Local Info

Food & Drink (Restaurants and Takeaway outlets in Annan and Local area)

Our Place Annan

Restaurant, 49 – 55 High St, Annan
Tel: 01461 380390
https://www.ourplaceannan.co.uk/
“Good value for money, perfectly cooked and pleasantly presented & served.”

La Fortuna Restaurant and Pizzeria

Italian, 95A High St, Annan
Tel: 01461 201999
https://www.facebook.com/lafortunascotland
“Great food served fresh and fast.”

The Cafe Royal

Fish & chips, & Café, 95 High St, Annan
Tel: 01461 202865
http://www.thecaferoyal.co.uk/
“Massive portions, tasty well cooked food & excellent chips.” (Home Delivery)

Lucky Date

Chinese Restaurant & Takeaway, 14 Church St, Annan
Tel: 01461 205403
https://lucky-date.menu-world.com
“The food is amazing, the take out trays and packed full, so much flavour.”

Solway Cafe

Takeaway & Café Restaurant, 133 High St, Annan
Tel: 01461 202271
https://www.facebook.com/p/Solway-Cafe-100057407509857
“Great service WITH exceptionally good fish/chips I’ll travel miles for it.”

Powfoot Golf Hotel & Del Amitri Restaurant

2 Links Ave, Powfoot, Annan DG12 5PN,
Tel: 01461 700300
http://www.thepowfoothotel.com
The Del Amitri Restaurant has won recognition from many leading food critics in Scotland.

The Kinmount Hotel and Restaurant

Carrutherstown, Nr Annan, DG1 4LD
https://www.hrs.com/en/hotel/1069638
Tel: 01387 840268
Country pub home cooking

The Anglers

Lounge, Sports Bar, Beer Garden, Bar Meals, 61 High St, Annan
https://www.facebook.com/AnnanAnglers/
Tel: 01461 206588
Pub grub cooked to order, in spacious clean surroundings.

Annandale Distillery

Whisky distillery with a rich history, Northfield, Annan DG12 5LL

Home


Tel: 01461 207817
Step back in time at Annandale Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. Maltings Café for Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, a very nice selection of food and drinks

Quarter Cake Café

Outdoor seating, Takeaway, Dine-in, Butts St, Annan
https://www.facebook.com/p/Quarter-Cake-Cafe-Bar-Restaurant100061017184385/
Tel: 01461 758781
A lovely friendly atmosphere, cheerful staff and a fine menu.

The Shed

Popular, lively sports bar, 7 Lady St, Annan
http://www.theshed.info/
Tel: 01461 203992
Large main bar features numerous TV’s showing various sports channels. Music on Thursday to Saturday, Great bar snacks & food nice place

Domino’s Pizza

Delivery/carryout chain, 108 High St, Annan
https://www.dominos.co.uk/pizza-near-me/annan/108-high-street
Tel: 01461 380500

Mystic Garden

Chinese Takeaway, 1 Murray St, Annan (Home Delivery)
https://www.zmenu.com/mystic-garden-annan-uk-online-menu/
Tel: 01461 204856
Mystic Garden specialises in Chinese takeaways, serving a wide variety of dishes.

Commonwealth Takeaway

Pizza & Kebab Takeaway, 82 High St, Annan (Home Delivery)
https://commonwealthtakeaway.com/info
Tel: 01461 202066
Offering Pizzas, Burgers, Kebabs, Wraps and Desserts

Mario’s Annan Takeaway

Multi food takeaway, 57 High St, Annan (Home Delivery)
http://mariosfishandchipsannan.com/
Tel: 01461 204020
Offering Pizzas, Burgers, Kebabs, Wraps and Desserts

Subway

Counter chain for build-your-own sandwiches,
121 High St, Annan
https://restaurants.subway.com/united-kingdom/sc/annan/121-high-street
Tel: 01461 201222
Great service, wonderful people and comfortable setting.

