The town grew on woollen industry, although now it is perhaps best known for its glass manufacturing. It has a museum and art gallery, and is associated with Mungo Park and Walter Scott.
Up wi the Souters o Selkirk
It's up wi the Souters o Selkirk, An doun wi the Earl o Hume, An here's tae aw the braw laddies That weirs the single-soled shuin. It's up wi the Souters o Selkirk, For thay are baith trusty an leal, An up wi the lads o the Forest, An doun wi the Merse tae the deil.