Peebles

Overview

Peebles is a genteel, handsome town on the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders.

The rarefied town of Peebles is situated in the west of the Scottish Borders, just 45 minutes away from Edinburgh. It sits on the north bank of the River Tweed, where there is parkland with pleasant riverside walks, while the wide high street has a mix of Victorian architecture.

The town goes back a lot longer than this though. By the reign of King David I (1124-53) Peebles was already a royal burgh. The monarchy made many visits in the 15th and 16th centuries - by King James III in particular. Peebles was relatively untouched by the conflict that characterised life in the Borders at that time.

The high street has an old Mercat Cross and the ruined Cross Kirk, standing high above Eddleston Water, was founded in 1261. There are many fine buildings in the town, one of which is the Chambers Institute, gifted to the town by two of its famous sons, Robert and William Chambers. They were born in Peebles in the 18th century, and were the founders of the famous publishing and printing company that bears their name.

As with most Scottish Borders towns, golf, fishing, mountain biking and walking are popular pursuits, with Tweeddale Forest and the Southern Upland Way within easy reach.