Port William

About Port William

Port William is a small fishing village, founded by Sir William Maxwell of Monreith in 1770. A planned village, it was one of the first harbours built in western Galloway and was notorious for smuggling in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Port William has a post office and few shops, a takeaway and a restaurant. However there are many of fantastic walking and cycling opportunities, as well as golf and a stunning beach.

Don't forget to take your photo with “The Man”, a bronze statue of a fisherman leaning on a railing gazing out to sea. The statue was created by award winning sculptor Andrew Brown from Stranraer and was to produce a sculpture to reflect the local people and their relationship with the local environment. Beside the statue is a sign reading “What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare”.