South-west Scotland
Ayrshire and Burns
Robert Burns(1759-1796)
Alloway
Birthplace of Scotland's most celebrated poet now part of a new visitors centre
Birthplace of Scotland's most celebrated poet now part of a new visitors centre
Burns Night 25th Jan
Shortly after Burns' death his friends gathered to celebrate his birthday, That tradition continues today as the Nation celebrates his life on the 25th January. The Haggis forms the centrepiece of an evening of laughter and song.
Brig O' Doon
The famous bridge at Alloway where "Tam O' Shanter" was chased by the witch!
all images © VisitScotland/ScottishViewpoint
all images © VisitScotland/ScottishViewpoint
Dumfries and Galloway
You've probably heard of running away to Gretna Green to be married. Well the same rules apply to civil partnership and same sex marriage. There are no residential qualifications required for those registering their civil partnership/marriage north of the Border or parental consent required. Scotland thus has the competitive edge for British couples who do not wish to be bound by these regulations, or for overseas couples who want to fly in just for the ceremony.
Wigtown
Book Festival Info
Wigtown Book Festival
The Great Houses of the South West
Dumfries House, Cumnock, Ayrshire
Dumfries House: set in 2,000 acres, this stunning estate and 18th-Century house has an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture.
"When Dumfries House first came to my attention in 2007, my vision for this Palladian mansion and its contents was to restore them to their former glory. In doing so, I hoped that present and future generations would be able to visit and enjoy the different facets of the life and times of a bygone era and to appreciate British craftsmanship at its best. Regeneration has by no means been confined to the house. The education programme, in collaboration with local schools and communities continues to grow and has fostered positive, interactive exchanges."
HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay
"When Dumfries House first came to my attention in 2007, my vision for this Palladian mansion and its contents was to restore them to their former glory. In doing so, I hoped that present and future generations would be able to visit and enjoy the different facets of the life and times of a bygone era and to appreciate British craftsmanship at its best. Regeneration has by no means been confined to the house. The education programme, in collaboration with local schools and communities continues to grow and has fostered positive, interactive exchanges."
HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay
Drumlanrig Castle,Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway
Drumlanrig is one of Scotland’s finest examples of 17th century Renaissance architecture. There are a wealth of treasures hidden inside from the world-renowned Buccleuch Collection with celebrated artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Alan Ramsay, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Rembrandt’s Old Woman Reading. The castle is only open on special dates, so take a look at our opening times before you visit or find out more about the Castle here.
If you’re an Outlander fan, you can even see where they filmed as Drumlanrig Castle was a filming location for Outlander Season 2
If you’re an Outlander fan, you can even see where they filmed as Drumlanrig Castle was a filming location for Outlander Season 2