Machars guide 2017 web

The

Scotland’s Best Kept Secret...Shh!

Visitors Guide

2017

The

Welcome

Welcome to the Machars and Rhins of Galloway Visitors Guide 2017, produced by the Whithorn and District Business Association for the benefit of visitors to the area; we sincerely hope that you will find what you are looking for within these pages, and enjoy exploring the treasures the Rhins and Machars peninsulas have to offer.

A list of local and regional events can be found on our website www.whithorn.info. Please email us at mail@whithorn.info if you would like to give us feedback on this publication, or get in touch for any other reason.

Our sincere thanks go to all the businesses that have placed adverts, which have enabled this guide to be published and distributed.

Also our grateful thanks go to our local experts who have written within this guide, to tell visitors about these special Scottish peninsulas and what treats are in store when people come to visit; Duncan Vincent, Julia Muir-Watt, Marie McNulty, Paul Tarling, Andrew Wilson, Mike Alexander and Peter Wareing (for beautiful Machars & Rhins Treasure map).

With very best wishes for an enjoyable adventure in Southwest Scotland, Whithorn and District Business Association

Where are we?

2

Beautiful Birds

4

Gardens 5 Lighthouses & Beaches

7

Cycling & Walking

7

History of the Machars & Rhins 8 Whithorn 9 Map 10 Wigtown 12 Culture 14 Dark Skies

17

Fishing 18 Golf 18 Food & Drink

19

The Rhins

20

Biosphere 21 Places to Stay

22

See our Treasure Map on page 10

Introduction The Rhins peninsula is 25 miles (40 kilometres) long, ending at Scotland’s most southerly point, Mull of Galloway, and is a designated area of Special Scientific Interest. Visit the wonderful Stevenson Lighthouse, and RSPB Nature Reserve, where Razorbills, Guillemots and Puffins can be seen. The natural beauty and relatively sparse population is undoubtedly why the BBC chose to film the drama ‘Two Thousand Acres of Sky’ here, in Port Logan. Visit Lochnaw Castle near Leswalt, Dunskey Castle near Portpatrick (a beautiful harbour town with lifeboat station), six wonderful gardens including Castle Kennedy Gardens, and Logan Botanic Gardens, gorgeous sandy beaches, for example New England Bay, and the historic fishpond near Port Logan.

The Machars peninsula lies within the Galloway and Southern Ayreshire Biosphere, and boasts rolling green hills, forest and woodland and 40 miles (64 km) of varied coastline; mud-flats and salt marshes near Wigtown (don’t miss RSPB reserves at Wigtown Harbour and Crook of Baldoon), sandy beaches at Garlieston, Rigg Bay (where the WWII Mulberry Harbours were developed in 1943), St Medan’s (spectacular

setting for a golf course!) and Monreith (home of the author Gavin Maxwell; look for the memorial to him at St Medan’s), dramatic cliffs (discover the ruins of Cruggleton Castle, St Ninian’s Cave, and Burrow Head where much of the cult classic The Wicker Man was filmed), and harbours at Isle of Whithorn, Garlieston and Port William.

Lochs in the area include Mochrum Loch, Castle Loch and the White Loch of Myrton. In Castle Loch near The Old Place of Mochrum are the remains of several crannogs. Many examples of prehistory remain, mainly in the form of standing stones and cup and ring marks.

The rich local and natural history and archaeology is reflected in the collections at the Whithorn Story, Whithorn Priory Museum, Wigtown Museum, Newton Stewart Museum, The Castle of St John, and Stranraer Museum. There are two important collections of early carved stones at Whithorn and at Kirkmadrine near Sandhead.

In this year of History, Heritage and Archaeology visit the Rhins and Machars peninsulas in Southwest Scotland, and discover Galloway’s historic treasure house for yourself.

Find out more at www.whithorn.info

3

Beautiful birds RSPB Scotland have three great reserves for you to explore here in South West Scotland, the newest being the Crook of Baldoon, which sits in the bay just south of Wigtown. If you spend some time in the bay you will see thousands of geese in winter and breeding lapwings in spring and early summer; visiting on any high tide can be the most rewarding. The reserve is open all the time.

