A COUPLE have expressed their amazement at finding a 121-year-old copy of a local newspaper while renovating a historic Peebles building.

Shona Haslam and her husband Marc purchased the old Peebles Courthouse in 2017.

But they were staggered when they discovered a perfectly preserved 1899 edition of the Peebles News.

Scottish Borders Council leader Mrs Haslam said: “It is a fantastic piece of local history and will definitely be finding a special place when the building is finally renovated.”

Justice was delivered from the former sheriff court on the High Street for 150 years before its closure in 2001.

The Haslams bought the property three years ago and it will eventually become their family home, as well as holiday accommodation.

The family were astonished when they found the old newspaper, costing one half-penny, dated February 25, 1899.

Mrs Haslam told us: “I know DIY is a favourite lockdown activity for many, and in the Courthouse we have our fair share.

"While we were cleaning out, in one of the many boxes that we found when we moved in, I discovered this absolute gem of a Peebles News from 1899."

She added: “What always amazes me is how many of the names are still recognisable as well-kent within the town. You only need to look at the names of the committee of the March Riders meeting to see so many familiar surnames."

The newspaper's content included:

  • A notice from the Town Clerk WM Buchan, requesting householders not to put paper in their ash buckets daily.
  • Details of the Peebles Choral Society Annual Concert
  • An auction sale of plants and shrubs in James Smith’s Auction Rooms at 29 and 31 Northgate, Peebles
  • Adverts for umbrella repairs by Turnbull’s; John Dougall’s watchmaker, jeweller, cycle agent and optician; John Green’s winter clothing; WM Weatherston & Son, Saddlers and Harness Makers; Walter Mitchell’s Bootmaker, Northgate
  • Houses for sale – Cottages at Walkershaugh, Damdale, and Wemyss Place
  • Sports reports from Leithen Rovers, Peebles Rangers, Peebles Rovers, Walkerburn Thistle
  • An article detailing a public meeting of the Peebles March Riding which was presided over by Provost Ballantyne in the Town Hall
  • An annual meeting of the Peebles Brass Band in the Masonic Hall where Chairman Mr J A Kerr presided over a most “meagre” attendance of the public, which he took as a sign that the public had no fault to find with their management