town of the week Moffat.
Famous sons?Air Chief Marshal Lord Hugh Dowding, who led Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, was born in Moffat in 1882 and lived here until he was 15. Dowding House at the end of Well Street is now owned by the RAF Association.
One phrase that will make local people think you are local, too?
Any reference to the Moffat Ram - a statue of a sheep that dominates the High Street. It was given to the town in 1875 by William Colvin, of Beattock, and is sometimes referred to as the Colvin Fountain. If you look closely you'll see the ram has no ears and local legend has it the sculptor killed himself when his error was pointed out. It is dedicated to the memory of James Hogg, a 19th-century writer - nicknamed the Ettrick Shepherd - from nearby Ettrick.
Best place for a quiet drink
The Black Bull, Moffat's oldest hotel, built in 1568. Robert Burns etched on one of its windows: "Ask why God made the gem so small, and why so huge the granite. Because God meant mankind should set that higher value on it." It was in reference to a pretty, dainty lady called Deborah Davies who he saw ride past one day with her large, unattractive friend. There's a replica of this window in the pub's Burns Room.
So, where do you go if you want to pull?
Nowhere special, but the pubs are so close together you could try them all. Check out the Annandale and The Balmoral Hotels.
Top restaurant a) if someone else is paying: b) if you're paying?
a) The three-star Moffat House Hotel, the proud owner of an AA Rosette Award, and Hopetoun's Restaurant. b) Claudio's, an Italian restaurant in a former police station, or The Star Hotel, which is officially the world's narrowest hotel, at only 20ft wide.
What's here to keep the kids amused?
Station Park has a boating pond, putting green, kids' play area and a fun, interactive water play feature called Moffatasia. There's also the Moffat Museum, or the Moffat Woollen Mill, where you can watch Barney, the resident weaver at work. Moffat Fishery offers both fly and bait fishing - ideal for beginners. Chambers Art Gallery is also worth a browse. For dramatic scenery, visit the Devil's Beeftub, outside the town, a huge hollow, where local families used to hide stolen cattle. Nearby, the Grey Mare's Tail is a spectacular 200ft waterfall, the highest in Scotland.
Shopping. Individual or faceless High Street?
Lots of little individual shops, including sportswear, lingerie, china and sweet shops selling the famous Moffat toffee.The Moffat Wine Shop specialises in fine tipples and rare whiskies.
If this town was a song, what would it be?
Stuck On You by Elvis Presley, in reference to the town's yummy toffee.
Your best pal wants a present brought back from your day here. What do you get?
Easy. Moffat Toffee from the Toffee Shop. Or how about some Uncle Roy's Mellow Moffat Mustard from Harvest-Time Delicatessen? Moffat also has its own black and red tartan.
Why would anyone want to live here?
It's a pretty, quiet town, steeped in history and surrounded by unspoilt countryside. The people are friendly and there are lots of good pubs.
FACTS
Located three miles off the M74 between Carlisle and Glasgow.
Dates back to 1218 when Robert the Bruce granted land.
Its name comes from the Clan Moffat, who have a gathering every four years.
The former spa town was named Britain's best-kept town.
Next week: Airdrie
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| Title Annotation: | Features |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Sunday Mail (Glasgow, Scotland) |
| Date: | Sep 23, 2001 |
| Words: | 589 |
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