The Grounds

Beautiful lochside grounds, offering heritage, nature, and space for the whole community to enjoy.

Opening Times and Access

Open year round, the Grounds of Haining Estate is an extensive historic parkland estate centred around The Haining house, a late 18th-century mansion.

The estate includes a large loch, areas of mature woodland, open parkland, and walking paths that are open to the public. Its broad grounds provide space for wildlife, community events, and outdoor recreation, making it one of Selkirk’s most valued green spaces and an important part of the town’s heritage.

Please note: While the Grounds are open year round, The Haining House is only open during public events. Follow us on Facebook or check the ‘Whats on’ page for details.

Memorials

A place of remembrance.

At The Haining estate in Selkirk there are several places of remembrance: a quiet Clootie Tree with a memorial stone for those lost to suicide reached via the lochside walk, and a memorial bench honoring Scott Hutchison, frontman of Frightened Rabbit, celebrating his life and mental health advocacy. The estate also features the Old Ginger statue, commemorating the founding dog of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed.

Dandie Derby

The Dandie Derby is an annual, lively gathering and race for Dandie Dinmont Terriers held in the Scottish Borders, celebrating a rare, historic breed named after a Sir Walter Scott character.

The event highlights the breed’s heritage, with over 70 dogs often participating to promote awareness of this vulnerable native breed. Every Dandie ever owned, now, or in the future can trace its male line back to Old Ginger. Bred by Robert Pringle and born at The Haining on June 4th 1842.

Bright Green Nature

A nature-rich “living classroom”.

An ambitious rewilding plan to transform the historic 160-acre Haining estate in Selkirk into a nature-rich “living classroom” to benefit the local community is to be developed following an award of £10,426 to charity Bright Green Nature from the Rewilding Britain Innovation Fund. The project will mark a significant step forward for nature recovery action in the Scottish Borders by restoring local biodiversity, creating thriving natural habitats, and engaging the community in an inspiring environmental initiative.

Volunteer

The Grounds are cared for entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers

Volunteers generously give their time throughout the year to maintain the paths and help keep the Haining safe and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. We’re always happy to welcome new volunteers! If you’d like to join our friendly team, click below and fill out the contact form.

Gallery

FAQs

Are The Grounds open to the public?

The Grounds are open all year round to the public. The Haining House is only open during public events. Follow us on Facebook or check the ‘Whats on’ page for details.

Are dogs allowed on The Grounds?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome to enjoy The Grounds. We kindly ask owners to remain mindful of the surrounding wildlife and to take extra care during nesting season to avoid disturbance.

Is there a café at The Haining?

There is currently no full-time café. Follow our Facebook page or check the ‘What’s on’ page for details of when our pop-up facilities are open.

Are there public toilets?

Our fully accessible toilets in The Haining House are only available when open for public events.

When The Haining House is closed the nearest public toilets are in Halliwell’s/West port car park.

Are water sports permitted on The Haining Loch?

The loch has algae blooms and swimming is therefore not advised or encouraged. Water sports are not currently permitted other than for members of Selkirk Canoe Club.

The loch is unsupervised, and The Haining Charitable Trust accepts no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, or damage resulting from unauthorised entry into the loch.

Is fishing allowed on The Haining Loch?

Fishing is only allowed with a permit and on a strict catch and return basis. To obtain a Fishing permit please contact us via the Contact us form.

The Haining currently leases its fishing rights on the Ettrick Water to Selkirk Angling Club.

Can I cycle within The Grounds?

Cycling is permitted within The Grounds. Please avoid cycling on the grass lawns and the core accessible pathway.

Our cycling group has created dedicated off-road cycle tracks in the woods for enthusiasts to enjoy.

Please remember that people, dogs, and wildlife also use these areas – ride with care and consideration.