Editing Dumfries

{{Short description|Town in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox UK place
 | official_name            = Dumfries
 | type                     = Town and [[administrative centre]]
 | scots_name               = Dumfries
 | country                  = Scotland
 | static_image_name        = River Nith at Whitesands, Dumfries - geograph.org.uk - 4699477.jpg
 | static_image_width       = 280px
 | static_image_caption     = Skyline of Dumfries Town Centre, with the [[River Nith]] in the foreground 
 | population               = {{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Dumfries}}
 | population_ref           = ({{Scottish settlement population citation|year}})<ref>{{Scottish settlement population citation}}</ref>
 | population_demonym       = Doonhamer
 | os_grid_reference        = NX976762
 | coordinates              = {{coord|55.070|-3.603|display=inline,title}}
 | london_distance_mi       = 285
 | edinburgh_distance_mi    = 63
 | post_town                = DUMFRIES
 | postcode_area            = DG
 | postcode_district        = DG1, DG2
 | dial_code                = 01387
 | constituency_westminster = • [[Dumfries and Galloway (UK Parliament constituency)|Dumfries and Galloway]]<br />([[Scottish Conservatives|Con]] – [[John Cooper (British politician)|John Cooper]])
 | gaelic_name              = Dùn Phris<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gaelic Place-Names of Scotland database |url=http://www.gaelicplacenames.org/databasedetails.php?id=413 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803142610/http://www.gaelicplacenames.org/databasedetails.php?id=413 |archive-date=3 August 2016 |access-date=17 October 2013 |publisher=[[Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba]]}}</ref>
 | unitary_scotland         = [[Dumfries and Galloway]]
 | lieutenancy_scotland     = [[Dumfriesshire|Dumfries]]
| constituency_scottish_parliament = • [[Dumfriesshire (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Dumfriesshire]]<br />([[Scottish Conservatives|Con]] – [[Oliver Mundell]])<br />• [[Galloway and West Dumfries]]<br />([[Scottish Conservatives|Con]] – [[Finlay Carson]])
}}

'''Dumfries''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Dumfries.ogg|d|ʌ|m|ˈ|f|r|iː|s}} {{respell|dum|FREESS|'}}; {{langx|sco|Dumfries}}; from {{langx|gd|Dùn Phris}} {{IPA|gd|ˌt̪un ˈfɾʲiʃ}}) is a market town and former [[royal burgh]] in [[Dumfries and Galloway]], Scotland, near the mouth of the [[River Nith]] on the [[Solway Firth]], {{convert|25|mi|km}} from the [[Anglo-Scottish border]]. Dumfries is the [[county town]] of the [[Counties of Scotland|historic county]] of [[Dumfriesshire]].<ref>[http://maps.nls.uk/atlas/thomson/555.html John Thomson's Atlas of Scotland, 1832] from ''National Library of Scotland'' Retrieved 3 June 2013</ref>

Before becoming [[King of Scots]], [[Robert the Bruce]] killed his rival [[John Comyn III of Badenoch]] at Greyfriars Kirk in the town in 1306. The [[Young Pretender]] had his headquarters here towards the end of 1745. In [[World War II]], the [[Norwegian armed forces in exile]] in Britain largely consisted of a [[brigade]] in Dumfries.

Dumfries is nicknamed ''Queen of the South''.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Eva Mendes – the latest Queen of the South" 7&nbsp;November&nbsp;2010 |url=http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=277 |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Qosfc.com |archive-date=15 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215171804/http://www.qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=277 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This is also the name of the town's [[Queen of the South F.C.|football club]]. People from Dumfries are known colloquially in [[Scots language]] as ''Doonhamers''.

==Toponymy==
There are a number of theories on the etymology of the name, with an ultimately [[Common Celtic|Celtic]] derivation (either from [[Common Brittonic|Brythonic]], [[Old Irish|Gaelic]] or a mixture of both) considered the most likely.

The first element is derived either from the elements ''drum'' or ''dronn-'',<ref name="bliton" /> (meaning "ridge" or "hump", also in [[Old Irish|Gaelic]] as ''druim''<ref name="bliton" />), or from ''Dùn'' meaning fort. One of the more commonly given etymologies is that the name ''Dumfries'' originates from the [[Scottish Gaelic]] name ''Dùn Phris'', meaning "Fort of the Thicket".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.parliament.scot/Gaelic/placenamesC-E.pdf|title=Parliament Scotland – Placenames – Gaelic – C-E|access-date=5 July 2018|archive-date=13 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013215200/http://www.parliament.scot/Gaelic/placenamesC-E.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The second element is less obvious, but may be cognate with the [[Cumbric]] ''prēs'', an element common in the [[Common Brittonic|Brythonic]] areas south of the River Forth.<ref name="bliton">{{Cite web |last=James |first=Alan |title=A Guide to the Place-Name Evidence |url=http://spns.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Alan_James_Brittonic_Language_in_the_Old_North_BLITON_Volume_II_Dictionary.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813011121/http://spns.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Alan_James_Brittonic_Language_in_the_Old_North_BLITON_Volume_II_Dictionary.pdf |archive-date=13 August 2017 |access-date=25 November 2018 |website=SPNS – The Brittonic Language in the Old North}}</ref> As such, Dumfries has been suggested as a possible location of ''Penprys'', the mysterious capital of a land in [[Medieval Welsh literature]], most notably mentioned in the [[awdl]], "''Elegy for Gwallawg''" by [[Taliesin]].<ref name="bliton" />

According to a third theory, the name is a corruption of two [[Old English]] or [[Old Norse]] words which mean "the Friars' Hill"; those who favour this idea allege the formation of a religious house near the head of what is now the Friars' Vennel.<ref name=autogeneratedhist /> If the name were English or Norse, however, the expected form would have the elements in reversed orientation (compare [[Clarendon Palace|Clarendon]]). A Celtic derivation is therefore preferred.

A final theory connects the name with the [[Anglo-Saxon settlement of England]] during the fifth century with a meaning of "fortress of the Frisians".<ref>An elaborate version of this theory is in {{cite book |author1=[[John Morris (historian)|John Morris]] |title=The Age of Arthur: A History of the British Isles from 350 to 650 |date=1973 |publisher=Weidenfeld and Nicolson |location=London, UK |isbn=978-0-684-13313-3 |pages=61-62, 68 |url=https://archive.org/details/ageofarthurhisto0000morr_y6x5/page/61/mode/1up?view=theater |access-date=29 March 2025}}</ref>  This etymology has long been considered unlikely. In 1915 [[James King Hewison]] wrote "Of a Frisian settlement in Dumfries, which is supposed by some to mean "the fort of the Frisians", there is no trace, and no record."<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hewison |first1=James King |title=Dumfriesshire |date=1915 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge, UK |page=67 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hwc7AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA67 |access-date=29 March 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

== History ==
===Early history===
There is no definite record about the time and manner of Dumfries's founding.<ref name="autogeneratedhist">{{Cite web |title=History of the Burgh of Dumfries – Chapter I |url=http://www.electricscotland.com/history/dumfries/history1.htm |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Electricscotland.com}}</ref> Some writers hold that Dumfries flourished as a place of distinction during the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] occupation of North Great Britain. The [[Selgovae]] inhabited [[Nithsdale]] at the time and may have raised some military works of a defensive nature on or near the site of Dumfries; and it is more than probable that a castle of some kind formed the nucleus of the town. This is inferred from the etymology of the name, which, according to one theory, is resolvable into two [[Scottish Gaelic|Gaelic]] terms signifying a castle or fort in the [[copse]] or brushwood. Dumfries was once within the borders of the Kingdom of Northumbria. The district around Dumfries was for several centuries ruled over and deemed of much importance by the invading Romans. Many traces of Roman presence in Dumfriesshire are still to be found; coins, weapons, sepulchral remains, military earthworks, and roads being among the relics left by their lengthened sojourn in this part of Scotland. The [[Caledonians|Caledonian]] tribes in the south of Scotland were invested with the same rights by an edict of [[Antoninus Pius]]. The Romanized natives received freedom (the burrows, cairns, and remains of stone temples still to be seen in the district tell of a time when [[Druidism]] was the prevailing religion) as well as civilisation from their conquerors. Late in the fourth century, the Romans bade farewell to the country.<ref name=autogeneratedhist />

According to another theory, the name is a corruption of two words which mean the Friars' Hill; those who favour this idea allege that [[St. Ninian]], by planting a religious house near the head of what is now the Friars' Vennel, at the close of the fourth century, became the virtual founder of the Burgh; however Ninian, so far as is known, did not originate any monastic establishments anywhere and was simply a missionary. In the list of British towns given by the ancient historian [[Nennius]], the name ''Caer Peris'' occurs, which some modern antiquarians suppose to have been transmuted, by a change of dialect, into Dumfries.<ref name=autogeneratedhist />

Twelve of [[King Arthur]]'s battles were recorded by [[Nennius]] in ''[[Historia Brittonum]]''. The Battle of Tribruit (the tenth battle), has been suggested as having possibly been near Dumfries or near the mouth of the [[River Avon, Falkirk|river Avon]] near [[Bo'ness]]. After the Roman departure the area around Dumfries had various forms of visit by [[Picts]], [[Anglo-Saxons]], [[Scottish people|Scots]] and [[Norsemen|Norse]] culminating in a decisive victory for [[Giric|Gregory, King of Scots]] at what is now [[Lochmaben]] over the native [[Britons (historical)|Britons]] in 890.<ref name=autogeneratedhist />

===Medieval period===
[[File:Lincluden Collegiate Church.jpg|thumb|Lincluden Collegiate Church, also known as [[Lincluden Abbey]], c.1789]]
When, in 1069, [[Malcolm Canmore]] and [[William the Conqueror]] held a conference regarding the claims of [[Edgar Ætheling]] to the English Crown, they met at Abernithi – a term which in the old British tongue means a port at the mouth of the Nith. Abernithi may have been Dumfries; and therefore it may have existed as a port in the Kingdom of Strathclyde, if not in the Roman days. However, against this argument is that the town is situated {{convert|8 to 9|mi|km|spell=in}} distant from the sea,<ref name=autogeneratedhist /> although the [[River Nith]] is tidal and navigable all the way into the town itself.

