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Chirnside village lies on the south side of a hill approximately 500ft. above sea level in the Scottish borders with stunning views over the Merse (meaning marsh) a flat, fertile, agricultural plain stretching to the Cheviot Hills, twenty five miles to the south. The Eildon hills are to the south-east with the Lammermuir hills to the north. Berwick-upon-Tweed is 10 miles to the south-east. View a map of the area.

The name of Chirnside is believed to be derived from the Cairn which stood on the hill at the east end of the village, known previously as Harelaw Hill. This area was excavated for a reservoir in 1906 and a grave of heavy stone slabs was found containing a skeleton in a crouching position and a small earthenware beaker, leading to speculation that this might have been the burial place of some ancient chieftain of the Beaker people.

The main street of Chirnside runs for a mile from east to west with the Crosshill running up the hill from north to south, in the centre of the village. At the foot of the hill is the church, dedicated in 1298 and still possessing a Norman doorway. Close to the church is the Ninewells dovecote. Because of it's location the village was vulnerable to invasion from England and was actively engaged in Border reiving and the Covenanting Movement.

Probably the bestl known son of Chirnside is Jim Clark of Edington Mains who is buried in the churchyard and brought fame to the village as World Champion Motor Racing Driver. A clock to his memory stands at the Crosshill. Also from Chirnside were David Hume of Ninewells, the famous philospher and Henry Erskine and his two sons Ralph and Ebenezer who played significant role in the ecclesiastical history of Scotland. Dr George Henderson, for thirty-five years the village doctor, put on record many of the sayings and customs of Berwickshire.

Summer 2006 photos
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