Burns’ well gets £35k revamp

The well was known for its supposed healing qualities in the 1700s, and it was where Burns drank from in 1796 shortly before his death from rheumatic fever.
Speaking after a project to transform the site funded in part by Solway Heritage, its chairman Colin Mitchell said: “The Brow Well is an important site locally and nationally.
“It sits on the Solway Coast Heritage Trail and features on the Burns Heritage Trail.
“Solway Heritage is delighted to have been able to fund this improvement project which clearly embraces the built, cultural and natural heritage within one location.”
Solway Firth Partnership recognised the need for a facelift at Brow Well, and last year set up a steering group.
And in time for Wednesday’s annual service marking the anniversary of Burns’ death, the Brow Well has been transformed – with a new Well surround using natural materials and featuring carved Burns poetry, a fully accessible path to the site and an interpretation panel to highlight the importance of the Well to the local Burns experience.
The project was funded by Solway Heritage, The Landfill Communities Fund through Solway Heritage and Dumfries and Galloway Council along with contributions from many Burns clubs and volunteers.
As part of the improvement works, the core path from the Brow Well to Ruthwell has also been upgraded for walkers by Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Solway Firth Partnership manager Clair McFarlan said: “We are really grateful to all the funders and everyone else who has contributed to the improvements at the Brow Well.
“And we hope that local residents and visitors alike will enjoy this special historic site for many years to come. Just don’t drink the water.”
Members of the public are welcome to attend the commemorative service at the Brow Well next Wednesday, to be followed by a social including buffet supper and entertainment that evening at The Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries.
The service is free of charge, with tickets for the social available at £10 each available from SSCBA secretary John Caskie on 01387710975, 07711573071 or [email protected]