GORDON FRASER
ON THE RAILWAY - 'A GLANCE AT MODERN (1876) WIGTOWN'.
 'As
our sketch of the Burgh would be incomplete without a survey
of it in its modern aspect. we shall take a rapid glance
at its principal features, commencing at the railway station.
The mere mention of the Station brings before us the fact of
the existence of the Wigtownshire railway — quite a modem
feature of the Burgh, and a feature as important as it is striking;
for nothing that has of recent years been introduced into the
district can at all approach it in the way of developing the
resources of the country through which it runs. The advantages
to a district of railway communication with the rest of the
world are so evident that we need not waste time dwelling upon
them.
The recent completion of the line to Whithorn has realised all
the expectations of the Directors of the Company, and henceforth
the line may be considered to commence a prosperous history.
The district will be under lasting gratitude to the noble Earl
of Galloway. Chairman of the Directors, whose unceasing exertions
have mainly realised the
completed line. Railway communication in the district has been
for many years "a felt want." About 15 or 18 years
ago a strong movement was made by the County gentlemen and others
to form a line of Railway for the Machars, and but for a disagreement
among them as to the proper route, the movement would have been
successful.
The line is under the able management of Mr. I. Wheatlev. who
has hitherto discharged the duties of his office with such ability
and courtesy as to render him a general favourite.
Were it not that the gradient up Wigtown street would he too
steep. We would have said that the most proper and convenient
situation for the station would be at the foot of Bank Street'
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