Removing barriers to offer connection and community for local older and younger people

The Devil’s Porridge Museum in Dumfries and Galloway sits on a site that, in the First World War, was the world’s largest munitions factory.

Eastriggs, where the museum is located, is in the top 10% of most access-deprived villages in Scotland, meaning low levels of car ownership and poor public transport. Gretna has 26% of children living in poverty, compared to an average of 15% across Scotland, so the museum recognises that it needs to remove as many barriers to participation as possible to allow its communities to engage with the museum.

With the challenges local people face when travelling to other areas, the museum has found an identity as a community hub. They offer a fortnightly lunch club for older people at risk of social isolation, with a hot meal, a chat, bingo and functional fitness activities, followed by a talk, craft or music session. They also run after-school clubs and youth clubs every week which are free to attend. To deliver this programme of activities, the museum secured funding from the Holywood Trust and Young Start, two charitable funders who support work with 15- to 25-year-olds.

Thanks to this funding, the museum can support young people in the local community to develop their employment skills. They become members of the wider museum team, have mentoring from colleagues, and follow a development programme based around their own aspirations.

A group of elderly women sit around a table in a craft room, making art with colored paper, brushes, and paint. They appear focused and engaged, with art supplies and finished pieces scattered on the table.
Three people in matching maroon shirts pose indoors; one stands and films with a phone, another laughs and crouches, while the third stands smiling with arms crossed near large windows.

Owen, a 24-year-old volunteer from Eastriggs, reflected: “The Devil’s Porridge has been a fun, extremely fulfilling experience to volunteer at. I joined at the start of 2025 and have actively been enjoying coming in when I’m able.

“It’s helped move me towards personal goals and give me experience in sectors, most obviously in work with youth. I participate in activities such as school trips, where I give assistance to other volunteers leading sessions. The most fulfilling aspect however is just how heard you feel here. My biggest involvement with the museum is the Warhammer club we coordinated to set up. What was a personal hobby has turned into my very own club where I can introduce young people to the same hobby I was captured by.”