What does Dumfries and Galloway have to offer history buffs?
Dumfries and Galloway is very much one of Scotland's forgotten corners. Like the North East of Scotland, the South West of Scotland is ignored by tourists, governments and even other Scots.
This is a shame, as I believe that both of these regions present a great, fantastic take on Scottish life, which is different and in some ways more interesting than the normal Glasgow-Edinburgh-Highlands/Islands trifecta (what an American word!).
Galloway for history buffs
If you are a history buff, Galloway has a lot to offer:
Dumfries offered Robert Burns a home, work and friendship. Galloway hosts the site of Christianity's arrival in Scotland. Galloway is the site of one of Robert the Bruce's greatest ambushes. Speaking of Bruce, Dumfries is home to "mak siccka" when Robert killed his rival for Scotland's throne in the Greyfriars church.
- The father of electromagnet theory Maxwell hails from Galloway.
- Border reivers set out from Galloway and came to Galloway.
- Romans marched through Galloway and Galloway was part of the Roman empire for the 50 years the empire advanced beyond the wall.
- Norwegian Airmen fought the Nazis in the Battle of Britain and during the rest of the war from (insert airport name).
- Bonnie Prince Charlie set up shop in what is now Waterstones whilst raising merry hell before Culloden.
- Burke of Burke and Hare caused a riot when he visited Dumfries
- Caeverock Castle was the site of an English siege, in which 11 plucky Scots held off an entire English army (it was also featured on the time team).
- Wigtown is Scotland's booktown and has an amazing array of history books. Wigtown is also home to Scotland's booktown, which is sure to give you plenty of options for historic travellers.