A-Z of Dumfries
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€19.99
The town of Dumfries, in the south-west of Scotland and known as ‘the Queen of the South’, became a royal burgh in 1186 and grew into an important market town and port in the medieval period. During its often turbulent past, Dumfries played an important role in the Wars of Independence as the starting point of Robert the Bruce’s campaign for the Scottish throne, and later hosted Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite army. The poet Robert Burns spent his last years in Dumfries and in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the port of Dumfries benefited from trade with the Americas, as well as being a major exporter of tweed. During the Second World War Dumfries was home to the Norwegian army in exile, and although the port has closed today, it is the administrative centre for the Dumfries and Galloway region.
A–Z of Dumfries delves into the history of the town, revealing interesting and significant moments in its story. It highlights well-known landmarks, famous residents and digs beneath the surface to uncover some of the lesser-known facts about Dumfries and its hidden gems. This fascinating A–Z tour of Dumfries’ history is fully illustrated and will appeal to all those with an interest in this popular town in south-west Scotland.
Mary Smith is an author, poet and freelance journalist. Her previous publications include fiction and non-fiction titles, such as Drunk Chickens and Burnt Macaroni: Real Stories of Afghan, Thousands Pass Here Everyday (poetry) and No More Mulberries (her debut novel). In the past, she has also written for a number of local and national publications, such as The Galloway News, The Dumfries & Galloway Standard, Dumfries & Galloway Life, The Herald and Guardian Weekly. A prominent member of the Dumfries Writers’ Group, Mary is a familiar face in the area, having also been involved in a number of local community projects. Keith Kirk is an amateur Wildlife and Natural History Photographer/Writer living and working in the Stewartry area of Dumfries and Galloway. His day job was Countryside Ranger with Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service, something he did for over 37 years. Now semi-retired he works as the Tour Leader/Ranger with Nocturnal Wildlife Tours based in Castle Douglas.