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Headline photo
Rockcliffe and Kippford from South Glen Brae: Ed Iglehart [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Introductory text

Kippford and Rockcliffe are on the East Stewartry Coast, an unspoilt National Scenic Area with two other NSAs in close proximity. It is in Dumfries & Galloway, South West Scotland, a region known for it's wonderful scenery, biodiversity, turbulent history, smugglers and black and white 'belted' cattle known as Galloway Belties. This stretch of coastline has many names. Known locally as the Colvend Coast or the 'Secret Coast' (due to the peace and tranquility) it is often referred to as the 'Scottish Riviera' due to it being the holiday resort of choice for Victorian millionaires and having a Gulf Stream influenced microclimate: evidenced by palm trees in some gardens. Castle Douglas, the food town is a short drive away and Kirkcudbright, the Artists Town is over the next headland.


This a scenic and unique part of the world and we started the blog to share the experience of living in this wonderful place. We hope that it will be of interest to others who live here and give those planning to visit the area a taste of all it has to offer.


The blog has a correspondent in both Kippford and Rockcliffe village, you can also follow their Twitter feeds on the right of the page. If you would like to get involved we look forward to hearing from you.

Friday 20 April 2012

All quiet on the Western front?

... but not on the Solway Coast today as our brave boys are put through their paces. 


There is a huge military exercise going on at the moment so, any of you out there will an interest in all things Army, Royal Navy and RAF, need to get on down to Dumfries & Galloway PDQ. 


I am told there are over 1600 troops (one report says around 2000) involved so it's pretty intense. Apparently  they are involved in a war simulation between the fictional countries of Pastonia and Dragonia and the British troops need to parachute in to regain peace.


"These troops will spend the next week simulating the kind of international emergency they may be required to help resolve. Operations in Afghanistan may be winding up, but our troops still have to be in a constant state of readiness. Dragonia may not be a real war, but this training could be vital in preparing our soldiers for the next world conflict wherever it occurs." (Source: ITV News)
For more info and video clips from ITV News click here
Helicopter off Sandyhills Beach earlier today  (Think it's a Merlin but don't quote me?)
Whilst preparing the lodge for guests, the other day, I looked up and saw a truck and a huge gun (OK, so I'm not an expert) dangling in the sky above. Makes a change from the usual Buzzard or Goose I suppose. Just hope those ropes are well knotted!


There looks to be some kind of command post set up at Port o' Warren, on the cliffs near Port Ling, and Chinook, Merlin and Apache helicopters have been seen swooping around the coast around Kippford, Rockcliffe and Sandyhills. Friends up Loch Ken have seen them as well, all very exciting and very Apocalypse Now. 


It's certainly added to the excitement and set the pulse racing (helicopters have that effect on me) but I will be glad when all returns to it's usual peaceful, tranquil state. (Any of you boys fancy a cup of tea and a chocolate Hob Nob just pop in and say hello!)

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