Stobs Prisoner of War Camp Memorial

Out on the moorland south of Hawick, there's a stark reminder of the Second World War that most visitors miss entirely. Stobs Prisoner of War Camp Memorial marks where thousands of Italian soldiers were held during the conflict - a fact that catches many people off guard when they learn it.

What you'll find there is essentially a memorial site with interpretation explaining the camp's history. It's not a museum or reconstructed site, but rather a contemplative spot where you can stand and take in the scale of what happened here. The Italians were held in this remote location, far from their homes, and the memorial does a solid job of bringing that human element into focus.

Historians and anyone interested in wartime stories will find it worthwhile, though families with young kids might find it a bit underwhelming without some context first. Allow thirty minutes to an hour, depending on how much you read and reflect. There's no visitor centre or facilities, so you'll need to be reasonably self-sufficient.

If you're basing yourself at Stouslie Snugs - that lovely farmland glamping spot four miles away - the memorial works as a worthwhile half-day outing to break up the holiday. It's a proper historical detour rather than a crowd-puller, which is exactly what makes it feel genuine. The rolling Border landscape around here rewards exploration, and this sits nicely within that.