Dumfries and Galloway Visitors Book

Here are some of the comments from visitors to Dumfries and Galloway:

From Jim Campbell b:31.1.1942 in the Annan Road at Charnwood Nursing Home. Lived in Kirkowens Street until 18 nyrs old. Brother, Neil, still lives in Greenbrae Loaning. Attended Noblehill School then the Acadamy - left in 1960 without a qualification (2 per cent in algebra!) Now in Exeter, Devon after 30+ years in the Cornwall then Devon Police. Jim Campbell, jcamp17137@aol.com (received February 2008)
Hi. My Great grandfather came for Sanquhar and Crawickmill. He was William Crichton and born in 1844. I am building a family tree and would like to hear from anyone who has any information about the Crichtons and their antecedants/descendants. I live in Buckinghamshire, UK
trevor.crichton@virgin.net (received November 2007)
Hi Connell McBurnie, I have just returned from a visit to Canonbie. We stayed near your mother's birthplace. I am her second cousin once removed and I would like to hear from you.
Maureen. mebdown@btinternet.com (received March 2007)
My Father and Grandfather were from Carsethorn - their names and that of my Grandmother and Uncles (2) are on a stone in the Kirkyard at Kirkbean. I have very fond memories of 'The Carse' from the sixties. My Grandfather lived at No1 Victoria Terrace and spent long hours on the beach. My Father was aducated at the school in Kirkbean and then at Dumfries acadamy - I still have some of the books he won as prizes! I am now in Bracknell, Berkshire after University at Exeter.
Alastair Cannon - ajcannon48@hotmail.com (received Jan 2007)
I went to St Joseph's College, Dumfries from 1955 to 1960. Born in Co. Clare, Ireland. Head master was Bro. Gaul. Please write if you remember me. Now living in NY, John McGrotty - jam81@prodigy.net (received December 2006)
Hello, my name is Stanley Davidson, I was born on Copeland Street in 1939 and went to old Dalbettie High School, my pals were,Andrew Lambert,Hoockie Walker and David Stiffie Lansbrough, does anyone remember me. My brothers are Keith and Tom, sister Helen.I moved down to England with my wife Margaret and children in 1969.
Stan Davidson, sue.e.davidson@btinternet.com (received December 2006)
Hi from Leicestershire. My father(Albert Brown Mckie) was born in Kirkcudbright in 1910, and as children, my sisters & brother spent many happy years visiting Kirkcudbright and surrounding areas. After almost 40 years my youngest sister and I, along with our husbands, returned to the town in 2005 and are visiting again in July 2007 along with another sister who is coming from Australia to re kindle memories of our childhoods. We found that the dear old town had not changed much at all since we were children, still as picturesque and delightful. There is only one remaining relative living in Kirkcudbright now, a member of the Frame family who kept a barbers shop in the town. Isabel & William Mckie (dads brother & sister inlaw) kept a newsagents shop opposite the castle for many years.
Would love to see any old photos with the above mentioned on if anyone has any. Well until our next visit to dear old Kirkcudbright, may all that live there continue to enjoy the beauty of wonderful Kirkcudbright.
Christine Thurman (nee Mckie), chrissyt1993@yahoo.co.uk
(received October 2006)
Hiya from Christch New zealand.. born in Dumfries in 1952 and would love some or ANY contact from folks living there now or having been living there .....Im a fibre artist ,designing 1 of handspun and hand knitted garments ....
