Hawick

Scotland > South of Scotland > Roxburghshire > Hawick

Located on the A7, some 14 miles west of Jedburgh. This is the largest of the border towns and like many in the Borders was made prosperous through its knitwear manufacturing. The towns knitted products ranged from socks/stockings to jumpers and tops. Today the town is in a period of economic change but still retains its Border strength.

The riding of the marches (boundaries) is an old tradition dating back to the battle of Flodden, when the towns young men (Callants) routed the English raiders. This is celebrated annually when the Callants and their elected "Cornet" ride the marches in a large mounted cavalcade.

The town is built along the River Teviot, flanked along the long narrow High Street by substantial stone buildings.

Another passion, shared by most of the border towns is rugby, enjoyed by many today in the numerous Hawick Clubs none more important than Hawick Rugby Club based at Mansfield Park, one of the most historic clubs in the UK.