Many thanks to everyone who helped in any way, no matter how small to make this year's Scott's Selkirk a success. 

After the disappointment of having to cancel the 2010 event it was a huge relief that, apart from Saturday lunchtime, the weather this year was kind to us.

Major thanks go to all the fantastic performers and especially the town's bands, who braved very cold conditions to entertain us.

Particular thanks too to Chris Lightfoot of First Class Marquees who saved the day at the last minute!

Thans as ever to the Hammermen, plus the Cadets and Youth Club who help with the stalls, tunnel tents and other equipment

The Victoria Hall Friday Night Ceilidh was well attended and the  Saturday Night Concert was full of exceptional performances.

For those who missed it I reproduce below the words of John Nichol's world premiered song - The Bear in the Square.   Enjoy!

The Bear in the Square             3/12/11 (Tune: Teddy Bears’ Picnic)

If you go down to the Market Place, you’re sure of a big surprise

If you go down to the Market Place, you’ll no’ can believe yer eyes

For perched up high for a’body tae see, upon the HBOS balcony

Is quite the biggest teddy bear in the district

There may be bears at Edinburgh Zoological Park

But Selkirk’s bear is better than them, it lights up in the dark

I’ll tell ye somethin’ else that is good, it never has tae eat ony food

It disnae cost as much as a pair o’ pandas

Ow’r in hawick they have a horse

A muckle ram is what makes Moffat sae famous, I suppose

In Jethart, they have snails, of course

And ow’r in Galae there’s a…….. Tescos

Lauder has a black bull

And let me tell ye, I’ll be honest, it isnae fair

In other toons wee lasses and laddies a’ greet thirsels tae sleep

Because they’ve no’ got a teddy bear

Now, folk complained o’ the lack o’ lights adornin’ the grey auld toon

But who decided tae have a bear? I think it was Tommy Combe.

When folk said it was bare in the square,

He thought they meant they wanted yin there

And Tommy’s aye been eager tae please the public.

Selkirk has begun a trend

The folk frae other toons will visit and this is what they’ll say

When they see oor furry friend

“We’d like tae buy yin for oor ain display!”

Selkirk folk a’ thought the worst

Cos when they saw it first, they werenae jist awfae shair

But, jist you wait, Hawick, Melrose an’ Galae a year away frae now

Will have their ain muckle teddy bear                                        

Aye, jist you wait, Hawick, Melrose an’ Galae a year away frae now

Will have their ain muckle teddy bear!

Scott's Selkirk - 3rd and 4th December 2011

This year's Scott's Selkirk celebration is now only a few weeks away, and planning is in full swing.  The detailed 2011 programme is available for download HERE.  

Come and visit Selkirk and enjoy the christmas atmosphere - craft stalls,  Meg Dods' Kitchen,  and street entertainment galore. The whole town, with its great selection of independent shops,  joins in to create a magical Georgian festival that provides a wonderful weekend - come and join us and experience what Selkirk has to offer.

Scott's Selkirk was a millennium project that proved so popular it has become an important annual event - only cancelled once in eleven years because of snow.

Friday 2nd December  - Ceilidh in the Victoria Hall and

and new this year Medieval Banquet in the County Hotel

Saturday 3rd December - Grand Concert - Victoria Hall

Sunday 4th December  -  Fireworks Display

Musicians this year - Carlenjig, Riddell Fiddles, Gael Force, Bogie Close Stompers, Matt Seattle, Elspeth Smellie, Highline Fiddles, Beggar Girls, The Podlies, Small Hall Band, Fisher Lassies, and the town's Silver and Pipe Bands, and High School Traditional Music department.

Other performers and guests include - Mons Meg Rappers, Kick the Cat, Selkirk Country Dancers, History Wardrobe, Walter Elliot and Fiona Houston. Plus The North Wind, Birds of Prey ... and of course the court cases.

Other attractions - horse and carriage rides, tours of the library and jailhouse, childrens activities at Halliwells,  tours of the town and the Haining House (the house itself will be open, and serving mulled wine) and The Ba' Game.  

After the disappointing summer weather lets hope for a bright and sunny December!

 There is still time to book a market stall for the weekend - ring Tom Combe on 01750 20921.

This is a massive event requiring a huge amount of organisation and work.  Our thanks go to the town's organisations who help us every year - The Hammermen, Selkirk Rhinos and Youth club, and Selkirk Merchant Company.

We always need and warmly welcome volunteers to help!!  If you would like to be involved in any way, no matter how small, please contact Tom Combe - 01750 20921,  or Viv Ross 01750 22217.

Many thanks to all who turned out to support us in such truly ghastly weather!

In particular or thanks must go the The Haining Charitable Trust for allowing us to hold the event in such a stunning location, to Carlinjig, Riddell Fiddles and Bogie Close Stompers for providing the terrific music, to the country dancers, Margaret Smith for the talks on the Haining grounds and to the stall holders who braved the elements.

Many thanks too must go to John Nichol, and Carol Norris, the storytellers, to Sweet Temptations, and of course to Morris.

To - all the helpers who stayed all day to provide first aid cover, and help with dismantling the equipment - many thanks again

We hope be back next year, as this has the makings of a wonderful annual event.

We are delighted this year that Lucy Maxwell-Scott,  a direct descendant of Sir Walter,  will be with us to formally open the event. 

We are very excited that The Haining is going to be open all weekend - the park and ride minibus will take it in on its normal route.  There will be the opportunity to see the plans that are in hand for the future of the property while enjoying mulled wine and mince pies!

As last year,  Selkirk Library will be running architectural tours on the Saturday,  and the tunnel under the A7 will be open for viewing from the courtyard of the Sheriff Court.

On the Sunday, Selkirk Silver Band will be opening the Band Hall for the first time - for teas and coffees - and will have an exhibition  of  Band photos from the past.

We are also delighted that we are to be joined by some of the Sealed Knot company who are going to be re-enacting the Battle of Philiphaugh next August.  They will have a recruiting stand for the weekend in the County Pend and will be joining in our celebrations at various points.