Dumfries Through Time

Nicknamed ‘Queen of the South’, the town of Dumfries lies in south-west Scotland. In 1234, the town became an official part of Scotland, and it was here that Robert the Bruce began his rebellion against in English in 1906, which led to the Wars of Independence. The history of this town is certainly worth exploring, with connections to the early beginnings of Scottish Christianity, brilliant inventors such as Kirkpatrick Macmillan, and celebrated poet Robert Burns. Robert Burns, one of Scotland’s most famous sons, lived in Dumfries for a period before his death in 1796. The Theatre Royal – one of the world’s oldest theatres – is said to have been a regular haunt of his, and a statute dedicated to him stands at the entrance to the High Street. Today, this market town and former Royal Burgh is changing, with developments taking place all over the town and its outskirts.