SWRI Selkirkshire Federation

Selkirkshire is one of the smaller Federations in Scotland, situated in the South East area and surrounded by Roxburghshire, Dumfriesshire, Peeblesshire and Mid Lothian.

Our seven Institutes' meeting nights and venues are:
Caddonfoot - Caddonfoot Hall on 1st Monday each month
Ettrick - Boston Memorial Hall on 3rd Tuesday
Ettrickbridge - Kirkhope Village Hall on 2nd Wednesday
Fountainhall - Fountainhall Hall on 3rd Wednesday
Lindean - Lindean Hall on 1st Thursday
St. Mary's - Cappercleuch Hall on 3rd Tuesday
Yarrowford - Yarrowford Hall on 2nd Tuesday

Committee members represent each Institute at quarterly meetings of the Federation. A Federation Chairman is appointed for a three year period. As well as general business and reports that arise, classes, demonstrations and shows are arranged at these meetings. Members get the opportunity to enrol for classes and activities covering a wide range of subjects. Floral Art, Calligraphy, Silk Painting, Tapestry, Carpet Bowling and Green Bowling are some of the things covered in the last few seasons.

Our Federation Show is held in the Victoria Hall in Selkirk every two and a half years. Each Institute in turn provides a convenor to oversee arrangements. Classes for handcraft, baking, preserves and floral art are included as well as novice and community sections. Individual and Institute trophies are competed for.

Institutes meet on a monthly basis during the months from September through to May. A typical meeting would include a speaker or demonstrator followed by any business requiring discussion. Monthly competitions and a raffle are generally included as well as a chance to mingle and enjoy some refreshment.

Each Institute welcomes newcomers to the area and invites them to attend our meetings. We also welcome members from other Institutes who may be visiting Selkirkshire - please come and join us, we welcome your support.

Caddonfoot: Based in and around Clovenfords, west of Galashiels. The village has an annual festival and recently opened waymarked walks. As well as SWRI, locals can take part in carpet bowling, whist drives and a local sports day.

Ettrick: A rural community in the upper reaches of the Ettrick valley. Forestry and farming are predominant in this area, which is abundant with wildlife. The Southern Upland Way long distance footpath crosses from here to St Mary's Loch. Two caravan sites and the newly opened Ettrick Marshes wetland project make this a popular destination for summer visitors.

Ettrickbridge: The lower part of the Ettrick valley incorporates the village of Ettrickbridge with its busy community. Post office, school and local inn are all situated in the village, as is the hall, which is well used for community events as well as SWRI. Bowhill, home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Aikwood Tower, which houses the James Hogg exhibition, are both nearby.

Fountainhall: Although the village of Fountainhall is actually in Mid Lothian, villagers have been members of Selkirkshire Federation for a number of years. The village lies on the A7 north of Galashiels and boasts a modern new school. Their hall hosts a variety of regular activities including whist drives, carpet bowling and annual flower show.

Lindean: A small hamlet by the A7, two miles north of Selkirk, with a nearby small loch frequented by trout fishers. A local artist takes classes in the village hall, which has a busy programme of activities including line dancing and bowling. A blacksmith's business, small plant nursery and glass making studio all feature close by. In late June the Galashiels Braw Lad leads a cavalcade of riders to the war memorial for a symbolic wreath laying ceremony.

St Mary's: Situated at Cappercleuch where the Meggat and Yarrow valleys meet at St Mary's Loch. Fishing and walking are popular pastimes for visitors to this area. The annual open air service "The Blanket Preaching" is held in July at the old kirkyard overlooking the loch. Served by two local hostelries, Tibbie Shiel's and the Gordon Arms, at one time frequented by James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd. St Mary's Rural members organise an annual bus outing in June.

Yarrowford: Further down the valley the village of Yarrowford lies by the Yarrow water. This is a farming community with much of the land owned by the Duke of Buccleuch and Philiphaugh estates. The annual Yarrow and Ettrick Pastoral Society show is held here each September. Another busy hall which, as well as SWRI meetings, hosts an annual Burns Supper, regular dances and whist drives. Yarrowford Institute attracts membership from the town of Selkirk, which is only a few miles away.

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