James Swan arrived in Kirkcudbright circa 1858 to work as a stone mason for Wallace and Co building a new bank in Castle Street. The Swan family have lived and worked in Kirkcudbright ever since. James established his own Monumental Sculptors business in the town in 1864, the same year that John Lewis opened their first store and coinciding with the arrival of the railway in Kirkcudbright.

During their time in the town the family have enjoyed success, endured bankruptcy, seen two world wars and been beset with illness resulting in the early death of family members.

Six generations of the family have survived through this period to enjoy Kirkcudbright and ingratiate themselves with the traditions and organisations within the town.

The original stone masonry business established in 1864 is listed as the 17th Oldest Family business in the Scotland.