Introducing the Yarrow Hall 2026 Calendar
- Neil Miller-Chalk
- Oct 15
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 24
It’s that time of year
One of our favourite local traditions!
The Yarrow Hall Annual Calendar has become a much-loved fixture in the valley, and 2026 is no different. Each year, residents and visitors of the Yarrow Valley are invited to share their favourite photographs.
Once submitted, the photos are anonymously reviewed by the hall committee, who have the near-impossible task of shortlisting the final 12 and then choosing which images best represent each month.
This year, we’re also delighted to have the support of several wonderful local businesses, whose sponsorship has helped bring the calendar to life. You’ll find their details featured on each month.
The Yarrow Hall 2026 Calendar is now available to buy for £8, with all proceeds supporting the hall and its ongoing activities. You can pick up a copy at:
The Waterwheel Café – with thanks to Lynn Hume
The Gordon Arms Restaurant with Rooms – thank you to Oxana and Bryn
The Cross Keys in Ettrickbridge – with thanks to Rory Steel
The Beehive Shop & Café - with many thanks to Kay
Burnside Gallery & Frames, Selkirk - thank you to Charly and Javier
The Beauty Yard - Thank you Sammy
Calendars are also available to purchase online (+£1.80 postage) at; https://www.yarrowhall.com/category/all-products
Or you can order directly via WhatsApp from Sarah (07923 671260) or Irene (07774 683064) for local delivery/collection - but be quick, they tend to sell out fast!
If you’d like to be part of next year’s calendar, we’d love to see your photos! Send your entries to calendar@yarrowhall.com — and if you’re interested in sponsoring a month in the next edition, please do get in touch.
January
We kick off the year with this wintery photo taken by Javier Ternero. Javier, one of our hall’s trustees, is often out and about with his camera. For this photo, he was up bright and early to capture the stunning red sky. Whenever he sees skies like this, it reminds him of the old saying, “Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning.” It was certainly true that day — the photo was taken at Catslack Burn, which was half frozen over in the freezing temperatures! Thank you, Javier, for sharing this beautiful shot.
Javier and his wife Charly run Burnside Gallery &
Frames in Selkirk, who have kindly sponsored the month of January. Burnside Gallery is a lovely wee space showcasing their own work alongside other local artists. And if you’re after handmade, bespoke wooden frames - Javier’s your man!
February
It might well be the end of an era for the Mitchells farming at Henderland, but I think I speak for everyone when I say I hope it’s not the end of an era for Jim Mitchell sharing his amazing photos of the Yarrow Valley. It feels fitting that a photo overlooking Henderland Farm features in this year’s calendar. Jim captured this photo with his sheepdog Bud in the foreground — what a beauty!
A huge thank you to Borders Boarding for sponsoring this month. Borders Boarding is a doggy vacation home right here in the Yarrow Valley. Whether it’s daycare or overnight stays, they offer professional, personal care for your beloved pets.
March
Mary Hepburn captured this classic Borders scene — an iconic burn running through Crosscleuch Farm. The burn is called the Moory Syke, a wee stream that runs between the Wester Rig and Earls Hill, before joining the Crosscleuch Burn. Thank you, Mary, for sharing such a beautiful image that truly captures the character of the valley.
March is kindly sponsored by the Selkirk Community Council team who run local events. Visit their website to find out what’s happening in the area: www.selkirkcommunitycouncil.co.uk/calendar
April
Andy Murray took this photo from Dryhope Tower, looking over towards Eldinhope — a beautiful reminder of the ever-changing moods of the Yarrow Valley.
Andy describes the moment perfectly:
“The view looking east down the Yarrow Valley was taken from the path back to the car park on the A708. The line of electricity posts from the foreground to the horizon, the barn in the middle distance and the hanging clouds in the sky reminded me of the American Midwest, so I thought it was worth recording. You don’t need to get on a Greyhound bus to wonder at the majesty of the plains – just a trip down Route A708.”
It’s wonderful how a familiar stretch of land can suddenly feel like another world entirely — that’s the magic of the Yarrow Valley, and why each photo in our 2026 calendar tells its own little story.