Although at the time {{convert|1|mi}} upstream and on the opposite bank of the Nith from Dumfries, [[Lincluden Abbey]] was founded circa 1160. The abbey ruins are on the site of the [[bailey (castle)|bailey]] of the very early Lincluden Castle, as are those of the later Lincluden Tower. This religious house was used for various purposes, until its abandonment around 1700. Lincluden Abbey and its grounds are now within the Dumfries urban conurbation boundary.
[[William the Lion]] granted the charter to raise Dumfries to the rank of a [[royal burgh]] in 1186. Dumfries was very much on the frontier during its first 50 years as a burgh and it grew rapidly as a market town and port.<ref>{{Cite book |last=M'Dowall |first=William |title=History of the burgh of Dumfries: with notices of Nithsdale, Annandale, and the western border |publisher=Adam and Charles Black |year=1867 |page=144}}</ref>

[[Alexander III of Scotland|Alexander III]] visited Dumfries in 1264 to plan an expedition against the [[Isle of Man]], previously Scots but for 180 years subjected by the crown of Norway. Identified with the conquest of Man, Dumfries shared in the well-being of Scotland for the next 22 years until Alexander's accidental death brought an Augustan era in the town's history to an abrupt finish.<ref name=autogeneratedhist /> A royal castle, which no longer exists, was built in the 13th century on the site of the present Castledykes Park. In the latter part of the century [[William Wallace]] chased a fleeing English force southward through the Nith valley. The force made it to the gates of [[Dumfries Castle]] which was closed to them. With a body of the town's people joining Wallace and his fellow pursuers when they arrived, the English force was annihilated at Cockpool on the [[Solway Coast]]. After resting at [[Caerlaverock Castle]] a few miles away from the bloodletting, Wallace again passed through Dumfries the day after as he returned north to [[Sanquhar Castle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecastlesofscotland.co.uk/the-best-castles/scenic-castles/sanquhar-castle/|title=Sanquar Castle|publisher=Castles of Scotland|access-date=18 July 2022}}</ref>

During the invasion of 1300, [[Edward I of England]] lodged for a few days in June with the Minorite Friars of the Vennel, before he laid siege to Caerlaverock Castle at the head of the then greatest invasion force to attack Scotland. After Caerlaverock eventually succumbed, Edward passed through Dumfries again as he crossed the Nith to take his invasion into [[Galloway]]. With the Scottish nobility having requested [[Holy See|Vatican]] support for their cause, Edward on his return to Caerlaverock was presented with a missive directed to him by [[Pope Boniface VIII]]. Edward held court in Dumfries at which he grudgingly agreed to an armistice. On 30 October, the truce solicited by Pope Boniface was signed by Edward at Dumfries. Letters from Edward, dated at Dumfries, were sent to his subordinates throughout Scotland, ordering them to give effect to the treaty. The peace was to last until Whitsunday in the following year.<ref name=autogeneratedhist />

[[File:Death of Comyn.jpg|thumb|left|The killing of [[John Comyn III of Badenoch|John Comyn]] in the Greyfriars church in Dumfries, interpreted by [[Félix Philippoteaux]], a 19th-century illustrator.]]
Before becoming [[King of Scots]], [[Robert the Bruce]] stabbed his rival the [[Red Comyn]] at Greyfriars Kirk in the town on 10 February 1306. Bruce's uncertainty about the fatality of the stabbing caused one of his followers, [[Roger de Kirkpatrick]], to utter the famous, "I mak siccar" ("I make sure") and finish the Comyn off. Bruce was subsequently excommunicated as a result, less for the murder than for its location in a church. Regardless, for Bruce the die was cast at the moment in Greyfriars and so began his campaign by force for the independence of Scotland. Swords were drawn by supporters of both sides, the burial ground of the monastery becoming the theatre of battle. Bruce and his party then attacked Dumfries Castle. The English garrison surrendered and for the third time in the day Bruce and his supporters were victorious. He was crowned King of Scots barely seven weeks after. Bruce later triumphed at the [[Battle of Bannockburn]], which confirmed Scotland's independence in the conflict.

Once Edward received word of the revolution that had started in Dumfries, he again raised an army and invaded Scotland. Dumfries was again subjected to the control of Bruce's enemies. Sir [[Christopher Seton]] (Bruce's brother in law) had been captured at [[Loch Doon]] and was hurried to Dumfries to be tried for treason in general and more specifically for being present at Comyn's killing. Still in 1306 and along with two companions, Seton was condemned and executed by [[hanging]] and then [[beheading]] at the site of what is now St Mary's Church.

In 1659 ten women were accused of diverse acts of witchcraft by Dumfries Kirk Session although the Kirk Session minutes itself records nine witches. The Justiciary Court found them guilty of the several articles of witchcraft and on 13 April between 2&nbsp;pm and 4&nbsp;pm they were taken to the Whitesands, strangled at stakes and their bodies burnt to ashes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dumfries Museum |url=http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/dumfstory09.html |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk |archive-date=18 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218025748/http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/dumfstory09.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Eighteenth century===
[[File:High Street, Dumfries, Scotland-LCCN2001705982.jpg|thumb|left|Dumfries High Street, c. 1890–1900]] 
The [[Midsteeple, Dumfries|Midsteeple]] in the centre of the High Street was completed in 1707.<ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|num=LB26215|desc=High Street, Midsteeple |access-date=18 July 2022}}</ref> Opposite the fountain in the High Street, adjacent to the present [[Marks & Spencer]], was the Commercial and later the County Hotel. Although the latter was demolished in 1984–85, the original facade of the building was retained and incorporated into new retail premises.<ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|num= LB26218|desc=County Hotel, 79 High Street, Dumfries |access-date=18 July 2022}}</ref> The building now houses a Waterstones Bookshop. Room No. 6 of the hotel was known as [[Bonnie Prince Charlie]]'s Room and appropriately carpeted in the [[Royal Stewart tartan]]. The timber panelling of "Prince Charlie's room" was largely reinstated and painted complete with the oil painted landscapes by Robert Norie (1720–1766) in the overmantels at either end of the room and can still be seen as the upstairs showroom of the book shop.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Holloway |first=James |title=The Norie Family |publisher=National Galleries of Scotland |year=1994 |isbn=0903598442 |location=Edinburgh |pages=27}}</ref> The [[Young Pretender]] had his headquarters here during a 3-day sojourn in Dumfries towards the end of 1745. £2,000 was demanded by the Prince, together with 1,000 pairs of brogues for his kilted [[Jacobite rising of 1745|Jacobite]] rebel army, which was camping in a field not one hundred yards distant. A rumour that the [[Prince William, Duke of Cumberland|Duke of Cumberland]] was approaching, made Bonnie Prince Charlie decide to leave with his army, with only £1,000 and 255 pairs of shoes having been handed over.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Walks in Burns Country – Town Centre |url=http://www.electricscotland.com/travel/burns1.htm |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Electricscotland.com}}</ref>

[[Robert Burns]] moved to Dumfriesshire in 1788 and Dumfries itself in 1791, living there until his death on 21 July 1796. Today's Greyfriars Church overlooks the location of a statue of Burns, which was designed by [[Amelia Robertson Hill]], sculpted in [[Carrara]], Italy in 1882, and was unveiled by future [[Prime Minister]], [[Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery]] on 6 April 1882.<ref name="burnsstatue">{{Cite web |title=Burns Statue, Dumfries with Tam O'Shanter and Souter Johnnie statues "on tour", c 1900 |url=http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=12973 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115946/http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=12973 |archive-date=26 August 2014 |access-date=29 October 2008 |publisher=National Burns Collection}}</ref> Today, it features on the 2007 series of [[Banknotes of the pound sterling|£5 notes]] issued by the Bank of Scotland, alongside the [[Brig o' Doon]].<ref name="scotbanks">{{Cite web |title=Current Banknotes: Bank of Scotland |url=http://www.scotbanks.org.uk/banknotes_current_bank_of_scotland.php |access-date=17 October 2008 |publisher=The Committee of Scottish Clearing Bankers}}</ref>

After working with [[Patrick Miller of Dalswinton]], inventor [[William Symington]] intended to carry out a trial in order to show than an engine would work on a boat without the boat catching fire. The trial finally took place on Dalswinton Loch near Dumfries on 14 October 1788. The experiment demonstrated that a steam engine would work on a boat. Symington went on to become the builder of the first practical [[steamboat]].

===20th century and beyond===
[[File:New bridge 4.jpg|thumb|Buccleuch Street Bridge, Dumfries]]
The first official intimation that [[RAF Dumfries]] was to be built was made in late 1938. The site chosen had accommodated light aircraft since about 1914. Work progressed quickly, and on 17 June 1940, the [[No. 18 Maintenance Unit RAF|18 Maintenance Unit]] was opened at Dumfries. The role of the base during the war also encompassed training. RAF Dumfries had a moment of danger on 25 March 1943, when a German [[Dornier Do 217]] aircraft shot up the airfield beacon, but crashed shortly afterwards. The pilot, [[Oberleutnant]] Martin Piscke was later interred in [[Troqueer]] Cemetery in Dumfries town, with full military honours. On the night of 3/4 August 1943 a [[Vickers Wellington]] bomber with engine problems diverted to but crashed {{convert|1+1/2|mi|km}} short of the Dumfries runway.<ref name="Dumfriesaviationmuseum.com">{{Cite web |title=Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum |url=http://www.dumfriesaviationmuseum.com/ |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Dumfriesaviationmuseum.com}}</ref>

During the [[Second World War]], the bulk of the [[Norwegian armed forces in exile]] in Britain consisted of a [[brigade]] in Dumfries.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Giancarlo Rinaldi |date=4 November 2010 |title=Dumfries remembers role as home to Norwegian army |work=[[BBC Scotland]] |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-11685262 |access-date=28 April 2013}}</ref> When the army High Command took over, there were 70 officers and about 760 [[Private (rank)|privates]] in the camp. The camp was established in June 1940 and named ''Norwegian Reception Camp'', consisting of some 500 men and women, mainly foreign-Norwegian who had volunteered for war duty in Norway during the [[German occupation of Norway|Nazi occupation]] in early 1940. Through the summer the number was built up to around 1,500 under the command of [[General]] [[Carl Gustav Fleischer]]. Within a few miles of Dumfries are the villages of [[Tinwald, Scotland|Tinwald]], [[Torthorwald Castle|Torthorwald]] and [[Mouswald]] all of which were settled by [[Vikings]].