Another of our reserves in the area is the Wood of Cree, a beautiful Atlantic oak wood which in spring is full of song, with many migrant birds arriving to take advantage of the wealth of insects that are emerging. You can wander through the drifts of native bluebell when they bloom in May. At other times of the year wander through this stunning woodland and sit by the tumbling waterfalls and perhaps see dipper and the metallic flash of a kingfisher.

The protuberance that is the Mull of Galloway thrusts out into the Irish Sea. A centennial to shipping stands at its tip, with a cafe, lighthouse museum, and an RSPB visitor centre on offer. Cliff cameras showing breeding birds are relayed onto screens for you to watch from the comfort of the centre.

Visit our website for events at these reserves. www.rspb.org.uk

GALLOWAY NATURE & HERITAGE TRUST

Conserving Barn Owls in Bonnie Galloway Contact us for advice about nestboxes and habitat management.

GallowayNHT@aol.com

07554 146 383

Scottish charity No.SC038470

RSPB Scotland Nature Reserves

The heart of Galloway hosts wonderful wildlife. Visit Wood of Cree the largest ancient oak woodland in southern Scotland.

Wigtown Bay Visitor Centre within Wigtown County Buildings gives information about the local area. Get out in the fresh air at Crook of Baldoon, for seas of thrift, waders and geese. Events all year – see websites below.

RSPB Scotland Wigtown Office 26, South Main Street, Wigtown, Wigtownshire, DG8 9EH. Phone 01988 402130 www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/c/crookofbaldoon/index.aspx www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/w/woodofcree/index.aspx

4

Gardens

Visit Logan Botanic Garden

The Rhins and Machars of Galloway enjoy a relatively mild oceanic climate thanks to the balmy influence of the Gulf Stream ocean current, and have rich, free draining and lime free soil which provides ideal growing conditions for many plant species, including a diverse range of tropical plants as well as hardier plants like rhododendrons and azaleas.

Discovery Centre & Gallery I Potting Shed Bistro l Gift Shop l Plant Sales l Guided Walks and Events l Victorian-style conservatory housing tender southern hemisphere plants

Scotland’s most exotic Garden

Visit Logan Botanic Garden Open daily from 10am, 15 March to

Scotland’s most exotic Garden

31 October, Sundays in February.

There is wonderful variety in the 9 spectacular gardens Admission: Adult £6, Concession £5, and specialist plant nurseries available to visit in the Children under 16 go free Includes Discovery Centre & Gallery | Potting Shed Bistroto|the small voluntary donation Machars and Rhins peninsulas; run by enthusiasts Giftwho Shop | Plant Sales | Guided Walks andprices Events | Garden.

For entry without donation please see website. are happy to share their passion and enthusiasm, andfor summer 2014: Victorian-style New conservatory housing tender southern hemisphere plants offer expert advice. There are events and exhibitions 14 miles south of Stranraer, off the Port Logan, Stranraer, DG9 9ND Open to 31 October, Sundays in February throughout the season. There are also a number of daily from 10 am, 15 MarchB7065, Telgo 01776 Admission: Adult £6, Concession £5, Children under 16 free860231 Charity Open Days where private gardens openIncludes to the www.rbge.org.uk/logan small voluntary donation to the Garden. For entry prices without donation please see website. public; a wonderful opportunity to visit hidden14gems miles south of Stranraer, off the B7065, Port Logan, while raising money for charity.

Stranraer, DG9 9ND

www.scotlandsgardens.org

Tel 01776 860231 www.rbge.org.uk/logan

Part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a charity registered in Scotland (no SC007983)

Open Daily : 1st April – 31st October

TEAROOM GARDEN RANGER CHAMPION TREES FAMILY EVENTS PLANT CENTRE HISTORY GUIDED WALKS HOLIDAY COTTAGES 3 miles east of Stranraer on the A75 Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Stranraer DG9 8SJ

W: www.castlekennedygardens.com T: 01581 400 225 / 01776 702 024

Events and more at www.whithorn.info

5

CLAYMODDIE GARDEN & PLANT NURSERY

CLAYMODDIE WHITHORN DG8 8LX Contact Mary Nicholson TEL: 01988 500422 EMAIL mary.claymoddie@aol.co.uk WEBSITE www.gallowayplants.co.uk

Situated in the centre of Whithorn.

