Dumfries Tours

16/08/2024

We set off on our bikes from Kirkcudbright with our good friend Robin. At Borgue Cemetery I found my Maltman ancestors headstone. Robin took us on an interesting detour to Kirkcudbright Life Boat Station then on to the MOD firing range public access path. The red flag wasn’t flying so we were safe and sound. The views over to Ross Island were simply stunning.

Back into Kirkcudbright via Mutehill, we called into the Fake Food Workshop as featured in the recent Barbie movie. At Tanpits Lane we saw the Provost’s Lamp and the flats opened by Prince (now King) Charles. A great wee day doing a bit of exploring.

14/08/2024

What a fantastic Maxwell themed tour we had with Mike and Michelle from Southern California.

We picked them up from Dumfries House Lodge, before visiting Sanquhar Castle. We have a coffee stop at Lean Bean in Thornhill. Before visiting the Maxwell stronghold of Caerlaverock Castle, we visited Closeburn Church and Terregles Church.

After Caerlaverock, it was Ruthwell Church with the oldest Celtic Cross on the Scottish Mainland. Then we had a lovely lunch at Annandale Distillery. Mike had a wee dram of James Cosmo’s Storyman blended whisky after his meal. It got a thumbs up.

Hoddom Castle was next – Acquired by the Maxwells through marriage into the Herries family. We took in Repentance Tower – Where the chief of the Maxwell’s killed Lord Johnstone to avenge the death of his father at the Battle of Dryfe Sands in 1593.

At Beeswing we visited Loch Arthur Farm shop and community cafe for drinks, Cream o’ Galloway ice cream and some Scottish biscuits.

Drumcoltran Tower – built by the Maxwells of the Hills. In Dumfries we saw the site of Maxwell’s Castle. Ransacked by the Scottish Covenantor Army following the Maxwell’s surrender of Caerlaverock in 1640. Maxwelltown on Glasgow Street now part of Dumfries but Maxwelltown was a separate burgh until 1929.

Lincluden Collegiate Church – Founded by Lord Galloway under the patronage of Clan Douglas. Following the Protestant Reformation, the church was acquired by the Maxwells of Terregles. Return to Dumfries House Lodge.

On the way back, we took in Drumlanrig Castle. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit Morton Castle.

A long day but the time flies when you are in great company. Plenty of laughs along the way.

11/08/2024

Day three. Our final day of the Wicker Man tour with Anthony and Imelda from Northern Ireland. On route back to Cairnryan, we paused at Laggan for a drink and to take in the view.

We called in the Creetown Heritage Museum with its very own Wicker Man before peering in the windows of the sadly closed Ellengowan Hotel which was where the bar scenes of the movie were filmed.

The ferry was slightly delayed so we called into the North West Castle Hotel for a lovely carvary Sunday lunch. A wonderful three days with two lovely people. Haste ye back.

11/08/2024

Slowly making our way back to Cairnryan with Imelda and Anthony from Northern Ireland. It’s too nice to rush home. #

10/08/2024

Day two of our Wicker Man themed tour with Anthony and Imelda from Northern Ireland.

In Kirkcudbright we were given access to Greyfriars Church where Sgt Howie is seen at the start of the movie (depending on which version you watch).

Harbour Gallery Cottages and The Tollbooth were next which was Summerisle Town Hall in the film. We popped upstairs to see Natalie Burns’ exhibition.

High Street Galley was May Morrison’s Post Office and Sweet Shop.

On to Gatehouse of Fleet and the former Cally Estate Offices – exterior of The Green Man. We had a lovely lunch at The Iron Brew.

Anwoth Old Kirk and Schoolhouse are a must for any Wicker Man fan. The Kirk hasn’t changed but the Schoolhouse is now a holiday home available to rent on Airbnb.

Anthony and Imelda were well behaved all day so we got them a wee treat at Cream ‘o Galloway.

Round the coast to The Coo Palace and Borgue via Kirk Andrews.

We made some purchases at Banks and Braes in Kirkcudbright before heading to Dundrennan Abbey where Mary Queen of Scots spent her final night in Scotland.

We came across some interested calves at the dancing Wicker Man before heading back to Dumfries. Tomorrow we will call into Creetown before dropping the guys off at Cairnryan. A wonderful tour.

09/08/2024

Day one of our Wicker Man themed tour with Anthony and Imelda from Northern Ireland. Starting at Cairnryan, our first stop was Logan Botanic Gardens – Lord Summerisle’s Mansion Gardens in the movie.

We squeezed in a trip to The Mull of Galloway (Scotland’s most southerly point). Lovely lunch at the Gallie Craig.