Dumfries has experienced two [[Boxing Day]] earthquakes. These were in 1979 (measuring 4.7 {{M|l}} centred near [[Longtown, Cumbria|Longtown]])<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Musson |first1=R. M. W. |last2=Henni |first2=P. H. O. |date=1 December 2002 |title=The felt effects of the Carlisle earthquake of 26 December 1979 |url=http://sjg.lyellcollection.org/content/38/2/113 |journal=Scottish Journal of Geology |volume=38 |issue=2 |pages=113–125 |doi=10.1144/sjg38020113 |bibcode=2002ScJG...38..113M |via=sjg.lyellcollection.org |s2cid=140171007}}</ref> and 2006 (centred in the Dumfries locality measuring 3.6 {{M|l}}).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dumfries Earthquake 26 December 2006 |url=http://www.earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk/macroseismics/dumfries_2006_macro.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309214103/http://www.earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk/macroseismics/dumfries_2006_macro.htm |archive-date=9 March 2011 |access-date=30 January 2013 |website=British Geological Survey}}</ref> There were no serious consequences of either. There was also an earthquake on 16 February 1984<ref>Redmayne D. W., 1984. "The Dumfries earthquake of 16 February 1984". ''BGS; Global Seismology Report'' No. 241</ref> and a further earthquake on 7 June 2010.<ref>[http://www.earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk/recent_events/20100607173319.3.html]{{dead link|date=August 2011}}</ref>

==Demography==
===Population===
The National Records for Scotland mid 2012 estimated population of Dumfries was reported as 33,280.<ref name="2012pop2a">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/population-estimates/special-area/mid-2012-settlements/2012-pop-est-sett-local-main-tab2a.pdf|title="Mid-2012 Populations Estimates for Settlements and Localities in Scotland, table 2a" National Records for Scotland|access-date = 27 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="2012pop3a">[http://gro-scotland.gov.uk/files//statistics/population-estimates/special-area/mid-2012-settlements/2012-pop-est-sett-local-main-tab3a.pdf "Mid-2012 Populations Estimates for Settlements and Localities in Scotland, table 3a" National Records for Scotland|access-date = 27 October 2014]{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===Religion===

The [[2021 United Kingdom census|2022 Scottish census]] revealed that 57% of the towns population identifies as having 'no religion', slightly higher than the Scotland wide figure of 51%. 35% identified as Christian (24% [[Church of Scotland]], 8% [[Catholic]] and 4% other Christian) while 2% identified with another religion. 5% didn't answer question in the census as it was optional.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scotland’s Census 2022 - Ethnic group, national identity, language and religion |url=https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/2022-results/scotland-s-census-2022-ethnic-group-national-identity-language-and-religion/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Scotland's Census |language=en}}</ref>

A number of the local and chapels are notable architectural landmarks. St Michael's Church, built between 1761 and 1746, on the site of earlier places of worship dating back to the 12th century.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dumfries St Michael {{!}} National Churches Trust |url=https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-michael-dumfries |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=www.nationalchurchestrust.org |language=en}}</ref> The church has a number of connections to the poet [[Robert Burns]], and he was initially buried in its churchyard. In 1815, his remains were moved to a grand mausoleum in the south-east corner of the churchyard, where his wife [[Jean Armour]] and several family members are also interred.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Robert Burns Mausoleum {{!}} History & Heritage |url=https://scotlandstartshere.com/point-of-interest/robert-burns-mausoleum/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Scotland Starts Here |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Greyfriars Church, Dumfries|Greyfriars Church]] constructed between 1866 and 1867 in the Gothic style, stands on a site that was once partly occupied by a Franciscan monastery and partly by the town's old castle. St Mary's Church, another Gothic edifice built between 1837 and 1839, was erected on the location of a small chapel dedicated by [[Christina Bruce]], to her husband [[Christopher Seton]], who was executed there by [[Edward I]]. It was put up for sale in 2024 by the [[Church of Scotland]] for £38,000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-15 |title=St. Mary's Church in Dumfries Up For Sale: Offers Over £38,000 for Historic Landmark - DGWGO |url=https://www.dgwgo.com/dumfries-galloway-news/st-marys-church-in-dumfries-up-for-sale-offers-over-38000-for-historic-landmark/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

St Andrew's Church, built from 1811 to 1813 in the Romanesque style, serves as a Roman Catholic church and the pro-cathedral of the Diocese of Galloway.<ref name="EB1911">{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Dumfries|volume=8|noicon=1}}{{PD-notice}}</ref> In 1851, Samuel Lewis described additional places of worship, noting the construction of an Episcopal chapel in 1817 at the cost of £2200. He also mentioned the presence of Free Church, United Presbyterian Church, Reformed Presbyterian, Independent, and Wesleyan chapels, as well as a Roman Catholic chapel.<ref name="TDS">{{cite book |last1=Lewis |first1=Samuel |author-link=Samuel Lewis (publisher) |url=https://archive.org/details/topographicaldic01lewi |title=A topographical dictionary of Scotland, comprising the several counties, islands, cities, burgh and market towns, parishes, and principal villages, with historical and statistical descriptions: embellished with engravings of the seals and arms of the different burghs and universities |date=1851 |publisher=S. Lewis and co. |volume=1 |location=London |pages=[https://archive.org/details/topographicaldic01lewi/page/316 317]-320 |article=Dumfries}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

===Education===
[[File:Dumfries Academy.jpg|thumb|right|The Minerva Building of [[Dumfries Academy]]]] 
Dumfries has several primary schools, approximately one per key district, and four main secondary schools. All of these institutions are governed by [[Dumfries and Galloway]] council. The secondary schools are [[Dumfries Academy]], [[Maxwelltown High School]], [[St Joseph's College, Dumfries|St Joseph's College]] and Dumfries High School. Dumfries Academy was a [[grammar school]] until adopting a comprehensive format in 1983. In 2013 plans for a 'super school' were announced. These plans were later dismissed in favour of renovating existing schools.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rinaldi |first=Giancarlo |date=21 November 2013 |title=The Dumfries 'super school' project that never took off |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-25023668 }}</ref>

In 1999 Scotland's first multi-institutional university campus was established in Dumfries, in the {{convert|85|acre|m2|adj=on}} Crichton estate. In order of campus presence it is host to the [[University of the West of Scotland]] (UWS) (formerly known as University of Paisley & Bell College), [[Dumfries & Galloway College]], and the [[University of Glasgow]]. Still in its infancy, the campus offers a range of degree courses in initial teacher education, business, computing, environmental studies, tourism, heritage, social work, health, social studies, nursing, liberal arts and humanities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scottish Government |date=20 August 2007 |title=Support for Crichton and South of Scotland |url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2007/08/20105300}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 July 2006 |title=Crichton University Campus Dumfries – Scotland UK |url=http://crichtoncampus.co.uk/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814021722/http://crichtoncampus.co.uk/ |archive-date=14 August 2011 |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Crichtoncampus.co.uk}}</ref> Despite the short-lived threat of closure to the University of Glasgow part of the campus in 2006, a campaign by students, academics and local supporters ensured that the University of Glasgow remained open in Dumfries. The University of Glasgow, since maintaining its provision in Dumfries, has launched a new undergraduate programme in primary teaching.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/dumfriescampus/undergraduatestudy/primaryeducationwithteachingqualification/|title=University of Glasgow :: Dumfries Campus :: Primary Education with Teaching Qualification|date=3 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503004422/http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/dumfriescampus/undergraduatestudy/primaryeducationwithteachingqualification/|archive-date=3 May 2008}}</ref>

===Healthcare===
[[Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary]] is the principal secondary care referral centre for Dumfries and Galloway region. It now includes a maternity wing which replaced the old Cresswell Maternity Hospital.

Midpark Hospital, close to the site of the former Crichton Royal Hospital, is part of the Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board and provides a regional psychiatric, psychological and specialist addictions service within Dumfries and Galloway. In 1838 [[William A. F. Browne]] accepted the position of Physician Superintendent at the newly created Crichton. It is at the Crichton where [[Ursula Fleming]] gained much of her education and experience.

==Geography and climate==
===Locality===
[[File:River Nith.jpg|thumb|River Nith]]

Like the rest of Dumfries and Galloway, of Scotland's three major geographical areas Dumfries lies in the [[Southern Uplands]]. The river Nith runs through Dumfries toward the Solway Firth in a southwards direction splitting the town into East and West. At low tide, the sea recedes to such an extent on the shallow sloping sands of the Solway that the length of the Nith is extended by 13&nbsp;km to {{convert|113.8|km|mi|abbr=on}}. This makes the Nith Scotland's seventh longest river. There are several bridges across the river within the town. In between the Devorgilla Bridge (also known as 'The Old Bridge') and the suspension bridge is a [[weir]] colloquially known as 'The Caul'. In wetter months of the year the Nith can flood the surrounding streets. The Whitesands has flooded on average once a year since 1827.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-66867199 | title=The Dumfries street that has flooded more than 200 times | work=BBC News | date=2 October 2023 }}</ref>

Dumfries has numerous suburbs including [[Summerhill, Dumfries|Summerhill]], Summerville, Troqueer, Georgetown, Cresswell, Larchfield, Calside, Lochside, Lincluden, [[Newbridge Drive]], Sandside, [[Heathhall]], [[Locharbriggs]], Noblehill and Marchmount. [[Maxwelltown]] to the west of the river Nith, was formerly a burgh in its own right within [[Kirkcudbrightshire]] until its incorporation into Dumfries in 1929; Summerhill, Troqueer, Lochside, Lincluden, Sandside are among other suburbs located on the Maxwelltown side of the river. [[Palmerston Park]], home to the town's senior football team [[Queen of the South F.C.|Queen of the South]], is on Terregles Street, also on the Maxwelltown side of the river.

Queensberry Square and High Street are the central focal points of the town and this area hosts many of the historical, social and commercial enterprises and events of Dumfries. During the 1990s, these areas enjoyed various aesthetic recognitions from organisations including [[Britain in Bloom]].

===Weather and climate trends===

As with the rest of the [[British Isles]], Dumfries experiences a [[maritime climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Cfb]]) with cool summers and mild winters. It is one of the less snowy locations in Scotland owing to its sheltered, low lying position in the South West of the country. From 2 July 1908 the town held the record for the highest temperature reading in Scotland, {{convert|32.8|C|F}} until being surpassed in [[Greycrook]] on 9 August 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1908 temperature |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/ws/print.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103082750/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/ws/print.html |archive-date=3 November 2013 |access-date=30 January 2013 |publisher=[[UKMO]]}}</ref> Its southerly latitude makes little difference to the average annual temperatures compared to more northerly coastal parts of Scotland. This is due to strong maritime influence from the [[Irish Sea]] cooling down summers due to frequent cloudy weather and cool water temperatures. There are plenty of higher areas to Dumfries' west, but even so those seldom allow warm air to stay untouched.

