Scottish Borders
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About the Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders were bitterly contested, often fought over, burnt and raided by both the Scottish and English as it changed ownership backwards and forwards between Scotland and England over the centuries. Today the Border Line is 110 miles (176 km) and the pleasant scenery consisting of around 1800 square miles of woodland, soft gentle hills and open heather moorland bear little sign of the years of battle and bloodshed. The Border Abbeys and the many towerhouse strongholds are some reminders of those times.
The Border Abbeys The four great abbeys of Melrose, Kelso, Dryburgh and Jedburgh are central to the heritage of the Scottish Borders. The abbeys are now just fragments of their former magnificence,
Kelso Abbey was sacked by the English forces during the period known as the "rough wooing" of tthe young Mary Queen of Scots. The abbey was founded by David I in 1128 and served as a fortress in 1545.
Tel: 0131 668 8800
Dryburgh Abbey is especially peaceful in it's countryside setting on the River Tweed. Dryburgh Abbey is the final resting place of Sir Walter Scott, the famous novelist and Earl Haig.
Tel: 01835 822381
Melrose Abbey Thought to be the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart, Melrose Abbey is a romantic ruined Cistercian Abbey from around 1136. The Abbey Museum is housed in the 16th Century Commendator's House. The abbey is considered to be the finest example ofecclesiastical architecture in Scotland.
Tel: 01896 822562
Jedburgh Abbey. An incredible example of Saxon Gothic architecture which was founded as a priory in the 12th Century by David I, Jedburgh Abbey is in remarkable condition for a ruin. It has is an informative visitor centre.
Tel: 01835 863925
Now a place of calm and tranquility the abbeys were once home to a large number of monks who helped shape the Borders. Monks did not only spend their time in prayer and study, they were active farmers and weavers. The Border Abbeys laid the foundations of the Borders textile industry.
Things to do and see around the Scottish Borders
Common Ridings The Common Ridings are a unique celebration of the borders long association with horses and horsemanship. A pround and long tradition which today confirm the identity of Border folk.
Smailholm Tower The 57ft high Smailholm Tower was built on a rocky outcrop in the 15th Century and is a restored towerhouse. It houses a display based upon "Minstrels of the Border" by Sir Walter Scott. There is also an exhibition of dolls.
Tel: 01573 460365
Scottish Borders Links