The Scottish Borders

Coldstream is situated on the River Tweed which forms the natural boundary between Scotland and England. The town is best known as the birthplace of the Coldstream Guards. The history of this famous regiment is depicted in the local museum which also features the story of Coldstream from 1750. Visitors to Coldstream will enjoy free parking and will be able to obtain a town map and a countryside walk leaflet.

The highlight of Coldstream Civic week in August is the ride to Flodden Field to honour the dead in the battle of 1513. The nearby Hirsel Estate offers woodland and lakeside walks, with a wonderful display of rhododendrons and azaleas in May and June, as well as an estate museum and craft workshops. To the east near Berwick is Paxton House, a Palladian country mansion noted for its Chippendale furniture and Regency picture gallery.

Across on the English side of the Border lies Cornhill-on-Tweed. Just a few miles away are the twin estates of Ford and Etal, whose visitor attractions include a medieval castle, working Cornmill, crafts centre, light railway and riding centre.

Places of interest in or near Coldstream: Tourist Information Centre, The Hirsel, Coldstream Museum, Heatherslaw Corn Mill, Heatherslaw Light Railway, Lady Waterford Hall, Hirsel Golf Club, White House Riding School, Apple Tree Herb Nursery.

[back to top]

This former county town with is spacious market square retains the air of an old Scottish burgh. Duns law, rising 714 feet above sea level offers commanding views of the Merse, the low lying rich farmlands away from the coast, while walkers can also enjoy the trails on the 190 acre Duns Castle Nature Reserve. Visitors to Duns will enjoy free parking and will be able to obtain leaflets which include a mini-guide, town trail and town plan.

The Jim Clark Museum is a unique centre devoted to the late world champion racing driver from Chirnside. Nearby are Manderston house, with its sumptuous silver staircase and insight into "upstairs downstairs" life, and Crumstane Farm Park with its wide variety of animals on view.

In July the Reiver leads the town on The Riding of the Bounds as part of The Summer Festival. The County Agricultural show takes place in early August.

Small villages abound in Berwickshire - amongst them Allanton, Swinton, Chirnside and Grantshouse. Abbey St. Bathans is in a peaceful setting between the hills and the sea on the route of the Southern Upland Way and offers a hostel, restaurant and countryside walks, one to the pre-historic fortification of Edin's Hall Broch. Greenlaw lies on the edge of the Lammermuirs on the old coaching road from London to Edinburgh. The fine 17th century church tower was also used as the town's gaol.

Places of interest in and around Duns include Edin's Hall Broch, Edrom Church, Foulden Tithe Barn, Greenknowe Tower, Manderston House, The Jim Clark Room, Crumstane Farm Park, Swinton Pottery, Duns Golf Club and the Swimming Pool and sports complex.

[back to top]

The historic town of Eyemouth lies five miles north of the border where the mouth of the River Eye provides a natural harbour and sandy beaches. Fishing at Eyemouth dates back to the 13th century and today the harbour is still active with its colourful fleet. The local museum, recently refurbished, illustrates the town's history, with a magnificent tapestry as its centrepiece commemorating the great east coast fishing disaster of 1881 when 189 fishermen were lost at sea. Visitors to Eyemouth will enjoy free parking and local leaflets including a town trail, mini-guide, town plan and coastal.

A highlight of the town's annual events calendar is a Herring Queen Festival in July when the flag-bedecked fishing fleet escorts the newly chosen Queen from St. Abbs to Eyemouth. The Berwickshire coastline, with its small villages of St. Abbs, Coldingham and Burnmouth, provides a fascinating and beautiful range of scenery - from high cliffs and deep clear water to sandy coves and quaint fishing harbours, offering recreational pursuits such as birdwatching, walking, fishing and diving. To the west of the town, near the Al is Ayton Castle, an imposing Victorian mansion built of red sandstone. Paxton House, west of Berwick, is a perfect example of 18th century classical architecture.

Places of interest in and around Eyemouth include Ayton Castle, Paxton House, Eyemouth Museum, Kittiwake Gallery, Chain Bridge Honey Farm, Eyemouth Golf Club and the Swimming Pool.

