In 1837, the following businesses and occupations within Kirkcowan parish were listed in Pigot Directory:
GENTRY AND CLERGY:
Captain William Charles Hamilton of Craighlaw
Mr. John Milligan of Tannilaggie
Mr. William Milligan of Kilhockadale
Rev. Anthony Stewart of Kirkcowan Parish Church
POST OFFICE:
Mr. Alexander Livingston, Postmaster. Letters arrived from all parts at 6:30 pm and mail was despatched daily at 4:30 pm.
VINTNERS AND HOTEL AND INN KEEPERS:
James McKeand
George McWilliam
John Milligan
Alexander Telfour, Halfway House.
SHOPKEEPERS AND TRADESMEN:
Michael Fulton, Grocer
James Gibson, Tailor
Alexander Hannah, Miller of Spittal (Clugston?)
William Hannah, Baker
Alexander Livingston, Master of the Parochial School ( & Postmaster)
John McCaig, Baker
William McCubbin, Joiner
John McFadden, Grocer
Alexander McKie, Grocer
James McLean, Tailor
Alexander McWilliam, Joiner and Cartwright
James McWilliam, Blacksmith
William McWilliam, Blacksmith
David Milligan, Boot and Shoemaker
John Milligan, Grocer
SHOPKEEPERS :
Robert Milligan, Grocer
William and Thomas Milroy, Woollen Manufacturers
David Murphy, Grocer and Spirit Dealer
William Robb, Boot and Shoemaker
William Steele, Stonemason
William Nicholson, Carrier, to Newton Stewart every Monday and Friday.
According to local memory, the numbers of shopkeepers and tradesmen within the village in the 1880’s were as follows:
Grocers: 6
Joiners: 2 (one being also a cartwright)
Blacksmiths: 2
Shoemakers: 2
Bakers: 2
Millers: 2
Tailors: 2
Vintners (hotel and innkeepers) :
By 1919, the owner of the Kirkcowan Arms (the present day Tarff Hotel) was Mr. Stewart, while Mr. Johnston had the Craighlaw Arms and Mr. Evans, a former butler at Craighlaw House, owned the Commercial Hotel.