Peebles is a royal burgh in Peeblesshire, of which it is the county town, within the Scottish Borders area. According to the 2011 census, the population was 8,376. The oldest building in Peebles is the tower of St Andrew's Church. The church was founded in 1195. It was damaged (in addition to lots of various other Borders abbeys and also abbeys) by the soldiers of Henry VIII. The stones of the ruins were pilfered for many other regional buildings leaving only the tower standing among the gravestone of the cemetery. One more ancient church in the community is the Cross Kirk, founded in 1261. Although currently mainly ruins, the Cross Kirk plays a feature in the neighborhood festival. The annual regional celebration in Peebles is called the Beltane, and also includes (similar to lots of Borders festivals) a Common Riding. The Beltane, proclaimed at the cross, culminates with the crowning of the Beltane Queen (a lady chosen from among three neighborhood primary schools) together with her court, consisting of the similarity the First and Second Courtiers, Sword Bearer and also Standard Bearer; on the steps in front of the parish church. The adult principal of the celebration is the Cornet, a neighborhood boy chosen by the arranging board on a basis of being thought about deserving of standing for the town, that then carries the community requirement for a year. To the west of the town is Neidpath Castle, which can be gotten to walking with Hay Lodge Park, the course has views of the castle. The castle is now near to the public. On the south side of High Street are the old burgh offices. These include the town's collection, art gallery and also regional gallery. The structure occupied by these are called the Chambers Institution, being deeded to the community by William Chambers, a participant of the Chambers posting family that came from the community. Chambers' house can be located on the earliest street in Peebles-- Biggiesknowe. Peebles is no longer linked to the railway network. In years past, the Symington, Biggar as well as Broughton Train had lines that linked Peebles to Edinburgh and also Galashiels, with a products station and Peebles and Peebles West terminals. Historically Peebles as well as the Scottish boundaries have been the place of many fabrics services. Still today, March Street Mills is the area of Robert Noble together with its sibling business Replin Fabrics.