Then Castle Kennedy Gardens - Standing stone circle (props) and May Day procession. Lochinch Castle – Interior of Lord Summerisle’s Mansion.

St Ninian’s Cave – Where Rowan Morrison was hidden before her supposed sacrifice.

Burrowhead – Site of the burning Wicker Man.

Whithorn – Public Library where Sgt Howie learns about pagan rituals and sacrifice.

Tomorrow we are heading to Kirkcudbright, Gatehouse of Fleet and Anwoth. If you see us on our travels, say hello and wish them a happy anniversary.

03/08/2024

We will have to keep an eye out for this broadcast.

Lots of fun with local songstress Susi Briggs and Michael Portillo of Great British Railway Journeys yesterday when the BBC visited St Michael’s church and graveyard. Thank you all for making us a part of your day 🚂. There was even a drone ! Will be broadcast …. in about a year

03/08/2024

What a fantastic four days we’ve had in Portpatrick. Bella the Cockapoo loved her new walks. We met up with family members who were staying a couple of nights at the Harbour Inn.

26/07/2024

Today, James, Carla and Christian headed out of Dumfries and called into Dalswinton Estate and Dalswinton Church – The Tin Tabernacle. A short walk gives commanding views of the River Nith Valley towards Portrack. Next it was Closeburn Church – ancient Kirkpatrick burial site. Thornhill – planned industrial village – coffee stop at Lean Bean.

Drumlanrig Castle – Home to the Dukes and Duchess of Buccleugh and Queensberry of the Clan Douglas. The castle has featured in Outlander.
Durisdeer Church - see the Italian marble clad crypt. There was a production company setting up for filming at both locations but they are all sworn to secrecy so not sure what is going to be shot. It was then onto Morton Castle – Lord Maxwell of Nithsdale’s remote hunting lodge.

Sanquhar, the world’s oldest post office. Carla sent a postcard to her soon to be 90 year old father who worked for the US Postal Service for several years.

After a lovely lunch at A’ the Airts, we called in to The Old Tollbooth museum.

Scotland’s highest village of Wanlockhead was our next stop. Coming back to Dumfries via Leadhills and Elvanfoot we returned down the stunning Dalveen Pass.

We quickly called into Friars Carse to see The Hermitage and then into the grounds of Ellisland Farm. Built by Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns. It was here that Burns wrote and Auld Lang Syne.

25/07/2024

Another fantastic day with James, Carla, and Christian from Kansas. We were on the Border Reivers Trail. Our first stop of Gilnockie Tower. Then it was The Muckle Toon of Langholm where they are gearing up for the Common Ridings. Up to Teviothead to visit Caerlinrig, the site of a horrific atrocity committed by King V on Johnnie Armstrong and his men.
Hermitage Castle – Elliott’s imposing fortress at the head of Lillisdale. Douglas build the fighting platform. This really is an incredible sight to behold in such a remote glen. We had a lovely lunch at The Olive Tree Cafe in the planned village of Newcastleton. Rowanburn to hear about the giant, and seemingly terrifying, Lang Sandy Armstrong. He and his 11 sons were hanged on the orders of James VI as he extinguished the reivers way of life.

24/07/2024

A wonderful day with James, Clara and Christian Johnston from Kansa. We met Lord Annandale at his St Ann’s Estate Office this morning. After our meeting, we visited Raehills, the ancestral home of the Johnstone Chief. Afterwards it was Johnstonebridge and then the ruins of Lochwood Castle.

The Devil’s Beeftub is a must visit for a Johnstone. Heading south, it was back into Moffat where we were greeted at St Andrew’s Church by the Minister Elsie MaCrae and Session Clerk Donald Walker. Feeling brave, Donald led us up the narrow staircase to the Bell Tower and onto the roof. What a view.

After a walk round Moffat Old Kirk Cemetery, we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Brodies.

Our next stop was Dryfe Water and the site of the 1593 battle of Dryfe Sands between the Johnstones and the Maxwells.

Focussing on the Maxwells now, we finished our day by visiting Hoddom Castle – acquired by Lord Maxwell of Terregles through marriage to Agnes Herries, Lord Maxwell’s Repentance Tower, and Caerlaverock Castle.

24/07/2024

Well. What an absolutely fantastic day with the Beattie family from the USA (New York State, North Carolina, Georgia). They were a joy to be with. For some this was their first visit to Scotland. I don’t think they will ever forget it. Especially now we have helped them locate the graves of their ancestors in Boreland, Eskdalemuir and Langholm.

Langholm was especially poignant. Archibald (Bauldy) Beattie, Langholm’s Town Drummer, marched out the common land boundary and called out the Langholm Fair for fifty years until he died aged 90. The Langholm Common Riding Committee lay a wreath on his grave every year.

