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The SCOTTISH BORDERS EXPLORE 2020-2021 - visitscotland.com
EXPLORE 2020-2021

The SCOTTISH
BORDERS

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The SCOTTISH BORDERS EXPLORE 2020-2021 - visitscotland.com
Contents
                                                                                                                                                                                                                2 The Scottish Borders
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  at a glance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                4 A creative hub
                                                                                                                                                                                                                6 A dramatic past
                                                                                                                                                                                                                8 Get active outdoors
                                                                                                                                                                                                              10 Discover Scotland’s leading
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 cycling destination
                                                                                                                                                                                                              12 Local flavours
                                                                                                                                                                                                              14 Year of Coasts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 and Waters 2020
                                                                                                                                                                                                              16 What’s on
                                                                                                                                                                                                              18 Travel tips
                                                                                                                                                                                                              20 Practical information
                                                                                                                                                                                                              24 Places to visit
                                                                                                                                                                                                              41 Leisure activities
                                                                                                                                                                                                              46 Shopping
                                                                         Welcome to…                                                                                                                          49 Food & drink

                                                                         THE SCOTTISH
                                                                                                                                                                                                              52 Accommodation
                                                                                                                                                                                                              56 Regional map

                                                                         BORDERS
                                                                         Step out into the rolling hills, smell the spring flowers in the forest,
                                                                         listen to the chattering river and enjoy the smiles of the people
                                                                         you meet. Welcome to the Scottish Borders, a very special part
                                                                         of the country that will captivate you instantly. Here you’ll
                                                                         find wild, wide-open landscapes, a buzzing
                                                                         cultural scene, a natural larder to die for
                                                                         and outdoor activities for the most
                                                                         adventurous of thrill-seekers. The Scottish
                                                                         Borders is also a place where the past lives                                                                                         Cover: Kelso Abbey
                                                                         around us – in ancient abbeys, historic                                                                                              Above image: Mellerstain House,
                                                                         walking routes and the stories told by the                                                                                           near Kelso
                                                                         people you’ll meet. Discover the wealth of
                                                                         incredible experiences in the forests and                                                                                            Credits: © VisitScotland.
                                                                         along the coastline of the Scottish Borders –                                                                                        Kenny Lam, Ian Rutherford,
                                                                         get active, discover great attractions and have                                                                                      Paul Tomkins, Johnstons of Elgin/
                                                                         an adventure!                                                                                                                        Angus Bremner, David N Anderson,
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Cutmedia, David Cheskin

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    20SBE
Hawico Factory Visitor Centre                    Kelso Outlet Store
Arthur Street                                    20 Bridge Street        Produced and published by APS Group Scotland (APS) in conjunction with VisitScotland (VS) and Highland News & Media (HNM).
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Hawick                                           Kelso                   and approved their entries to be included. Although APS / VS / HNM have taken reasonable steps to confirm the accuracy of information contained in this guide at the time of going to press,
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Tel +44 1450 371221                              Tel +44 1573 226776     contained in this guide. Quality Assurance awards are correct as at January 2020.
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2      THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
                                                                                                                                                                                                              HIGHLIGHTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Exploring the magnificent
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  coastal headland of St
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Abb’s Head National Nature
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Reserve, with its cliff-top
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  trails, breeding seabirds and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  stunning sea views.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Walking through the cloisters
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  of one of the four enchanting
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Borders Abbeys at Kelso,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dryburgh, Melrose or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Jedburgh.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Exploring the Jim Clark
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Motorsport Museum in
    THE SCOTTISH BORDERS                                                                                                                                                                                          Duns and learning about his

AT A GLANCE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  successful racing career.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Does King Arthur lie inside
                                                                                                                                                                               Abbotsford House, Melrose
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  a hollow hall within the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Eildon Hills? The hills are so
Let the natural beauty of the Scottish Borders cast its spell on you. Discover a gentler pace of life                  to eat in the café and browse in the      Sit beneath the boughs of the                    mysterious and romantic
amid the lush forests, sweeping valleys and historic towns and villages. Fierce battles, literary                      gift shop. Kids will have a ball in the   ancient apple orchard in Priorwood               that the legend is easy to
greats and mythical figures – our history will fire up your creative imagination. Want a really                        play park too!                            Gardens, and imagine the monks of                believe...
superb outdoor adventure? We have some of the best salmon fishing in the world and two of the                                                                    centuries past doing the same.
                                                                                                                       Kelso and surrounding area
country’s top mountain biking centres. Soothe your spirit at a book festival and treat your taste                      A must see is the wonderful               Climb the magnificent Eildon Hills           Don’t miss...
buds to the finest local fare. Are you ready to fall in love with the Scottish Borders?                                collection of artworks in Floors          for the best possible views of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The very best in live music,
                                                                                                                       Castle. Then go for an art-inspired       town.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  visual art exhibitions,
Berwickshire coast                       Fresh air fixes many things, and      Jedburgh and surrounding                wander in its gardens.                    Sports fans should pop into ‘The                 creative workshops and
Eyemouth has been a fishing port         you’ll come back smiling from         area                                    Did you know that the town’s              Greenyards’, Melrose Rugby Club,                 more artistic wonders at
since the 13th century and you can       a walk on the nearby Southern         Wander through the picturesque                                                    where rugby sevens was invented                  Creative Peebles, an annual
                                                                                                                       graceful five-arched bridge, over
still see the boats bringing their       Upland Way or a bike ride along       market town of Jedburgh, a Royal                                                  in 1883.                                         festival held in late summer.
                                                                                                                       the River Tweed, was the model for
catches home today. Or why not hire      the Tweed Cycle Way.                  and Ancient burgh steeped in            London’s first Waterloo Bridge?                                                            Meeting top authors up close
one and try sea fishing yourself?                                              history.                                                                          Peebles and surrounding area
                                         Hawick and surrounding area                                                   See why Sir Walter Scott described        Only 40 minutes after leaving                    at the Borders Book Festival
Kick off your shoes and feel the         Hawick is blessed with a beautiful    Tingle your tongue with a bag of        Kelso as the ‘prettiest, if not the       Edinburgh you can be standing                    in June.
sand between your toes at the            location on the banks of the River    Jethart Snails; small peppermint        most romantic town in Scotland’.          in the glorious Tweed Valley, a
beaches and secluded coves of the        Teviot. It’s the source for whisky    boiled sweets enjoyed worldwide         The ruined abbey and the                  peaceful area of outstanding
quaint coastal villages of St Abbs,      and gin produced at the Borders       and still handmade in the town          nearby towers of Smailholm and            natural beauty.
Coldingham and Burnmouth.                Distillery.                           today.                                  Greenknowe will take you back in
                                                                                                                                                                 Try your fly at Innerleithen on the       On the High Street you’ll find a
Gaze into the Berwickshire coast’s       For adrenaline-pumping biking         Go time-travelling in Jedburgh’s        its tumultuous history.
                                                                                                                                                                 River Tweed, one of the world’s           statue of Mungo Park, the great
crystal-clear waters and watch out       amid stunning scenery, pedal to       historic landmarks including                                                      top salmon rivers.
for seals, porpoises, otters and                                               Jedburgh Castle, Mary Queen of          Melrose and surrounding area                                                        explorer who was born just outside
                                         nearby Newcastleton, one of the
thousands of seabirds.                                                         Scots House and the Pipers House.       Imagine being a world-famous              Spritz up your home with                  Selkirk.
                                         region's two 7stanes, world-class
                                                                                                                       writer inside the restored study          something wonderful from the
                                         mountain biking centres.              Local tip – for the best view of 12th                                                                                       Uncover the region’s wealth of
Galashiels and surrounding                                                                                             of Abbotsford – The Home of Sir           many excellent arts and craft             artisan crafts, including the award-
area                                     Many of the world’s leading           century Jedburgh Abbey, climb up        Walter Scott.                             shops in the area.
                                                                               the spiral staircase to the balcony                                                                                         winning Twist Glass Studio which
Galashiels was once an important         designers, including Chanel, Dior
                                                                                                                       Ever seen a pig playing the                                                         specialises in handcrafted glass
textile producing centre and is famous   and Vivienne Westwood, have used      area that overlooks the abbey’s                                                   Selkirk and surrounding area
                                                                               interior.                               bagpipes? You will if you visit                                                     tableware and gifts.
for its beautifully made tweeds.         the skills of local textile workers                                                                                     Find out about the town’s famous
                                                                                                                       Melrose Abbey, where there are
                                         – find out why at the Borders         At nearby Harestanes Countryside                                                  Scottish characters. Visit Sir Walter     Saunter along the beautiful banks
Explore Old Gala House, a museum                                                                                       many unusual wall carvings
                                         Textile Towerhouse, a fascinating     Visitor Centre you can explore the                                                Scott’s Courtroom, where Scott sat        of St Mary’s Loch, south Scotland’s
and gallery covering over 50 years                                                                                     including the musical pig,
                                         experience for the whole family.      walking trails, grab something tasty                                              as a sheriff, which is now a museum       largest stretch of water, or skim a
of the town’s history.                                                                                                 hobgoblins and dragons.
                                                                                                                                                                 dedicated to his life and writings.       stone and feel your cares drift away.

