Editing Dumfries and Galloway

{{Short description|Council area of Scotland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Dumfries and Galloway
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 |{{native name|gd|Dùn Phris is Gall-Ghaidhealaibh}}
 |{{native name|sco|Dumfries an Gallowa}}
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| subdivision_type3       = [[Lieutenancy areas of Scotland|Lieutenancy areas]]
| subdivision_name3       = {{Unbulleted list |[[Dumfriesshire|Dumfries]] |[[Kirkcudbrightshire|Stewartry of Kirkcudbright]] |[[Wigtownshire|Wigtown]]}}
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| established_title       = Unitary authority
| established_date        = [[Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994|1 April 1996]]
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| seat_type               = Administrative{{nbsp}}HQ
| seat                    = [[County Buildings, Dumfries]]
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<!-- Government -->
| government_footnotes    = <ref name="Council leadership">{{cite web |url=https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/15099/Council-and-democracy |title=Council and democracy |website=Dumfries and Galloway Council |access-date=15 September 2024}}</ref>
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}}

'''Dumfries and Galloway''' ({{langx|sco|Dumfries an Gallowa}}; {{langx|gd|Dùn Phrìs is Gall-Ghaidhealaibh}}) is one of the 32 unitary [[council areas of Scotland]], located in the western part of the [[Southern Uplands]]. It is bordered by [[East Ayrshire]], [[South Ayrshire]], and [[South Lanarkshire]] to the north; [[Scottish Borders]] to the north-east; the English county of Cumbria, the [[Solway Firth]], and the [[Irish Sea]] to the south, and the [[North Channel (Great Britain and Ireland)|North Channel]] to the west. The [[administrative centre]] and largest settlement is the town of [[Dumfries]]. The second largest town is [[Stranraer]], located {{convert|76|miles|km}} to the west of Dumfries on the North Channel coast.

Dumfries and Galloway corresponds to the [[counties of Scotland|historic shires]] of [[Dumfriesshire]], [[Kirkcudbrightshire]], and [[Wigtownshire]], the last two of which are collectively known as [[Galloway]]. The three counties were combined in 1975 to form a single [[regions and districts of Scotland|region]], with four districts within it. The districts were abolished in 1996, since when Dumfries and Galloway has been a unitary local authority. For [[lieutenancy areas of Scotland|lieutenancy purposes]], the area is divided into three lieutenancy areas called Dumfries, Wigtown, and the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, broadly corresponding to the three historic counties.

== History and geography ==
===History===

The term ''Dumfries and Galloway'' has been used since at least the 19th century – by 1911 the three counties had a united [[sheriffdom]] under that name. Dumfries and Galloway covers the majority of the western area of the [[Southern Uplands]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitsouthernscotland.com/|title=Visit Southern Scotland}}</ref> it also hosts Scotland's most Southerly point, at the [[Mull of Galloway]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mull-of-galloway.co.uk/|title=Home|website=Mull of Galloway}}</ref> in the west of the region.

===Geography===
[[File:Dumfries and Galloway topo.png|thumb|right|Topographic map of Dumfries and Galloway]]
[[File:Airds Bay, Fleet Estuary - geograph.org.uk - 5379756.jpg|thumb|right|Airds Bay, Dumfries and Galloway]]
[[File:Ardwall Isle - geograph.org.uk - 6138742.jpg|thumb|right|Ardwall Isle, a costal island rock off the Dumfries and Galloway shoreline]]

====Regions====
The '''Dumfries and Galloway Council''' region is composed of counties and their sub-areas. From east to west:
* [[Dumfriesshire]] County
** the sub-area of Dumfriesshire – [[Annandale, Dumfries and Galloway|Annandale]]
** the sub-area of Dumfriesshire – [[Eskdale, Dumfries and Galloway|Eskdale]]
** the sub-area of Dumfriesshire – [[Nithsdale]]
* [[Kirkcudbrightshire]] County
** the sub-area of Kirkcudbrightshire – [[Stewartry]] (archaically, [[Kirkcudbrightshire|Desnes]])
* [[Wigtownshire]] County
** the sub-area of Wigtownshire – [[Machars]] (archaically, [[Farines]])--divided into census areas (civil parish areas)
** the sub-area of Wigtownshire – [[Rhins of Galloway]] divided into census areas (civil parish areas)

====Water systems====

The region has a number of south running water systems which break through the Southern Uplands creating the main road, and rail, arteries north–south through the region and breaking the hills up into a number of ranges.

* [[River Cree]] valley carries the A714 north-westward from [[Newton Stewart]] to [[Girvan]] and Water of Minnoch valley which lies just west of the [[Galloway Hills]] carries a minor road northward through Glentrool village into South [[Ayrshire]]. This road leaves the A714 at [[Bargrennan]].
* [[Water of Ken]] and [[River Dee, Galloway|River Dee]] form a corridor through the hills called the Glenkens<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theglenkens.org.uk/|title=Home|website=www.theglenkens.org.uk}}</ref> which carries the A713 road from [[Castle Douglas]] to [[Ayr]]. The Galloway Hills lie to the west of this route through the hills and the [[Carsphairn and Scaur Hills]] lie to the east.
* [[River Nith]] rises between [[Dalmellington]] and [[New Cumnock]] in Ayrshire and runs east then south down [[Nithsdale]] to Dumfries. Nithsdale carries both the [[A76 road]] and the rail line from Dumfries to [[Kilmarnock]]. It separates the [[Carsphairn and Scaur Hills]] from the [[Lowther Hills]] which lie east of the Nith.
* [[River Annan]] combines with Evan Water and the [[River Clyde]] to form one of the principal routes into central Scotland from England – through [[Annandale, Dumfries and Galloway|Annandale]] and [[Clydesdale (district)|Clydesdale]] – carrying the [[A74(M) and M74 motorways|M74]] and the [[West Coast Main Line|west coast railway line]]. This gap through the hills separates the Lowthers from the [[Moffat Hills]].
* [[River Esk, Dumfries and Galloway|River Esk]] enters the [[Solway Firth]] just south of [[Gretna, Scotland|Gretna]] having travelled south from [[Langholm]] and [[Eskdalemuir]]. The [[A7 road (Great Britain)|A7]] travels up [[Eskdale, Dumfries and Galloway|Eskdale]] as far as Langholm and from Langholm carries on up the valley of Ewes Water to [[Teviothead]] where it starts to follow the [[River Teviot]] to [[Hawick]]. Eskdale itself heads north west from Langholm through [[Bentpath]] and Eskdalemuir to [[Ettrick, Scotland|Ettrick]] and [[Selkirk, Scottish Borders|Selkirk]].

