The Nation's Story In One Square Mile
Heritage, culture and tradition with a strong and caring community.
Selkirk Common Riding
Selkirk is one of the oldest Royal Burghs in Scotland and granted land in 1113 by King David I.
A town that has inspired
Selkirk has welcomed many great artists and writers over the years, others have called Selkirk their home. Take a glance at why Selkirk has captured the heart of many.
Make Time For Selkirk
Selkirk’s centuries of proud traditions, whether its annual Common Riding, its links to historical figures such as Sir Walter Scott and William Wallace, or its many sporting achievements, make it a town of note. But it also has much to offer the shopper or traveller, with its traditional services on the historic High Street. A bustling hill town at the crossroads of the Borders means that Selkirk is always a convenient place to stop, while its unique position at the gateway to the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys makes it a vital connection point.
Visit Us
Selkirk's position as a bustling hill town at the crossroads of the Borders means that it is always a convenient place to stop, whether you were born in the Borders, or visiting for the first time. Its unique position on the main north South route between Edinburgh and Carlisle, but also at the gateway to the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys, means that it is a vital staging point for journeys that start and end here.
Selkirk still maintains its proud traditions, whether hosting the annual Common Riding, taking on all comers with its many sports teams, or providing traditional services in its historic High Street, but it also has much to offer the modern shopper or traveller, if you spare time to take a look.
The Explore Selkirk website aims to help you navigate your way around the many aspects of our Royal Town, so stay awhile, check out the menu and allow us to guide you through the many facilities and options that our town has for you.
Explore
Come and explore our rich history and traditions and a rolling landscape that is waiting to be enjoyed by foot, by pedal or by horse. Selkirk is a thriving town perched above the beautiful Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys and an excellent location to explore the beautiful Scottish Borders.
Heritage
A proud town, Selkirk sits above the surrounding river valleys – in the past an ideal location to defend, now it offers wonderful views. The name Selkirk is probably of Anglo-Saxon origin but may stretch as far back as Roman times. A royal castle was located on Peel Hill in the 12th century and then grew eastwards towards the Auld Kirk. You can travel back in time to learn about our literary stars, our proud traditions of weaving or our romantic customs of Common Ridings.
Culture
Our culture and traditions are still at the very heart of our town. Come and learn about Sir Walter Scott, who popularised tartan, then visit a mill where the cloth is still produced today by local craftspeople. Hear about our folklore and ballads and then enjoy the local music in the pub at night, perhaps with a locally produced gin or juice as you tap your feet.
Food & Drink
Selkirk has it covered, with an array of Restaurants, Cafes and Takeaways to suit every occasion - come and see.
Community
Selkirk has a surprising number of businesses and services that bring a bustle to the town. From fabric to flowers, hairdressers and barbers, vets, chiropodists, surveyors and estate agents, Selkirk's services are worth checking out.
Shopping
Selkirk, as a proud traditional market town, hosts a monthly Farmers' Market in the centre of town: the Market Place, with a great range of food, crafts and produce. Join us on the first Saturday of every month (March - December) from 9:30am to 1.00pm.