{{Weather box
|location = Dumfries 49m asl, 1991–2020, extremes 1951–1980
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan record high C = 14.3
|Feb record high C = 13.3
|Mar record high C = 17.8
|Apr record high C = 19.3
|May record high C = 25.2
|Jun record high C = 28.3
|Jul record high C = 32.8
|Aug record high C = 28.6
|Sep record high C = 25.6
|Oct record high C = 22.8
|Nov record high C = 15.6
|Dec record high C = 13.9
|year record high C = 32.8
|Jan high C = 7.0
|Feb high C = 7.7
|Mar high C = 9.6
|Apr high C = 12.2
|May high C = 15.7
|Jun high C = 17.9
|Jul high C = 19.7
|Aug high C = 19.2
|Sep high C = 17.1
|Oct high C = 13.4
|Nov high C = 9.8
|Dec high C = 7.3
|year high C = 13.1
|Jan mean C = 4.4
|Feb mean C = 4.8
|Mar mean C = 6.3
|Apr mean C = 8.4
|May mean C = 11.4
|Jun mean C = 13.9
|Jul mean C = 15.7
|Aug mean C = 15.3
|Sep mean C = 13.4
|Oct mean C = 10.0
|Nov mean C = 6.9
|Dec mean C = 4.6
|year mean C = 
|Jan low C = 1.8
|Feb low C = 1.9
|Mar low C = 2.9
|Apr low C = 4.5
|May low C = 7.0
|Jun low C = 9.8
|Jul low C = 11.6
|Aug low C = 11.4
|Sep low C = 9.6
|Oct low C = 6.6
|Nov low C = 3.9
|Dec low C = 1.8
|year low C = 6.1
|Jan record low C = −13.9
|Feb record low C = −11.1
|Mar record low C = −12.2
|Apr record low C = −3.9
|May record low C = −2.2
|Jun record low C = 0.6
|Jul record low C = 2.8
|Aug record low C = 2.2
|Sep record low C = -1.1
|Oct record low C = -3.9
|Nov record low C = −9.0
|Dec record low C = −10.6
|year record low C = −13.9
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 121.7
|Feb precipitation mm = 98.5
|Mar precipitation mm = 86.3
|Apr precipitation mm = 67.0
|May precipitation mm = 69.2
|Jun precipitation mm = 79.1
|Jul precipitation mm = 82.9
|Aug precipitation mm = 96.9
|Sep precipitation mm = 90.7
|Oct precipitation mm = 126.3
|Nov precipitation mm = 130.3
|Dec precipitation mm = 132.3
|year precipitation mm = 
|Jan sun = 47.0
|Feb sun = 72.1
|Mar sun = 102.6
|Apr sun = 149.0
|May sun = 185.8
|Jun sun = 147.2
|Jul sun = 151.0
|Aug sun = 146.4
|Sep sun = 115.1
|Oct sun = 90.5
|Nov sun = 59.3
|Dec sun = 43.8
|year sun = 1309.8
|source 1 = [[Met Office]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dumfries 1991–2020 averages |url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages/gcv3mcrf9|access-date=5 November 2011 |publisher=[[Met Office]]}}</ref>
|source 2 = [[ScotClim]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dumfries 1951–1980 extremes |url=http://www.weather.org.uk/climate/scotclim.html |access-date=5 November 2011 |publisher=www.weather.org.uk}}</ref>
|date=November 2011
}}

==Governance and politics==
===Royal Burgh status (1186)===
[[File:Municipal Buildings, Dumfries.jpg|thumb|[[Municipal Buildings, Dumfries|The Municipal Buildings]]]]

Scottish communities granted [[Royal Burgh]] status by the monarch guarded the honour jealously and with vigour. Riding the Marches maintains the tradition of an occasion that was, in its day, of great importance. Dumfries has been a Royal Burgh since 1186, its charter being granted by King William the Lion in a move that ensured the loyalty of its citizens to the Monarch. Although far from the centre of power in Scotland, Dumfries had obvious strategic significance sitting as it does on the edge of Galloway and being the centre of control for the south west of Scotland. With the River Nith on two sides and the Lochar Moss on another, Dumfries was a town with good natural defences. Consequently, it was never completely walled. A careful eye still had to be kept on the clearly defined boundaries of the burgh, a task that had to be taken each year by the Provost, Baillies, Burgesses and others within the town. Neighbouring landowners might try to encroach on the town boundaries, or the Marches as they were known, moving them back 100&nbsp;yards or so to their own benefit. It had to be made clear to anyone thinking of or trying to encroach that they dare not do so.

In return for the Royal status of the town and the favour of the King, the Provost and his council, along with other worthies of the town had to be diligent in ensuring the boundaries were strictly observed. Although steeped in history, Scotland's burghs remained the foundation of the country's system of local government for centuries. Burgh status conferred on its citizens the right to elect their own town councils, run their own affairs and raise their own local taxes or rates. Dumfries also became the administrative centre for the [[shires of Scotland|shire]] of Dumfries, or [[Dumfriesshire]], which was probably created in the twelfth century and certainly existed by 1305.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Chalmers |first1=George |title=Caledonia |date=1824 |location=London |pages=68–70 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jcU_AAAAcAAJ&dq=history+of+county+of+dumfries&pg=PA46 |access-date=6 December 2022 |chapter=Of its establishment as a Shire}}</ref> When elected county councils were created in 1890 under the [[Local Government (Scotland) Act 1889]], the burgh of Dumfries was deemed capable of running its own affairs and so was excluded from the jurisdiction of the county council.<ref>[[Local Government (Scotland) Act 1889]], sections 8 and 105</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Local Government Act in Dumfriesshire |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/ |access-date=23 December 2021 |work=Annandale Observer |date=27 September 1889 |location=Annan |page=3}}</ref>

===Political expansion===

The burgh of Dumfries was enlarged in 1929 to take in [[Maxwelltown]] on the west bank of the Nith, which had previously been a separate burgh in [[Kirkcudbrightshire]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Maxwelltown Burgh |url=https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10360973 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=3 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dumfries-Maxwelltown Amalgamation |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/ |access-date=3 December 2022 |work=The Scotsman |date=4 October 1929 |location=Edinburgh |page=14}}</ref> Further local government reform in 1930 brought the burgh of Dumfries within the area controlled by Dumfriesshire County Council, but classed as a [[large burgh]] which allowed the town to continue to run many local services itself.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Local Government (Scotland) Act 1929|year=1929|chapter=25|access-date=23 December 2022}}</ref> The town council was based at [[Municipal Buildings, Dumfries|Municipal Buildings]] in Buccleuch Street, built in 1932 on the site of an earlier council building.<ref name=hes>{{Historic Environment Scotland|num=LB26099|desc= Nithsdale District Council Offices, Dumfries |cat=C|access-date=19 April 2021}}</ref>

In 1975 local government across Scotland was reformed under the [[Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973]]. The burghs and counties were abolished as administrative areas, replaced with a two-tier system of upper-tier regions and lower-tier districts.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973|year=1973|chapter=65|access-date=23 December 2022}}</ref> Dumfries therefore became part of the [[Nithsdale]] district in the region of [[Dumfries and Galloway]]. Nithsdale District Council took over the Municipal Buildings.<ref name=hes/> Ancient titles associated with Dumfries' history as a royal burgh like [[Provost (civil)|provost]] and [[bailie]] were discarded or retained only for ceremonial purposes. Robes and chains often found their way into museums as a reminder of the past. Further local government reform in 1996 abolished Nithsdale district, since when Dumfries has been governed by Dumfries and Galloway Council, which has its headquarters in the town at [[County Buildings, Dumfries|County Buildings]], which had been built in 1914 as the headquarters of Dumfriesshire County Council.<ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|num=LB26174|desc= Dumfries County Buildings, 113 English Street, Dumfries |access-date=23 December 2022}}</ref>

Dumfries remains a centre of local government for a much bigger area than just the town itself. But its people, the Doonhamers still retain a pride in their town and distinctive identity. This is never more so than during the week-long Guid Nychburris Festival and its highlight the Riding of the Marches which takes place on the third Saturday in June each year.

===Political representation===
[[File:Dumfries & Galloway Council Headquarters (geograph 4699595).jpg|thumb|[[County Buildings, Dumfries|Dumfries & Galloway Council Headquarters]]]]
Dumfries is located in the [[Subdivisions of Scotland|council area]] of [[Dumfries and Galloway]]. It is the seat of the local council, whose headquarters are located on the edge of the town centre. Until 1995 Dumfries was also home to the council for the local district of [[Nithsdale]]. Dumfries also lends its name to the [[Lieutenancy areas of Scotland|lieutenancy area]] of Dumfries, which is similar in boundaries to the former [[Dumfriesshire]] county.

On the Dumfries and Galloway Council, Dumfries is covered by four 4-seat wards: Abbey, Lochar, Nith and North West Dumfries. North West Dumfries is the only ward that solely covers areas within the town itself, with the others incorporating outlying areas. In the [[2017 Dumfries and Galloway Council election|2017 council election]], these wards elected 6 [[Scottish Labour Party|Labour]], 5 [[Scottish Conservatives|Conservative]] and 4 [[Scottish National Party|SNP]] councillors.

Dumfries is split into two UK Parliament constituencies: [[Dumfries and Galloway (UK Parliament constituency)|Dumfries and Galloway]] which is represented by [[John Cooper (British politician)|John Cooper]] and [[Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale]] which is represented by [[David Mundell]], both of the [[Scottish Conservative Party]]. For Scottish Parliament elections, Dumfries is in the [[South Scotland (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|South Scotland electoral region]] and split between two constituencies. The western wards of Abbey and North West Dumfries are in the constituency of [[Galloway and West Dumfries]], while the eastern wards of Nith and Lochar are in the constituency of [[Dumfriesshire (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Dumfriesshire]]. The respective MSPs are [[Finlay Carson]] and [[Oliver Mundell]], both of the [[Scottish Conservative Party]].

In the [[2014 Scottish independence referendum]], Dumfries and Galloway had the country's [[2014 Scottish independence referendum#By area|third heaviest 'No' vote]] at more than 65% of the ballots cast. That was more than 10 points higher than the national average pro-union vote.

