Kirkcudright

Since the early 1900s Kirkcudbright has attracted artists due to its local landscape and various attractions such as the Bay which is a natural harbour on the north coat of the Irish Sea that was once used by merchants for trading various things such as wine.
Tourists can also appreciate the landscape as well as visit various historic buildings, museums and galleries.

Water leading up to Kirkcudbright Harbour

MacLellan's Castle

MacLellan's Castle was built between the years 1581 and 1582. The castle looks quite different to most castles as from first impressions many tend to think it looks like an old town house. In one of the leaflets from Kirkcudbright it is described as having the "Features of a late medieval Scottish tower house".

Side image of MacLellan's Castle

In later years when security was less important MacLellan's Castles interior was transformed into a town house.
Today it is just a mere skeleton of what it used to be with no roof. However, is has been restored and it is safe for tourists to go inside and look at the interior and see where everything used to be located inside. When we walked around the interior we found a pigeon next with baby pigeons inside which was a suprise.
This castle is part of Visit Scotland along with many other locations. To get into the castle you need to pay a small fee.

The Stewartry Museum

Established in 1879 and first opened to the public in 1881 it was originally located on the top floor of the Kirkcudbright Town Hall and due to the ever increasing collection of items from local and natural history, a bigger premisis was needed.
Between the years 1892 and 1893 the present building was constructed and cost a total amount of £1,300 which was gathered through various fundraisers.
The museum is absolutly packed with all sorts of cool things such as old smoking pipes and pocket watches. All visitors are welcome at the museum and admission is free.

Pocket watches on display at the Stewartry Museum

Overall Kirkcudbright is a great place to spend the day as there are plenty of places to visit. Also there are loads of shops and local takeaways.
Please visit the Gallery to see more pictures.

Caerlaverock Castle

Caerlaverock Castle

Located in the South of Dumfries Scotland Caerlaverock Castle is a large castle with a moat that surrounds it on sunny days you can see fish in the moat.

It was believed to be built in the 13th century and was later abandoned in the 17th century. The castle was used as a stronghold for the Maxwell Clan who are known to have Norse ancestry dating back to the reign of David I of Scotland.

In comparison to most castles in the Dumfries area this is by far in the best condition and it is also a nice place to spend the day.

As it is quite a distance away from any towns it is advised that you travel there by car and even though it is a relatively busy place parking is not an issue as you are shown by employees where to park. If you happen to have a dog with you they are more than welcome to go inside the castle as it is mainly outdoors. In the vicinity there is a gift shop and a cafeteria that visitors can use.

Whilst walking around the moat of the castle I noticed that there is a park for children to play and also I noticed that a lot of tourists were going down a hidden path so we went to investigate and noticed that it is a nature trail that starts by leading tourists around the moat and through the woods. We found that it leads to the site of the old castle which we were not aware of its’ existence. It was found a few years ago and the area was then excavated and then studied. What is viewable of the old castle is basically flat ground with traces of walls and signs informing visitors of where everything used to be.

To view more pictures please visit the Gallery page.