Old Kirkcudbright

The ancient seafaring town of Kirkcudbright has a long history and many royal connections with Edward I James II and Henry VI coming for a visit mustering their armies and fleeing there respectively. There's a vivid description of the activities that went on in the old Tolbooth where witches and Covenanters were imprisoned and in some cases tortured. Kirkcudbright's more recent history includes the important Tongland Works used as a munitions factory during the First World War then for the manufacturing of cars by a branch of the famous Arrol-Johnston company. Local personalities such as John Houston postman and 'weather prophet' feature along with artists Jessie M. King and E. A. Taylor. There also are a number of excellent pictures showing steam and sailing ships berthed in the harbour.