Dumfries and Galloway has since 1973 been a local authority region of Scotland comprising the counties of Dumfries, Kirkcudbright, and Wigtown. Till 1996 it shared local government activities with its districts of Annandale and Eskdale, Nithsdale, Stewartry, and Wigtown, but now has sole responsibility. A low-lying, mild, fertile area, agriculture still accounts directly for about 8 per cent of its employment (over five times the Scottish average). The provision and servicing of transport is also a significant industry because proximity to Northern Ireland generates traffic through the port of Stranraer.

Charlotte M. Lythe

Dumfries and Galloway Region in sw Scotland, bounded se by England and s by the Solway Firth; the capital is Dumfries. Major towns include Castle Douglas, Lockerbie and Stranraer. An agricultural region, with forestry and livestock raising, sites include the Galloway Hills and the runic Ruthwell Cross. Area: 6396sq km (2470sq mi). Pop. (2000) 145,800.