Kirkcudbright

Early autumn can be a good time to squeeze in a weekend away before the weather turns and the days shorten. A couple of nights in Kircudbright, on the coast of southern Scotland fitted the bill perfectly.

Kirkcudbright is a pretty little town which has a definite 'arty' feel to it. In the early 20th century, artists moved here, creating a cluster known as the Artists Colony. Today this tiny town (population about 3,350) has interesting artists including painters, ceramicists, textile artists and print makers.

There are numerous galleries around the pretty streets, with the largest one housing a permanenet collection from well-known local artists such as Samuel Peploe and E A Taylor. There was also an exhibition of works by local artist, ceramicist and childrens' book illustrator Jessie M King and another exhibition of work by Raymond Briggs, creator of Fungus The Bogeyman and The Snowman.

As a bonus we managed to get to Wigtown, Scotland's 'book town' just down the coats to enjoy the last day of the annual book festival which gave the place a real buzz.

Many of the cottages are brightly painted

The Greengate, High Street where husband and wife Jessie M King and E A Taylor lived in the early 20th century

One of many handsome buildings in this little town

The castle dominates this part of the town


Little alleyways lead down to the river and its fleet of fishing and pleasure boats