Galloway (Scottish Gaelic: Gall-Ghaidhealaibh, or Gallobha, Lowland Scots Gallowa, meaning "Land of the Foreign Gaels") is an area in southwestern Scotland. It usually refers to the former counties of Wigtownshire (or historically West Galloway) and Kirkcudbrightshire (or historically East Galloway). It is part of the Dumfries and Galloway council area of Scotland.
Galloway is contained by sea to the west and south, the Galloway Hills to the north, and the River Nith to the east; the border between Kirkcudbrightshire and Wigtownshire is marked by the River Cree.
The definition has, however, fluctuated greatly in size over history. The name is also given to a hardy breed of black, hornless beef cattle native to the region (and also to the more distinctive 'Belted Galloway' or 'Beltie'). Galloway has always been slightly isolated due to having 150 miles (240 km) of rugged coastline and a vast range of largely uninhabited hills to the north.
Read more about Galloway: Geography and Landform, Name, Early Galloway, Middle Ages, Modern History, Galloway in Literature