Selkirk Tourist Information

The Ancient and Royal Burgh of Selkirk stands high above the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys. The town's industrial background is reflected in the number of specialist tweed outlets.

The other speciality Selkirk is famed for is the Selkirk Bannock, originating from a bakery in Selkirk, but you will now find them available throughout the Border area. This buttery yeast bread is packed with sultanas and is so rich that it keeps well for several weeks. Try it thickly sliced and buttered for the ultimate afternoon tea, and don't forget to take some home - the perfect souvenir!

Selkirk Common Riding in June is recognised as one of the oldest of the Border Festivals, with a tradition going back to the Battle of Flodden in 1513, with as many as 400 riders taking part.

Sir Walter Scott served as Sheriff here for 33 years and his former courtroom features a fascinating audio-visual presentation telling the story of Scott's associations with the area and its people.

Halliwells House was the town's oldest dwelling and now houses the town's award-winning museum, where you can see an authentic Victorian Ironmongers Shop. The Flodden Flag on display was captured at Flodden by the men, or 'Souters', of Selkirk; the name means shoemakers, referring to the fact that Selkirk was once a shoe making town.

The Robert Clapperton Daylight Photographic Studio is an original daylight photographic studio dating from 1867. A small family-owned museum with many photographic artefacts and a large negative archive. Prints from the archives are available to order.

Nearby is Aikwood Tower, an award-winning restored 16th century tower, the legendary home of Michael Scott the wizard. There is an exhibition of the life and work of James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, and also Art and Sculpture Exhibitions. Visitors have access to the tower and to the newly created medieval style garden. The tower is the present day home of Lord and Lady Steel of Aikwood.

For leisure and recreation in Selkirk, there are two 9 hole golf courses the Selkirk Golf Club and the Woll Golf Course, a Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre.

The twin valleys of Ettrick and Yarrow contain some of the most glorious scenery in the Scottish Borders, with St. Mary's Loch, southern Scotland's largest stretch of water. The area's rich heritage provided inspiration for such writers as Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg.

Tourist Information (Open Easter-October) Halliwells House, Selkirk Tel: +44 (01750) 20054