Solway Tours

15/02/2025

Lesley had another great day yesterday and although it was time to leave Mull and make it back the mainland she fitted in a few stops first.

On the drive from Tobermory back to Criagnue Lesley stopped at Salen, got stocked up with a hot cuppa and delicious traybake and from the Fishnish Food Bar , bought some chocolate from the Isle of Mull Chocolate shop and then enjoyed views of Duart Castle on the ferry back to Oban.

Once back on the mainland Lesley had a couple more stops before the journey back South to Solway Tours HQ and that was to the Fairy Bridge at Glen Creran .

The walk out to fairy bridge through the woodlands was very peaceful and the bridge itself is a magical place. The final stop was the Cruachan Power Station which has a lovely cafe and free exhibition . ( the actual tour into the power station in the mountain is also very worthwhile, Lesley just didn’t have time today).

It has been a fabulous week on the isle of Mull revisiting some incredible sites , exploring new places and completing research for upcoming ancestral tours.

VisitScotland Visit Mull and Iona Fishnish Food Bar Isle of Mull Chocolate

14/02/2025

Today is the 10th Anniversary of our first ever tour! 💚

Over the last ten years we would like to think that we have provided fantastic tailored packages for people from near and far to enjoy our bespoke tours of Scotland and beyond.

Since launching Solway Tours we have had the absolute pleasure of guiding locals , school groups and overseas visitors around our beautiful country and sharing with them our passion for its history, scenery and culture .

We have made some amazing friends along the way and have some fantastic memories of our tours so far and we look forward to another busy year of tours ahead! Our 2026 and 2027 diary is also filling up!

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone that has supported our wee business in one way or another and thanks to everyone that has joined us on a tour either in Scotland, Ireland or on one of our Battlefields Tours!

Thanks Les and Mark

13/02/2025

Lesley has enjoyed another great day in and around Tobermory.

First up this morning was a walk to the Aros waterfalls which is just a few miles outside of Tobermory and after a short walk through the woodlands you come to the beautiful waterfalls. You can continue the walk down to the Lochan where you then get stunning views across to Tobermory Harbour.

Lesley then did the walk from Tobermory Harbour out to Rubha Nan Gall Lighthouse. The walk along the woodland path gives great views out across the water to Ardnamurchan.

After all that walking Lesley finished the day with a visit to the Tobermory Distillery and a wander around some of the shops along the Harbour where lots of local produce could be found.

Another great day!

Visit Mull and Iona VisitScotland

13/02/2025

On the 12th of February 1846 one of Dumfries and Galloway’s best known sons died. Henry Duncan was best known to many as an important 19th Century minister but his talents lay well beyond more than the divinity.

Duncan founded the world’s first mutual Savings Bank in 1810 to support his poverty stricken parishioners and the wider community of Ruthwell. His social reforming outlook with regards banking supported many agricultural workers and the bank was to become the TSB, one of the biggest banks in the UK.

Duncan was also responsible for the reconstruction of the beautiful Ruthwell Cross which had been destroyed in the aftermath of the Reformation. The Cross which is around 1400 years old now stands proudly in Duncan’s Church just outside Ruthwell.

Duncan achieved many other major feats in his life including publishing newspapers to improve rural literacy!

A man who deserves the tag of a real local hero and the Henry Duncan Savings Banks Museum is open again in Ruthwell and is well worth a visit!

VisitScotland Dumfries & Galloway Life

12/02/2025

Lesley has had another busy but fantastic day on Mull.

This morning was all about visiting sites connected to our future guests ancestors. Doing this research for our ancestral tours is so important to us, so many places were located and after chats with a few locals Lesley will be able to give our guests a real insight into the lives of their ancestors. Lesley also enjoyed a visit to the unusual Black Beach , named that due to the colour of the sand , ground from basalt.

The rest of the day was spent in Lochbuie. After refuelling with a delicious cheese scone and a hot cuppa at the Old Post Office cafe it was time for a short walk to explore the St Kilda’s Church and the ruins of Moy Castle.

