Kirkcudbright is a picturesque fishing town located in Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland on what is often referred to as the Scottish Riviera. The town has a working harbour and is packed with independent shops and plenty to see and do, including art galleries, family attractions, wildlife, beaches, castles and loads more.
Kirkcudbright is situated at the mouth of the River Dee in the Dumfries and Galloway Region of Scotland. It has a long historic background having been granted Royal Burgh status in 1455. In the centre, near to the harbour, is the imposing McLellan’s Castle, which sits at the junction of the main thoroughfares and is surrounded by old properties, many of which are painted in stunning colours, giving the town a bright and cheerful aspect. There are many places of interest in the near vicinity and also within its boundaries.
The title ‘Artists’ Town’ was given to Kirkcudbright because of its long connection with many well-known artists and craftsmen who lived and worked here. Probably the most famous of these was E.A. Hornel, one of ‘The Glasgow Boys,’ whose residence in the old High Street, is now run by The National Trust for Scotland and is open to the public.
For art lovers, the new Kirkcudbright Galleries opened in 2018, a major redevelopment of the old Town Hall – also a former Jazz Festival venue! This superb facility, listed as a gallery of national significance, houses both local and special collections and is well worth a visit, including the café which is run by another long term Jazz Festival venue, the Selkirk Arms Hotel.
The title ‘Artists’ Town’ was given to Kirkcudbright because of its long connection with many well-known artists and craftsmen who lived and worked here. Probably the most famous of these was E.A. Hornel, one of ‘The Glasgow Boys,’ whose residence in the old High Street, is now run by The National Trust for Scotland and is open to the public.
For art lovers, the new Kirkcudbright Galleries opened in 2018, a major redevelopment of the old Town Hall – also a former Jazz Festival venue! This superb facility, listed as a gallery of national significance, houses both local and special collections and is well worth a visit, including the café which is run by another long term Jazz Festival venue, the Selkirk Arms Hotel.