Discussion
Greetings, Kilt wearing Haggis eating border reiving PHers!
The OH is looking very keen on a new job which would be based in Selkirk. I know nothing of the area, so what do I need to know?
Is it safe for sassenachs? Can I get real Tea? Are the roads as good as the crime figures suggest (low for most things but speeding is way over average).
Any general info or links welcome.
Thank you.
The OH is looking very keen on a new job which would be based in Selkirk. I know nothing of the area, so what do I need to know?
Is it safe for sassenachs? Can I get real Tea? Are the roads as good as the crime figures suggest (low for most things but speeding is way over average).
Any general info or links welcome.
Thank you.
Selkirk's ok. Quite a nice wee town steeped in history (mainly cross border sheep nicking!) the locals won't hate you, but expect some banter on 6 nations weekends. Some ok places to eat and drink. Loads to do in the whole area. Roads are epic, but the busy a7 goes through the town. My mum lives not far away so I know it reasonably well.
TooLateForAName said:
Thanks Alfa!
Eric, I'm assuming Edward 1 left some laws allowing me to take a broadsword to you all if you're on the streets after dusk or something? Or is that just in Berwick?
Do I just help myself to cattle? Is the burning of homesteads compulsory?
Listen old son, I strongly advise you not to talk like that when in Selkirk; not even in jest. They are twice as patriotic than the Highlanders!Eric, I'm assuming Edward 1 left some laws allowing me to take a broadsword to you all if you're on the streets after dusk or something? Or is that just in Berwick?
Do I just help myself to cattle? Is the burning of homesteads compulsory?
Every year they have the Common Riding celebration. This commemorates the patrols that used to cover the Borders on horseback looking for maurauding Englishmen that were hanged without trial if caught. It's a big deal for them and great to watch if you like horses.
Arguably the best car show in Scotland, the Selkirk Rally, is held every year in September. A great day and a huge turnout.
I'm not going to be the one to talk about the people of Selkirk. I'll just say we lasted a couple of years and by god, it's great to be home!
If you are looking for a really nice town house I'm your man. All totally renovated and well priced. Drop me an e mail if you're interested.
J
Kiltie said:
jith said:
Listen old son ...
I think the OP is a lady.
Cheers,
Eric
Mind you the poor soul's English, so he/she's maybe a wee bit confused. It'll be all this talk about independence!
J
On a more serious note, I would welcome general comments about the place. I understand that the area votes Conservative? How does that work with an independent attitude?
As an aside, I'm pretty socialist (or raving commie by PH standards) and tbh part of the driving force is the way the scottish nhs has avoided some of the worst 'reforms' south of the border.
We'd be looking at rural property within a sensible commute of Selkirk - I assume to the south is cheaper as further from Edinburgh?
As an aside, I'm pretty socialist (or raving commie by PH standards) and tbh part of the driving force is the way the scottish nhs has avoided some of the worst 'reforms' south of the border.
We'd be looking at rural property within a sensible commute of Selkirk - I assume to the south is cheaper as further from Edinburgh?
Loads of nice places to live in the area inc Selkirk itself. Galashiels is the largest town and has things to do e.g. Cinema but I'd be happy in Selkirk / Hawick / Kelso / Jedburgh / melrose . House prices increase the closer you get to Edinburgh but they're not ridiculous for what you get.
You definitely need to come up and recce it!
You definitely need to come up and recce it!
TooLateForAName said:
On a more serious note, I would welcome general comments about the place. I understand that the area votes Conservative? How does that work with an independent attitude?
As an aside, I'm pretty socialist (or raving commie by PH standards) and tbh part of the driving force is the way the scottish nhs has avoided some of the worst 'reforms' south of the border.
We'd be looking at rural property within a sensible commute of Selkirk - I assume to the south is cheaper as further from Edinburgh?
You're a bit off the mark with your politics. Selkirk is the home of Lord Steel, who you doubtless know is Liberal Democrat and a former Presiding Officer in the Scottish Parliament; and by the way, is a bloody awful driver! Yes, you David! The Libdems had a substantial following in many of the Border's towns.As an aside, I'm pretty socialist (or raving commie by PH standards) and tbh part of the driving force is the way the scottish nhs has avoided some of the worst 'reforms' south of the border.
We'd be looking at rural property within a sensible commute of Selkirk - I assume to the south is cheaper as further from Edinburgh?
When we lived in Selkirk the council had changed to SNP and I think it's still the same. I found support for the labour party had diminished significantly, probably due to the antics of Gordon Brown.
There is a real mix in the Borders, but SNP is on the rise.
My wife is in the NHS and worked in Borders General and enjoyed the job. It is a superb, modern hospital, very clean and well run.
Now is the time to buy property in the Borders, because the new rail link when completed will mean that you can travel from Galashiels to Edinburgh in 20 minutes and the prices will go through the roof.
The roads are some of the best driving roads in Britain. Just watch for the farmers.
J
KB_S1 said:
You can find some nice places nearby.
Moffat is always worth a visit and you can then get over to the M74 easy enough for North or South journeys.
The road from Selkirk to Moffat past St Mary's loch has to be one of the best driving roads for a hoon in Scotland, particularly if you have something that handles.Moffat is always worth a visit and you can then get over to the M74 easy enough for North or South journeys.
J
jith said:
KB_S1 said:
You can find some nice places nearby.
Moffat is always worth a visit and you can then get over to the M74 easy enough for North or South journeys.
The road from Selkirk to Moffat past St Mary's loch has to be one of the best driving roads for a hoon in Scotland, particularly if you have something that handles.Moffat is always worth a visit and you can then get over to the M74 easy enough for North or South journeys.
J
jith said:
Now is the time to buy property in the Borders, because the new rail link when completed will mean that you can travel from Galashiels to Edinburgh in 20 minutes and the prices will go through the roof.
Why am I suddenly reminded of the places "Leith" & "Granton" and the word "tram" 
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