Peebles is a royal burgh in Peeblesshire, of which it is the county town, within the Scottish Borders region. According to the 2011 census, the population was 8,376. The earliest structure in Peebles is the tower of St Andrew's Church. The church was founded in 1195. It was damaged (along with numerous other Borders abbeys and abbeys) by the soldiers of Henry VIII. The rocks of the ruins were pilfered for numerous other regional buildings leaving only the tower standing amongst the marker of the churchyard. Another old church in the town is the Cross Kirk, founded in 1261. Although now generally ruins, the Cross Kirk plays a prominent part in the local festival. The yearly neighborhood celebration in Peebles is called the Beltane, and entails (similar to several Borders celebrations) an Usual Riding. The Beltane, announced at the cross, culminates with the crowning of the Beltane Queen (a lady selected from among 3 neighborhood primary schools) along with her court, consisting of the similarity the First and also Second Courtiers, Sword Bearer and Standard Bearer; on the steps in front of the parish church. The adult principal of the festival is the Cornet, a neighborhood boy picked by the arranging board on a basis of being taken into consideration deserving of standing for the town, who then carries the community criterion for a year. To the west of the town is Neidpath Castle, which can be reached walking with Hay Lodge Park, the route has views of the castle. The castle is now closed to the general public. On the south side of High Street are the old burgh workplaces. These integrate the community's collection, art gallery and regional gallery. The building inhabited by these are called the Chambers Institution, being deeded to the community by William Chambers, a participant of the Chambers publishing family members that came from the town. Chambers' home can be discovered on the oldest road in Peebles-- Biggiesknowe. Peebles is no more connected to the railway network. In years past, the Symington, Biggar and also Broughton Railway had lines that linked Peebles to Edinburgh and Galashiels, with an items station and Peebles and also Peebles West terminals. Historically Peebles and also the Scottish borders have actually been the area of numerous fabrics organisations. Still today, March Road Mills is the area of Robert Noble together with its sis business Replin Fabrics.