Newton Stewart

Newton Stewart town is in Galloway southwest Scotland, 24 miles east of Stranraer, 48 miles west of Dumfries, just off the main A75 road.

Newton Stewart attracts visitors for its local shops, golf and three outdoor centre's Clatteringcshaws, Glentrool and Kirroughtree close by for walking, biking, and hiking mountains such as The Merrick at 2,766 feet. This area is known as the Galloway Forest Park.

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The image top is looking north along Victoria Street with the Town Hall the most notable building.

The Cinema is on Victoria Street showing films and also live events. The cinema was built in the 1920s.

The Old Town Hall was completed about 1800 with shops on the ground floor and a court on the first floor.

The Earl of Galloway Memorial was completed in 1875 in honour of the Ninth Earl of Galloway (1800 - 1873).

The River Cree Bridge was completed in 1813.

The McMillan Hall was completed in 1884 to serve as a Theatre and to host Local Events such a the Flower Show.

The War Memorial is in front of the McMillan Hall at Church Street.

The Newton Stewart Museum is along Church Street on York Road with displays of the natural and social history of Galloway. The museum is housed in the the former St John's Church completed in 1841.

On the south side of Newton Stewart is Wigtown Road with the Cattle Market, Garden Centre and three Hotels, the Crown, Bruce, and Blackhorse.

The tree lined Newton Stewart Golf Club is on the east side of the town with a licensed bar and restaurant.

Newton Stewart History

1600s mid - the Town of Newton Stewart was founded by William Stewart, youngest son of the 2nd Earl of Galloway.

The Town was recorded as being built incredibly fast.

1677 - the "New Town of Stewart" was granted Burgh status by King Charles II, starting a weekly Market and two annual Fairs.

1745 - the first Bridge across the River Cree is built in the Town.

1760s - the Military Road from England to Dumfries and Portpatrick passed through Newton Stewart.

The Military Road was then used to drive cattle from Ireland between Portpatrick on the west coast of Scotland to Dumfries.

1778 - Sir William Douglas, the founder of the town of Castle Douglas, gained control of Castle Stewart estate 2 miles north of the town.

Sir William Douglas changed the name of the Town to Newton Douglas then started Factories Spinning Cotton, manufacturing Carpets, and a Tannery.

The name Newton Douglas was soon changed to Newton Stewart.

1806 - the original Bridge is destroyed in a flood.

1813 - the present day Bridge is completed.

1978 - a Bypass was completed on the A75 road reducing traffic through the Town.

The east side of the River Cree is known as Minnigaff. A settlement is believed to have been in the Minnigaff area in the 1200s, where a Ford is close to the present day Bridge.

Today - Newton Stewart serves the farming community with a large Cattle Market on the south side. The Market is normally for Sheep on Wednesday and Cattle on Friday.

The Area is popular for its outdoor attractions such Mountains, Biking / Walking centre's, and the 18 mile long A712 Queens Way road between Newton Stewart and New Galloway with a Viewing Platform over a Glen, Hill Monument, Waterfalls, Deer Park, Goat Park, Dam, Robert the Bruce Battle Site, and scenic Otter Pool. Queens Way Photos.