Lesley’s last stop today was to do the walk out to Lochbuie standing stones. The walk there was incredible where Lesley was surrounded by hills, sheep, deer and the walk is well worth it to get to the stone circle.

Lesley is now back in Tobermory after a quick stop to get a view of Duart castle from the outside.

VisitScotland Visit Mull and Iona The Old Post Office & Lochbuie Larder, Lochbuie

11/02/2025

A fabulous day in Iona!

Today Lesley made the journey across to the magical island of Iona. This really is a special place to visit .

Lesley had a full day of exploring and while there she started at Iona Abbey and Nunnery and also stopped at Mc Leans Cross .

Next it was off to a beach for a picnic lunch and Lesley chose the White Strand of the Monk beach which was stunning.

After that there was time for one more visit before the ferry so Lesley decided to climb Dun I the highest hill on the island which is only 101m but the views at the top were breathtaking.

If you are in Mull then we would highly recommend a visit to Iona.

11/02/2025

10/02/2025

On this day in 1306 a meeting took place in Dumfries that changed the history of Scotland!

On the 10th of February in 1306, after leaving his castle at Dalswinton, John "Red" Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, met Robert the Bruce at Greyfriars Monastery in Dumfries.

It was to prove to be one of the most pivotal meetings in the turbulent history of Scotland during medieval times. As the famous plaque states Robert the Bruce was aided by Sir Roger Kirkpatrick from Closeburn who was said to have "mak siccar" and ensured that this day would go down in Scottish history!

John Comyn was murdered and this led to a series of events that saw Robert the Bruce take the throne of Scotland!

Bruce and his men rode to Dumfries Castle along the Nith and after defeating a small English garrison he was declared King of Scots. He was officially crowned two months later at Scone.

Castkedykes Park in Dumfries commemorates these historic events in a number of ways within the park itself.

As a town we have so much history to shout about and the wider Region of Dumfries and Galloway has witnessed events that clearly went on to shape the incredible history of Scotland!

VisitScotland Dumfries & Galloway Life

10/02/2025

Lesley’s first stop today after arriving at Criagnure ferry terminal on Mull was Eas Fors waterfall.

The sun was shining so it was a great day to arrive on the island. The waterfall is easy to find and is a short walk from where you can park your car. It is on three levels and there was stunning views today across Loch Tuath to the island of Ulva.

Well worth a visit if you are heading to Mull!

VisitScotland Visit Mull and Iona

10/02/2025

The sun is shining and it’s a lovely morning to make the journey from Oban to the Isle of Mull.

Visit Mull and Iona

09/02/2025

A prehistoric Cairn, standing stones and prehistoric rock art!

Lesley enjoyed exploring parts of Kilmartin Glen this morning. No other place in Scotland has such a concentration of prehistoric carved stone surfaces, and Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments so as a historian this was a great place to explore!

Ones of the sites Lesley explored was Dunchraigaig Cairn , a prehistoric burial chamber believed to be 4,000 years old where 11 people were said to have been buried in three cists inside the cairn.

As well as this fascinating structure 250 metres ways there are the Ballymeanoch prehistoric standing stones and in the opposite direction there is Baluachraig rock art which was believed to been carved between 4,500 and 5,500 years ago.

An incredible place to visit!

VisitScotland Historic Environment Scotland

09/02/2025

It was an early start for Lesley this morning as she left Dumfries and headed North.

The first stop was the Rest and be thankful just North of Arrochar. Although there is still some snow on the tops of the mountains and it was a little chilly the views were still incredible.

Lesley is looking forward to a week of researching for future tours in Oban, Mull and Iona!

08/02/2025

On this day the 8th of February 1587 Mary Stuart was beheaded at Fotheringay Castle in Northamptonshire England. It brought to an end the life of one of the most important individuals in the history of Scotland.

This post is about the incredible place that she spent her last full day in Scotland which was at Dundrennan Abbey in Galloway.

Mary Queen of Scots had fled after the loss to Moray at Langside in Glasgow. She travelled South via Sanquhar and spent the night of the 14th of May 1568 at Terregles Castle just outside Dumfries.

