The Bow Butt steps, which may date back to the 15th century, are where the men of Galashiels, aged 16-60, used to practice archery.

A decree made by King James IV (1488-1513) required that all men of military age were to practice archery so that they could be called upon in times of conflict. Well before this law was passed, both William Wallace and King Robert I made use of archers from the area during the Wars of Independence.