Launch of Scott's Selkirk 2004 - Robert Clapperton photographic

 The launch was held on Tuesday 16th November in the newly refurbished Scott's Hall in the County Hotel, Selkirk.

Committee Members L to R Morris Manson; Stuart Wilson; Eleanor McCudden; Helen Currie; Sheena Galloway; Tommy Combe, Chairman; Graham Main; Edith Scott; Viv Ross. This year's dates are Saturday and Sunday 4th and 5th December.

Why not start the weekend on the Friday night (3rd December) at our ceilidh at the Victoria Hall, with music prvided by the Gary Forets Band. 

 On the Saturday evening there will be a concert in the Victoria Hall - the audience are invited to attend in costume - there will be entertainment for all the family.

Sunday morning sees a procession around the town in honour of the brave Volunteers from the popular Saturday evening's False Alarm.  

The Church service will be followed by a re-enactment of the 1815 Carterhaugh Ba' Game which was attended by both Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg.   Scocha will start off the proceedings in true Murrayfield style!

Other innovations for this year's event include a full programme of entertainment and craft demonstrations in the County Hotel courtyard,  and the opportunity for visitors to the town to hire authentic costumes for only £3 per day or £5 for the weekend,  allowing you to feel truly part of the event.

 Court Cases for 2004

As Sheriff of Selkirkshire between 1799 and 1832, Sir Walter Scott presided over many varied cases in the courtroom in Selkirk. The re-enactment of these has provided one of the most popular elements of SCOTT’S SELKIRK.

Poaching cases came regularly before Sir Walter. In “The Hare in the Girn of Wire”, a poor shepherd is brought before the Shirra for having been caught with a dead hare and a snare, or ‘girn of wire’. It seems an open and shut case, but closer examination reveals bribery, corruption, and ‘entrapment’.

In “The Spinster’s Dimmock”, a prudish Selkirk spinster is horrified to discover that her beloved dimmock (Dandy Dinmont Terrier) has fallen pregnant to her neighbour’s dog. Fortunately, the dog is of the same breed, but now his rather uncouth and presumptuous owner wants to claim two of the pups!

In the time of Sir Walter, to labour on the Sabbath Day was not only frowned upon – it was unlawful! In “The Sabbath Breakers”, a farmer is charged with having allowed his farm-hands to transport two cart-loads of grain from Ashkirk Bridge to Mossilee upon the Sabbath. Was this an unintentional or deliberate Profanation of the Lord’s Day?

A hefty caseload for the Shirra, with plenty of laughs guaranteed.

If you have any queries please contact Viv Ross on 01750 22217,  fax  01750 22981,  E-mail Scottsselkirk@vivross.co.uk

To book a Market Stall (£30 per day) please contact Sheena Galloway on 01750 21581. 

Meanwhile,  until this year's full details are on the site,  why not browse through last year's information in each of the categories, which will give you a flavour of what to expect.

We look forward to seeing you in December.

Everyone connected with Scott's Selkirk will have been sorry to hear of the death of Dame Jean last week.

She was a great supporter of the event,  and will be sadly missed.