town has to offer. Lisa is also a member of Sanquhar Community Council

Nancy Kirkpatrick Nancy has had a career in Diagnostic Radiographic Imaging.  She is also a partner in a local farming enterprise comprising beef, sheep and renewables and is involved in the day to day running of the farms. Nancy has been an active member of Sanquhar Community Council for the past seven years.

Gordon Bryce Transport & EV Charging Points D&G Council

Dane Harkness Dane is a native of the neighbouring village of Kirkconnel with ties to Sanquhar. Currently studying architecture at the University of Strathclyde, he takes a keen interest in conservation and heritage. Dane also works part time at the nearby Crawick Multiverse, and is a committee member of Kirkconnel Parish Heritage Society and Kirkconnel Gala.

Jim Marshall – Treasurer  Jim Marshall is a retired professional engineer with international experience in controls, metering and renewable energy. Jim is Treasurer of Sanquhar Enterprise Company, a member of Sanquhar Community Council, Secretary of the Sanquhar and District Men’s Shed and a volunteer at the Foodshare in Kelloholm.

Ian Nisbet A past pupil of Kelloholm Primary and Sanquhar Academy, Ian is a resident of Sanquhar and is a committee member with local organisations responsible for running Sanquhar Riding of the Marches. Together with a strong scientific background and passion for research as Global VP, Integrated Clinical Services, Ian is accountable for leading global teams in the development and testing of new medicines.

Brian Johnson Brian is a Sanquhar resident who looks after day to day operations at Crawick Multiverse. Brian grew up in Sanquhar and lived here until the age of 22 when he moved to Nottingham and worked in the energy sector for 18 Years, before returning to Sanquhar and taking up the Operations Managers role at Crawick Multiverse.

Ronnie Bradford – Community Development Officer A resident of the Glenkens, Ronnie comes to the post of Community Development Officer for Sanquhar Enterprise Company with a successful background in project management. Ronnie also has a wide range of experience in D&G Tourism, having been associated with regional tourism organisations for over 20 years. He looks forward to engaging and working with community groups, stakeholders, business owners, and residents of Sanquhar, in partnership with Sanquhar Community Council to deliver the outcomes highlighted in the Community Action Plan.