==Economy==
Dumfries has a long history as a [[county town]], and as the [[market town]] of a surrounding rural hinterland.  
The [[North British Rubber Company]] started manufacturing in 1946 at Heathhall on the former site of the [[Arrol-Johnston]] Motor Company which was said to be the most advanced light engineering factory of its day in Scotland. It became [[Uniroyal]] Ltd in the 1960s and was where the [[Hunter Boot]] and Powergrip [[Toothed belt|engine timing belts]] were manufactured. In 1987 it changed name to the British subsidiary of the [[Gates Rubber Company]] and later was known as Interfloor from 2002 until the factory closed in 2013.

Dumfries is a relatively prosperous community but the town centre has been exposed to the centrifugal forces that have seen retail, business, educational, residential and other uses gravitate towards the town's urban fringe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/Dumgal/Documents.aspx?id=12338|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215015236/http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/Dumgal/Documents.aspx?id=12338|url-status=dead|title=DGC -Document: Dumfries Town Centre Urban Design Strategy – Part 1|archive-date=15 February 2008}}</ref> This was started in the 1980s with the building of the Dumfries bypass. The immediate effect of this was as intended the diversion of transiting traffic away from the town centre. This brought with it an accompanying reduction in economic input to the town centre. The second effect of this has been more pronounced. Sites close to the bypass have attracted development to utilise the bypass as a high speed urban highway without the bottlenecks of the town centre and without the constraining limited town centre parking.

In a bid to re-stimulate development in Dumfries town centre, both economically and in a social context, several strategies have been proposed by the controlling authorities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 August 2011 |title=MiniWeb: Regeneration & Europe – Dumfries Town Centre |url=http://www.dumfriesregeneration.co.uk |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Dumfriesregeneration.co.uk}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

As the largest settlement in Southern Scotland, Dumfries is recognised as a centre for visiting surrounding points of interest.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dumfries Travel Guide |url=http://www.scottishholidays.net/visit/scotland-tour-dumfries-dumfries.html |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Scottishholidays.net}}</ref> The following are all within easy reach:

* [[Ae, Dumfries and Galloway|Ae village]] and [[forest of Ae|forest]]
* [[Caerlaverock Castle]]<ref name="autogenerated2" />
* [[Criffel]] – a hill on the Solway Coast popular with hill walkers for its views of the Southern Scottish coastline and across the [[Solway Firth]] to the [[Lake District]] of [[Cumbria]]
* [[Drumlanrig Castle]]<ref name="autogenerated2" />
* [[Ecclefechan]] – [[Thomas Carlyle]]'s birthplace "The Arched House" is a tourist attraction and has been maintained by the [[National Trust for Scotland]] since 1936.<ref name="autogenerated2" /> Ecclefechan lies at the foot of the large [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] Fort, Burnswark, which dominates the horizon with its flat top.
* [[Glencaple Quay]] - Old harbour, restaurant, shop and views of the River Nith.
* [[Gretna Green]] and the Old Blacksmith's Shop famous for [[elopement|runaway marriages]].<ref name="autogenerated2" />
* [[John Paul Jones Cottage Museum]] – The traditional Scottish cottage in which [[John Paul Jones]] was born in 1747.<ref>{{Cite web |last=David Lockwood |date=16 December 2010 |title=John Paul Jones a brief biography |url=http://www.jpj.demon.co.uk/jpjlife.htm |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Jpj.demon.co.uk}}</ref>
* [[Kingholm Quay]] - 18th century harbour, on the east side of the River Nith, that once served the town.
* [[Laghall Quay]] - 18th century harbour, on the west side of the River Nith, A pleasant walk to the site and views of the Nith and Kingholm Quay.
* [[Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre]] was the first [[Tibetan Buddhist]] Centre to have been established in the West. It is a centre within the [[Karma Kagyu]] tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is in the village of [[Eskdalemuir]] in the Scottish Southern Uplands<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre |url=http://www.samyeling.org/ |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Samyeling.org}}</ref>
* [[Lochmaben]] with its lochs popular with boaters and also its history with Robert the Bruce
* [[Mabie, Dumfries and Galloway|Mabie Forest]] – popular destinations for outdoor recreation such as mountain bike and walking
* Moffat and the views nearby of The [[Devil's Beef Tub]], The [[Grey Mare's Tail, Moffat Hills|Grey Mare's Tail]] waterfall and the [[A708 road|A708]] from Moffat past the Grey Mare's Tail to [[St Mary's Loch]].
* [[Moniaive]] conservation village
* [[New Abbey]] Corn Mill Museum and [[Sweetheart Abbey]]<ref name="autogenerated2" />
* [[Solway Coast]]
* [[Threave Castle]] in [[Castle Douglas]], Built in the 1370s by Archibald the Grim, 3rd Earl of Douglas. Now a ruin, it was a stronghold of the "Black Douglases", Earls of Douglas and Lords of Galloway, until their fall in 1455.
* [[Twynholm]] and the [[David Coulthard]] Museum.<ref name="autogenerated2" />
* [[Wanlockhead]] – Britain's highest village registered at {{convert|1531|ft|m}} above sea level and the Lead Mining Museum<ref name="autogenerated2" />

==Culture==
[[File:Camera Obscura, Dumfries.JPG|thumb|upright|right|[[Dumfries Museum]] and camera obscura]]

Dumfries got its nickname 'Queen of the South' from David Dunbar, a local poet,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 March 2008 |title=Robert Temple Bibliographical Archive |url=http://www.telinco.co.uk/RobertTemple/Hrkiv6.htm#t1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031105133946/http://www.telinco.co.uk/RobertTemple/Hrkiv6.htm#t1 |archive-date=5 November 2003 |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Telinco.co.uk}}</ref> who in 1857 stood in the [[1857 United Kingdom general election|general election]]. In one of his addresses he called Dumfries "Queen of the South" and this became synonymous with the town.<ref name=qoshist/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ritchie |first=Robert |title="Best town nickname" The Scotsman 1&nbsp;August&nbsp;2009 |url=http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/Best-town-nickname.5509952.jp |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Thescotsman.scotsman.com}}</ref>

The term ''doonhamer'' comes from the way that natives of Dumfries over the years have referred to the area when working away from home. The town is often referred to as ''doon hame'' in the [[Scots language]] (down home). The term doonhamer followed, to describe those that originate from Dumfries.<ref name=qoshist/> The Doonhamers is also the nickname of [[Queen of the South F.C.|Queen of the South]] who represent Dumfries and the surrounding area in the Scottish Football League.<ref name=qoshist/> The crest of Dumfries contains the words, "A Lore Burne". In the history of Dumfries close to the town was the marsh through which ran the Loreburn whose name became the rallying cry of the town in times of attack – A Lore Burne (meaning 'to the muddy stream').<ref name=qoshist/><ref name="autogenerated3">{{Cite web |title=Dumfries and Galloway Museums and Galleries on-line |url=http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/frames.html |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk |archive-date=11 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711222022/http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/frames.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2017 Dumfries was ranked the happiest place in Scotland by [[Rightmove]].<ref name="happy">{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/border/2017-10-11/dumfries-ranked-the-happiest-place-to-live-in-scotland|title=Dumfries ranked the happiest place to live in Scotland|date=11 October 2017|website=ITV News}}</ref>

===Museums, parks and libraries===
Located on top of a small hill, [[Dumfries Museum]] is centred on the 18th-century windmill which stands above the town. Included are fossil footprints left by prehistoric reptiles, the wildlife of the Solway marshes, tools and weapons of the earliest peoples of the region and stone carvings of Scotland's first Christians. On the top floor of the museum is a [[camera obscura]].<ref name=autogenerated3 />

Based in the [[control tower]] near Tinwald Downs, the aviation museum has an extensive indoor display of memorabilia, much of which has come via various recovery activities. During the second world war, aerial navigation was taught at Dumfries also at [[Wigtown]] and nearby [[Annan, Dumfries and Galloway|Annan]] was a fighter training unit. [[RAF Dumfries]] doubled as an important maintenance unit and aircraft storage unit. The museum is run by the [[Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum|Dumfries and Galloway Aviation]] Group and is the only private aviation museum in Scotland.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{Cite web |date=1 August 1999 |title=Dumfries and Galloway Museums |url=http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/ |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk |archive-date=22 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222132412/http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The restored control tower of the former World War II [[airfield]] is now a listed building. The museum is run by volunteers and houses a large and ever expanding [[aircraft]] collection, aero engines and a display of artefacts and personal histories relating to aviation, past and present. It is also home to the [[Loch Doon]] [[Spitfire]]. Both [[civil aviation]] and [[military aviation]] are represented.<ref name="Dumfriesaviationmuseum.com" />

[[File:Ewart Library entrance.jpg|thumb|left|Entrance to the Ewart Library]]

The Ewart Library is a [[Carnegie library]], and was opened in 1904. Carnegie donated £10,000 toward the building of the library, and suggested that it was named after William Ewart, former MP for the area, and who was key in the introduction of acts of Parliament in both England and Scotland related to the creation of public libraries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Edwardian Renaissance Architecture in Scotland |url=http://www.scotcities.com/carnegie/renaiss.htm |access-date=2019-07-27 |website=www.scotcities.com |archive-date=10 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910163352/http://www.scotcities.com/carnegie/renaiss.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The most significant of the parks in Dumfries are all within walking distance of the town centre:-
* Dock Park – located on the East bank of the Nith just to the South of St Michael's Bridge
* Castledykes Park – as the name suggests on the site of a former castle
* Mill Green (also known as deer park, although the deer formerly accommodated there have since been relocated) – on the West bank of the Nith opposite Whitesands
{{clear}}

===Theatre, cinema and media===
[[File:Shakespeare St, Dumfries.jpg|thumb|The Theatre Royal in Dumfries. In the background can be seen the spire of the old St Andrew's Cathedral: the rest of the building burned down in 1961<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.standrewsdumfries.org.uk/History_plus.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327015953/http://www.standrewsdumfries.org.uk/History_plus.htm|url-status=dead|title=St. Andrew's Catholic Church Dumfries website|archive-date=27 March 2014}}</ref> and was replaced with a new church on the same site.]]The [[Theatre Royal, Dumfries]] was built in 1792 and is the oldest working theatre in Scotland.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rinaldi |first1=Giancarlo |title=The hopes and fears of a 232-year-old theatre |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crm2z0zvy2lo |access-date=21 September 2024 |agency=BBC |date=20 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2014 |title=Guild of Players – Home |url=http://www.guildofplayers.co.uk/ |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Guildofplayers.co.uk}}</ref>

The theatre is owned by the Guild of Players who bought it in 1959, thereby saving it from demolition, and is run on a voluntary basis by the members of the Guild of Players. It is funded entirely by Guild membership subscriptions, and by box office receipts. It does not currently receive any grant aid towards running costs. In recent years the theatre has been re-roofed and the outside refurbished. It is the venue for the Guild of Players' own productions and for performances from visiting companies. These include: Scottish Opera, TAG, the Borderline and [[7:84]]. The Robert Burns Centre is an art house cinema in Dumfries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre |url=http://www.rbcft.co.uk/ |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Rbcft.co.uk}}</ref> The Odeon Cinema, which showed more mainstream movies, closed its doors in mid-2018 due to issues with the building, forcing them to close. The cinema will reopen as The Regal in 2025.

