The prospect of a large military camp so near to the town of Hawick caused much concern. A great influx of military personnel living in and around Hawick might impair what made the town so unique and enjoyable for its townsfolk and might cause the old established customs and traditions to be diluted or lost. Within months of its creation, nearly 20,000 troops had been through the camp, hence Stobs was dubbed ‘Scotland’s Aldershot’, making the camp larger than the population of Hawick, which at the time was about 17,000.

The formation of the Callants’ Club in Hawick in December, 1903, was directly attributable to the presence of Stobs Camp just 4 miles south of the town. The aims of the club being: “The cultivation of local sentiment and the preservation of the ancient customs and institutions of the town of Hawick and its history and traditions.”

See: Hawick Callants’ Club

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However, any perceived threat to Hawick’s culture was balanced by the chance for local tradesmen to tender for the provision of food for men and horses, fuel, stores, cigarettes and everything else required by the young men at Stobs. Even something as simple as commercial postcards were printed and supplied by at least three local Hawick companies namely G. Allen Robinson; D. Handyside; and W. Henderson with his “Teri” Series.

CANTEEN AT STOBS CAMP

‘Teri Series’ postcard by W. Henderson, printer, Hawick.