Scottish Borders – Things to do Part 3
In Part 1 and Part 2 I wrote about the first couple if days of a decent stay in the Scottish Borders when we based ourselves in the Border town of Kelso.
Selkirk and Hawick
Selkirk is a relatively small town in the Borders, in the south east of Scotland, In the 2011 census the population of the town was reported as being less than 6,000 at 5,784. On the day that we visited it gave the appearance of being much less than that!
We think that it may well have been a day in the week when most shops/traders were closed and although we enjoyed wandering around, we didn’t find quite so much to do there.
Hawick was also pretty quite as well, nonetheless these Border towns are worth a wander around if only to take in the architecture of the many fine old and substantial buildings.
Haining House
We did enjoy a lovely walk on the Haining House estate where we could see the ambitious project that is taking place to restore the 18th century manor house to its former glory.
The house itself actually dates from the 1790s and was left to the Haining Charitable Trust in 2009 for the benefit of the people of Selkirkshire and the wider public.
I gather that the longer term plan is that once restored, the house will be let out for functions and special events it’s certainly a grand property set in pretty glorious grounds.
A quirky name
And just to add some quirky information … the people who come from Selkirk are known as Souters. The term Souters is an old word which means cobblers (shoe makers and menders).
Not only do they have a quirky name but ther is also a song called Souters of Selkirk, which is said to be a really old Scots Border region song and dance tune that was first written and printed in London by bookseller and publisher John Playford in the late 17th century.
Selkirk and Hawick picture gallery
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Jedburgh Abbey
After wandering around Selkirk and Hawick we headed for Jedburgh, just about 20 minutes and 10 miles away. Following our visits to Selkirk and Hawick earlier in the day Jedburgh was also pretty quiet, but I must say we ate exquisite pies and cakes from a local bakehouse/take away on the high street.
It’s certainly a pretty two and worth a stop if you are passing that way. We had a walk to the ruins of the Abbey and then a fascinating visit to Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre– and we would recommend that place for a visit.
And it’s worth adding that if you are headed that way, that without a doubt we don’t think you would be disappointed if you took a coffee in the Abbey View directly opposite the Abbey.
Jeburgh picture gallery
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Earlier ….
In Part 1 and Part 2 I wrote about the first couple if days of a decent stay in the Scottish Borders when we based ourselves in Kelso, use the links to head back there if you missed those posts.
Part 4
You can go directly to Part 4 – here