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Scotland Travel Search Engine: Scotland Travel and Tourism Directory

Scotland > South of Scotland > Scottish Borders

Rising in the hills far to the west, the River Tweed lazily makes its way across the Borders until it reaches to North Sea at Berwick-upon-Tweed, with its eastern reaches of the river forming the boundary between Scotland and England. This area once had a very turbulent past, as it was the quickest land route from England to the centre of Scotland. The English attacks destroyed much of what was in their way, eventually making it into one of the most heavily guarded areas in Northern Europe. The massive fortifications in Berwick-upon-Tweed still survive today. In present day much has changed, as this has become an area of tranquil villages, lazy woollen mills, craft workshops, varied scenery, and a wild coastline.

Click on the headings to find out more: Sir Walter Scott lived at Abbotsford near Melrose. You can visit his home, or his last resting place at beautiful Dryburgh Abbey, hidden away on a bend in the Tweed, a few miles east of Melrose. The abbey, standing in one of the most splendid settings in Borders, was demolished and rebuilt on several occasions, thus incorporating a number of architectural styles. The real highlight of the abbey is the barrel-vaulted Chapter House, complete with low stone benches, grouped windows, and inter-laced carved arcade along the east wall. Sir Walter was not without a favourite haunt, and 'Scott's View" standing a mile further up the road from the abbey, is well worth the journey for the fantastic views across the River to the three Eildon Hills, the famous Borders landmarks.


Majestic Jedburgh Abbey monks first developed the skill of working with wool, which began the textile industry that still flourishes today. It was founded by David 1 in 1138. Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum was a Georgian prison built in 1820's, and a favourite residence for royalty in the 12th century. The original castle was brought down by the townsfolk in order to prevent it from falling into the British hands. The Jail was considered one of the most modern jails of its time, and two of the three cellblocks are open to the public.


Melrose Abbey was once the richest abbey in Scotland, but after much vicious destruction by Richard II in 1385, and then again by the Earl of Hertford in 1545, the abbey lost its original austerity for an elaborate Gothic style. The harmony of the stone with its hints of ochre to red, the profusion of decorative sculpture works, and the purity of the Gothic style is clearly evident as it soars above the riverside surroundings, making this Abbey an extremely impressive and attractive group of ruins.


To fully appreciate the ruins, walk around the outside. The chapels of the south side are lit by a series of large pointed windows with elegant tracery. The legend that Robert the Bruce's heart was buried here beneath a window was proven true in 1996 when it was publicly exhumed. The location, interestingly enough, was not where the dying King requested his heart be laid to rest. He actually wanted his heart be carried on a Crusade to the Holy Land by his friend James Douglas, but James was killed fighting in Spain before he could actually deliver. We can only speculate how the heck his heart got here from Spain.


Off a tiny, cosy side street, Melrose is home to the internationally acclaimed Teddy Bear Museum, devoted to 'bearabillia' of all kinds. The ancient Romans set up camp in Melrose and called it Trimontium after the triple peaked Eildon Hills nearby. The Trimontium Exhibition, just off Market Square, is an odd little affair, where you can learn about the three Roman occupations of the region, all to the tune of a Roman blacksmith.


Golfers may like to tackle the Roxburghe, the first championship course in the Scottish Borders. Paxton House has a picture gallery that is part of the National Gallery of Scotland. Floors Castle, near Kelso, is the largest inhabited home in Scotland and nearby is where King James II was killed in 1460 when a cannon exploded. Traquair House (near Innerleithen) is the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland.
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