‘It will kill this town’: High street to close for six weeks with 50-mile diversion

The main road through Sanquhar, the A76, will be shut down for six weeks starting 1 June, prompting fears among local traders of a “catastrophic” impact. A 50-mile diversion route will be implemented to allow repairs to the historic Tolbooth Museum’s stonework, a category A-listed building adjacent to the road.

The council has stated it is working to reduce disruption, emphasizing that signs will confirm businesses remain open as usual during the work. However, shopkeepers warn that the closure could disrupt deliveries and passing trade, leading to daily losses of hundreds of pounds.

“We heavily depend on footfall, passing trade—every High Street is the same,” said Charles Brown, who has operated C&M Brown newsagents near the Tolbooth for over 20 years. “To close the road for six weeks, totally shut it, it’s just going to kill this town.”

The A76 narrows significantly near the museum, requiring a complete shutdown to ensure safety for drivers and workers. Work will begin on 18 May, with temporary traffic lights managing flow for the initial two weeks. Full closure from June 1 to July 10 will redirect southbound traffic via Cumnock on the A70, then through Thornhill using the B7078 and A702. Northbound vehicles will follow the reverse route.

“We’re a town where many people rely on public transport and have limited driving options,” added Emma Gilchrist, owner of The Store convenience shop. “They don’t have alternatives like hopping in a car to reach Tesco. The summer trade boost is now out of the question.”

Both traders acknowledged the importance of preserving the Tolbooth but stressed the need for more flexible closure schedules. Brown suggested night-time work or using a cherry-picker for repairs instead of full road shutdowns. Gilchrist highlighted the strain on small businesses, which have already faced closures in the past year.

Dumfries and Galloway Council confirmed the closure is necessary to address “significant stonework defects” on the museum. In a statement, they noted the project was “carefully planned” to minimize disruption, with local access and emergency services guaranteed throughout. The timing was chosen to ensure the road reopens before key summer events.