Dumfries was formerly home to one of the 11 [[BBC]] studios in Scotland. ''[[Greatest Hits Radio Dumfries & Galloway]]'', part of [[Bauer Media Group]], broadcasts from Dumfries, and is also the main radio station for the area. Community radio station ''Alive 107.3'' broadcasts on 107.3FM in Dumfries and online.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} In 2018, Dumfries got a new radio station, ''Dumfries Community Radio''. Also known as DCR Online, it is not a traditional FM radio station, but an online radio station.

The two local newspapers that specifically cover Dumfries and the surrounding are:-
* ''[[Dumfries and Galloway Standard]]''<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 August 2009 |title=icDumfries – Dumfries & Galloway Standard News |url=http://icdumfries.icnetwork.co.uk/dumfriesgalloway/ |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Icdumfries.icnetwork.co.uk}}</ref> (established 1843) publishing on Tuesdays and Fridays
* ''[[Dumfries Courier]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dumfries Courier – Regionwide news from your weekly newspaper |url=http://www.dumfriescourier.co.uk/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926073214/http://www.dumfriescourier.co.uk/ |archive-date=26 September 2011 |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Dumfriescourier.co.uk}}</ref> publishing on Fridays

===Concert and event venues===
The [[Loreburn Hall]] (sometimes known colloquially as The Drill Hall)<ref name="culturalprofiles.org.uk">{{Cite web |title=Scotland: Loreburn Hall, Dumfries |url=http://www.culturalprofiles.org.uk/scotland/Units/298.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606152912/http://www.culturalprofiles.org.uk/scotland/Units/298.html |archive-date=6 June 2011 |access-date=2009-04-27}}</ref> has hosted concerts by performers such as [[Black Sabbath]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=1970 Tour |url=http://www.black-sabbath.com/tourdates/1970.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611151759/http://www.black-sabbath.com/tourdates/1970.html |archive-date=11 June 2011 |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Black-sabbath.com}}</ref> [[Big Country]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Alley/2384/td-1990.html|title=Tour Dates 1990|date=22 October 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991022224215/http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Alley/2384/td-1990.html|archive-date=22 October 1999}}</ref> [[The Proclaimers]] and [[Scottish Opera]].<ref name="culturalprofiles.org.uk" /> The hall has hosted sporting events such as [[wrestling]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=wZw Present The 'Destruction Tour' |url=http://www.wrestling101.com/101/newsitem/1154/ |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Wrestling101.com |archive-date=19 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219085931/http://www.wrestling101.com/101/newsitem/1154/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The new DG One sport, fitness and entertainment centre became the principal indoor event venue in Dumfries in 2007,<ref>{{Cite web |title=MiniWeb |url=http://www.dgone.co.uk |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=DG One}}</ref> but in October 2014, it closed due to major defects being discovered in the building. However, the refurbished building reopened to the public in the summer of 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 June 2019 |title=Dumfries leisure centre with 'unique' failings ready to reopen |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-scotland-south-scotland-48761099 |access-date=7 January 2020}}</ref> The Theatre Royal has also reopened following renovation work.

===Architectural geology===
[[File:Buccleuch St, Dumfries, 2007-07-26.jpg|thumb|Sandstone buildings in Buccleuch Street (the building with the turrets is [[Dumfries Sheriff Court]])]]

There are many buildings in Dumfries made from sandstone of the local Locharbriggs quarry. The quarry is situated off the A701 on the north of Dumfries at Locharbriggs close to the nearby aggregates quarry. This dimension stone quarry is a large quarry. Quarry working at Locharbriggs dates from the 18th century, and the quarry has been worked continuously since 1890.<ref name="autogeneratedquarry">{{Cite web |last=Associates |first=RJ Design |title=Locharbriggs Red Sandstone Suppliers |url=http://www.stancliffe.com/uk-stone-types-and-colours/locharbriggs-red-sandstone}}</ref>

There are good reserves of stone that can be extracted at several locations. On average the stone is available at depths of 1m on bed although some larger blocks are obtainable. The average length of a block is 1.5m but 2.6m blocks can be obtained. Locharbriggs is from the [[New Red Sandstone]] of the Permian age. It is a medium-grained stone ranging in colour from dull red to pink. It is the sandstone used in the [[Queen Alexandra Bridge]] in [[Sunderland]], the [[Manchester Central Convention Complex]] and the base of the [[Statue of Liberty]].<ref name=autogeneratedquarry />

===Visual arts and festivals===
With a collection of over 400 Scottish paintings, Gracefield Arts Centre hosts a changing programme of exhibitions featuring regional, national and international artists and craft-makers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gracefield Arts centre |url=http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/grace.html |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk |archive-date=22 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222025418/http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/grace.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Dumfries Art Trail brings together artists, makers, galleries and craft shops with venues accessible all year round.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dumfriesarttrail.wordpress.com/ |title=DART 2017 |access-date=4 February 2021 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920205544/https://dumfriesarttrail.wordpress.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

There are a number of festivals which take place throughout the year, mostly based on traditional values. Guid Nychburris ([[Middle Scots]], meaning Good Neighbours) is the main festival of the year, a ceremony which is largely based on the theme of a positive community spirit. The ceremony on Guid Nychburris Day, follows a route and sequence of events laid down in the mists of time. Formal proceedings start at 7.30&nbsp;am with the gathering of up to 250 horses waiting for the courier to arrive and announce that the Pursuivant is on his way, and at 8.00&nbsp;am leave the Midsteeple and ride out to meet the Pursuivant. They then proceed to Ride the Marches and Stob and Nog (mark the boundary with posts and flags) before returning to the Midsteeple at 12.15&nbsp;pm to meet the Provost and then the Charter is proclaimed to the towns people of Dumfries. This is then followed by the crowning of the Queen of the South.<ref>{{Cite web |title=www.guidnychburris.co.uk |url=http://www.guidnychburris.co.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822205037/http://www.guidnychburris.co.uk/ |archive-date=22 August 2006 |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=guidnychburris.co.uk}}</ref>

Since 2013, Dumfries has seen the annual [[Nithraid]], a small boat race up the Nith from Carsethorn, celebrating the town's historical relationship with the river. The region is also home to a number of thriving music festivals such as the Eden Festival (at St Ann's near Moffat), Youthbeatz (Scotland's largest free youth music festival), the Moniaive Folk Festival, Thornhill Music Festival, [[Big Burns Supper Festival]] and previously Electric Fields at Drumlanrig Castle.

===Sport===
[[File:Palmerston Park main stand.JPG|thumb|right|The main stand of [[Palmerston Park]], home ground of [[Queen of the South F.C.]]]]
[[Queen of the South F.C.|Queen of the South]] represent Dumfries and the surrounding area in the third level of the country's [[Scottish Professional Football League|professional football system]], the [[Scottish League One]]. [[Palmerston Park]] on [[Terregles]] Street is the home ground of the team. This is on the Maxwelltown side of the River Nith. They reached the [[2008 Scottish Cup Final]], losing 3–2 to [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]].<ref name=qoshist/> Dumfries City VFC are a virtual football club from the town. [[Dumfries Rugby Club|Dumfries Saints Rugby Club]] is one of Scotland's oldest rugby clubs having been admitted to the [[Scottish Rugby Union]] in 1876–77 as "Dumfries Rangers".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dumfries Saints Rugby Club, Rugby Scotland |url=http://www.dumfriessaintsrugby.co.uk |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Dumfriessaintsrugby.co.uk}}</ref>

Dumfries is also home to a number of golf courses:
* The Crichton Golf Club
* The Dumfries and County Golf Club
* The Dumfries and Galloway Golf Club

Of those listed, only the Dumfries and Galloway Golf Club is on the Maxwelltown side of the River Nith. This course is also bisected into 2 halves of 9 holes each by the town's Castle Douglas Road. The club house and holes 1 to 7 and 17 and 18 are on the side nearest to [[Summerhill, Dumfries]]. Holes 8 to 16 are on the side nearest to Janefield.

The opening stage of the [[2011 Tour of Britain]] started in [[Peebles]] and finished {{convert|105.8|mi|km}} later in Dumfries. The stage was won by sprint specialist and reigning Tour de France green jersey champion, [[Mark Cavendish]], with his teammate lead out man, [[Mark Renshaw]] finishing second. Cavendish had been scheduled to be racing in the [[2011 Vuelta a España]]. However Cavendish was one a number of riders to withdraw having suffered in the searing Spanish heat. This allowed Cavendish to be a late addition to the Tour of Britain line up in his preparation for what was to be a successful bid two weeks later in the [[2011 UCI Road World Championships – Men's road race]]. Cavendish in a smiling post race TV interview in Dumfries described the wet and windy race conditions through the Southern Scottish stage as 'horrible'.<ref>Tour of Britain, ITV4, 7 pm Sun 11 September 2011</ref> DG One complex includes a national event-sized competition [[swimming (sport)|swimming]] pool. The David Keswick Athletic Centre is the principal facility in Dumfries for athletics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=David Keswick Athletic Centre |url=http://www.runtrackdir.com/details.asp?track=dumfries |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Runtrackdir.com}}</ref> Dumfries is home to [[Nithsdale Amateur Rowing Club]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Douglas A. Rathburn |date=14 July 2011 |title=Blades of the World: British Rowing Clubs |url=http://www.oarspotter.com/blades/UK/Club/British_Club.html |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Oarspotter.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=rowing news and articles – Dumfries and Galloway Standard |url=http://www.dgstandard.co.uk/tags/rowing/ |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Dgstandard.co.uk}}</ref> The rowers share their clubhouse with Dumfries Sub-Aqua Club.<ref>[http://website.lineone.net/~tkburnett/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010520163810/http://website.lineone.net/~tkburnett/|date=20 May 2001}}</ref>

The town is also home to [[Solway Sharks]] [[ice hockey]] team. The team are current Northern Premier League winners. The team's home rink is Dumfries Ice Bowl. Dumfries Ice bowl is also recognised as Scotland's only centre of ice hockey excellence, and trials for the Scottish Jr national team are carried out at this venu. Dumfries Ice Bowl is also home to two [[synchronised skating]] teams, Solway Stars and Solway Eclipse. In addition, Dumfries Ice Bowl is also home to several curling teams, competitions and leagues. Junior curling teams from Dumfries, consisting of curlers under the age of 21, regularly compete in the Dutch Junior Open based in Zoetermeer, the Netherlands. In 2007, 2008 and 2009 a Dumfries-based team have been the winners of the competition's Hogline Trophy.