We stock China and Glass, Jewellery, Books, DVD’s and CD’s, Toys, Children’s and Adult clothing, Bric a brac and much more.

Do come and browse!

Opening Hours: Tues, Thurs, Friday 10am - 3.30pm 70 George Street, Whithorn DG8 8JQ Charity No SC016681

Stunning 5 acre plantsman’s garden with year round interest. Many southern hemisphere plants, and good collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias as well as summer and autumn flowering trees and shrubs.

Entry £5, groups welcome,and guided tours and propagation courses by arrangement. Huge range of plants for sale, sorry no mail order.

OPEN DAILY 10AM – 5PM, honesty box basis Scottish Gardens Scheme Open Day with teas 11am-5pm, Sunday 23 April 2017

COLLECTOR’S CABINET We buy and sell top quality vintage, contemporary and modern furniture, collectables, china and jewellery Proprietor : Raymond Hamilton 29 Queen Street, Stranraer DG9 7LQ Telephone : 01776 700411 Mobile : 077997 32829

10% discount on presentation of this advert

Unique knitted accessories.

Designed and hand crafted in South West Scotland.

To become a stockist or to place an order

please call 07552 127139 or visit www.happysnail.net

6

Lighthouses & beaches Family-friendly beaches are to be found at sheltered Monreith, gently-shelving Garlieston, or all down the eastern side of the Rhins peninsula.

Widely regarded as the finest beach in the Stranraer area, Luce Sands is an expansive stretch of sheltered sand. At low tide the beach here extends around three miles from the village of Sandhead, home to the Sands of Luce holiday park.The bay here is also rich in marine wildlife and is designated a Special Area for Conservation (SAC) for its dune, seashore and seabed habitats.

At the award winning Mull of Galloway Experience, you can climb the 115 steps to the top of Scotland’s most southerly lighthouse, where a spectacular view will reward you for your efforts!

For refreshments, the popular Gallie Craig Coffee House offers a range of meals, snacks, drinks and delicious home baking.

Cycling & walking The Galloway Hills have attracted walkers and writers for generations; even today as you stand on the peaks of the Southern Uplands, there’s nothing but remote uplands and wilderness as far as the eye can see. This rugged area has many titles - UNESCO Biosphere, one of the first Dark Sky Parks in Europe, Cairnsmore of Fleet Nature Reserve – but none are half as evocative as the local names : Rig of the Jarkness, the Dungeon Range, the Silver Flow or the Devil’s Bowling Green. Join one of the organised walks in May during the Walking Festival to receive expert guidance in what can be surprisingly challenging terrain.

The Galloway Forests were deliberately planted for timber, yet wildlife flourishes here – red squirrel, red deer and red kites are all to be seen. Some of

the most challenging mountain biking trails in the country have been developed here; for something more contemplative try fishing on a tranquil inland loch.

If you are looking for world class mountain biking suitable for all ages and abilities, then the nearby Galloway Forest Park is the place for you. Kirroughtree and Glentrool are two of the internationally renowned 7stanes mountain biking trail centres that span the south of Scotland. Fancy something a little less strenuous? many of the roads in the area are part of the National Cycle Route 73. scotland.forestry.gov.uk sustrans.org.uk

Find out more at www.whithorn.info

7

History of the Machars and Rhins In the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017, immerse yourself in the rich seams of history you will find throughout the Machars and Rhins. The remains of thousands of years of religion and ritual, and of a turbulent and varied secular past are easy to find, from the standing stones of the Bronze Age (try Torhousekie Stone Circle or Drumtroddan Stones with nearby mysterious cup and ring markings ) to the network of mediaeval castles along the coast (there are remnants of brochs at Stairhaven and Ardwell), and unspoilt 18th and 19th century streetscapes and harbours.

8

In the Rhins, you can see the magnificent earthwork fortifications which once defended the Mull of Galloway, or visit the Castle of St John at Stranraer, which once played a role in the region’s grim Covenanting history and at the Museum, find out about the Ross Polar explorers.

The best examples of mediaeval streetscapes are at Wigtown and Whithorn, with narrow gates enclosing wide marketplaces. Nearby Isle of Whithorn was once the Prior’s port for the thriving pilgrimage centre at Whithorn, while Garlieston is a stunning example of a planned village, created by the Earl of Galloway, whose gardens you can visit.

