Locharbriggs ("Lochar bridge") is a former village which has expanded greatly to become a major suburb of Dumfries. Its population in the 2001 census was 5,530 and it has further expanded since then. When added to the Dumfries figure of 31,790, the overall pupulation of the urban area approaches 40,000 rather than the 31k which is normally quoted.
Locharbriggs is located 2 miles (3.2 km) northeast of Dumfries near the Lochen Water. It was one of several villages that stood on the edge of the Lochar Moss which was largely reclaimed in the 19th Century.
Locharbriggs is perhaps best known for the quarrying of distinctive red sandstone which has been used for buildings in towns and cities including Dumfries, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The stone has also been exported further afield, most notably to be used to create the steps of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour (USA). Although only one quarry remains active, the quarries produced enormous quantities of stone through the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The village is well served by many local amenities, including regular bus services, three local shops, a public house (The Lochar Inn), a social club (Locharbriggs Social Club), a Chinese Takeaway, Fish & Chip Shop, Hairdressers, Local Community Center, a Library, and a Primary School (Locharbriggs Primary School).
