Langholm travel guide

Langholm, also known colloquially as the "Muckle Toon", is a burgh in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, on the River Esk and the A7 road. The town grew around the textile industry, but is now best-known as the birthplace of Hugh MacDiarmid and Thomas Telford. The population in 2001 was 2,311.
The Langholm Bridge was constructed over the River Esk between 1775 and 1778 by Robert Hotson. Thomas Telford worked on the construction as a journeyman, and the road west from the bridge is now named after him.
The town was an important centre for the Border Reivers. Each year many visitors come for the annual Common Riding, which takes place on the last Friday of July.
A branch of the Carlisle to Hawick railway line to Langholm was completed in 1864, but closed some 100 years later. The last regular passenger train was on 13th June 1964, although a special ran in March 1967 - complete with Restaurant Car; the freight service continued until September 1967.
Langholm is also the birth town of Thomas Hope who was born in 1809. After emigrating to America, Hope set up a chain of stores and became rich. In 1888 he returned and Hope told his friend Robert Smellie that when he died he would donate money for a town hospital. In March 1890 he died and between 1894 and 1896 the hospital was built. The Thomas Hope Hospital is still in use.
Langholm was also the home of Albie Tedham who was one of Scotland's top fiddle players during his life.
Actor Gregor Fisher, best known for his portrayal of his character Rab C Nesbitt in the British sitcom of the same name, spent part of his childhood in Langholm and now lives just outside the town. (...) more....

travel guide by edit this text

Latest Reviews for Langholm

Have you been here? Write a quick review:

 You are currently not logged in. Login or register to write a review.