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Traders in the town of Sanquhar have voiced serious concerns over a planned six-week closure of the A76, the main road through their community. Starting from 1 June, the road will be completely closed to allow crucial stonework repairs on the historic Tolbooth Museum, prompting an 80-kilometer (50-mile) diversion. Local business owners warn that this could have a devastating effect on both deliveries and passing trade, potentially costing them significant daily revenue.
The Tolbooth Museum, a category A-listed building erected between 1735 and 1737, sits adjacent to a notably narrow section of the A76, which connects Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway. Due to this restricted space, Dumfries and Galloway Council has deemed a full road closure necessary from 1 June to 10 July for the safety of workers and motorists. Before the closure, from 18 May, traffic will be controlled with temporary lights in preparation for the full shutdown.
Charles Brown, who owns C&M Brown newsagents located close to the Tolbooth, described the road closure’s impact as “huge.” Highlighting the reliance on foot traffic, he stated, “We’re already struggling as it is with the way the economy is at the moment. And to close the road for six weeks – totally close it – it’s just going to kill this town.” While local access will remain open, the council has established an official diversion route suitable for heavy goods vehicles, routing southbound traffic via Cumnock and Thornhill.
Emma Gilchrist, proprietor of The Store convenience shop, echoed the apprehensions about the disruption to supply chains caused by the diversion, warning of “massive supply issues” that would affect the community, especially for residents who do not drive. She stressed that, although the town acknowledges the need to preserve the Tolbooth, the prolonged closure risks crippling local businesses that are already struggling. Both Brown and Gilchrist suggest that nighttime closures or alternative methods be considered to avoid a total shutdown for such an extended period. In response, the council emphasised that the work addresses “significant stonework defects” and has been planned carefully to reduce disruption while maintaining essential local access and emergency services throughout the repairs
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