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4      THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
                                                                                                                                                                       YO
                                                                                                                                                                              U K NO                Don’t miss...
                                                                                                                                                                  D                                   The annual Borders Art Fair

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                                                                                                                                                                                                      which takes place in Kelso

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                                                                                                                                                                        In 2021,
                                                                                                                                                                  the Great Tapestry                  every March.
                                                                                                                                                                  of Scotland visitor
                                                                                                                                                                   centre will open                 HIGHLIGHTS
                                                                                                                                                                     in Galashiels.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      John Buchan, the author of
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                                                                                                                                                                                                      The Thirty-Nine Steps, spent

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                                                                                                                                                                             t s c otl a n d          much of his childhood in
                                                                                                                                                                                                      the Scottish Borders. You
                                                                                                                                                                                                      can find out how the area
                                                                                                                                                                                                      inspired the creativity of one
                                                                                                                                                                                                      of Scotland’s greatest writers
                                                                                                                                                                                                      at the John Buchan Story
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Museum in Peebles.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Discover what makes each
                                                                                                                                                                                                      piece produced by Kelso
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Pottery so unique and learn
                                                                                                                                                                                                      about the various firing
                                                                                                                                                                                                      techniques employed to
                                                                                                                                                                                                      create the distinctive,
                                                                                                                                                                                                      one-of-a-kind ceramics.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Run your fingers over the
    A CREATIVE                                                                                                                                                                                        spines of thousands of books

HUB
                                                                                                                                                                                                      at the delightful Mainstreet
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Trading Company bookshop
                                                                                                                                                                  Johnstons of Elgin, Hawick Mill     in St Boswells.

Pack your paintbox and bring a fresh notebook – the breathtaking landscapes, sublime buildings                          Shakespeare production at the
and welcoming people in the Scottish Borders are sure to spark your creativity. You can also see                        magnificent Traquair House near
how the masters of language, music and art have found their muse here at a spectacular range                            Innerleithen in May and June.
of cultural events.                                                                                                     You’ll soon see why Peebles was
                                                                                                                        once named Top Independent
Eat. Sleep. Paint. Retreat. Nestled      since the 13th century. After 700      metal, ceramic and textile arts and     Retailing Town in Scotland – you
in the rolling hills of the Borders,     years of mastery, it’s no wonder       crafts produced by over 100 local       can browse a superb array of
Paintbox Luxury Art Retreats at          that our textile-makers are in         artists.                                shops selling handcrafted gifts and
Over Kirkhope Farm, Selkirk is the       demand from fashion designers                                                  Fairtrade products.
                                                                                Priceless art in a peerless setting –
perfect haven for a relaxing art-        and Hollywood stars including
                                                                                that’s what you can expect at Floors    Rub shoulders with literary stars
themed getaway.                          Ewan McGregor and Samuel L.
                                                                                Castle near Kelso. It’s Scotland’s      at the Borders Book Festival in
                                         Jackson. You can see stunning
The Tweeddale Museum and                                                        largest inhabited castle and as         Melrose, one of Scotland’s premier
                                         tweeds and tartans at the mills
Gallery in Peebles features fantastic                                           you walk down the long corridors        literary events. Relax with a coffee
                                         where they are made at the likes of
displays of the area’s fascinating art                                          you’ll see the walls around you are     and listen to authors reading
                                         Lochcarron of Scotland in Selkirk or
and history, in addition to a varied                                            adorned with priceless European         extracts from their books in a
                                         Johnstons of Elgin in Hawick.
programme of exhibitions held                                                   tapestries and paintings. Also worth    romantic setting.
throughout the year.                     Simple, classic lines or gorgeous      your time is Paxton House, which
                                         detailing – what’s your jewellery      houses over 70 paintings from the       Melrose is home to the Crafters, a
Peruse a beautiful selection of                                                                                         co-operative of local artists and
                                         style? You’ll certainly find pieces    National Galleries of Scotland.
handcrafted furniture produced                                                                                          makers producing inspiring arts
                                         to impress at the award-winning
using locally sourced timber at Rob                                             It’s hard to beat a foot-tapping        and crafts. See this creativity at the
                                         Buy Design Gallery at Harestanes
Elliot Furniture in Selkirk.                                                    evening listening to live music in      likes of the Emma Herdman Gallery
                                         Visitor Centre, near Jedburgh.
                                                                                a couthy (a Scots word meaning          or The Gallery Melrose.
Borders weavers have been making         The superb range of jewellery is
                                                                                ‘cosy’) wee pub. Or catch a
beautiful fabrics and garments           complemented by wooden, glass,
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                                                                                                                                                                                                    The Borders Textile Towerhouse, Hawick
The SCOTTISH BORDERS EXPLORE 2020-2021 - visitscotland.com
6      THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
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                                                                                                                                                                             Scottish patriot                        Scott and fellow writer James
                                                                                                                                                                             William Wallace
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Hogg would meet to discuss
                                                                                                                                                                             used the Ettrick
                                                                                                                                                                             Forest as a base                        local folklore over an ale at
                                                                                                                                                                               for his raids.                        a local inn on the shore of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     St Mary’s Loch, near Selkirk.
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                                                                                                                                                                                      t s c otl a n d                Pack a notebook to walk
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     the Sir Walter Scott Way, a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     beautiful 92-mile long cross-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     country walk that weaves
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     through the writer’s ancestral
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     home. It inspired his popular
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     novels and may well spark
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     your creativity too!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Hume Castle, near Kelso, is
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     a brute of a building – you’ll
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     soon see why it was Scott’s
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     favourite Borders stronghold.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     The Rhymer’s Stone
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Viewpoint, near Melrose, is a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     mystical spot near the Eildon
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Hills where, according to
 A DRAMATIC                                                                                                                                                                                                          legend, Thomas the Rhymer

PAST
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     of Scott’s Minstrelsy of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Scottish Border met the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Faerie Queen.
                                                                                                                                                                                   Neidpath Castle, Peebles

