Selkirk is a royal burgh in the Scottish Borders, and historically the county town of Selkirkshire. It lies on the River Ettrick, a tributary of the River Tweed, famous for its salmon fishing.
The town grew on woollen industry, although now it is perhaps best known for its glass manufacturing and bannocks . It has a museum and art gallery, and is associated with Mungo Park and Walter Scott.
In common with other Border towns, Selkirk town has an annual Common Riding , at which the following song can be heard:
- Up wi the Souters o Selkirk
- It's up wi the Souters o Selkirk,
- An doun wi the Earl o Hume,
- An here's tae aw the braw laddies
- That weirs the single-soled shuin.
- It's up wi the Souters o Selkirk,
- For thay are baith trusty an leal,
- An up wi the lads o the Forest,
- An doun wi the Merse tae the deil.
A person born in Selkirk is called a souter. Souters are entitled to wear the town colours of blue and red on Common Riding day, as well as the colours chosen by the Standard Bearer , which change annually and can be worn by anyone.
The Selkirk Grace
The Selkirk Grace, is a grace (prayer said before a meal) attributed to Robert Burns:
- Some hae meat and canna eat,
- And some wad eat that want it,
- But we hae meat and we can eat,
- Sae let the Lord be thankit.
