Dumfries’ place in the history of Scots migration was highlighted in a ceremony taking place more than 3,000 miles away on 6 July.
North Dumfries in the Canadian province of Ontario was founded by William Dickson, originally from Dumfries, Scotland. The Dickson’s had been a mercantile family in their native land, but following the collapse of the Ayr Bank in 1792, William Dickson emigrated to Canada to make his living.
Dickson evidently lived up to the description of him as “a man of indomitable perseverance, courage, energy, enterprise, business ability and kindness”, for by 1816 he had accumulated the £24,000 required to purchase land and establish the Township of Dumfries.
Through contacts in his place of birth he attracted significant numbers of others from this area, and further afield in the south of Scotland, to take up opportunities for settlement and employment, principally in timber industries, in Canada.
On 6 July, the citizens of North Dumfries and their Mayor Susan Foxton commemorated the establishment of their township with a formal ceremony. The Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Ronnie Nicholson, and the Provost of Dumfries and Nithsdale, Ted Thompson, sent formal greetings to the people of North Dumfries on behalf of Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Councillor Nicholson commented; “Our Council is pleased that the origins of North Dumfries and its founder William Dickson are still remembered in Canada, and we hope to maintain and strengthen communications with North Dumfries in the future.”
Our Council also enclosed some literature about the Dumfries area, prepared on behalf of our Museum Service as well as the recently re-published book “The Lowland Clearances” which includes sections on migration from Dumfries and Galloway, and to Canada.
The Mayor of North Dumfries Township, Sue Foxton commented: “History is a living entity and as we create new history, we honour our past. The celebrations for the Dumfries 200th Anniversary is an excellent example. Many people research and cherish the history; but what stands out for me is the comment about Dickson’s character, “indomitable perseverance, courage, energy, enterprise, business ability and kindness.” I still see these qualities in the community of North Dumfries. If William Dickson could see his township today, he would be amazed by the technology; but, he would feel right at home with the people. His skill in drawing people in and working together for a better community is a strong legacy that we continue to enjoy in North Dumfries.”
Ann Galbraith, a South Ayrshire Councillor, who has links with North Dumfries and the nearby village of Ayr, Toronto going back 30 years, said: “I have always been impressed by the enthusiasm the residents have for their history and there is a strong pride in their Scottish roots. It is a wonderful and welcoming community and if you ever visit Toronto it is well worth a visit – only an hour away by car.”