These hills may look serene, and our towns seem peaceful and prosperous, but this picture of                           Imagine owning the priceless             Ever stepped up a silver staircase?           If you’re an aficionado of fine art,
harmony belies a bloody, turbulent past. The story of the Scottish Borders is one where national                       furniture and artworks in Paxton         Then you must visit Manderston                a guided tour of Bowhill House,
heroes, great writers and legendary outlaws leap from page to page. Touch the ancient stones                           House, near Berwick-upon-Tweed,          House, near Duns – this superb                Selkirk, is available on selected
of great castles, stand in the shadows of ruined abbeys and join in fantastic events to see our                        which was built by the famous            Edwardian country house has                   days of the year. Walls are lined
                                                                                                                       Adam brothers. It’s one of the           the only silver staircase in the              with masterworks and rich
dramatic heritage come alive around you.
                                                                                                                       finest examples of 18th century          world. You can also stroll through            tapestries splash colour and exude
You can admire the magnificent          Mellerstain House, near Gordon,        As you stroll round the grounds of      Neo-Palladian architecture               sumptuous state rooms and relax               warmth while the French furniture
Bear Gates of Traquair House, near      is the only remaining complete         Floors Castle, near Kelso, watch        in Scotland.                             in 56 acres of immaculately kept              and porcelain evoke a refined era
Innerleithen but you can’t pass         building by the neoclassical master    out for a very special holly tree. It                                            gardens.                                      of cultural distinction.
                                                                                                                       You can feel history amid the
through them. They have been shut       architect Robert Adam. You can         marks the spot where royal blood        stones of not one but four great         Turn back the pages of time                   Step into a smuggler’s palace at
ever since Bonnie Prince Charlie        admire its graceful lines from the     was shed – King James II was            abbeys in the Scottish Borders.          at Robert Smail’s Printing                    Gunsgreen House in Eyemouth and
passed through them in 1745 and         acres of beautiful parkland.           killed on this spot in 1460. To fully   Kelso was a frequent target              Works in Innerleithen and see                 see the hidden tea chute, used by
shall remain closed until a Stuart is                                          appreciate the castle’s immense         for English armies during the            how printing was done at the                  smugglers in the 1800s.
                                        You really didn’t want to be thrown
once again on the throne.                                                      size, why not take a hot air balloon    Rough Wooing. Jedburgh is a              beginning of the 20th century.
                                        in jail in the early 19th century                                                                                                                                     The Mary Queen of Scots’ House
                                                                               ride over Kelso?                        breathtaking example of Gothic           You can even learn how to
You can see exactly how celebrated      – you can see exactly why at the                                                                                                                                      Visitor Centre in Jedburgh gives a
writer Sir Walter Scott worked          Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum.       With its fairytale spires and towers,   and Romanesque architecture. The         operate a printing press.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              fascinating insight into the dramas
and lived at the spectacular                                                   13th century Thirlestane Castle is      equally impressive Melrose Abbey
                                        Climb the battlements of the 15th                                                                                       In Hawick’s Textile Towerhouse,               and betrayals of her life.
Abbotsford, near Melrose. This                                                 one of Scotland’s greatest stately      is where the heart of King Robert
                                        century Smailholm Tower, near                                                                                           over 200 years of tradition and
                                                                                                                       the Bruce is believed to be buried,                                                    Petrol heads shouldn’t miss the chance
was his beloved home, and it’s full                                            homes. You can see where Bonnie                                                  innovation in the local knitwear
                                        Kelso, to see why it captured the                                              while at Dryburgh Abbey you can                                                        to visit the Jim Clark Motorsport
of his memorabilia and creative                                                Prince Charlie stayed en route to                                                and tweed industries are brought
                                        imagination of Sir Walter Scott as a                                           pay tribute to Sir Walter Scott at his                                                 Museum in Duns. It’s dedicated to
treasures.                                                                     England in 1745, while youngsters                                                to life through photographs and
                                        young boy.                                                                     final resting place.                                                                   the life and achievements of the
                                                                               will love the toy collection.                                                    artifacts.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              famous racing driver.

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8      THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
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                                                                                                                                                                           There are more                     Fancy a challenging one-day
                                                                                                                                                                         than 1,500 miles of
                                                                                                                                                                                                              walk in rolling countryside?
                                                                                                                                                                         dedicated walking
                                                                                                                                                                            routes in the                     Try the John Buchan Way, a
                                                                                                                                                                          Scottish Borders.                   13-mile path from Peebles to
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Broughton, which is named
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                                                                                                                                                                                    t s c otl a n d           writer.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              For a stouter challenge, the
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Southern Upland Way offers
                                                                                                                                                                                                              the call of the wild. Over 70
                                                                                                                                                                                                              miles of Scotland’s famous
                                                                                                                                                                                                              212-mile coast-to-coast route
                                                                                                                                                                                                              are in the Scottish Borders.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Or you could tackle a single
                                                                                                                                                                                                              section – the views from the
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three Brethren Cairns are
                                                                                                                                                                                                              splendid.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              It’s all about the swish of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                              sea and the calling of the
    GET ACTIVE                                                                                                                                                                                                gulls on the Berwickshire

OUTDOORS
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Coastal Path. Secret coves
                                                                                                                                                                                                              give way to secluded beaches
                                                                                                                                                                                            Coldingham Bay
                                                                                                                                                                                                              with magnificent birdlife and
                                                                                                                                                                                                              dramatic clifftop scenery.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Make a pilgrimage of your
Even the fastest moving activity addict would be hard pressed to try all the outdoor challenges                        ‘Gleneagles of the south’ is how       Put your driving skills to the test
                                                                                                                       the region’s championship course       with an off-road driving adventure              own on the St Cuthbert’s Way.
on offer in the Scottish Borders. You can step out on six national walking trails, or climb to the
                                                                                                                       of Cardrona is known, and you’ll       at the Ronnie Dale 4x4 Driving and              This 62.5-mile walk between
840 metre summit of mighty Broad Law. When the snow comes, cross country skiers head for the                                                                                                                  Melrose and Lindisfarne off
remote slopes of the Lammermuir hills. Pack your wetsuit and head to the coast to tame the wind                        face a bold golfing challenge in       Quad Bike Centre, near Duns.
                                                                                                                       beautiful parkland and woodland                                                        the coast of Northumberland
and waves. If you’re a mountain biker you can choose from two of the best trail centres in Britain.                                                           Is there a more romantic way to                 follows the footsteps of the
                                                                                                                       terrain.
Golfers can choose from over 21 courses, many of them little-known gems. And anglers the world                                                                experience the beauty of a region               5th century Saint Cuthbert.
over come to try the top-class fishing in the Tweed and Teviot rivers.                                                 Are you and your friends thirsty for   than on horseback? Go for a
                                                                                                                       thrills and adventure? You should      quick hack on a leafy trail or on
One of the most popular rivers –        Coldingham Bay. Or if sailing          amid the colourful flowering plants     check out the exciting activities,     an exhilarating beach ride on the
the River Tweed – is known as the       and yachting is more your thing,       and towering conifers of Dawyck         from gorge walking to canoeing,        Berwickshire coast.
‘queen of the salmon rivers’. You       why not head to St Mary’s Loch,        Botanic Garden, near Stobo.             at Rock UK’s Adventure Centre, near
                                                                                                                                                              Take the plunge with a diving
don’t have to catch them to enjoy       near Selkirk, south Scotland’s                                                 Newcastleton.
                                                                               If your family has a wannabe                                                   experience in Eyemouth – there are
the majesty of these creatures –        largest body of water?                                                         See the countryside from a new         breathtaking scenic sites, technical
                                                                               monkey or two, let them Go Ape
watch the returning fish battle their                                                                                  perspective - from the upper           dives and over 100 historic wrecks
                                        Fancy a flutter? At Kelso Racecourse   in Glentress Forest, near Peebles.
way up the current of the Ettrick                                                                                      branches of a towering tree! Book a    for you to explore. Uncover rocky
                                        you can watch thoroughbred             They can fly through the air on a
River at the Philiphaugh Salmon                                                                                        tree climbing experience with Wild     reefs at the world-class diving
                                        horses thunder round the track         thrilling zip wire and navigate their
Viewing Centre, near Selkirk.                                                                                          Tree Adventures, near Melrose.         spot of St Abbs and Eyemouth
                                        at National Hunt fixtures from         way around giant obstacles in this
You can try your luck catching          October to May.                        treetop playground.                                                            Voluntary Marine Reserve, home
                                                                                                                       What are those ospreys up to now?
mackerel, haddock, cod and                                                                                                                                    to an astonishing array of marine
                                        Spend a day birdwatching in the        Kids and adults alike will love         Something interesting, probably.
other sea fish at the picturesque                                                                                                                             flora and fauna.
                                        3,000 acre Hirsel Country Park,        getting up close to fluffy alpacas at   Come and see for yourself via the
harbours of Eyemouth, St Abbs                                                                                          live cameras at the Osprey Watch       Explore the waters on the
                                        near Coldstream (nearby is one of      Bierhope Alpacas near Kelso. Join
and Burnmouth.                                                                                                         Centres at Kailzie Gardens and         Berwickshire Snorkel Trail to see
                                        Scotland’s best-kept golfing secrets   these beautiful animals on a trek
Zip up your wetsuit and paddle          – the glorious Hirsel Golf Club).      through the countryside.                Glentress Peel.                        rocky reefs and colourful marine life.
out into the crashing waves at          Or restore your natural balance

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Glentress
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10     THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
                                                                                                                                                                                                        HIGHLIGHTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Transcend Epic 2020 in June.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Part of the TweedLove Bike
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Festival, expect an enduro
                                                                                                                                                                                                         mountain biking adventure
                                                                                                                                                                                                         in Tweed Valley Forest Park.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         For a quieter meander
                                                                                                                                                                                                         along unspoilt coastline and
                                                                                                                                                                                                         through charming towns, set
                                                                                                                                                                                                         your front wheel towards the
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Coasts and Castles Route.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         You can hire mountain bikes,
                                                                                                                                                                                                         buy kit and get a fabulously
                                                                                                                                                                                                         filling home-cooked meal
                                                                                                                                                                                                         at the Glentress Peel Visitor
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Centre, near Peebles.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Don’t miss...
                                                                                                                                                                                                         TweedLove – bike riding
                                                                                                                                                                                                         events and good times set
                                                                                                                                                                                                         within the Tweed Valley in
                                                                                                                                                                                                         spring and summer.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         The exhilarating Paxton
                                                                                                                                                                                                         House cycle route – 20 miles
                                                                                                                                                                                                         of hard hill pedalling starting
                                                                                                                                                                                                         at Eyemouth.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         The Denholm route climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                                         into the hills from charming
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Hawick.

