Dumfries and Galloway is one of the least-known regions of Scotland. Despite memories and traditions to match those of Gaelic-speaking Scotland, it has been seriously understudied. This innovative, ground-breaking study looks mainly at the everyday lives and culture of people in this region during a period of profound agricultural, industrial and demographic change. 

In doing so, it uncovers new information about a wide range of topics in local history, including food, festivals and folklore, music, mining, the development of towns and villages, population, smuggling, the experience of migration, and the question of identity. All of the contributors to the book are specialists in their fields and have an in-depth knowledge of the region through life and work.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• List of Figures
• List of Maps
• List of Tables
• List of Contributors
• Acknowledgements
• Abbreviations
• General Maps
• Introduction Edward J Cowan
• 1. Identity Edward J Cowan
• 2. Population Growth The Development of Towns and Villages in Galloway, 1755-1841 Lorna J Philip
• 3. Community Development in Kirkcudbright David F Devereux
• 4. Transport and Communications John Burnett
• 5. The Smuggling Trade Frances Wilkins
• 6. Metal Miners and Mining Communities John Pickin
• 7. The Farming Community John Burnett
• 8. Food, Drink and Diet John Burnett
• 9. Music, Song and Dance Josephine L Miller
• 10. Festivity and Celebration John Burnett
• 11. Folklore Lizanne Henderson
• 12. The Measure of Migration Edward J Cowan
• 13. The Emigrant Experience Edward J Cowan
• Index