Things you didn't know about... Selkirkshire

Selkirkshire—a lot of land in the hands of one man

The title of Duke of Buccleuch has been around since 1663. The current Duke, Richard Scott, owns more than one third of the county (60,000 acres) including Bowhill House and Country Park in Selkirk.

Braveheart is still keeping watch over Selkirkshire

William Wallace, made famous in Mel Gibson's 1995 movie, is believed to have been made Guardian of Scotland in Selkirkshire. There's a huge statue of him on a hillside near Dryburgh, where he can keep an eye on the Scottish borders.

In Selkirkshire you couldn't move for trees

The county was once so wooded, it was known as Ettrick Forest and was a popular royal hunting ground.

Selkirkshire's bloody past

Selkirkshire was the site of several vicious battles between the Scots and the English. This is commemorated every June, in a ceremony known as the Common Riding, where up to 500 riders saddle their horses at daybreak to ride the Marches around the borders of the county.

A key feature of the day is The Casting of the Colours, which remembers the story of Flodden, when Selkirk sent 80 men into battle alongside Scottish King James IV. Only one returned, bearing a blood-stained English flag.

Sir Walter Scott was County Sheriff of Selkirkshire for 33 years

Scott held the post until his death in 1832. The author of more than 20 novels, including Waverley and Ivanhoe, and many poems, in 1813 he declined the offer to become Poet Laureate of England. He used his wealth to construct his home Abbotsford near Selkirk, which is open to the public.

Selkirkshire is where the Braw Lads gather

Selkirkshire town Galashiels has a rich history beginning in 1124, which is commemorated annually in the Braw Lads' Gathering. It begins with the popular Scottish Country Dance, along with re-enactments of ancient ceremonies, an overseas reception and a concert. There's also a ceremonial ride around the Selkirkshire countryside.

Robert Burns wrote one of his most famous poems here

At Selkirk's Forest Inn Burns wrote The Epistle to William Creech. It was his one and only stay in Selkirkshire.