 DISCOVER SCOTLAND’S
LEADING CYCLING
        DESTINATION                                                                                                                                           Tweedlove Enduro, Janet’s Brae, Peebles

We’re bike-bonkers in the Borders. Truly. From adrenaline-pumping mountain bike trails to gentle                       Cycle at your own pace along quiet   Newcastleton is the UK’s first bike-
forest paths that will delight the whole family, the Scottish Borders is a joy to discover on two wheels.              country lanes that link Peebles in   friendly village, and is also home
                                                                                                                       the west with the North Sea coast    to a fantastic 7stanes mountain
The 7stanes mountain biking hubs       trails at Glentress and Innerleithen,   For a more laid-back ride, head         at Eyemouth in the east.             bike centre. Many of its routes are
were designed by mountain bikers       which have some of the best             out on the 55-mile circular Borders                                          shorter than you would find at
                                                                                                                       Choose from a 50-mile circuit
for mountain bikers. So you can        mountain biking in the UK. But you      Abbeys Way. You’ll pass the                                                  other centres, offering the perfect
                                                                                                                       or longer 75-mile circular route
expect sharp thrills, great gear and   don’t have to be an expert to have      region’s four main abbeys in the                                             introduction to mountain biking for
                                                                                                                       through Hawick and Newcastleton
mountains of tasty food, all in the    fun. At Glentress, you can practice     picturesque towns of Dryburgh,                                               less experienced riders.
                                                                                                                       on the Southern Borders Loop.
beautiful forests of the Scottish      in the skills area before heading       Kelso, Jedburgh and Melrose.
                                                                                                                       Along the way you can visit unique   For superb forest and valley views,
Borders.                               out to tackle the trails, which have
                                                                               If you want to really get to know       attractions such as Hermitage        take the 95-mile linear path of the
                                       plenty of routes to suit everyone.
How much adrenaline is too much?                                               the region, the 250-mile circular       Castle and Liddesdale Heritage       Tweed Cycle Route from Biggar to
                                       Experienced riders can take
You can push yourself as far as you                                            Borderloop will take you to some        Centre.                              Berwick-upon-Tweed.
                                       advantage of the shuttle provided
want on the challenging 7stanes                                                magical lost corners and hidden gems.
                                       by Adrenalin Uplift at Innerleithen.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                 4 Abbeys Cycling Route sign
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12     THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
                                                                                                                                                                                      E OUR BE                      SWEET TREATS
                                                                                                                                                                               ST                                    A Selkirk Bannock is a

                                                                                                                                                                     TA

                                                                                                                                                                                                   ST
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     deliciously tangy fruit cake
                                                                                                                                                                            A guarantee of                           which amused the bouche of
                                                                                                                                                                           the finest quality                        Queen Victoria on a visit to
                                                                                                                                                                           Scottish food and                         Abbotsford in 1876.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         st
                                                                                                                                                                     w ww
                                                                                                                                                                             drink on offer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      rbe
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Hawick Balls are boiled
                                                                                                                                                                         sit

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                                                                                                                                                                         .vi
                                                                                                                                                                               s co               ste                peppermint flavoured
                                                                                                                                                                                      tland.com/ta                   sweets said to be a favourite
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     of Princess Anne.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Jethart Snails, peppermint
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     sweets, owe their peculiar
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     name to a French soldier
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     who brought the recipe to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Jedburgh in the 18th century.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Eyemouth tarts (or Border
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     tarts) are delectable
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     pastries packed with dry
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     fruit that make the perfect
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     accompaniment to a cup of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     tea or coffee.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Try one if you dare. Galashiels
  LOCAL                                                                                                                                                                                                              Soor Plooms are sour tasting

FLAVOURS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     boiled sweets that feature in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     the comic strips Oor Wullie
                                                                                                                                                                                         Ebbcarrs Café in St Abbs    and The Broons.

Seafood so fresh it was swimming yesterday, hand-picked berries, homegrown beef, lamb and                                 game. These delicacies are paired
venison, all washed down with local beers and juices... you’ll relish the real-food flavours of the                       wonderfully with fresh bread and
Scottish Borders. Even the most seasoned foodie will find startling new delicacies and soothe-the-                        oatcakes from artisan bakery Bread
soul comfort foods in friendly restaurants, cafés and pubs throughout the region.                                         Works, based in Tweedbank.
                                                                                                                          Got a sweet tooth? Then you must
Your first must-try is Born in the     the market’s wonderful atmosphere         learn about how the distillery was       try Cocoa Black in Peebles where
Borders, a visitor centre near         and get expert advice and helpful         designed and how it operates.            you can learn how to hand-make
Jedburgh, which offers great           cooking tips.                                                                      chocolates, cakes and desserts.
                                                                                 Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss
produce grown in the area,                                                                                                Attend hands-on classes and
                                       Quench your thirst with a visit           Eyemouth, where local restaurants
alongside arts and crafts. Visit the                                                                                      perfect your baking skills.
                                       to one of the region’s breweries.         and pubs serve fresh seafood,
café and restaurant, or take a tour
                                       Break out a bottle or two of the          including succulent salmon,              After a visit to Floors Castle, near
of the Brewery.
                                       award-winning Broughton Ales, try         prawns, crab and more. Save room         Kelso, why not take afternoon tea or
Tingle your taste buds with some       the handcrafted beers by Tempest          for a scoop of fresh ice cream from      enjoy a tasty lunch? The Courtyard
Lilliard Gin which you can buy at      Brewery, Tweedbank, or sample             Giacopazzi’s.                            Café offers lovely light lunch options
Born in the Borders Brewery. Pay       the ales of Traquair House Brewery,                                                while the Terrace Café features a
                                                                                 In summer, fill your hands with
a visit on a Saturday or Sunday, or    which are fermented in oak vessels,                                                vibrant menu showcasing seasonal
                                                                                 delicious berries at one of Scotland’s
book a private tour.                   some of which are over 200 years                                                   and local produce.
                                                                                 finest ‘pick your own’ fruit farms,
                                       old.
Ah, the wonderful, wafting aromas                                                Border Berries, near Kelso.              Shop at Reiver Country Farm Foods
of the farmers’ market! You’ll find    At the end of a busy day, retire to                                                for delicious home grown produce,
                                                                                 Sample authentically prepared
several throughout the region’s        Rutherfords in Kelso, Scotland’s                                                   including beef, pork, and lamb. The
                                                                                 smoked salmon and wild boar paté at
major towns including Peebles          first micropub, for a pint of real ale.                                            farm is self sufficient and has been
                                                                                 the Teviot Game Fare Smokery, near
and Kelso, where you can buy                                                                                              a family-run business since the
                                       See whisky production in action at        Kelso, where time-honoured methods
directly from producers. Soak up                                                                                          early 1900’s.
                                       the Borders Distillery in Hawick and      are still used to flavour its fish and

VISITSCOTLAND.COM                                                                                                                                                  Traquair House Brewery, Innerleithen
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14    THE SCOTTISH BORDERS

  Year of COASTS AND
WATERS 2020                                                                                                                                                                                      Pettico Wick Bay at St Abb’s Head Nature Reserve

