In the mid-1990s, it was suggested that a ‘book town’ on the model of Hay-on-Wye would be a good way to help regenerate a community in Scotland. Six small towns with varying economic needs submitted bids. Half were from Dumfries & Galloway – Gatehouse of Fleet, Wigtown and Moffat. The others were Dalmellington, Dunblane and Strathaven. An international panel chose Wigtown.
The former county town of Wigtownshire had been at its lowest ebb. There were many empty and run-down properties, and the almost derelict County Buildings on the town square were threatened with demolition. Wigtown then had one of the highest levels of unemployment in Scotland, but the town boasted a beautiful setting and a rich history.
Wigtown was officially designated as Scotland’s National Book Town in 1998 and is now home to over 20 book-related businesses. Michael Harry McCreath, as chairman of Wigtown’s festival committee, played a key role in effecting this change.
Like his father, he is a respected farmer and business man and has developed the 600 acre farm as an organic dairy farm, with the milk sold as Scottish Organic Milk and the Aberdeen Angus beef available in Waitrose. Galloway House Estate, as it is known offers four self-catering holiday cottages on the estate.
Michael married Ella Smith, who also plays an active role in managing the estate.