Whithorn : Celebrating 2500 years of Archaeology Whithorn is one of those rare places where history has been made : it is the first place in Scotland where evidence of Christian practice and worship are to be found, from around 450AD. Archaeologists, over the last 130 years, have uncovered a wealth of evidence you can see on display, including one of Scotland’s first literate monuments.

Whithorn’s Christian beginnings took root in the preceding Iron Age culture, of which stunning evidence has been uncovered over the last few years at nearby Monreith. You can now visit a full-scale Iron Age roundhouse, based on this evidence, and see how Celtic and Christian cultures ultimately fused to create unique art objects, like the Whithorn School crosses.

The religious centre at Whithorn became identified with the cult of St Ninian, which became hugely popular in the Middle Ages, attracting both Scottish and English kings and queens (including no other than Richard III) who came for penance and cures. Thanks to the throngs of pilgrims, a network of routes developed from the sea, and from easterly and westerly directions.

Now, the Whithorn Way from Glasgow is under redevelopment and you can try out sections of the walk using maps from www.whithornway.org

Events and more at www.whithorn.info

9

Corsewall Cairnryan

Glenluce Abbey

Castle Kennedy Gardens Stranraer Glenluce

Portpatrick

Sandhead

Port Logan

Drummore

The Mull of Galloway

10

The Galloway Forest

y

Newton Stewart Creetown

Wigtown

Garlieston

Port William

Whithorn

Monreith

Isle of Whithorn

St Ninian’s Cave

Royal Burgh of Wigtown Wigtown is a small former county town, that is no longer a commercial centre. It maintains an old world charm, and the shape of a medieval burgh. It became Scotland’s book town in 1997, and has around 12 second hand bookshops, as well as B&Bs, cafes, shops, and the rather splendid County Buildings, with library, museum, and RSPB room. There is an annual book festival in late September that brings crowds in; otherwise it is a relaxed, peaceful place. Wigtown featured in the history of the Covenanters in 1685, and is an ideal place for those who love reading, history, nature and folklore.

WIGTOWN BooK FestIVal 22 SEPTEMBER - 1 OCTOBER 2017

More than 2oo events for adults, young people

& children

Below the town and its golf course, the most southerly distillery in Scotland perches on the edge of on the peaty Bladnoch, filtering its waters to make the fragrant, Lowland malt.

o1988 4o3222 www.wigtownbookfestival.com southwest scotland

www.booktownscotland.com www.wigtown-booktown.com www.wigtownbookfestival.com

12

UNTRYF CO I

MAGAZ I

AWARDS

WINN

NE

LE

Charity No. SCO37984

ER 2 0 1 5-1 6

Find out more at www.whithorn.info 13

Culture Whatever the weather, you will want to familiarise yourself with the region’s culture and history, which, thanks to multiple layers of invaders and settlers, is one of the most complex in Scotland.

You can’t miss the castles dotted all along the line of the A75 and administered by Historic Environment Scotland.

At Creetown, once the jumping off point for ferries heading to Wigtown on the pilgrimage route to Whithorn, you can learn about the granite quarrying that – literally – built the town and head up the steep brae to the Gem Rock Museum, to learn all about geology and gemstones : just visible to the north, the rounded granite intrusion of Cairnsmore of Fleet, and the UNESCO Biosphere, home to Galloway’s true wilderness and Dark Sky Park. Take one of the old roads into the nature reserve and see the vertiginous railway viaduct which features in the 39 Steps film.

inspiring y l l a r u t Na visit place to

To understand the area’s agricultural history, you’ll head to Stranraer Museum, with varied exhibitions, and Newton Stewart with its charming displays of 19th and 20th Century domestic technology. Whithorn is the jewel in the crown for historians and archaeologists, with its internationally important collection of Early Mediaeval Christian stones.

The Swallow Theatre Scotland’s smallest theatre

Drama | Music | Family | Workshops | Venue Hire Creative Retreat with on-site accommodation Moss Park, Whithorn, Newton Stewart. DG8 8DR www.swallowtheatre.co.uk Box Office : 01988 850368

10% OFF ADMISSION with this advert Open every day

DISPLAYS WORKSHOP PROFESSOR'S STUDY THE AMAZING CRYSTAL CAVE AUDIO VISUAL DISPLAY FANTASTIC CAFÉ UNIQUE GIFT SHOP We have fantastic displays of gems, crystals, minerals and fossils, a collection of unique and breathtaking creations from all over the world.