wendie Blain, wendieblain@hotmail.com (received April 2006)
I am writing from Canada where I emigrated to in 1968 from England. My father was from Dumfries and I spent many happy times there as a child. My grandfather John Pearson Snr had a confectionery shop on Queensberry St and one of my Uncle, John Pearson Jnr ran the first Taxi business from the High St. I visit Dumfries whenever I can if we travel to the UK and if I were ever to return I would live in Dumfries in a heartbeat. Stewart Pearson (received March 2006)
Hello from Canada. I was born in Dumfries and left 53 years ago. I was in the Noblehill School Choir that won the Glendine Shield Twice. Also attended the Academy. My grandfather was Police Superintendent Walter J.HOGARTH,MBE. Mother born in Canobie-Father in Kirkton. Still get homesick and have returned to Dumfries many times over the years, last time 2005. A 2007 trip is planned. Connell McBURNIE (received March 2006)
I have just been back to Dumfries to see my elderly parents. It was first new year spent there in 24 years. Caught up with people some we hadn't seen for 30 years it was lovely. Great to see the the snow again and we even got photos at four in the morning. Both my husband and i were born in Cresswell hospital in 1949 and now live in Australia. (received Jan 2006)
yo yo yo its jamie i moved from there like 3 years ago i regret it greatly (especially the scrapping between two old mates) i am movin back soon hopefully - Jamie McBurnie (received Jan 2006)
Hey to all in Dumfries!! Just moved to Canada from there 3 months ago!! Missing it a lot! It's a lovely place!! x Email: hannah_bell@cogeco.ca (received Dec 2005)
id love to see old pictures of sanquhar and crawickmill. can anyone help? my hubbies family originally come from both places, the name is crichton. email: fallenangel999_21@hotmail.com (received Nov 2005)
We visit Moffat with our caravan. It is a very relaxing place for weekends and longer holidays. This weekend was Gala Weekend and we enjoyed the procession with Shepherd and Lass. And the bonny Gala Queen. We will certainly be there for the Gala next year. There is a Walking Weekend later in the year too. I've got my boots ready! Mac, mwmac2002@yahoo.co.uk (received July 2005)
Looking through your visitors book again and noticed my old message. I have a new email address milligan53@hotmail.com if there are any connections out there. (received July 2005)
I've finally got the courage to get on my sons computer and the first place Ive gone to is here. My name is Wendy Catherine Blain born 030952 in Dumfries to Doreen and Bill Blain I am desparate to make contact to anybody living now in Dumfries as Im trying to rekindal my roots..... Please Help. email: wendieblain.@xtra.co.nz (received May. 2005)
I was born in Dumfries in 1958 to Margaret and Iain Thomson, am now living in S.Oregon, USA. Still have several relatives living in Dumfries, the Thomsons and the Duffs, so if anyone is interested in contacting me, my email is Lyn@clab.net (received Dec. 2004)
My wife and I and our children and other extended family members have been visiting D&G for over 20 years. We normally stay in Rockcliffe in either Whinneyknowe or Colbeine. We'll be there again next Easter. Rockcliffe is a truely magical place where we've had such lovely family holidays. Even now when our boys are in their 20's if they know we're going to Rockcliffe they and their partners are packing their bags. A plea to all those who visit, please respect the area and the community. Steven Holden, email: steven.holden@bolton.gov.uk (received Nov. 2004)
Hello From Canada!! My name is Jaimie and myself and two of my girlfriends will be visiting Dumfries from October 15th-23rd. My Friend Laura McIntosh is there right now teaching in one of your schools. She has told us that you all are very nice and drink a lot of tea (we're a coffee contry!) I'm looking foreward to absorbing your culture and maybe a few beers lol. CHEERS!! Jaimie (received Sept. 2004)
We have been visiting D & G for over 25 years and truly believe it the most beautiful place, with the nicest people, on god's earth, we are looking to retire to the area within the next 2 years to live out the rest of our lives in paradise! Clive & Jan Hardisty (received Sept. 2004)
I will be visiting the area in October (2004) as a birthday present to myself... I have looked at photos for years, and after exploring England from one end to the other, am taking a good look at Scotland, starting with D+G. I look forward to being enchanted ! I am originally from the US, but living in the Caribbean. Carolyn (received July 2004)
Hello from Canada. My family emigrated to Canada around i850. Unfortunately I haven't been able to return. Although they were both from Dumfries the met in Canada. Names: Elizabeth Dickson, daughter of Elizabeth Wightman married Joseph Duff. If anyone wants to e-mail me I would greatly appreciate it. Joan Duff Greenlaw, joanmarilyn@hotmail.com (received May 2004)
Greetings from Muncie Indiana! I was born a MCNAIRN and my family originally hails from The Knowe farm near Newton Stewart. I hope to visit someday and would love to hear from anyone from the area, especially McNairns! Cheryl Zetta McNairn Grice, cheryl@mcnairnz.com (received March 2004)
Hi My father James Rae was born and brought up in Dalbeattie and Castle Douglas in round 1930-1940's. Also my mum Hazell Scholes was born and brought up nearby. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers them so that I could pass it on to my Dad.