Corner House Hotel

The hotel hosts 18 en-suite bedrooms lounge bar & function room 40
vehicle car park, 78 High St, Annan
http://www.thecornerhousehotel.com/
Tel: 01461 202754
Café, Lounge Bar, which is open to non-residents, offer you a light lunch menu.
Our menu includes a choice of homemade soups, sandwiches, homemade scones and fresh ground coffee

Queensberry Arms Hotel

Family run hotel, restaurant and Bar, 47 High St, Annan
https://sites.google.com/view/queensberry-arms-hotel/
Tel: 01461 758288
Cooked traditional food from local produce,

Tammy’s Snack Box

Takeaway, 45 High St, Annan DG12 6AD
https://menuweb.menu/restaurants/annan/tammys-12
Tel: 01461 204140
Busy place for breakfast rolls

The Sandpiper

Restaurant, Verdant Leisure, Riddingdyke, Powfoot, DG12 5PU
https://www.verdantleisure.co.uk/the-sandpiper/
Tel: 01461 700205
Local sourced produce great place to eat with cracking views across the Solway Firth

Hetland Hall Hotel

Near Carrutherstown, A75, Carrutherstown, DG1 4JX
http://www.hetlandhallhotel.co.uk/
Tel: 01387 840201
Set in 18 acres of private parkland, the Hotel serves local produce on its Scottish menu.

Farmers Inn

Main Street, Clarencefield, Dumfries DG1 4NF
https://www.farmersinn.co.uk
Tel: 01387 870675
Home cooked food and great beer at great prices with very friendly hosts

The Coach House (Hoddam Castle)

Hoddom Castle, Hoddom, Lockerbie, DG11 1AS (built 1560’s)
https://www.hoddomcastle.co.uk/coach-house
Tel: 01576 300 251
Classic locally sourced Pub food & selection of beverages, including delicious wood fired stone baked pizzas. With entertainment in the main room or
courtyard each weekend.

Commonwealth Takeaway (Eastriggs)

The Green, Eastriggs, Annan DG12 6NH
www.commonwealthtakeaway.co.uk
Tel: 01461 701142
Pizza, Fish And Chips, Burgers, Kebabs

The New Imperial

Chinese Takeaway 18 Annan Rd, Eastriggs, Annan DG12 6QA
https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Imperial-100057086786436/
Tel: 01461 40315
Takeaway restaurant located in the quaint village of Eastriggs

The Devil’s Porridge Museum Café

Stanfield, Annan Road, Eastriggs, Annan, DG12 6TF
https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk
Tel: 01461 700021
Products from our local butcher, and greengrocer with seasonal veg, homemade scones, cakes and biscuits.

McDhaba

Indian Restaurant & Takeaway, 31 Annan Rd, Gretna DG16 5DH
https://mcdhaba.co.uk
Tel: 01461 335565
Discover the rich flavours of Indian Restaurant & Takeaway in Gretna. We are an
Indian Restaurant & Takeaway dedicated to providing authentic Indian food.

Nandos

Traditional Fish & Chips, 109 Central Ave, Gretna DG16 5AQ
https://www.facebook.com/FoodReviewClub/videos/nandos-review-gretnagreen/959057081556345/
Tel: 01461 338269
Lovely fish and chip shop & Confectionaries, highly recommend

Mystic Palace

Chinese Takeaway, 99 Central Ave, Gretna DG16 5AQ
https://www.zmenu.com/mystic-palace-gretna-online-menu/
Tel: 01461 337001
Quick friendly service, good value for money

The Baguette Bar

Sandwich shop, 137 Central Ave, Gretna DG16 5AQ
https://www.facebook.com/BaguetteBarGretna/
Tel: 01461 758370
Fast service fresh produce good prices

Local Grocery shops, Bakers & Convenience Stores Annan

Tesco Superstore

Scott’s St, Annan DG12 6JH
Tel: 0345 671 9613
For an extensive selection of groceries and household essentials

Aldi

Butts St, Annan DG12 5AL
Tel: 0800 042 0800
https://stores.aldi.co.uk/scotland/annan/butts-street
where you can grab a bite or do the big shop without breaking the bank

Farmfoods Ltd

122-126 High St, Annan DG12 6DP
Tel: 0121 700 7160
https://www.farmfoods.co.uk/store-finder.php?branch_code=294
Chain supermarket specialising in frozen food products, often offered at discounted prices.

