Unspoiled nature and breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, busy fishing ports, picturesque villages tucked away on the hillsides, many grand castles and other historic sites make up the southeastern corner of Scotland, often known as the Borders. The history of this region north of the Scottish-English border, which comprises the area around the Tweed valley south of the Pentland, Moorfoot and Lammermuir Hills, was greatly influenced by four famous abbeys which came into being during the reign of David I (1124-1153). Despite many attacks from across the border, the monasteries developed into important cultural and economic centers - even the king sometimes sought financial assistance from them.
Agriculture, cattle, handicrafts and commerce all played an important role in the region's prosperity. When, in the middle of the 16th century, the English under the Earl of Hertford razed the monasteries to the ground, destroyed the crops in the fields, drove away the cattle and took everything that was not nailed to the floor, the local economy was shaken to its foundations. The Lowlands were discovered by tourists much later than the ever popular Highlands so beloved by the Romantics, even though there is no shortage of natural beauty and the region can boast many fine, historic buildings. The waymarked Southern Uplands Way that stretches 212mi/340km from Cockburnspath on the east coast to Portpatrick on the west is a favorite route with walkers.
The A68 leads through the Cheviot Hills and the English county of Northumberland with Carter Bar (1,371ft/418m) marking the boundary between the two countries. Look out for the road sign with the red lion of the Stuarts. The scenery is magnificent and it is easy to understand the nostalgic sentiments Bordermen and women feel when they return home.
The Edwardian country house at Manderston (15mi/24km northeast of Kelso) presently owned by the Palmer family is surrounded by a magnificent garden with beautiful rhododendrons. John Kinross designed the building at the turn of the century for a wealthy businessman called Sir James Miller. The marble staircase with gilded banisters is a particularly impressive sight.
St Abbs Head, a nature reserve under the stewardship of the National Trust for Scotland, is within walking distance from Eyemouth. Many different species of sea bird such as guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes and shags breed on the ledges of the red sandstone cliffs. The lawn of Hotel Heaven offers not only welcome refreshment but also splendid views of the bay.
The rocky coastline of St Abbs Head.
Address: St Abbs Head Visitors Reserve, Ranger's Cottage, Northfield, Eyemouth TD14 5QF, Scotland
This site is renowned by geologists for its great variety in geological features, from horizontal layers of pink sediment to the harder rock strata that has thrust through the softer sandstone.
At the west end of Coldstream the park on the estate of Lord Home of the Hirsel is worth a visit in late spring to see the rhododendron bushes. In an old farmhouse and stables, a small museum details agricultural methods and the Home family's history. A craft center is housed in an adjoining building (open daily).
Address: The Hirsel, Douglas & Angus Estates Estate Office, Coldstream TD12 4LP, Scotland
In 1993 on the 25th anniversary of Jim Clark's death, a small museum about the racing driver was opened at no. 44 Newtown Street in Duns (pop. 2,300). It tells the life story of the popular figure who twice won the Formula 1 championship.
Address: Jim Clark Room (Racing Museum), 44 Newtown Street, Duns TD11 3AU, Scotland
Everyone will enjoy a tour of Jedforest Farm (5mi/8km south of Jedburgh), a working farm with sheep, cows, horses, chickens, ducks and red deer. Visitors can take a horse or tractor ride around the fields.
The remains of an Iron Age broch, a hollow round tower stand on a mound some 4mi/6km to the north of Kelso. In places the tower reaches a height of 5ft/1.5m.
A mile-long (1.5km) sandy beach is one attraction in this fishing port (pop. 11,000). Montrose Museum and Art Gallery by Panmure Place contains a comprehensive collection of artifacts documenting the history of the region. Exhibits include Pictish stones and traditional whaling equipment as well as pictures and sculptures by local artists.
Address: Montrose Museum and Art Gallery, Panmure Place, Montrose DD10 8HE, Scotland
Hours:
10am-5pm; Closed: Sun
Always closed on: Bank Holiday - Scotland (January 2), New Year's Day (January 1), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Read More
Read Less
Read More
Read Less
Read More
Woolen Trail
Jedburgh Abbey, Jedburgh
Loch Tay, Pitlochry
Dunkeld, Pitlochry
Melrose Abbey, Melrose
Loudoun Castle
Neidpath Castle, Peebles
Glenshee - Skiing Centre, Pitlochry