Thanks Alice, alice.rae@tesco.net (received Feb 2004)
Been spending holidays in the Machars for 8years now,and feel that the area is my spiritual home. I'm originally from Ayrshire, but have lived in Essex since 1969. Archie Montgomery (received September 2003)
Greetings from New Zealand! We eloped to Gretna Green in June 2003 and we had a wonderful stay in your lovely region :-) We were delighted with the gorgeous weather and warm Scottish hospitality and our wedding day was pure magic. We plan on returning in a few years time to explore your beautiful region further. Thank-you D&G! Kind regards, Dorothy Cairns-Cowan(received August 2003)
Hello from Leeds i've been to Dumfries and galloway with my church to a place called Barcaple! It was fantastic and hope to live in D&G some day! I LOVE SCOTLAND!!! (received June 2003)
Hello from New Zealand, My name is Francis and I am related to the Johnstones of Dumfries and wonder if someone would like to communicate with me via e-mail? Francis Ramsay, francis.ramsay@paradise.net.nz (received April 2003)
hi - my wife and i first visited d&g before we were married (over 30 years ago) we find the region and its people very welcoming and much like our own yorkshire dales, paul ibbotson. (received March 2003)
I was born in Maxwelltown and grew up in Dalbeattie. I now live in Maryland USA. It would be nice to hear from any of my old school pals, especially BB. Malcolm Bryan, malcolm.bryan@veridian.com (received March 2003)
Just looking through the visitors book and noticed my old email. I have a new address now it is milly_2003_5606@hotmail.com just in case there are any Milligans out there who would like to say hello. My family migrated to Australia from Dumfries in 1966. Dad & I visited in 1998 and I was hoping to be back again by now, hopefully soon; Elaine Milligan (received Oct 2002)
Its a long time since I last visited Dumfries & Galloway to visit my Brothers Grave at Kirkbean, He was born in Dumfries in 1940 when my Mother & Sister were evacuated from London & Lived in Carsethorn. His baptism was in Kirkbean & noted on the opposite page to John Paul Jones, the family who looked after my mother sisiter & Ian were recognised in his christian name Major. He died of a heart attack 1982 & wanted to be buried in his beloved Dumfries & Galloway. Currently alone in a family plot. Hope to get back to see Dumfries & Galloway as I had been a regular visitor , there are few more beautiful and less well known places in the world. Still its a long way from Australia. Jim Warwood, jim@robernmenz.com.au (received Sept 2002)
Being born and bred in Kirkconnel I know that Dfs is the most beautiful place in Scotland and I do miss it so If anyone who worked in the rubber factory would get in touch I would be grateful. keep up the good work great site. formerly anne telfer thank you for the pleasure you have given me. Anne Nisbet, anne@peterboro.org (received Sept 2002)
Hi! I came to Dumfries about 6 months ago for a really great holiday with my (now ex-)boyfriend. It was the best time i had and i often think back to it. Liked the countryside and the people, wish i could have stayed longer. But i know: one day i will come back! (received Sept 2002)
Hi from Whangarei, NZ. Just to say this is a great site. My grandparents were from D&G, and I visited way back in 1987. What a beautiful part of the world!! Just wish I could return. My grandmother was a Carson from Conchieton Farm, still in the family today. Still looking for my Gibson lot though! (received August 2002)
I visited Dumfriesshire several years ago and fell in love with the area. So much so that I am returning with my fiancee in August to be married at Gretna Green. I am so looking forward to showing her the delightful scenery and for her to meet the many friends that I have made. Stephen Spencer
Well what can I say D&G is the most beautiful place on earth, so much so the wife and I got married there, in 12th century Seetheart Abbey in New Abbey. Such a delightful, serene place. Check it out when you visit D & G. kke and kate pearce (received March 2002)
A BIG Hello from New York. My name is Marianne Glendinning I was born in Dumfries and went to St Joseph's College between August 1989 till July 1994 hello to anyone who remembers me. Marianne Glendinning (received August 2001)
I was born in Maxwelltown in 1936. At the age of three I moved to Dalbeattie. My Dad was away at the War for six years. After doing my two years national service I emigrated to the USA where I now live. My parents now live in Oban Argyll, where I hope to be home on vacation later this month. I have many wonderful memories of Galloway and in particular of the lost girfriends of my school years. I can recall one wood between Dalbeattie and the Haugh of Urr where bluebells bloomed in abundance. Shame on Thatcher for closing the railroad line to Stranraer. Malcolm McNaught Bryan (received August 2001)
Hi I belong to the Lockerbie area and now live in Vancouver B.C. and would like to say hi to anyone who might remember me. My name was Marjory Morrison.
Marjory Mitford (received February 2001)
My mother was born and brought up in Carsluith, but spent the majority of her adult life in London. I have fond and vivid memories of visiting this sleepy village during my childhood. I particularly remember the fishing nets and local granite quarry. I hope to return one day to see this all again. Fiona Anniss (received January 2001)
Having lived in Dumfries for 4 years and worked in most of the area I know the whole region and its people could be described as wonderful and friendly.Since my forced departure due to work reasons in 1984 I have been a regular visitor to the area as it helps me to relax and unwind away from the pressures of everday life. I look forward to my next visit. Jim Bowles (received December 2000)
For the past few years I have been coming to D and G for holidays with my family. I come from Newcastle where it's always very busy so it is nice to come up to D and G once in a while for some relaxation! I love the area and the locals are very nice too. I'll definitely be back next year, Mandy (received December 2000)
What beautiful memories I keep from the year I spent in Dumfries as a French language Assistant...Someone had told me it would be the best time of my life, and I'd never thought it would make me feel so nostalgic to think back to this wonderful time! Love to all the friendly people I met over there!!! Christine Copponnex (received July 2000)
Hello from the USA ! I was just looking up info. on my maiden name of Galloway and found your delightful site! Maybe one day our family can come and visit your beautiful country! Thanks! Lori Galloway-Byrd (received June 2000)

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