The Steading, Dumfries

Known as the Queen of the South, Dumfries is a market town and former royal burgh and is the largest town in south west Scotland. It lies close to the mouth of the River Nith as it opens into the Solway Firth. Its origins are mysterious and are believed to involve at various times the ancient Romans, St Ninian and there is evidence of King Arthur having fought battles in the area. It is also held that Malcolm Canmore and William the Conqueror met here in the 11th century and William Wallace pursued the English through the surrounding Nith valley 200 years later. Robert the Bruce killed his rival John Comyn in the Greyfriars Kirk in Dumfries and Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed in the town for a few days in the mid 18th century and the poet Robert Burns moved to Dumfries in 1791 and staying until his death five years later. Today Dumfries is a bustling popular town with much to offer the visitor. Its location makes it ideal for exploring the coastline with its sandy beaches and rocky inlets to the Galloway Hills and Ae forest offering superb walking and cycling on the famous 7 stanes trails. Visit stunning Caerlaverock Castle and Nature Reserve or indulge in some high octane excitement with the Scottish Rally based in Dumfries each summer.