Home Report Kelso

Kelso is an historic market town in the Scottish Borders council area of some 5,600 residents that came into being following the creation of Kelso Abbey in 1128. The town lies at the confluence of the rivers Tweed and Teviot and is about 20 minutes by car from the Scottish/English border. The five-arched bridge over the Tweed, built by John Rennie in 1803, was the model for London’s Waterloo Bridge. Selkirk and Galashiels are about 20 miles to the west of the town. The town

In more recent times, the traditional industries in the town were shoemaking, brewing and textiles. However, with the decline of these industries the town today has shifted to light industries and services. These include a soft drinks wholesaler and a manufacturer of plastic tanks. The town economy also centres around agriculture, its regular market and additionally it acts as a service centre for nearby smaller villages and populated areas.

For residents and visitors, Kelso has a plethora of things to see and do than may be assumed from a town of its size. Taking a walk through Kelso it is plainly evident the town is full of architectural and historic interest. Kelso Square and Bull Ring where farms could view and buy cattle on display is at the centre of the town and a reminder of times past. The previously mentioned Kelso Abbey, while now in ruins, it is still an imposing piece of surviving 12th-century architecture. Some remains of the one grand Roxburgh Castle persist and can be found to the west of the town. Floors Castle, built in 1721, still stands and is Scotland’s largest inhabited castle. While this is the case, it is open to the public and offers superb walks around its grounds and gardens.

Besides the historical side, Kelso is a bustling community and market town, which is home to many independent shops and businesses and the usual chains. The town has a lively programme of annual events such as the Border Union agricultural show, many livestock sales, the Scottish Championship Dog Show. The main event of all is the Kelso Civic Week, held each summer, the town’s premier annual festival with many goings-on encompassing food and activities, live music and more, celebrating the old Borders tradition of Common Riding. Also worth mentioning is Kelso Racecourse, known as the friendliest in Britain, with regular racing events from September through to May. As you can see, Kelso has a multitude of amenities and attractions.

In terms of transport links, Kelso has no railway line serving it, and the closest is in nearby Galashiels/Tweedbank. Similarly, the main bus terminal is also in nearby Galashiels with services to Glasgow and Edinburgh, but there are also a number of local bus services connecting the town to nearby towns and villages. There are a number of nearby A and B roads offering connections to the main A68 and A697 trunk roads that in turn allow for travel further around Scotland or lower into England.

In terms of local schooling, primary education is provided by Edenside Primary and Broomlands Primary. Kelso High School provides secondary education to the town.