Undiscovered Scotland

 

Sir Walter Scott lived from 15 August 1771 to 21 September 1832. He can be thought of as the first international literary superstar. As a poet and as a historical novelist, he was popular throughout the world in his day and, to an extent, his books remain read today. He also did much to create the image that many have today of Scotland, and was among the first to popularise significant parts of it.

In 1799, Sir Walter was appointed Sheriff Deputy of Selkirkshire. In that role he would have presided over the courtroom in Selkirk until his death in 1832. Sir Walter lived at Abbotsford, four miles to the north-east, from 1811 and died there. He was intimately associated with the Borders and with its landscapes and history. With his legal training, the post in Selkirk must have seemed ideal. (Continues below images...)

 

In 1804, a new court was built on the south-east side of Selkirk's Market Place, and this is where Sir Walter dispensed justice for the next 28 years. The building has a 100-foot-high spire and today it stands near an imposing statue dedicated to Sir Walter.

Access to the courtroom is via a door on the steps that lead up the right side of the building as seen from the Market Place. Inside there is a reception area, from which a door leads through into the large single room that forms the museum.

This is divided into two distinct parts. First you encounter the courtroom itself, recreated as it would have been while in session. Mannequins in period costume play the key roles, including the sheriff, defendant, clerk and family. And the mace bearer, tucked away sitting behind the door, which gives most visitors a start when then enter. The mannequins represent real people, including Sir Walter himself.

The other half of the room is home to a fascinating display dedicated to Sir Walter's life and times. Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom makes for a fascinating visit for anyone with any interest at all in the man, his writing and his life.