History and Heritage Holidays in Scotland

The region is rich with castles, towers and abbeys which provide a fascinating glimpse into Dumfries & Galloway’s romantic, chequered – sometimes bloodthirsty – past.

Too many to mention here, there are over 30 castles in the region but near our Castle Douglas base is Threave Castle, situated on an island in the River Dee and reached by ringing the bell for a boatman to row visitors over. Built by Archibald ‘the Grim’, Lord of Galloway it was the stronghold of the Black Douglases, the most powerful family in Southern Scotland in the mid -15^th century. Ravens now make their home there and an osprey nests near by.

Kirkcudbright’s MacLellan Castle, built as a town house by Thomas MacLellan of Bombie, is well worth a visit as is Cardoness Castle, a 15^th century tower house near Gatehouse of Fleet, built as the McCulloch’s family home and offering a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of a 15^th century aspirational – and pretty lawless – family.

Further east is the awe-inspiring, medieval fortress of Caerlaverock Castle with its moat and imposing battlements. Uniquely in Britain, its red sandstone walls are triangular – though no one knows why. With England just across the Solway, Caerlaverock played an important role in defending Scotland.

Drumlanrig Castle is today home to the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry and for lovers of antiques, period furnishings and fine art it is a must-see.

As well as castles telling the region’s history the abbeys in Dumfries & Galloway are also steeped in history and romance. Three Cistercian Abbeys are well worth a visit. Over in the west is the 12^th century Glenluce Abbey set amidst some of the most beautiful countryside in the region. Robert the Bruce visited Glenluce as did James IV and Mary Queen of Scots.

Dundrennan Abbey, near Kirkcudbright was founded by David I and it was here Mary Queen of Scots spent her last night in Scotland before sailing across the Solway to England where she was imprisoned and executed by her cousin Queen Elizabeth.

Perhaps the most romantic of all is Sweetheart Abbey in the picturesque village of New Abbey, a few miles from Dumfries founded by Lady Devorgilla in memory of her husband, John Balliol (fonder of Balliol College, Oxford). Devorgilla, so much in love with her husband was distraught at his death and had his heart embalmed and placed in a silver casket. This she carried everywhere with her until her death when she – and the casket – were buried at Sweetheart Abbey.

And, of course, there is Whithorn Priory, founded in 397AD by St Ninian who brought Christianity to Scotland. It was once the most holy place in the country and pilgrims – Royal and common – came from all over the country with Whithorn growing in size and importance until pilgrimage was banned in 1581.

We are able to provide History and Heritage tours of the region as part of your holiday with Galloway Holidays or design a short break to include these historical places and the various museums in the area.

Itineraries

We will soon have Itineraries for this section in place for 2012.