Tom Atkinson

This is an interesting Gazetteer of the lovely land lying to the north and west of the Solway Firth with Ayr being the most northerly point of interest. Ayr is forever associated with Robert Burns and as he lived and died within the boundaries of this guides concern, he is prominent throughout.
Galloway and the ancient lands of Kyle and Carrick are delightful places and very little visited. Laurie Lee in Cider With Rosie, observes that ‘quiet incest flourished where the roads were bad’ not much to boast about, though a great advantage of relative inaccessibility is that the main rush of life passes by leaving odd pockets of serenity attracting only the determined and the connoisseurs of peaceful towns, quiet byways and deserted hills. South West Scotland is just such a place. The Lake District to the South and the Highlands beyond Glasgow to the north take the main press of the tourist trade leaving Galloway largely to itself.
Well worth a visit and this little book is a good informative companion; the style is straightforward, conversational with a slight breathlessness, an emphasis on the authors desire to promote the areas delights and retell its history, A history bloody and dramatic and much influenced by the proximity of its nearby English neighbour. Being a native of these lands I have more than a passing interest but even so learned much from this book. Most enjoyable, if you head to Galloway, find a copy and take it with you.… (mer)