Morrisons Daily

72 High St, Annan DG12 6DL
Tel: 01461 204082
https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/61001/morrisons-daily-annan-highstreet

Farm Direct

Farm shop, 64 High St, Annan DG12 6DL
Tel: 01461 758086
https://www.facebook.com/farmdirectannan/?locale=en_GB
Fruit and veg, Wide selection of pies and cakes, Buffets catered for any occasion, Salad rolls, toasties, baked potatoes, Homemade meals and
cheesecakes

Isherwood Company Grocers

Delicatessen, 41 Butts St, Annan DG12 5BD
Tel: 01461 202144
https://restaurantguru.com/Isherwood-and-Co-Annan
Known for its warm atmosphere and friendly service, it offers a delightful menu featuring locally sourced ingredients

Premier – Newington Convenience Store

Convenience Store, 69A Springbells Rd, Annan DG12 6LQ
Tel: 01461 204818
https://www.premier-stores.co.uk/our-stores/
Convenience store chain offering baked, fresh & packaged goods, plus alcohol sales, & Post Office

SPAR Annan

Convenience Store, 53 Butts St, Annan DG12 5BD
Tel: 01461 204578
https://www.spar.co.uk/store-locator/lan10672-spar-annan
Award winning food & drink and convenient services

Annan Convenience Store

Convenience Store, 84 High St, Annan DG12 6DW
Tel: 01461 758081
https://www.facebook.com/Annannews/?locale=en_GB
Convenience store / old school paper shop and more. Great value and good variety of stock. The staff are always happy to see you.

Johal Stores

Convenience Store, 53 Thorburn Cres, Annan DG12 5EF
Tel: 01461 202151
Convenience store paper shop and more

T.A. Francis & Son

Bakery, 39 High St, Annan DG12 6AD
Tel: 01461 202793
https://francisthebakers.com/
T.A.Francis & Son is a family run bakery business operating out of Annan south west scotland. We have been proudly producing fresh baked goods
since 1913.

Greggs

Bakery, 103 High St, Annan DG12 6ED
Tel: 01461 380132
https://www.greggs.co.uk/?utm_source=Yext&utm_medium=GMB
From Sausage Rolls to salads and speciality coffees.

Marchbank Bakers

Bakery, 63 High St, Annan DG12 6AD
Tel: 01461 315048
https://www.facebook.com/Marchbankbakers/
Fresh Bakeries, Hot and Cold food on the go!

Dunnabie Farm Shop

Butchers, 66 High St, Annan DG12 6DL
Tel: 07837404562
https://dunnabiefarmshop.co.uk/
Dunnabie Farm Shop and Butchery, serving local quality Beef, Lamb, Pork and Chicken, Award Winning Pies and Sausages, Cheese and Cooked Meats

R Johnstone & Sons

Butchers, 101 High St, Annan DG12 6ED
Tel: 01461 202436
https://www.facebook.com/r.johnstone.butchers/?locale=en_GB
Local Butchers situated on Annan High Street. We pride ourselves on high quality, locally bought produce.

D & G Seafoods ltd

Fishmonger, The Quay, Port St, Annan DG12 6BT
Tel: 01461 335653
http://www.dgseafoods.co.uk/
Locally caught fresh king scallops, langoustines, live crab, crab claws, lobsters and a range of fish that can be delivered to your door

Essential Public services Annan (Doctors, Dental, and Hospital’s)

Greencroft Medical Centre North

Greencroft Wynd, Annan DG12 6GS
https://www.greencroftsouth.co.uk/
Tel: 01461 202244
Established at this location in 1991.
We provide comprehensive NHS primary care services to help you manage your health and well-being.

