Selkirk
From Freepedia
- For other uses, see Selkirk (disambiguation).
The Royal and Ancient Burgh of Selkirk is a town in the Scottish Borders, and historically the county town of Selkirkshire. It lies on the River Ettrick, a tributary of the River Tweed, famous for its salmon fishing.
The Population at the time of the 2001 Census was 5,839.
It may not be the largest town in the Scottish Borders, but it certainly possesses a freat amount of history, tradition and spirit.
The people of the town, "Souters", named after the town's traditional shoe cobblers, are proud followers of all things Borders, from their Common Riding and Rugby to their historical past and looking to the future.
Selkirk's ancient past is one which encompasses many great aspects of Scottish history, from being the site of the first Border Abbey to where William Wallace, was declared guardian of Scotland. The diverse names of Bonnie Prince Charlie, The Marquess of Montrose and the Outlaw Murray have all contributed to create the town's unique historical tapestry.
The town grew on woollen industry, although now it is perhaps best known for its glass manufacturing and bannocks. It has a museum and art gallery, and is associated with Mungo Park and Walter Scott.
In common with other Border towns, Selkirk town has an annual Common Riding, at which the following song can be heard:
- Up wi the Souters o Selkirk
- It's up wi the Souters o Selkirk,
- An doun wi the Earl o Hume,
- An here's tae aw the braw laddies
- That weirs the single-soled shuin.
- It's up wi the Souters o Selkirk,
- For thay are baith trusty an leal,
- An up wi the lads o the Forest,
- An doun wi the Merse tae the deil.
A person born in Selkirk is called a souter. Souters are entitled to wear the town colours of blue and red on Common Riding day, as well as the colours chosen by the Standard Bearer, which change annually and can be worn by anyone.
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O' Floddenfield!
Selkirk's connection with The Battle of Flodden (1513), her ready response to the call of the King, the brave bearing of her representatives on the fatal field, and the tragic return of the sole survivor, provide the Royal Burgh with its proudest memories.
The annual Common Riding commemerates Selkirk's main link with a turbulent past every June, Up to 500 riders saddle their horses at daybreak to commetate the age-old custom of riding the Burgh Marches, the land of the town. The Casting of the Colours remembers the story of when over eighty men from the town marched to Flodden Field with their king, James IV.
Only one returned, "Fletcher", bearing a blood-stained English flag, belonging to the Macclesfield regiment. On his return he cast the captured English standard around his head to describe that all others had perished in battle.
Sir Walter Scott and Selkirk
Selkirk's past also incudes the legendary Sir Walter Scott, and this is one connection that the town has put to great use. 'Scott's Selkirk' transforms the town into a bustling Georgian Christmas market town, when all of the shops, pubs, restaurants and locals take on the atmoshere and appearance of the days of Scott. With holly adonring shops and buildings, locals dressed in period costumes and horse and carriages travelling up and down, it is a special event worth taking in.
The two-day winter festival also features street theatre and historical re-enactments from professional actors, stalls selling many local festive goods, musical performances and children's shows.
Now well established and attracting hundreds of visitors from all over Scotland and furher afield, the event takes place this year (2005) on 3-4 December.
The Selkirk Grace
The Selkirk Grace, is a grace (prayer said before a meal) attributed to Robert Burns: It is rarely if ever used today, apart from specal occations such as Burns Night.
- Some hae meat and canna eat,
- And some wad eat that want it,
- But we hae meat and we can eat,
- Sae the Lord be thankit.
William Wallace
"See approach proud Edwards power, Chains and slavery!"
The words of Robert Burns conjure up a vivid picture of the troublous times in which the forefathers of the Borderland lived at the end of the thirteenth century.
After the death of Alexander III. The hopes of the people of Scotland rested with the maid of Norway. Her untimely death in 1290 left the country at the mercy of the English King. From that date until the crown was awarded to John Balliol, King Edward prosecuted remorselessly his schemes against the independence of Scotland.
The Scottish King, as a vassal, paid homage to Edward and, in return, suffered many humiliations at the hands of his overlords. Scottish nobles and gentry - many from our Borderland - were compelled to swear allegiance to the "proud usurper."
However, this reign of tyranny and oppression was destined to be overthrown by one of humble birth. From the West of Scotland came William Wallace, a Scots knight who led his countrymen in resistance to English domination.
No part of Scottish Borderland, perhaps, is more definitely associated with Wallace than The Forest of Ettrick.
For it was in Selkirk, supported by nobles and clergy, he was declared Guardian of the Kingdom of Scotland.
Today in the 'forest kyrk' (the Kirk of the Forest), referred to in ancient times as the church of St Mary of the Forest, visitors can now visit this ancient site, that is also the final resting place to serveral relatives of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States of America.
Famous People of the Town
Mungo Park (September 10, 1771 – 1806) Explorer of the African continent.
James Hogg (1770 – 1835) Poet and Author
Bobby Johnstone (1921 – 2001) Scottish International Footballer
Andrew Lang (March 31, 1844 – July 20 1806) Poet, novelist, and literary critic, and contributor to anthropology
James Marr Brydone, (1779 – 1866) Surgeon who sighted the French fleet, signalling the beginning of the Battle of Trafalgar.
