The Hirsel was the home of the late Sir Alec Douglas-Home, the Conservative Prime Minister in the 1960s. His statue stands at the entrance of the Country Park, sensibly avoiding the political risks inherent in being situated at the top of Glasgow's Buchanan Street! Unfortunately the Hirsel itself is closed to the public but there is an attractive cluster of buildings within the Hirsel Country Park which is worth visiting.
The Cottage Tearoom is situated opposite the farm Courtyard in a low, stone, former farm worker’s home and is decked out with attractive flower boxes. It comprises three rooms with counter service in the middle one. The small, right hand room is generally quieter than the others. The wooden furniture is functional and the white walls are adorned with modestly priced local art work, which can be bought from the adjacent Craft House Gallery. Trestle tables are outside.
The home baking is excellent.
Cakes, scones and tray 
bakes are on display. Sandwiches and toasties are available with a selection of fillings, plus soup of the day. To drink there are coffees, teas, hot chocolate as well as juices and milkshakes. There is also a selection of pates – including Ardennes and Orkney crab. At the time of our last review (October 2005) the Cottage Tearoom was under new management.
Loos are across in the Courtyard. In addition to the Craft House Gallery there is a Museum showing how people lived and worked on the land in the past, a Pottery and Showroom, Craft Units and a Children's Play Area.
Why would I go there? To visit the Hirsel Country Park.
Any Negatives? The £2 parking fee! Even Lord Roxburgh's coffee shop at nearby Floors Castle offers free parking. But you do get access to the Country Park.
Before or After:
1. Visit the exhibitions in the Country Park.
2. Estate Walks – there are five colour-coded walks of varying length laid out round the estate
3. Play Golf at the Hirsel Golf Club, which claims to be the "Augusta of the Borders" and which was recently voted "the Friendliest Course in the Borders"– see www.hirselgc.co.uk
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