DUMFRIESSHIRE

The Devorgilla bridge (named after Devorgilla, Lady of Galloway the mother of King John Balliol of Scotland) was originally a stone built bridge built around 1430. The bridge was badly damaged by a flood around 1620 and was extensivly repaired or rebuilt shortly after as a nine arch sandstone bridge spanning over 200 feet, the brige was further modified in 1794 because of reclamation work on the east bank of the river three arches were removed leaving the bridge in its current 6 arch form. The Caul is an old weir which crosses the River Nith at Dumfries and once diverted water to Dumfries Mill on the western bank (now the Robert Burns Centre). It was constructed c.1705 and, following concern from landowners that salmon would not be able to move upstream, features fish ladders at either end. B-listed in 1987, The Caul provides an impressive sight when the river is in spate. We didn't walk far enough away from the bridge to get all six arches in the frame unfortunately. Our visit was a whistle stop on the way to Annan.

There were two herons on the weir. This photo shows the one that seemed to be more determined to catch a fish.

The cormorant was drying its wings sitting on a branch above the weir. Not as sharp as I would have liked unfortunately.

This is a fascinating area to explore, but Adrian didn't think so, so my time was limited here. I have included a video of what the site looked like 6 year ago. Not a lot has changed but these two boats have deteriorated. Annan Harbour, Dumfries and Galloway Here is an example of what is planned for this area; www.annanharbour.org.uk/our-vision I wonder what your views are on that?

Mud, Mud Glorious Mud