Arts And Agriculture Highlight Dumfries – Dumfries And Galloway
Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, died in Dumfries, but he lives forever thanks to some of the devoted inhabitants of Dumfries – Dumfries and Galloway.
That’s right, J. M. (James Matthew) Barrie, author of “Peter Pan, ” received most of his secondary education at Dumfries Academy. In honor of his literary accomplishments, the distinguished author was granted “the Freedom of the Town” in 1924, some 30 years after his most beloved creation was first presented on stage in London.
Given the vital role that agriculture plays in the regional economy, it’s no surprise that the first successful milking machine with pulsators was invented by a Mr Nicholson of Bombie farm in Kirkcudbright. The inventor then went to work for J. R. Wallace and Co. In nearby Castle Douglas, where the machine was developed for sale to the public. No wonder that the world’s highest-valued ram and bull were sold in the area during the late 20th century! The region is ripe for such agricultural achievements.
J. M. Barrie’s relationship to Dumfries is only one of the many surprises awaiting visitors to this charming city in southwest Scotland and its surrounding countryside. The region is known for an impressive combination of agriculture, woodlands, light industry and tourism. Dumfries and Galloway offer many splendid opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, fishing and other outdoor pursuits as well as local history with global connections. What’s more, the residents are a well-read lot quite versed in local lore.
Six years later, the first academic lectures in Great Britain (possibly in the world) for the nursing profession were given at the Crichton Royal, Dumfries in 1854. These occurred six years before Florence Nightingale, considered the mother of modern hygienic nursing, began to teach her methods for germ control and patient care.
What’s more, Dumfries and Galloway are known for innovations in transportation. The world’s first steamboat sailed on Dalswinton Loch near Dumfries in 1788. Local legend has it that Robert Burns, the world famous poet of Scotland, was a passenger on the boat’s one and only voyage. Kirkpatrick Maemillan took the world’s first pedal cycle for a spin around Keir Mill sometime between 1838 and 1840.
Speaking of military machines, the world’s first submarine was made in a factory at N. E. 1, Cochrane, Newbie, near Annan in the region. And while we’re underwater, let’s not overlook the contribution of James Anderson of Dumfries, who was the first man to lay transatlantic cables in 1866. On top of the water, Dalswinton Loch near Dumfries was the site of the world’s first steamboat voyage in 1788. Scotland’s famed bard Robert Burns was reputed to have been a passenger on the vessel’s lone voyage.
These highlights and more combine to make Dumfries and Galloway a fascinating area for a holiday trip.
Discover your next hotel in Dumfries or select somewhere to stay from these UK hotels
Tags: Destinations, travel, travel and leisure
March 14 2010 06:17 am | Destinations