The Glenkens

New Galloway is the smallest Royal Burgh in Scotland. The Royal Charter was confirmed in 1633 by Viscount Kenmure, and this gave it the right to hold one market a week and 3 fairs each year, each one to last for the space of 3 days. The present population is in the region of 340 people. It is situated on the A712 and A762, 3 miles south of Dalry, on the west bank of the River Ken.

The High Street has 18th and 19th century buildings along both sides including 2 coaching inns. The Town Hall,(rebuilt in 1897) used to have its own jail.

There is a primary school, a church, a butcher’s shop, a post office, 4 hotels, a grocer, a restaurant, a tea-room/gift shop, an antique shop, a part time fire station, a garage (no fuel), a town hall, a hairdresser and a 9 hole golf course. There is also a transport company mainly hauling cattle and sheep.

At one time New Galloway had a mineral well, which was much prescribed by Robert Trotter the well known Muir Doctor.

Kenmuir Castle seen from the road

Devorgilla, daughter of Alan, last Lord of Galloway, and wife of John Balliol, and mother of King John Balliol, was possibly born in Kenmuir Castle on the outskirts of New Galloway, though more probably she was born at Borgue near Kirkcudbright.

Robert Heron the historian and first biographer of Robert Burns was born in Creehead, New Galloway in 1764.