With the mighty River Tweed, one of the great rivers of the British Isles, and the beautiful
Berwickshire coastline to the fore, the Scottish Borders boasts a compelling mixture of coastlines,
                                                                                                                   Berwick-upon-Tweed, stopping
                                                                                                                   off at Traquair House, the oldest
                                                                                                                                                          arch over the Slitrig Water, and
                                                                                                                                                          now converted into a 100-seat                 Don’t miss...
lochs and rivers. From perhaps the best salmon fishing in the world, stunning cycle routes and                     occupied dwelling in Scotland,         cinema!                                            The Eyemouth Herring Queen
historic houses, to fresh seafood, thrilling watersports and tales of smugglers’ caves, the region                 and Abbotsford, the grand country                                                         Festival. Held every year since
                                                                                                                                                          The Tweed and Teviot rivers
                                                                                                                   home of Sir Walter Scott.                                                                 1946, the celebrations take
offers many memorable experiences on its coasts and waters.                                                                                               meet at the picturesque market
                                                                                                                   The River Tweed attracts anglers       town of Kelso, with Kelso Bridge,                  place every July.
Follow in the footsteps of Thor,       Take a closer look at the coastline    lesson along the coast at surfers’   from all over the world for the        designed by engineer John Rennie,                  Sparkling beaches along
Hulk, and Black Widow from             by joining Eyemouth Rib Trips          hot spot, Coldingham Bay.            quality of the wild salmon fishing,    being created as a prototype                       the Berwickshire coast at
Avengers: Infinity War, who filmed     for an exciting boat trip to                                                with the season lasting from           for Waterloo Bridge in London.                     Coldingham, Eyemouth and
                                                                              At the head of the Yarrow Valley,
scenes from the blockbuster movie      Berwickshire’s cliffs and coves.                                            February to November. There are        From Kelso you can walk to the                     Pease Bay. Popular with
                                                                              the wild and romantic St Mary’s
at the picturesque fishing village     Look out for seabirds, seals, and if                                        more than 40 fishing beats along the   nearby 18th country house Floors                   surfers.
                                                                              Loch has inspired writers,
of St Abbs. Take the coastal path to   you are lucky, dolphins and whales.                                         river, with the record salmon caught   Castle or visit the delightful Water
                                                                              including Sir Walter Scott and                                                                                                 Walking along the historic
the top of the imposing headland,      For those who prefer their feet on                                          weighing a colossal 50lb (22kg). To    Gardens at the Teviot Game Fare
                                                                              James Hogg, over the centuries.                                                                                                Dryburgh Suspension Bridge
St Abb’s Head, to explore a National   the ground there is the option of a                                         learn more about the noble ‘king of    Smokery.
                                                                              You can follow in Scott and Hogg’s                                                                                             from Newton St Boswells
Nature Reserve which is home to        round of links golf at Eyemouth Golf                                        fish’, visit the Philiphaugh Salmon
                                                                              footsteps around the loch, go                                               As the Tweed approaches the                        to reach the 12th century
thousands of seabirds.                 Club, which boasts one of the most                                          Viewing Centre at Selkirk.
                                                                              fishing for plentiful brown trout,                                          English border, have a look at                     Dryburgh Abbey.
                                       extraordinary holes in the world.
Travel southwards to the thriving                                             or take the 10 miles (16km) trail    Founded on the River Teviot, the       the historic Paxton House and its
                                                                                                                                                                                                             The Borders Distillery in
fishing town of Eyemouth for fresh     One of the Scottish Borders’ best-     westwards to the stunning Talla      town of Hawick is renowned as          restored 18th century waterwheel,
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Hawick, which produces
salmon, prawns and crab. Visit the     kept secrets is that some of the       Reservoir.                           a historic centre of the knitwear      one of Scotland’s oldest domestic
                                                                                                                                                                                                             whisky and gin from the
18th century Gunsgreen House to        finest diving sites in all of Europe                                        industry, and as a stronghold of       water supplies. For an even closer
                                                                              With the magnificent River Tweed                                                                                               waters of the River Teviot.
discover more about Eyemouth’s         can be found at St Abbs. Take                                               Scottish rugby. Visit the Heart        look of the English border, cross
                                                                              at its heart, there are wonderful
nefarious history as a haven for       the plunge into the crystal-clear                                           of Hawick complex in the town,         the River Tweed at Coldstream
                                                                              walking and cycling opportunities
smugglers. Follow in their footsteps   waters, explore the coastline on the                                        which includes the unique Tower        Bridge, and travel from one
                                                                              to explore the rich history of the                                                                                         For more information visit
as you take the Smugglers’ Trail       Berwickshire Snorkel Trail, or join                                         Mill, formerly a derelict 19th         country to another.
                                                                              Borders. Take the 96 miles (156km)                                                                                         www.visitscotland.com/ycw2020
along the Berwickshire Coastal Path.   St Vedas Surf School with a surfing                                         century spinning mill built on an
                                                                              Tweed Cycle Route from Biggar to
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Share your experiences using
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16    THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
                                                                                                                                                                                     UT MO           Don’t miss...
                                                                                                                                                                      DO                  R
                                                                                                                                                                     N                                The Mighty Deerstalker

                                                                                                                                                                FI

                                                                                                                                                                                               E
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Rat Race in the grounds
                                                                                                                                                                            There are so
                                                                                                                                                                                                      of Traquair House, near
                                                                                                                                                                            many events
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Peebles, in March. It’s the
                                                                                                                                                                             to discover
                                                                                                                                                                                                      most challenging off-road
                                                                                                                                                                            in the area.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      run in the UK.

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                                                                                                                                                                       s   it s c                     The Borders Art Fair, which
                                                                                                                                                                                    otland.com        takes place in Kelso in March.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Browse beautiful works of
                                                                                                                                                                                                      art, hear from guest speakers
                                                                                                                                                                                                      and see demonstrations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Kelso Races host various
                                                                                                                                                                                                      events throughout the
                                                                                                                                                                                                      year, from Ladies’ Days and
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Buccleuch Cup Day.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      The Hawick Reivers Festival
                                                                                                                                                                                                      in March with re-enactments,
                                                                                                                                                                                                      fireworks, a torchlight
                                                                                                                                                                                                      procession and a banquet.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      The Jethart Hand Ba’ in
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Jedburgh, a traditional
                                                                                                                                                                                                      handball event is usually
                                                                                                                                                                                                      played on the first Thursday
                                                                                                                                                                                                      after Shrove Tuesday.

WHAT’s ON                                                                                                                                                           Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering

You are guaranteed the warmest of welcomes in the Scottish Borders – no matter what time of year                 internationally recognised authors       The Tweed Valley Forest Festival
you visit. The region is crammed full of action-packed sporting events and proud traditions that                 and personalities. Held in Melrose       in October will be hosting a
have been handed down the centuries. And that’s not all – there are events and festivals to capture              every June, the festival is now in its   fantastic line up of indoor and
the imagination held throughout the year.                                                                        14th year and is a great opportunity     outdoor events, including the
                                                                                                                 to see your favourite authors as         hugely popular Scottish Conker
There is no better place to         One of the best loved traditions of    TweedLove Bike Festival, with         well as experience the atmosphere        Championship.
experience the fast pace of rugby   the Scottish Borders is the proud      events that bring together bike-      surrounding the beautiful Harmony
                                                                                                                                                          Are you ready for some spooky fun
sevens than at the annual Melrose   equestrian heritage which dates        riding, live music, competitions,     Garden.
                                                                                                                                                          and games? Make this a Halloween
Sevens in April. It’s a must-see    back generations. Every summer         and fantastic atmosphere in the       Enjoy the Innerleithen Music             you’ll never forget and head to
event, drawing in international     the region’s towns and villages        picturesque Tweed Valley. Mountain    Festival in August with an exciting      Traquair House. Enjoy themed
teams and crowds. You can also      commemorate the times of the           bike enthusiasts gather from across   programme of music, solo artists,        events, tours, activities, and more
witness the Kings of Sevens in      marauding Border Reivers with          the UK and Europe for guided rides    groups, and traditional tunes. In        that the whole family can get
April, May and August where towns   their local customs at Return to       through spellbinding scenery.         this 3-day event try out the open-       involved in, so don’t miss out!
across the region go head-to-head   the Ridings.                                                                 mic session, singalongs, workshops
                                                                           The Borders Book Festival is one
in a series of tournaments to win                                                                                and Festival Club for a Scottish
                                    Are you an adrenaline junkie? Across   of Scotland’s leading literary
the championship title.                                                                                          music experience to remember.
                                    spring and summer, you can enjoy       events, regularly attracting

