unprofitable. Museums and Galleries Dalbeattie has a museum devoted to the history of the town and surrounding area. There is also a small art gallery, the Nail Factory which hosts temporary exhibitions, usually of work by local artists. Notable people Bishop Andrew Carruthers, (1770-1852) was a priest and horticulturist. Murray Grierson is a retired rally driver who won the Scottish Rally Championship. Alister Jack (born 7 July 1963) is a Scottish politician serving as Secretary of State for Scotland since 2019. John Keats and his friend Charles Armitage Brown stayed at an inn here on their walking tour of Scotland in 1818. John Maxwell (1905-1962) artist born in the town. Jimmy McKinnell was a professional footballer who played for Dumfries club Queen of the South F.C. and Blackburn Rovers. William McMaster Murdoch was born and raised in Dalbeattie. He served as First Officer of the and died when the ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1912. Ian Simpson a retired motorcycle racer who won the 1994 British Superbike Championship as well as 3 Isle of Man TT and 5 North West 200 races. Jim Steel had a successful career as a footballer playing in England's lower divisions with Oldham Athletic, Wigan Athletic, Wrexham A.F.C., Port Vale and Tranmere Rovers. Archbishop John Menzies Strain (1770-1852) in the town for twenty-three years before becoming the first Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh in 1878. Andrew Swann (1878- unknown) professional footballer Fr George Thompson (1928-2016) parish priest, 1993-2005 of St Peter's, teacher and former MP for Galloway. References External links Information about Dalbeattie A website about the town Community website Dumfries and Galloway Council website Early Life Towns in Dumfries and Galloway Kirkcudbrightshire