====Transportation====

The A701 branches off the M74 at [[Beattock]], goes through the town of [[Moffat]], climbs to Annanhead above the [[Devil's Beef Tub]] (at the source of the River Annan) before passing the source of the River Tweed and carrying on to [[Edinburgh]]. Until fairly recent times the ancient route to Edinburgh travelled right up Annandale to the Beef Tub before climbing steeply to Annanhead.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_058/58_203_227.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612010040/http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/PSAS_2002/pdf/vol_058/58_203_227.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Proceedings of the Society Feb 11th 1924 ANCIENT BORDER HIGHWAYS by Harry R G Inglis|archivedate=12 June 2007}}</ref> The present road ascends northward on a ridge parallel to Annandale but to the west of it which makes for a much easier ascent.

From Moffat the A708 heads north east along the valley of Moffat Water (Moffatdale) on its way to [[Selkirk, Scottish Borders|Selkirk]]. Moffatdale separates the Moffat hills (to the north) from the Ettrick hills to the south.

====National scenic areas====
There are three [[National scenic area (Scotland)|National scenic area]]s within this region.

* [[River Nith|Nith Estuary]]:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walkscotland.plus.com/otherwalks/nith_nat_s_area/nith_index.htm|title=Nith Estuary National Scenic Area|website=www.walkscotland.plus.com}}</ref> this area follows the River Nith southward from just south of Dumfries into the Solway Firth. Dumfries itself has a rich history going back over 800 years as a Royal Burgh (1186). It is particularly remembered as the place where [[Robert I of Scotland|Robert the Bruce]] murdered the [[John Comyn III of Badenoch|Red Comyn]] in 1306 before being crowned [[List of Scottish monarchs|King of Scotland]] – and where [[Robert Burns]] spent his last years. His mausoleum is in St Michael's graveyard. Going down the east bank is the village of [[Glencaple]], [[Caerlaverock Castle]], [[WWT Caerlaverock|Caerlaverock Wild Fowl Trust]], an ancient Roman fort on Ward Law Hill<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.roman-britain.org/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206080654/http://www.roman-britain.org/places/ward_law.htm|url-status=dead|title=Roman Britain - Organisation|archivedate=6 December 2009|website=Roman Britain}}</ref> and nearby in [[Ruthwell]] is the [[Ruthwell Cross]] and the Brow Well<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/browwell.html |title=Dumfries Museum – The Brow Well |access-date=23 December 2009 |archive-date=4 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204033532/http://www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/browwell.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> where Robert Burns "took the waters" and bathed in the Solway just before his death. On the west bank, there are several walks and cycle routes in Mabie Forest,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.forestry.gov.uk/Website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/ScotlandDumfriesshireForestsoftheSolwayCoastMabieForest|title=Forestry Commission web page on Mabie Forest and its facilities}}</ref> Kirkconnell Flow<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scotland's Natural Nature Reserves page on the Kirkconnell Flow |url=http://www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/reserve.asp?NNRId=50 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310191156/http://www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/reserve.asp?NNRId=50 |archive-date=10 March 2010 |access-date=23 December 2009 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> for the naturalist, the [[National Museum of Costume]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Costume web site |url=http://www.museumofcostume.co.uk/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106115131/http://www.museumofcostume.co.uk/ |archive-date=6 January 2010 |access-date=23 December 2009 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> just outside [[New Abbey]] and [[Sweetheart Abbey]] within the village. [[Criffel]] (569&nbsp;metres) offers the hill walker a reasonably modest walk with views across the Solway to the [[Lake District]]. The house of [[John Paul Jones]] founder of the [[American Navy]] is also open to visitors near [[Kirkbean]].
* [[Rough Firth|East Stewartry Coast]]:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walkscotland.plus.com/otherwalks/stew_s_area/homepage.htm|title=East Stewartry National Scenic Area Map, and Introduction to Coastal Walks in the Area|website=www.walkscotland.plus.com}}</ref> this takes in the coast line from Balcary Point<ref>{{Cite web |title=Auchencairn Initiative walk from Balcary to Rascarrel |url=http://www.auchencairn.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=49 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217015320/http://www.auchencairn.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=49 |archive-date=17 December 2009 |access-date=23 December 2009 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> eastward across Auchencairn Bay and the [[Rough Firth]] past [[Sandyhills]] to Mersehead.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/mersehead|title=Mersehead Nature Reserve, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland|website=The RSPB}}</ref> There are several coastal villages within this area – [[Auchencairn]], [[Kippford]], Colvend, [[Rockcliffe, Dumfries and Galloway|Rockcliffe]], and Portling. There is also a round tower at [[Orchardton Tower|Orchardton]] and the islands of Hestan Isle and [[Rough Island, Scotland|Rough Island]] can be reached at low tide outside the breeding season for birds. Mersehead is a wildfowl reserve. The area has a number of coastal paths.
* [[Water of Fleet|Fleet Valley]]:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walkscotland.plus.com/otherwalks/fleet_s_area/fleet_index.htm|title=Fleet Valley National Scenic Area|website=www.walkscotland.plus.com}}</ref> this area takes in Fleet Bay with its holiday destinations of Auchenlarie, Mossyard Bay, Cardoness, Sandgreen and Carrick Shore. The area also includes the town of [[Gatehouse of Fleet]] and the historic villages of Anworth and Girthon – there is a castle at [[Cardoness Castle|Cardoness]] in the care of [[Historic Scotland]].

