The Yarrow Water is a river in the Borders in the south east of Scotland. It is a tributary of the Ettrick Water (itself a tributary of the Tweed) and renowned for its high quality trout and salmon fishing.[1][2] The name "Yarrow" may derive from the Celtic word garw meaning "rough" or possibly share a derivation with the English name "Jarrow".[3]
The valley was the birthplace of Mungo Park and has inspired several well-known songs and poems. Its traditions and folk tales were well documented by Walter Scott, who spent part of his childhood nearby, and in adult life returned to live in the vicinity at Abbotsford House, near Melrose.[4]
- ^ "Ettrick & Yarrow Fishing" elfisheries.co.uk. Retrieved 25 July 2009.
- ^ "Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland: Yair, Yarrow, Yarrow Water" electricscotland.com. Retrieved 25 July 2009.
- ^ Taylor (1921) p. 131. Google Books. Retrieved 25 July 2009.
- Watson (2004) p. 522 contains the note "Yarrow is Gierua c. 1120, Gierwa, Gieruua c. 1150 (Lawrie). This like Gala, is an English name and may be compared with Jarrow, in Bede 'In Gyruum'." - ^ "Sandyknowe and Early Childhood" walterscott.lib.ed.ac.uk. Retrieved 26 July 2009.
- "Welcome to Abbotsford". scottsabbotsford.co.uk. Retrieved 26 July 2009.