The South of Scotland has shaped the nation’s history and culture for centuries, the borderland where Scotland truly starts.

Exploring the rolling hills and rugged picturesque coastlines of the Scottish Border, you realise this region is defined as much by its landscape as it is by its spellbinding abbeys, fascinating heritage sites, awe-inspiring stately homes and castles and the time-honoured and truly unique Common Ridings.

Dumfries & Galloway with its rocky shores and sandy beaches, its large forests and green spaces invites visitors to take a deep breath, to explore the lands and the dark sky, natural habitats and communities at a quiet pace.

Within easy reach from the North of England, Edinburgh and Glasgow this region is for the adventure seeker, the foodie, the history fan, the stargazer and those who simply like to take a deep breath away from the crowds.

The SSDA is the industry led Destination Management and Marketing Organisation for the South of Scotland. We are dedicated to assisting tour operators with information, advice and marketing collateral to build tourism programmes in the region – giving visitors a slower-paced experience of Scotland.