​Outpost Arts was founded in the Spring of 2018 by a small group of enthusiastic, creative-minded individuals with a keen interest in building a sustainable focal point for art-related activity in Langholm. The group quickly gained charitable status, delivering a range of projects that engage with local communities and visitors...

 Outpost Arts has worked consistently to identify potential partner organisations, plugging into several existing networks (D&G, Scottish Borders, Cumbria and Lothians), developing relationships and connections, in order to create opportunities for future projects/activities and for the development of our organisation.

MEET OUR TEAM

LUCY MACLEOD
Creative Director

ELLEN CUMMING
Treasurer

LEANNE DUNCAN
Trustee

​A commercial Illustrator, Artist and Educator for almost two decades, Lucy has created visuals for a huge variety of clients, exhibited internationally and taught at Universities and Colleges across the UK. After moving from Edinburgh to Langholm in 2012, Lucy co-founded OutPost Arts in early 2018 with a vision to create opportunities for rural artists & makers and increase access to cultural activities and learning for local/regional communities.

A primary school teacher in East Lothian for 8 years before moving to Langholm in 2018, Ellen decided to use the relocation as an opportunity to set up her own floristry business, focusing mainly on weddings and events. Ellen has a real passion for education, particularly working with children. She aims to channel her interest in a variety of art forms and her skills as an ‘ex-teacher’ to bring about new creative experiences for children and young people in Langholm. 

One half of Rose’s Wardrobe - a sustainable vintage clothing brand based in Langholm; Leanne is passionate about supporting the local textile industry; using local fabrics in the fashion collections which ship all over the world. Rose’s Wardrobe is keen to encourage younger generations back into the textile and manufacture industry via creative collaborations with local schools and youth organisations, to give young people new opportunities to develop an interest in the sector.

CLAIRE MUSSON
Trustee

JASON RAILTON
Chair

CARYS MAINSPRIZE
​Secretary

Claire worked as a Drama Teacher and Theatre Director for 8 years, before relocating to Borders and starting a family. She now works for Newcastleton and District Community Trust, spear-heading projects which support community development and wellbeing, whilst also training to be a counsellor. Claire is particularly passionate about increasing local engagement in Art and Culture, as a way of improving mental health, resilience, and raising aspirations.

Currently a Project Manager with the Langholm Initiative Jason has extensive knowledge in fundraising and community development. With a key focus on employability and rural poverty, he understands the value of partnership working and the importance of joint approaches in fulfilling project aims. He believes in the worth of inspiring young people to understand and engage with their communities as a route towards resilience and sustainability and in empowering people of all ages to take ownership of local issues.

Carys is currently a project assistant with Langholm Initiative, working to support the community and young people in particular to gain knowledge and connections with nature, benefiting mental health and well-being and intergenerational relationships. Carys has a passion for creative writing, with years of experience, and writes for the E+L Life magazine. Carys believes that art and nature are closely connected and recognises the numerous benefits of a rural arts organisation, including as a way for the community to empower themselves.

SOPHIE JARZYNA
Trustee

An emerging local maker, in 2019 Sophie returned to the Esk Valley to pursue a career in hand thrown Ceramics. Sophie has several years experience working with business start-ups in London and is also a partner in one of Langholm’s longest established family businesses. As a former pupil of Langholm Academy, Sophie is particularly passionate about promoting creative expression and igniting an entrepreneurial spirit in the new generation. In 2020, Sophie won Upland's 'Emerge' bursary.

PETER RENWICK
Non-voting Trustee

Pete has lived in D&G for ten years, working on arts and community-led projects throughout this time. Pete is passionate about where creativity, community empowerment and local regeneration meet. Pete is currently in post as Langholm Facilitator for SURF: Scotland’s Regeneration Forum, and a member of the Langholm Moor Working Group, who are investigating a community buy-out of land set to be sold by Buccleuch Estates. Prior to this Pete was Programme Director for Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival; playing a pivotal role in its festivals between 2009-2018. He continues to work freelance within the Arts, including The Village and The Road by Tom Pow & The Galloway Agreement, The Stove’s Lowland Project, Moat Brae’s Crock Rock, Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail’s Get Your Arts Here and fundraising for The Theatre Royal.

GILLY FRASER
Trustee

As a Journalist, Gilly worked on headline news stories including a siege at Peterhead Prison, the Lockerbie air disaster and Foot and Mouth. Over thirty years, she developed her skills on newspapers, radio and television. Since leaving ITV Border to go freelance, Gilly has produced DVD’s, ghostwritten several books and produced a local magazine. She writes features for newspapers and national magazines, manages websites and blogs and is an active member of local performing arts societies.

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local PARTNERS

OutPost Arts are thankful to work in partnership with several wonderful organisations, in order to develop high quality creative opportunities, including...

LANGHOLM INITIATIVE

SURF SCOTLAND

WILD ESKDALE

MUCKLE TOON ADVENTURE FESTIVAL

XCEL PROJECT

LANGHOLM & CANONBIE SCHOOLS CLUSTER

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