Peebles

Scotland > South of Scotland > Peeblesshire > Peebles

Located 23 miles south of Edinburgh, to the west of the meeting of the River Tweed and the Eddleston Water, "Peebles" named from the ancient Cumbric word "Pebyl". It was made a Royal Burgh by King David in the 12th cent.

During the wars of Independence with England, King Edward replaced the sheriff, Sir Simon Fraser of Neidpath, who had joined William Wallace in the battles to free Scotland.

Peebles In the15th and 16th centuries was relatively untouched by the conflicts - both internal and external - that were a way of life in the Borders at that time.

But in the 16th century Peebles was almost razed to the ground by the English. In 1649, Cromwell's troops were stationed here while trying to reduce nearby Neidpath Castle. Famous visitors to Peebles include Robert Louis Stevenson, Samuel Crockett, John Buchan and Bonnie Prince Charlie whose army occupied the town in 1745.

The arrival of the Railway in 1855 brought trade and growth to the town but the railway line was closed in 1969.

Today, Peebles is one of the largest towns in the Borders. Modern road networks have enabled visitors from Edinburgh or from elsewhere to frequent the town. Despite all the many changes throughout the years, the town of Peebles has retained its historic feel but has many facilities to interest any visitor. It has a wealth of activities on offer; from golfing and fishing to tennis and pony-trekking.

With the growth and expansion of Edinburgh, peebles is fast becoming a major "dormitory" town for the capital but without destroying its inherent personality. The development of nearby Cardrona into an hotel, country club, golf club and residential area exemplifies the strategic position that Peebles occupies in modern Scotland.