Nostalgic memories of Dumfries's local history
Share your own memories of Dumfries and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
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Displaying all 8 Memories
I am 83 at present yet the memories of my birth place are with me forever. I was born in Dumfries at the address 2 Mitchels Lane. Also known to the locals as Skitter Lane best not to go into that. I grew up just a stone throw from the river Nith and as a boy spent a lot of time boating on the river or swimming in the Salmon Hole . At that time we could hire a bicycle and go for lovely rides with my cousin Ian McLaren.. Oh ...see more
my dad alex who was killed in an accident in 1953 was major johnsons batman during the war,after his death my mother and sisters and i went there for our christmas dinners i played with the sons andrew and graham and when it was time to leave the servants used to line up to give us a present and say goodbye.
my aunt chrissie and uncle syd stayed just under the arch and i remember their black n white cat lying at the doorstep. When my uncle used to take me a walk around the grounds and greenhouses it always seemed like a magical kingdom to me. Sadly my uncle is no longer with us but my aunt and her son John havent changed one bit and she still has the old wind up monkey and panda that plays the drums and symbols, miss those days so much.
Syd and Chrissie Harvey used to live in the flat above the archway when he worked for the town council as the foreman gardener. I lived on the other side of the building. To the right of the archway, on the ground floor, were offices. Previous to this photo there were lovely grounds and mature planting which had been removed to make a carpark?!!! what a lovely resource this was. We played and learned to ride our bikes on the undulating lawns in front of this building.
I was born in 1950 at Cresswell Hospital and brought up in Greenbrae Loaning till I left to move up to West Lothian when I was eighteen. Went to Noblehill School then Marchmount in 1961/62. My maiden name was Wilson and my dad being Willie Wilson, goalkeeper for Queen of the South. I am now living in Beattock with my husband Brian. Just love being back and would love to hear from anyone who knew me . Judith
My grandmother and grandfather brought up their children at (I believe) 16 Gillfield Terrace. Subsequently, my aunt lived in the same cottage. I visited in about 1952 and have, what I think are vivid memories of that extended holiday. Gillfield Terrace was Craigs Road, and I think my grandparents are buried in St Michael's cemetary.
My grandfather was George McNaught. If anyone has any old photos, or any information, I would be most grateful!
I was posted to Dumfries in december 1951 to do 8 weeks training in the RAF Regiment.
Although it was winter and rather rigorous, I did enjoy my time there and liked the town and remember looking around in Robert Burns house. I was 18 then, I am now 78...
( 2012) and will be 79 in June. These memories have always remained in my mind ......
I am relieved to say !
John Starley.
(20th september 2014 ) I am ...see more
I was born in Cresswell maternity hospital at Dumfries on May 13th 1959, my name was Ann Little. My mum came from Clerkhill, one side of the Nith and my dad came from the other, Sandside. They both met in their teens one night at the Loreburn Hall dance, and from there on they got married and had four children, I am the second child and their first daughter. We were brought up and lived in ...see more