Dumfries hosts three outdoor [[bowls]] clubs:<ref>{{Cite web |title=SBA district 17 |url=http://bowlsclub.org/associations/lawn/GB/SBA17/247/ |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=BowlsClub.org |archive-date=12 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812200844/http://bowlsclub.org/associations/lawn/GB/SBA17/247/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Dumfries Bowling Club
* Marchmount Bowling Club
* Maxwelltown Bowling Club

Dumfries hosts cycling organisations and cycling holidays.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Domain Error |url=http://www.dumfriescc.org/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527161000/http://dumfriescc.org/ |archive-date=27 May 2013 |access-date=2009-05-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dumfries and Galloway Cycling Group CTC Section Southwest Scotland, homepage |url=http://www.dandgcycling.care4free.net/ |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Dandgcycling.care4free.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 September 2003 |title=Cycling holidays in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland |url=http://www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/cycling/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819140424/http://www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/cycling |archive-date=19 August 2011 |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk}}</ref>

===Freedom of Dumfries===
In 1953 the [[King's Own Scottish Borderers]] were granted the freedom of Dumfries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 April 2014|title= Dumfries - Freedom Of Town For Kosb (1953)|url= https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=u07FmPYW9vpUZqjb&v=KEe_L_vwQK4&feature=youtu.be |access-date=9 April 2024 |website=[[YouTube]] |publisher=[[British Pathé]]}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Dumfries Railway Station 2008-01-18.jpg|thumb|[[Dumfries railway station]]]]
Dumfries is linked to the Northbound [[A74(M)]] motorway at [[Beattock]] via the [[A701 road]]. The [[A75 road]] eastbound links Dumfries to the southbound A74(M), leading to the [[M6 motorway]] and [[Carlisle]]. The A75 road west links Dumfries with the ferry port of [[Stranraer]]. The [[A76 road]] connects to [[Kilmarnock]] in [[Ayrshire]].

[[Dumfries railway station]] lies on the [[Glasgow South Western Line]]. It was awarded Best Station Awards by [[British Rail]] in 1986 and 1987. The train service is now operated by [[ScotRail]] which provides services to [[Glasgow Central railway station|Glasgow Central]] and Carlisle, and less frequent services direct to [[Newcastle railway station|Newcastle]]. The nearest station to Dumfries on the [[West Coast Main Line]] is {{convert|14|mi|km}} east along the [[A709 road (Great Britain)|A709 road]] at [[Lockerbie railway station|Lockerbie]], and the nearest West Coast Main Line station linking directly to Dumfries by rail is [[Carlisle railway station|Carlisle]].

[[Maxwelltown railway station|Maxwelltown station]] in the Summerhill district of the town was closed along with the direct line to [[Stranraer railway station|Stranraer]] via Castle Douglas as part of the [[Beeching cuts]] in 1965. Part of the disused railway track in Dumfries was later converted to a cycle path.

==Notable people==
{{For|a list of all people from Dumfries with a Wikipedia article|Category:People from Dumfries}}

[[File:Robert Burns House, Dumfries.jpg|right|thumb|Robert Burns House in Dumfries]]
A number of well-known people were educated at [[Dumfries Academy]], among them [[Henry Duncan (1774–1846)|Henry Duncan]], founder of the world's first commercial savings bank, [[James Anderson (sea captain)|Sir James Anderson]], who captained the [[SS Great Eastern]] on the [[transatlantic telegraph cable]] laying voyages in 1865 and 1866,<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of the Atlantic Cable & Submarine Telegraphy – Great Eastern |url=http://www.atlantic-cable.com/Cableships/GreatEastern/ |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Atlantic-cable.com}}</ref> A renowned Rector of Dumfries Academy, mathematician and friend of Robert Burns was [[Thomas White (headteacher)|Thomas White]]. [[James Matthew Barrie|J M Barrie]], author of ''[[Peter Pan]]'', musician [[Musicians of the RMS Titanic|John Law Hume]] of the Titanic orchestra, [[Jane Haining]], international diplomat [[Alexander Knox Helm]], [[John Laurie]], actor (Private Fraser in ''[[Dad's Army]]''), artist [[Christian Jane Fergusson]], artist Sir [[Robin Philipson]], singer [[John Hanson (singer)|John Hanson]], [[Alex Graham (cartoonist)|Alex Graham]], cartoonist best known for the [[Fred Basset]] series and [[Jock Wishart]], who in 1998 set a new world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powered vessel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cable And Wireless Adventurer Trimaran Diesel Powered Jock Wishart Jules Verne Trophy Record Nigel Irens Boat Design |url=http://www.solarnavigator.net/history/cable_and_wireless.htm |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Solarnavigator.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MiniWeb: Schools Services – Secondary Schools – Dumfries Academy |url=http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/dumgal/MiniWeb.aspx?id=66&menuid=583&openid=583&pageid=738&role= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118194318/http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/dumgal/miniweb.aspx?id=66 |archive-date=18 January 2008 |access-date=28 May 2008}}</ref> [[Roger White (executive)|Roger White]], [[CEO]] of soft drinks group [[A.G. Barr]] is a local lad who went to Dumfries Academy. Following [[William A. F. Browne]]'s 1838 appointment as Superintendent of the Crichton hospital, his son, [[James Crichton-Browne]], was educated at the academy.

[[William Charles Wells]], predecessor to [[Charles Darwin]] on the theory of [[natural selection]] was another schooled in Dumfries. [[Geologist]] [[Robert Harkness]] was schooled in Dumfries and subsequently resided in the town. [[Sir Frank Williams]] of F1 motor racing fame was educated at [[St Joseph's College, Dumfries]] as was [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte]]. St Joseph's was founded by [[Brother Walfrid]], the founder of [[Celtic F.C.]]

International chart-topping record producer [[Calvin Harris]] is from Dumfries. Dumfries was the hometown of [[Calvin Harris]] until he left in 2008. [[Ray Wilson (musician)|Ray Wilson]], lead singer of [[Stiltskin]] and later [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]] was born in Dumfries as were fellow musicians [[Geoffrey Kelly]] and [[Ian Carr]] and [[Emma's Imagination]] singer [[Emma Gillespie]] is from Dumfries. [[Opera]] singer [[Nicky Spence]] was born in Dumfries as was [[Britain's Got Talent]] singer [[Andrew Johnston (singer)|Andrew Johnston]]. [[Nigel Sinclair]] is a [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] film producer. [[Michael Carter (actor)|Michael Carter]]'s acting career has seen him appear in a variety or productions ranging from ''[[Return of the Jedi]]'' to ''[[Rebus (2000 TV series)|Rebus.]]''

[[File:Calvin Harris - Rock in Rio Madrid 2012 - 03 - cropped.jpg|thumb|left|190px|International chart-topper [[Calvin Harris]] was born and raised in Dumfries]]

Dumfries has produced a steady stream of professional [[association football|footballers]] and managers. The best known footballers of their eras to come from Dumfries are probably [[Dave Halliday]],<ref name="qosleg">{{Cite web |title="Queens legends" on the official Queen of the South FC website |url=http://www.qosfc.com/Legends |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Qosfc.com}}</ref> [[Ian Dickson (footballer)|Ian Dickson]],<ref name=qosleg/> [[Bobby Ancell]], [[Billy Houliston]],<ref name=qosleg/> [[Jimmy McIntosh]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=616|title=QosFC: Jimmy McIntosh|access-date=18 September 2011|archive-date=7 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407092446/http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=616|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Willie McNaught]] and [[Ted McMinn]].<ref name=qosleg/> Halliday, Dickson, Houliston and McMinn played for home town club, [[Queen of the South F.C.#Notable players|Queen of the South]] during their careers. [[Dominic Matteo]]<ref name="matteo">{{Cite web|url=http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=1135|title=QosFC: Dominic Matteo autobiography review|access-date=3 March 2012|archive-date=7 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407145352/http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=1135|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="autogeneratedbarry">{{Cite web|url=http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=615|title=QosFC: Barry Nicholson|access-date=18 September 2011|archive-date=29 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629140210/http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=615|url-status=dead}}</ref> was born in Dumfries but moved to England while still a young boy. [[Barry Nicholson]] lost 4–3 to Queens playing for [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] in the 2008 [[Scottish Cup]] semi-finals despite scoring<ref name="qoshist">{{Cite web |title=Queen of the South club history |url=http://qosfc.com/History |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Qosfc.com}}</ref> against the team he supported as a boy.<ref name=autogeneratedbarry /> Ancell, Houliston, McNaught and Nicholson have represented Scotland and were joined in having done so in season 2010/11 by [[Cammy Bell]] and [[Grant Hanley]]. Matteo gained 6 full caps for Scotland<ref name=autogeneratedbarry /> after having represented England at under-21 level. Halliday was overlooked by Scotland in favour of [[Hughie Gallacher]].<ref name=qosleg/> Gallacher played for The Queen's but was not from Dumfries. It was as a manager rather than a player that [[Thomas Mitchell (football manager)|Thomas Mitchell]] made his name as a multiple [[FA Cup]] winner at [[Blackburn Rovers]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Connections between Dumfries and Blackburn Rovers in the Queen of the South profile on Jackie Oakes |url=http://qosfc.com/Legends |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Qosfc.com}}</ref> before joining Woolwich Arsenal as [[Arsenal F.C.]] were then named.

Dumfries is also the hometown of three-times [[24 Hours of Le Mans]] winner, [[Allan McNish]],<ref name="mcnish">{{Cite web|url=http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=638|title=QosFC: Allan McNish (part 2)|access-date=18 September 2011|archive-date=21 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021105352/http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=638|url-status=dead}}</ref> as it was to fellow racing driver [[David Leslie (racing driver)|David Leslie]].<ref name="mcnish" /> Scotland [[rugby union]] internationalists [[Duncan Hodge]], [[Nick De Luca]], [[Craig Hamilton]] and [[Alex Dunbar]] were born in Dumfries as were professional golfers [[Andrew Coltart]]<ref name="autogeneratedcoltart">{{Cite web|url=http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=649|title=QosFC: Andrew Coltart|access-date=18 September 2011|archive-date=29 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629133946/http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=649|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Robert Dinwiddie (golfer)|Robert Dinwiddie]]. [[Curling]] world champions [[David Murdoch]], [[Euan Byers]] and [[Craig Wilson (curler)|Craig Wilson]] were all born in Dumfries. Former [[darts]] champion [[Rab Smith]] is another ''Doonhamer''.

