Welcome to
Philiphaugh Estate

Across the hills and magnificently sat above the Selkirk landscape is Philiphaugh Estate, dripped in history and beauty. The Strang Steel family have dedicated their lives to preserving this stunning landscape, the wildlife and building a close connection with the local community. Today the estate is surrounded by arable land, woodlands, farms and grouse moorland.

Man has left his mark here for thousands of years and beneath the rich soil are Roman remains, an Anglian Village hall, but the Estate is most famous for the Battle of Philiphaugh in 1645.

Forestry

The family have been passionate and great supporters of Forestry for generations, dating back to William Strang Steel in about 1889 who saw the need and benefit of planting and harvesting woodland, as well as the impact of biodiversity and the visual appeal of the woods of the estate. We believe this may have come from the family company’s management of teak forests in Burma. Today there is over 600 acres of woodland, covering a variety of species which are all at different stages throughout the growing process and can be seen on the estate walks.
Farming

Farming plays an important role on the Estate, it is intrinsic to the landscapes and communities surrounding them and continues to provide a way of life for many on the Estate today. It supports a balanced mix of tenanted and in-hand farms and has won awards for its diversification. Our farms produce high quality award winning stock which breeders just can’t look past, with a flock of over 2,500 ewes, which includes the famous Bluefaced Leicester’s, Blackface Cheviots, Mules, Texels and Suffolks, as well as the cattle play a huge part in the diverse farming practices and ecologies that are nurtured on the Estate.
Environment

The environment and the impact of sustainability is at the heart of everything the Estate does. We have undertaken extensive peat restoration up at Dryhope in conjunction with Tweed Forum to support the fragile ecosystem of the tweed catchment, enhance the biodiversity and water quality which flows down the Kirkstead burn into St Mary’s loch. We have continued to sensitively manage the grouse moorland, as well as the planting of woodlands to a high sustainable standard which provide commercial and clear environmental benefits. The Estate continues to strive to be as sustainable as possible and put the environment first.

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Plan your visit

Waterwheel Café

Whether it’s with friends or family, the menu offers a variety of options for you to choose from, for a deliciously light lunch or more, all incorporating locally sourced fresh produce, as well as a wide range of home baked sweet treats and fresh artisan coffee or even try our Philiphaugh Apple Juice straight from the Orchard.

Dine
Salmon Viewing Centre

Come visit our salmon viewing centre where we will take you on the journey of the development and different stages spanning a salmon’s life, explain the work of the Tweed Foundation in managing the Tweed catchment and show you live underwater footage of salmon, eels and other river fauna that travel through the pass.

Explore
Selkirk Distillery

The Old Joinery on Philiphaugh Estate is home to Selkirk’s first gin distillery. Operating since March 2019, Selkirk Distillery has benefited immensely from the great potential of its surroundings. Botanicals found either growing naturally on the estate grounds, or cultivated by the experienced gardeners in the walled gardens, have been successfully used within their popular products.

Taste
Golden Eagle Information Centre

Our Eyrie: eagle information point sits within the waterwheel café, here you will discover how we and South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project looked to help increase numbers and prevent the loss of this wonderful species from southern skies and decrease any impact it may have on our ecosystem.

Learn
Hydro Electric Station

At the cauld where the station is, you can learn about the two massive Archimedes Screw Turbines and how they harness energy to produce electricity which is transferred to the national grid. There is also a flap valve above the cauld which controls the flow of water through the old mill lade, as we want to conserve the 160 year-old eco-system created by the cauld.

See
Walled Garden & Nursery

Come visit our fully restored beautiful Victorian Walled Garden & Nursery, which was once the second largest Walled Garden in Scotland (1899).

Admire
Estate Walks

Find peace and tranquillity as you navigate the many interesting walks and cycling paths the estate has to offer, where you can enjoy wildlife, landscape, and the history of the area.

Wander
Battle of Philiphaugh

Come visit us and as you follow the battlefield walk and learn how it unfolded, take yourself back to that day and imagine the scene... How would you distinguish between friend and foe in the frenzy of bloodlust?

Discover