KIRKCUDBRIGHT PARADE 2017.
The 'Lockdown' meant that some Dumfries and Galloway events were cancelled and some businesses were closed.
The 'Lockdown' meant that some Dumfries and Galloway events were cancelled and some businesses were closed.
DALBEATTIE PARADE 2017
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Dalbeattie is known as the Granite Town of South West Scotland.
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Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway.
The cycling TOUR OF BRITAIN, 2016, features Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway.
CASTLE DOUGLAS TO WELCOME 'TOUR OF BRITAIN' / Tour of Britain 2016 to start with Glasgow to Castle Douglas route
Dumfries and Galloway. Douglas day 2015. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco. All the photos were found on the web.
Dumfries and Galloway is cycling country.
..
Dumfries and Galloway is the place to become active.
Dumfries and Galloway is famous for its food.
Try dinner at Mr Pooks in Castle Douglas, or the bistro at Chrichton Campus in Dumfries, or buy some rib-eye steak at Kilnford Barns Farm Shop, near Dumfries. The Balcary Bay hotel has fine food.
There are horses everywhere in Dumfries and Galloway.
Dumfries and Galloway. Threave Garden. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.
The mild climate in Dumfries and Galloway means exotic plants.
Dumfries and Galloway. Dumfries Show 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.
There are all year round Entertainments and Events in Dumfries and Galloway.
Dumfries and Galloway. Stewartry Show, 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.
"Dumfries and Galloway's gentle coast offers sandy estuaries and quaint, picturesque towns such as Kirkudbright, Rockcliffe and Portpatrick." - The Daily Telegraph
...
PETER PAN AND MOAT BRAE.
Dumfries and Galloway means Peter Pan.
Dumfries and Galloway. Kids of Creetown. Creetown Heritage Museum.
Many things were invented in Dumfries and Galloway.
Think of Henry Duncan, James Clerk Maxwell, Thomas Telford, Kirkpatrick Macmillan ...
Dumfries and Galloway. Douglas Day 2015. Non copyrighted photo.
Castle Douglas is famous for its beer, its bread and its biscuits.
Try the Earth's Crust Bakery in Castle Douglas.
For Homestyle Baking buy Irvings biscuits, tray bakes, loaves and sponges.
Dingwalls in Castle Douglas is now permanently closed.
(King Scallops from Orkney, Cod and Salmon skewers with mixed pepper and onions in a tropical mango, lime and chilli sauce, Langoustines, Oysters, homemade Monkfish Curry...)
Dumfries and Galloway. Douglas Day 2015. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.
Castle Douglas is a Food Town.
Castle Douglas. Douglas Day 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.
Dumfries and Galloway is home to the original Scots.
Guid Nychburris Day 2016 in Dumfries. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Stewartry Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway (above) has been named as the best holiday destination in Britain.
The region earned the award from fans of the flagship BBC programme Countryfile .
Annandale Distillery has a shop, cafe and tours of the distillery.
Dumfries and Galloway. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
In September we headed up North to Dumfries and Galloway for some cycling.
DUMFRIES SHOW 2017
CASTLE DOUGLAS; DOUGLAS DAY; STEWARTRY SHOW
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
Dumfries Agricultural Show, August 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway. Dumfries Show 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
The Dalbeattie area is famous for off-road cycling.
7stanes - mountain biking heaven .
Dalbeattie is a relatively undiscovered gem.
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
You can get a Traditional Thai Massage in Dalbeattie and in Castle Douglas.
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
The Dalbeattie area is famous for its wildlife.
The RSPB: Mersehead. / Bainloch Deer Park
STEWARTRY SHOW 2017 .
DOUGLAS DAY 2017 .
The tour of Britain began with the Glasgow to Castle Douglas stage.
DOUGLAS DAY 2017 .
The Tour of Britain arrived in Castle Douglas on 4 September 2016.
The tour of Britain began with the Glasgow to Castle Douglas stage.
Douglas Day, Castle Douglas, August 2016.
CASTLE DOUGLAS; DOUGLAS DAY; STEWARTRY SHOW
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
Dumfries Agricultural Show, August 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway. Dumfries Show 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
Dalbeattie has some of the friendliest people in Britain.
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
Dalbeattie has the fabulous little Dalbeattie Museum of Victoriana.
The officer on the deck of the Titanic, when it sank, was a man from Dalbeattie.
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
Dalbeattie has the fabulous little Dalbeattie Museum of Victoriana.
The officer on the deck of the Titanic, when it sank, was a man from Dalbeattie.
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
The Dalbeattie area is famous for off-road cycling.
7stanes - mountain biking heaven .
Dalbeattie is a relatively undiscovered gem.
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
You can get a Traditional Thai Massage in Dalbeattie and in Castle Douglas.
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
The Dalbeattie area is famous for its wildlife.
The RSPB: Mersehead. / Bainloch Deer Park
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
Dalbeattie Bed and Breakfasts include: Kerr Cottage and Craignair Cottage.
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
Campsites in the area include: Gorsebank Camping Village and Glenearly Caravan Park.Dalbeattie Bed and Breakfasts include: Kerr Cottage and Craignair Cottage.
Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway. Dalbeattie Civic Daze : Parade Day
...
Dalbeattie is known as the Granite Town of South West Scotland.
...
Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway.
The cycling TOUR OF BRITAIN, 2016, features Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway.
