Known as the “Queen of the South,” Dumfries is more than just a picturesque market town. As the largest town in Dumfries and Galloway, it anchors a region that combines natural beauty with new business opportunities.

In 2025, Dumfries is gaining momentum thanks to investment in tourism, clean energy projects, healthcare, and town centre regeneration — making it a location worth considering for commercial property investment.

Tourism and Hospitality Drive Local Growth

Tourism continues to be the lifeblood of the region:

-Dumfries benefits from its proximity to Galloway Forest Park (Scotland’s first Dark Sky Park), Caerlaverock Castle, and the Solway Firth coast.

-Visitors spend is rising in line with the staycation trend, with strong demand for hospitality venues, hotels, cafés, and visitor attractions.

-The town itself is steeped in history as the home of Robert Burns, and the wider region is connected to the television series ‘Outlander’.

Commercial property opportunities in Dumfries town centre are concentrated in retail, food and beverage, and leisure, with scope for new operators to serve a growing visitor market.

 

Green Energy and Low-Carbon Potential

Dumfries and Galloway has positioned itself as a hub for renewable energy and is considered one of the top ten local authorities in the UK with the largest renewable energy capacity.

The region is dominant in wind energy with many onshore wind farms, biomass energy projects, and growing interest in hydrogen initiatives.

The South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) agency continues to support local businesses in transitioning to low-carbon operations, attracting interest in industrial land and logistics facilities to service the energy sector.

This makes Dumfries particularly appealing for investors looking to align with green industries and sustainable infrastructure.

 

Healthcare and Education Anchor Employers

Since its relocation to Garroch Loaning in 2017, the Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary has become one of the region’s largest employers, supporting a wide network of healthcare suppliers, training providers, and research initiatives.

The nearby Crichton Campus, home to the University of the West of Scotland and The Open University in Scotland, continues to attract students and businesses focused on digital health, sustainability, and social enterprise.

Together, these institutions have strengthened Dumfries’ reputation as a knowledge and wellbeing hub, increasing demand for office space, specialist facilities, and accommodation in and around the town.

 

Town Centre Regeneration and Business Support

Dumfries is benefitting from regeneration initiatives designed to revitalise the town centre:

-The Midsteeple Quarter Project is transforming underused buildings into community-owned retail, residential, and office spaces.

-Funding from the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership continues to target high streets, creative industries, and business start-ups.

-Affordable rents compared to Scotland’s larger cities make Dumfries attractive for SMEs, co-working operators, and independent retailers.

 

Strategic Location and Connectivity

While rural, Dumfries is strategically positioned:

-Direct road links to Carlisle, the M6, and Glasgow make it a gateway between Scotland and northern England.

Proximity to Cairnryan ferry port (for Northern Ireland trade) supports logistics.

-The Glasgow South West rail line maintains regional connectivity.This accessibility adds value for businesses requiring cross-border trade and distribution.

 

With a combination of cultural tourism, renewable energy investment, healthcare expansion, and regeneration funding, Dumfries presents a diverse commercial property opportunity.

Investors can find value in:

-Town centre retail and leisure properties

-Industrial and logistics space supporting energy and trade

-Office and co-working hubs tied to healthcare, education, and enterprise

Explore available commercial properties in Dumfries on NovaLoca.

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