New Galloway

This is the smallest Royal Burgh in Scotland, established by Viscount Kenmure in 1633, lying at the head of Loch Ken, 19 miles north of Kirkcudbright. It centres largely on the narrow north-south high street which is set on a hill and lined with charming grey stone and white-washed buildings. It is a good holiday centre with arguably the best and certainly the most scenic nine-hole golf course. In the area there is good fishing and watersports and the RSPB Ken-Dee Nature Reserve.


Nearby stand the remains of the 15th century Kenmure Castle, the former seat of the Gordons of Lochinvar. They supported Mary Queen of Scots and invited her to stay at the castle in 1563. It was subsequently burned down by her opponents. The Gordons then supported Charles I, and then Cromwell burned down the castle. After a second restoration, a decisive fire took it in 1950 and it is now an extremely dangerous ruin. Visitors may only view it from the outside.