[back to top]

Lochcarron of Scotland Cashmere and Wool Centre offers tours of the weaving process, and within the mill, Galashiels Museum recalls the history of the town. Old Gala House, home of the Lairds of Gala for centuries, is now a museum and art gallery. Three miles east of the town is Abbotsford House, Sir Walter Scott's mansion on the banks of the Tweed.

There is Pay and Display parking in the town. Local publications include a town plan, mini-guide, town trail and countryside walks. In late June, the Braw Lad's Gathering is a week of ceremonies and events commemorating the town's history. Places of interest include Abbotsford House, Lochcarron of Scotland Cashmere and Wool Centre, Old Gala House & Christopher Boyd Art Gallery, Lindean Mill Glass, Torwoodlee Golf Club, Meadowfield Golf Range, Swimming Pool and Bowling Green.

[back to top]

Frequent winner of national floral awards, Hawick is the largest of the Border towns and internationally famous for the fashioning of fine quality knitwear. You will find big names and small concerns whose products can be bought in the many specialist shops, whilst textile production can be viewed at Peter Scott's and Wrights of Trowmill. The exciting attraction Drumlanrigs Tower; opened in Hawick in 1995. A romantic monument with a dark history, woven into the fabric of Hawick, and a stronghold of cross-border warfare, its intriguing story unfolds as visitors are led through time from the middle ages to the Tower's eventual conversion into a gracious hotel in the 1930's. The Tower also incorporates the tourist information centre.

Award winning Wilton Lodge Park on River Teviot's wooded banks extends to over 107 acres, with riverside and tree lined walks, picnic tables, recreational facilities and a walled garden with special feature flora displays and easy wheelchair access. A statue commemorates the life of Jimmy Guthrie, ace TT rider and world champion of the 1930's. The imposing Hawick Museum and Scott Gallery reflect the town's history and provide a venue for visiting exhibitions. St Mary's Church was dedicated in 1214 and rebuilt in 1763, whilst the Mote or Moat is a huge mound which visitors can climb to enjoy the wide vista from the top.

Visitors to the town can enjoy free parking; local publications include a Town Plan, mini-guide and countryside walks. One of the oldest Border Common Ridings is held in early June and commemorates an event in 1514 when Hawick lads defeated a body of English soldiers capturing their banner. In August the annual Summer Festival is a fortnight of events, parades, competitions and concerts for all age groups.

Steve Gresswell's 'Around Hawick' video

Steve Gresswell's 'Around Hawick Too' video

[back to top]

Welcome to Innerleithen...

A beautiful town nestled in lush green hills along the famous River Tweed. Whether visiting for business or pleasure Innerleithen has something for everyone.

Situated on the A72, Innerleithen is just 2 miles from Walkerburn, 6 Miles from Peebles and 12 Miles from Galashiels. As well as beautiful scenery, Innerleithen has some unique attractions including the famous Robert Smail's Printing Works and St Ronan's Well.
With its fabulous countryside, amazing wildlife and magnificent scenery, Innerleithen is an ideal retreat for a quiet and relaxed stay in beautiful and picturesque surroundings as well as offer some thing for the more adventurous.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the countryside, via marked routes. The River Tweed offers fantastic fishing for both Salmon and Trout as well as ideal conditions for the canoeist both novice and expert.  Enjoy a game of golf at the local golf course or visit the historic spa at St Ronan's Well, used by the Victorians for their curative water. Innerleithen also boasts some fantastic Mountain Bike and Walking Trails
A short car ride away is the scenic town of Peebles with its shops, cafe's, hotels, market, swimming pool and golf course.

In the opposite direction you will find Galashiels with its many shops, cafe's, hotels, swimming pool, and cinema. Not far from Innerleithen is the ruin of the 16th Century Fortified Manor, Elibank Castle . Elibank was the home of the legendary Muckle Mou'ed Meg. It is believed that James Hogg may have adapted an earlier legend when he wrote the Murray-Scott wedding document for Wille and Meg's wedding. The document is called The Fray of Elibank and can be read on the options opposite. The document is quite long so it was suggested that the wedding could never have been harquebus, (Shotgun – quick) as described in the poem.

