I have visited Scotland a few times, but never Dumfries and Galloway. I’d heard good things about the region, not least that they have some good gardens on account of it being near the Gulf Stream so the climate is warm, wet and mild – i.e. no frost.
Having booked a week in Keswick for the OH’s 65th birthday, I realised how close to D&G we were going to be, so on a whim, booked a week in Kirkcudbright known as “The Artists’ Town” because of the generations of creative artists who made this their home. It is also a fishing town, though most of the catches, mainly scallops, are apparently sent to France. With its wide streets, prettily coloured houses, free parking and independent shops and many activities in the town and the area it looked like a nice place to relax.
We stayed in the High Street, in the heart of the town behind the castle and close to several art studios, art centres and art galleries.
Lots of lovely flower displays to be found down a wynd (alley or narrow lane) or pend (architectural term referring to a passageway that passes through a building, often from a street through to a courtyard)
Some very interesting houses and shops:
Spectacular river views along the Dee:
Art and Creativity
Churches and Public Buildings, often in distinctive red sandstone
And what a delightful week we had, culminating in a little jazz 🙂
TRAVEL WORDS 
What a beautiful village!
The wide streets make it feel very spacious, I think that gives it a very different feel to most towns.
It is wonderful!
Great overview of the town and area, with excellent relevant photos too. One for the Scottish Tourist Board I reckon!
Regards as always, Pete. x
(Just back from a very sunny Eastbourne, and hugely enjoyable wedding!)
Glad you liked it Pete. Nothing like a good wedding. Trouble is not many people bother these days. Been a bit overcast here today.
Fascinating castle photo I love all architecture and we have only modern in Aussie.
Glad you enjoyed seeing these Jack, we do history well over here 😉
What a delightful display of windows!
I loved those massive dormer windows (the ones in the roof) they must let in loads of light!
I really miss the castles!
We celebrated NYear in D&G one time Jude but can’t think why we never made it to Kirkudbright it would have been right up my street 🙂 I’ve since become very fond of the works of Jessie M King and think I would have loved to stroll and explore the area . Super pictures .
We loved Kirkcudbright, could have easily lived there, close to Cumbria and the Lakes – and there are lovely gardens in D&G.