Longshot Cottage

The Dumfries and Galloway website has loads on Dumfries, Galloway and links to websites throughout South West Scotland.

The Tourist Board website lists what to see and do throughout Southwest Scotland. Also, google for Flounder Tramping, New Galloway's quirky Alternative Highland Games, Taliesin Community Woodland events, Forestry Commission events, nature walks, Knockengorrock festivals, the Wickerman Festival, Spring Fling (art studios you can visit), Gael Force (music events), village fairs and shows, local pub sessions and more.

Scotland's National Trust protects our natural and cultural heritage; great local sites include Threave Castle (including a boat ride across the Dee) and Threave Gardens. There are ruined castles all over the place (Caerlaverock, Orchardtown, Casluith, Gatehouse), some fine ruined abbeys and celtic crosses, and magical prehistoric stones at Cairnholy (Creetown).

RSPB. Scotland holds two-thirds of the UK's best sites for birds. Visit Mersehead (on the Solway coast) in winter for the awesome noisy flocks of geese, the Red Kite Trail for kites (feeding time is 2pm, near Laurieston), and the Wood of Cree in summer for bluebells and walks.

Kirkcudbright's Summer Festivities provide harbour-side music, dance, parades and family fun. Check out the internationally acclaimed summer Art exhibitions too (Kirkcudbright is the "Artist's Town"), and the diverse art galleries and tiny boutique shops near the Toll Booth.

The Southern Upland Way is the longest walk in the UK, passing West-East through Scotland's remote forests, moors and mountains. The Forest Commission has hidden sculptures and giant landscape art (labyrynths) - but you have to work hard to find them.

The Visitors Guide is a directory to sites on the web useful to visitors to Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland.

Much of our furniture was handmade, and includes pieces from local joiners, salvage and antique restorers Livingston’s, in Castle Douglas.

Castle Douglas Food Town. With approximately fifty local businesses involved in either producing or selling food and drink, it is easy to see why Castle Douglas has been designated a Food Town. First class delis, and good food (try Designs cafe and craft shop).

Wigtown "Book Town" is a beautiful town set in the idyllic surroundings of The Machars peninsular. Literary festivals are in spring and autumn, and you could visit the southernmost distillery in Scotland.

Cream o' Galloway is an ice-cream farm with an amazing and huge adventure playground. Near the Gatehouse of Fleet coast, it has a play area, countryside walks, quad bikes, and a good organic cafe - great for kids as well as adults.

Handmade Clogs and Shoes. Clogs and shoes handmade in a workshop in Balmaclellan village.

The CatStrand. An arts centre in New Galloway, offering events, music, art, and internet access. Check their website for what's on.

Craig Farm is fully organic.