Peter Pan’s father came from Dumfries – Dumfries and Galloway
That’s right, J. M. (James Matthew) Barrie, author of “Peter Pan, ” received most of his secondary education at Dumfries Academy. In honor of his literary accomplishments, the distinguished author was granted “the Freedom of the Town” in 1924, some 30 years after his most beloved creation was first presented on stage in London.
In fact, during Scotland’s “Homecoming” in 2009, Dumfries celebrated the 250th birthday of Robert Burns on January 25, 2009, with “Burns Light.” The event involved lantern processions through Dumfries that met at the Whitesands for live entertainment. The program featured a spectacular fire show centered on a wicker sculpture of Tam O’Shanter, the central figure of Burns’ epic poem of the same name that was considered his finest work.
Dumfries and Galloway also can lay claim to some of the earliest developments in modern medicine, often ahead of “firsts” claimed by other communities. Europe’s first operation carried out under anesthetic was performed by Dr. Scott at the original Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary on December 19, 1846. This was two days earlier than other claims!
For instance, the Rev. Henry Duncan founded the world’s first savings bank at Ruthwell in 1810. The site is now a museum. Not far way, Britain’s oldest working post office sits in Sanq’uhar, dating back to 1763. The region of Dumfries and Galloway can even lay claim to being the site of Scotland’s first Christian Church. Candida Casa was founded at Whithorn around AD 400, with St. Ninian as the first bishop.
With agriculture as a mainstay of the local economy, it’s no surprise that Dumfries and Galloway also is home to world’s most highly valued ram, sold at Newton Stewart and to a world-record price of 22,000 guineas for a Galloway bull sold in February 1989.
Today Dumfries, with a population of 31,600, is the largest town in the region, followed by Stranraer on Solway Firth with around 11,000 and Annan with some 8,300. Dumfries and Galloway combined have a population of some 148,000.
These highlights and more combine to make Dumfries and Galloway a fascinating area for a holiday trip.
For accommodation in Dumfries check this list of Dumfries hotels.
Tags: Travel, travel and leisure