The History of Chirnside Village in the Scottish Borders

The village of Chirnside is located midday between Berwick-upon-Tweed to the east and Duns to the west. Its elevated position overlooking The Merse (meaning marsh), a flat area of agricultural land leading to the river Tweed, and with views across to the magnificent Cheviot Hills, offers an ideal defensive position and it is, therefore, no surprise that evidence of very ancient occupation has been found, most notably when Harelaw Hill, to the east and the site of the cairn which is believed to have given the village its name, was excavated to create a reservoir in 1906.

Chirnside's long history has left behind a number of interesting landmarks.

CHIRNSIDE NEEDS YOU

Chirnside now has a History Group. For more information click on the picture or here to visit the History Group page.

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The Parish Church dates from the mid-12th century, with the Norman doorway and part of the west wall still visible. A sundial, dated 1816, can be seen on the south west corner of the building. The Church was rebuilt in 1878, then restored and altered in 1907, a fine monumental gateway, pictured right, being added later. For more information visit the Chirnside Church website.

The Parish Church.

Chirnside Primary School was designed in 1937 by Edinburgh architects Reid and Forbes, who were responsible for several schools in south east Scotland. It is an elegant building of Scots revival built in Art Deco style. Noted for its light and airy classrooms, it is a Listed Building.

Chirnside Primary School.

The first Mill at Chirnside Bridge dates from 1827 although all that is thought to remain is the octagonal Porter's Lodge. drawing of the mill, now used by Ahlstrom.

drawing of the mill, now used by Ahlstrom.

In 1842, the Young Trotter Company reconstructed and enlarged the paper mill. It grew in size twice more in the 19th century to meet the need for fine paper produced from rags. The Italianate house built for the owner is used as offices by Ahlstrom, the current manufacturers at the site.

The original mill buildings still in use today.

The original mill buildings form part of Ahlstrom's modern factory.

The 'Ninewells doocot', a circular structure dating back to the 16th century, is one of several quirky dovecots elaborately built to house and feed pigeons over the winter, when they provided an important source of protein for occupants of the large estates.

It is reputed that the land on which it stands was won in a wager, from the owner of Whitehall, by Hume of Ninewells, who erected the doocot so the birds would feed on his neighbour's crops.

The Doocot.

This website is operated by Chirnside Community Council. Please click this link to email the Community Council. Manually delete 'REMOVE THIS' from the email address before sending your email.

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The village of Chirnside is located midday between Berwick-upon-Tweed to the east and Duns to the west. Its elevated position overlooking The Merse (meaning marsh), a flat area of agricultural land leading to the river Tweed, and with views across to the magnificent Cheviot Hills, offers an ideal defensive position and it is, therefore, no surprise that evidence of very ancient occupation has been found, most notably when Harelaw Hill, to the east and the site of the cairn which is believed to have given the village its name, was excavated to create a reservoir in 1906. Chirnside's long history has left behind a number of interesting landmarks.	CHIRNSIDE NEEDS YOU Chirnside now has a History Group. For more information click on the picture or here to visit the History Group page.	Site Menu A Brief History The History Group Famous People Events in Chirnside Local Walks The Surrounding Area Where to Stay Village News School Travel Plan Directory of Services Suggested Websites Home.
The Parish Church dates from the mid-12th century, with the Norman doorway and part of the west wall still visible. A sundial, dated 1816, can be seen on the south west corner of the building. The Church was rebuilt in 1878, then restored and altered in 1907, a fine monumental gateway, pictured right, being added later. For more information visit the Chirnside Church website.	The Parish Church.
Chirnside Primary School was designed in 1937 by Edinburgh architects Reid and Forbes, who were responsible for several schools in south east Scotland. It is an elegant building of Scots revival built in Art Deco style. Noted for its light and airy classrooms, it is a Listed Building.	Chirnside Primary School.
The first Mill at Chirnside Bridge dates from 1827 although all that is thought to remain is the octagonal Porter's Lodge. In 1842, the Young Trotter Company reconstructed and enlarged the paper mill. It grew in size twice more in the 19th century to meet the need for fine paper produced from rags. The Italianate house built for the owner is used as offices by Ahlstrom, the current manufacturers at the site.	The original mill buildings form part of Ahlstrom's modern factory.
The 'Ninewells doocot', a circular structure dating back to the 16th century, is one of several quirky dovecots elaborately built to house and feed pigeons over the winter, when they provided an important source of protein for occupants of the large estates. It is reputed that the land on which it stands was won in a wager, from the owner of Whitehall, by Hume of Ninewells, who erected the doocot so the birds would feed on his neighbour's crops.	The Doocot.	This website is operated by Chirnside Community Council. Please click this link to email the Community Council. Manually delete 'REMOVE THIS' from the email address before sending your email. Site designed and built by Robbo Services Ltd.

Chirnside's History