The town of Annan, a former harbour, lies on the banks of the River Annan, in East Dumfries and Galloway, and is steeped in history, with the area once the site of Roman camps and the workplace of the writer Thomas Carlyle. Each year, the town celebrates the Riding of the Marches, in honour of the Royal Charter bestowed by King James V, which involves parades, massed pipe bands and competitions.
