The little town of Selkirk (pop. 5,900; 6mi/9.6km southwest of Melrose) sits on a hill overlooking the River Ettrick. The textile factories of Selkirk are located in the valley. It is possible to watch the weavers at work on rugs, ties and coat material.
The Victorian style Bowhill House showcases a collection of fine paintings and portraits. The House also features rich tapestries and French furniture.
Take a detour along the A708 towards Moffat and the delightful St Mary's Loch where during her 92 years Isabella Richardson gathered around her many of Scotland's literary heroes including Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, the historian Thomas Carlyle and the poetry-writing shepherd James Hogg.
A 16th century fortified tower in the Ettrick valley houses a recently opened exhibition on the life and work of James Hogg, the "Ettrick Shepherd". A contemporary of Sir Walter Scott, he taught himself to read and write and then while out on the hillsides with his sheep passed the time by composing poems and writing novels.
In the Visitor Center at Selkirk Glass (by the A7 to the north of the town), the craftsmen who create the intricate designs for the inside of glass paperweights can be seen at work.
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Bowhill House
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