The Covenanters

Driving Route

The Covenanters

Driving

The Covenanting era was an extremely important time in Scotland’s History. Covenanter’s can be characterised by those who signed the National Covenant in 1638, to state their strong opposition to the Stuart Monarchy’s interference with the Scottish Presbyterian Church.

However, their cause was not just related to their religious beliefs but also to the politics and well-being of Scotland. Dumfries and Galloway was home to many key figures and locations in Covenanting history and this route explores some of these:

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Our best efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of data, however the data and geographic information contained along route lines and on maps should be used for informational purposes only.

What you'll see

Image of Burning Bush Memorial Sculpture

Burning Bush Memorial Sculpture - St John's Town of Dalry

Historic Buildings, Monuments & Statues, Monuments & Statues

Located at the southern end of Dalry, the Burning Bush memorial was installed in 2004.

Image of Dalry Parish Church

Dalry Parish Church - St John's Town of Dalry

Religious Buildings

The parish church in Dalry was design by William McCandlish and was completed in 1831.

Image of Earlstoun Castle

Earlstoun Castle - St John's Town of Dalry

Ruins

Earlstoun Castle dates back over 400 years and was once the stronghold of the Gordons, a well-known family of Covenanters.

Image of Carsphairn Kirkyard

Carsphairn Kirkyard - Carsphairn

Religious Buildings

The parish of Carsphairn was a frequent location of Conventicles as a number of Covenanters lived here.

Image of Kirkudbright Tolbooth

Kirkudbright Tolbooth - Kirkcudbright

Buildings, Historic Buildings, Monuments & Statues, Museums & Exhibitions

Dating back to 1629, Kirkcudbright Tolbooth held many accused of Covenanting crimes.

Image of St. Cuthbert’s Parish Church

St. Cuthbert’s Parish Church - Kirkcudbright

History & Heritage

St. Cuthbert’s Parish Church, built in 1838, is the latest to be dedicated to the 7th century Northumbrian saint who gave the town its name.

Image of Wigtown Museum

Wigtown Museum - Wigtown

Buildings, Historic Buildings, Monuments & Statues, Museums & Exhibitions

The Wigtown museum tells the story of the Burgh and various items of Wigtown memorabilia are on display.

Image of Wigtown Martyr's Stake

Wigtown Martyr's Stake - Wigtown

Historic Buildings, Monuments & Statues, Monuments & Statues

This monument to the east of Wigtown and was erected in 1858 to commemorate The Wigtown Martyrs, Margaret Maclauchlan and Margaret Wilson.

Image of Dumfries Martyrs’ Monument

Dumfries Martyrs’ Monument - Dumfries

Historic Buildings, Monuments & Statues, Monuments & Statues

This memorial marks the graves of Covenanters William Grierson, William Welsh and James Kirk.

Image of Sanquhar Declarations Monument

Sanquhar Declarations Monument - Sanquhar

Historic Buildings, Monuments & Statues, Monuments & Statues

The Sanquhar Declaration monument mark the spot in which Michael Cameron, in the presence of his brother, the Covenanter leader Richard Cameron, read out his…

Image of Philiphaugh Battle Memorial

Philiphaugh Battle Memorial - Selkirk

Historic Buildings, Monuments & Statues, Monuments & Statues

Outside the town, the Rugby and Cricket Fields are on the site of the Battle of Philiphaugh.