A big thank you to Kevin Campbell and his team for sponsoring this month. They’ve provided a professional, reliable service at Yarrow Hall in recent years, and we really appreciate their continued support. If you’re thinking about installing solar PV panels or need any electrical work done, Kevin’s your man — you can reach him at:
May
This beautiful shot was taken at the top end of Megget Reservoir, looking over to Cramalt. Jason Bain captured the moment while gathering ewes for clipping at Winterhopeburn, with his loyal sheepdog Izzy by his side. It perfectly captures the working life and breathtaking landscapes that make the Yarrow Valley so special.
This month is kindly sponsored by James M. Horsburgh & Son Fish Merchant. You’ll find James at Yarrow Hall every Friday evening around 6pm, offering a fine selection of fish, seasonal fruit and veg, condiments, biscuits, scones, sourdough — you name it! He recommends sending a text earlier in the week to pre-order, or just pop along and see what he has to offer (for pre orders WhatsApp/text James on; 07437 490838).
June
A second beautiful photo from Jim Mitchell, this time capturing his Blackface gimmers lined up in Henderland Meadow. The Mitchell family have farmed Blackface sheep at Henderland for 162 years. Blackface sheep are a native Scottish breed. Hardy and sure-footed, they thrive in this landscape — a true symbol of hill farming in the Borders
Thank you to Tweed Chiropractic Clinic for kindly sponsoring this month. Tweed Chiropractic offers holistic, natural healthcare for all ages. You can find out more on their website; www.tweedchiropractic.com
July
This wonderful photo was taken by Andy Wright — the man behind organising this very calendar!
Andy describes this photo as; “The evocative sight of a lone piper at St Mary’s Kirkyard overlooking St Mary’s Loch for the annual traditional blanket preaching.”
It’s a perfect snapshot of one of our most cherished local traditions.
This month is kindly sponsored by The Scullery, a boutique holiday let in the Yarrow Valley. Give them a wee follow on social media — they often share stunning views and glimpses of local life in the valley. www.the-scullery.com
August
David Douglas couldn’t resist stopping to admire the perfectly straight lines cut by Graeme Thomson at Sundhope Farm. Thank you, David, for sharing this fantastic photo that celebrates the beauty of hard work, getting the harvest done!
Last year’s Summer BBQ at Yarrow Hall was such a success we will be doing it all again on Sunday 16th August 2026. Keep your eyes peeled on our website and social media for more information closer to the time.
September
A lovely heather-filled view overlooking the rolling hills of the Borders — thank you Matt Carryer for sharing this beautiful snapshot. It’s looking down the burn that splits the Blackgrain Rig and the Welshie Law hills, with views across to Ladhope and Kershope — a perfect
glimpse of late-summer colour in the Yarrow Valley.
This month is kindly sponsored by The Big Clean. They specialise in deep cleans — perfect if you’re moving house or need a regular office clean. Get in touch at thebigclean@yahoo.com.
October
Caroline Tullie captured this lovely shot of Yarrow Kirk, with bright flowers in the foreground framing the church perfectly. Thank you, Caroline, for taking the time to share this beautiful image with us.
As the nights draw in, it’s time to stock up on logs — and Blaze Firewood has you covered for all your firewood needs. Place your order today on 07716 272360. A big thank you to Blaze for sponsoring this month.
November
Andy Murray took this cracking sunny shot of Dryhope Castle — a wonderful photo, thank you Andy!
The illustrative panel at the site tells the story:
“Dryhope Tower was built in desperate times. In the 1500s, armies from England and Scotland often laid waste to the Borderlands, while the local Reivers, or robber barons, added to the turmoil. The Reivers were the mafia of their times, stealing animals and loot from one and all.
When it was built, Dryhope Tower stood in the heart of the Ettrick Forest. This was not the sort of forest we know today, but a Royal Hunting Forest with small farms (steads) dotted about in the sparse woodland. Each year the owners of the steads had to provide ‘twa bowis and a sper with a horse and ger’ (two bows and a spear with a horse and tackle) for service in the royal army.”
Today, visitors can climb both the internal and external stairs to the top of the tower, where they’re rewarded with incredible views up and down the Yarrow Valley — a reminder of just how rich in history and beauty this part of the world really is.
A big shoutout to Andrew Tennant, our sponsor for November. Andrew is a farrier covering the whole of the Scottish Borders. You can reach him on 07824 700713.
December
Our final photo of the year was taken by Sarah Douglas — a snowy scene looking down towards Catslackburn Farm, with Yarrow Feus down on the right. A peaceful winter view to close out the year.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a little more about where some of the photos in this year’s calendar were taken.
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