The history of Hawick can be traced back to the 12th century, when King David I granted land to a Norman family, the Lovels. Today Hawick is part of the TextileTrail and the major centre for the industry in the Scottish Borders. The town has many shops with a large selection of knitwear and cashmere. Attractions include the Borders Textile Towerhouse in which the heritage of
Scotland's premier textile manufacturing region is presented within a restored 16th-century tower house. The High Street has a long and colourful history. 'The Horse' at the end of the street commemorates the victory of local youths over English invaders at nearby Hornshole in 1514. During the skirmish, the Abbot's banner was taken and triumphantly carried back to Hawick. One of the oldest Border Common Ridings, held in early summer, honours this event where 'The Horse' becomes the centrepiece for this symbolic festival. Other events in the town include the Summer Festival and the Hawick Reivers Festival.