The famous writer Sir Walter Scott was a descendant of that marriage between Willie and Meg. It is believe that the last few lines of the poem were a “Dig” at Scott since both Hogg and Scott were friends.

(editorial provided by the www.visitinnerleithen.com website)

[back to top]

A Visitor Centre portrays its turbulent past. In 1566 Mary Queen of Scots stayed in Jedburgh in a house that now tells the story of her tragic life. Winner of the country town prize in Beautiful Scotland in Bloom, Jedburgh today offers an attractive setting to follow the town trail, take a riverside walk or browse amongst the shops in the colourful renovated buildings in the Market Place and Canongate.

Focal point of the local calendar is the Jethart Callant Festival in early July when the Callant leads his mounted supporters in two weeks of ceremonial rideouts to places linked with the town's history. Festival Day is followed by the Jedburgh Border Games, South of the town is the award winning Jedforest Deer and Farm Park, whilst at the 16th century Ferniehirst Castle, the grounds and Kerr Information Centre are open to visitors on a limited basis. Near Ancrum to the north lies Monteviot House Gardens on the banks of the river, and Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre offering indoor and outdoor activities.

This is the description of the town or village. You will need to insert tables to allow you to include photographs.
 

Visitors to the town can enjoy free parking; local publications include a Town Plan, mini-guide, town trail and countryside walks.

Places of interest include Ferniehirst Castle, Jedburgh Abbey, Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum, Mary Queen of Scots House, Monteviot House Gardens, Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre, Jedforest Deer and Farm Park, Jedburgh Golf Club (9 hole) and the Mounthooly Golf Driving Range.
 

[back to top]

A picturesque country town, Kelso lies in a fine setting at the junction of the Rivers Tweed and Teviot. The town is full of architectural and historical interest that can be explored by following the town trail.

The abbey, founded in 1128, like others, suffered in the border wars. The elegant Town House, built in 1816 now houses the Tourist Information Centre, and is situated in the centre of the spacious Square, whilst the graceful five arched bridge over the Tweed dates from 1803. Built by John Rennie, it was the model for London Bridge.

In parkland overlooking the Tweed stands Floors Castle, Scotland's largest inhabited house, with outstanding collections of paintings, furniture, porcelain and tapestry. To the north of Kelso is the magnificent Adam mansion of Mellerstain and the towers of Smailholm and Greenknowe, dating back to the 16th century.

Teviot Water Garden 6 miles to the west of the town offers riverside walks. To the south nestling in the foothills of the Cheviots are the twin villages of Town and Kirk Yetholm, noted for its Gypsy Palace where the last Queen of the Gypsies lived, and also for being the end of the 270 mile Pennine Way.

Visitors to the town can enjoy free parking; local publications include a Town Plan, mini-guide and countryside walks. The lively programme of events in the town reflects the predominantly agricultural community, with the Border Union Agricultural Show, ram and horse sales, steeple chasing at the Race Course, point to point races, and the Scottish Championship Dog Show. Kelso Civic Week in July is the town's annual festival, adopting many of the features of the older border Common Ridings.

Places of interest include Floors Castle, Greenknowe Tower, Hume Castle, Kelso Abbey, Smailholm Tower, Mellerstain House, Stable Gallery, Floors Castle Garden Centre, Mayfield Garden Centre, The Teviot Water Gardens, The Kelso Pottery, Kelso Golf Club (18 hole), The Roxburghe Golf Course (Championship), the Ice Rink, Skittle Alley and Swimming Pool.

[back to top]

Set 600 feet above sea level and bounded on three sides by the Lammermuir Hills lies Lauder, the main town in Lauderdale, the valley of the Leader Water. The A68 through the town follows the oldest established route between Edinburgh and England, and has witnessed the passage of many armies. Today the Southern Upland Way, Britain's first coast to coast footpath passes through Lauder on its 212 mile journey.

