Dumfries & Galloway tourism business all set for 2023

Dumfries & Galloway tourism business all set for 2023 after SOSE support

A family run agri-tourism business in Dumfries and Galloway has improved its offering with the aim of bringing more people to the region in 2023. 

South of Scotland Enterprise has provided £99,000 of financial support to Wigwam Holidays Wigtown as part of a £330,000 project expanding their accommodation provision of wigwams, lodges and cabins.

What has been the result of SOSE's support?

The project saw four new cabins manufactured by Dalbeattie-based Iron and Pine installed on the site, allowing the Galloway family who own the business to provide additional space in visitors and create employment for an additional 16 people.

Increasing the occupancy numbers has resulted in the company looking at expanding the activities they are able to offer on-site which may include farm tours, pizza nights and the potential for star gazing experiences in the extended season.  

Wigwam Holidays Wigtown

  • Wigwam Holidays Wigtown boasts a total of seven luxury wooden en-suite wigwam cabins and four larger open plan converted shipping container cabins in the outskirts of Wigtown.
  • Based near the countryside town, the site itself is situated on a small beef and sheep farm surrounded by the Galloway hills. 

Kirstie Scrimgeour, part of SOSE’s Business Development team who has worked closely with Wigwam Holidays Wigtown

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Galloway family and see their business grow, with so much more to come from this project in terms of renewables and place-based activities. 

“This project not only benefitted Wigwam Holidays Wigtown but directly enabled those within their supply chain in the local area to grow too.”

Lorraine Galloway of Wigwam Holidays Wigtown

“Kirstie Scrimgeour has been instrumental in helping us grow our business.

“Her advice and guidance throughout the expansion process has been invaluable.”

Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of SOSE

“There is much to look forward to for the South of Scotland’s tourism industry in 2023, despite the continued challenges businesses are facing.

“Recognised by the iconic Lonely Planet Guide as one of its top 30 destinations, our region’s will host three events for the 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships, as well as a number of other exciting visitor-focussed cycling projects.

“SOSE is committed to working with partners to support South of Scotland Destination Alliance and the tourism industry to capitalise on these opportunities.

“This includes accommodation providers such as Wigwam Holidays Wigtown, who I am delighted we have assisted with their expansion plans, which in turn will create employment and wider economic benefits for local community.”