And our café is renowned for fantastic food, home baking, quality coffees and teas.

The Gem Rock Museum, Chain Road, Creetown DG8 7HJ Tel: 01671 820357 enquiries@gemrock.net www.gemrock.net

14

marcher advert half page 128x90mm 12 February 2012 14:00:21

Creative Whithorn

ARTS&CRAFTS TRAIL 22 & 23 JULY 2017

Peter Wareing Ceramics

Amanda Sunderland

Bring this advert with you for free entry in our grand prize draw on Sunday 23rd July 2017

FREE ADMISSION, FREE PARKING

Plus FREE entry to the prestigious 5 More Exhibition

Author and illustrator of the famous Wee McAsh to the Rescue Children’s Book Tel: 01988500148 amjsunde13@gmail.com Spa Cottage (behind the castle), Isle of Whithorn, DG8 8LP www.weemcash.co.uk facebook: weemcashtotherescue

Priory Antiques A friendly, family-run business established in 1987. Furniture, ceramics, glass, silver, jewellery and paintings bought and sold.

29 George Street, Whithorn DG8 8NS. 01988 500517 or mobile 07500 965565

Sandar Events

Yoga for flexibility & relaxation

07880 790899 saram@talktalk.net www.sandarevents.co.uk

Events and more at www.whithorn.info 15

St

r io ian’s P ry Chur n i ch N — Whithorn —

St Ninian’s Priory Church stands in the grounds of the late medieval cathedral Whithorn Priory.

Much of the former cathedral has disappeared since its glory days in the early 16th century when it rivalled the abbeys of Galloway, in wealth and size. Built in 1822, the interior of St Ninian’s is pleasantly light with two recently restored stained glass windows and it contains a fine carved pulpit and communion table. By visiting the church you will tread a path that many have taken to reach one of medieval Scotland’s major pilgrimage destinations in past years. Do come and visit.

Whithorn Newsagents

Opening Hours 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday Saturday 6am to 1.30pm and Sunday 6am to 1pm.

Local & National Newspapers & Magazines.

Wide Range of Greeting Cards & Post Cards Toys Including Britain Models.

Whole Foods, Pet Foods & General Grocery Electrical & Small Hardware Wide Range of Garden Seeds and Vegetable Seeds (approx. 149 varieties.)

Second Hand Books.

Range of Fishing Tackle Off-Licence : Fine Wines and Varieties of Malt Whisky Contact Ashok and Bhupendra Amin

9 George Street, Whithorn, DG8 8NS

01988 501152

email: aminbr7gs@hotmail.co.uk 16

Dark Skies The inky black night sky of the Machars and Rhins has been appreciated by visitors and amateur astronomers alike for many years. However, it was the designation of the Galloway Forest as the UK’s first Dark Sky Park in 2009 that brought the clear, dark skies of SW Scotland to the attention of the world.

It is possible to experience these near perfect skies all across the region. Venture just a short distance away from the street lights in any of the small towns to see each constellation picked out with every one of its constituent stars plus more

than 6000 stars besides. You can also enjoy the spectacle of the long hazy band of light called the Milky Way stretching right across the sky. It is well worth remembering to pack a pair of binoculars as these will allow you to view tens of thousands more stars and even the starlight from the billions of stars that make up the neighbouring Andromeda galaxy.

Regular stargazing sessions are organised throughout the year by both the Dark Sky Rangers and the Galloway Astronomy Centre.

www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/explore-thebiosphere/biosphere-dark-sky-rangers/

17

Fishing Sea Between Wigtown Bay and Luce Bay, the Machars coastline has so much to offer the travelling angler with a mixture of sandy beaches and rocky outcrops where a variety of species can be found.

Boat fishing in the area can produce some fantastic sport for Tope, Smoothound, Pollack, Rays amongst many more species. Rock fishing in the summer can be prolific when using sliding floats with ragworm for Wrasse and Pollack.

Beaches are the main venue for the Bass angler, and these fish can be taken spinning or on bait; some good sized fish are caught each year.

