"The beautiful and picturesque town of Innerleithen sits nestled in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Borders." |
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Approximately 50 minutes drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow or approximately 2 hours to Newcastle and Carlisle its easy to fall in love with such a beautiful place away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
During the 9th Century a monk by the name of St Ronan was to play a major role in the birth of this town. St Ronan was said to have saved the community for the Devil or “Deil” by Hooking or “Cleikin” him around the leg with his crook which in turn removed the evil.
Today the event is still celebrated as part of the St Ronans Games Week festivities which are held annually in July in the town. The “Cleikin of the Deil” is still a central part of the event.
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The St Ronan's Games was started in 1827 by an Ettrick Shepherd by the name of James Hogg and professor by the name of John Wilson. The games were certainly encouraged especially by a very famous man by the name of Walter Scott, later known as Sir Walter Scott. The people who lived in the town during those times were known as “Ronanites” named after the 9 th Century Monk.
Innerleithen has always been synonymous with famous people this of course included both Royals and their dignitaries. The Scottish Royal Families used the surrounding farm lands as hunting grounds which was often frequented by their presence. |
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In addition there have been several famous historical people associated with the town such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, William the Lion, Mary Queen of Scots and the Marquis of Montrose, yet these are but to name a few.
In more recent times the town retains much of its original heritage. Visit St Ronans Wells Interpretive Centre and read about the history of the curative waters used by the Victorians. Taste the fresh spring waters and see the herb garden.
Robert Smails Printing Works can still be found in fully restored working order in Innerleithen Main Street. See how the local newspaper was produced and have a go at typesetting.
Visit the oldest continually inhabited dwelling in Scotland and the seat of the Stuart's at Traquair House, also the venue for many festivals and events in the Borders and still used to host many weddings. The house as seen many royal visitors dating back as early as the 10th century. |
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Visit the Nearby village of Walkerburn founded in 1854 around the mill and originally called Caberston, Walkerburn mainly housed agricultural workers. |
The earliest recorded dwelling was located on the present site of Caberston Farm, whereas both Purvis Hill and Plora Hill still have remains of ancient terraces which are still of unknown origin today. However it is believed that the terraces on Purvis Hill belong to the Pictish period. ( 600-700 AD )
It is believed that on the south side of the river there was a small hamlet called Linkumdoddie. This hamlet was immortalised in the famous song by Robert Burns during his travels in the Borders.
Not far from Innerleithen is the ruin of the 16 th Century Fortified Manor, Elibank Castle . Elibank was the home of the legendary Muckle Mou'ed Meg. It is believed that James Hogg may have adapted an earlier legend when he wrote the Murray-Scott wedding document for Willie and Meg's wedding. The document is called The Fray of Elibank and can be read on the options opposite. The document is quite long so it was suggested that the wedding could never have been harquebus, (Shotgun – quick) as described in the poem.
The famous writer Sir Walter Scott was a descendant of that marriage between Willie and Meg. It is believe that the last few lines of the poem were a “Dig” at Scott since both Hogg and Scott were friends.
Situated on the hillsides around Innerleithen are the remains of several Celtic and Roman forts. The view from the top of Pirn hill is wonderful. Now marked as a visitor site the site of an ancient Roman fort.
Come and play on the 9 hole championship golf course or take in the breathtaking views along the Southern Upland Way. Hire bikes to take in the scenery or experience the thrill of the main courses around the area.
Stay in luxurious accommodation or rest in the tranquility of smaller accommodation after experiencing the thrill of the chase when fishing for Trout and Salmon in the famous River Tweed.
All in all you will find a warm welcome waiting at Innerleithen. |