Uncover fascinating literary connections
Book Corner in Wigtown
the writing desk of Robert Burns
the Hugh MacDiarmid memorial near Langholm
the Book Shop in Wigtown
Visit book shops, authors’ former homes and Scotland’s National Book Town to discover the region’s fascinating literary connections.
Uncover literary connections on an afternoon in fascinating Wigtown, named Scotland’s National Book Town in 1998 - the first proclamation of the new Scottish Parliament.
Wigtown has over 20 book-related businesses and you can find over 250,000 thrilling and unusual books as you search through the tomes in the renowned book shops.
Take a look around the nine rooms of Scotland’s largest second hand bookshop, appropriately named The Bookshop, and find some brilliant second hand children’s books in The Box of Frogs.
Immerse yourself in the written word at the annual Wigtown Book Festival which celebrates books and literature, offering inspiration to book lovers and writers alike. With a large variety of events scheduled you can hone your writing skills with classes run by professionals, learn more about your favourite books at talks from authors or take part in some of this year’s active events.
Famous Scottish poet Hugh MacDiarmid grew up in the town of Langholm and on nearby Whita Hill you can find a monument in his honour, in the form of a large, cast iron open book depicting images from his works. Buried in the cemetery in Langholm, MacDiarmid is most famous for his book-length poem, A Drunk Man Looks at a Thistle.
The region was also once home to Scotland’s National Bard - Robert Burns. The famous poet’s former home is now a museum dedicated to his life and works. Visit the house in which he spent the last few years of his life and learn more about how Burns and his family lived. The museum houses the famous Kilmarnock and Edinburgh editions of his works and the original desk where he wrote his most renowned verses.
Find out more about Dumfries & Galloway’s connections to Robert Burns.
With many other literary connections and interesting attractions to visit, Dumfries & Galloway is a must-visit destination for book lovers.
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