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Traquair Medieval Fayre
18    THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
                                                                                                                                                                       YO
                                                                                                                                                                             U K NO                 WHERE TO FIND
                                                                                                                                                                   D
                                                                                                                                                                                                    OUT MORE

                                                                                                                                                                                          W
                                                                                                                                                              I
                                                                                                                                                                      The Borders

                                                                                                                                                             D

                                                                                                                                                                                             ?
                                                                                                                                                                  Railway is a 30-mile
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Discover more of the Scottish
                                                                                                                                                                   route connecting
                                                                                                                                                                  Edinburgh with the                Borders in a VisitScotland
                                                                                                                                                                  heart of the Scottish             iCentre. Our friendly information
                                                                                                                                                                        Borders.                    experts can offer advice on
                                                                                                                                                                  ww                                what’s on and where to go as
                                                                                                                                                                                          . co

                                                                                                                                                                                          m
                                                                                                                                                                w
                                                                                                                                                                     .visi
                                                                                                                                                                           t s c otl a n d          well as book accommodation
                                                                                                                                                                                                    and tickets for events, activities
                                                                                                                                                                                                    and transport.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Our Shop Local initiative
                                                                                                                                                                                                    promotes local artisans so
                                                                                                                                                                                                    we can also help you find the
                                                                                                                                                                                                    perfect Scottish gift.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Find us at:
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Murray’s Green,
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Jedburgh,
                                                                                                                                                                                                      TD8 6BE
                                                                                                                                                                                                    You can also get tailored advice
                                                                                                                                                                                                    and top tips on the local area
                                                                                                                                                                                                    from our accredited iKnow
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Partners.
  TRAVEL                                                                                                                                                                                            Find out more at

TIPS
                                                                                                                                                                                                    www.visitscotland.com/iknow

                                                                                                                                                                Leaderfoot Viaduct, near Melrose

Getting around the Scottish Borders can be a joy in itself. Our quiet roads and country lanes make                stations with ten connections        For more information visit
driving a pleasant experience. Enjoy the freedom of travelling in your own car or take the stress                 along the way.                       www.dfds.co.uk,
                                                                                                                                                       www.stenaline.co.uk and                           For all local and national
out of getting from place to place by making use of the excellent public transport links.                         For more information visit
                                                                                                                                                       www.poferries.com                                 public transport timetables
                                                                                                                  www.nationalrail.co.uk,
                                                                                                                                                                                                         and journey planning contact
By road                               with a variety of things to see and   For more information visit            www.scotrail.co.uk and               By air                                            Traveline Scotland 24 hours
You can reach the region by several   do on the way.                        www.bordersbuses.co.uk and            www.bordersrailway.co.uk             Edinburgh, Carlisle and Newcastle                 a day on 0871 200 22 33,
routes and three major trunk roads                                          www.citylink.co.uk
                                      For more information visit www.                                                                                  airports are all less than an hour’s              www.travelinescotland.com
run through the Scottish Borders:                                                                                 By ferry
                                      visitscotland.com/touristroutes       By rail                                                                    travel from the Scottish Borders.                 or download their app.
the A1 in the east and the A7 and                                                                                 In the east, the nearest ferry
                                                                            If you’re travelling on the East                                           You can also get here in less than
A68 in the central Borders.           By bus                                                                      crossings are at Newcastle and
                                                                            Coast main line between London                                             two hours from Glasgow Airport.
                                      The region’s major bus service                                              Hull, which connect with Europe.
For more information visit                                                  and Edinburgh, you can access the                                          All four airports have direct
                                      operator is Borders Buses which                                             Towards the west, Stenaline
www.rac.co.uk or                                                            Scottish Borders by getting off at                                         connections to over 30 destinations
                                      connects the majors town within the                                         provide a ferry connection from
www.trafficscotland.org                                                     Berwick-upon-Tweed. You can then                                           including Amsterdam, Brussels,
                                      Scottish Borders and to Edinburgh.                                          Belfast to Cairnryan in Dumfries &
                                                                            hop on a bus or travel with your                                           London and Paris. You can hire a
National Tourist Routes                                                                                           Galloway while P&O operate a ferry
                                      Borders Buses operate routes          bike and start exploring as soon as                                        car at the airports or from local car
If you’re coming north from                                                                                       service between Larne in Northern
                                      to various towns and villages,        you step off the train.                                                    hire companies.
England or south from Edinburgh,                                                                                  Ireland and Cairnryan, also in
                                      including Paxton and Eyemouth,                                              Dumfries & Galloway. All routes
try the scenic alternative to the                                           The Borders Railway opened
                                      as well as from Jedburgh and                                                then require a car journey of no
motorway – the Borders Historic                                             in 2015 and it provides a direct
                                      Kelso to Edinburgh.                                                         more than three hours to reach the
Route between Edinburgh                                                     link between Tweedbank in the
and Carlisle. The route is well       Get the Borders Buses smartphone      Scottish Borders and Edinburgh        Scottish Borders.
signposted, easy to follow, and       app for route details, timetables     Waverley. The journey time is
you’ll drive past attractive views    and discounted tickets.               under an hour between both

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                                                                                                                                                                                                   Borders Railway steam train experience
20     THE SCOTTISH BORDERS                                                                                                                                                                                                  PRACTICAL INFORMATION                           21

Practical information
                                                                                                                                                    Insurance and cancellations             v Hearing loop*                          like forests or peaty ground. Take
                                                                                                                                                    Should you have to cancel for           Many establishments will be able         away your rubbish and consider
                                                                                                                                                    whatever reason, it is reassuring       to cater for those with a sensory        picking up other litter as well. If
                                                                                                                                                    to know that you can be insured         impairment but please do check           in doubt, ask the landowner.
                                                                                                                                                    against any compensation claim. It      with the business before booking         Their advice just might help you
The listings within this guide        Businesses within these sections                                      of this guide. Most entries have a      is advisable to take out cancellation   and visiting.                            find a better camping spot. For
have been split into the              are listed in alphabetical order by                                   postcode which can be used to pin       insurance prior to your trip.                                                    further information see the
following sections:                   business location then by business                                    point locations but it is always wise                                           ü Short breaks available*                Scottish Access Code:
                                      name. Each entry has a map                                            to check the actual location before     Accessibility                           There is a fabulous range of             www.outdooraccess-scotland.
• Places to visit
                                      reference (see example) rating to                                     making your journey.                    Whether you want a cosmopolitan         accommodation throughout                 scot/practical-guide-all/camping
• Leisure activities
                                      the map which appears at the back                                                                             city break or a relaxing holiday in     Scotland. Many offer short breaks
• Shopping                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Take extra care and follow any
                                                                                                                                                    the countryside, you’ll find a great    options. Many establishments have
• Food & drink                                                                                                                                                                                                                       local advice when parking cars
                                                                                                                                                    range of accessible accommodation,      offers throughout the year, contact
• Accommodation                                                                                                                                                                                                                      or campervans. Please note,
                                                                                                                                                    attractions, things to see and do       direct for latest special offers.        responsible access rights within the
                                                                                                                                                    and transport. You can stay in a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Scottish Outdoor Access Code do
                                                                                                                                                    bustling city centre, with great        � Family fun*                            not extend to motorised transport.
                                                                                                                                                    access-friendly attractions right       There is a wealth of things to see       If you are planning to travel in a
SAMPLE ENTRY                                                                                                                                        on your doorstep, or out in the         and do that will keep smiles on          motorhome or campervan check
Location                                                                                                          Map reference                     countryside, where you can enjoy        faces all day. Businesses that are       with the landowner before you stop
‘By’ designates that a property is                                                                                To assist you further in          accessible walks or trips to the        particularly suitable for children can   or book a pitch in a nearby camping
within 10 miles of this location.                                                                                 locating each business,           beach. For more information go to       highlight this within their entries.     park. Across the length and breadth
Mileage in brackets after the                                                                                     this grid reference relates       www.visitscotland.com/holidays-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     of Scotland there are some really
location indicates the distance                                                                                   to the map on page 56.            breaks/accessible. Also go to           , Dogs welcome*                          fantastic camping parks in stunning
from the named location.               ANY LOCATION (4 miles)                                          F3                                           www.euansguide.com for                  Dogs are welcome to this                 locations, from beachside crofts to
                                       Scott Gardens
                                                                                                                                                    information on businesses               establishment, on the                    wooded areas lined with ancient
                                                               PLE
                                       Kinross KY22 9YR

