Editorial – The Scottish Banner Says….

July 2025 (Vol. 49, Number 01)

The Banner Says…

‘Coastodians’ of Scotland’s Solway Coast

On the southwest border between Scotland and England lies the stunning Solway Coast. The Solway Firth hugs the Dumfries & Galloway coastline and is the third largest estuary in the UK, which was listed in 1964 as a Special Area of Conservation, and boasts coastal dunes, salt marshes, raised mires and agricultural land.

The region is home to an abundant variety of wildlife and is rich in natural heritage. The area is certainly one of the lesser visited parts of Scotland and those who are lucky enough to explore the region, just over 2 hours from Glasgow, can take in so much natural wonders from sea cliffs and sandy beaches to sheltered coves and also visit Scotland’s most Southerly point the Mull of Galloway. Visitors to Scotland can take in the region by driving the South West Coastal 300, one of the country’s newest driving routes.

Nature takes centre stage

Dumfries and Galloway is home to Scotland’s last wild native oyster fishery on Loch Ryan and people have harvested the native oyster for centuries. Sadly, native oyster beds have declined by 95% in the UK since the 19th century. The region also has 25% of Scotland’s saltmarshes, which are rich in food for both bird and marine life. Nature takes centre stage in this part of southern Scotland and the unique seascape needs to be protected for future generations to enjoy.

This diverse and stunning 210-mile stretch of precious coastline and coastal waters will benefit from a ten-year large-scale funding awarded to SCAMP (Solway Coast and Marine Project) by The National Lottery Heritage Fund Landscape Connections. Up to £8million will be used to create 120 miles of new coastal trails which will be created to improve and better link the existing coastal path network, while also making the paths more accessible for more users of varying abilities.

Ten coastal gateway sites will also be enhanced; these improved facilities will allow more people to take in and learn about the incredible Solway Firth and greater coastline. Five key habitats will be targeted for improvements including seagrass meadows, native oyster reef, saltmarsh, coastal woodland and sand dunes.

Protecting our natural heritage

Not only in Scotland but across the world protecting our natural heritage is so very important. As climate change causes impacts to communities and economies, helping our planet whilst celebrating the beauty of this part of Scotland is a huge win for the region. The Solway Firth has played a role in shaping Scotland’s history, biodiversity, economy and culture, as a gateway to the world and an important natural resource.

With rising sea levels and storm surges taking place across the globe as well as natural heritage under threat both on land and under the water we need to protect or coastal regions and take on nature-based solutions to make sure our seascape, and the communities which live amongst them, thrive well into the future.

The Solway Coast is the first area in the UK to benefit from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Landscape Connections, and this is a testament to the rich, diverse and precious natural region this part of Scotland has. I look forward to learning how these projects will benefit the Solway land and seascape and hope many more of us get to experience this great region for years, and generations, to come.

In this issue

On Thursday 22nd May 1975 PS (Paddle Steamer) Waverley carried her very first passengers in her new career operating for her own company – Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd. Waverley originally entered service in 1947 and is without doubt one of Scotland’s most famous vessels. This year marks 50 incredible years since the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer was preserved and saved for generations of Scots to enjoy. We are so thrilled to have Douglas McGowan MBE, who has been instrumental in the ship’s longevity and shares some of the ships history and his relentless passion with us.

Thousands of years ago the powerful and mighty Romans thought Scotland, or Caledonia, was literally at the end of the world. But did they ever conquer the lands which we all know, and love, as Scotland? This month we look at some of the history of the Roman invasions of Scotland and what impact they had and the story they left behind.

Argyll has a long history in whisky production, going all the way back to the 17th century. The area is home to 15 world class distilleries which celebrate the regions rich whisky heritage, which was once known as the ‘whisky capital of the world’. The region’s fertile soil, extensive peat bogs, and pure water—create ideal conditions for crafting exceptional whisky and I am sure many will say cheers to that!

Happy Birthday tae us!

This issue marks the commencement of our 49th year of monthly publication. With so many publications being lost during the global pandemic it really is the incredible support of our readers, advertisers, followers and friends that got us here. Without it, reaching this anniversary would not have been possible in such a challenging operating environment, so thank you so very much and I do hope you enjoy this edition.

Have you visited the Dumfries & Galloway coastline? Do you have a favourite rail adventure? Do you have you any comments from the content in this month’s edition? Share your story with us by email, post, social media or at: www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us

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