St Boswells Fair FAQs
The FAQs below provide more information about the St Boswells Fair which takes place annually in the middle of July.
What is the history of St Boswells Fair?
- St Boswells Fair is a longstanding tradition which dates back to the 1700s. Gypsy/Travellers attend The Green each year and gather for around five days, initially trading horses and selling items at small stalls. In recent years, the trading of horses has not been as common but the presence of horses pulling carts remains.
- A trap ride has been organised in the past few years, but this is very much an additional event.
What does the Fair look like?
- The Fair consists of caravans or trailers parked up on The Green in the village. Horses and carts can also be seen with horses tethered near their owner’s property. Visually The Green can look extremely busy but often those attending create a vibrant and friendly atmosphere.
- As St Boswells is busier than normal, speed restrictions are implemented to slow down traffic passing through or stopping in the village. Horses may also be seen on the main and adjoining roads. Delays can be expected during the Fair.
What day is the Fair and how long can we expect Gypsy/Travellers to stay?
St Boswells Fair is held annually on 18 July. Following fluctuating numbers and a lack of clarity around arrival and departure dates, a meeting between the St Boswells Community Council, the Council and representatives from the Gypsy/Traveller community was held in 2013. At this, agreement was reached that Gypsy/Travellers would be allowed to stay over the weekend nearest to the Fair day as follows, depending on which day of the week the Fair is held:
- Monday - travellers come onto The Green on the preceding Thursday and off on Tuesday, total five nights.
- Tuesday – travellers come onto The Green on the preceding Friday and off on Wednesday, total five nights.
- Wednesday - this is agreed the previous year, be it the weekend before or the weekend after. If it’s the weekend before its Friday to Thursday, total six nights. For the weekend after it’s Tuesday to Monday, total six nights.
- Thursday – travellers come onto The Green on the preceding Wednesday and off Monday, total five nights.
- Friday - travellers come onto The Green the preceding Wednesday and off on Monday, total five nights.
- Saturday – travellers come onto The Green the preceding Wednesday and off on Monday, total five nights.
- Sundays – in this case the Fair would be classed as either a Saturday or Monday schedule.
What areas of St Boswells does the Fair have access too?
A map of the site is available to download.
Do Gypsy/Travellers pay a fee for use of The Green?
- Members of the Gypsy/Traveller community who help organise the Fair ask that those attending make a donation upon arrival. Latterly some of this money has been used to fund additional toilet facilities over and above those provided. Donations have also kindly been made to the St Boswells Community Council.
- The Council does not receive any income from the Fair as it is a traditional gathering and not an event authorised by SBC.
Who has overall responsibility of the Fair?
- St Boswells Fair is longstanding annual tradition that continues to be popular with the Gypsy/Traveller community. The Fair itself does not require permission from the Council which means that special conditions are not required.
- The Council, St Boswells Community Council and Emergency Services have a role to play in supporting the Fair. Officers from Police Scotland are present, actively patrolling the area and village. The Council provide toilet facilities and skips for day-to-day waste.
- Scottish Government Guidance Managing Unauthorised Camping by Gypsy/Travellers in Scotland for supporting large gatherings of Gypsy/Travellers is also adhered to.
Who is responsible for privately owned land if being used by Gypsy/Travellers during the Fair?
- The landowner is solely responsible for their land/property. No organisation can act on behalf of the landowner.
- Police Scotland and the Gypsy/Traveller Liaison Officer can offer advice and will be available throughout the Fair should this be required.
What can the settled community do if experiencing issues during the Fair?
- If a Police presence is required, call 101 in a non-emergency or dial 999 in an emergency.
- Police Scotland will have officers in the village during the Fair and people are encouraged to approach any officer should they require assistance.
Have there been changes to the Fair over the years?
Although a longstanding tradition, elements of the Fair have naturally changed with time. It is important to support positive change without removing the traditions the Fair stands for in the Gypsy/Traveller community. Some of the changes include:
- increased Police numbers
- clear boundaries on dates for the Fair
- new set up for 2024 regarding horses
- inclusion of local businesses in consultation
- road closure for safety
- improved clean up after the event
- fewer police incidents
- more vehicles are in attendance.
More information
If you have any queries, please email: GypsyTravelLiaison@scotborders.gov.uk