Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries Rood Fairs

Twice a year, in March and September, Dumfries hosts one of the oldest street fairs in the world. The 'Rood Fair' has adapted to modern tastes, containing fair ground rides such as carousels, ferris-wheels, helter-skelters, as well as a 1953 Coronation Waltzer (which was built and maintained by several generations of showpeople who work the fairs of the UK). There are also food and competition stalls, an arcade, and other entertainments. History The earliest record of the fair is from a charter dated ... Read More
Living traditions surrounding Holy Wells, Historic Springs and Sacred Waters in Scotland

Holy or sacred wells, historic springs and related 'watery sites' are places in the landscape where 'knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe' are enacted. These sites continue to be visited in Scotland for a variety of reasons; sometimes waters are perceived to have healing power or health-bestowing properties; sometimes the places themselves are thought to be efficacious because of their natural beauty, historical or spiritual significance. Holy wells are also entwined in other tradition... Read More
Moffat Toffee

Moffat Toffee is not toffee, but a boiled sweet made in the Scottish town of Moffat.The confectionery is notable for its lemon centre which gives the sweet its unusual flavour. The shop also has its own unique type of tartan which is black and white in colour. It is the largest confectionery shop in Moffat and has a wide range from well known brands to homemade sweets made in the factory that is located in the town.... Read More
Scotland's Year of Stories Project: The Dance and the Story, Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns

THE DANCE AND THE STORY consisted of two activities for adults and children. ROBERT BURNS LEARNS TO DANCE : Storytelling and Historical Dance project for the adult community of Sanquhar, Scotland. Dance was also one of Robert Burns great passion's and influenced many of his songs and poems it is said that he loved to step onto the dance floor. In 1779 he took his first lesson aged 17 yrs in Tarbolton,Aryshire, against the wishes of his father. The project worked with researcher Sue Knight and her published ... Read More
Scotland's Year of Stories Project: Up the Middle Road: Crichton Stories of Recovery and Resilience

The project shone a light on the Crichton Royal in Dumfries; an asylum with many hidden histories. Patients’ and staff’s first-hand stories were shared, in words and songs, as well as tours of the landscaped estate. ‘Up the Middle Road’ is the local name for the former Crichton Royal Asylum, founded 1838 in Dumfries. This event shared its lived experiences of mental health – until recently, buried in a culture of silence. Through words and music, the voices of former patients, nurses, support s... Read More
Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 Project: Crossing the Ken

Families of Glenkens turned out on a glorious sunny day to celebrate Scotland’s Year of Stories and the bicentenary of the iconic Ken Bridge. 150 people joined a parade which carried puppet dragons, birds and airplanes to under the Ken Bridge. Local story teller Anne Errington told tales of ancient Scottish folklore mixed with stories from New Galloway. Under the beautiful arches of the Ken Bridge, families picnicked next to Mark Zygadlo’s Water Organ. A fantastical contraption based on an 18 ft ... Read More

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