River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum

About the museum

The River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum is housed in Kelso Town Hall and tells the story of salmon fishing on the Tweed. Rod-and-line methods were developed on this river in the middle of the 18th century and later spread around the world as a sport. They also shaped the economy and culture of the Eastern Borders, and the museum looks at the anglers, ghillies and boatmen involved.

The museum was planned for opening in spring 2020 but was delayed by the pandemic. It was opened on 3 September 2020 by the Duchess of Roxburghe and the rugby player Gareth Edwards. It is run by a small group of trustees who work as volunteers, and it depends on donations and grants. Many of the objects came from private collections of local fishing enthusiasts and from families and estates across the Borders.

The collection holds around 2,000 items. These include historic rods, reels and flies, maps and models, books and illustrations, film and photographs, clothing and tools, and personal items. A replica of a 19th-century fishing bothy with a boatman in tweed clothing gives an impression of working life on the river. Seasonal displays and events such as fly-tying demonstrations and a Heritage Rod Day add variety.

Highlights

• Rods, reels and flies from the birthplace of rod-and-line salmon fishing
• Replica 19th-century fishing bothy with a boatman figure
• Maps, models, books, film and photographs of the River Tweed
• Displays on ghillies, boatmen and estate collections
• Free entry in Kelso Town Hall

Permanent exhibition

• Salmon fishing on the River Tweed – Historic rods, reels, flies, maps, models, books, film and photographs, a replica 19th-century fishing bothy and displays on ghillies, boatmen and estates.

Founded

2020

Operated by

Volunteer trustees of the River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. The museum relies on donations to stay open.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum describes itself as fully accessible, with clear signage and plenty of space. A tourism listing also notes that dogs are welcome and that accessible parking or a drop-off point is available.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Kelso Town Hall on Kelso Square in the centre of Kelso. A tourism listing describes it as on a public transport route with a taxi rank nearby.

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is listed for the museum by the Visit Kelso tourism portal.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit