Celebrating the 2025 Nithraid Festival in Dumfries

That the Parliament congratulates all those involved in organising and participating in the Nithraid Festival in Dumfries, a festival that has been running for over 10 years to use cultural community activity to reconnect local people to their river; notes that Nithraid took place on 23 August 2025; recognises the festival’s celebration of the history, heritage, and culture surrounding the River Nith, a tidal river of significant environmental and historical importance to the town in the South Scotland Region; acknowledges that the festival is organised by EcoArt SCIO, having taken over from The Stove Network in 2024, a grassroots creative environmental charity focused on community, art, and sustainability, and includes in its activities the iconic Nithraid River Race, which sees boats of all kinds sail from Glencaple to the Mill Green in Dumfries, commemorating the river’s role in trade and connection; notes the vibrant programme of activities, including a flag-making workshop where community-designed flags carrying environmental messages are flown from the pedestrian bridge, and demonstrations by Wordsmith Crafts and Cluaran Project, which explore traditional skills and storytelling; acknowledges the Progress of the Salty Coo procession, led by artistic company, Oceanallover, featuring contributions from communities along the River Nith and culminating in a performance at the riverbank; celebrates additional events such as boat building demonstrations, a windmill-powered water purifier, talks from Dumfries Museum, a photographic journeys exhibition, and a film programme on rivers and ecology at the Robert Burns Centre; commends EcoArt, volunteers, artists, and community partners for their continued efforts in making Nithraid a dynamic and inclusive celebration of Dumfries’ riverside heritage, and looks forward to future Nithraid Festivals.