In the 18th century, the parish was birthplace to a number of historical figures including John Paul Jones, the father of the United States Navy, novelist and poet Helen Craik and navigational expert and colonial governor of Newfoundland, now part of Canada, John Campbell - read more.
The parish was also the departure point for thousands of Scots seeking a better life in the American and Australian colonies during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Convicts were also transported to Australia from here, making the area a rich source of genealogical history with many hundreds of thousands of people worldwide having a connection to this beautiful part of Scotland.
Today, many people from all over the world now arrive in the area each year to enjoy peace and tranquility, the beautiful coastline and surrounding countryside and wildlife. The local beaches and the bird-rich merse, where millions of seabirds live or over-winter, are part of the rich natural heritage to be found here.
Visitors to the National Nature Reserve on the far side of the Nith come by the coachload to watch birds on the Carsethorn foreshore, before continuing to the nature reserves at nearby Southwick and Mersehead.
We hope you enjoy your online visit to Kirkbean and trust that it may inspire you to visit this area in person. You will find information about the history of the parish, things to see and do whilst here and visitor information such as places to stay.
This website is also designed to provide a resource for local residents with various local organisations represented here including: Kirkbean Community Council, The Kirkbean Parish Heritage Society, Kirkbean Village Hall and Kirkbean Primary School.
