The Gaither Inn: Print Town

Can Dumfries’ print and journalistic heritage inspire a new era of storytelling? 

Dumfries has a rich and radical history of print and journalism.

Once a printing powerhouse — home to five newspapers on the High Street and major presses like Dinwiddie Greaves — the town fostered a vibrant culture of storytelling, activism, and working-class solidarity.

But what stories are we telling about Dumfries today?
And what stories do we want to tell about its future?

Join us for The Gaither Inn, a live discussion and gathering exploring the potential for grassroots, community-led journalism in Dumfries. How can solutions-based journalism amplify unheard voices and drive positive change? What role does storytelling play in reclaiming our sense of place and agency?

Featuring a special presentation from Rhiannon Davies. 

Rhiannon is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Greater Govanhill, a community magazine based in Glasgow’s Govanhill neighborhood. Launched in 2020, the magazine aims to shift narratives by focusing on solutions-oriented journalism and providing a platform for underrepresented voices. Under her leadership, Greater Govanhill has expanded to include a website, radio show, podcast, and a community newsroom, engaging over 150 contributors from diverse backgrounds. In 2022, Davies co-founded The Scottish Beacon, a collaborative network of independent local media outlets across Scotland, promoting peer-to-peer learning and amplifying community stories. Additionally, she serves on the committee of Women in Journalism Scotland and has been recognised with several honors, including ‘Editor of the Year – Highly Commended’ by PPA Scotland. Davies is also an alumna of the John Schofield Trust’s mentoring scheme and a trainer with the Solutions Journalism Network.

This is an open space for conversation, connection, and action. Whether you’re a writer or activist or simply passionate about the stories that shape our town, come along and be part of the discussion.

Dinner: 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Evening Discussion: 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Accessibility Information 

Access to the Building:

• Level Access is available at the rear of the building through the adjacent close located to the left-hand side of the Café (when facing the front of the building). 

Hearing Loop:

• We have a hearing loop system installed in the café to support individuals using hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Personalised Assistance:

• If you have any specific access needs, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to accommodate. You can reach Sal at [email protected] or call us at 01387 252435 to speak with a member of our team.

Additional Support Available:

• Walk-throughs of the building can be arranged prior to your visit so you can familiarise yourself with the space.
• Reserved Seating can be arranged to ensure comfort and accessibility; please let us know if you would like seating assigned before arrival.

We’re committed to making your experience as enjoyable and accessible as possible. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or specific requirements.

Access to The Stove

We are committed to making The Stove as welcoming and accessible as possible for everyone and continually work to improve both physical and other access needs for our spaces. Currently, level access to our building is available through the back door due to permit and licensing limitations, but we are actively exploring solutions to enhance accessibility.

If you have suggestions or would like to discuss accessibility options further, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us at [email protected], and a member of our team will be glad to discuss any requirements, alternative options, or ideas for improving accessibility together.

Thank you for helping us make The Stove an inclusive and accessible place for all.