Heritage trail goes live

ANNAN’S history has been brought to life in a brand new Active Heritage Trail.

Nine shiny panels, packed with descriptions, illustrations and images have been installed around the town.

They also feature QR codes, which can be scanned by a smartphone camera. The codes lead to a website where you can listen to stories, songs and even enjoy an immersive narration from Terry Dray.

Completed by Annan The History Town group, the trail has been two years in the making.

History Town development officer Gail McPhillips yesterday said: “There are nine panels across the town, from the Everholm, Motte and Bailey to the port.

“There are three routes, easy, moderate and challenging. And the narrator, Terry Dray, takes you on an immersive journey on every route.

“The QR code takes you to the Annan History Town website. Choose your route, put on your headphones and off you go.”

Terry added: “I was given a free rein to do a bit of research and add some things to it.

“What we were trying to do was create the same type of immersive thing that you get in museums. We wanted to do that in the town and make the town almost like a museum.

“It’s also given me a chance to learn about the history of Annan, and it’s amazing.

“We hope it will encourage people to go and learn more.”

The group is also running a competition involving the new trail for young ‘history hounds’ (aged 10 and under and 11-16) and their families.

Question sheets are available from the Annandale Observer office, at 96 High Street, Annan, and elsewhere.

Winners will receive cash prizes.

• n QR codes on the panels should be fully up and running in the next couple of weeks.
• Thanks are expressed to the SWestrans People and Place Fund, all of thee volunteers, Terry Dray, the Short Life Working Group and David Smart from Solway Print.