Kelso

Kelso is a market town, its famous square, unique in Scotland, became the venue for weekly markets and two annual fairs. The local craftsmen known for quality leather work and the production of shoes. The area was also popular with the gentry, who came to attend the races and enjoy fishing.

Kelso Abbey located in the centre of the town was founded by King David I in 1126 for the Tironesian Order of monks from France. Kelso Abbey led a turbulent life in its latter years of existence. The Abbey was exceptionally rich, owning manors, farms, mills and fisheries throughout southern Scotland. AfterJames IV was killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, the abbey became the centre for disputes and destruction. The English ransacked ti on three occasions completing its dissolution in 1545. By 1649 the transept was patched up and a roof reinstated, the building was used as the local burgh prison and Presbyterian parish church. Eventually the roof caved in again in 1771 and the building was abandoned.

The Kelsae Onion was bred by Alfred Breed, Head Gardener of Merton Gardens in St Boswells around 1948. A truly enormous onion, it is a sweet, mild, white onion. Where it was multiplied at Sinclair McGills Garden Centre in Kelso from 1978. This onion variety is often exhibited at horticultural shows.