== Transport ==
[[File:Lockerbie10.jpg|thumb|right|A Virgin Pendolino leaving Lockerbie station for Carlisle]]
[[File:Stenavoyager.JPG|thumb|right|[[Stena Line]] provided [[High-speed Sea Service|HSS]] sailings between Stranraer and Belfast]]

Transport in the region is operated by bus companies [[Houston's]], [[Stagecoach Western]], McCall's coaches, and a variety of other small operators. Train operators in the region are, [[ScotRail]], [[TransPennine Express]] and [[Avanti West Coast]]. The region has seven working railway stations. All are on the [[Glasgow South Western Line]], except [[Lockerbie]] which is on the [[West Coast Main Line]].
* [[Stranraer railway station]]
* [[Kirkconnel railway station]]
* [[Sanquhar railway station]]
* [[Dumfries railway station]]
* [[Annan railway station]]
* [[Gretna Green railway station]]
* [[Lockerbie railway station]]

The mainline from [[Dumfries railway station]] via [[Newton Stewart]] to [[Stranraer Harbour railway station]], was closed under the [[Beeching cuts]]. The line previously connected [[London Euston railway station|London Euston]] and the [[West Coast Main Line]] with the ferries to [[Larne Harbour railway station]] and the [[Port of Belfast]].

The Port Road line to Stranraer was the last to go in June 1965, leaving only the original [[Glasgow & South Western Railway|G&SWR]] main line open to serve the Stranraer.  The Beeching cuts ended the [[Castle Douglas and Dumfries Railway]] and [[Portpatrick and Wigtownshire Railway]] has resulted in adverse mileage to connect [[Stranraer railway station|Stranraer]] with a longer line via [[Kilmarnock railway station|Kilmarnock]] and [[Ayr railway station|Ayr]].

The area is served by buses which connect the main population centres. Express bus services link the main towns with [[Glasgow]], [[Ayr]], [[Edinburgh]] and [[Carlisle]]. Local bus services also operate across the region. Dumfries and Galloway is home to two ports which have services to Northern Ireland, both are in the West of the region. [[Stena Line]] and [[P&O Irish Sea]] both have a port in the village of [[Cairnryan]]. The region also has no commercial airports; the nearest are [[Glasgow Prestwick Airport]] and [[Carlisle Lake District Airport]]. The region does host a number of private airfields.
The town of [[Lockerbie]] was the scene of the [[Pan Am Flight 103]] terrorist attack on 21 December 1988.

The main roads to and from the region are:
* [[M6 motorway|M6]]
* [[A74(M) and M74 motorways|A74(M)]]
* [[A75 road|A75]]
* [[A76 road|A76]]
* [[A77 road|A77]]
* [[A701 road|A701]]
* [[A709 road|A709]]

== Emergency services ==
[[File:Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.jpg|thumb|right|[[Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary]]]]

As with the whole of Scotland, [[Police Scotland]] is the police force for the region and Scotland as a whole since it was formed from the merger of Scotland's previous regional police forces. Its predecessor, [[Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary]] (dissolved 2014) was the smallest police force in the United Kingdom. The [[Scottish Fire and Rescue Service]] (formerly [[Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue Service]]) provides firefighting services across the region. The [[Coastguard]], [[Lifeboat (rescue)|Lifeboats]], Moffat mountain rescue and Galloway Mountain Rescue also offer emergency services across Dumfries and Galloway.

Nith Inshore Rescue is based at [[Glencaple]]. This independent lifeboat provides water rescue cover for the River Nith, surrounding rivers and inland water.  Nith Inshore Rescue is a declared facility for HM Coastguard, the control centre and overseeing authority responsible for call outs.

[[NHS Dumfries and Galloway]] provides healthcare services across the region. The two main hospitals are the [[Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary]] in Dumfries and [[Galloway Community Hospital]] in Stranraer.

== Education ==
Dumfries & Galloway Council provides nursery, primary and secondary education across the region.

=== Alternative Schools ===
* [[Kilquhanity School]]

=== Nursery and primary schools ===
{{crossreference|For a list of nursery schools and primary schools, see [[List of state schools in Scotland/Council Areas A-D (excluding cities)]].}}

=== Secondary schools ===
[[File:Dumfries Academy.jpg|thumb|right|The Minerva building of [[Dumfries Academy]]]]
* [[Annan Academy]]
* [[Castle Douglas High School]]
* [[Dalbeattie High School]]
* [[Douglas Ewart High School]], [[Newton Stewart]]
* Dalry Secondary School
* [[Dumfries Academy]]
* Dumfries High School
* [[Kirkcudbright Academy]]
* [[Langholm Academy]]
* [[Lockerbie Academy]]
* [[Moffat Academy]]
* North West Community Campus, [[Dumfries]]
* Sanquhar Academy
* [[St. Joseph's College, Dumfries|St Joseph's College]], Dumfries
* [[Stranraer Academy]]
* [[Wallace Hall (Thornhill)|Wallace Hall]], [[Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway|Thornhill]]

==Culture==
===Wildlife===
The region is known as a stronghold for several rare and protected species of amphibian, such as the [[Natterjack toad]] and the [[Great crested newt]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 May 2008 |title=Rallying cry from frog stronghold |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/7385968.stm}}</ref> There are also [[List of RSPB reserves#Scotland|RSPB Nature Reserves]] at the [[Mull of Galloway]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/mull-of-galloway|title=Mull Of Galloway Nature Reserve, Scotland|website=The RSPB}}</ref> Wood of Cree ([[Galloway Forest Park]]),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/wood-of-cree|title=Wood Of Cree Nature Reserve, Dumfries & Galloway|website=The RSPB}}</ref> Ken Dee Marshes (near [[Loch Ken]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/ken-dee-marshes|title=Ken-Dee Marshes Nature Reserve, Dumfries & Galloway|website=The RSPB}}</ref> and Mereshead (near [[Dalbeattie]] on the [[Solway Firth]])
[[File:Dumfries and Galloway.jpg|thumb|Welcome sign]]

