Trying to make a living on a centuries-old street

Les Ross says she took over the Douglas Arms partly because of the street's "interesting history"

Friars Vennel is one of the oldest streets in Dumfries and dates back to the time of Robert the Bruce, possibly earlier.

It connects the town centre to the Whitesands area, besides the River Nith, and is home to a wide range of small businesses.

Once a bustling thoroughfare, the street is part of a conservation area, and has seen many changes over the centuries of its existence.

How do local businesses find trading conditions on such a historic street today?

Tom Francis said there had been some issues with graffiti on his property

Tom Francis, runs the bakery TA Francis and Son alongside his sister Marilla McMillan.

The business is long-established and has seen plenty of changes over the decades.

"We're a family-run bakery and we've been on the Vennel for nearly 40 years," he said.

"We do mainly takeaway stuff, so hot food, pies, cakes, filled rolls, that sort of thing.

"Business has picked up over the last couple of years.

"During Covid, we stayed open, so we picked up a lot of custom from that."

Friars Vennel runs from the town centre to the riverside Whitesands area in Dumfries

The face of Friars Vennel has changed down the years

However, he said the area did face some issues with anti-social behaviour.

"There's been a few incidents of graffiti on our property," he said.

"And I know that the Douglas Arms has some issues with people congregating at the cross, and giving abuse to the staff."

Police said they were aware of the issues and had been working with partners to address them.

Insp Anna Boyd said: "Officers continue to carry out visible patrols in Dumfries town centre and where criminality is established, those responsible will be dealt with appropriately."

The Douglas Arms has a reputation for putting "women and the LGBTQ+ community at the centre of everything"

The street is one of the oldest in Dumfries

Across the road in The Douglas Arms, known by locals as The Dougie, owner Les Ross said the history of the pub was part of what attracted her to take over.

"It's been here since the 1800s and I've been here for six and a bit years," she said.

"We're open seven days a week and put on enough to keep people entertained."

The pub has gained a reputation for putting "women and the LGBTQ+ community at the centre of everything".

"Women, young and old, can come in on their own and have a drink and not be hassled," Les explained.

"Customers know the rules, this is a safe space and anyone who disrespects this is not welcome."

She added that there was a real bond between traders on the street who "all look out for each other".

Sarah Paine said she relied on online sales to survive

One of the Vennel's newer arrivals, Paine Free Crafts, has been based there for four years.

Owner Sarah Paine said business was "beginning to pick up, because it is known more locally".

"But if it wasn't for online sales, I wouldn't have enough money coming in to pay rent, let alone make a profit," she admitted.

Despite the financial strains, she likes the having a shop on the historic street and said: "It's a lovely part of town.

"It's one of the main thoroughfares and we've got a good mix of businesses on the Vennel.

"Plus the people that come to see us are really friendly."

Niall Cowan's family's business has just turned 100 years old

Niall Cowan, owner of Cowan's jewellery, said that the business had reached its 100th anniversary earlier this year.

"I'm a third generation owner of the shop, which was opened by my grandfather in 1925," he said.

"It was purely financial at the time, as there was major development taking place.

"We've been established a long time, so we have a very, very loyal customer base."

However, he said it was frustrating to see vacant properties dotted along the length of the street.

"We don't see a lot of challenges, but the biggest challenge that I see coming for businesses here is the amount of empty shops," he said.

"They are not offered for sale, they're not offered for rent.

"They're just sitting here and the less shops we have, the less attractive the area becomes."

Nonetheless, he said the spirit of collaboration was strong on the street.

"We're trying to help each other out where possible," he said.

Which they all hope can help Friars Vennel prosper for years to come.