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Scottish Borders

We are excited about participating again in 2019, with the events and activities centring around Hawick.

We have 11 buildings and 2 walking tours planned, taking in textiles, rugby and a First World War Military Camp.

Have a browse through our online programme, we hope that you get into buildings and enjoy the day!

Our Doors Open Days is 14th September.

Scottish Borders

Borders Distillery

14 September 2019

The building was originally designed for the Hawick Urban Electric Company in a Tudor Cotswold style in the early 20th century and then became an engineers workshops for Turnbull & Scott. It was brought back into use by the Borders Distillery in 2018 with Gray Macpherson Architects. The conversion has won a number of national awards including from the Civic Trust and the RIAS as well as a local Scottish Borders Council Design Award in 2018.

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WC
Disabled WC
Disabled Access
Parking

Scottish Borders

Guided Walk 01 - Tour of Stobs Camp

14 September 2019

Walking tour to see some of the key areas of the First World War training & internment camp including parts of the British Guard camp, a spectacular view of the prisoner of war camp and the re-instated memorial in the former cemeteryDue to available parking numbers are limited for this tour to a maximum of 30 visitors. Car sharing is advised where possible. The tour takes place outdoors and at times entails walking over uneven ground. Stout footwear and outdoor clothing is advisedTour is suitable for families. Children will need to be accompanied by an adult PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Andy Jepson 07899804536 or a.jepson@archaeologyscotland.org.ukDetails, map & parking instructions to be sent to attendees via email prior to the event

Facilities
Limited Access

Scottish Borders

Guided Walk 02 - The architectural legacy of J P Alison

14 September 2019

As part of Doors Open Day, Mark Douglas, the council's Team Leader for Heritage & Design will lead a walk around the town centre to view the works of Hawick's most prominent and prolific architect; James Pearson Alison (1862-1932).Alison set up business in Hawick in 1887 or 1888 at 19 North Bridge Street which probably initially served as both office and house. In the latter year he was asked by Patrick Laing to design a substantial villa and commissions thereafter followed swiftly as his reputation grew among the local gentry and manufacturers. His office was at 'The Studio' at 45 North Bridge Street which he designed in 1900 and his residence being 'Ladylaw' in Hawick. He was also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and a member of the Hawick Callants Club.Outwith Hawick, his numerous projects including Port House and the Public Hall in Jedburgh, the War Memorial in Denholm and the former Police Station in Kelso. In the centre of Hawick, The Border Club, the former Unionist Club (now The Bourtree) and the Savings Bank on the High Street are all examples of his work His practice continued after his death under the existing title of J P Alison & Hobkirk. In 1936 J Murray Aitken was taken into partnership, becoming sole partner in 1955. The firm of Aitken & Turnbull is the successor of this practiceThis walk is generally flat and on footways/pathsThe tour is FREE and no booking is required but numbers will be restricted to 30 visitors to avoid congestion.

Scottish Borders

Hawick Community Fire Station

14 September 2019

The fire station opened in 1970. Fully operational Community Fire Station consisting of a Wholetime Firefighter element who are present 24/7 and also a Retained Duty System crew, who attend at time of emergency. Staff training & development is carried out at station. The Station is also available as a resource for the public as a meeting venue.The complex includes the breathing apparatus training house and drill tower as well as the main building

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WC
Disabled WC
Disabled Access
Parking

Scottish Borders

Hawick Lodge 111 (Masonic Lodge)

14 September 2019

The building dates from 1922 when the brethren moved from Myrelawsgreen in Hawick.Tours at 13:15 and 14:00 (and potentially 14:45 if enough demand)PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL at lodge111@hotmail.co.ukAccess will be open to the function room as well as the Temple, which will be set out as it would be for a Masonic Meeting with office-bearers in attendance. There will be tours of the temple and an explanation given of the layout, plan and key features. William Beattie's (sculptor of the 1514 Horse Memorial) actual Cavalry Sword will be on display.

