Hello David: The name 'rang a bell' and I looked up my OS Landranger #73 map of the area and found Fairnilee Farm at what we always called the "Yair Bridge" -- where the B7060 and the A707 from Selkirk meet at the bridge crossing the River Tweed. We have passed by this farm for over 40 years and, as far as I know both farm and house are still there! -- they were on a visit to Scotland last year. It is near Galashiels, but I do not think that this would be the postal address for Fairnilee. Enjoy your visit. Jim Arnott Victoria, BC , Canada DB wrote: > > Hi all, I'm looking for any info on a farm house in Galashiels. In 1918 > John and Ida Muir lived there. I'm planning a trip to Scotland next > Summer and would like to visit the place if it still exists. > > David

Hi David, Fairnilee Farm is indeed at Yair Bridge where the B7060 and the A707 meet on the River Tweed. Fairnilee is one of the ancient homes of the Rutherford clan. Traquair House just up stream also traces its roots to the Rutherfords and Stewarts. Fairnilee is also the sight of a ruined tower. Its location today as a road intersect and a ford [today a bridge] has made it a sight of intense activity during the perpetual battles with their "southern neighbors". If you pass through Peebles down to the Tweed to Innerleithen and Walkerburn you'll see how the hills of the Yair Hill Forest narrow the valley from Holylee to Ashiestiel, Yair and Fairnilee. You'll also pass Traquair House and Abbottsford House. Fairnilee is where the River Tweed is joined by its tributary, the Ettrick. This is a famous and very pricy fishy area. Simply beautiful! By the way, Andrew Lang, famous Scottish author, wrote a book for children called something like [?] "The Fairies of Fairnilee"?? http://www.propertyfinder.co.uk/fishing/fairnilee.html http://www.propertyfinder.co.uk/fishing/map.html Gary Rutherford Harding Seattle, WA

Thanks Gary for the additional historical information on Fairnilee. Just one point though, the river Ettrick joins the Tweed 2 miles downstream from Fairnilee Farm House... and yes, the fishing is pricey! Jim Arnott .... just a short ferry ride away from Seattle in Victoria, BC! Gary Harding wrote: > > Hi David, > > Fairnilee Farm is indeed at Yair Bridge where the B7060 and the A707 meet > on the River Tweed. Fairnilee is one of the ancient homes of the Rutherford > clan. Traquair House just up stream also traces its roots to the > Rutherfords and Stewarts. Fairnilee is also the sight of a ruined tower. > Its location today as a road intersect and a ford [today a bridge] has made > it a sight of intense activity during the perpetual battles with their > "southern neighbors". > > If you pass through Peebles down to the Tweed to Innerleithen and > Walkerburn you'll see how the hills of the Yair Hill Forest narrow the > valley from Holylee to Ashiestiel, Yair and Fairnilee. You'll also pass > Traquair House and Abbottsford House. Fairnilee is where the River Tweed is > joined by its tributary, the Ettrick. This is a famous and very pricy fishy > area. Simply beautiful! > > By the way, Andrew Lang, famous Scottish author, wrote a book for children > called something like [?] "The Fairies of Fairnilee"?? > > http://www.propertyfinder.co.uk/fishing/fairnilee.html > > http://www.propertyfinder.co.uk/fishing/map.html > > Gary Rutherford Harding > Seattle, WA