Place Name

Queen's Strip, Roxburghshire, Scotland

A Royal name for a strip o land that’s anything but Regal.

Introduction:

Queen’s Strip. It sounds like a fancy cocktail bar in an upmarket corner o Edinburgh, doesn’t it? But no, it’s a modest and slightly daft stretch o land in Roxburghshire.

The name might suggest a royal walkway or a regal parade, but in truth it’s far more likely tae be tramped by sheep than queens.

Folk have their theories. Maybe a monarch once passed through and someone got carried away wi the namin. Or maybe it’s just the locals havin a bit o fun, as they often dae.

Whatever the truth, Queen’s Strip is a name that sparks curiosity, a raised eyebrow and a quiet chuckle.

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name.

Queen’s - A word that brings tae mind crowns, ceremony and a fair bit o fuss. How it ended up attached tae a strip o countryside grazed mostly by sheep is anyone’s guess.

Strip - A narrow bit o land, or maybe a playful hint at folk enjoyin the sunshine a wee bit too much. Either way, it adds tae the charm and mystery o the name.

Put thegither, Queen’s Strip becomes a title that makes visitors pause before sayin it aloud, often leadin tae a grin and a puzzled look fae the locals.

Historical Context:

The earliest mention o Queen’s Strip is lost in the Borders mist, much like the morning haar that drifts across the hills. Some say it was named after a queen who once travelled through the area.

Others reckon it came fae a muddled conversation between a farmer and a noble who wasnae listenin properly.

Whatever the case, Queen’s Strip has stuck around, bemusin travellers and entertainin locals for generations.

Points of Interest:

If ye’re in the area, be sure tae check out:

• Floors Castle - A grand 18th century estate wi fine gardens and a regal feel.

• Kelso Abbey - A historic ruin whisperin tales o monks, medieval life and the odd pigeon.

• Bowmont Forest - A broad woodland perfect for walks, picnics and pretendin ye’re in a Borders romance.

• Kelso Racecourse - A lively spot where horse racing meets Borders charm.

• The Black Bull Hotel - A traditional pub servin hearty meals and guid local ale.

Notable Figures:

Famous folk associated wi Roxburghshire include:

• Sir Walter Scott - The celebrated author whose stories are steeped in Borders history and lore.

• James Hogg - The Ettrick Shepherd, whose writings captured the life and humour o rural Scotland.

• David Hume - The philosopher who spent time in the region ponderin humanity, existence and maybe the daftness o place names.

• Robert Burns - Scotland’s national bard, whose words still echo through the valleys.

• Sir Walter de la Mare - A poet and writer who spent time in the area, addin a touch o literary sparkle tae the landscape.

Conclusion:

So next time ye find yersel at Queen’s Strip, take a moment tae enjoy how geography sometimes refuses tae follow common sense. Whether the name came fae royal wanderings, local humour or pure whimsy, it stands as a fine example o the Borders knack for memorable place names.

For more chuckles and curious titles that defy logic, wander over tae

www.strangeplacenames.com where the UK and Ireland are packed wi names that will leave ye wonderin if the locals were just havin a laugh.

FACEBOOK - strangeplacenames

INSTAGRAM - strangeplacenames_2024