===Outdoor activities===
There are five [[7Stanes]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/activities/mountain-biking/7stanes|title=7stanes mountain biking - Forestry and Land Scotland|website=forestryandland.gov.scot}}</ref> mountain biking centres in Dumfries and Galloway at [[Dalbeattie]], [[Mabie, Dumfries and Galloway|Mabie]], Ae, Glentrool and [[Kirroughtree]]. The Sustrans Route 7<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network/route-numbering-system/46#312439,687481|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310000721/http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network/route-numbering-system/46#312439,687481|url-status=dead|title=Route 7 on Sustrans website|archivedate=10 March 2013}}</ref> long distance cycle route also runs through the region. There is excellent hill walking in the [[Moffat Hills]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walkscotland.plus.com/Borders/pages/mofhills01.htm|title=Moffat Hills Introduction showing Hill Walk Routes and Local Information|website=www.walkscotland.plus.com}}</ref> [[Lowther Hills]]
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walkscotland.plus.com/intro/indexpages/lthr_index2.htm|title=Hillwalking in the Durisdeer and Lowther Hills - Introduction|website=www.walkscotland.plus.com}}</ref> the [[Carsphairn and Scaur Hills]]
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walkscotland.plus.com/intro/indexpages/scaur_index2.htm|title=Hill Walking in the Scaur or Carsphairn Hills - Introduction, Scotland|website=www.walkscotland.plus.com}}</ref> and [[Galloway Hills]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walkscotland.plus.com/intro/indexpages/gallo_index2.htm|title=Hill Walking Routes in Galloway - Introduction|website=www.walkscotland.plus.com}}</ref> The [[Southern Upland Way]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Website for the Southern Upland Way. |url=http://www.southernuplandway.gov.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429190828/http://www.southernuplandway.gov.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1 |archive-date=29 April 2012 |access-date=23 February 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> coast to coast walk passes through Dumfries and Galloway and the 53-mile long [[Annandale Way]]
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://annandaleway.org/|title=Annandale Way - Welcome|website=annandaleway.org}}</ref> travels from the [[Solway Firth]] into the Moffat hills near the [[Devil's Beef Tub]]. There is also fresh water sailing on Castle Loch at [[Lochmaben]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.falustudios.com/annandale/index.php|title=Annandale Sailing Club : Home|website=Annandale Sailing Club}}</ref> and at various places on Loch Ken<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lochken.com/loch-ken-marina.html|title=Loch Ken Marina - Water Sports & Water Skiing in Dumfries and Galloway|website=www.lochken.com}}</ref> Loch Ken also offers waterskiing and wakeboarding.
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airds.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310002514/http://www.airds.com/Crossmichael%20Marina.htm|url-status=dead|title=Airds Farm Guest House &#124; Bed and Breakfast Accommodation &#124; Dumfries and Galloway|archivedate=10 March 2013|website=www.airds.com}}</ref> The [[Solway Firth]] coastline offers fishing, caravaning and camping, walking and sailing.

===Arts and media===

Dumfries and Galloway is well known for its arts and cultural activities as well as its natural environment.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}} The major festivals include the region-wide Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival, and [[Spring Fling Open Studios]]. Other festivals include Big Burns Supper in Dumfries and the [[Wigtown Book Festival]] in Wigtown – Scotland's national book town.

In terms of television, the area is cover by [[BBC Scotland]] broadcasting from [[Glasgow]] and [[ITV Border]] which broadcast from [[Gateshead]].  Radio stations are provided by [[BBC Radio Scotland]] which broadcast the local opt-out from its studios in [[Dumfries]] and the commercial radio station, [[Greatest Hits Radio Dumfries & Galloway]] also broadcast local news bulletins to the area.

The area is served by these local newspapers:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://info.dumgal.gov.uk/NewspaperIndexes|title=Newspaper Indexes|website=Dumfries & Galloway Council|access-date= 27 February 2024}}</ref>
* ''[[Dumfries and Galloway Standard]]''
* ''Annandale Herald''
* ''Annandale Observer''
* ''[[Dumfries Courier]]''
* ''Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser''
* ''Galloway Gazette''
* ''[[Galloway News]]''
* ''Moffat News''
* ''[[Stranraer and Wigtownshire Free Press]]''

== Settlements ==
{{Location map+|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway
 |caption={{left|The largest settlements in Dumfries and Galloway.}}
 |float=right
 |width=500
 |places =
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|55.070|-3.603}}|position=bottom|label='''[[Dumfries]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|54.902|-5.027}}|position=bottom|label='''[[Stranraer]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|54.983|-3.266}}|position=bottom|label='''[[Annan, Dumfries and Galloway|Annan]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|55.1|-3.583333}}|position=left|label='''[[Locharbriggs]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|55.120|-3.357}}|position=right|label='''[[Lockerbie]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|54.932|-3.822}}|position=right|label='''[[Dalbeattie]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|54.958|-4.492}}|position=top|label='''[[Newton Stewart]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|54.941|-3.929}}|position=top|label='''[[Castle Douglas]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|54.832|-4.048}}|position=right|label='''[[Kirkcudbright]]'''|label_size=}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|54.994|-3.062}}|position=top|label='''[[Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway|Gretna]]'''|label_size=}}

