J M Barrie went to school in Dumfries

Born in Kirriemuir, James Matthew Barrie moved to Dumfries in 1873 at the age of 13 to attend the town's academy.

He quickly became friends with the two boys who lived at Moat Brae House, which was owned by a prominent local solicitor.

In his memoirs published in 1904 Barrie wrote of Peter Pan: "Our escapades in a certain Dumfries garden which was an enchanted land to me was certainly the genesis of this work."

Barrie spent five years studying at Dumfries Academy, where he immersed himself in student life, founding the Dumfries Dramatic Club and joining the debating society and football team.

He went on to serve as chancellor of Edinburgh University and rector of St Andrews University before his death in 1937 at the age of 77.