Tweedside Tackle was established in the late 1980s by Ronnie and Linda McElrath, then situated in Woodmarket Street Kelso. The business flourished under the McElraths but Ronnie decided to follow his original profession as a boatman on Tweed (Ronnie is head boatman at Upper Hendersyde and a regular visitor to the shop). The business was then sold to Tony and Linda Vipond (originally farmers from Suffolk who moved to the Borders in the late 1980s). Having been unsuccessful in finding a new farm in the Borders a career move led them to purchasing Tweedside Tackle from the McElraths.

The business was moved from Woodmarket Street to its current position in Bridge Street in 1991 and the store reopened in September of that year. The business continued to grow into a centre for salmon fishing, not only in the Borders but throughout Scotland as a whole.

The Viponds decided to sell in 2005 to pursue other projects and after a couple of interested parties (a major UK retailer based in London and a chain of stores throughout the country) did not follow through with their interest, Tim and Caroline Pilcher secured the business in June 2006.

Tim has worked consistently in the international fishing retail industry since 1982 and has worked in the USA as well as the UK. Tim has fished extensively around the world including Russia, Argentina and in many, of the now famous, saltwater destinations. Tim holds 2 IGFA saltwater world records for double-figured Bluefin Trevally caught on fly. Caroline previously has worked in the high end luxury retail sector for many years and also has international fishing experience. Caroline holds 9 IGFA saltwater world records, also caught on fly. Tim and Caroline both hope to carry on the tradition of Tweedside Tackle and to grow the business forward.

Tweedside Tackle stocks many key clothing brands such as; Schöffel, Le Chameau, Aigle, Liberty Freedom, Laksen, Bushwacker, Barbour, Beretta and Seeland as well as a large selection of locally hand knitted woollen and cashmere shooting stockings and windproof sweaters.

On the fishing side the business has a broad range of specialised tackle and accessories supplied by famous names such as; Simms, Patagonia, Loomis, Hardy, Greys, Guideline, Lamson, Tibor, Rio, Bruce & Walker, Redington, Sage, Fishpond, Loop, Michael Evans, Roman Moser, Abu and Shimano to name but a few. Most, if not all, of our salmon flies are tied in the UK and the store now offers a small range of flies and accessories for international destinations. Flies may also be tied to a customer's own specification, a service which is available upon request.

Our gift range includes framed prints, cards, mugs, crystal glasses, cufflinks, horn items, leather goods, flasks, cup sets and leather bound record books. The store also stocks a range of locally hand carved sticks, silver products, horn goods and locally made leather goods. A gift voucher and gift wrapping service is also available.

Tim and Caroline are ably assisted in the shop by Susan Halliday, Lady Busser, mother of ex-Kelso Laddie Mark and wife of ex-Kelso Laddie George. They are also joined by Sarah Plummer from Kelso. Both Susan and Sarah are both keen horsewomen, who ride regularly and participate in local equestrian events and Common Ridings.

Archie Nelson formerly of Forrest of Kelso in the early 1970s and Dickson's in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, is also to be found helping out in the shop on occasions. Most will know of Archie, who has been in the shooting and fishing retail trade for over 40years. Archie's memory of faces and gun serial numbers is unsurpassed - he will generally remember who you are, where you shot and with which gun. He will then tell you the same about your parents!