This is the land that defines the south-western corner of Scotland, a region of great scenic variety, historical riches and cultural activity. Here, dramatic ancient stone settings provide windows onto mankind's early influence while many castles and abbeys testify to aspects of life in medieval times and today. Whithorn, in Wigtownshire, is the cradle of Christianity in Scotland because of its association with Scotland's first saint, Ninian. Wigtown itself is Scotland's National Book Town and home of the annual Wigtown Book Festival. The town of Kirkcudbright became an artists' colony from around 1850.
