ISBN: 0 300 09671 2
This is a border region whose buildings reflect its turbulent history. Invading Romans established
forts, most famously at Birrens, and the interplay of Anglian, Norse and Irish influences at the
beginning of the Christian era inspired fine carved crosses including the Ruthwell cross.
Nowhere else in Scotland is there such a plethora of motte-and-bailey castles, often accompanied
by parish churches, as well as the great abbeys of Dundrennan, Glenluce and Sweetheart. Strong-walled castles including Caerlaverock and Sanquhar still guard the major routes from England
into the heart of Scotland and even the magnificent Baroque ducal palace of Drumlanrig Castle
still displays military flourishes. Victorian Baronial mansions such as Castlemilk and Lochinch
vigorously recall their feudal forebears, but there is also the lighthearted interior of Old Place of
Mochrum, fitted up for the honeymoon of the fourth Marquess of Bute. Farm steadings and
lighthouses, village buildings and Georgian and Victorian churches, with their handsome
graveyard monuments, are equally important in this little known but richly endowed region.
