AS THE distinctly Scottish town name suggests, Lochmaben is surrounded by lochs.

The Castle Loch offers stunning views and a perfect place to walk. It's named after Lochmaben Castle, a ruined castle once inhabited by the Bruce family. While perhaps a loose claim to Robert the Bruce, that doesn’t stop the Primary School from wearing a crest with the former King of Scots, not to mention the statue in front of the town hall.

With a population of just over 2000 people, it is certainly one of these places where everyone knows everyone.

Fancy a game of golf? Lochmaben has you sorted. With picturesque views over the Kirk Loch, this well-kept course offers different challenges. Hole eight in particular allows golfers to drop several shots - be sure to use your cheapest balls on that one.

Adjacent to the golf course is the Kirk Loch Caravan Park which offers a great place to camp – if you’re willing to play weather roulette, given it is in Scotland after all.

Speaking of weather, on a sunny day expect to see A Crolla & Sons, known as “Crolla’s” to locals, queue out the door. Ice cream from there will not disappoint.  

Moving closer to the heart of Scotland opens you up to the foreign world of public transport. After moving to Stirling, which is not exactly ‘bustling’, it is easy to forget how essential it is to have a car when home.   

Growing up on a farm in such a small town has its benefits. Fortunately, life on the farm was pretty ‘normal’ during lockdown, and nothing rivals working outside on a warm summer’s day. I always enjoy coming back home for a well-earnt break from university – and I encourage you to visit if you need respite from city life.