The modern region of Dumfries & Galloway , like the Scottish Borders, contains extensive Buccleuch Estate lands. While it may seem a very attractive and peaceful region today, its history has included considerable periods of unrest and violence. Some of the most active and notorious Border reivers operated in the south-east of the area in the 16th century. And the covenanters played an important part in the history of the wider region in the later 17th century.