CASTLE DOUGLAS TO WELCOME 'TOUR OF BRITAIN' / Tour of Britain 2016 to start with Glasgow to Castle Douglas route
Dumfries and Galloway. Douglas day 2015. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco. All the photos were found on the web.
Dumfries and Galloway is cycling country.
..
Dumfries and Galloway. Dumfries Show 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco. All the photos were found on the web.
Dumfries and Galloway. Stewartry Show 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco. All the photos were found on the web.
Dumfries and Galloway is famous for its food.
Dumfries and Galloway. Stewartry Show 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.
Dumfries and Galloway. Threave Garden. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.
The mild climate in Dumfries and Galloway means exotic plants.
Dumfries and Galloway. Dumfries Show 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.There are all year round Entertainments and Events in Dumfries and Galloway.
"Dumfries and Galloway's gentle coast offers sandy estuaries and quaint, picturesque towns such as Kirkudbright, Rockcliffe and Portpatrick." - The Daily Telegraph
...
PETER PAN AND MOAT BRAE.
Dumfries and Galloway means Peter Pan.
Dumfries and Galloway. Kids of Creetown. Creetown Heritage Museum.
Many things were invented in Dumfries and Galloway.
Think of Henry Duncan, James Clerk Maxwell, Thomas Telford, Kirkpatrick Macmillan ...
Dumfries and Galloway. Douglas Day 2015. Non copyrighted photo.Castle Douglas is famous for its beer, its bread and its biscuits.
Try the Earth's Crust Bakery in Castle Douglas.
There are world-class beers from the Sulwath Brewers in Castle Douglas.
For Homestyle Baking buy Irvings biscuits, tray bakes, loaves and sponges.
Dingwalls in Castle Douglas is now permanently closed.
(King Scallops from Orkney, Cod and Salmon skewers with mixed pepper and onions in a tropical mango, lime and chilli sauce, Langoustines, Oysters, homemade Monkfish Curry...)
Dumfries and Galloway. Douglas Day 2015. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.Castle Douglas is a Food Town.
Castle Douglas. Douglas Day 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark, Monaco.
Dumfries and Galloway is home to the original Scots.
In Dumfries and Galloway people still travel by horse.
Kirkcudbright. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway is home to the Scottish Riviera.
Kirkcudbright. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway is home to the Scottish Riviera.
Broughton House Garden. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway is said to have world's best gardens.
Dumfries Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway is just across the border from England.
Dumfries Show 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Agriculture accounts for 70% of the area of Dumfries and Galloway.
Stewartry Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Famous names associated with Dumfries and Galloway include Robert the Bruce, Merlin the Wizard, Robert Burns, Gavin Maxwell, J M Barrie, James Clerk Maxwell, David Coulthard, John Buchan, the Douglases, the Maxwells, the Jardines, the Keswicks...
And the Putins
Stewartry Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway has 31 golf courses and is 'mountain biking heaven.'
Stewartry Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway has a population of approximately 148,000.
Dumfries and Galloway is said to have world's best gardens.
Dumfries Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway is just across the border from England.
Dumfries Show 2016. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Agriculture accounts for 70% of the area of Dumfries and Galloway.
Stewartry Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Famous names associated with Dumfries and Galloway include Robert the Bruce, Merlin the Wizard, Robert Burns, Gavin Maxwell, J M Barrie, James Clerk Maxwell, David Coulthard, John Buchan, the Douglases, the Maxwells, the Jardines, the Keswicks...
And the Putins
Stewartry Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway has 31 golf courses and is 'mountain biking heaven.'
Stewartry Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway has a population of approximately 148,000.
Stewartry Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway (above) has been named as the best holiday destination in Britain.
The region earned the award from fans of the flagship BBC programme Countryfile .
Loch Arthur
Annandale Distillery has a shop, cafe and tours of the distillery.
Dumfries and Galloway. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
In September we headed up North to Dumfries and Galloway for some cycling.
www.queensberrybay.co.uk.
The TV star Neil Oliver says that "there is no more beautiful part of the world than the Galloway Coast."
Castle Douglas. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Cream of Galloway
Kirkcudbright. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
There are also lots of golf courses in the area.
The King's Arms Hotel in Castle Douglas welcomes cyclists and golfers.
Castle Douglas. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
The best things in Dumfries and Galloway:
Balcary Bay. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Balcary Bay Country House Hotel - best hotel and best food (Two AA rosettes)
Balcary Bay. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Balcary Bay Country House Hotel - best hotel and best food (Two AA rosettes)
Cream O' Galloway and Laggan Outdoor centres - best activities for children of all ages.
The adventure playground at Cream of Galloway, and, the Laggan Outdoor centre have been closed.
Drumlanrig Castle - best castle.
Kipford, and, Carrick Shore - best beaches
Threave Gardens. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Threave Gardens - world class gardens.
Castle Douglas. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Castle Douglas - best town for cyclists (three bicycle shops)
There are also lots of golf courses in the area.
The King's Arms Hotel in Castle Douglas welcomes cyclists and golfers.
Dumfries. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries - best town to visit on a wet day (shops, museums, galleries...)
The artist Hornel's house in Kirkcudbright. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Kirkcudbright - prettiest town.
Gatehouse. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Gatehouse - John Buchan country
The worst things:
Stagecoach's uncomfortable and horrid old buses. The seats are squashed together. (Avoid them)
The general neglect of the area's transport infrastructure by successive governments, including the current one in Edinburgh.
