One of Oxton’s defining parameters is its height above sea level – it must be amongst the highest villages in Scotland. The 230 meter contour runs through the area of Oxton and Channelkirk.
Oxton is an ideal base from which to explore Edinburgh,Midlothian,East Lothian and the Scottish Borders. We are 25 miles south east of the centre of Edinburgh, yet in a quiet rural position in which to fully appreciate the beauty of the Scottish Borders. With one of the main arterial routes between Scotland and England by-passing the village, Oxton keeps its charming rural image and feel to it.
Oxton has its own Primary School (named Channelkirk), Village Shop and Hotel/Pub with restuarant, and a variety of other services. This is safe and friendly village, a place to walk or explore the many historical sites around the area, to walk your dog, amble with your children or find some space away from the hustle and bustle of town life. Noticeably Oxton is a village where everyone is made welcome. The villagers take great pride in Oxton and in the summer months, when there are many flowering baskets on display along Main Street, there is a certain tranquility about the village.
Lauder is only 4 miles away with many specialised services and shops available. A BP Petrol station south of the village in Lauder. The Doctors surgery is located in Factors Park, Lauder and there is a chemist, hairdresser, greengrocer, butcher and bakery amongst others on the High Street, Lauder.The nearest supermarkets are 20 minutes from the village, with Asda, Tesco and Aldi in Galashiels.
This website is for both locals and visitors to provide information about the community and the local area. Feel free to comment on your experience of Oxton. Please post comments on the Contact Us page if they are general about the site, otherwise comment on any page you want. We moderate ALL comments, enabling us to monitor for acceptable language, however opinions of the public are not altered in any way.
If you would like to make any suggestions or contribute any photos, please refer to the Contact Us page. Otherwise, to insert written text, click on Reply in the relevant Page.
If you want to submit a poem for instance, go to Creative Oxton < Poets Corner < Click Reply – and put your poem in here. Same goes for for any contributions to the site.
Henry Borthwick who resides in Oxton, near Channelkirk Church, has kindly agreed to let us include many parts of his book Channelkirk Talks. We have carefully selected relevant pieces of information to help give you an idea of the history associated with Oxton and Channelkirk, as well as surrounding areas.
His book which was compiled, written and published by Henry has sold copies all over the world, to expats of this area who have settled in Australia, North America and Africa to name but a few. The book Channelkirk Talks can be purchased at Bakehouse Stores in the village or at Lauder Post Office. Alternatively to these local shops, you can contact the printers Kelso Graphics here: admin@kelsographics.co.uk .
The information on some of the pages remain incomplete, as we are waiting on residents in office to pass requested details to us. For instance the defibrillator details and church history. Whats that old saying? You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink!
Acknowledgements for designing, creating and building this website in 2 months; Steve Jones,Callum MacDonald and Jonathan Stevenson.(in no particular order!)
Contributions are also acknowledged from Jim Brennan, Henry Borthwick, Heather Jones and Bill Loneskie.
