Earlston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Earlston
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 Village centre |
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 Earlston
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| Area | 0.69 km2 (0.27 sq mi) |
| Population | 1,730 (2020) |
| • Density | 2,507/km2 (6,490/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | NT574385 |
| • Edinburgh | 29 mi (47 km) NW |
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| Council area | |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | EARLSTON |
| Postcode district | TD4 |
| Dialling code | 01896 |
| Police | Lothian and Borders |
| Fire | Lothian and Borders |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Earlston is a lively market town in the Scottish Borders, located by the River Leader. It's also known as Yerlston in Scots and Dùn Airchill in Gaelic.
Contents
Discovering Earlston's Past
Earlston has a long history! It was once called Arcioldun, meaning 'Prospect Fort'. This name came from Black Hill, a nearby hill where you can still see the old circular shapes of an ancient British fort. People also say you might find traces of cave homes used by the Votadini, an old tribe who lived in this part of Scotland.
Hundreds of years ago, powerful families like the Lindsays and the Earls of March and Dunbar were important landowners here.
The Rhymer's Tower
Another interesting historical spot is the ruined Rhymer's Tower. This old stone tower is thought to be from the 13th century. It's famous for being the home of Thomas Learmonth, also known as Thomas the Rhymer. He was a poet and prophet born around 1225. Legend says he was friends with the Elves!
Grand Country Houses Near Earlston
Bemersyde Estate
About 3 miles south of Earlston is the beautiful Bemersyde estate. The Haig family has owned this land for almost 1000 years! The castle at Bemersyde was rebuilt in 1535 to protect a nearby river crossing. It was damaged in 1545 but rebuilt again. Over the centuries, more parts were added to the house.
From Scott's View on Bemersyde Hill, you can see a stunning landscape. This was Sir Walter Scott's favourite view!
Carolside Estate
Just north of Earlston, you'll find the Carolside estate. It has a large, three-storey Georgian mansion. In the past, there was a small hill on the drive to Carolside where three maple trees and a hawthorn grew. This spot was said to be an old burial place for the Lauder family, who once owned Carolside.
Earlston's Churches
There has been a church in Earlston since at least 1250. A special stone, which says 'Auld Rhymer's race lies in this place', has been moved to different churches over time. It's now in the newest church, built in 1892. You can also see some old gravestones in the churchyard.
In 1897 and 1898, Very Rev William Mair, who was the minister of Earlston, became the leader of the Church of Scotland.
Sports and Fun in Earlston
Earlston has a strong sports scene!
- The local rugby union team is called Earlston RFC.
- Earlston's football team is Earlston Rhymers A.F.C., named after the famous local poet, Thomas the Rhymer.
- The town also has a tennis club and a bowling club.
Earlston Golf Club
Earlston Golf Club started in 1906. The original golf course was used for growing food during the First World War and closed in 1917. Even without a local course, the club still plays games and competitions at other golf courses.
In a fun and unique move, the Earlston Golf Club decided to buy land on the Moon in 2000! They even established their "Moon Course" in November 2000.
Learning in Earlston
Earlston has great schools for young people.
- Earlston Primary School teaches younger students from Earlston and nearby villages.
- Earlston High School is a secondary school for students aged 11 to 18. It also welcomes pupils from the surrounding area. The current school building opened in 2009 at Georgefield.
Town Twinning
Earlston is twinned with:
Cappella Maggiore, Italy (since 2004). This means the two towns have a special friendship and often share cultural exchanges.
See also
- List of places in the Scottish Borders
- List of places in Scotland
- Earlston railway station
Images for kids
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Village centre
