Peebles is an imperial 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 earliest structure in Peebles is the tower of St Andrew's Church. The church was founded in 1195. It was destroyed (in addition to lots of other Borders abbeys and abbeys) by the soldiers of Henry VIII. The stones of the damages were taken for several various other neighborhood buildings leaving only the tower standing amongst the marker of the churchyard. An additional ancient church in the town is the Cross Kirk, established in 1261. Although now primarily ruins, the Cross Kirk plays a prominent part in the regional event. The yearly neighborhood event in Peebles is called the Beltane, and includes (just like numerous Borders festivals) an Usual Riding. The Beltane, proclaimed at the cross, culminates with the crowning of the Beltane Queen (a woman chosen from one of three regional primary schools) together with her court, including the similarity the First as well as Secondly Courtiers, Sword Bearer and also Standard Bearer; on the steps in front of the parish church. The grown-up principal of the festival is the Cornet, a regional boy picked by the organising board on a basis of being taken into consideration worthwhile of representing the town, who after that carries the town criterion for a year. To the west of the town is Neidpath Castle, which can be gotten to walking with Hay Lodge Park, the path 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 offices. These incorporate the town's collection, art gallery and neighborhood museum. The building occupied by these are called the Chambers Institution, being deeded to the town by William Chambers, a participant of the Chambers publishing family that originated in the community. Chambers' home can be found on the earliest street in Peebles-- Biggiesknowe. Peebles is no more attached to the train network. In years past, the Symington, Biggar and also Broughton Train had lines that connected Peebles to Edinburgh and Galashiels, with a goods station and also Peebles and Peebles West terminals. Historically Peebles as well as the Scottish boundaries have actually been the place of numerous textiles services. Still today, March Street Mills is the location of Robert Noble along with its sis business Replin Fabrics.