[[BBC]] Broadcaster [[Kirsty Wark]] was born in the town as was fellow broadcaster [[Stephen Jardine]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=634|title=QosFC: Stephen Jardine|access-date=18 September 2011|archive-date=29 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629155509/http://qosfc.com/new_newsview.aspx?newsid=634|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Neil Oliver]] (archaeologist, historian, author and broadcaster), grew up in Ayr and Dumfries. Author and earth scientist [[Dougal Dixon]] is from Dumfries. [[Hunter Davies]] (author, journalist and broadcaster) lived in Dumfries for four years as a boy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hunter Davies memories of Dumfries in the profile on Billy Houliston |url=http://qosfc.com/Legends |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Qosfc.com}}</ref> [[James Hannay (writer)|James Hannay]] as well as being a novelist and journalist spent the last five years of his life as the British [[consul (representative)|consul]] in [[Barcelona]]. [[John Mayne]] was born in Dumfries in 1759 and contributed in the field of poetry. World War I poet [[William Hamilton (soldier)|William Hamilton]] was another born in Dumfries. [[Archibald Gracie]], shipping magnate and business tycoon in USA, was from Dumfries. Banking executive [[John McFarlane]] originates from the town. The architect [[George Corson]] who worked mainly in [[Leeds]], England, was born in Dumfries and articled to [[Walter Newall]] in the town.

Politician [[David Mundell]] was born in Dumfries as were [[William Dickson (Upper Canada)|William Dickson]], [[William Pattison Telford Sr.]] and [[Ambrose Blacklock]] all of whom made their mark politically in Canada. Malcolm H. Wright was also born in Dumfries, father of [[Sophie B. Wright]] – New Orleans' educator and pioneer for women and children's rights. Suffragette and feminist campaigner [[Dora Marsden]] spent the last 25 years of her life being cared for in Dumfries after her psychological breakdown. [[Ian Gibson (politician)|Dr Ian Gibson]] is another to leave his mark on politics. [[James Edward Tait]] was a Dumfries-born recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]]. [[William Robertson (VC recipient)|William Robertson]] and [[Edward Spence (VC)|Edward Spence]] are other Victoria Cross recipients. [[Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool]], UK Prime Minister from 1812 to 1827, was quartered in Dumfries in 1796 during his military service.

[[David Haggart]] (1801–1821), was a Scottish thief and rogue who in 1820 in his escape from Dumfries Gaol, (site now occupied by Thomson's the Jewellers ), killed the [[Prison officer|turnkey]]. He was hanged in Edinburgh in 1821. His dictated memoir published as a [[chapbook]]<ref>[https://digital.nls.uk/chapbooks-printed-in-scotland/archive/104184943 Life of David Haggart who was executed at Edinburgh, 18 July 1821 for the murder of the Dumfries jailor], National Library of Scotland. Retrieved: 25 July 2019.</ref> became the subject of the 1969 [[John Huston]] film "''Sinful'' ''Davey''" starring [[John Hurt]].

A plaque on the wall on the site of the King's Arms Hotel, now Boots the Chemist's, records the presence there in 1829 of William Hare of [[Burke and Hare]] notoriety. He was travelling to Ireland after the trial; his visit caused a near riot.<ref>[https://digital.nls.uk/broadsides/view/?id=15239 Broadside entitled 'Riot at Dumfries! Hares Arrival'] National Library of Scotland. Retrieved: 25 July 2019.</ref> [[John Richardson (naturalist)|John Richardson]], naturalist, explorer and naval surgeon was born in Dumfries as was [[John Craig (mathematician)|John Craig]], mathematician, and [[polymath]] [[James Crichton]]. [[Benjamin Bell]] after being born in Dumfries went on to become considered the first Scottish scientific surgeon. His great-grandson was [[Joseph Bell]] who [[Arthur Conan Doyle]] has credited [[Sherlock Holmes]] as being loosely based on from Bell's observant manner. Doyle's father, artist [[Charles Altamont Doyle]], died in [[The Crichton|The Crichton Royal Institution]] and is buried in the High Cemetery in Dumfries.<ref>[https://www.arthur-conan-doyle.com/index.php?title=Charles_Altamont_Doyle Charles Altamont Doyle], The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia. Retrieved: 25 July 2019.</ref>

[[Thomas Peter Anderson Stuart]] left Dumfries to go on and found the [[Sydney Medical School|University of Sydney Medical School]]. [[John Allan Broun]]'s contribution to science were his discoveries around [[magnetism]] and [[meteorology]]. [[James Braid (surgeon)|James Braid]], surgeon and pioneer of [[hypnotism]] and [[hypnotherapy]], practised in Dumfries from 1825 to 1828 in partnership with William Maxwell. [[Ian Callum]] is eminent in the world of motor engineer. A [[Church of Scotland]] minister the Rev. John Ewart of Troqueer in Kirkcudbrightshire produced eleven children of whom some have made a notable mark. [[Peter Ewart]] was an engineer who was influential in developing the technologies of [[turbine]]s and theories of [[thermodynamics]]. His brother [[Joseph Ewart]] became British [[ambassador]] to [[Prussia]]. John, a doctor, became Chief Inspector of [[East India Company]] hospitals in India. William, father of [[William Ewart (British politician)|William Ewart]], was business partner of Sir John Gladstones (''sic''), father of four times Prime Minister [[William Ewart Gladstone]]. Gladstone junior was named after Ewart, his godfather. [[James Julius Wood]] was an early minister at St George's and a [[Free Church of Scotland (1843–1900)|Free Church]] Moderator.

==Places of the same name==
===Canada===
* [[Dumfries, New Brunswick]] in Canada
* [[South Dumfries Township, Ontario]], Canada
* [[North Dumfries, Ontario]], Canada

===United States===
* [[Dumfries, Virginia]] in the US was formally established on land at the head of the harbour of [[Quantico Creek]], provided by John Graham. He named the town after his birthplace, Dumfries in Scotland.
* [[Dumfries, Minnesota]], USA
* Dumfries, [[Iowa]],<ref name="mapquest">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mapquest.com/us/iowa/dumfries-ia-283465713|title=Dumfries, IA - Dumfries, Iowa Map & Directions - MapQuest|website=www.mapquest.com}}</ref> USA

===Other===

* Dumfries, [[Cat Island, Bahamas]]<ref name="maphill1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.maphill.com/bahamas/cat-island/dumfries/|title=Dumfries, Cat Island, The Bahamas: Maps|website=www.maphill.com}}</ref>
* Dumfries, on the Grenadine island of [[Carriacou]], [[Grenada]]<ref name="maphill2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.maphill.com/grenada/carriacou/dumfries/|title=Dumfries, Carriacou, Grenada: Maps|website=www.maphill.com}}</ref>

==Twin towns – sister cities==
Dumfries is [[sister city|twinned]] with:
*[[Annapolis, Maryland]],<ref name="moyer">{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2007-07-06-0707060194-story.html|title=Moyer to travel to Annapolis' sister cities in Europe|first=ROCHELLE|last=McCONKIE|website=baltimoresun.com|date=6 July 2007 }}</ref> is home to the [[United States Naval Academy]] where John Paul Jones lies in the crypt beneath the chapel.
*[[Gifhorn]],<ref name="Gifhorn">{{Cite web|url=https://www.stadt-gifhorn.de/sv_gifhorn/Lebenswert/Partnerst%C3%A4dte/Dumfries/|title=Dumfries &#124; Stadt Gifhorn|website=www.stadt-gifhorn.de}}</ref> Germany
*[[Cantù]], Italy. Dumfries and Galloway Council has not been involved in any official twinning link between the two towns for some time. The bond has been maintained through the Friends of Cantu and the Nithsdale Twinning Association.<ref name="cantu">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/italian-connection-to-dumfries-2609425|title=Italian connection to Dumfries|first=Sharon|last=Liptrott|date=30 July 2009|website=Daily Record}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Abecediary]]—An example from St Mary Grey Friars church
* [[List of places in Dumfries and Galloway]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Dumfries}}
{{wikivoyage|Dumfries}}
* [https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/artists/james-norie-senior James Norie senior]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180514062633/http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/ Dumfries and Galloway Council Website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091123153243/http://www.loreburne.co.uk/ www.loreburne.co.uk A Guide to .....Dumfries]
* [http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/ Dumfries and Galloway Museums] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222132412/http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/ |date=22 February 2020 }}
* [http://ssa.nls.uk/search.cfm?search_sort_order=Film.dateRelease%2CFilm.name&search_sort_direction=ASC&search_term=dumfries&search_fields=2&search_join_type=AND&search_fuzzy=yes&videos_only=1&search_mode=Advanced&submit=Search+%3E%3E%3E National Library of Scotland: Scottish Screen Archive]—selection of archive films about Dumfries
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150924095611/http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/digital_volumes/book.php?book_id=555&place_id=10&p_name=Dumfriesshire Dumfries Civil Parish Historical Tax Rolls in Dumfriesshire]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBQjqwiCgNk&t=46s Video footage and history of Dumfries railway station]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUbEum2bCwM Video and history of the Burns Mausoleum, Dumfries.]
* [https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/dumfries/see-do/ Things To See and Do & Attractions in Dumfries]
*[https://digital.nls.uk/chapbooks-printed-in-scotland/archive/104184943 Life of David Haggart who was executed at Edinburgh, 18 July 1821 for the murder of the Dumfries jailor - Murders - Chapbooks printed in Scotland - National Library of Scotland]
*[https://www.arthur-conan-doyle.com/index.php?title=Charles_Altamont_Doyle Charles Altamont Doyle - The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia]
*[https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/200362756-79-high-street-county-hotel-nith-ward County Hotel, 79 High Street, Dumfries, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway]

{{Civil parishes in Dumfries and Galloway}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Dumfries| ]]
[[Category:Dumfriesshire]]
[[Category:Large burghs]]
[[Category:County towns in Scotland]]
[[Category:Towns in Dumfries and Galloway]]
[[Category:Parishes in Dumfries and Galloway]]