Name of business
                                        T: 01599 862655
                                                                                                                                                    throughout Scotland with good           understanding that they are on
                                                M                                                                                                                                                                                    pines. By pitching up at a proper
                                       www.scottgardens.co.uk

                                            EXA
                                       Beautiful 18th century gardens with café                                   Facilities and symbols            access reviews from disabled people,    their leash and are kept under
                                       and popular daily events, overlooking
                                                                                                                  See page 23 and the page                                                                                           campsite, you’ll help ensure our
                                       one of Scotland’s famous lochs. Plenty
                                                                                                                                                    their family and friends.               control. You may have to check with
                                                                                  44444

Contact details
                                       to see and do for all the family.
                                                                                                                  opposite for details.                                                                                              natural environments and their often
                                       oooo Visitor Attraction                            & © ǃ +
                                                                                                                                                    Businesses with the logo (below)        each establishment whether there         fragile ecosystems remain intact.
                                       Open:      Mar-Jun: Centre open 10am-5pm. Sep-Dec: Centre open
                                                  9.30am-4pm. Closed Christmas and New Year.                                                        on their www.visitscotland.com          are restricted areas for your dog.
Business description
                                       Admission: Adult £3, Concs £2, Child £0.50, Family £6. Car parking                                                                                                                            Smoking
                                                  £5 all day.                                                                                       entries have their own Accessibility
                                                                                                                  Opening times and                 Guide which will include                k Refreshments available*                Scotland’s indoor public places,
                                                                                                                  admission prices                                                          Café or refreshments are available       including pubs, restaurants and
                                                                                                                                                    information on their facilities
Quality award                                                                                                                                                                               at this business. Please check prior     cafes are smoke-free by law,
                                                                                                                                                    such as onsite restaurants, free
Where a Quality Assurance award has been included on an entry, the business has been graded by VisitScotland                                                                                to visiting if you have particular       creating a healthier and fresher
                                                                                                                                                    WiFi, hearing loop, level access
and provides assurances on quality and standards. Further information on page 23 of this guide. Quality Assurance                                                                           requirements.                            environment for residents and
                                                                                                                                                    and accessible parking or drop off
awards are correct as at January 2020.                                                                                                                                                                                               visitors to our beautiful country.
                                                                                                                                                    points. It is always advisable to
                                                                                                                                                    check the businesses own website        � WiFi available*                        Drinking and driving
                                                                                                                                                    for this information, which will be     Guest WiFi access is available at this
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Scotland’s drink drive limit is 50 mg
                                                                                                                                                    highlighted by this symbol      .       location.
Pricing                               Booking                                                               you for compensation. You should                                                                                         (of alcohol per 100 ml of blood). The
                                                                                                                                                                                            Wild camping                             Scottish Government recommends
Prices shown in entries for           Accepting a booking by telephone                                      always check the cancellation terms
                                                                                                                                                    + Accessible and                        Wild camping is legal in Scotland        the best approach is to have no
admission, services and facilities    or in writing means you have                                          in advance and, if you must cancel
                                                                                                                                                    E Assistance dogs*                      but there are guidelines that all        alcohol at all, if you are intending to
are provided by the advertisers.      entered into a legally binding                                        a booking, advise the business
                                                                                                                                                    These symbols are contained in          campers should follow. Please            get behind a wheel in Scotland.
Please note that prices are for       contract with the proprietor of the                                   immediately. Online bookings
                                                                                                                                                    some entries in this guide denotes      camp responsibly, in particular
your guidance only and include        establishment. If you cancel or fail                                  are also subject to terms and                                                                                            *Denotes that these symbols
                                                                                                                                                    establishments have some access,        avoid overcrowding by moving on            establishments have selected to include
VAT where applicable (VAT as          to turn up, for whatever reason,                                      conditions, please check directly
                                                                                                                                                    and guide dogs are made welcome         to another location if it’s already        in their entries, they are not verified by
at December 2019). It is always       the proprietor has the right to ask                                   with the proprietor of the business.
                                                                                                                                                                                            a busy spot. Wherever possible,            VisitScotland and all facilities should be
advisable to check cost prior to                                                                                                                    but please do check with the                                                       checked prior to arrival.
                                                                                                                                                    business before booking or visiting.    use a stove rather than an open
booking.
                                                                                                                                                                                            fire. Never light an open fire during     For further information go to
                                                                                                                                                                                            dry periods or in sensitive places        www.visitscotland.com

VISITSCOTLAND.COM                                                                                                                                                                                                                          VISITSCOTLAND.COM
bringing                                                                                             You’ll be surprised where our
   inspiration and                                                                                             search for quality takes us

      ideas to you

                                                                                                               Dawyck Botanic Garden, Stobo
                                                                                                               5 star Garden

                                                                                                               Quite simply, it takes us the length and breadth of Scotland to visit
                                                                                                               thousands of different properties every year and grade them on the
                                                                                                               things we know matter to you. Things like the overall quality on offer
                                                                                                               and warmth of welcome to help you make a more informed choice.
                                                                                                               VisitScotland Quality Assurance – Quality you can trust.

Glentress Forest
                                                                                                               o
                                                                                                               oo
                                                                                                                              An acceptable standard
                                                                                                                              A good, all round standard                                              o
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Serviced accommodation
                                                                                                               ooo            Very good standard, with attention to detail in every area
                                                                                                                                                                                                      establishments awarded gold
                                                                                                               oooo           Excellent – superb food where provided and friendly,
                                                                                                                                                                                                      stars have consistently achieved
Only in Scotland can you find information and advice in so many places.                                                       professional service
                                                                                                                                                                                                      the highest levels of excellence
                                                                                                               ooooo          An exceptional standard where quality, hospitality and
                                                                                                                                                                                                      within their star grading.
                                                                                                                              service are hard to fault

                                                                                                                             Taste Our Best                                       We want you to feel welcome – find establishments
                                                                                                                             One way to ensure that you’ll enjoy great            that pay particular attention to your specific needs:
                                                                                                                             quality Scottish food and drink, prepared with
                                                                                                                             care and delivered with passion, is to look for      D    Walkers                    C    Cyclists
                                                                                                                             places that are part of Taste Our Best,              ∂    Anglers                         Bikers
                                                                                                                             our food and drink quality scheme.
                                                                                                                                                                                       Classic Cars               √    Golfers
                                                                                                                            Green Tourism-because we care                              Visiting golfers                Children
Our friendly information experts can offer advice on     Our accredited iKnow Partners are based throughout
                                                                                                                            Businesses that work in a sustainable,                Ω    Field Sports               ≈    Groups
what’s on, where to go and book tickets for events,      Scotland and can offer tailored advice to help you                 environmentally friendly way are graded:
activities and transport. Our Shop Local initiative      make the most of your visit. Chat with them for                                                                               Ancestral Tourism               Pets
                                                                                                                            Bronze ∫, Silver ß or Gold ©
promotes local artisans so we’re sure to help you find   insider tips about the must see attractions in the                 www.green-tourism.com                                      Experiencing Gaelic
the perfect gift from Scotland. Find us on page 19.      local area. Find them at visitscotland.com/iknow
                                                                                                              For any feedback or comments you may have on quality assured properties please email us on qa@visitscotland.com.
24      PLACES TO VISIT                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         PLACES TO VISIT                         25

                                                                                      KELSO                                                                    D2           MELROSE                                                                C2           ROSLIN                                                                  B1
  Places to visit

  Castles, historic homes &
  attractions
  Also check Visitor attractions

                                                                                      Floors Castle & Grounds                                                               Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott                                            Rossn a

