Garlieston

Garlieston is a popular village on the Solway Coast of the Machars Peninsula. It lies between Wigtown and The Isle of Whithorn.

On 30 May 1942, Sir Winston Churchill sent a memo headed “PIERS FOR USE ON BEACHES” saying “They must float up and down with the tide. The anchor problem must be mastered. Let me have the best solution worked out. Don’t argue the matter. The difficulties will argue for themselves.” That was it and floating harbours, code named “Mulberry” were designed, constructed in various locations and tested at Garlieston as the conditions were thought to be similar to Normandy. As a result Garlieston is rightly proud of its role in helping to bring WW11 to an end.  Remnants of the structures can still be seen and there is an informative exhibition at Garlieston Village Hall.

Garlieston has delightful rows of houses, North and South Crescent where the 18th/19th century terraces face out to the bay with a long, level promenade in between. South Crescent also has the village pub – The Harbour Inn.

There are lovely coastal walks in either direction, northward to Innerwell Point and Eggerness Point or southward to the remains of Cruggleton Castle or even to the Isle of Whithorn.

A few miles from Garlieston, on the road to Sorbie you will find the fascinating Sorbie Tower, a 16th Century Keep. Visitors are welcome to the grounds where there are information panels. During the summer months, tours are available one day per week.