Is Galloway Scotland's Cornwall? Scotland's Yorkshire?
Galloway is a corner of South West Scotland.
It is a place with its own sense of identity.
A rich history.
A place that is large, but sparsely populated.
Yet, it is a vital part of the Scottish story.
It feels like Scotland, yet also feels like its own place.
In some ways, it is a bit like Yorkshire or Cornwall in England.
They are very much in "England" like Galloway is in "Scotland". Yet all three share some very strong similarities.
- I have visited and they form a part of my life.
- They have an identity all to themselves, with language that is unique and stretches in some regards beyond
- Both have a strong connection with the land and sea around them.
- They also feel like there own place
- They have rich histories that are part of the story of nations that as the British Isles.
- They are let down by the overly strong emphasis on centralisation in both Westminster and Holyrood.
- All three places have stories to tell about our industrial and economic history that are often overlooked.
- Beaching cuts tore into the fabric of local life and gutted opportunities and communities.
- The de-industrialisation and economic disconnection have been thrust upon each region with awful effects down the years.
- Each area is of course in danger of becoming a retiree idle or a second home wasteland.
My childhood holidays took place in Yorkshire and Cornwall and Galloway feels the same place: a place of summer tourists and beautiful landscapes.
Yorkshire is of course also a place in big cities like Leeds, Bradford, Halifax and of course York. So its scope is far bigger than Galloway or Cornwall will ever reach.
Galloway, like Cornwall, like Yorkshire, are places of beauty, tourism, agriculture, history, stunning scenery and brilliant people.
I am proud to now live in Galloway.
It is Scotland's best-kept secret and best place to live, hands down.
I look forward to telling more of its story over the coming year.