They also have Pasley’s in their family. W. Pasley was the first person to ride the common land boundary on horseback in 1913. A tradition that continues to this day. There will be a week of festivities but the big day is this Friday when the roads into town close and the population of Langholm quadruples to 10,000 to hear the Langholm Fair.

One of the highlights was being able to get into Westkirk Library which was set up for the families who worked in the Louisa antimony mines at Glendinning. Thank Jacqueline for opening up. David Pike from Explore the Borders Magazine came along to interview the family.

Another highlight was the opening of Westerkirk Church by Mary Buckley. Thank you Mary. The stained glass windows depicting the animals and nature of the valley are stunning. We were even up in the Belfry. Can you guess which animal is depicted on the glass up there? In the old Kirkyard we found the family gravestone and of John Telford, the Unblameable Shepherd and father of Thomas Telford, Civil Engineer. Thomas is buried at Westminster Abbey.

On our way back to Moffat, we passed through Hawick and Selkirk before stopping at the Grey Mare’s Tail or the Roaring Linn. We even managed a beer and game of snooker at the end of the day.

21/07/2024

Another day of, on the ground, research before our tours next week. Starting at Gretna Green, we visited Canonbie, Langholm, Newcastleton, Mangerton Tower (the original seat of the Armstrong Chiefs), Millholm Cross, Ettleton Cemetery, Old Castleton, and Hawick (birthplace of the poet and songwriter James Thomson who wrote The Star o’ Rabbie Burns, which is fitting given its the anniversary of The Bard’s death).

Now having a coffee in the beautifully located (and named ) Tushielaw Inn before heading to St Mary’s Loch, The Grey Mare’s Tail, and Moffat. We really are blessed to live in such a beautiful area with so much history.

18/07/2024

We did some on the ground family history research yesterday for our American family who will be here next week. Locations included Hutton and Corrie at Boreland, Eskdalemuir, Westerkirk, Langholm Old Cemetery. A key holder kindly let me into Westerkirk Church. The stained glass windows all have an animal and nature themed. They are absolutely stunning.

08/07/2024

Our last day with The McCracken family was a slightly shorter one but fun nonetheless. Leaving Wigtown, we travelled through Newton Stewart and up the Queen’s Way to Dalry. On route, we stopped at Murray’s Monument, the Wild Goat Park, Murray’s Birthplace Cottage, and the Red Deer Range. Oh, and Ice Cream from Cream o’ Galloway. Lovely weather once again.

07/07/2024

We had another beautiful day in South West Scotland. Leaving from Wigtown we first walked on the beach in the sunshine at Sandhead, followed by a visit to the early Christian relics at Kirkmadrine. A highlight for The McCracken family was Kirkmaiden Church where a number of McCrackens are buried. It was then on to the the most southerly point of Scotland, The Mull of Galloway. The lighthouse here was built by the grandfather or the renowned novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. After lunch at the Gallie Craig it was then onto Port Logan. Our final destination was Portpatrick. Some of us relaxed with a drink in the sunshine outside the Waterfront Hotel will others walked up to Dunskey Castle. Dinner was provided by Emma and Nick at the always fabulous Dine at Dunskey. A great day.

06/07/2024

What a wonderful day we had with the McCracken family from California. As well as retracing their ancestral heritage, we visited some beautiful places. Including Castle Kennedy Gardens and Janet and Neale’s wonderful https://www.facebook.com/kitchencoosewes.

04/07/2024

Checking out a few places for our four day tour which starts tomorrow from Wigtown. We visited Stranraer Museum, Castle of St John, Sheuchan Cemetery, Castle Kennedy and Torhouse Stone Circle.

02/07/2024

In preparation for an upcoming tour of Wigtownshire, for a family with ancestors in the area, we visited some wonderful places today. Including;
Sorbie Tower where Steve Hanna kindly opened up for us.
Garlieston, a main point of import for goods being brought into The Machars throughout the 19th century. During WWII the village became part of the secret Mulberry Harbour project in preparation for the D-Day Landings.
Cruggleton Castle, former seat of the Earls of Galloway and Cruggleton Church, both in stunning locations.
Whithorn Priory founded by Fergus, Lord of Galloway in the 12th century.
Monrieth Bay, to see Gavin ‘Ring of Bright Water’ Maxwell’s statue and the ruins of St Medan’s.
Port William.
Drumtroddan Standing Stones.
Mochrum and the Motte of Druchtag.
Chapel Finian (remains).
Mochrum Loch.
Old Place of Mochrum. Just stunning. We can’t to show this place off to our American visitors this weekend.

