he museum is the largest in the region. It has a good collection of early Christian carved stones, the remains of a log boat from the Lochmaben crannog, and some Dark Age decorative items and artifacts.
In addition to the Dark Age history it also tells the story of the land and people of Dumfries and Galloway. There are fossil footprints left by prehistoric animals, the wildlife of the Solway, tools and weapons of the earliest people, and the everyday things of the Victorian farm, workshop and home.
A Camera Obscura, installed in 1836, sits on the top floor of the old windmill tower with fascinating panoramic views of Dumfries and the surrounding countryside.
How to get here
From Rockcliffe, re-join the A710, travelling east to Dumfries. (This route will take you through the charming village of New Abbey, with its intriguing Sweetheart Abbey). The museum is well sign posted from the A710 as you come into Dumfries, and is on a hill from the west bank of the River Nith at The Observatory, Rotchell Road, Dumfries DG2 7SW. There is parking at the museum, or plenty of on-street parking nearby. Tel: 01387 253374
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Places to Visit and Things to Do
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Buy the Book by Robin Crichton
The History behind the Legend
This is the true story behind the legend of Merlin. Born of a royal family to a life of privilege and luxury, his place in society was ordained until he lost everything in a bloodbath of pillage and genocide. Forced to live on the run he survived as an outlaw hiding out in a cave, living off what the forest could provide.
It is the story of the clash between Christianity and traditional belief – a duel between St Mungo the priest and Merlin the pagan, played out against a webs of late 6th century political intrigue and the strife of a land tearing itself apart.
Until now, our Early Dark Age heritage has been largely ignored by historians because of the lack of cross-checkable written data. This book combines history, archaeology, etymology, topography, botany and folk memory in a giant jigsaw. With nearly 150 colour illustrations and maps, the book is accompanied by a gazetteer of 28 Dark Age sites. It presents the evidence, suggests various interpretations and invites the reader to be the historical detective.
For further information: contact Robin Crichton – Email [email protected]
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