Arcades, roof terrace and original viewing rooms make this one of the world’s oldest surviving purpose-built racecourse grandstands.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1822; racecourse opened 1823
- Architect / designer
- John Carr design supplied in 1778
- Type
- Classical racecourse grandstand
- Designation
- Listed building, Category A (LB51742)
- OS grid reference
- NT 72581 35519
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
A rusticated seven-bay arcade supports an upper viewing level articulated by Tuscan pilasters and round-headed openings. Cast-iron rails, awning posts, roof platform, grouped chimneys and surviving internal fireplaces combine ceremony, shelter and an unusually complete sporting plan.
Its story
The Duke of Roxburghe created a purpose-built course at Berrymoss and laid the grandstand foundation stone in 1822. Racing began in 1823; National Hunt fixtures later replaced flat racing, while continued use preserved the early stand within a developing modern venue.
Why it is included
Category A status, exceptional rarity and continuing use for the activity it was built to serve make the grandstand nationally important.
What to notice
- Rusticated ground-floor arcade.
- Tuscan pilasters and open viewing terrace.
- Roof platform, rails and grouped chimney stacks.
Reading the surroundings
The grandstand is part of an operating racecourse. Enter only with a valid ticket or for an advertised open event, follow staff and steward instructions, and do not access jockey, official or maintenance areas.
Timeline
- 1822 The foundation stone was laid for the purpose-built grandstand.
- 1823 The first race meeting took place on the new course.
- 1883 National Hunt racing began at Kelso.
- 2026 The racecourse continues to stage a winter programme of jump fixtures.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Race-day access, refurbishment work and use of historic rooms vary; official fixture and visitor information should be checked before travel.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Kelso Racecourse Grandstand, LB51742 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Kelso Racecourse: about — Current racecourse operation, grandstand history, continuing use and visitor information.
Location
OS grid reference NT 72581 35519 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; the independent source confirms the Place relationship, history or current identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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