The streets of Dumfries, 'Queen of South', rise steeply from either side of the broad River Nith beyond the northern shore of the Solway Firth. Established as a royal burgh in 1186, the town has been touched over the centuries by some of the most significant events in Scotland's colourful history, including the protracted border struggles with England. Dumfries can also boast connections with many of the country's famous names; not least the national bard, Robert Burns, who spent the last five years of his life in the town.

This book celebrates the everyday face of Dumfries and its surrounding area, capturing through old photographs the sights of a town that, although it has witnessed many changes in recent years, would still be instantly familiar to the true 'Doonhamer' of a few generations ago.