War Games begin.
The worst things:
Stewartry Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway is a neglected part of the world, particularly when it comes to transport links.
If it was an independent state, like Lichtenstein, Dumfries and Galloway could be rich.
But Dumfries and Galloway is not an independent state and it lacks the power to make the big decisions.
The really big decisions are made in London and in Edinburgh.
The talented people tend to leave Dumfries and Galloway and head south.
Cairnsmore in the distance. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
If you cycle off the beaten track in Dumfries and Galloway, you will come across an Enid Blyton - John Buchan - Peter Pan - Rupert Bear - Gavin Maxwell sort of world.
Think of mysterious castles, rounded hills and enchanted bays.
J M Barrie went to school in Dumfries, chief town of Dumfries and Galloway, and there he spent the happiest days of his life (Victoria Terrace).
Robert Burns had a house in Dumfries (Burns Street).
Part of John Buchan's Thirty Nine Steps was filmed in the Dumfries and Galloway hills and valleys.
The gentle hills of Galloway are like the ones in the Rupert Bear or Enid Blyton books: gently rounded, with clumps of trees, rocky outcrops, fluffy little clouds and sometimes deep blue sky.
Carlingwark Loch. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
When it's not raining, the light is incredibly bright, and the air so very clear; hence the attraction to artists.
This is not sunny Spain, but the climate tends to be mild; a possibly drier version of Cornwall or the Lake District.
Gavin Maxwell, author of Ring of Bright Water, was born in Dumfries and Galloway.
Drumlanrig Castle
Near Thornhill is exotic, multi-turreted 17th century Drumlanrig Castle, which has paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.
This is one of Britain's sexiest castles. It is home to the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry.
It was a Queensberry who was the father of Lord Arthur Douglas.
Look out for the decorative cupolas, Renaissance-style colonnade, Baroque horseshoe stairway and gorgeous gardens.
There is a large adventure playground for children.
Hornel. EDWARD HORNEL AND HIS GIRLS
Coastal Kirkcudbright is an attractive and aristocratic "artist's town", associated with the Glasgow Boys.
Kirkcudbright's Broughton House is where the artist Edward Hornel used to live. For part of the year, you can tour the beautiful house and see Hornel's Japanese-style pictures of little girls, some naked, and his magical garden, which is probably the very best garden in the world.
Kirkcudbright had a wild life park (now closed) and a fabulous jazz festival each June.
Wigtown
Wigtown, which looks rather French, is Dumfries and Galloway's book town and it has at least 20 book businesses.
"Wigtown Book Festival offers more than 200 events for adults, children and young people including literature, music, film, theatre, arts and crafts.
Kirkcudbright. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
TRANSPORT
Much of the rail network is gone.
The road network is poor.
The nearest airport is at Newcastle in England.
As transport is the key to the success of an area, Dumfries and Galloway has its problems!
National Express coaches will take you from London, Birmingham, Manchester etc to Dumfries and beyond.
A grotty little train will transport you from Carlisle to Dumfries. The train used to go to Stranraer, but not any more.
Bus services are poor.
Many local buses travel too fast. Stagecoach buses have little leg room and usually no toilets even on the longest journeys.
Dumfries by William Miller
WHERE TO STAY?
Balcary Bay Country House Hotel - best hotel and best food (Two AA rosettes)
Knockinaam Lodge.
Glenholme - Kirkcudbright Luxury Guest House.
The King's Arms Hotel in Castle Douglas welcomes cyclists and golfers.
Brighouse Bay leisure park takes caravans and tents and has lodges and cottages.
It "boasts a vast range of on-site facilities that appeal to everyone, from small boats on the pond for the younger generation to Quad Bikes for the thrillseekers. The indoor pool complex offers swimming for all ages with a jacuzzi and steam room for a spot of relaxation after all that work.The 18 hole Golf Course is championship length and has glorious views across the Irish Sea. There is also a 9 hole par 3 for all the family."
Similar to Brighouse Bay is Sandyhills Bay, sitting at the foot of wooded hills and close to a sheltered sandy beach.
There are many other caravan and camp sites.
You could stay in DUMFRIES which has at least one good Bed and Breakfast.
CASTLE DOUGLAS has a number of Bed and Breakfast places.
GATEHOUSE's Cally Palace Hotel has one AA rosette food and a super golf course; Georgian buildings; bonny views of hills.
NEWTON STEWART, a quiet country town in the middle of John Buchan style countryside, has the KIRROUGHTREE HOUSE hotel which has an AA 2 Rosette restaurant. The hotel is AA 3 stars. Posh country house interior.
PORTPATRICK, on the coast, somewhat remote, has the wonderful KNOCKINAAM LODGE HOTEL, the restaurant of which has AA 3 Rosettes! (same as London's River Cafe, Bibendum....)
“First Class accomodation in a beautiful location”
“A Home from Home”
“WOW Factor in the new rooms”
Views In Galloway !!
The worst things:
The use of this area by the military.
Stewartry Show. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries and Galloway is a neglected part of the world, particularly when it comes to transport links.
If it was an independent state, like Lichtenstein, Dumfries and Galloway could be rich.
But Dumfries and Galloway is not an independent state and it lacks the power to make the big decisions.
The really big decisions are made in London and in Edinburgh.
The talented people tend to leave Dumfries and Galloway and head south.
