River Teviot

The River Teviot is a major tributary of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. It rises in the western foothills of Comb Hill near the Dumfries and Galloway border. The river flows north-east through Teviotdale, passing villages such as Teviothead, Branxholme and Hawick. Along its course it is joined by tributaries like the Allan Water and the Slitrig Water. The Borders Abbeys Way follows the Teviot for much of its journey to the Tweed. The Teviot is important for wildlife, especially Atlantic salmon, otters, lamprey and river plants. In 2001 the whole river was designated a site of special scientific interest. Flooding has caused serious damage in Hawick, with extreme events in 2005, 2015, 2016 and 2020. A £44 million flood-defence scheme was finally started in 2020 after earlier delays. The river also supports industry, supplying cooling water to the Borders Whisky Distillery at Hawick. Visitors can walk the Borders Abbeys Way beside the Teviot or explore its historic surroundings. The river passes castles at Branxholme and Monteviot, the Colterscleuch Monument and the ruined Timpendean Tower. Near Hawick the Cobel Cauld site is being adapted to generate hydroelectricity. The riverbanks show a mix of moorland, woodland and farmland as the Teviot approaches its junction with the Tweed.