Palmerston Park, Home of Queen of the South FC

Official Review by Gary Foxall, Stadium Journey Special Correspondent

Queen of the South are a Scottish third tier club whose home stadium is Palmerston Park. The club has played here since the stadium was built in 1919. The stadium has a capacity of 6,412 of which 3,509 are seats. The ground’s record attendance is 26,552 for an F.A Cup game against Hearts set in 1952.

The Portland Drive Terrace behind the goal to the left of the Main Stand is the largest terrace still in use in Scottish football and the terrace roof is also notable for its clock face. The Galloway News Stand opposite the Main Stand is the most modern part of the stadium and is all seated. The Main Stand houses the club’s offices and other facilities. The Terregles Street Terrace to the right of the Main Stand is currently out of use and in need of repair.

The club’s name arises from local poet David Dunbar who in one of his addresses referred to the town of Dumfries as Queen of the South.

Food & Beverage    2

Choice of food on offer within the stadium is limited to pies, chips and snacks. They also have the Scottish pie known as a Bridie, and although most people either love or hate them they have to be sampled. Hot and cold drinks are also available. Food kiosks are situated in each of the stands and terraced areas.

Atmosphere    4

Although Palmerston Park is hardly ever full, I always look forward to visiting the venue. It is an old fashioned football ground that has one of those special atmospheres that is difficult to find. Standing on the large terrace takes your mind back to what attending a football match used to be like thirty years ago. If you want to visit a proper Scottish football ground, then this is the place.

Neighborhood    3

Dumfries and Galloway are known as the gateway to Scotland and a visit to these areas is highly recommended if you are not a sun seeker. Located twenty-five miles east of Carlisle by the English border, there are plenty of local attractions. Dumfries itself is a small market town on the bank of the River Nith with its most notable attractions being the Burns Statue and Greyfriars Church.

The Wetherspoons Public House outlet, Robert the Bruce in the town centre is recommended for pre match food and drink. The town centre also has a Costa Coffee outlet as well as a number of other small tea shops. Gretna Green Shopping outlet is also about twenty miles away and the village Gretna is itself a world- wide tourist attraction famous as a runaway wedding destination.

Fans    3

Queen of the South supporters are some of the most friendly in Scotland and will go out of their way to give you a friendly welcome. Gates average around 2,000 and the club reached the final of the Scottish F.A. Cup in 2008 which enabled them to qualify for European competition. Local rivals are Stranraer, Annan Athletic and Ayr United.

Access    3

The stadium is located just outside the town centre, about a fifteen minute walk from the Railway Station. Car parking is available at the ground or in adjoining side streets. Dumfries can be accessed by exiting the M6 motorway at Carlisle and then taking the A75. The nearest airport will be Glasgow around one and a half hours away.

Return on Investment    3

Admission prices are £15 for adults with concessions priced at £6. There is a small club shop outside the main entrance and match day programmes are produced priced at £2.50.

Extras    2

There is a small club shop within the main grand stand selling replica shirts and other club souvenirs. A match day programme is produced for all games priced at £2.50.