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Dumfries & Galloway History

With its connections to the beginning of Scottish Christianity, famous poet Robert Burns and great inventors such as Kirkpatrick Macmillan, Dumfries & Galloway has a fascinating history worth exploring.

the moat surrounding Caerlaverock Castle

Caerlaverock Castle

the Robert Burns Centre & Film Theatre by the river in Dumfries

the Robert Burns Centre & Film Theatre

a replica of Kirkpatrick Macmillan’s original bicycle on the wall in the Scottish Cycle Museum

a replica of Kirkpatrick Macmillan’s original bicycle

the 17th century mansion of Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig Castle

Follow the Robert the Bruce Trail

Travel back 700 years on the Robert the Bruce Trail to see the castles and museums that bring to life the story of the man who won Scotland independence.

looking up the pend leading to the Priory at Whithorn

Embrace the romantic history

Step inside the World Famous Old Blacksmiths Shop in Gretna Green to hear about the couples who ran away to tie the knot in beautiful Dumfries & Galloway.

the World Famous Old Blacksmiths Shop

Robert Burns

Follow the life of Scotland’s National Bard through his last years by visiting the home, farm and favourite inn of Robert Burns.

the Robert Burns Centre & Film Theatre

Explore the castles of Dumfries & Galloway

Take a stroll around the beautiful castles to see the unique, triangular Caerlaverock, the strikingly tall Threave and the grand Cardoness.

Caerlaverock Castle

Uncover the story of St Ninian in Whithorn

Wander around the town of Whithorn and you can find out all about St Ninian, who brought Christianity to Scotland back in the fifth century.

Whithorn, home to the first recorded Christian church in Scotland

See a replica of the world’s first pedal bike

Follow the KM Trail to discover the story of Kirkpatick Macmillan, inventor of the world’s first pedal bicycle.

a replica of Kirkpatrick Macmillan's original bicycle

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