Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom
Free museum in Selkirk's former town hall of 1804, showing the courtroom where Sir Walter Scott sat as sheriff and objects linked to him.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom stands in the Market Place of the Royal Burgh of Selkirk, beside a statue of the writer. The building dates from 1804 and was the town hall. It is topped by a spire about 100 feet high. Scott served as Sheriff of Selkirkshire for nearly thirty years, until his death in 1832, and he sat in this courtroom to hear cases. His work as a lawyer and sheriff-deputy tied him closely to the Borders, whose landscapes and history inspired much of his writing.
The museum presents Scott's relationship with the town. The main room holds the reconstructed courtroom with figures seated in and around the dock, including one of Scott himself and one of the mace bearer Jamie Inglis. Display cases show personal belongings of the author of novels such as Rob Roy and the Waverley Novels, and a case on law and order tells stories of past crimes and punishments. A former jail cell with a mannequin stands in the reception area.
The museum is run by Live Borders and is free to enter. A small shop sells books and souvenirs. It opens from spring to autumn only. Live Borders also runs a programme of talks and events about Scott and guided walks around Selkirk.
Highlights
- Reconstructed courtroom where Sir Walter Scott sat as sheriff
- Personal objects that belonged to Scott
- Old jail cell in the reception area
- Display on crime and punishment in the past
- Souters' Routes guided walks around Selkirk
Permanent exhibition
- Sir Walter Scott and Selkirk – The reconstructed courtroom, personal objects of Sir Walter Scott and displays on his years as Sheriff of Selkirkshire.
- Operated by
- Live Borders
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Adults | free |
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Entry is free. Donations are encouraged to help keep the museum free. Group visits, coach tours and educational events should be booked in advance.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: not available
- 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 building has no level access: there are several flights of steps from the street, and the museum itself is all on one level once inside. Buggies are welcome inside, but the steps at the entrance must be climbed. There is no hearing loop. There are no toilets in the museum; public toilets, including an accessible toilet opened with a radar key from the reception of Halliwell's House Museum, are on the road up to the West Port car park. Two parking bays for disabled badge holders are in Market Square and two in West Port car park. Registered assistance animals are welcome.
Kids & families
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
A children's activity pack can be collected at reception, and museum activity trails are advertised.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Market Place (next to the bookshop)
Town bus services X95 and 73 serve Selkirk.
By car
Free parking
Three free car parks in Selkirk: West Port (long stay, the largest, next to Halliwell's House Museum), Market Square (30-minute stay, about a 3-minute walk) and a small one off Chapel Street (10-minute walk). There are two bays for disabled badge holders in Market Square and two in West Port.
- Accessible parking
Bike racks are at West Port and Market Square car parks. Taxis can drive to the Market Place car park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
A small gift shop with books and souvenirs. There are no toilets on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Souters' Routes guided walks around Selkirk can be booked separately. Group visits and educational events are welcome with advance booking. |
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