The 1st PRV met and drilled in the Tontine Hotel. 

1st October 1860 records that "Captain Hay having asked permission to fit rifle racks in the Officers Chamber next to the Town Hall it was agreed to grant the same at the pleasure of the Council and at the risk of the Volunteers". They acquired the East United Presbyterian Church building (now Evangelical Church across the road) as the Drill Hall in 1877 costing approx. £650.

By the end of the century they had outgrown this Drill Hall and Armoury and in 1898 raised funds to build a new one. Approx. £2000 raised by various concerts and a three day bazaar held on 8th, 9th & 10th September 1898 in the Chambers Institution.

The new Volunteer Drill Hall was built across the road (this building) costing £3,300 including furnishings and capable of seating 900 people.

On 12th July 1901 it was officially opened by General Sir Archibald Hunter, Commander of the Forces in Scotland, followed by a well attended concert.

In Sep 1901 one of the Sergeant Drill Instructors was found dead in the orderly room of the Drill Hall, having taken a rifle from the armoury and shot himself.

In Feb 1907 the H.Q. Moved to the Drill Hall Peebles from Penicuik, which caused a bit of a stir between the neighbouring towns.

16th Royal Scots was Macraes Battalion and was made up with a lot of footballers from Hearts and Hibs plus other teams but very few joined up from Rangers or Celtic.

9th Battalion Royal Scots were known as the "Dandy Ninth" and were the only battalion to wear the kilt. When they amalgamated with the 7th Battalion the new unit continued to wear the Kilt.

The Drill Hall was adopted by Scottish Borders Council in 1967 as a Community Centre and managed by Live Borders since 2016. The day to day running of Peebles Drill Hall is carried out by a group of passionate, skilled and committed volunteers on behalf of the centre Management Committee. 

From shooting ranges to nurseries, sports clubs, dances, live bands, classrooms, and wedding receptions - the Drill Hall has seen it all.

This cherished building has been in the heart of community life for generations, and continues to welcome everyone to help keep it vibrant. Thanks to recent refurbishments and ongoing community use, there is always a warm buzz of activity. 

Be sure to visit our History Wall in the lounge to explore photos and stories from the past - and feel free to add and share your own with the team. We love hearing your memories!