Sanquhar

The Royal Burgh of Sanquhar, which means 'the Old Fort', is an historic Scottish town in the county of Dumfries and Galloway, on the River Nith, near Thornhill and Moffat. It was referred to is as “Black Joan” by Robert Burns in his ballad “Five Carlins”, as the poet was well acquainted with the town in his everyday activities.

It is prettily located amid the rolling fields and hills of a battle-worn part of Southern Scotland, near to the English Border. The ruin of Sanquhar Castle is still visible near the town's Church of St. Brides, in addition to several prehistoric British forts, that can still be seen in the area. Sanquhar Castle had to be recaptured by Lord Douglas of the Scots during the Scottish War of Independence, after the English army gained control of it. Scottish hero William Wallace then came to defend the castle against the English counter attack, and pursued the English forces across the county, gaining support from towns as he passed, until reaching the Solway Firth, where he defeated the English in battle.

The town is now a popular tourist destination, due to its scenic location in the Nith valley, surrounded by hill ranges such as the Carsphairn and Scaur, and the Lowther hills, as well as for the excellent fishing in the area, making this an ideal location for outdoor enthusiast and more gentle admirers alike. The Southern Upland Way passes through the town.

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