Cairnsmore in the distance. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
If you cycle off the beaten track in Dumfries and Galloway, you will come across an Enid Blyton - John Buchan - Peter Pan - Rupert Bear - Gavin Maxwell sort of world.
Think of mysterious castles, rounded hills and enchanted bays.
J M Barrie went to school in Dumfries, chief town of Dumfries and Galloway, and there he spent the happiest days of his life (Victoria Terrace).
Robert Burns had a house in Dumfries (Burns Street).
Part of John Buchan's Thirty Nine Steps was filmed in the Dumfries and Galloway hills and valleys.
The gentle hills of Galloway are like the ones in the Rupert Bear or Enid Blyton books: gently rounded, with clumps of trees, rocky outcrops, fluffy little clouds and sometimes deep blue sky.
Carlingwark Loch. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
When it's not raining, the light is incredibly bright, and the air so very clear; hence the attraction to artists.
This is not sunny Spain, but the climate tends to be mild; a possibly drier version of Cornwall or the Lake District.
Gavin Maxwell, author of Ring of Bright Water, was born in Dumfries and Galloway.
Drumlanrig Castle
Near Thornhill is exotic, multi-turreted 17th century Drumlanrig Castle, which has paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.
This is one of Britain's sexiest castles. It is home to the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry.
It was a Queensberry who was the father of Lord Arthur Douglas.
Look out for the decorative cupolas, Renaissance-style colonnade, Baroque horseshoe stairway and gorgeous gardens.
There is a large adventure playground for children.
Hornel. EDWARD HORNEL AND HIS GIRLS
Coastal Kirkcudbright is an attractive and aristocratic "artist's town", associated with the Glasgow Boys.
Kirkcudbright's Broughton House is where the artist Edward Hornel used to live. For part of the year, you can tour the beautiful house and see Hornel's Japanese-style pictures of little girls, some naked, and his magical garden, which is probably the very best garden in the world.
Kirkcudbright had a wild life park (now closed) and a fabulous jazz festival each June.
Wigtown
Wigtown, which looks rather French, is Dumfries and Galloway's book town and it has at least 20 book businesses.
"Wigtown Book Festival offers more than 200 events for adults, children and young people including literature, music, film, theatre, arts and crafts.
"The festival takes place for 10 days each autumn - 23rd September to 2nd October 2016 - and has welcomed speakers such as:
"Malcolm Rifkind, Douglas Hurd, John Simpson and Anne Applebaum."
"Malcolm Rifkind, Douglas Hurd, John Simpson and Anne Applebaum."
Depleted-uranium shells were fired at Dundrennan near Kirkcudbright. MoD
Weapons testing at Dundrennan has led to certain worries.
"Although 27 tonnes of depleted uranium have been fired into the sea at the Kircudbright range none of the shells has been recovered despite extensive searches....the controversial shells ...blamed for causing...Gulf War Syndrome..." according to The Galloway News.
...
Gatehouse of Fleet has a large second hand book shop, run by poet Robin Munro.
Gatehouse's Cally Palace Hotel has AA one rosette food and a super golf course.
Georgian buildings; bonny views of hills.
Gatehouse had the Laggan Outdoor centre (now closed)
Laggan Outdoor centre
New Abbey is associated with John Balliol, the founder of Balliol College, Oxford. This pretty village has an abbey and a tearoom.
Castle Douglas has the best shopping in the area, a caravan park, three cycle shops, golf, a boating loch, a little art gallery, a theatre, one of the best second hand book shops in Scotland and the tiny Sulwath brewery which produces the world's tastiest real ales (Knockendoch is a dark copper coloured brew tasting of deeply roasted malts) and which provides tours.
Castle Douglas is close to Threave Gardens and Threave Castle.
Creetown - well worth a visit. It has a gem museum. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Creetown has a gem museum and a fair number of holiday makers.
From the Dalbeattie Museum. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
The National Trust's hilly Threave Gardens, near the town of Castle Douglas, has a magical walled garden, glasshouses, an eastern style pond, rock plants, tall trees, rhododendrons and heavenly views on a clear day.
Logan Botanic Garden, 14 miles South of Stranraer, at Port Logan, open March-October, has water, walled, terrace, woodland and other small gardens, with tree ferns, palm trees, climbers... and there's a nice licensed restaurant.
Crossmichael, near Castle Douglas, used to have a Michelin starred restaurant, but it moved to Leith in Edinburgh, which is where the money and the power lie.
Buddhists, and others, will enjoy the Samye-Ling Tibetan Centre at Eskdalemuir. Here you will find a magnificent golden-roofed temple, and the oldest Tibeten centre in the West.
..
Port Patrick
Rockcliffe is an Enid Blyton sort of coastal village with mystery islands, beaches, rock pools and (according to the local papers) smugglers not too far away. Great for walks. Nice tearoom. Yachts and pubs at nearby Kipford.
(Wash your hands after building castles on the beach. Watch out for incoming tides).
Dumfries straddles the River Nith.
Dumfries has some superbly attractive Victorian and medieval buildings which are now right next to some truly hideous 60's buildings and various carparks.
You will see lots of children who look seriously malnourished.
You begin to think you are in the Third World.
Some of the school kids from JM Barrie's old school will politely offer directions.
