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Selkirk - a Royal Burgh of Tradition and Trade
One of the earliest settlements in the Scottish Borders, Selkirk is one of Scotland’s oldest Royal Burghs. The town’s name means ‘the kirk in the forest’, and it hosted the first Borders abbey, in the 12th Century. At around the same time, Selkirk Castle stood near by on the top of Peel Hill, serving as a Royal Scottish Court. Selkirk’s historic importance is underlined by its connections with both William Wallace being named as ‘Guardian of Scotland’ here and Sir Walter Scott, who served as sheriff for 33 years.
Set high above the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys, Selkirk was granted its Royal Burgh status by King James V in 1535-6, in recognition of the role played at the Battle of Flodden by the men of Selkirk.
The lands granted were extensive, and the men of Selkirk would constantly have to check them by riding the boundaries. Both Flodden and the boundaries still play vital roles in the world-famous Selkirk Common Riding, commemorating the riding of the marches, while the Casting of the Colours acts as a poignant reminder of 1513’s Battle of Flodden.
Equally the town’s manufacturing traditions of tweed and shoemaking continue with both skills represented by current businesses, while a varied High Street contains a range of modern offerings and a host of leisure pursuits are catered for, including sport, historic walks, cafes and bookshops.
Traditional Market Town
Nowadays Selkirk is a traditional market town with a history in farming and textiles and a warm welcome for visitors. The town is centred on the Market Place and defined by the Ring o’ the Toun. Come and explore the town’s braes and wynds and local speciality shops, and make sure you try the local bread speciality, the Selkirk Bannock.
Heart of the Scottish Borders
Located in the heart of the Scottish Borders on the A7, which travels from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
If travelling by train and bus, The Borders Explorer ticket includes a return rail trip from Edinburgh – Galashiels or Tweedbank station and unlimited day travel across the Borders Bus network.
The tickets can be purchased from ScotRail-staffed stations and on the Borders train. Customers can also contact ScotRail on 0344 811 0141.
Stay a while
The town of Selkirk is a hidden gem just an hour a way from Edinburgh. We have lots of things to do and see.
Why not stay with us; let us help you find a local accommodation provider. By basing yourselves in Selkirk, amongst our beautiful landscapes, you can visit the many historic houses in the Scottish Borders; explore the other mill towns in the region or even take the train to Edinburgh for a day trip, in the happy knowledge that you can return to the beauty of the Scottish Borders!
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Selkirk
Located in the heart of the Scottish Borders on the A7, which travels from Edinburgh to Carlisle. If travelling by public transport then Traveline Scotland can provide you with route options by using their journey planner, that might include getting the train on the Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Galashiels.