<!-- Bordering council areas -->
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|55.45|-3.15|}}|position=right|label=''[[Scottish Borders#Settlements|Scottish Borders]]''|marksize=0|label_size=120}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|54.97|-2.99|}}|position=right|label=''[[Cumbria|Cumb.]]''|marksize=0|label_size=120}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|55.25|-4.83|}}|position=right|label=''[[South Ayrshire#Settlements|South Ayrshire]]''|marksize=0|label_size=120}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|55.4|-4.43|}}|position=right|label=''[[East Ayrshire#Settlements|East Ayrshire]]''|marksize=0|label_size=120}}
  {{Location map~|Scotland Dumfries and Galloway|coordinates = {{coord|55.475|-3.79|}}|position=right|label=''[[South Lanarkshire#Settlements|South Lanark.]]''|marksize=0|label_size=120}}
}}

Largest settlements by population:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Settlement
!Population ({{Scottish settlement population citation|year}})<ref name="auto">{{Scottish settlement population citation}}</ref>
|-
|[[Dumfries]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Dumfries}}
|-
|[[Stranraer]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Stranraer}}
|-
|[[Annan, Dumfries and Galloway|Annan]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Annan}}
|-
|[[Locharbriggs]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Locharbriggs}}
|-
|[[Lockerbie]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Lockerbie}}
|-
|[[Dalbeattie]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Dalbeattie}}
|-
|[[Newton Stewart]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Newton Stewart}}
|-
|[[Castle Douglas]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Castle Douglas}}
|-
|[[Kirkcudbright]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Kirkcudbright}}
|-
|[[Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway|Gretna]]
|{{Scottish locality population|name|POP=Gretna}}
|-
|}

''Main settlements in '''bold''' text.''

* [[Ae, Scotland|Ae]], [[Airieland]], [[Airds of Kells]], '''[[Annan, Dumfries and Galloway|Annan]]''', [[Anwoth]], [[Ardwell]]
* [[Beattock]], [[Beeswing, Dumfriesshire|Beeswing]], [[Borgue, Stewartry of Kirkcudbright|Borgue]], [[Brydekirk]]
* [[Caerlaverock]], [[Cairngaan]], [[Cairnryan]], [[Cargenbridge]], [[Carsphairn]], '''[[Castle Douglas]]''', [[Castle Kennedy]], [[Clarencefield]], [[Corsock]], [[Creetown]]
* '''[[Dalbeattie]]''', [[Dalton, Dumfries and Galloway|Dalton]], [[Dornock]], [[Drumlanrig]], [[Drummore]], '''[[Dumfries]]''', [[Dundrennan]], [[Dunscore]]
* [[Eastriggs]], [[Ecclefechan]], [[Eskdalemuir]]
* [[Garlieston]], '''[[Gatehouse of Fleet]]''', [[Glenluce]], [[Gretna Green]], '''[[Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway|Gretna]]'''
* [[Haugh of Urr]], [[Hoddom]]
* '''[[Isle of Whithorn]]'''
* [[Johnsfield]], [[Johnstonebridge]]
* [[Keir, Dumfries and Galloway|Keir]], [[Kelloholm]], [[Kippford]], [[Kirkbean]], [[Kirkcolm]], Kirkcowan '''[[Kirkcudbright]]''', '''[[Kirkconnel]]''', [[Kirkinner]], [[Kirkpatrick Durham]] 
* '''[[Langholm]]''', [[Leswalt]], '''[[Locharbriggs]]''', '''[[Lochmaben]]''', '''[[Lockerbie]]'''
* Middleshaw, [[Millhousebridge]], [[Mochrum]], '''[[Moffat]]''', '''[[Moniaive]]''', Muirhead, [[Mull of Galloway]]
* [[New Abbey]], '''[[New Galloway]]''', [[New Luce]], '''[[Newton Stewart]]''', [[Newton Wamphray]]
* [[Palnackie]], [[Parkgate, Scotland|Parkgate]], [[Parton, Dumfries and Galloway|Parton]], [[Penpont]], [[Portpatrick]], [[Port William, Dumfries and Galloway|Port William]]
* [[Ringford]], [[Robgill Tower]], [[Ruthwell]]
* [[Sandhead]], '''[[Sanquhar]]''', [[Sorbie]], '''[[St John's Town of Dalry]]''', [[Stoneykirk]], '''[[Stranraer]]'''
* [[Templand]], [[Terregles]], '''[[Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway|Thornhill]]''', [[Twynholm]]
* [[Unthank, Dumfries and Galloway|Unthank]]
* [[Wanlockhead]], '''[[Whithorn]]''', '''[[Wigtown]]'''

== Places of interest ==
{{main|Scheduled monuments in Dumfries and Galloway|List of Category A listed buildings in Dumfries and Galloway}}
* [[Annandale distillery]] - [[Scotch Whisky]]
* [[Bladnoch distillery]] - [[Scotch Whisky]]
* [[Caerlaverock Castle]] – [[Historic Scotland]]
* [[Caerlaverock NNR]] ([[national nature reserve (United Kingdom)|national nature reserve]])
* [[WWT Caerlaverock]] – a reserve of the [[Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust]]
* [[Cardoness Castle]]
* [[Castle of St John|Castle of St John, Stranraer]]
* [[Corsewall Lighthouse]], privately owned
* [[Drumlanrig Castle]]
* [[HM Factory, Gretna]], [[Eastriggs]] – site of a munitions factory<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/|title=Home|website=Devils Porridge Museum}}</ref> during [[World War I]]
* [[Galloway Forest Park]], [[Forestry and Land Scotland]]
* [[Galloway hydro-electric power scheme|Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme]], [[Scottish Power]]
* [[Glenlair]] – home of 19th century physicist [[James Clerk Maxwell]]
* [[Glenluce Abbey]]
* [[Hallhill Covenanter Martyrs Memorial]] - near Kirkpatrick Irongray Church.
* [[Isle of Whithorn]] Castle
* [[Kenmure Castle]] – a seat of the [[Clan Gordon]]
* [[Loch Ken]]
* [[MacLellan's Castle]], Kirkcudbright
* [[Motte of Urr]]
* [[Mull of Galloway]] – [[RSPB]]/ South Rhins Community Development Trust
* [[Ruthwell Cross]]
* [[Samye Ling]] Tibetan Monastery
* [[Southern Upland Way]] – [[long distance footpath]]
* [[Sweetheart Abbey]], [[New Abbey]]
* [[Threave Castle]]

