John Buchan STory
Discover the fascinating museum dedicated to the area’s greatest novelist
Undoubtedly the area’s most celebrated writer, John Buchan’s legacy continues to inspire today.
From the moors and glens of the Upper Tweed, where dramatic chases from his most famous spy novel take place, to the peaceful Scrape Burn that flows through Dawyck Botanic Garden – scene of much heroism in John Burnet of Barns – Buchan’s stories are woven into the very fabric of the landscape around.
And so, it is fitting that a museum celebrating the writer’s influence and impact should be found in Peeblesshire, where he and the wider Buchan family would spend much of their lives.
The John Buchan Story explores the remarkable life of the writer, historian and diplomat through a series of narrative panels and treasured artefacts. Signed first editions of Buchan’s most revered novels sit alongside letters written and received, including a great book recommendation from friend and contemporary, Rudyard Kipling!
The eagle feather headdress gifted to Buchan by the Kainaiwa tribe of the Blackfoot nation during his time as Governor General of Canada is a spectacular centrepiece to the museum’s collection and is set to remain on loan at the John Buchan Story for the coming years.
The museum itself is housed in the historic Chambers Institution, a building with its own literary connections. The Institution was gifted to the town in 1859 by William Chambers, one of the founders of W & R Chambers Publishers – responsible for publishing the Chambers English Dictionary. The building is also home to Peebles Library, Museum & Gallery which hosts a year-round programme of exhibitions and events.
A short walk from the John Buchan Story you will find the Northgate with its flurry of independent shops – including second-hand bookshop, Priorsford Books. This vibrant street was once home to local doctor and explorer, Mungo Park, who penned Travels in the Interior of Africa in 1799. Park was a friend of Sir Walter Scott and the pair farewelled together above the Yarrow when Park went back the second time to the Niger – this time never to return.
Further info
The Eastgate Theatre in Peebles will host events to celebrate John Buchan’s 150th birthday this summer (2025). This characterful arts hub in the centre of Peebles has a strong literary tradition as a platform for new and established writers – many of whom visit to inspire audiences at the annual Wild Writers Festival.
Image credits: John Buchan Story