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 ruined (in addition to lots of other Borders abbeys and abbeys) by the soldiers of Henry VIII. The stones of the damages were taken for numerous other neighborhood structures leaving only the tower standing amongst the marker of the cemetery. An additional old church in the community is the Cross Kirk, established in 1261. Although now primarily ruins, the Cross Kirk plays a prominent part in the regional event. The annual regional celebration in Peebles is called the Beltane, as well as entails (as with lots of Borders celebrations) an Usual Riding. The Beltane, announced at the cross, finishes with the crowning of the Beltane Queen (a woman chosen from among 3 local primary schools) in addition to her court, including the likes of the First and also Second Courtiers, Sword Bearer as well as Standard Bearer; on the action in front of the parish church. The grown-up principal of the event is the Cornet, a local young man chosen by the organising board on a basis of being thought about worthy of standing for the community, who then lugs the community standard 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 currently near to the general public. On the south side of High Street are the old burgh workplaces. These incorporate the town's library, art gallery and local museum. The building occupied by these are called the Chambers Institution, being deeded to the community by William Chambers, a participant of the Chambers posting family who came from the community. Chambers' residence can be discovered on the oldest street in Peebles-- Biggiesknowe. Peebles is no longer linked to the train network. In years past, the Symington, Biggar and Broughton Train had lines that attached Peebles to Edinburgh as well as Galashiels, with a goods station as well as Peebles and Peebles West terminals. Historically Peebles and also the Scottish borders have actually been the location of numerous textiles businesses. Still today, March Road Mills is the location of Robert Noble along with its sis firm Replin Fabrics.