We did not know we would be “stormbound” in this beautiful town for nearly 2 weeks, but we are so pleased that we were. We also got to know the surrounding area of Dumfries and Galloway where we felt we had slipped back in time 50 years, enjoying rural bus routes and a slower way of life.
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Thank you Robbie Garside for hosting us so well. “KBT” as it is affectionately known, is an ancient town and port. The only deep port on the 100 miles of Scotland’s south coast, The Lord of Galloway had his naval fleet stationed here in the 12C and there are three castles in the town. Robbie Burns the famous poet was the local excise officer in this area infamous for its smuggling.
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The harbour, whilst tricky to navigate into, (accessable HW + / – 2 hours via 26 channel buoys), is very sheltered and well hidden. More recently KBT is famous for its artists – it is the “St Ives” of Scotland. Thanks to our friends who were crewing we have now got a small local landscape hanging in Good Dog’s cabin!
Scallop fishing is what the port is famous for. The town has a large factory processing both King Scallops (the big ones) and the more delicate “Queenies” which are caught all over the Irish Sea.
Robbie’s duties are varied – from assisting the fleet of fishing boats and occasional coaster tying up in the fast flowing river Dee, through to looking after visiting yachts and even driving Santa up the river in the HM’s boat! As an ex RYA sailing instructor he gave us good advice about when to pass the famous Mull of Galloway and head north to the Firth of Clyde – the final photo is of us leaving the estuary at 5am in the dark – very special. Thank you Robbie and Will for a really memorable stay. #kirkcudbright
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About the Harbour Master Sailing Challenge: I am circumnavigating #GB in a #Nauticat attempting to visit every #harbour with a #harbourmaster #fundraising to #support @Seafarers_UK and their work in the #martime industry, supporting #seafarers and their #families. You can #sponsor my #challenge by visiting the link in my bio. Thank you for your support!
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