The town preserves its original medieval form with a single main street widening into the Market Place, dominated by the old Tolbooth. The Parish Church is laid out unusually in the form of a Greek Cross with the pulpit in the centre under the octagonal bell tower; and the old box pews retained.

Thirlestane Castle is noted for its plasterwork ceilings of the Restoration period, its historic toy collection and Border country life exhibitions. The Castle is also host to the Scottish Championship Horse Trials held in May. To the north is the quiet village of Oxton, whilst 6 miles south is Earlston and the ruined Rhymer's Tower; once the home of Thomas of Rhymer; the 13th century poet famed for his gift of prophecy. Close b on Legerwood Farm, a way-marked trail gives an informative view of a commercial borders farm.

Visitors to the town can enjoy free parking - a local mini-guide is available. Local places of interest include Thirlestane Castle, Lauder Golf Club (9 hole), Cowdenknowes Equicentre, Thirlestane Castle Horse Trials and the Tom Davidson Gallery.

[back to top]

The triple peaks of the Eildon Hills are the most distinctive single landmark in the Borders. At their feet in the valley of the River Tweed lies Melrose.

The ruined Abbey which dates from 1136 is believed, following a series of archaeological digs, to be the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. The abbey is also the starting point for St Cuthbert's Way, a 100km cross border walking route. Adjacent Priorwood Garden specialises in plants suitable for dried flower arranging with an apple orchard walk and picnic area. The Trimontium Exhibition gives an insight into the Romans in Scotland, and Teddy Melrose, Scotland's first teddy bear museum, also has a new Arts Centre. Three miles west on the banks of the Tweed is Sir Walter Scott's romantic mansion of Abbotsford.

A way-marked route leads to the summit of the Eildon Hills and for the more experienced walker, the Southern Upland Way passes through the town on its 212 mile coast to coast journey. On the opposite bank of the Tweed, Gattonside can be reached by foot by a sturdy suspension bridge. To the south lies Lilliesleat another charming little village set amidst farmland.

Four miles south is St Boswells, a village with a spacious tree-lined green. Nearby, Mertoun offers 20 acres of scenic gardens. Dryburgh Abbey lies in a secluded, peaceful setting by the River Tweed and a woodland walk leads to the massive 22 foot high sandstone statue of William Wallace.

This is the description of the town or village. You will need to insert tables to allow you to include photographs.

[back to top]

Situated close to the Border, alongside Liddel Water, the planned village of Newcastleton was founded in 1793 by the Duke of Buccleuch as a handloom weaving centre. In earlier times this was Border Reiver country, known as "The debatable Land", home of the Armstrongs and Elliots. The Liddesdale Heritage Centre reflects the interest in the area's past and the massive bulwark of the 14th century Hermitage Castle is close by.

The Traditional Music Festival in July has an international reputation and other popular events include the Craft Fayre in May, Liddesdale Agricultural Show in August and Sheepdog Trials in autumn. Today Newcastleton provides a good base for exploring the surrounding hills and forest. Within easy access is Keilder Forest and Keilder Water; Europe's largest man-made lake, both offering a wide range of activities.

Visitors to Newcastleton can enjoy free parking; local publications include countryside walks. Nearby places of interest include Horn & Country Crafts, Newcastleton Golf Club (9 hole), Bailey Mill Trekking Centre and Liddesdale Heritage Centre.

[back to top]

Peebles enjoys a most attractive setting amongst the hills on the banks of the River Tweed. The wide spacious High Street has an old Mercat Cross and the ruined Cross Kirk, standing high above Eddleston Water, was founded in 1261. The Cornice Museum recreates an ornamental plasterer's workshop, while the Chambers Institute features the Tweeddale Museum and Gallery.

Peebles' events calendar includes the Beltane Week, Arts Festival, Highland Games and Agricultural Show. Golf, fishing, mountain biking and walking are popular pursuits within the Forests of Tweeddale and the challenging Southern Upland Way is easily accessible.

