Well, we started in Stranraer, where we're currently staying, and went to many litle hamlets and fields that still carry the names they were given back in the 1700's: Lochan's Moor, Crailloch, High Salchrie, and Low Salchrie. Also investigated the TINY town of Kirkcolm, and found the old Kirkcolm church. Visited the area where the Inch church used to be: The original one was built in the 1100's on an island near the old Castle Kennedy, where the Earl of Stair used to keep his residence. At some point it was abandoned, and a new church was built, looks like around the 1600's. this is now in ruins, with no roof, however the current Earls and Countesses of Stair and their children are still being buried within the walls of the old church. Very interesting. One half has the parish ministers, the other half of the old curch holds the gentry who own or owned the land. We did find a couple of Gibsons buried there, but if they're 'our' Gibsons, they're only distantly related. Also, these fields are COVERED with stinging nettles, and my ankles are on fire right now because I didn't wear thick enough or high enough socks. Yowza!
We visited the 'new' Inch Church and churchyard which is exceptionally well maintained. Looks to have been built in the 1800s sometime. Driving in these tiny, mediaeval burghs is quite an experience. Glad I got the additional cover (insurance) on the car, because a branch came back and thwapped the driver's side mirror and broke it. Don't know if I should call and get it fixed or just let them deal with it when I return the car. I'm only out 60 pounds (about $100) since I have the insurance. Whew!
Also saw some very interesting standing stones and cairns. Carinholy I and Cairnholy II date from some of the very earliest inhabitation in the area and were places of burial. Took quite a few pictures. I wonder how early people maneuvered some of those stones around? And they're still standing, when many grave markers from the 1800's are already down.
Tomorrow is the Wigtown Book Festival. I anticipate finding many good deals, or "can't miss bargains" as my grandmother used to say. Will upload more pictures tonight. Stay tuned! I just need to re-size them so they don't crash everyone's computer.