                                                                                                                                                                    23362

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        85601

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             32225
                                                                                      Kerry Cowan, Roxburghe Estate Office TD5 7SF                                           Abbotsford, Melrose TD6 9BQ                                                         Chapel Loan, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9PU
                                                                                      T: 01573 223333 T: 01573 227675 marketing@floorscastle.com                             T: 01896 752043 enquiries@scottsabbotsford.co.uk                                    T: 0131 440 2159 mail@rosslynchapel.com www.rosslynchapel.com
                                                                                      www.floorscastle.com                                                                   www.scottsabbotsford.com                                                            Dating from 1446, this fascinating building is famous for its ornate
                                                                                      Home to the 10th Duke of Roxburghe, Floors is an architectural                        On the banks of the Tweed, near Melrose, is the extraordinary home of               stonework, magnificent carvings and beautiful setting, as well as its
INNERLEITHEN (2 miles)                                                   B2           masterpiece. The Castle houses a marvelous collection of fine art and                  Scottish legend Sir Walter Scott, who gave us the historical novel,                 starring role in The Da inci Code! Our guides will share the history,
                                                                                      porcelain for you to enjoy, including paintings by Matisse and our famous             popularised tartan & rediscovered Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Explore                  myths, stories and legends associated with it. Just 14 miles from Peebles.
                                                                                      Belgian tapestries. The grand rooms also offer superb views of the River              Scott’s fascinating house & exhibitions, enjoy his beautiful gardens,
                                                                                      Tweed and Cheviot Hills.                                                              riverside & woodland walks, treat yourself in our café & gift shop, and
                                                                                                                                                                            pause in the chapel and the St John Henry Newman exhibition. Fully
                                                                                                                                                                            accessible house, gardens and Visitor Centre.
                                                                                                                                                                            • Regency Walled Gardens • Chapel • Sir Walter Scott Exhibition
                                                                                                                                                                            • Unique artefacts • Woodland play trail • Gift shop • Cafe • Woodland              • Free talks from guides during the day • Featured in the Da inci Code
                                                                                                                                                                            and riverside walks • St John Henry Newman exhibition                               • Open all year • E7plore the visitor centre
                                                                                      ooooo Visitor Attraction                           E,ƒk∑Ç                             ooooo Historic House                                     E,ƒvk∑                     ooooo Visitor Attraction                          CEvk∑Ç©
                                                                                      Open:      Castle, grounds & courtyard café: Easter weekend, and then                 Open:      March–November. Mar 1-31: 10am-4pm. Apr 1–Oct 31:                        Open:      1 Jun-31 Aug: Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6pm; Sun, 12noon-4.45pm. 1
                                                                                                 May-Sep. Gardens & Terrace Café, Castle Kitchen Deli and Gift                         10am–5pm. Nov 1–30: 10am–4pm. Last entry one hour                                   Sep-31 May: Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5pm; Sun 12noon-4.45pm.
                                                                                                 Shop: All year, daily.                                                                before closing. Estate and Visitor Centre open all year. Check                      (Closed 24,25 & 31 Dec and 1 Jan). Ticket valid for whole day.
Traquair House                                                                        Admission: Castle, gardens & grounds ticket: Adult £11.50, Concs £10.50,                         website for timings.                                                     Admission: Adult £9, Conc £7, children free with accompanying adult. 1-
                                                                              35603

Innerleithen, Peeblesshire EH44 6PW                                                              Child (5-15) £6, Family (2+3) £29. Group rates available.                  Admission: Pay once, visit free for a year. 10% discount if book in                            year pass available - please ask for more details.
T: 01896 830323 F: 01896 830639 enquiries@traquair.co.uk                                                                                                                               advance online.
www.traquair.co.uk
Traquair, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house. Spanning over a thousand
years of Scottish history and still a family home. Strong associations with           By KELSO                                                                 D2           MELROSE                                                                C2           SELKIRK (3.5 miles)                                                     C2
Mary Queen of Scots and the Jacobites. Enjoy the house, grounds,                                                                                                            Mros A
Scotland's largest maze, craft workshops, Garden Café, and the famous                                                                                                       Historic Scotland, Abbey Street, Melrose, TD6
Traquair house brewery.                                                                                                                                                     9LG
                                                                                                                                                                            T: 01896 822562 customer@hes.scot
                                                                                                                                                                            www.historicenvironment.scot/daysout
                                                                                                                                                                            One of Scotland's largest and richest medieval
• Hedged maze • 18th century brewery • Garden Cafe • Craft workshops                                                                                                        abbeys. Burial place of the casket believed
and brewery shop • Gardens, woodland walks and playground                                                                                                                   to contain the heart of King Robert the Bruce.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             80456
oooo Historic House                              ,ƒk∑µÇß
Open:      1 Apr -31 Oct: Daily. April-June & September: 11am-5pm;                                                                                                          oooo Historic Attraction                                 CE,ħ
           July-August: 10am-5pm, Oct: 11am-4pm. Nov: weekends                                                                                                              Open:      Check website for up to date opening times
           only, 11am-3pm. Last entry to house half an hour before                                                                                                          Admission: Check website for current admission prices
           house closes.                                                              Mellerstain House & Gardens                                                                                                                                               Bowhill House and Grounds
                                                                                                                                                                    72083

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             81796
Admission: House and grounds: Adult £9, Concs £8, Child £4.50, Family                 Mellerstain House, Gordon, Berwickshire TD3 6LG                                                                                                                           Bowhill, Selkirk TD7 5ET
           £25. Grounds: Adult £4.50. conc £3.50. Group rates available.              T: 01573 410225 enquiries@mellerstain.com www.mellerstain.com                                                                                                             T: 01750 22204 info@bowhillhouse.co.uk www.bowhillhouse.co.uk
                                                                                      One of Scotland's finest stately homes, this Robert Adam masterpiece is a                                                                                                  Discover Bowhill, the Scottish Borders' hidden treasure. Immerse yourself
                                                                                      ‘must-see' with exquisite interiors, fine art, embroidery, china & furniture                                                                                               in the history and art of the Buccleuch family by taking a guided tour of
JEDBURGH                                                                 D3           collections. Set in acres of tranquil parkland with lakeside & woodland               NEWCASTLETON                                                           C4           the house and perusing our exhibition showing some of the highlights of
                                                                                      walks, stunning gardens, outdoor art exhibitions, café, play area & holiday                                                                                               the Buccleuch Collection.
Jr A                                                                        cottages. Featuring the Borders Sculpture Park.
                                                                                                                                                                            Hermitage Castle
Historic Scotland 4/5 Abbey Bridgend,                                                                                                                                       Historic Scotland, 5.5m NE of Newcastleton on
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                You will find beautifully designed grounds on this stunning estate which
Jedburgh, TD8 6JQ                                                                                                                                                           the B6399 TD9 0LU
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                you can explore on a waymarked walk. Children will love the playground
T: 01835 863925 customer@hes.scot                                                                                                                                           T: 01387 376222 customer@hes.scot
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                and soft play and you can all enjoy a light refreshment in the tearoom.
www.historicenvironment.scot/daysout                                                                                                                                        www.historicenvironment.scot/daysout
Founded by David I, the towering ruins of this                                                                                                                              Soak up the eerie, powerful atmosphere of an
                                                                                      • Approx 20 mins from Kelso & Melrose • Approx 1hr from Edinburgh &                                                                                                       • Beautiful Interiors • orld renowned art collection • Exhibition
abbey complex are a testament to the power                                                                                                                                  imposing stronghold with a notorious
                                                                                      Berwick-upon-Tweed                                                                                                                                                        • Grounds and walks • Tearoom • Adventure playground • Soft play
of both royalty and the medieval church.                                                                                                                                    reputation.
                                                 80456

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             80456
                                                                                      oooo Historic House                                E,ƒk∑µ                                                                                                                 ooooo Visitor Attraction ª C E , ƒk∑ µ Ç©
ooooo Historic Attraction                            CE,ƒµß                           Open:       Fri 10 Apr (Easter Weekend) to Mon 28 Sep: Fri, Sat, Sun &                oooo Castle                                               E,ƒß                      Open:      House: 11-13 April, 8-10 May, 1-31 August. Guided tours only
Open:      Check website for up to date opening times                                             Mon.                                                                      Open:      Check website for up to date opening times                                          at 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Please check website for
Admission: Check website for current admission prices                                             House Entry by Public Tour (10 Apr - 29 Jun) 12-4pm (last                 Admission: Check website for current admission prices                                          details. Grounds: 1 June-31 August.
                                                                                                  entry 2pm) pre-booking not required. See website for tour                                                                                                     Admission: Grounds Adults £5.50/Children £4.50. House Adult £11 Conc
                                                                                                  times.                                                                                                                                                                   £10 Children £6. Pay once and visit again this year for free.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Season pass available for grounds only access.

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