Greencroft Medical Centre South

Greencroft Wynd, Annan DG12 6GN
http://www.northsurgery.co.uk/
Tel: 01461 202745
Annan North Surgery has been serving the Annandale community We are an NHS general medical practice who offers a full range of services
to around 7500 patients in Annan and the surrounding area.

Annan Hospital

Stapleton Rd, Annan DG12 6NQ
Tel: 01461 203425
Annan Hospital is a health facility in Stapleton Road, Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It is managed by NHS Dumfries and Galloway.

Murray Street Dental Care (Mccallum J.C & Gunning)

4 Murray St, Annan DG12 6EG
Tel: 01461 202508
McCallum J C (Establishment and dentist)

Annan Dental

3 Bank St, Annan, DG12 6AA
Tel: 01461 202784
We offer a full range of NHS dental care for you and your family.
Alternatively, private dental treatments are also available if you are not currently NHS patient.

Gunning Dental

104 High St, Annan DG12 6DW
Tel: 01461 202508
We are a family run practice who are passionate about providing the highest standard of modern dental care for you and your family.
We provide a wide range of general and aesthetic dental services, including Dental Implants and Clear Aligners and Clear correct.

Bank Street Dental Practice

3 Bank St, Annan DG12 6AA
Tel: 01461 202784

Annan Dental Team


Bank Street Dental Surgery, is your trusted destination for exceptional NHS dentistry in Dumfries and Galloway. With over 30 years of
dedicated service in the heart of the town center, we are committed to delivering top-notch care that exceeds your expectations.

Health Care Supplies

Boots Pharmacy

88 High St, Annan DG12 6DW
Tel: 01461202142
https://www.boots.com/stores/5866-annan-high-street-dg12-6dw
NHS Urgent palliative care medicines service, Prescription delivery service, Prescriptions Direct, Repeat Prescription Service

Well Pharmacy

37 High St, Annan DG12 6AD
Tel: 01461 202797
https://finder.well.co.uk/store/annan-37-high-street
Your local pharmacist or a trained member of the pharmacy team will give you advice and provide medicine if needed.

Guide Pharmacy Annan

49 Rose St, Annan DG12 5AS
Tel: 01461 202804
https://www.facebook.com/GuidePharmacyAnnan?locale=en
Guide Pharmacy Annan is an independent Pharmacy offering NHS services

Important Emergency Services

Annan HM Coastguard

Annan DG12 5HX
HM Coastguard Search & Rescue Team covering Annan and its surrounding areas. In an emergency at the coast dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard

Police Scotland Annan

29-31 High St, Annan DG12 6AD
Tel: 0300 426 0101, 01461 202813
Annan Police Station is open 7 days a week, operating from 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday, and from 10:00 to 17:00 on weekends. It is
part of the Police Scotland Dumfries and Galloway division. For nonemergencies, call 101.
For urgent matters, always dial 999

Annan Fire & Rescue

Standalane, Annan, DG12 5JR
Tel: 01461 202581
For urgent matters, always dial 999
The station supports local communities with fire safety and emergency response, frequently collaborating with partners like Police Scotland
and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Scottish Ambulance Service Annan

Ambulance Station, Standalane, Annan, DG125JR
Tel: 01461 23087,
For urgent matters, always dial 999

Historic sites & Castles around Dumfries Area

Hoddam Castle (Nr Annan)

The lands of Hoddam belonged to the Herries family, allies of the Bruce family who were Lords of Annandale
from 1124. At the core of the castle is an L-plan tower house

Repentance Tower (Nr Annan)

A very rare example of a mid-16th century watch tower standing on
Trailtrow Hill, six miles north-west of Annan, Dumfries and Galloway. Built in 1565 by John Maxwell.

Lochmaben Castle

A ruined castle in the town of Lochmaben, the feudal Lordship of Annandale, and the united county of Dumfries and Galloway. It was built by Edward I in the 14th century
replacing an earlier motte and bailey castle.