She then moved to the magnificent sanctity of the Abbey at Dundrennan where she was to spend her last night in Scotland. The following day she sailed to England to seek the support of her cousin Queen Elizabeth 1st of England. For Mary she was then to spend the next 19 years in captivity before being executed in 1587.

Dundrennan Abbey which took decades to build was officially opened in 1142 and was ordered to be built by King David 1. The King was keen to follow his mother Margaret’s work and spread Christianity throughout Scotland. The Cistercian Abbey has so much to explore and of course one of its many claims to fame is that It is the last place in Scotland that Mary Stuart stayed.

The Abbey is a must visit place when in the SW of Scotland. The Mother House is an incredible ruined site with so much to explore as well as the incredible architecture.

VisitScotland Historic Environment Scotland

03/02/2025

ALLY BALLY (Coulter’s Candy)

"Ally Bally Ally Bally Bee,
Sittin on yer mammy’s knee,
Greetin for a wee bawbee
Tae buy some Coulter’s Candy"

Did you know that the creator of one of Scotland's most famous children's songs was born in the Stewartry in Dumfries and Galloway. Robert Coltart was born near the Haugh of Urr in the early 1830s and spent much of his early years in Kelton before moving to Galashiels.

Today, his memory lives on with a statue in Market Square, Galashiels.

Coltart (the ‘coulter’ of the song), who lived in Galashiels, , was well known for selling his boiled sweets throughout his home town and at fairs and festivals across the Borders.

Dressed in colourful, extravagant clothes, wearing a ‘big lum hat’ and playing a penny whistle, he tied bright ribbons to his sweet tray and sang his much-loved song to attract customers and advertise his wares.

Today, Coulter’s Candy is recognised across the world. It triggers memories of grandparents and lullabies; of the challenges of parenthood and the exuberance of youth.

Following its rise in popularity, it was recorded by a number of musicians in the 1950s and 1960s, including Scottish folk singers

In 2019 the statues to the memory of the weans anthem was unveiled. It was designed by sculptor Angela Hunter.

Statues of a boy (Little Jock) and girl (Wee Jeannie), names lifted from the verses of the lullaby, were later added, completing a magical picture dedicated to Coltart which captures the sheer joy in the children’s faces, and which appeals to all ages.

Robert Coltart died of a brain tumour in 1880.

VisitScotlandDumfries & Galloway LifeHistoric Environment Scotland

The full lyrics of the song are below

Ally Bally Ally Bally Bee,
Sittin on yer mammy’s knee,
Greetin for a wee bawbee
Tae buy some Coulter’s Candy.
Maw, hand me ma thrifty doon,
Here’s auld Coulter comin roon
Wi a basket on his croon
And he’s sellin Coulter’s Candy.
Ally Bally Ally Bally Bee,
Sittin on yer mammy’s knee,
Greetin for a wee bawbee
Tae buy some Coulter’s Candy.
Oor wee Jeanie, she’s lookin awfie thin,
A rickle o banes covered ower wi skin.
But noo she’s gettin a big double chin
Through sookin Coulter’s Candy.
Ally Bally Ally Bally Bee,
Sittin on yer mammy’s knee,
Greetin for a wee bawbee
Tae buy some Coulter’s Candy.
Chairlie and Annie were greetin, tae,
So whit could puir wee Mammy dae
But gie them a penny atween them twae
Tae buy some Coulter’s Candy.
Ally Bally Ally Bally Bee,
Sittin on yer mammy’s knee,
Greetin for a wee bawbee
Tae buy some Coulter’s Candy.
Ally Bally Ally Bally Bee
When you grow up ye’ll go tae sea,
Ye’ll bring back pennies for yer mammy and me
Tae buy some Coulter’s Candy.
Ally Bally Ally Bally Bee,
Sittin on yer mammy’s knee,
Greetin for a wee bawbee
Tae buy some Coulter’s Candy,
Tae buy some Coulter’s Candy.

31/01/2025

Yesterday Mark had a wee seat beside one of his favourite and most poignant war memorials in the world. The Maxwelltown and Troqueer War Memorial was designed by Welshman Henry Price living in New Abbey and was unveiled in 1921.

