Selkirkshire, an inland county in the SE. of Scotland; is bounded N. by Edinburghshire, E. by Roxburghshire, S. by Dumfriesshire, and W. by Peeblesshire; greatest length, NE. and SW., 28 miles; greatest breadth, NW. and SE., 17 miles; area, 164,545 acres, population 25,564. The surface, rising in a succession of verdant uplands or heath-clad hills, is from 300 to 2433 ft. above sea-level. The country in early times was covered with woods, and, known as Ettrick Forest, was long a royal hunting-ground. Selkirkshire is more pastoral than agricultural, and has a light soil on the arable land. The woollen manufacture is the great industry of Selkirk and Galashiels. The county comprises 2 parishes, with parts of 9 others, the parliamentary burgh of Selkirk and the greater part of the parliamentary burgh of Galashiels.
– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)
Halliwell’s House Museum
Halliwell’s Close, Market Place
Selkirk TD7 4BC
01750 20096
The museum is situated in the very atmospheric Halliwell’s Close. The narrow, cobbled lane with outhouses, which was formerly gas-lit and was typical of many such closes in Selkirk, has a compelling history dating back over 400 years. The museum building itself dates from the end of the 18th century and is part of what is probably the oldest surviving row of dwellings in the historic town of Selkirk.
Old Gala House Museum
Scott Crescent
Galashiels TD1 3JS
01750 720096
Old Gala House is an impressive and unusual building, its history and fortunes spanning five centuries. Visitors can discover the story of Old Gala House, its inhabitants and the early development of the town of Galashiels.
Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom
Market Place
Selkirk TD7 BT
01750 20096
Built in 1803 as the Sheriff Court this is where Sir Walter Scott dispensed justice to the people of Selkirkshire. Explore Scott’s life, his writings and his time as Sheriff. Displays on ‘The Ettrick Shepherd’ James Hogg and explorer Mungo Park.