Welcome to the southern uplands of scotland

We are hosting the conference at the Hetland Hall Hotel situated in Carrutherstown in the Southern Uplands of Scotland. Views over the Solway Coast and even the Lake District fells in the Cumbria's mountains can be seen on a clear day. 


Dumfries is an ancient town with a long and turbulent history. Today it is by far the biggest town in south-west Scotland; the administrative centre for Dumfries and Galloway; and the focus of a large rural hinterland.


Dumfries was founded as a Royal Burgh in 1186 on the east side of the lowest crossing point of the River Nith. The land beyond the Nith, known as Galloway, only securely became part of Scotland during Alexander II's reign in 1234. As a result Dumfries was very much a frontier town during its early years as a Royal Burgh. Partly as a result of this it grew rapidly both as a market town and as a port. You can read more about the area here

  • Hotels

    The conference is taking place at Hetland Hall Hotel, Dumfries DG1 4JX


    The hotel is well sign posted on the A75 and just a minute's drive from the junction. 


    Nearby Hotels for overnight accommodation include:


    Travelodge Dumfries

    3-star hotel

    A75, Dumfries DG1 3SE

    travelodge.co.uk

    (11 mins drive to Conference Venue)


    Premier Inn Dumfries

    Annan Road, Collin

    Dumfries DG1 3JX

    premierinn.com

    (10 mins drive to Conference Venue)

  • airports

    There are three airports that you can fly to, these are listed below in order of proximity to Dumfries: 


    Glasgow Airport

    Car rental: the nearest airport to Dumfries is Glasgow. The car journey south is simple, incorporating motorways and A roads, and will take approx 1hr 30min / 85 miles. 

    Public transport: you will need to take the bus from the airport terminal to Glasgow Central train station. From here it is a simple train journey to Dumfries train station. 


    Edinburgh Airport

    Car rental: Edinburgh is a ittle further away, mostly A roads and will take approx 1hr 45min / 100 miles.

    Public transport: you will need to take the tram to Edinburgh and from there take the train to Carlisle, and from Carlisle to Dumfries train station. 


    Manchester Airport

    Car rental: Manchester is the furthest away but has good connections. Using motorways it will take approx 2hr 50min / 164 miles.

    Public transport: Take the train from Manchester Airport terminal to Carlisle, and from Carlisle to Dumfries train station. 


    A short taxi journey from Dumfries train station to Hetland Hall Hotel should take approx 15 mins / 8.4 miles.



  • Want to make a holiday out of it?

    Dumfries & Galloway is surrounded with beautiful and historic places to visit. Depending on time available, willingness to rent a car and the style of adventure you may have in mind, there is a lot on your doorstep in Dumfries and Galloway. 


    Beautiful coastlines and castles, towns and villages, stately homes, gardens and ancient abbeys are all in an afternoon's drive, not to mention a good walk followed by tea and scones.


    If time allows, you can also use the area as a central hub from which to visit other areas, the Lake District to the south, the West coast of Scotland and the Highlands to the North, and the Berwickshire coast to the east, history and nature await you. Just one word of advice: always be ready for four seasons in a day in Scotland. 

    For more information and ideas please click here: Visit Scotland.