Dumfries. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries has a number of attractions, including:
1. The Gracefield Arts Centre.
2. The Dumfries townhouse Moat Brae is a shrine to J M Barrie... "It was in the Enchanted Garden of this house, chasing, climbing, and prowling through the undergrowth, that the young Barrie met Captain Hook, Tinkerbell and the other characters..." -Glasgow Herald.
Weapons testing at Dundrennan has led to certain worries.
"Although 27 tonnes of depleted uranium have been fired into the sea at the Kircudbright range none of the shells has been recovered despite extensive searches....the controversial shells ...blamed for causing...Gulf War Syndrome..." according to The Galloway News.
...
Gatehouse of Fleet has a large second hand book shop, run by poet Robin Munro.
Gatehouse's Cally Palace Hotel has AA one rosette food and a super golf course.
Georgian buildings; bonny views of hills.
Gatehouse had the Laggan Outdoor centre (now closed)
Laggan Outdoor centre
New Abbey is associated with John Balliol, the founder of Balliol College, Oxford. This pretty village has an abbey and a tearoom.
Castle Douglas has the best shopping in the area, a caravan park, three cycle shops, golf, a boating loch, a little art gallery, a theatre, one of the best second hand book shops in Scotland and the tiny Sulwath brewery which produces the world's tastiest real ales (Knockendoch is a dark copper coloured brew tasting of deeply roasted malts) and which provides tours.
Castle Douglas is close to Threave Gardens and Threave Castle.
Creetown - well worth a visit. It has a gem museum. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Creetown has a gem museum and a fair number of holiday makers.
From the Dalbeattie Museum. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
The National Trust's hilly Threave Gardens, near the town of Castle Douglas, has a magical walled garden, glasshouses, an eastern style pond, rock plants, tall trees, rhododendrons and heavenly views on a clear day.
Logan Botanic Garden, 14 miles South of Stranraer, at Port Logan, open March-October, has water, walled, terrace, woodland and other small gardens, with tree ferns, palm trees, climbers... and there's a nice licensed restaurant.
Crossmichael, near Castle Douglas, used to have a Michelin starred restaurant, but it moved to Leith in Edinburgh, which is where the money and the power lie.
Buddhists, and others, will enjoy the Samye-Ling Tibetan Centre at Eskdalemuir. Here you will find a magnificent golden-roofed temple, and the oldest Tibeten centre in the West.
..
Port Patrick
Rockcliffe is an Enid Blyton sort of coastal village with mystery islands, beaches, rock pools and (according to the local papers) smugglers not too far away. Great for walks. Nice tearoom. Yachts and pubs at nearby Kipford.
(Wash your hands after building castles on the beach. Watch out for incoming tides).
Dumfries straddles the River Nith.
Dumfries has some superbly attractive Victorian and medieval buildings which are now right next to some truly hideous 60's buildings and various carparks.
You will see lots of children who look seriously malnourished.
You begin to think you are in the Third World.
Some of the school kids from JM Barrie's old school will politely offer directions.
Dumfries. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Dumfries has a number of attractions, including:
1. The Gracefield Arts Centre.
2. The Dumfries townhouse Moat Brae is a shrine to J M Barrie... "It was in the Enchanted Garden of this house, chasing, climbing, and prowling through the undergrowth, that the young Barrie met Captain Hook, Tinkerbell and the other characters..." -Glasgow Herald.
Chrichton Church. The Crichton
3. Dumfries has the fantastic, world-class, Victorian, Chrichton buildings and gardens at Bankend Rd.
http://www.chrichton.org.uk/
Formerly this was one of the biggest mental institutions in the world - world famous and set up by a rich philanthropist; now it is university buildings, a decent hotel, museum, gardens, and a smaller mental institution.
4. Dumfries also has one of Britain's best looking churches - St Michaels.
Robert Burns is buried outside.
5. Dumfries has a theatre linked to J M Barrie.
6. There is a Camera Obscura and a museum.
7. There are lots of charity shops.
Stewartry Show, Castle Douglas. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Loch Ken, near Castle Douglas, is for windsurfers. The Galloway Sailing Centre at Loch Ken can tell you about Dinghy Courses, powerboating courses, canoeing courses, gorge scrambling and quad bikes.
Family fun can be had at the award winning Cream o' Galloway, Rainton, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas. Open Easter until October. This place has a nature trail as well as a restaurant selling the best ice cream in the UK.
Castle Douglas. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Cycling was invented in Dumfries and Galloway.
Cyclists might enjoy the route from Rhonehouse to Kirkcudbright ( 7 miles, deserted road, flowers, sheep, rabbits, little hills like babies' buttocks, country cottages)....
Or Palnackie to Castle Douglas taking the route over the hills.
The Dalbeattie area is famous for having off-road trails and miles and miles of quiet country roads.
www.7stanes.gov.uk/forestry/achs-5rnffw
Dumfries and Galloway has traditionally been used by the armed forces for hush hush training of special forces (and training of 'Moslem terrorists', according to newspapers).
Expect to see the occasional Hawk fighter, tank, or men dressed as trees.
Military aircraft have crashed into local farms. "The latest crash was only seconds away from Lockerbie, in one direction, and Dumfries in the other..." according to The Dumfries Courier.
Salem bin Laden and his first wife.
The Duke of Buccleuch's Drumlanrig Castle is in Dumfries and Galloway.
The subsidiary titles associated with the Dukedom of Buccleuch include: Queensberry, Drumlanrig and Douglas.
Marquess of Queensberry.