It commemorates the 219 men from Maxwelltown who died during WW1. Maxwelltown was its own town at that point and didn't join with Dumfries to form one town until 1929.

There are two special plaques to commemorate 2 VC winners from that area. I have added detail on one of them James Mackenzie's VC below.

"The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour “in the face of the enemy” and during the First World War James MacKenzie was one of a few local boys to receive this military honour. Private James Mackenzie was born in Dumfries in 1889, attended school in Dumfries and by February of 1912 had enlisted in the Scots Guards. As a private in the 2nd Battalion of the Scots Guards, he was then sent to France on 5th October 1914, only a few months after Britain had entered the war. Two months later at the age of 27 James Mackenzie was killed after an act of bravery at Rouges Banc where he rescued a soldier from in front of the German trenches. An extract from “The London Gazette,” dated 16th Feb., 1915, records the following:-“For conspicuous bravery at Rouges Bancs on the 19th Dec, in rescuing a severely wounded man from in front of the German trenches, under a very heavy fire and after a stretcher-bearer party had been compelled to abandon the attempt. Private Mackenzie was subsequently killed on that day whilst in the performance of a similar act of gallant conduct.”

Private James Mackenzie was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry. His Victoria Cross is now held by the Scots Guard Regimental Headquarters. Private James Mackenzie is commemorated on the Maxwelltown War Memorial, by a stone plaque in Troqueer Parish Church and on December 19th 2014 a commemorative paving stone was unveiled at the Maxwelltown War Memorial in Dumfries where family members were present. Private James Mackenzie is also commemorated on the Ploegsteert memorial, near Ypres, in Flanders Belgium ."


A thought provoking memorial

VisitScotland Historic Environment Scotland Colin Smyth MSP Ypres Branch Royal British Legion Royal British Legion Dumfries & Galloway Life

29/01/2025

Thank you to everyone who has followed or liked our page recently!

With so many new followers we thought we would take this opportunity to introduce ourselves so you know who will be your guides if you book with Solway Tours!

We are Lesley and Mark and we will be your guides if you book a tour with us!

We are both born and raised in Dumfries and Galloway and as former history teachers we are both passionate about helping people to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors and in sharing with them the history and culture of Scotland.

We both love history, the outdoors and exploring Scotland, Ireland and across Europe with our WW1 and WW2 Battlefields Tours.

We are privileged to say that our job is to showcase Scotland and beyond and we love doing it. We are fortunate enough to have met so many interesting people and made many great friendships over the last ten years.

We are looking forward to another busy year ahead catching up and touring with with old friends and meeting new guests.

28/01/2025

On this day in 1290 the most powerful woman in Scotland died. Her name was Devorgilla of Galloway.

She was born the youngest of 3 daughters to Alan, Lord of Galloway and his second wife Margaret of Huntingdon who was a great granddaughter of David 1 of Scotland.

Devorgilla married John Balliol of Barnard Castle as a young teenager and when her father died she was chosen to become the leader of the semi autonomous region of Galloway. To many she was known as the Queen of Galloway.

The couple were deeply in love and their son John was to go on and become the King of Scotland from 1292 to 1296.

When Balliol Snr died Devorgilla ordered a Cistercian Abbey to be built in his memory which became known as Sweetheart Abbey. It was so named by the monks who watched Devorgilla carrying around the embalmed heart of her husband in an ivory sculpted casket as she couldn’t bare to be without him.

Devorgilla was buried in the high altar of her Abbey alongside the heart of her husband. However her grave was to be destroyed during the religious wars which scarred the country in the 16th and 17th Centuries.

It is considered by some historians that If she had lived a few months longer then she would have been asked to become the Queen of Scotland after the Maid of Norway died however she had died a few months before the young Maid.

Devorgilla was a powerful woman from Galloway who we remember today with great fondness and respect. You can consider her life in many areas of the SW of Scotland today including her Abbey, the Devorgilla Bridge in Dumfries where you can marvel at her sculpture or even visit her old church at Buittle near her castle.

A remarkable woman!

VisitScotland Dumfries & Galloway Life Historic Environment Scotland