What is the history of Dumfries?

The town of Dumfries has had a long and turbulent history: its strategic position close to the border means that it has seen plenty of encounters with invading English armies, while notable names who have lived in the town include Peter Pan author, JM Barrie and Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Today it is at the centre of a large rural hinterland that includes Galloway Forest Park, to the west, and is home to many beautiful buildings, including Caerlaverock Castle, hewed from attractive red stone.