Oxton, Scottish Borders facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Oxton
Village centre
Oxton
Population	270 (2001)
OS grid reference	NT496535
• Edinburgh	20 mi (32 km) NW
Civil parish	Channelkirk
Council area	Scottish Borders
Lieutenancy area	Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale
Country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	LAUDER
Postcode district	TD2
Dialling code	01578
Police	Lothian and Borders
Fire	Lothian and Borders
Ambulance	Scottish
EU Parliament	Scotland
UK Parliament	Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Scottish Parliament	Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale
List of places UK Scotland 55°46′19″N 2°48′11″W / 55.772°N 2.803°W / 55.772; -2.803

Oxton in the late 19th century

Oxton is a small village in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. It is located just off the A68 main road. The village is about 4.5 miles (7 km) north of Lauder. It is also about 20 miles (32 km) southeast of the city of Edinburgh. Oxton is known for its quiet, countryside setting.

Discovering Oxton's Past

Oxton village is part of the Channelkirk parish. This area has a very long history. Its old name was Childer-kirk, and later Gingle-kirk.

Ancient Times in Oxton

Archaeologists have found signs of a Roman camp near Oxton. You can even see it from the air! This camp might have been used by the Roman army. This was around the years AD 209–210. The army was led by Emperor Septimius Severus at that time.

A very important person, Saint Cuthbert, was born near Oxton in AD 635. He later became a Bishop of Lindisfarne. People believe he baptised early Christians at a nearby spring called Holy Water Cleuch.

How Oxton Got Its Name

For many years, Oxton was called Ugston. This name was still used in the 1841 census. Over time, the name changed to Oxton.

In the past, local landowners, called Heritors, helped run the parish. They worked with the Kirk Session (church leaders). Together, they paid for important things. This included repairs for the church, the school, and even bridges.

What to See and Do in Oxton Today

Oxton is home to some interesting places to visit.

Bird Gardens Scotland

The village now has Bird Gardens Scotland CIC. This is a special centre that helps protect birds. It is home to over 300 birds from all over the world. You can see amazing birds like Chilean flamingos and Laughing Kookaburra. They also have Emus! Besides birds, you might spot other animals. These include Red-Necked Wallaby and Castlemilk Moorit Sheep.

Oxton Pottery

Right next to the Bird Gardens is Oxton Pottery. This is a working pottery studio. They often hold classes where you can learn to make pottery. There is also a gift shop where you can buy unique handmade items.

Famous People from Oxton

• Jack Lowden, a well-known actor, comes from Oxton.

Gallery

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  Red house at Oxton

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  Oxton house and post box

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  Oxton Mains farm