Scottish Borders Castles
The picturesque ruins of several abbeys bear witness to the turbulence of centuries of Border wars and religious strife focusing attention on a tapestry of history, heritage, culture and recreation, and this is a region inundated with fine houses, castles and museums to visit. Floors Castle in Kelso and home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe is perhaps the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. Abbotsford, near Mekrose, was built and lived in by Sir Walter Scott where the library holds over 9,000 rare volumes.
Lauder in Berwickshire is the home of Thirlestane Castle one of Scotland’s oldest and most splendid castles whilst Mellerstain House, the home of the Earl and Countess of Haddington, is famous for it’s exquisite plaster ceilings and wonderful art collection.
If you want to see where the English were defeated three times in one day then visit Neidpath Castle which towers over the River Tweed near Peebles. - Mary Stuart and Oliver Cromwell stayed there. Neidpath is one of many
Scottish historic houses used as a film location. ‘The Bruce’ was a filmed at Neidpath, Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull was the location for ‘Entrapment’ and Floors Castle in Kelso was the home of Tarzan the Earl off Greystoke in ‘Greystoke”.
Traquair House is Scotland’s oldest inhabited house and was originally a hunting lodge for the kings of Scotland. It has strong associations with Mary Queen of Scots.
Small towns like Kelso and Peebles, unspoiled in their rural setting, unveil to the visitor the timeless appeal of Scotland – breathing space, charming locations and friendly people, spirited and generous. All this is evident at the colourful festivals of the Border Ridings hosted in many towns.
To round off your historic journey through The Borders visit the Hawick and Jedburgh Museums - Drumlanrig’s Tower, a 15th century stronghold of the Black Douglas, The Scott Gallery and Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum offers an insight into law and prison sentences in the 19th century.
