Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

 

This evening, I am focusing on the Scottish Borders, a term which broadly covers the area southf Edinburgh down to the border with England, just north of Hadrian’s Wall. This area encompasses castles, ruined medieval abbeys, tartan and textile manufacture, Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford and the Border Reivers Trail. The countryside is gentle, pleasant with rolling hills and salmon rivers such as the Tweed.

 

Above is Kelso Abbey situated in the pretty town of Kelso. The abbey’s remains are a consequence of destruction by the English in 1545.

 

Here is Melrose Abbey which was founded in the 12th century by King David I. Location was unfortunate in that it lay on the direct route of invading armies from England in medieval times and suffered repeated damage right through to the Reformation of 1560. The adjacent town of Melrose is also of interest and includes Priorwood Gardens which is dedicated to the production of dried flowers.