|
The
South Rhins covers the parishes of Stoneykirk and Kirkmaiden,
which form the southern half of the Rhins of Galloway. The
parishes are on the extreme Southwest corner of Scotland with
the southernmost point being the Mull of Galloway.
The area
starts a few miles south of Stranraer, which is approached
from the north and east by two main routes which are links
to the ferry terminals at Stranraer and Cairnryan.
The
Mull of Galloway |
|
It is a coastal area with a variety of coastal features
– comprising many large sandy beaches on the east of
the peninsula, while the west is predominantly cliffs.
The
delightful coastline boasts many pretty little ports
like Port Logan and Drummore, with stunning cliff top
views from the nearby Mull, across to the Isle of Man
and the Irish coast.
Land
rises from sea level to 180 metres.
|
There
are five villages: Stoneykirk,
Sandhead and Ardwell
in Stoneykirk parish and Drummore
and Port Logan in the Kirkmaiden
parish to the south. There are also some smaller settlements
of up to 20 households. The remainder of the population lives
on farms or in a few other isolated dwellings.
Agriculture
is the major provider of employment, but changes in the last
60 years have led to a decline in numbers employed which has
also been mirrored in an overall population decline in the
two parishes.
|
Tourism
is now a significant part of the economy and is the
other main employer. The rest of the economy is mainly
made up of small businesses in the service and retail
sector with small retail outlets in most of the villages.
Fishing on a small scale is carried out on an individual
basis by a few residents but is subject to market fluctuations
and suffers from remoteness and comparatively small
scale catches.
Many
other residents of the area travel to work in and around
Stranraer but with a distance of over 20 miles to Stranraer,
people have been less likely to settle in the southern
end of the South Rhins.
The
lack of industry and manufacturing has kept the area
unspoilt and unpolluted, which adds to its attraction
for both wildlife and visitor alike. It is an area steeped
in history – the Kirkmadrine stones are among the oldest
Christian artifacts in Scotland and it has a rich environment,
which benefits from the warmth of the passing Gulf Stream.
Cabbage palms, tree fern and other fascinating plants
from the South Seas grow abundantly in the gardens of
Ardwell and Port Logan.
|
|
 |
| |
Drummore
Harbour |
| |
|
|
