Roxburgh, Ettrick & Lauderdale

Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale is a county in the Scottish Borders that is famous for its natural beauty and rolling hills. The area is made up of three districts: Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale. While it is mostly rural, the county has a number of towns and villages and is only a short travel distance from Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. With a population of approximately 35,490, it has many amenities including shops, supermarkets and bars as well as restaurants and cafes that serve local cuisine.

Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale countryside

Where is Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale?

Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale is located on the Scottish Borders and bordered by the Scottish counties of Dumfries and Galloway, Midlothian, Berwickshire and the English county of Northumberland.

Areas in Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale

Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale is a small area, covering just over 400 square miles.

Roxburgh is the largest town in the county with a population of around 1750 people living there. There are also smaller towns including Kelso (population 3000), Jedburgh (population 2000) and Peebles (population 5000).

Roxburgh – The primary town in Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, Roxburgh is situated on the River Tweed with a population of around 1750 people. It has a range of local amenities, including shops, cafes and pubs. It is also home to Roxburghe House, a stately home open to the public.

Ettrick – Ettrick is located in the southeast of Roxburghshire and has a population of just over 200 people. The village is best known for being the birthplace of James Hogg, known as the Ettrick Shepherd.

Lauderdale – Lauderdale is located in the southeast of Roxburghshire and has a population of just over 2000 people. The village is best known for being home to Bowhill House, the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch.

Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale cliffs

Kelso – The second largest town in Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, Kelso is situated along the banks of the River Tweed with a population of around 3000 people. The Town Hall is a great example of the Scottish Baronial style and was built in 1859.

Peebles – The last of the three largest towns in Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale is Peebles. It has a population of around 3000 people too but it is smaller than Kelso. It has a reputation for being a popular destination for people in Edinburgh who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Jedburgh – A market town that has been prominent since Roman times, Jedburgh is situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders and has a population of just over 3000 people. It has a lot of history and is home to the Jedburgh Abbey, which was founded in the 12th century.

Universities in Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale

There are no universities located within the county boundaries of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale. However, there are a few universities close by which students may wish to consider:

Edinburgh Napier – A university located in the city of Edinburgh, just a 30-minute drive from Jedburgh, Edinburgh Napier is a modern institution that has been in operation since 1964.

The Glasgow School of Art – The only college to be featured on this list, the Glasgow School of Art is located in Scotland’s largest city. The institution was founded back in 1845 and is one of the oldest art schools anywhere in the United Kingdom.

The University of Glasgow – A prestigious university located in the city of Glasgow, which is around an hour and a half’s drive away from Jedburgh and around 90 minutes from Kelso.

The University of St Andrews – The final university is located in the city of Dundee, around an hour’s drive away from Jedburgh and a 40-minute drive away from Hawick.

Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale cattle

The University of Strathclyde – Another highly regarded university in Glasgow, which is a 30-minute drive away from Jedburgh and offers a range of courses in business, engineering and technology.

Top Schools in Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale

Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale is home to a number of highly regarded secondary schools that offer students the perfect foundation for further study and success in higher education.

Kelso High School – A great school with high levels of attainment and a positive atmosphere, located in Kelso which is around 30 minutes away from Jedburgh.

Jedburgh Grammar School – Another good school, just over an hour’s drive away from Roxburgh itself, the Jedburgh Grammar School is one of the best-performing state schools in Scotland.

Edinburgh Steiner Academy – A new school that focuses on creativity and independent thinking, the Edinburgh Steiner Academy is located in Melrose which is a 30-minute drive away from Jedburgh.

Population of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale

Populations in the city and towns surrounding Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale are growing due to an influx of young families moving into the area for its low crime rates and high-quality schooling options. The population of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale is currently around 35,490 people.