The Town
As the region’s largest town, Dumfries is well placed as a commercial centre and travel hub to easily access the outlying areas. We provide a fully comprehensive service to customers covering the ‘Stewartry’ towns of Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie, and the nearby villages to the west, the Nithsdale areas of Thornhill, and the Annandale and Eskdale areas of Moffat, Lockerbie, Annan, and Langholm.
Dumfries and Galloway is the perfect location to live for those who wish to avoid the higher tourism areas of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Highlands, for a more rural setting.
History
Dumfries is steeped in history- Robert the Bruce infamously slayed John “The Red” Comyn in Greyfriars Church in 1306, and poet Robert Burns was a “weel-kent face” during his later years living in the town and surrounding areas.
J.M. Barrie, the Scottish novelist and dramatist, attended Dumfries Academy; in early 2019, Moat Brae House and gardens opened its doors paying homage to the past student who would go on to write Peter Pan. The new Visitor attraction and National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling is acknowledged to be the birthplace of Neverland.
Events
Throughout the year, Dumfries plays host to many celebrations and events that are much anticipated by locals and visitors alike; June sees the Guid Nychburris, (Good Neighbours) celebration provide a week of events including the traditional ‘Riding of the Marches’, crowning of the ‘Queen of the South’ and climaxing with the exciting and vibrant ‘Guid Nychburris’ parade through the town. Other annual highlights include the Big Burns Supper, a week-long ‘Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival’ each May, and the Dumfries Agricultural Show, which takes place in August.
Transport
Dumfries has excellent road and rail networks to the nearby towns of Annan, Gretna, and Lockerbie, which is a real bonus to commuters working in city centre locations. For those needing to travel further afield, Glasgow is less than 1 ½ hours by road and just under 2 hours by rail.
Local Area
Dumfries has benefitted from much investment in healthcare and education in the last few years which has seen the brand new, state of the art, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary completed in 2018 and several new schools and education campus’ offering a wide choice of modern learning environments brought to the area. Dumfries also boasts the oldest working theatre in Scotland, The Theatre Royal, along with many other independent theatres, cinemas, museums, art galleries, and larger high street shops and eateries interspersed with thriving independent shops and restaurants; there really is something for everyone in this lovely location.
Activities
The Solway coastline offers those with wanderlust the very best in opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors- rich forests, mountains, historical sites, incredible sailing, and rugged beaches are all on offer in this designated area of outstanding natural beauty. For those with sporty interests there are many bowling clubs, golf courses- Southerness is a particular jewel in the golfing crown with its championship course overlooking the breath-taking Solway shore, and there is a wealth of football and rugby clubs across the region. The towns natives are called “Doonhamers”, a nickname they share with the local football team ‘Queen of the South’, who play their home matches at Palmerston Park on the Maxwelltown side of the River Nith which runs through the centre of the town.