Garlieston

The village lies 5 miles northwest of Whithorn and a few miles north of Cruggleton Castle which was abandoned in the 17th centaury. The large country house of Galloway House is situated on the edge of the village, with the settlement being planned along Georgian lines. The port became an important import point for goods being brought into the Machars throughout the 19th and early 20th centaury. In 1876 the railway system was extended to the settlement and goods flowed regularly through the port, with the maritime industries of shipbuilding and associated activities taking place in the village.

During the second world war the village became part of the 'most secret' Mulberry Harbour project. The profile of the beach and sea bed at Garlieston was similar to that of the proposed harbour points in Normandy, and that, coupled with the very remote nature of the locale, led to Garlieston and its surrounding area being selected as the development region for the harbours. Prototypes of the harbours were constructed at Conwy in North Wales and then transported and positioned in Wigtown bay, where they were tested and modified through 1943 & 1944. A fixed pierhead from the harbours can still be seen standing out in the waters of the bay.

Today the village is a quiet sleepy place, with much of the local industry and port activity having ceased over the past 50 years. A bowling green sits on the waterfront and the village caravan site attracts tourists, with the harbour providing berthing facilities for those who are touring by boat.

Combined-ops Information on the Mulberry Harbours & the role Garlieston played in their development

Undiscovered Scotland Entry on Garlieston