==Governance==
{{Infobox legislature
| name               = Dumfries and Galloway
| native_name        =
| transcription_name =
| legislature        =
| coa_pic            = Dumfries and Galloway Council.svg
| coa_res            = 150px
| house_type         =
| body               =
| houses             =
| leader1_type       = [[Convener]]
| leader1            = Malcolm Johnstone
| party1             = <br>[[Scottish Conservatives|Conservative]]
| election1          = 7 March 2023
| leader2_type       = [[Local government in Scotland#Leader of the Council|Leader]]
| leader2            = Gail Macgregor
| party2             = <br>[[Scottish Conservatives|Conservative]]
| election2          = 7 March 2023
| leader3_type       = [[Chief Executive]]
| leader3            = Dawn Roberts
| party3             = <!--Non political role-->
| election3          = July 2022<ref>{{cite web |title=Dumfries and Galloway Council appoints new Chief Executive |url=https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/24661/Dumfries-and-Galloway-Council-appoints-new-Chief-Executive#:~:text=Dawn%20Roberts%20has%20extensive%20local,government%20for%20over%2025%20years. |website=Dumfries and Galloway Council |access-date=10 March 2023 |date=6 April 2022}}</ref>
| members            = 43 councillors
| house1             =
| house2             =
| structure1         = United Kingdom Dumfries and Galloway council 2025.svg
| structure1_res     = 250px
| political_groups1  =
; Administration (16)
: {{Color box|{{party color|Conservative Party (UK)}}| border=darkgray}} [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] (16)
; Other parties (27)
: {{Color box|{{party color|Scottish National Party}}|border=darkgray}} [[Scottish National Party|SNP]] (11)
: {{Color box|{{party color|Labour Party (UK)}}|border=darkgray}} [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] (8)
: {{Color box|{{party color|Independent politician}}|border=darkgray}} [[Independent politician|Independents]] (7)
: {{nowrap|{{Color box|{{party color|Liberal Democrats}}|border=darkgray}} [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] (1)}}
| structure2         =
| structure2_res     =
| political_groups2  =
| committees1        =
| committees2        =
| joint_committees   =
| voting_system1     = [[Single transferable vote]]
| voting_system2     =
| last_election1     = [[2022 Dumfries and Galloway Council election|5 May 2022]]
| next_election1     = 6 May 2027
| session_room       = File:Dumfries & Galloway Council Headquarters (geograph 4699595).jpg
| session_res        =
| meeting_place      = [[County Buildings, Dumfries|Council Offices]], 113 English Street, [[Dumfries]], DG1{{nbsp}}2DD
| website            = {{URL|www.dumgal.gov.uk}}
| footnotes          =
}}

{{see also|:Category:Wards of Dumfries and Galloway}}

===Administrative history===
Prior to 1975, the area that is now Dumfries and Galloway was administered as three separate counties: [[Dumfriesshire]], [[Kirkcudbrightshire]], and [[Wigtownshire]]. The counties of Scotland originated as sheriffdoms, which were established from the twelfth century, consisting of a group of parishes over which a sheriff had jurisdiction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/types/type_page.jsp?unit_type=SCO_CNTY|title=Type details for Scottish County|publisher=Vision of Britain|access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref> An elected county council was established for each county in 1890 under the [[Local Government (Scotland) Act 1889]].

The three county councils were abolished in 1975 under the [[Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973]], which established a two-tier structure of local government across Scotland comprising upper-tier regions and lower-tier districts. A region called Dumfries and Galloway was created covering the area of the three counties, which were abolished as administrative areas. The region contained four districts:<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973|year=1973|chapter=65|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
*[[Annandale and Eskdale]], covering the eastern part of Dumfriesshire.
*[[Nithsdale]], covering the western part of Dumfriesshire and a small part of Kirkcudbrightshire.
*[[Stewartry]], covering most of Kirkcudbrightshire.
*[[Wigtown Area|Wigtown]], covering all of Wigtownshire and a small part of Kirkcudbrightshire.{{efn|The district of Wigtown was named in the 1973 Act as "Merrick", but the name was changed to Wigtown prior to the new system coming into force in 1975.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Lord-Lieutenants Order 1975|year=1975|number=428|accessdate=27 November 2022}}</ref>}}

Further local government reform in 1996 under the [[Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994]] saw the area's four districts abolished, with the Dumfries and Galloway Council taking over the functions they had previously performed.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=act|act=Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994|year-1994|chapter=39|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref> The council continues to use the areas of the four abolished districts as [[committee area]]s. The four former districts are also used to define the area's three [[Lieutenancy areas of Scotland|lieutenancy areas]], with Nithsdale and Annandale and Eskdale together forming the Dumfries lieutenancy, the Stewartry district corresponding to the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright lieutenancy, and the Wigtown district corresponding to the Wigtown lieutenancy.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Lord-Lieutenants (Scotland) Order 1996|year=1996|number=731|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>

The council headquarters is at the [[County Buildings, Dumfries|Council Offices]] at 113 English Street in Dumfries, which had been built in 1914 as the headquarters for the old Dumfriesshire County Council, previously being called "County Buildings".<ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|num=LB26174|desc=English Street, County Buildings|access-date=10 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dumfries, 113 English Street, Dumfries County Buildings |url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/159278/dumfries-113-english-street-dumfries-county-buildings |website=Canmore |publisher=Historic Environment Scotland |access-date=10 March 2023}}</ref>