Spedlins Castle (Lockerbie)

The Great Hall, with its roaring fire, provides an amazing entertaining space. The grounds extend to 4 acres and include beautiful gardens and a lake.

Caerlaverock Castle (Dumfries)

Caerlaverock Castle is a moated triangular castle first built in the 13th century. It is located on the southern
coast of Scotland, eleven kilometres south of Dumfries

Bonshaw Tower (Annan)

Bonshaw Tower is an oblong tower house, probably dating from the mid-16th century, one mile south of Kirtlebridge, Nr Annan
above the Kirtle Water. It is adjacent to a 19th-century mansion

Threave Castle (Castle Douglas)

Remains of a tall island fortress built in 1369, on a river, with a bell to summon the ferryman, situated on an island in the River Dee, 2.5 kilometres west of
Castle Douglas

Southerness Lighthouse

Located at the village of Southerness It is at present the second oldestlighthouse in Scotland, commissioned in 1748 to assist in the safe passage through the Solway Firth

Waterloo Monument (New Abbey)

Follow the path to the foot of the steps up to Waterloo Monument. Your reward for a strenuous climb to the top is an excellent view over the Nith Estuary and across the Solway to the Lake District.

Morton Castle

Morton Castle ruined of 1200s castle is located by an artificial loch in the hills above Nithsdale, in Dumfries and Galloway, south-west Scotland. It lies 2.5 miles north-east of Thornhill

Drumlanrig Castle (Thornhill)

Castle is situated on the Queensberry Estate in Thornhill. The category A listed castle is the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch

Cardoness Castle

Cardoness Castle is a well-preserved 15thcentury tower house just south west of Gatehouse of Fleet, in the historical county of Kirkcudbrightshire

Nature & Outdoors Near the villa, DG12 5QY

Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve & WWT Caerlaverock
(25–30 minutes from villa)
One of Scotland’s best wetlands and a must-visit for nature lovers. Walks through mudflats, saltmarsh, wildflower meadows, and woodland. Winter spectacle: tens of thousands of geese. Summer: dragonflies, butterflies, orchids, and coastal wildlife. The WWT centre has hides, guides, and lagoon viewing.

Hoddom & Repentance Tower Walks

Quiet countryside with forest trails, river paths, and hilltop views. The area around Hoddom Bridge and the Annan Water is excellent for easy woodland or riverside strolls. Repentance Tower offers panoramic countryside views (even though the tower itself isn’t open).

Annandale Way

A long-distance walking route that passes close to Annan. You don’t have to do the whole route — great sections include: Annan to Brydekirk: peaceful riverside walk. Hoddom Bridge stretch: scenic, gentle, good for wildlife spotting.

RSPB Mersehead

(35–40 minutes away)
A stunning nature reserve on the Solway coast. Wetlands, dunes, woodland, and farmland packed with wildlife. Natterjack toads, barnacle geese, butterflies, otters, and badgers. Very peaceful and great for photography.

World famous Lake district ( approx 54 miles and 1 hour drive

worth a day trip. Don’t miss, the house of William Wordsworth and the daffodils

Historic city of Edinburgh, capital of Scotland

For the shopping buffs, approx. 1 hour by train from nearby Lockerbie train Station

RSPB Mersehead

Ferry port cairnryan to Dublin and belfast

Powfoot & Solway Coast

Wide, peaceful shoreline with incredible views over the Solway Firth. Great for sunsets, birdwatching, and long, quiet coastal walks. Just step out out of the house and turn right and you will be walking by the water to see spectacular sight of river annan joining the sea back water. Only minutes from Annan Often you’ll see oystercatchers, geese, and waders.

Annan (The History Town)

Annan is an ancient Royal Burgh in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, known as the “Queen of the Border”. Its history spans from Roman military camps to its role as the ancestral home of the Bruce family.