Ambrose Carey is the son of the12th Marquess of Queensberry.
His half-sister Caroline Carey (b. 1959) married the late Salem bin Laden [3][4].
....
Caroline Carey married two of Osama Bin Laden's brothers - Salem Bin Laden, and after Salem died in an air crash in 1988, Khaled bin Laden.
Salem bin Laden reportedly helped the CIA during Iran-Contra.
PBS Frontline, 2001; New Yorker, 11/5/2001 /BIN LADEN AND BUCCLEUCH /
THE BIN LADEN FAMILY - VERY JEWISH / Lord Milo Douglas, the Bin Ladens and Gay Affairs....
Ambrose Carey, "operational director of Armor Holdings, has met many members of the bin Laden family, some of whom have properties in Britain."
The National.
The Criffel - Kirkbean.
Osama bin Laden's Mujahideen received training from the British SAS in mountains surrounding the Criffel near Dumfries in Scotland. (Sunday Mail, Sept 2001)
Former SAS member, Ken Connor, said that training camps were set up in a remote mountain area in 1983.
(BBC News SCOTLAND Scots link to US terror suspect / PEN-L message, SAS trained Mujahedin fighters in Scotland)
Lockerbie
Lockerbie is famous because of Major Charles McKee.
Pan Am Flight 103 hit Lockerbie on 21 December 1988.
On that flight "were at least 2 US Intelligence agents and a Mr Khalid Nazir Jafaar."
The Dumfries and Galloway police began to investigate.
But for two days it was "difficult" for them to collect evidence as "CIA agents combed the countryside for the luggage of the dead American intelligence agents and a suitcase full of heroin....
"59 bodies were left lying around Lockerbie until 24 December... then there were only 58 bodies..." according to Lester Coleman.
Sir Malcolm Ross
The Lord Lieutenant of Kirkcudbright is Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Malcolm Ross, a member of the Royal Household[2], and a Non-Executive Chairman[4][5] of the International Security and Defence group, Westminster Group plc
3. Dumfries has the fantastic, world-class, Victorian, Chrichton buildings and gardens at Bankend Rd.
http://www.chrichton.org.uk/
Formerly this was one of the biggest mental institutions in the world - world famous and set up by a rich philanthropist; now it is university buildings, a decent hotel, museum, gardens, and a smaller mental institution.
4. Dumfries also has one of Britain's best looking churches - St Michaels.
Robert Burns is buried outside.
5. Dumfries has a theatre linked to J M Barrie.
6. There is a Camera Obscura and a museum.
7. There are lots of charity shops.
Stewartry Show, Castle Douglas. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Loch Ken, near Castle Douglas, is for windsurfers. The Galloway Sailing Centre at Loch Ken can tell you about Dinghy Courses, powerboating courses, canoeing courses, gorge scrambling and quad bikes.
Family fun can be had at the award winning Cream o' Galloway, Rainton, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas. Open Easter until October. This place has a nature trail as well as a restaurant selling the best ice cream in the UK.
Castle Douglas. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
Cycling was invented in Dumfries and Galloway.
Cyclists might enjoy the route from Rhonehouse to Kirkcudbright ( 7 miles, deserted road, flowers, sheep, rabbits, little hills like babies' buttocks, country cottages)....
Or Palnackie to Castle Douglas taking the route over the hills.
The Dalbeattie area is famous for having off-road trails and miles and miles of quiet country roads.
www.7stanes.gov.uk/forestry/achs-5rnffw
Dumfries and Galloway has traditionally been used by the armed forces for hush hush training of special forces (and training of 'Moslem terrorists', according to newspapers).
Expect to see the occasional Hawk fighter, tank, or men dressed as trees.
Military aircraft have crashed into local farms. "The latest crash was only seconds away from Lockerbie, in one direction, and Dumfries in the other..." according to The Dumfries Courier.
Salem bin Laden and his first wife.
The Duke of Buccleuch's Drumlanrig Castle is in Dumfries and Galloway.
The subsidiary titles associated with the Dukedom of Buccleuch include: Queensberry, Drumlanrig and Douglas.
Marquess of Queensberry.
Ambrose Carey is the son of the12th Marquess of Queensberry.
His half-sister Caroline Carey (b. 1959) married the late Salem bin Laden [3][4].
....
Caroline Carey married two of Osama Bin Laden's brothers - Salem Bin Laden, and after Salem died in an air crash in 1988, Khaled bin Laden.
Salem bin Laden reportedly helped the CIA during Iran-Contra.
PBS Frontline, 2001; New Yorker, 11/5/2001 /BIN LADEN AND BUCCLEUCH /
THE BIN LADEN FAMILY - VERY JEWISH / Lord Milo Douglas, the Bin Ladens and Gay Affairs....
Telegraph.
"Ambrose Carey was the executive in charge of the Saddam hunt, and is now running Alaco, an investigation firm based in London."
The Criffel - Kirkbean.
Osama bin Laden's Mujahideen received training from the British SAS in mountains surrounding the Criffel near Dumfries in Scotland. (Sunday Mail, Sept 2001)
Former SAS member, Ken Connor, said that training camps were set up in a remote mountain area in 1983.
(BBC News SCOTLAND Scots link to US terror suspect / PEN-L message, SAS trained Mujahedin fighters in Scotland)
Lockerbie
Lockerbie is famous because of Major Charles McKee.
Pan Am Flight 103 hit Lockerbie on 21 December 1988.
