 Holmes signed a two-year contract with Dumfries club Queen of the South.In the 4–1 win away to Dunfermline on 26 September 2009 that put Queens top of the table, Holmes took on the role of penalty taker in the absence of the injured Steve Tosh.Holmes' three goals away against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 10 October 2009 added up to a 'perfect hat trick' – a goal from each of his head, his left foot and his right foot.