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The small town of Peebles is a historic setting in the Scottish Borders, directly to the south of national capital Edinburgh. Peebles is set on both banks of the River Tweed around 23 miles outside Edinburgh and is home to fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. The town is known for its high proportion of independent shops while it is also seen as something of an arts destination town with contemporary and traditional art in good supply. Further, there are a number of festivals that take place in this Scottish Borders town each year, adding extra weight to its renown and prestige.
It is the town’s position on the Tweed and the subsequent abundance of salmon that led to Peebles claiming the motto: against the stream they multiply. The river is part of a town that has been described as picturesque and unspoilt, and, significantly, its market town status goes back many years. In the centre of the town is stationed the Mercat Cross, or market cross, which is a symbol of Peebles’ heritage. On the outskirts of Peebles, to the north-east is Glentress Forest while Peebles Golf Club forms another green space to the west. Something much less natural but particularly helpful is the presence of the M74 which passes by some way to the west of the town.
St Andrews Church is thought to be the oldest building in Peebles and it was constructed as long ago as 1195. The town had been named a royal burgh 43 years previously though, while under the rule of King David I. It was a market town for many years and a number of monarchs managed to visit the settlement over the years, with King James III a particularly frequent visitor. Peebles remained fairly untouched by the inevitable border wars although in 1549 it was almost completed destroyed by the English. During the 18th century hunger and poverty gripped this part of Scotland and so by 1801 it had been described as ‘stagnant and almost lifeless’. However, with the introduction of the railway in 1855 trade and industry increased helping bring a sense of drive back to the town. Also during the 19th century the fad of health tourism passed through the town with a number of hydropathic establishments springing up from the ground, later to become hotels. Other highlights include the Neidpath Castle, the Kailzie Gardens and Eddleston Water which provide further draws to this Scottish Borders town.
It is the town’s position on the Tweed and the subsequent abundance of salmon that led to Peebles claiming the motto: against the stream they multiply. The river is part of a town that has been described as picturesque and unspoilt, and, significantly, its market town status goes back many years. In the centre of the town is stationed the Mercat Cross, or market cross, which is a symbol of Peebles’ heritage. On the outskirts of Peebles, to the north-east is Glentress Forest while Peebles Golf Club forms another green space to the west. Something much less natural but particularly helpful is the presence of the M74 which passes by some way to the west of the town.
St Andrews Church is thought to be the oldest building in Peebles and it was constructed as long ago as 1195. The town had been named a royal burgh 43 years previously though, while under the rule of King David I. It was a market town for many years and a number of monarchs managed to visit the settlement over the years, with King James III a particularly frequent visitor. Peebles remained fairly untouched by the inevitable border wars although in 1549 it was almost completed destroyed by the English. During the 18th century hunger and poverty gripped this part of Scotland and so by 1801 it had been described as ‘stagnant and almost lifeless’. However, with the introduction of the railway in 1855 trade and industry increased helping bring a sense of drive back to the town. Also during the 19th century the fad of health tourism passed through the town with a number of hydropathic establishments springing up from the ground, later to become hotels. Other highlights include the Neidpath Castle, the Kailzie Gardens and Eddleston Water which provide further draws to this Scottish Borders town.