Gordon and Westruther

Gordon and Westruther are adjacent parishes in the western half of Berwickshire, stretching from the lowlands of the Merse up to the summit of Twinlaw in the Lammermuir Hills. The parishes are named after the only two villages in the district, which is relatively sparsely populated. According to the Rev. William Shiels in the Statistical Account of Scotland (1793) Westruther (formerly Wolfstruterh on account of the wolves) was part of Gordon Parish up to 1647 when they separated and the first church in Westruther (now a ruin) was built in 1649.

Traditionally the economy was largely based on agriculture, but is now in transition, with newer small industries, agricultural diversification, forestry, tourism, and rural pursuits such as shooting, horse-riding and walking becoming increasingly important. A growing number of people are commuters to Edinburgh and towns such as Galashiels. The Reston to St Boswells railway, now closed for over 50 years, passed through Gordon but now communications are exclusively by road. Both villages have thriving primary schools and energetic and active communities with a range of community groups and clubs on offer.

For further information on Gordon click here.
For further information on Westruther click here.
 

Community Council:
The two parishes were merged into one Community Council on Tuesday 13th July 1976 when they met in Gordon Village Hall. The Council now meets every two months alternating between the two villages.
 
Chairperson – Ian Aitchison 01573 410585
Vice-chairperson – Raymond Heron 01578 740295
Secretary – Diana Findlay 01573 410286