Wigtown

Settlement in Wigtownshire

Scotland

Wigtown

Wigtown is a small town located in the historical county of Wigtownshire in southwestern Scotland. Situated on the southern tip of the Machars peninsula, it is known as Scotland's National Book Town and has a rich literary heritage.

With a population of around 1,000 residents, Wigtown offers a picturesque setting with its charming streets lined with traditional stone-built houses. The town is surrounded by beautiful rural landscapes, including rolling hills and scenic coastline, attracting visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Wigtown gained its reputation as a book lover's haven in 1997 when it was officially designated as Scotland's National Book Town. Today, it boasts over a dozen bookshops, both new and second-hand, offering a diverse range of titles. The town also hosts an annual literary festival, which attracts renowned authors and book enthusiasts from all over the world.

In addition to its literary offerings, Wigtown provides a range of amenities and attractions. The town features a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering visitors a taste of local cuisine and products. The Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve, located nearby, is a haven for birdwatching and offers stunning views of the surrounding wetlands and estuary.

Wigtown is also home to several historical landmarks, including the 13th-century Wigtown Parish Church and the Wigtown Martyrs Monument, which commemorates the town's religious martyrs who were executed during the Scottish Reformation.

Overall, Wigtown presents a unique blend of literary heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for book enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of rural Scotland.

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Wigtown Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.867301/-4.4445729 or Grid Reference NX4355. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Town Hall, Wigtown

Eirian Evans

Sunshine yellow house on Bank Street, Wigtown

Eirian Evans

Wigtown Parish Church

Eirian Evans

Margaret Wilson's gravestone

Margaret was one of the Wigtown Martyrs who refused to conform to the religious orthodoxy of that time, 1685. She was sentenced to be drowned in the River Cree, aged 18. There is a notice attached to the side of the railings with an explanation of the Wigtown Martyrs. The grave slab inscription reads “Here lyes Margaret Wilson doughter to Gilbert Wilson in Glenvernoch who was dround anno 1685 aged 18 Let earth and stone still witness beare their lyes a virgine martyre here murther’d for ouning christ supreame head of His church and no more crime but not abjuring presbytry and her not owning prelacy they her condem’d by unjust law of heaven nor hell they stood no aw. Within the sea ty’d to a stake the actors of this cruel crime was Lagg, Strachan, Winram, and Grahame neither young yeares nor yet old age could stop the fury of there rage.”

Eirian Evans

History of the Wigtown Martyrs

This notice, attached to Margaret Wilson's grave in the parish church NX4355 : Margaret Wilson's gravestone, is an explanation of the terrible events of 1685

Eirian Evans

Remains of the old church at Wigtown

The church dated from the C11 but most of the stone from the old church was used to build the new kirk in the 1850s. This wing was not demolished, as it contained the crypt of the Vance family from Barnbarroch House, who insisted the wall remain.

Eirian Evans