Ettrick Kirk Historical Facts

Ettrick Kirk

• Our Kirk was restored between 1995 and 1998. The pews were retained as in the 1824 building. However we know that the earlier church would have had seating only around the walls for those who might have found it hard to stand throughout a three hour sermon. Notice here the old coat hooks and two wall benches, a reminder of the past.
   
• The memorials on the kirk walls and to the south of the middle gate in the cemetery are of the Napier family of Thirlestane.
   
• To the right of the pulpit the enclosed seating area is for the elders of the Kirk. In there you will see some of the old ladles used to collect the offerings and still in use today.
   
• During the restoration pupils of Ettrick Primary School worked on a Peace collage which was proudly displayed at the opening service. This can be seen also to the right of the pulpit.
   
• There are 3 galleries, known as lofts. On the east side of the church reached by the outside staircase is "the Laird's loft". The Napier family of Thirlestane enjoyed comfort, privacy and kept an eye on the minister. In the other lofts you will notice that the pews are enclosed..to keep the shepherd's dogs from fighting.
   
• In front of the pulpit is the Precentors box. For many years now we have had a "kist o' whistles" in the form of a fine old German harmonium. Older members remember Davie Brunton, the last precentor, who would lead the singing with his fine voice in the old traditional way of the Kirk.
   

Items of Interest Outside

Headstone of James Hogg

To the North is Craighill and the buildings which the minister held for pony, trap, cow haylofts and servants living accommodation. The two fields in front of the Kirk and Manse are known as the glebe, to be worked for the support of the family, and aforementioned pony and cow.
Within the steading area you will see the mounting step for ladies and those less able to mount their ponies.

Within the kirkyard there are the notable graves of Thomas Boston, James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd and his grandfather Will o' Phaup, and of Tibbie Shiell. (All within a square from the west door of the middle gate.)