Boat fishing trips are available at Portpatrick and Isle of Whithorn.

Game Two main rivers dominate the area; the river Bladnoch and the river Cree; the Cree is fly and spin only, whereas the Bladnoch is fly, spin and worm when in season. Salmon and Sea Trout are to be caught on the Cree, and Salmon and Brown Trout in the Bladnoch.

Jack’s Loch is a great wee stocked loch with trout to around 15lb. This fly only venue is definitely worth a go!

Coarse Glendarroch Loch is about 3 acres in size. This small mixed fishery can produce some great mixed bags with some nice Tench and Bream.

Permits for fishing the rivers and loch are available from the Galloway Angling Centre.

Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm 1 Queen St, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, DG8 6JR Contact Duncan Vincent

Tel: 01671 401333 duncan@gallowayangling.co.uk

www.gallowayangling.co.uk

Golf The Machars and Rhins of Galloway are the perfect location for a golfing holiday with beautiful courses from heathland to links all with outstanding views and very affordable green fees.

Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Course has a clifftop setting and offers spectacular views across the Irish Sea while Creachmore in Stranraer is on the shores of Loch Ryan. Sandeel. the 13th at Portpatrick Dunskey is thought to be one of the most visually stunning in Scottish Golf. Stranraer Golf Course was the last golf course to be designed by James Braid.

Wigtownshire County Golf Course near Glenluce, is a true links course on the shores of Luce Bay with a warm welcome for visitors who want to experience golf in its truest form.

18

St. Medan`s Golf Club at Monreith, the most southerly golf course in Scotland, and Wigtown and Bladnoch are both 9-hole gems.

Food & Drink STEAM PACKET INN ISLE OF WHITHORN

Renowned quality seafood restaurant in prime location

Family run harbourside pub.

Home of Five Kingdoms microbrewery. Serving up to 6 real ales. All food freshly prepared on the premises.

Holiday cottage also available.

LUNCHES 12-2pm. EVENING MEALS 6.30-9pm Children and Dogs Welcome

1 South Crescent, Portpatrick DG98JR

Ensuite accommodation overlooking harbour

Tel.01776810314 info@campbellsrestaurant.co.uk

Book now: Phone 01988 500334 steampacketinn@btconnect.com

website:www.campbellsrestaurant.co.uk

The Harbour Inn

Garlieston Family owned Pub, Restaurant and B&B Lunch 12-2.30pm Evening Dinner 5.30-8.30pm Sunday Carvery 12.30-2.30pm Children and dogs welcome Tel: 01988 600685

FROM EWE TO YOU!

Millairies, Sorbie Newton Stewart, DG8 8AL GALLOWAY FARMHOUSE CHEESE SHEEP MILKING, CHEESE MAKING, FREE SAMPLES, SPECIALITY SHEEP SHOP OPEN: May-Sept. Mon-Fri. 11-4

Tel: 01988 850224

Events and more at www.whithorn.info 19

Portpatrick and Stranraer With its miles of rocky coastline (traced by coastal paths) and sandy beaches, the history of the Rhins is intertwined with the sea : it boasts no fewer than two lighthouses, north and south, both of which you can visit (the north, a luxury hotel).

At Portpatrick, today’s lifeboat is a high tech affair, replacing wooden boats which were bravely rowed out into the choppy waters of the North Channel; the RNLI lifeboat week is a prominent feature of Portpatrick’s lively summer calendar. The harbour there is built to protect the picturesque village from the tides and provides an intimate space for cafe culture to flourish.

Nearby Stranraer is the regional shopping centre, with small independent shops and narrow streets circling its central Castle of St John.

20

LIME ORCHID

FLORIST & GIFT SHOP All Year Round Christmas Shop, Secret Garden (Selling Plants) 45 Queen Street DG9 7LQ Stranraer

01776 707222

Biosphere Welcome to the UNESCO Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, a fantastic place to explore and make your own discoveries about the big Biosphere ideas of conservation, learning and development. The UNESCO Biosphere hosts an amazing combination of wildlife, landscape and culture but is as much about a way of living as a place to visit where the rolling countryside is more than ‘just scenery’.

