Frommer's Scotland 8th Edition - To Parent Directory

DUMFRIES: AN ODE TO BURNS 151wife, Jean Armour, and five of their children. Burns died in 1796, but hisremains weren’t moved to the tomb until 1815.The Mid Steeple on High Street was built in 1707 as municipal buildings,a courthouse, and a prison. The old Scots “ell” measure, the equivalent of almost1m (37 in.), is carved on the front, and a table of distances includes the mileageto Huntingdon, England, which in the 18th century was the destination forScottish cattle driven south for the London markets. Today it’s used mostly asmunicipal archives, and its interior is used for government functions.At Whitesands, the street paralleling the Nith’s edge, four bridges span theriver. The earliest was built by Devorgilla Balliol, widow of John Balliol. Theirson, John, was made Scotland’s “vassal king” by Edward I of England, the“Hammer of the Scots,” who established himself as Scotland’s overlord. Thebridge (originally with nine arches but now with only six) is still in constant useas a footbridge.The town’s best shopping is along the High Street, which is lined with turnof-the-centuryfacades, and nearby Queensberry Street. Alternatives, 73–75Queensberry St. (& 01387/257-467), is an attractive new-age shop stockingherbal remedies, artful wind chimes, and gift items, especially jewelry inspiredby Celtic designs. You’ll find men’s and women’s kilts in dozens of tartan patterns,as well as sweaters, overcoats, hats, and socks, always at realistic prices, atthe Edinburgh Woolen Mill, 8 Church Place (& 01387/267-351).If you want to explore the area on two wheels, the Nithsdale Cycle Centre,46 Broon’s Rd. (& 01387/254-870), is the place to go. You’ll have to leave a25% deposit; rental rates are £5 ($8) for a half day, £10 ($16) daily or £35 ($56)weekly. It’s open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.Burns House In 1796, Scotland’s national poet died in this unpretentious,terraced stone house off St. Michael’s Street. Although he occupied the houseduring only the last 3 years of his life, it contains personal relics and mementosas well as much of the original furniture used by Burns during his creative years.Burns St. & 01387/255-297. Free admission. Apr–Sept Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 2–5pm; Oct–MarTues–Sat 10am–1pm and 2–5pm.Drumlanrig Castle Kids This pink castle, built between 1679 and 1689 ina parkland ringed by wild hills, is the seat of the dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry.It’s home to some outstanding paintings, including a famous Rembrandt,a Leonardo da Vinci, and a Holbein, plus relics related to Bonnie Prince Charlie.There’s a playground with amusements for kids and a working crafts centerin the old stable yard; the gardens are gradually being restored to their 1720magnificence. Meals are served in the old kitchen, hung with gleaming copper.Thornhill, 5km (3 miles) north of Thornhill off A76 and 16 miles (26km) southwest of A74 at Elvanfoot.& 01848/330-248 or 01848/331-555. Admission £6 ($9.60) adults, £4 ($6.40) seniors, £2 ($3.20) children,£15 ($24) families. May–Aug Mon–Sat 11am–4pm, Sun noon–4pm. Closed Sept–Apr.Dumfries Museum Southwestern Scotland’s largest museum occupies a converted18th-century windmill atop Corbelly Hill. Visit it only if you have extratime and an interest in the region’s early geology, history, and archaeology. Themuseum is rich in collections ranging from early Christian stones to artifacts of18th-century country life. Some exhibits suggest the site’s role as an astronomicalobservatory in 1836; note the 20-cm (8-in.) telescope used to observe Halley’sComet in July 1836. The camera obscura provides panoramic views of thetown and surrounding countryside.