To the east, surrounded by scenic hill country, lies Innerleithen, where St. Ronan's Wells Interpretative Centre depicts the era of the last century when the town was famed as a spa. Robert Smail's Printing Works give a fascinating insight into the printing processes of the past. Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, has played host to 27 monarchs. The area is closely associated with the manufacture of high quality knitwear and the Scottish Museum of Woollen Textiles at Walkerburn traces the history of the industry.

Eddleston, to the north, is in the heart of beautiful wooded countryside and West Linton, at the foot of the Pentland Hills, is an historic conservation village. South west is Tweedsmuir; 1600 feet above sea level on an old coaching route. The church spire is an unmistakable landmark in the remote and peaceful upland area, once the haunt of Covenanters. Broughton village is noted for its gallery and the John Buchan Centre, which recreates the life of the famous writer, soldier and politician.

Visitors to the town can enjoy free parking; local publications include a Town Plan, mini-guide and countryside walks. Local places of interest include Neidpath Castle, Peebles Crosskirk, Traquair House, Broughton Gallery, The Cornice Museum of Ornamental Plasterwork, John Buchan Centre, Robert Smail's Printing Works, St Ronan's Wells Interpretative Centre, Tweeddale Museum & Picture Gallery, Dawyck Botanic Garden, Kailzie Gardens, Peebles Craft Centre, Innerleithen Golf Club (9 hole), Peebles Golf Club (18 hole), West Linton Golf Club (18 hole), Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre.
 

[back to top]

The ancient and Royal Burgh of Selkirk stands high above the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys. Sir Walter Scott served as sheriff for 33 years and his former courtroom features a fascinating audio-visual presentation telling the story of Scott's associations with the area and its people.

Halliwell's House, the town's oldest dwelling, is now the local museum, with the building's links with the ironmongery trade recreated, and the Robson Gallery providing a venue for exhibitions. Clapperton's Daylight Photographic Studio is a working museum and photographic archive.

Visitors to the town can enjoy free parking; local publications include a Town Plan, Town Trail, mini-guide and countryside walks. Selkirk Common Riding in June is recognised as one of the oldest of the Border Festivals, with a tradition going back to the Battle of Flodden in 1513, with as many as 400 riders taking part. The town's industrial background is reflected in the number of specialist tweed outlets, whilst local glass works offer the chance to buy products and see skilled craftsmen at work.

Three miles west is Bowhill House, a Georgian mansion, with woodland walks and an adventure playground in the extensive grounds. Its Little Theatre hosts drama and music performances.
 

The twin valleys of Ettrick and Yarrow contain some of the most glorious scenery in the Scottish Borders, with St Mary's Loch, Southern Scotland's largest stretch of water.

St. Mary's Loch. Photo: Scottish Borders Tourist Board

[back to top]

Welcome to Walkerburn...

A beautiful and picturesque haven nestled in lush green hills along the famous River Tweed. Whether visiting for business or pleasure Walkerburn offers a peaceful and relaxing setting for everyone.

Situated on the A72, Walkerburn is just 2 miles from Innerleithen, 8 Miles from Peebles and 10 Miles from Galashiels. As well as some of the finest scenery in the Scottish Borders, Walkerburn boasts some of the most unique history of any of the borders villages.

With its fabulous countryside, amazing wildlife and magnificent scenery, Walkerburn is an ideal retreat for a quiet and relaxed stay in beautiful and picturesque surroundings.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the countryside, via marked routes. The River Tweed offers fantastic fishing for both Salmon and Trout as well as ideal conditions for the canoeist both novice and expert.

Within walking distance is the sleepy town of Innerleithen with its shops, hotels and golf course. It is also home to St Ronans Well. A Historic spa, built in 1827 which was used by the Victorians in need of the curative waters.

A short car ride away is the scenic town of Peebles with its shops, cafe's, hotels, market, swimming pool and golf course. In the opposite direction you will find Galashiels with its many shops, cafe's, hotels, swimming pool, and cinema.

(editorial provided by the main Walkerburn Village website www.walkerburn.org)

[back to top]