Biosphere are the world’s only internationally recognised ‘badge’ for demonstrating excellence in sustainable development. Locally there are many attractions in the Machars that have signed up to the Biosphere principles*. By agreeing to the six principles of the Biosphere individuals, groups, organisations and businesses show they are proud supporters of the Biosphere and are taking positive action to promote sustainable environmental, social and economic growth. *Look out for the Proud Supporter sticker and find out more about Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and the six guiding principles by visiting gsabiosphere.org .uk

Hawthorn House Bed & Breakfast Port William DG8 9QP e-mail: info@hawthorn-house.co.uk website: www.hawthorn-house.co.uk Tel: 01988 700989 Wigtown Agricultural Show Wigtown Agricultural Show Wednesday 2nd August from 8.30am Bladnoch Park, Wigtown, DG8 9AB There’s something for everyone at Wigtown Show!

Details at: www.wigtownshow.org.uk Annual Galloway Diocesan Pilgrimage to St Ninian’s Cave Sunday 27th August 2017.

01557 330687 rcchurchkb@btinternet.com; www.rcchurchesmachars.org.uk G&C Galloway, Licensed Grocers 69 George St. Whithorn DG8 8NU T : 01988 500357 Off licence, calor gas, coal and peat Home Delivery

Whithorn & District Business Association are proud supporters of the Biosphere.

Thanks for permission to reproduce images to : Shaun Bythell, Mike Marshall, Julia Muir Watt, Bladnoch Distillery, Iain Mathieson, Dooj Brawls, NMS, RSPB, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, Castle Kennedy Gardens, Stephen Jolly Photography, Wigtown Book Festival, Newton Stewart Walking Festival, Forestry Commission Scotland

Find out more at www.whithorn.info 21

Places to stay Woodpecker Cottage Bladnoch, Wigtown Comfortable cottage in conservation village.

Booktown one mile.

Tel: 01988 500517 Mob: 07500 965565 www.woodpecker-cottage.co.uk

Chapel Outon Farmhouse Dog friendly Bed & Breakfast

Whithorn • DG8 8DH Facilities for all rooms • Full CH • Evening meals available Kath and Tim Annison

T. 01988 500136 or M. 07721 348787 E. kath@chapelouton.co.uk

www.chapelouton.co.uk

CULTS COTTAGE HOLIDAYS

Lovingly restored country cottage, sleeps 4, near Whithorn. Magnificent views, beaches, dark skies, and Book Town.

Contact: Kirsty Currie 01988 500267 www.cultscottageholidays.co.uk

DRUMFAD HOLIDAY HOMES Offer two 4 Star holiday cottages and is the perfect base for you to explore Dumfries and Galloway. Both cottages sleep 4, have all modern appliances and are pet friendly with separate enclosed gardens. An ideal location for walking, fishing, golf, or just recharging your batteries.

Tel: 01988 700545 www.holidaysingalloway.co.uk bookings@holidaysingalloway.co.uk

Fernhill Hotel 3 Course Dinner Midweek £22.50 Friday & Saturday £28.00

sunDay LunCh 3 Courses £14.50

Tel:

01776 810 220

Portpatrick, DG9 8TD Email: info@fernhillhotel.co.uk

Mid Bishopton Cottage ‘Escape from reality’ A warm and welcoming cottage based in the idyllic remote location of Whithorn. Relax in the countryside on long walks or enjoy the local nearby amenities.

Lynsay Bradford: 01988 500315 Email: lynsaybradford@gmail.com www.midbishoptoncottage.co.uk

22

Holiday homes for sale or hire Tents and tourers welcome

Telephone: 01988 500252

www.burrowheadholidayvillage.co.uk

Telephone: 01988 700 367 E-mail: info@westbarr.co.uk Website: www.westbarr.co.uk

PEND HOUSE Stay in this 500-year old monastery Gatehouse in luxury - peat fires and a four-poster bed !

01988 500469 www.pend-house.com www.nts.org.uk/Holidays

Castlewigg Lodge B&B

Whithorn DG8 8DL

for relaxed, friendly & comfortable en-suite accommodation call Anne on 01988 500294 or m: 07855 064060 e:castlewigglodge@gmail.com

www.castlewigglodge.co.uk

Events and more at www.whithorn.info 23

Haste ye back

Š Royal Burgh of Whithorn & District Business Association Telephone: 01988 500294 E-mail: mail@whithorn.info