On that flight "were at least 2 US Intelligence agents and a Mr Khalid Nazir Jafaar."
The Dumfries and Galloway police began to investigate.
But for two days it was "difficult" for them to collect evidence as "CIA agents combed the countryside for the luggage of the dead American intelligence agents and a suitcase full of heroin....
"59 bodies were left lying around Lockerbie until 24 December... then there were only 58 bodies..." according to Lester Coleman.
Sir Malcolm Ross
The Lord Lieutenant of Kirkcudbright is Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Malcolm Ross, a member of the Royal Household[2], and a Non-Executive Chairman[4][5] of the International Security and Defence group, Westminster Group plc
Kirkcudbright. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
TRANSPORT
Much of the rail network is gone.
The road network is poor.
The nearest airport is at Newcastle in England.
As transport is the key to the success of an area, Dumfries and Galloway has its problems!
National Express coaches will take you from London, Birmingham, Manchester etc to Dumfries and beyond.
A grotty little train will transport you from Carlisle to Dumfries. The train used to go to Stranraer, but not any more.
Bus services are poor.
Many local buses travel too fast. Stagecoach buses have little leg room and usually no toilets even on the longest journeys.
Dumfries by William Miller
WHERE TO STAY?
Balcary Bay Country House Hotel - best hotel and best food (Two AA rosettes)
Knockinaam Lodge.
Glenholme - Kirkcudbright Luxury Guest House.
Brighouse Bay leisure park takes caravans and tents and has lodges and cottages.
It "boasts a vast range of on-site facilities that appeal to everyone, from small boats on the pond for the younger generation to Quad Bikes for the thrillseekers. The indoor pool complex offers swimming for all ages with a jacuzzi and steam room for a spot of relaxation after all that work.The 18 hole Golf Course is championship length and has glorious views across the Irish Sea. There is also a 9 hole par 3 for all the family."
Similar to Brighouse Bay is Sandyhills Bay, sitting at the foot of wooded hills and close to a sheltered sandy beach.
There are many other caravan and camp sites.
You could stay in DUMFRIES which has at least one good Bed and Breakfast.
CASTLE DOUGLAS has a number of Bed and Breakfast places.
GATEHOUSE's Cally Palace Hotel has one AA rosette food and a super golf course; Georgian buildings; bonny views of hills.
NEWTON STEWART, a quiet country town in the middle of John Buchan style countryside, has the KIRROUGHTREE HOUSE hotel which has an AA 2 Rosette restaurant. The hotel is AA 3 stars. Posh country house interior.
PORTPATRICK, on the coast, somewhat remote, has the wonderful KNOCKINAAM LODGE HOTEL, the restaurant of which has AA 3 Rosettes! (same as London's River Cafe, Bibendum....)
“First Class accomodation in a beautiful location”
“A Home from Home”
“WOW Factor in the new rooms”
Views In Galloway !!
William Jardine. The Keswick family still has farms and properties in Dumfries and Galloway.
THE PEOPLE
The people of Dumfries and Galloway are the people who ran Hong Kong (Jardines and Flemings...) and ran a large part of the Empire!
You'll bump into Galloway people in Africa, South America and Australasia.
Strangely, this area has quite a few millionaires. Lots of big houses. They must like the scenery.
Dumfries and Galloway has a low crime rate...... It has the best crime clear-up rate in Britain.
Dumfries. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
TO SUM UP - THIS IS BETTER THAN the Lake District or Cornwall - if you have a romantic sort of mind and a car or a bike.
Dumfries and Galloway will appeal to -
CYCLISTS, golfers, fishermen, WALKERS, foodies, CARAVANERS, booklovers, JOHN BUCHAN/JM BARRIE/GAVIN MAXWELL FANS, Bird watchers, Enid Blyton children..........
~~~
Threave Garden
Robert Burns House
Drumlanrig Castle
The Stewartry Museum
World Famous Old Blacksmith's Shop Museum
Cardoness Castle
Cream 'o Galloway
Threave Castle
Broughton House
Globe Inn
~~
THE PEOPLE
The people of Dumfries and Galloway are the people who ran Hong Kong (Jardines and Flemings...) and ran a large part of the Empire!
You'll bump into Galloway people in Africa, South America and Australasia.
Strangely, this area has quite a few millionaires. Lots of big houses. They must like the scenery.
Dumfries and Galloway has a low crime rate...... It has the best crime clear-up rate in Britain.
Dumfries. Non copyrighted photo by K Clark.
TO SUM UP - THIS IS BETTER THAN the Lake District or Cornwall - if you have a romantic sort of mind and a car or a bike.
Dumfries and Galloway will appeal to -
CYCLISTS, golfers, fishermen, WALKERS, foodies, CARAVANERS, booklovers, JOHN BUCHAN/JM BARRIE/GAVIN MAXWELL FANS, Bird watchers, Enid Blyton children..........
~~~
Threave Garden
Robert Burns House
Drumlanrig Castle
The Stewartry Museum
World Famous Old Blacksmith's Shop Museum
Cardoness Castle
Cream 'o Galloway
Threave Castle
Broughton House
Globe Inn
~~
A wonderful piece Aangirfan although I think you have captured a photo of a chemtrail behind the clock tower in the picture of Dumfries. I'm quite familiar with them as Belfast has been gifted a lot of them in the last six months.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Roy
John Paul Jones, credited as being a founder of the US Navy was from these parts too.
