Dalswinton - Izeria

Dalswinton is a small village in the historical county of Dumfriesshire in Dumfries and Galloway in the south of Scotland. It is located about six miles (ten kilometres) northwest of Dumfries. To the east of the village a wind farm has been built with a capacity of 30 MW. Patrick Miller the entrepreneur built Dalswinton House and its surroundings, which today remain largely in their original form: the stable block situated below the main house and the walled garden; the village; the farms with the enclosed fields; all the cottages which were to house the farm workers and, finally, the loch. It was, perhaps, this for which he is most renowned, as it was on here that the first steamboat in Britain made its maiden voyage. The name Dalswinton contains the Old English place-name swīn-tūn 'pig farm', to which Gaelic dál 'haugh or water meadow' has been added.

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Dalswinton Castle

Dalswinton Castle, also known as Comyn's Castle, was a castle that was located to the south-east of Dalswinton, in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. A castle was recorded at the site in 1250 and was owned by the Comyns of Badenoch. After it was captured by the English in 1301, the castle constable was John de Botetourt. During Edward Bruce's campaign in Galloway in 1308–1309, the castle was still in English hands. Dalswinton surrendered to Scottish forces in early 1313. The castle was abandoned after the construction of the House of Dalswinton in the 17th century. The remains of the castle appear to have been demolished after 1792.

Friars Carse

Friars' Carse is a mansion house and estate situated (NX 926 850) 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) southeast of Auldgirth on the main road (A76) to Dumfries, Parish of Dunscore, Scotland. The property is located on the west bank of the River Nith and is known for its strong associations with Robert Burns who lived for a while at the nearby Ellisland farm. The mansion house is unlisted, however the stables and hermitage are Category B listed buildings.

The Hermitage, Friars Carse

The Hermitage was a folly first built by Captain Robert Riddell of Friars Carse (known as Glenriddell at this time and later returned to its ancient name) as part of his enthusiasm for antiquities. It is famous for its connection with the bard Robert Burns who through his friendship with Riddell was permitted to use it to compose poetry in this secluded and tranquil sylvan spot. Burns also used his diamond point pen to engrave lines on the window pane at the Hermitage following the premature death of Riddell. The original Hermitage fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in 1874. It was further restored to its former glory more recently (2009).

Ellisland Farm

Ellisland Farm lies about 6.5 mi/10.4 km northwest of Dumfries near the village of Auldgirth, located in the Parish of Dunscore, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The complex is a museum in the farm Robert Burns built, lived in and farmed from 1788 until 1791. One of the earliest references to the site is in 1465. Cardinal Antonius confirming a Charter by the Monastery of Melrose of the adjoining property of Ellisland to John Kirkpatrick.