(65) Plate XXX/a

                                                             Plate XXX.

                                          NEW GALLOWAY.

THE present Plate exhibits a general view of the royal burgh of New Galloway, Kenmore Castle, with
the river Ken at its foot, and the surrounding scenery; forming altogether a most charming landscape.
Kenmore Castle is the residence of the Honourable John Gordon; it is in Kirkcudbrightshire, and about
twenty-six miles to the west of Dumfries. Its antiquity is so great, that no account of its foundation
remains. It was, however, the residence of Malcolm Canmore. Its situation is bold and formidable;
and was probably chosen on that account. The castle is of an irregular form, consisting at present of
parts of the old building, with modern additions: these, however, are added with taste, and render it a
comfortable and delightful residence.

The site of the Castle is a natural hill, or knoll, of considerable elevation, and almost precipitous on all
sides; and the only access is by a serpentine, or winding, road, formed by art. The situation is peculiar,
and the general features of the scenery around are both grand and picturesque. From the base of this
knoll a fertile plain extends on the north-east, and is bounded by vast mountains and rocks of gigantic
magnitude. Through this plain the river Ken winds its pure and quiet stream, and in the front of the
Castle expands its banks, and forms a fine and extensive lake, the surface of which is happily broken by
several islands. While the eastern side of Loch Ken displays a soft and cultivated view, the western part
exhibits a rude but magnificent scene. The vast mountain of Laurin, rising abruptly from the water's
edge, presents a rude region of grey granite rock and gloomy heath, crowned by the towering and rocky
height of the Blackcraig, while down the shaggy sides of Laurin several streams, when swollen with
rain, fall in bold and diversified cataracts.

Many antiquarian curiosities have been discovered in this neighbourhood. Among others there is a
rocking stone, of many tons in weight, on the brow of a high mountain, but which a finger easily moves.
In the river Dee, which discharges itself into Loch Ken, several very fine pearls have been found; and
gold dust has been discovered on the mountains of Carsefairn, where the Dee rises. The grounds about
the Castle contain many very fine trees, and there is an avenue of the finest lime-trees in Scotland. The
present proprietor is grandson of William, viscount of Kenmore, whose ancestor, Sir Adam de Gordon,
was killed at the battle of Halliden in 1333. William being engaged in the rebellion of 1715 the title
is extinct.

New Galloway became a royal burgh in 1630 by a charter of Charles I. It is about a mile distant
from the Castle. The number of inhabitants is about three hundred; and it is reckoned a remarkably
healthy place. This view was taken in 1801.