Since its foundation in 1995 (as 'Galloway's Magazine for the Arts'), Markings has evolved into one of Scotland’s most popular literary magazines. Its content addresses poetry, fiction, contemporary art, criticism and reviews, including both commissioned and unsolicited material. Editorial policy is to feature writers and artists from southern Scotland, alongside their counterparts from around the world. A significant portion of each issue is dedicated to one writer and artist, enabling them to present a representative body of work. Recent issues have featured writers such as Josephine Neill, Donald Adamson, John Manson, Douglas Lipton and the Solway Festival Poets, and artists such as Colin Park and Patrick Le Tuault from France. Every issue includes work from Europe and the US, as well as Australasian writers where possible. Another regular slot focuses on a chosen writers' group, with overseas groups welcome to self-nominate.

Markings is happy to publish work in any language, providing that an accompanying English or Scots translation is supplied. Part-funded by the Scottish Arts Council, it is published biannually in A5 format, and distributed widely across Scotland, into England and abroad. Additionally, Markings has printed more than 20 poetry pamphlets, and expansion into full-size books is currently under consideration.