A PEEBLES photographer and writer is lifting the lid on the town’s secret history in a thrilling new book.

Liz Hanson’s latest publication, Secret Peebles, delves into the colourful background of the Royal Burgh.

And she uncovers a wealth of information about well-known landmarks such as Neidpath Castle, the Parish Church and the Hydro Hotel.

Since arriving in Peeblesshire in the mid 1970s from the Midlands, Liz has regularly documented the change in scenery around many of the town’s most prominent features, from the churches and hotels to the schools and bridges.

Liz told us: “In 2011, the publishers Amberley Books printed Peebles Through Time, which examined the town’s past and highlighted the many ways in which Peebles has changed and developed over the last century. 

“Over the last few months, I’ve been busy creating the follow up, with the focus this time on unearthing Peebles’ secrets, and pointing out some features of the historical span, ranging from traces of medieval Peebles through turbulent middle centuries to the quirky contemporary.

“To celebrate the launch of the new book, I’ll be holding a book signing in Peebles this weekend. 

“I’d urge anyone interested in the fascinating past of this wonderful town to come along, buy the book and delve further into its history.”

The book signing for Secret Peebles will be held in Whities Bookshop, by the High Street, tomorrow (Saturday, June 17).

Secret Peebles will be available to buy from this weekend at other local book stores for £14.99. 

For anyone who can’t make the launch, Liz will hold a tour of some of the town’s less well known streets and squares, many of which feature in Secret Peebles, meeting at the Eastgate Cafe at 2.30pm on Saturday, August 26.

Tickets for the tour with Liz cost £6 and can be purchased at www.eastgatearts.com.