30/06/2024

We had another lovely day with Leslie from Oregon. Leslie has ancestors who lived in Newton Stewart, Port William, Wigtown and Kirkcudbright. We took our time exploring each of these unique towns and villages.

29/06/2024

We had a Douglas themed tour today with Leslie from Oregon (though originally from California). On route we visited:
Threave Castle – Built by Archibald the Grim, the 3rd Earl of Douglas in 1369.
Dalbeattie.
Dumfries.
Lincluden Abbey – inherited by Archibald the Grim in the 14th Century. Contains the tomb of Princes Margaret, Countess of Douglas.
Closeburn Old Kirk – burial site of the Kirkpatricks.
Drumlanrig Castle. Home to the Duke of Buccleugh and Earl of Queensberry.
Sanquhar Castle. We had a lovely lunch at A’ the Airts then popped into the Tollbooth.
Sanquhar post office. The World’s Oldest.
Morton Castle.
Durisdeer Church and Crypt – Burial site of the Dukes and Duchess of Buccleuch.
Auldgirth.
Dalswinton Church and Estate. A grand day out.

27/06/2024

A magnificent Maxwell themed tour with Daya and Anthony from Houston, Texas. We visited Hoddom Castle – Acquired by the Maxwells through marriage into the Herries family.
Repentance Tower – Where the chief of the Maxwell’s killed Lord Johnstone to avenge the death of his father at the Battle of Dryfe Sands.
Powfoot – Former Victorian Spa Village on the Solway Coast.
Ruthwell – With the oldest Celtic Cross on the Scottish Mainland.
Caerlaverock Parish Church and Isle Tower.
Caerlaverock Castle – The Maxwell stronghold.
Glencaple – coastal village with lunch at The Boathouse.
Dumfries – Visit the site of Maxwell’s Castle. Ransacked by the Scottish Covenantor Army following Maxwell’s surrender of Caerlaverock in 1640.
Maxwelltown -now part of Dumfries but was a separate burgh until 1929.
Kirkconnell Tower, New Abbey - home of the Maxwells of Kirkconnell for around 600 years
Drumcoltran Tower – built by the Maxwells of the Hills.
Terregles Church.
Lincluden Collegiate Church.

25/06/2024

We had a lovely day with Tim and Joy from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Tim is of Maxwell descent. So Caerlaverock Castle was a must visit. We also took in St Michael’ Church, Castledykes, Crichton, Glencaple, Caerlaverock Parish Church, Ruthwell Cross, Hoddom Castle and Repentance Tower, Kettle-Home cafe for lunch, Tundergarth Church, and Market Square to learn more about Maxwelltown.

22/06/2024

Today we walked to the site of the 1593 Battle of Dryfe Sands between the Johnstones of Annandale and the Maxwells of Nithsdale.

Lord Maxwell approached from the west and crossed the river to engage the Johnstones and their allies who held the higher ground to the east.

The result was a decisive Johnstone victory. With the Maxwells fleeing with their ‘Lockerbie Licks’ (scars on their faces), Lord Maxwell himself was slain at the Holm of Dryfe. A thorn tree marked spot and it became known as ‘Maxwell’s Thorn’. Sadly it seems the tree may have been cut down and set on fire.

Continuing our walk at Gallaberry we came across the remains of Dryfeholm Manor. Built by the Jardine Family in 1850, the house was demolished in 1952.

20/06/2024

April 28th 1685 five friends – Robert Grierson, Robert Edgar, John Gibson, James Bennoch, and Robert Mitchell, were arrested and taken to Ingleston Mains Farm Moniave after they were apprehended for attending a nearby conventicle. They were herded into a walled enclosure and after a swift trial they were deemed to be deserving of death and were shot where they stood. Friends took Robert Grierson back to his home area of Balmaclellan, the others were buried at Glencairn Kirkyard.

17/06/2024

We had a fantastic day with Alexander and Samantha from Chicago. Alexander saw his grandfather’s (Admiral Sir John Treacher) headstone at Dalswinton. Our tour included Dalswinton, Friars Carse, Ellisland, Twelve Apostles, Castledykes, Caerlaverock, Brow Well, Ruthwell, Annandale Distillery where we had a lovely lunch, Hoddom Castle, Repentance Tower, and Lockerbie.

15/06/2024

Queen of the South beautifully sung at the crowning ceremony today.

15/06/2024

A fantastic turn out by participants and spectators alike for Dumfries’ Guid Nychburris (Good Neighbours) riding of the marches. Very cloudy but it stayed dry for the crowning of The Queen of the South on the Plainstanes at The Midsteeple. We hold this event every year on the third Saturday in June. So if you missed out this time make sure you are in town next year. Good luck to Lochside Tavern in this evening’s parade.