If you are ever in Coldstream, pay a visit to W. E. Howden on the High Street opposite the Church. The shop remains virtually untouched since refurbishment nearly a century ago. It also hides, to the rear, the oldest standing building in the town. This was part of Home Farm which dates from the 12th Century. There is also a stables building which was added a little later.

The undernoted description is displayed in the shop window and a warm welcome awaits you in the shop itself.

This business, primarily concerned with animal medicines and feed stuffs. Was established in 1830 by George Wilson. It was he who in that year invented and produced the worlds' first Sheep Dip.

Wilsons Sheep Dip was manufactured here and sold nationally. From Coldstream it was transported by horse and cart to the nearby port of Berwick-upon-Tweed from here it was distributed to all point south by package steamer.

The business was sold around the turn of the century to W.E Howden (Hence the name above the shop) It was about that time that the shop was refitted using mahogany and brass fittings. Outside, the six pink granite columns were erected, having cost the pricely sum of 2/6D each (Half a crown or twelve and a half pence!)

Today the shop is historically listed for its Architectural interest both inside and out and remains as it was around the turn of the century. Wilsons Sheep Dip has fallen foul of EEC regulations and is no longer available. The shop now specialises in pet foods and is the leading supplier in The Borders.

All this makes it the oldest and most historically important business of its kind in the world and you are welcome to browse at your leisure. You may even experience some good, old fashioned, counter service.

Some of the many artifacts from the shop are to be found in Coldstream museum in the marketplace.