===Political control===
The first election to the Dumfries and Galloway Regional Council was held in 1974, initially operating as a shadow authority alongside the outgoing authorities until the new system came into force on 16 May 1975. A shadow authority was again elected in 1995 ahead of the reforms which came into force on 1 April 1996. Political control of the council since 1975 has been as follows:<ref name=compositions>{{cite web |title=Compositions calculator |url=https://www.electionscentre.co.uk/?page_id=3825 |website=The Elections Centre |access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref>

'''Regional council'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan="2"|Party in control!!Years
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Independent politician}} || 1975–1994
|-
| {{Party name with colour|No overall control}} || 1994–1996
|}

'''Unitary authority'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan="2"|Party in control!!Years
|-
| {{Party name with colour|No overall control}} || 1996–present
|}

===Leadership===
Since 2007 the council has been required to designate a [[leader of the council]]. The leader may also act as the convener, chairing council meetings, or the council may choose to appoint a different councillor to be convener.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007|year=2007|number=183|accessdate=27 November 2022}}</ref> Prior to 2007 the council sometimes chose to appoint a leader, and sometimes did not. The leaders since 2007 have been:<ref>{{cite web |title=Council minutes |url=https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/mgCalendarMonthView.aspx?GL=1&bcr=1 |website=Dumfries and Galloway Council |access-date=27 November 2022}}</ref>

{| class=wikitable
! Councillor !! colspan=2|Party !! From !! To !! Notes
|-
| Ivor Hyslop || {{party name with colour|Conservative Party (UK)}} || align=right|15 May 2007 || align=right|1 Oct 2013 || 
|-
| Ronnie Nicholson || {{party name with colour|Labour Party (UK)}} || align=right|1 Oct 2013 || align=right|23 May 2017 || 
|-
| [[Elaine Murray]] || {{party name with colour|Labour Party (UK)}} || align=right|23 May 2017 || align=right|5 May 2022 || 
|-
| Stephen Thompson || {{party name with colour|Scottish National Party}} ||rowspan=2 align=right|24 May 2022 ||rowspan=2 align=right|3 Feb 2023 ||rowspan=2|Co-leaders, with Thompson being the civic head and convener and Dorward being the depute convener. 
|-
| Linda Dorward || {{party name with colour|Labour Party (UK)}}
|-
|Stephen Thompson || {{party name with colour|Scottish National Party}} || align=right|3 Feb 2023 || align=right|28 Feb 2023 ||
|-
| Gail Macgregor<ref name=McLean>{{cite news |last1=McLean |first1=Marc |title=Dumfries and Galloway Council power takeover leads to even more political unrest |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/dumfries-galloway-council-power-takeover-29404442 |access-date=10 March 2023 |work=Daily Record |date=10 March 2023}}</ref> || {{party name with colour|Scottish Conservatives}} || align=right|7 Mar 2023 || || Malcolm Johnstone (CON) as Depute Leader of the Council and Convenor
|}

===Composition===
Following the [[2022 Dumfries and Galloway Council election|2022 election]] and subsequent by-elections and changes of allegiance up to July 2024, the composition of the council was:

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan=2| Party
! Councillors
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Scottish Conservatives}} || align=center|16
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Scottish National Party}} || align=center|11
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Scottish Labour}} || align=center|8
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Independent politician}} || align=center|7
|-
| {{Party name with colour|Scottish Liberal Democrats}} || align=center|1
|-
! colspan=2|Total
! align=center|42
|}

Three of the independent councillors and the Liberal Democrat sit together as the 'Independent Group'. Another three independent councillors form the 'Democratic Alliance' group, and the other independent does not belong to a group.<ref>{{cite web |title=Your councillors by political grouping |url=https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?FN=GROUPING&VW=LIST&PIC=0 |website=Dumfries and Galloway Council |access-date=30 July 2024}}</ref> The next election is due in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dumfries and Galloway |url=https://www.localcouncils.co.uk/councils/?council=dumfries_and_galloway |website=Local Councils |publisher=Thorncliffe |access-date=30 July 2024}}</ref>

===Elections===
{{main|Dumfries and Galloway Council elections}}
Since 2007 elections have been held every five years under the [[single transferable vote]] system of election. This system was introduced by the [[Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004]] to achieve a reasonably [[proportional representation|proportionately representative]] outcome. Election results since 1995 have been as follows:<ref name=compositions/>

