South East Scotland – The Borders

A day tour from Edinburgh to visit Abbotsford, Sir Walter Scott’s home from 1811. It contains many mementoes of this famous Scottish author. The house sits beside the River Tweed, famous for its salmon fishing. Further east the river becomes the border between England and Scotland.

The Eildon Hills are best seen from Scott’s View, just east of Melrose. There are several ruined abbeys in the area – Melrose, Jedburgh, Kelso and Dryburgh, and Robert the Bruce’s heart was buried at Melrose Abbey. Traquair House is the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland, originally a royal hunting lodge it was given to James Stewart, 1st Laird of Traquair. Today it is the home of Catherine Maxwell Stuart, 21st Lady of Traquair.

The Borders is a lush agricultural region with several historic houses – Floors Castle is the private house of the Duke of Roxburgh. The 18thc house, by William Adam, and later remodelled by William Playfair, sits on a natural terrace overlooking the River Tweed and facing the Cheviot Hills. Mellerstain is famous for the amazing detail and delicacy of the Robert Adam interiors. It is the home of the Earl of Haddington. Thirlestane Castle was the home of the Earls of Lauderdale. 

Manderston is a splendid Edwardian country house in the manner of Robert Adam. It is the home of Baron Palmer.

Come and learn about ‘Riding the Bounds’ and the Border Rivers. Choose 2 places from the above to visit during your day tour.