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Selkirk is a royal burgh in the Scottish Borders, and historically the county town of Selkirkshire. It lies on the River Tweed, famous for its salmon fishing.
The town grew on woollen industry, although now it is perhaps best known for its glass manufacturing and bannocks. It has a museum and art gallery, and is associated with Mungo Park and Walter Scott.
In common with other Border towns, Selkirk town has an annual Common Riding, at which the following song can be heard:
- Up wi the Souters o Selkirk
- It's up wi the Souters o Selkirk,
- An doun wi the Earl o Hume,
- An here's tae aw the braw laddies
- That weirs the single-soled shuin.
- It's up wi the Souters o Selkirk,
- For thay are baith trusty an leal,
- An up wi the lads o the Forest,
- An doun wi the Merse tae the deil.
A person born in Selkirk is called a souter. Souters are entitled to wear the town colours of blue and red on Common Riding day, as well as the colours chosen by the Standard Bearer, which change annually and can be worn by anyone.
The Selkirk Grace
The Selkirk Grace, is a grace (prayer said before a meal) attributed to Robert Burns:
- Some hae meat and canna eat,
- And some wad eat that want it,
- But we hae meat and we can eat,
- Sae let the Lord be thankit.
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