Dalbeattie tourist information

The granite grey town of Dalbeattie is unique in the area, being constructed from the local stone which brought the town prosperity in the 19th century. This gives the town a distinctive and interesting appearance.

Set alongside the rushing Dalbeattie Burn, Dalbeattie was mainly built in the 18th century by local landowners, but the area has an ancient history. This is celebrated in Old Buittle Tower, where the Borderers group research and re-enact the life of the Border Reivers, the brigand families who dominated the border between Scotland and England in past centuries. The imposing Drumcoltran Tower stands today in a local farmyard, evidence of 16th century military might. Nearby Orchardton Tower is very usual in being circular.

Dalbeattie is a good centre from which to explore the beautiful Colvend Coast on the Solway Firth, with its sandy beaches and seaside villages.

RSPB Mersehead is one of many scenic areas along this stretch of coastline, and is a wetland reserve home to many thousands of waterfowl such as migratory barnacle geese. The reserve is also a good place for spotting other important wildlife species, such as otter, deer and dolphins.