Kirkcudbright
If Kirkcudbright (pronounced Kir-Coo-Bray) didn't have a great deal
going for it, it would at least be a town with a name that was
interesting to articulate. It is a name that has one's cheeks, tongue
and sundry facial muscles all give a small whoop of excitement whenever
it is about to be uttered. 'Let's go to Kirkcudbright,' you might say
for the simple pleasure that comes with its pronunciation.
Kirkcudbright does in fact have a great deal going for it. It has a castle, an 18th century town-house once inhabited by the artist E. A. Hornel (one of the 'Glasgow Boys'), a glorious ancient Tolbooth, an even gloriouser old museum, a picturesque little jetty, and enchanting narrow wynds whose charm draws you in to explore and investigate and have a right good peek. The town also boasts an L-shaped High Street, a shape that is apparently unique, although I would question the pulling-power of its bendy qualities for tourists.
But as if all that wasn't enough to attract you to the town, Kirkcudbright is also an Artists' Town. Some of Scotland's most renowned painters and craft folk have been inspired by the beauty that exists here and in the surrounding land, and have either lived in or visited the area on many occasions: E. A. Hornel, Jessie M. King, and S. J. Peploe to name but a few. Even today there are art galleries and craft shops and folk who make and sell beautiful things. So, don't just pronounce it, go to Kir-Coo-Bray.
Kirkcudbright does in fact have a great deal going for it. It has a castle, an 18th century town-house once inhabited by the artist E. A. Hornel (one of the 'Glasgow Boys'), a glorious ancient Tolbooth, an even gloriouser old museum, a picturesque little jetty, and enchanting narrow wynds whose charm draws you in to explore and investigate and have a right good peek. The town also boasts an L-shaped High Street, a shape that is apparently unique, although I would question the pulling-power of its bendy qualities for tourists.
But as if all that wasn't enough to attract you to the town, Kirkcudbright is also an Artists' Town. Some of Scotland's most renowned painters and craft folk have been inspired by the beauty that exists here and in the surrounding land, and have either lived in or visited the area on many occasions: E. A. Hornel, Jessie M. King, and S. J. Peploe to name but a few. Even today there are art galleries and craft shops and folk who make and sell beautiful things. So, don't just pronounce it, go to Kir-Coo-Bray.
COTTAGES NEAR THE JETTY
MacLELLAN'S CASTLE
THE TOLBOOTH, KIRKCUDBRIGHT
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How to
GET THERE
GET THERE
You can get a bus to Kirkcudbright from Dumfries, which has a
direct train service from Glasgow Central railway station.
