Gatehouse was built on the banks of the River
Fleet in the latter part of the 18th century to be a second
Glasgow! The magnificent Cally Palace (now an hotel) was built
first and then cotton mills, tanneries, breweries, brass foundries,
soap works and brick kilns followed and the town was planned
very carefully on a strict grid pattern. Industry in Gatehouse
only lasted until the middle of the 19th century and gradually
declined leaving a most attractive and very fascinating "planned"
town which is now a very quiet backwater with a small supermarket,
Post Office, chemist, book shop, 2 hairdressers, kilt maker
and several really top class gift shops (great for Christmas
shopping).
There is a public tennis court, a lovely 9 hole golf course
with spectacular views of the Fleet estuary, a curling club,
a branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (who
very much welcome visitors) and an interesting Visitor Centre
"The Mill on the Fleet". There are 4 hotels, one
pub/restaurant, 2 cafes, a Primary School and a Doctor's
surgery and
Gatehouse is very proud of the fact that it is a Royal Burgh
even though it only has a population of 1000 people! Three
of the best beaches in the whole of the South of Scotland
are to be found in the Fleet estuary.
Gatehouse has a Music Society, which holds concerts in the
winter and has several music Festivals each year. Gala Week
is renowned throughout the region and always provides a really
spectacular firework display. Nearby Cream o' Galloway not
only produces delicious ice cream from the farm but also has
a spectacular adventure playground. Wherever you go and whatever
you do in Gatehouse you will be made welcome by the friendly
people who always have time for a "wee blether".
www.gatehouse-of-fleet.co.uk
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