Kirkcudbright is an ancient Scottish burgh, named after an early Christian church dedicated to St Cuthbert. The town football team is also named after St Cuthbert - as is one of the main streets shown above! Kirkcudbright is the administrative capital of the Stewartry which is the eastern part of Galloway.
What is there to see and do around the town?
- Interesting buildings
- The Tolbooth Art Centre
- The Harbour area
- The Stewartry Museum
- Broughton House
- Art and craft galleries
- Walks along the beautiful Dee Estuary
- Boat trips on the River Dee
| The High Street is unusual as it is L shaped! Many houses in this area date from the 18th century and most are painted in a range of colours giving a lively impression. Off the High Street lead the old arched closes down which can be glimpsed other homes and gardens.This view shows the High Street looking westwards from the Tolbooth Art Centre. The turreted buildings house the Library and the Council Offices. |  |
Any tour of Kirkcudbright is probably best started at the ancient Tolbooth - now an Art Centre, standing at the right angle corner of the High Street. It provides visitors with an introduction to the town as an artists' colony. There is a 15 minute audio-visual show explaining the work of the most famous artists who lived and work in the town. The small but very interesting permanent collection includes works by S. J. Peploe, Charles Oppenheimer and Jessie M. King to name a few. A rolling programme of exhibitions showing a range of media continues the artistic tradition. There is also a friendly coffee shop to refresh you before tackling the other tourist sites!
 | Down by the harbour an old canon keeps guard. The grassy mound is covered in daffodils in Spring. Just around the corner you will find the Kirkcudbright Marina. |
 | The main fishing industry in Kirkcudbright is for scallops. The town has a lifeboat station. |  |
The Stewartry Museum holds collections of objects that portray the character of Kirkcudbright and the Stewartry. Established over a 100 years ago the Museum has grown to house an amazing variety of items which even today are being added to.
| MacLellan's Castle dominates the western end of St Cuthbert's Street, It was built late in the sixteenth century and evolved from a heavily defended tower house. It fell into disuse but the ruins are very well preserved and are managed by Historic Scotland. Between April and November it is possible to look around the ruins including the original living quarters on the first floor. On the night of the Floodlight Tattoo -August Bank Holiday - a piper plays a lament from the battlements. |  |
| Broughton House. This fine 18th Century town house was the home and studio of the well known Scottish artist, E A Hornel, one of the 'Glasgow Boys'. His paintings and those of his fellow artists are displayed in the house. This is a fascinating place to visit and the lovely gardens are a feature of the property. The National Trust for Scotland organises events throughout the year and when its open to the public English NT members can have free entrance. |
There are a number of art and craft galleries in Kirkcudbright - catering for all tastes and pockets. They are very enjoyable to browse around and are most welcoming to visitors. Opening times depend on the season. Here are some suggestions: |  |
| High Street Gallery - opposite the Library | Kathryn King - Designer Jewellery |
| Whitehouse Gallery, St Mary's Street | Tolbooth Art Centre - High Street |
| Scottish SHOWCASE Gallery - by the harbour | Harbour Cottage Gallery |
| Margaret S Milligan - Portraits. 14 Stirling Crescent | Jo Galant Textile Artist - High Street - close to the Tolbooth |
Easy walks along the Dee estuary paths give lovely views and opportunities for bird watching. A family of otters are reputed to play in the mud at the Harbour - but we have to say we've not seen them ourselves.
WINTER SUNSET OVER THE DEE ESTUARY.
There are many other things to do in and around Kirkcudbright - some of which we have placed on the 'Activities' page - please take a look.