Dumfries and Galloway
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About Dumfries and Galloway
Dumfries and Galloway is often referred to as "undiscovered country" by tourist guides. My family discovered it in the summer of 2007 when we visited the Wickerman Festival, took a tour of Kirkcudbright and drove through the breath-taking, picture postcard, countryside and towns. Like many visitors to Scotland we had previously remained on the M74 motorway up to Glasgow rather than take the exit to Dumfries and Galloway. However we now plan to revisit the area annually, having lived on the Isle of Harris for many years I miss the sight of mixed forests and woodlands. Dumfries and Galloway is wonderfully green with lush woodlands and the waters of the Solway coast are warmed by the Gulf Stream (North Atlantic Drift). The warm air, temporate climate and the long coastline of sandy coves has led to the area being nicknamed the "Scottish Riveira". The mild climate allows tender species of plants to grow such as cabbage palms and tree ferns further enhancing the beauty. It is so beautiful that I have seriously considered relocation!
Dumfries is the largest town in the southwest of Scotland known as the "Queen of the South". Dumfries has much to offer the visitor with it's Georgian and Victorian buildings and Friars Vennel which is one of Scotland's oldest streets. Dumfries is an excellent base for your Scottish vacation, it is central to the Burn's Trail it has a host of visitor attractions within easy reach and it is only 8 miles (13 km) from the sea.
Dumfries is situated on the banks of the River Nith which flows into the Solway Firth which is reason for it's success as a seaport in medieval times. This also made it a tasty target for English armies which raided and almost destroyed the settlement in 1448, 1536 and 1570. Dumfries is associated with the national poet Robert Burns as he spent his last five years there (until he died in 1796) working as an exciseman. It was during his time in Dumfries that Burns some of his most famous works. On Dumfries' High Street is the Burns Statue.
Things to see and do around Dumfries and Galloway
Burns House Burns House can be found on Burns Street, Dumfries. It is an ordinary 18th Century backstreet house but it is where Robert Burns lived for the last three years of his life. The house contains many items of interests associated with Scotland's national Poet and a visit is compulsory for those on a Burns Tour.
Tel: 01387 255297
Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan was established over 100 years ago as a simple walled garden but is now home to a selection of unuasual plants and flowering shrubs. The garden is virtually surrounded by the sea.
Tel: 01776 860231
Dumfries and Galloway Links
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