Charlotte Riley Gibson, 34, Musician and D&G Director of Paragon Music, Moffat
What do you love about Dumfries & Galloway? Being close to family and friends. Fresh air and open spaces.
What’s the best thing about where you live? The sense of community. Originally a Doonhamer, I moved to Moffat from Glasgow three years ago and have been so warmly welcomed and included. A walk down the street always leads to a blether with someone.
Tell us about your job: I work with a brilliant group of people at Paragon Music who champion accessibility in the arts. We run group workshops, one-to-one mentoring and connect with partners to deliver original music and dance projects across D&G.
Who’s the most interesting person you’ve met? Ninian Perry - Paragon’s Creative Director - is infinitely interesting, funny and empowering; inspiring and supporting me to grow Paragon throughout Dumfries &Galloway over the last 10 years.
I’ve also enjoyed working more closely with partners in health and social care in recent years, and Deborah Little (NHS Speech and Language Therapist) has opened up new ways of thinking about communication and technology.
What’s your ambition? Music and the arts have the power to be grounding, uplifting and connecting, and I strive to continue widening access to these opportunities, particularly for people who can face physical, attitudinal or economic barriers.
What do you do to unwind? I have two young children so when I get a rare window of time to unwind, I like getting out in nature: swimming with friends at St Mary’s Loch, or walking in the forest near my house.
Where do you recommend for great entertainment in the region? We are lucky to have so many incredible individual creators and events throughout the region. The CatStrand in New Galloway is bold with its programming and I’m excited by what the Loreburn Hall will bring to the region.
Where do you recommend for a good bite to eat? Loch Arthur at Beeswing is a treat for its wholesome food and atmosphere, and I recently discovered how lovely The Art Room & Cafe at The Old School Dumfries is, too.
Tell us something that not many people know about you: I have my Level 2 British Sign Language. I first started on this venture when I worked on reception at The Cairndale Hotel and a deaf couple checked in who I struggled to communicate with. It was a pivotal moment.
What would you change about D&G? There’s so much to love about our region and what it has to offer. I find myself wishing that some people could see and celebrate that more often. Oh, and a swimming pool in Moffat would be handy!
Dumfries & Galloway in a single word: Home.
(Even when I lived away, there’s always been the pull home).
