The Royal Borough (Burgh) of Peebles is one of Scotland's royal and ancient burghs. This pretty former county town is surrounded by attractive open countryside. The main street is wide and attractive with many buildings of historical interest. The wide spacious High Street has an old Mercat Cross. During the 18th Century Peebles was a major centre for brewing and wool production had an important place during the 19th and 20th Centuries. Nowadays it is a bustling market town and holiday resort with fishing, golfing, tennis and pony-trekking.
Peebles is known for the Riding of the Marches, a Beltane festival traditionally held on the last Saturday in June. The Peebles Beltane Festival was founded as part of the celebrations for Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1897 but has its roots in the ancient Beltane Festival held throughout Southern Scotland. Peebles was granted the right to hold the Beltane fair in 1621 by James IV. The Riding of the Marches came first in 1897 and two years later the first Beltane Queen.
The local motto "Peebles for Pleasure" is borne out by the town's attractive setting amongst the hills on the banks of the River Tweed. This small town is located 23 miles south of Edinburgh and 18 miles west of Galashiels in the old county of Peeblesshire on the Eddleston Water. Peebles was formerly the headquarters for Tweeddale District Council (1975-96).
Granted royal burgh status in 1367 by David II, Peebles began as a small cluster of houses which sprang up around Neidpath Castle, which suffered under the Civil War when Cromwell swept through Scotland's border towns. It was during the attack on Neidpath that Cromwell stationed his troops at Peebles. Looking down across the river Tweed this 14th century castle underwent extensive alterations during the 17th century and has been in the ownership of many notable families, including the Dukes of Queensbury and the Earl of Wemyss and March.
The ruined Cross Kirk, standing high above Eddleston Water, was founded in 1261. The Kirk was erected on the spot where an old stone cross was located. This kirk was founded by Alexander III (who successfully brought together Scotland's warring 'tribes') in 1261. A monastery was later attached to the Cross Kirk and by the Reformation it had become the parish church. Nearby are also the ruins of St Andrews Church, founded in 1195 and later became a collegiate church.
Peebles today
Peebles has since the middle part of 2004 a new theatre for the performing arts, the Eastgate Theatre which is located in a former church building on Eastgate. Worth a visit as they have put on a wide variety of events at the theatre.
More information on things to do and see in and around Peebles can be found on our Regional Events pages. Once here, the staff at the local tourist information office in Peebles is at hand to give you more advice and suggestions.