{| class="wikitable" style=text-align:center
!rowspan=2|'''Year'''
!rowspan=2|'''Seats'''
!width="80"|'''[[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]]'''
!width="80"|[[Scottish National Party|'''SNP''']]
!width="80"|[[Labour Party (UK)|'''Labour''']]
!width="80"|[[Liberal Democrats (UK)|'''Liberal Democrats''']]
!width="80"|[[Independent politician|'''Independent''']]
! rowspan="2" |'''Notes'''
|-
!style="background-color: {{party color|Conservative Party (UK)}}; width: 3px;" |
!style="background-color: {{party color|Scottish National Party}}; width: 3px;" |
!style="background-color: {{party color|Labour Party (UK)}}; width: 3px;" |
!style="background-color: {{party color|Liberal Democrats (UK)}}; width: 3px;" |
!style="background-color: {{party color|Independent politician}}; width: 3px;" |
|-
| [[1995 Dumfries and Galloway Council election|1995]]
| 70
| 2
| 9
| 21
| 10
| 28
| align="left" |
|-
| [[1999 Dumfries and Galloway Council election|1999]]
| 47
| 8
| 5
| 13
| 6
| 15
| align="left" |New ward boundaries.<ref>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Dumfries and Galloway (Electoral Arrangements) Order 1998|year=1998|number=3180|accessdate=29 January 2023}}</ref>
|-
| [[2003 Dumfries and Galloway Council election|2003]]
| 47
| 11
| 5
| 14
| 5
| 12
| align="left" |
|-
| [[2007 Dumfries and Galloway Council election|2007]]
| 47
| 18
| 10
| 14
| 3
| 2
| align="left" |New ward boundaries.<ref>{{cite legislation Scotland|type=ssi|ssi=The Dumfries and Galloway (Electoral Arrangements) Order 2006|year=2006|number=434|accessdate=29 January 2023}}</ref> Conservative and SNP coalition.
|-
| [[2012 Dumfries and Galloway Council election|2012]]
| 47
| 14
| 10
| 15
| 1
| 7
| align="left" |Conservative / SNP coalition until October 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 September 2013 |title=Dumfries and Galloway Council deadlock meeting planned |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-24305344 |access-date=28 September 2013}}</ref> Labour / SNP coalition until June 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 June 2014 |title=SNP quits Dumfries and Galloway Council ruling coalition |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-27664574}}</ref> Minority Labour administration 2014–2017.
|-
| [[2017 Dumfries and Galloway Council election|2017]]
| 43
| 16
| 11
| 11
| 1
| 4
| align="left" |New ward boundaries.<ref>{{cite legislation Scotland|type=ssi|ssi=The Dumfries and Galloway (Electoral Arrangements) Order 2016|year=2016|number=269|accessdate=29 January 2023}}</ref> Labour and SNP coalition.
|-
| [[2022 Dumfries and Galloway Council election|2022]]
| 43
| 16
| 11
| 9
| 1
| 6
| align="left" |SNP and Independent Group Coalition with Labour support until February 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLean |first=Marc |last2=Standard |first2=Dumfries and Galloway |date=2023-02-07 |title=Council coalition hangs on to power |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/split-dumfries-galloway-coalition-hangs-29147333 |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=Daily Record |language=en}}</ref> Conservative minority administration from March 2023.<ref name=McLean/>
|-
!
!
!style="background-color: {{party color|Conservative Party (UK)}}; width: 3px;" |
!style="background-color: {{party color|Scottish National Party}}; width: 3px;" |
!style="background-color: {{party color|Labour Party (UK)}}; width: 3px;" |
!style="background-color: {{party color|Liberal Democrats (UK)}}; width: 3px;" |
!style="background-color: {{party color|Independent politician}}; width: 3px;" |
!
|}

===Wards===
[[File:Dumfries and Galloway UK ward map 2017 (blank).svg|thumb|Map of the area's wards (2017 configuration)]]

The council area is divided into 12 wards that elect 43 councilors:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Ward Number
!Ward Name
!Location
!Seats
|-
|1
|[[Stranraer and the Rhins]]
|[[File:Stranraer and the Rhins.svg|100px]]
|4
|-
|2
|[[Mid Galloway and Wigtown West]]
|[[File:Mid Galloway and Wigtown West.svg|100px]]
|4
|-
|3
|[[Dee and Glenkens]]
|[[File:Dee and Glenkins.svg|100px]]
|3
|-
|4
|[[Castle Douglas and Crocketford]]
|[[File:Castle Douglas and Crocketford.svg|100px]]
|3
|-
|5
|[[Abbey (Dumfries and Galloway ward)|Abbey]]
|[[File:Abbey.svg|100px]]
|3
|-
|6
|[[North West Dumfries]]
|[[File:North West Dumfries.svg|100px]]
|4
|-
|7
|[[Mid and Upper Nithsdale]]
|[[File:Mid and Upper Nithsdale.svg|100px]]
|3
|-
|8
|[[Lochar (ward)|Lochar]]
|[[File:Lochar.svg|100px]]
|4
|-
|9
|[[Nith (ward)|Nith]]
|[[File:Nith Ward.svg|100px]]
|4
|-
|10
|[[Annandale South]]
|[[File:Annandale South.svg|100px]]
|4
|-
|11
|[[Annandale North]]
|[[File:Annandale North.svg|100px]]
|4
|-
|12
|[[Annandale East and Eskdale]]
|[[File:Annandale East and Eskdale.svg|100px]]
|3
|-
|}

===Parliamentary constituencies===
{{main|Dumfries and Galloway (UK Parliament constituency)|Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale (UK Parliament constituency)|Dumfriesshire (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Galloway and West Dumfries (Scottish Parliament constituency)}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Dalveen Pass from Comb Head.jpg|Dalveen Pass from Comb Head summit, near Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
File:Sweetheart Abbey 20061214.jpg|[[Sweetheart Abbey]], Dumfries and Galloway (Scotland)
File:Orchardton tower 1.jpg|[[Orchardton Tower]], Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
File:Caerlaverock SNH.jpg|Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve. View across the Nith Estuary, close to the Solway Firth, Dumfries & Galloway.
File:Tongland Powerstation 05-08-31 63.jpeg|Tongland Power station.
File:Mull of Galloway 05-09-03 33.jpeg|[[Mull of Galloway]] headland.
File:Mull of Galloway Lighthouse 05-09-03 14.jpeg|Mull of Galloway Lighthouse.
File:Beach, on the Machars peninsula.jpg|A Machars beach.
File:Machars_Coastline.JPG|Machars Coastline looking south from [[Cruggleton Castle]].
File:Cruggleton Castle remains.jpg|The remains of Cruggleton Castle.
File:Torrs Warren Machars.jpg|The Machars, as viewed from Torrs Warren with [[Luce Bay]] standing between.
File:The Devils Beef Tub.jpg|The [[Devil's Beef Tub]].
File:Port William Harbour 04-11-15 03.jpeg|[[Port William, Scotland|Port William]] harbour.
File:Moffat from the hills.JPG|[[Moffat]].
File:River Nith estuary.jpg|River Nith Estuary.
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[Anglo-Scottish border]]
* [[Fire and Rescue Authority (Scotland)]]
* [[List of places in Dumfries and Galloway]]

== References ==
{{notelist}}
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33I0NPRjQGU Video footage and history of Kirkpatrick Irongray Church]

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