How a visitor in the 18th century helped the local supply chain centuries later

Hear from The Globe Inn about how the visitor economy supports other sectors and the wider community in Dumfries and Galloway.

About the business

Established in 1610, The Globe Inn is one of Scotland's oldest inns, famously known as Robert Burns' favourite "howff".

Following significant restoration, The Globe Inn today offers an award-winning fine dining experience focused on exceptional Scottish produce, an outstanding collection of whiskies, and unique heritage experiences that bring the rich history and Burns connection to life for our guests.

We strive to blend centuries of history with contemporary hospitality.

The Globe Inn dining room. Credit: VisitScotland / PRImaging

What other sectors do you work with?

We're deeply committed to supporting the local and Scottish economy through our supply chain. We work extensively with businesses outside the direct tourism sector, including:

Local food and drink producers: we source meat from local butchers and farmers (JB Houston's, Millbank Farm Venison, Millhill turkeys, lamb and beef from Nether Dargavel farm), seafood from St James Smokehouse and Campbells, dairy products from creameries like PS Poultry and Roan's Dairy, vegetables from nearby farms, and beverages from Scottish craft breweries and distilleries.

Local services: we utilise local tradespeople for maintenance and upkeep (electricians, plumbers, decorators), laundry services, waste management companies, and professional services such as web and design agencies.

Creative and cultural partners: we collaborate with local historians, artists, and storytellers (like Mostly Ghostly, Blackbird Opera and DG Arts Festival) enhances our offering but also supports the vibrant cultural sector in Dumfries and Galloway.

How do you connect and collaborate with the local community?

Community is central to The Globe Inn. We support our local community in a number of ways including:

Local employment: we prioritise hiring staff from the Dumfries and Galloway area, offering training and career development opportunities.
Supporting local enterprises: beyond our suppliers, we actively recommend other local businesses and attractions to our guests. Our partnership with Mostly Ghostly is a prime example of collaborative working that benefits both businesses and enriches the local offering.
Heritage preservation: we invest significantly in the restoration and ongoing maintenance of our historic building, preserving a key piece of Dumfries's heritage for the community and future generations.
Community engagement: we participate in local events where possible and foster a welcoming environment for both visitors and local residents.

A person posing with The Globe Inn Instagram border at an event in Dumfries and Galloway. Credit: The Globe Inn

What does the visitor economy mean to you?

From our perspective, the visitor economy is absolutely vital to Scotland. It acts as a powerful engine driving economic activity far beyond direct tourism businesses.

It supports a vast network of suppliers (farmers, fishermen, producers, and service providers), creates diverse employment opportunities across the country, often in rural areas, and provides a crucial platform to showcase Scotland's world-class food, drink, culture, and heritage on an international stage.

It encourages investment in infrastructure and heritage assets, ultimately making Scotland a better place to live, work, and visit.