Early Origins and Medieval History

Roman Presence: The area was a strategic site for the Roman army; the Waterfoot Roman camp at the river’s mouth was likely a base for General Agricola’s land and sea invasions in AD 83.
The Bruce Family: Annan was the original home of the de Brus family, descendants of whom included Robert the Bruce. They built Annan Castle, a motte-and-bailey fortress on the banks of the River Annan.
Royal Burgh Status: Originally created as a burgh of barony in the 12th century, Annan was officially recognized as a Royal Burgh by King James V in 1538.

Conflict and the Border Reivers

Border Wars: Due to its location near the English border, Annan was frequently targeted during centuries of crossborder conflict. It was burned by the English in 1516, which resulted in the loss of its original charter.
Defensive Structures: To protect against reivers, watchtowers like Repentance Tower were built in the 16th century, and its medieval layout of narrow “wynds” (alleys) can still be seen today.

Industrial Growth (18th – 19th Century)

Shipbuilding and Trade: In the 19th century, Annan became a major port for shipbuilding, graduating from small coastal vessels to large tea clippers. It was a primary point of departure for emigrants sailing to North America.
Sandstone Export: The town is built of local red sandstone, which was also exported globally and notably used in the construction of buildings in New York.

Famous Residents:

Robert Burns: Worked as an exciseman patrolling the coast for smugglers and wrote poetry in the town.
Thomas Carlyle: The famous writer was educated and later taught at the original Annan Academy.
Edward Irving: A radical preacher and friend of Carlyle whose statue stands in front of the Old Parish Church.

Modern Era and Heritage

Chapelcross Power Station: In the mid-20th century, the town’s economy was bolstered by the nearby Chapelcross nuclear power station.
Riding of the Marches: Every July, Annan maintains the tradition of the Riding of the Marches, where a cavalcade of riders confirms the boundaries of the Royal Burgh.
Annan Museum: Located on Bank Street, the Annan Museum houses exhibits covering the area’s history from the Bronze Age to the nuclear era.

THE PEOPLE OF THE ANNAN RIVER VALLEY AND THE ARRIVAL OF THE ROMANS.

What’s in a name? Annan is from the celtic ANAU meaning rich, and is probably describing the River Annan as rich in fish. The population of this island had no alphabet or writing, but the Romans recorded all the native names of natural features in Latin script. Our river was written as ANAVA and we are the ANAVIONENSES, the people of the River Annan valley. (pronounce Roman V as W). Large numbers of Iron Age farmsteads occupied the valley and the Solway shore. (There was no Annan town until the Middle Ages.) In AD 83 the Roman invasion reached this area when the Roman army under General Agricola crossed the Anava and headed for the coast at Stranraer and Ayr. The very large 3.8ha Waterfoot Roman camp next to Cochrans factory at the mouth of the Annan is probably a base camp for this famous combined land and sea invasion, with the river mouth at the top of the photograph crammed with Roman military and supply vessels. The camp ditches show up in aerial photographs, outlining the familiar playing-card shape of a Roman camp. Excavation has shown that any internal features of the camp have been destroyed by ploughing.

Some 20 years later we became part of the expanding Roman province of Britannia when Emperor Trajan ordered a census of all the people living in the numerous Iron Age farmsteads along the Annan River valley and on the adjacent shores of the Solway. All new areas acquired by the Roman Empire were subject to a census; the New Testament records the census of the population of Palestine. (2022 is Scotland’s Census Year). This fragment of inscribed stone from Italy is the only surviving record of a census o f a British Iron Age tribe. It lists the career of Titus
Haterius Nepos, a senior army officer in Britain; the second and third lines on the stone describe him as PRAEFectus EQUITum, commanding officer of a cavalry regiment, and CENSITOr BRITTONUM ANAVIONensium, census officer of the Britons of the River Annan.

Haterius Nepos’ census officers would record the details of every person, their land, buildings and barns, crops and livestock. Soil Tribute was a Roman tax on land and produce, Per Capita tribute was a tax on people, buildings and livestock. The enormous numbers of Roman troops in our area depended on our local farmers for nearly all their food supplies: wheat and barley, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, fish and barley beer etc.. Roman uniforms, footwear, harness and saddles, tents etc. required vast amounts of leather. Because all areas of the Empire were expected to provide recruits for the defence of the Empire, suitably fit young men from our valley were trained as Roman soldiers, probably at Vindolanda. We know this because of the chance survival of the left hand edge of a wooden postcard-size writing tablet from Vindolanda with the words A MILItibus ANAVIONensium ‘from the soldiers of the Anavionenses’.

