Palmerston Park – Queen Of The South

Palmerston Park is a great looking traditional ground, with a nice blend of new and old stands. On one side of the ground is the relatively new Rosefield Salvage (East) Stand. This smart looking, all seated single tier stand, is covered and runs the full length of the pitch. It has a capacity of 2,192 seats. Opposite is the Gates Power Grandstand, a classic looking covered seated stand, that has a raised seated area. It only runs for around half the length of the pitch, straddling the half way line. There are small portions of terracing at the front of the stand and at either side.

At one end is the Portland Drive Terrace. This is a fair sized terrace, that is partly covered (to the rear). The roof has a gable perched upon it, which features a traditional looking clock. This terrace is now the largest remaining terrace at a football ground in Scotland. The stadium has benefited recently with the re-opening of the Terregles Street End. This open terrace had been closed for some years, but after some repairs and safety work, it is now in use once again, boosting the overall capacity of the ground by almost 2,000. Palmerston Park also has a striking set of floodlights. During 2013 an artificial 3G playing surface was installed, which was upgraded a year later to a 5G pitch.

On the external wall of the Terregles Street Terrace there are some interesting looking murals, which depict past scenes. Also on the outside of the Main Stand there also some very good memorial paintings of former supporters.

Martin Buchan informs me; ‘The club have drawn up plans to bring the ground up to the 6,000 capacity needed for SPL football. This would involve the building of a new stand at the Terregles End of the ground, which would be similar in design to the existing East Stand. The Portland Drive Terrace would also be made all seated. In addition the pitch would be extended to comply with the current rules for European matches’.

There is a bar at the ground, at the rear of the West Stand. This is called the Palmerston Lounge Bar and away fans are welcome. The nearest bar, is the Spread Eagle Inn, which is about a five minute walk away. Around the corner from this bar, are a number of others including the Devorgilla Lounge Bar. Otherwise Dumfries town centre is around a 10-15 minute walk away. There are a number of pubs to be found including a Wetherspoons Outlet called ‘Robert The Bruce’ on Buccleuch Street. Also on the same street is the Cavens Arms. Whilst on Whitesands there is the Coach & Horses and the New Bazaar. All these four town centre pubs are listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. If you are after a bit of history then on the High Street is the Globe Inn. Dating back to 1610, this was once the favourite bar of poet Robert Burns, who often frequented as a customer.

Away fans are located in the relatively new Rosefield Salvage Stand, which is shared with home supporters. Around half this stand is allocated, which is around 1,100 seats. If demand requires it, then the Terregles Street open terrace can also be allocated, taking the total allocation to around 3,000. The facilities in the Rosefield Salvage Stand and view of the action are pretty good and even a small amount of away supporters can really generate some noise from it. Plus unlike the Terregles Street End it has cover.

R Shields a visiting Clyde supporter informs me; ‘This is perhaps one of the best, if not the best day out in the first division. A hospitable ground, good facilities, placed in a town that is enjoyable to visit. Queens are good competition, and if I had to single out a favourite away game, then this would be it!’ Whilst Philip Addison a visiting Darlington supporter adds; ‘The ground was a mixture of a new stand, an updated old stand and old terraces. It felt like a throwback to watching football in years gone by. The atmosphere was lively, especially at times when a bagpipe player was blowing’.

Please note that cash is not accepted at the turnstiles. Away fans can purchase tickets at the ticket office which is located on one corner of the sports complex situated behind the Rosefield Salvage Stand.

Approaching Dumfries from the North or East you will reach the A75 Dumfries by pass. Follow signs for Kilmarnock/Stranraer and when you reach the roundabout, that is the junction with the A76 (Glasgow Street) turn left towards Dumfries, Go over a couple of roundabouts and when you a reach a T junction (where you can see the Spread Eagle Inn), with a set of traffic lights, turn right at the lights onto the A780. A short way down this road turn right into Terregles Street for the ground. There is a fair amount of parking at the ‘Ice Bowl’ behind the Galloway News (East Stand), otherwise there is some street parking available.

Dumfries Railway Station is served by trains from Glasgow and Carlisle. Palmerston Park is just over a mile away from the station and should take about 20-25 minutes to walk. When you arrive by train you will see an imposing hotel right in front of you and behind it is a street called Lovers Walk. Turn right along Lovers Walk until you reach Academy Street. Continue along Academy Street bearing right past Burns Statue on to Buccleuch Street. Continue until you pass over Buccleuch Street Bridge, then turn right into Glasgow Street. After 60 yards turn left into David Street and immediately right into King Street. At the next junction turn left into Portland Drive and the ground is in front of you. Away fans then turn left. Note that tickets need to be purchased from a ticket booth behind the Rosefield Salvage Stand or the ticket office in the new building situated behind the main stand. If you wish to see the murals painted on the outside of the Terregles stand, do not turn into Glasgow Street, but keep walking up Terregles Street. Unless you already have a ticket for this stand you will have to either retrace your steps or carry further on and turn right and right again to access the stadium area.

Booking train tickets in advance will normally save you money! Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. Visit the website below to see how much you can save on the price of your tickets:

All areas of Palmerston Park:
Adults £18
Concessions £10
Under 16’s £5

Concessions apply to OAP’s & Students. In addition disabled supporters and one accompanying carer are admitted free.

Official Programme £2.50

Queen Of The South FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).

Stranraer, Annan Athletic and Ayr United.

Record Attendance

26,552 v Hearts
Scottish Cup 3rd Round, February 23rd, 1952.

Average Attendance
2018-2019: 1,641 (Championship League)
2017-2018: 1,452 (Championship League)
2016-2017: 1,857 (Championship League)

If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going.

If you require hotel accommodation in Dumfries then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will help towards the running costs of keeping this Guide going.

Official Web Site: www.qosfc.com
Unofficial Web Sites:  
Only One Team In The Bible
Queen Of The South MAD

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, then please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.