About
About the Company
In present times Selkirk Merchant Company continues the link with education when the Master of the Company presents the Annual Awards at Selkirk High School.
Origin
The early records relating to the origin of Selkirk Merchant Company cannot be traced but it is probable that the Company arose out of the ancient Guild of Merchants which dates back to the reign of William the Lion (1165-1214). The oldest minute book now existing is called “A Book pertaining to the Loft, Mortcloth & Rent Annuals” (the Loft was seating in the Kirk reserved for Merchant Company members). The first minute in this book is dated 1694 and the name ‘Company’ was first applied in a minute of 1701.
What We Do
The women and men of Selkirk Merchant Company are engaged in a wide range of businesses and professions, many holding central roles in the civic life of the town and supporting the community in a variety of ways. As the name suggests many of our members are engaged in trade and commerce within the town but we also count among our number practitioners of medicine, law, education, the financial sector, hospitality, and the arts.
Education
Education has been an important focus for the Selkirk Merchant Company for many years; in the 19th century the Company made funds available for the teaching of children of the poorer families of the Burgh. This interest continues to the present-day and the Master of the Company is invited to present the Annual Awards at Selkirk High School. The Merchants make financial contributions every year to all the schools, the three Burgh bands and various other community events.
Selkirk Common Riding
The Selkirk Merchant Company provides a social setting for members who participate in the Dinner held in March, the Bussin’ of the Company flag on the Tuesday of Common Riding week, and the annual Winter Function. There are opportunities to take part in bowling, curling and golf competitions and until fairly recently the Company organised an excursion every year.