These Annandale recruits and other troops from Britain were sent to defend the Rhine frontier in Germany: no chance of them joining the Britons’ rebellion against Roman rule when Emperor Trajan’s death was announced and Hadrian became emperor ! Large numbers of Roman soldiers were killed at that time.

Hadrian arrived in Britain in AD122 and drew the line of his new frontier along the south shore of the Solway. Unfortunately this meant that the Anavionenses were now outside the boundary of the Roman Empire. To protect and control this area Hadrian built a new, larger fort at Birrens near Middlebie. We would be regularly visited by the cavalry patrols from the multi-national 1,000 strong
garrison. Birrens developed as a very important fort controlling the Roman road up Annandale to the Clyde and so to the second frontier – the Antonine Wall, constructed from the Clyde to the Forth by Hadrian’s successor, Antoninus Pius. The large number of finds from the fort, now in Dumfries Museum and the National Museum in Edinburgh, form the finest group of inscribed and sculptured stones from any Roman site north of Hadrian’s Wall.
On top of Annan Hill is our second, smaller Roman temporary camp (1.4ha). With its eagle’s eyrie view across the Solway of Hadrian’s Wall this camp may have been used frequently by small Roman patrols. It is now buried under modern houses.

Plan of Birrens Roman Fort on the side of the road to Middlebie. The multiple ditches defending its north side are clearly visible today. H and C mark the Hospital and the Commanding Officer’s house. Dr John Reid’s aerial photo reveals details of the large annexe protected by multiple ditches on the west side of the fort, with the main Roman road to the north, the ancestor of the M74, and running at an angle through the annexe.

There was no Annan town until the Middle Ages, but 200 years ago a spectacular find of a Roman metal arm-purse was recorded “in Annan Street” (now exhibited in Tullie House Museum,
Carlisle). Only some 40 of these high security purses have been found in the Roman Empire. It is missing its lid, which was pressed down tightly when the purse was worn on the arm. The drawing is of a similar purse from Hadrian’s Wall which is complete with its lid.

(left) Annan Museum’s previous display of the shrine of the standards in the Birrens fort, with the replica of the altar dedicated to the Emperor’s DISCIPLINA (‘training’) by our local garrison, the 1,000 strong Second Regiment of Tungrians, part cavalry. (centre)
Annan Museum’s replica of the sandstone relief from Birrens of Brigantia, patron goddess of the Brigantes, the largest coalition of tribes in Britain. The Anavionenses were probably members of this coalition. (right) This finely carved altar dedicated by the Second Tungrians to Minerva, goddess of mental and physical skills, is now in Dumfries Museum.

The soldiers of the Second Tungrians, our Roman garrison, are the first named individuals from this area, recorded on the inscriptions from Birrens. On the left is Commanding officer Publius Campanius Italicus, born in the Bay of Naples in sight of the volcano Vesuvius, and his freedman (former slave) secretary Celer. The inscription on this sandstone statue base states that Celer has dedicated a statue to the goddess Fortune asking her to keep his boss safe. Only a
foot from this statue has survived. On the right is the centre panel from the only surviving gravestone from Birrens. It commemorates Afutianus son of Bassus, a non-Roman who joined the Tungrians at Einig in Bavaria when the regiment were based there. Although he was not a Roman citizen, he worked his way up to the high rank of centurion, and married Flavia Baetica the daughter of a Roman citizen from Spain. She paid for his tombstone. So a non-Roman
from central Europe joins the Roman army, wins promotion to centurion, marries a Spanish girl, and dies serving on Rome’s North-West Frontier. Go and visit Dumfries Museum to see this and the other finds from Birrens.