ReplyDeleteLex
Nope, he was from Cumbria, just the other side of the border.
DeleteNo. Jones, and his brother were both born in SW Scotland, but his first employment was on an English boat operating out of Whitehaven,hence the later raid on the town which he would know well and it was at that time of strategic importance. Jones followed his brother to the USA who owned land there, and after a short time, declared himself American, and never wanted to be anything else.
DeleteThe surname Putin was first found in Dumfriesshire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the census rolls taken by the ancient Kings of Scotland.
DeleteA delight to take in thank you. x
ReplyDeleteI think the military are still dumping depleted uranium shell in the solway forth there was a petition to try and get them to stop
ReplyDeletethe first time I went to scotland when I was 3 the bus had wooden seats, so I think things are getting better today, just
Dear dognamedblue,
DeleteWonderful to hear from you.
- Aangirfan
hello Aangirfan
Deletehope all's well and you've been looking after yourselves?
glad you liked D&G
thought about moving there until my mum became ill
We are all well. Cycling keeps you fit. Many thanks.
Delete- Aangirfan
Was'nt there a 'spaceman' photographed there in the '60s...?? ★
DeleteHello Dognamedblue, I follow your blog from time to time.
DeleteVery sad about your beloved cat, Mr Clyde. Yes, a great cat by the sounds of it. Cats are something special. Your lovely bond with him shone through your article.
Wish I knew you were in my neck of the woods, would have been great to have one round for a cup of tea and scones.
ReplyDeleteNext year, if you see a bunch of convent school girls having tea at Kitty's tearoom in New Galloway, you can come and join us.
DeleteIs it really Gavin Maxwell country? My God they are everywhere!
ReplyDeleteLockerbie and emergency team connections
ReplyDeletewww.dignityfunerals.co.uk/funeral-services/arranging-a-funeral/find-a-funeral-director/j-h-kenyon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funeral_directors_to_the_Royal_Household
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Henley
christopherhenleylimited.com/inmemoriam.htm
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/11849255/Inside-the-little-known-Berkshire-firm-ta
www.kenyoninternational.com/
Wow..
ReplyDeleteJst wonderin, do u get sick o me tellin u how fantastic u r?
If so, TOUGH!!
YER AWESOME!
Know yer hellava busy but I've bin workin on this..
https://spidercatweb.wordpress.com/2015/10/15/the-mysterious-murder-of-alistair-wilson-the-nairn-banker/
And I'm struggling!! I know where the rabbit hole leads. But I jst canny prove it!!
Can you by chance shed any light?
(haven't included the Sir Nicky, Henderson link as intend 2 blog that separately)
Moran taìng à ghraìdh
The CCTV camera failed, suggesting that this was the work of the security services? Perhaps linked to money laundering?
Delete- Aangirfan
Ur probably right...
DeleteBut, I d'no...
More research clearly needed!!
Cheers Aang.
Tha gaol agam ort!! xxxx
The surname Putin was first found in Dumfriesshire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the census rolls taken by the ancient Kings of Scotland.
ReplyDeleteNice, it makes me homesick for Clydeside. Perthshire is equally awesome and Argyll in places, but the Cairngorms are unsurpassed in natural beauty. Haste ye back!
ReplyDeleteHiya. Thanks for blog. I've only been in area a few times so it's lovely to see bits o Scotland that I don't visit often enough.
ReplyDeleteEmmm.. Am wonderin if you could possibly help me..
I'm looking for an ex kids/boys home in Newton Stewart.
It was run/owned by the Love family.
Mr, Mrs & 2 daughters, 1 of whom was called Emma.
The house was recently on the market (within past yr or 2) & if I remember rightly, it needed a fair bit of work done.
Nice big old place, long drive, big front garden. I think it was pretty secluded, no immediate neighbours anyway.
It's the name & or address in particular i'm looking for.
Only askin on the off chance, so no worries if u canny help.
Thanks again for the lovely blog. 🐱 xx
http://www.globalresearch.ca/an-independent-scotland-should-be-free-from-the-eu-and-nato/5541028
ReplyDeleteWhy?
ReplyDeletehttp://olivefarmercrete.blogspot.gr/2016/08/why.html Thoughts on reality, good and evil, prospects for humanity for deep thinkers.
Staying off till October (commenting). Supposedly. This one, affirming post; pictures, film 'n all. Keep it op. Much inspired
ReplyDeletethanks Aangirfan
PS new tag must have in a haze tried it, now can't tech how to change back. till then, Mark
Is the ice rink and indoor bowling still open? Dumfries was a cracking ice surface for figure skating
ReplyDeleteStill open.
ReplyDeleteGreat. Going to swing by for old times sake. Haven't skated there in years,and my wife was resident professional there too. Lovely part of Scotland
Deletehttps://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/sri-lanka-pm-economy-collapsed-unable-buy-oil-85551129
ReplyDeleteAlready 4 or 5th time i am told about Dumfries and galloway; haha !
ReplyDelete( I like horses and cycling as well...)
WHY you repeat yourself so much ???
Only to fill daily dose of posting ?
Yes , very good for cycling, and people still keep horses... I know now, guess if somebody will wake me up asking about Dumfries i will repeat this information...
Your blog is very valuable,appreciated.
But...maybe post less, and better quality info ?
One post every few days, but more interesting ?
Greetings.