Key Borders route closed for several hours following lunchtime collision
Police closed the A708 in the Yarrow valley on Sunday after a two-vehicle collision outside the Gordon Arms Hotel near Selkirk. Emergency services were called just after midday, following reports of a crash involving a car and a motorbike. The drivers of both vehicles were taken to hospital for treatment. The road was shut at the hotel while responders worked at the scene and has since reopened.
Officers placed a cordon at the location shortly after the incident and advised motorists to stay away from the area. The A708 was closed for roughly three hours, causing disruption to local and through traffic before the route was cleared later in the afternoon.
“Road users are advised to avoid the area,”
Police confirmed the closure applied specifically at the Gordon Arms, a well-known waypoint in the upper Yarrow. While diversions were not formally announced at the roadside beyond the immediate closure, drivers were asked to find alternative routes during the response.
What happened and when
According to Police Scotland, the crash occurred around 12 noon on Sunday, 19 July. A motorbike and a car were involved. Both the motorcyclist and the driver of the car were transported to hospital. No further details on injuries or the extent of damage have been released at this stage.
| Time/Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Call received | Around 12:00, Sunday 19 July |
| Location | A708 at the Gordon Arms Hotel, Yarrow, near Selkirk |
| Vehicles | Car and motorbike |
| Casualties | Two people taken to hospital |
| Road status | Closed for approximately three hours, now reopened |
Impact on local travel
The A708 links Selkirk with communities across the Yarrow valley and beyond, serving as a key east–west corridor through the Borders. A lunchtime closure on a summer Sunday is likely to have affected leisure traffic as well as residents making routine journeys. With the route reopened, normal travel has resumed, though drivers should continue to take care in the area.
Police did not provide details of any formal diversion during the closure. Given the rural nature of the location, alternative options typically involve significant detours via nearby A and B roads. Motorists are encouraged to check live travel updates before setting off whenever an incident is reported on this stretch.
Safety reminder during peak riding season
With warmer weather and school holidays bringing more riders and tourists onto scenic Borders routes, the incident is a reminder of the need for caution on rural roads with limited visibility and varying surfaces. Motorcyclists and drivers alike should allow extra time, reduce speed on bends, and be prepared for agricultural traffic or debris.
- Allow additional stopping distance on rural single carriageways.
- Take particular care at junctions, lay-bys and hotel/inn access points where turning movements are frequent.
- Check live traffic and weather updates before travelling.
Police appeal and next steps
Police Scotland has not issued a formal appeal at this stage but will routinely assess whether additional information from witnesses is required as investigations progress. Any drivers who were in the vicinity of the Gordon Arms around midday on Sunday and have dashcam footage may wish to retain it in case officers request assistance.
The condition of those taken to hospital has not been disclosed. Further updates from authorities are expected if there are significant developments or if additional public information is needed.
