Friends discover area’s history

Jul 1 2009 by Lorna Thomson, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

KIRKCUDBRIGHT was the destination for this year’s outing of the Friends of the Archives of Dumfries and Galloway on Wednesday, June 10.

In order to accommodate those keen to see all the town had to offer, a guided tour had been arranged for the morning.

In charge was Dr David Devereux, curator of the Stewartry Museum, clearly an expert in his field, who displayed his encyclopaedic knowledge in the course of conducting the group round the outstanding points of interest in the older part of the town.

Commencing from the Mote Brae, adjacent to McLellan Castle and overlooking the harbour, he pointed out the main sights, drawing attention to the unusual L-shape of the old medieval town, still discernible in the route followed by the present day High Street.

Kirkcudbright, he explained, was originally part of the kingdom of Northumbria (hence the name, derived from St Cuthbert, the Northumbrian patron saint) and owed its existence to the safe anchorage provided by the River Dee at that point.

Hence it became at once a naval stronghold for the local rulers and a centre of trading activity. At one time, in the 15th century, it achieved status as the sixth most important port in Scotland.

Under their guide’s direction the group then proceeded along the High Street noting the various points of interest. Eventually this rewarding trip finished up at the museum which was featuring a special exhibition of the part played by Kirkcudbright in emigration from Galloway to other parts of the world, mainly America.

After lunch, supplemented by new arrivals, the Friends visited Broughton House. This, as is well known, was the home of the celebrated artist E A Hornel from 1901 until his death in 1933. Ably assisted by Jim Allan, librarian at the House, members explored what the various rooms had to offer, including the extensive collection of Burns material and also the famous garden at the rear.

This was in all respects, both in the morning and afternoon, a most successful and enjoyable outing and sincere thanks are due to all those who laboured to make it so, particularly the two curators whose helpfulness and guidance are much appreciated.