Facilities
WC

Scottish Borders

Hawick Men's Shed

14 September 2019

Dating back to the late 1920s in a loose Art Deco style, the building was used for offices. It was recently converted to become the Hawick Men's Shed and now provides workshops, display areas and social facilities within a two storey building (access to the upper floor is via a staircase only)

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WC
Disabled WC
Disabled Access
Parking

Scottish Borders

Hawick Museum

14 September 2019

The original building dates back to c 1600, with 1859 alterations by Wm Hall &Co Galashiels, and further works in 1910 by JP Allison and 1975by Aitken and Turnbull.Hawick Museum's parkland location and fascinating displays reflect the endeavour of the town and its people. The objects and fine works of art collected are not just about Hawick but a window on the world.Outside the museum, near the War Memorial, Hawick Callants Club recently installed the 'Passchendaele Negative' sculptures which were unveiled on Gallipoli Day 12 July 2019

Facilities
WC
Disabled WC
Disabled Access
Parking

Scottish Borders

Hawick Rugby Football Club

14 September 2019

The home of Hawick Rugby Football Club. The club room contianing the Bill McLaren Room as well as the trophy room and education room will be open.

Facilities
WC
Disabled WC
Disabled Access
Parking

Scottish Borders

Hawick Town Hall

14 September 2019

An outstanding late-19th century Scottish Baronial town hall on a prominent corner site with a tower that has a commanding presence over the whole town. The current town hall replaced the earlier tollbooth on the same site. The building continues to be used by the council for offices.Access to view the Council Chamber, Provost's Room and Old Police Station and cells which are not normally open to the public. PRE BOOKING ESSENTIAL Contact Frank Scott at fscott@scottborders.gov.uk

Facilities
WC

Scottish Borders

Heritage Hub

14 September 2019

The building was originally built in the mid-19th century as part of the Hawick Corn Exchange. Following fire damage it was brought back into use in 2007 as the Heritage Hub with alterations and extensions by Gray, Marshall Associates as part of the 'Heart of Hawick' project.Environmentally-controlled archive building on four floors but three floors generally inaccessible to public. Opening these to visitors during Doors Open Day will give an insight into how we work and the scale of the collections.Behind-the-scenes (strong room tours) and displays in search room, lobby and meeting room. There will be tours half hourly from 10:00 to 15:30 inclusive.The HERITAGE HUB will also act as the information centre of the Doors Open Day on Saturday 14 September.

Facilities
WC
Disabled WC
Disabled Access
Parking

Scottish Borders

Richardson & Son Printers

14 September 2019

Richardson and Son and long established local printers in the town. They have been involved in printing a number of publications associated with the history of Hawick, including: "Companion Guide to Hawick and District" for Hawick Archaeological Society "Hawick & District and The Great War" by Derek Robertson "Reflections of Hawick" by Ian W Landles BEM an Alan G Brydon.In 2019 they used an 1863 machine to print Langholm Common-Riding ribbons on pink material.(Colours of the Winner of The Derby)The building now occupied by Richardson & Son has a long history.In 1921 the North British Railway Company opened a maintenance yard and sidings at the former Andrew Oliver & Son's auction site in Loch Park, relocating the district's wagon works from the wilderness at Riccarton junction. With the impending closure of the Waverley Line, the yard and its workshops were converted to an industrial estate by Hawick Town Council in 1968. One of the first tenants was The Hawick News, which moved from its original premises at 24 High Street. Their print works closed in 2000 and is now occupied by Richardson & Son, commercial and general printers

Facilities
WC
Parking

Scottish Borders

Textile Centre of Excellence

14 September 2019

New centre which only opened in spring 2019, incorporated within Hawick High school to deliver much needed skills back into the textile sectorShowcase training being delivered within centre

Facilities
WC
Disabled Access
Parking

Scottish Borders

Textile Tower House

14 September 2019

Borders Textile Towerhouse lets visitors discover the knitwear and tweed story, how the Borders woollen industries reached the height of luxury and fashion.You will also discover the fascinating history of this 500 year old tower from the days of the Border ReiversStyled in the Borders 2019This exhibition gathers together examples of the best quality fashion and design coming out of the Borders in 2019.The Wonders of Wool: Ann SmithThe landscape, flora and fauna of Scotland provide inspiration for these vibrant felt art works and other wool felt creations

Facilities
WC
Disabled WC
Disabled Access

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Area Coordinator

Mark Douglas
Scottish Borders Council
Council Headquarters
Newton St Boswells
Melrose
Tel: 01835 825563

Email
Website

Download our area leaflet
Doors Open Day Hawick 2019.pdf