South Scotland
South Scotland comprises Ayrshire, Scottish Borders, and Dumfries and Galloway council areas. Each area is distinctive, economically and environmentally, with a wealth of history, culture and traditions.
South Scotland offers many economic opportunities in industries including agriculture, aerospace, renewable energy and textiles.
The beaches and countryside running along the border to England are some of the most envied in the world.
Population
Ayrshire has a population of 375,000 in the main towns of Ayr, Ardrossan, Kilmarnock, Saltcoats and Stevenson, and the surrounding rural area.
The Scottish Borders has a population of 100,000 mainly based in Kelso, Galashiels, Hawick, Selkirk and Peebles.
Dumfries and Galloway has a population of 148,000 with the largest city being Dumfries itself, with a population of 36,000.
More on South Scotland's towns
History
The landscape of South Scotland has in some ways retained it's original splendour with acres of farmland, beaches and countryside.
You won't need to travel far to find historic buildings, castles and monuments of a past world.
Each area has it's own identity with local culture and dialect.
More on Scotland's history from Scotland.org
Economy
South Scotland is one of the most economically and environmentally diverse areas of Scotland.
Agriculture dominates, but there are other thriving industries.
Renewable energy, aerospace, food processing, plastics and rubber manufacture, and crafts workshops prosper among the hospitality and tourism industry. The textile industry continues to export world-wide.
Whatever your profession there are likely to be opportunities to live and work in South Scotland.
Travelling to and from South Scotland
Transport connections to and within the region are excellent.
By road
All three major areas are connected to the motorway network with travelling times just 60 minutes between Glasgow and Ayr, and 90 minutes from Dumfries to Edinburgh.
Bus travel is widely available in even the most remote locations and is generally cheaper than train travel.
Travelling and commuting within the main cities is predominantly done by bus.
By rail
The region is easy to explore by train with the network linking the South with the rest of Scotland and the UK.
Minor stations across the area provide excellent commuting links from rural areas to the cities.
By air
Glasgow Prestwick International airport handles over two million passengers every year with domestic and international routes across Europe including France, Spain and Germany.
By sea
West coast sea ports of Cairnryan, Stranraer and Troon operate frequent sailings directly to Northern Ireland.
More on travelling to and around Scotland