If you enjoy traffic free roads and quiet country lanes which provide access to breath-taking countryside, then the Scottish Borders is for you.

There are great country houses, historic abbeys and castles to be explored, a legacy from the turbulent history of the Border area. Sir Walter Scott's home, Abbottsford, is nine miles from Ashkirk and he is buried at Dryburgh Abbey close to Scott's View his favourite viewpoint of the Eildon Hills.         

Melrose Abbey (home to the heart of Robert the Bruce), Kelso and Jedburgh Abbeys are within half an hour's drive as is Traquair House, Scotland's oldest inhabited house.         

In the Summer months each town has its own Common Riding festival celebrating its history. The rideouts of hundreds of horses provide a great spectacle as riders take part in the traditional riding of the marches.         
Selkirk Common Riding
The Borders is also renowned for its Rugby Union. Rugby Sevens tournaments were started in Melrose in 1883. The Rugby Sevens commence in the Spring.                      
The woollen industry and especially the production of cashmere garments has for decades provided the backbone of the Borders economy. This beautiful region of Scotland has also inspired many artists and craft workers to settle in the area, the regeneration and development of many traditional crafts being inspired by the constantly changing landscape.

 

© copyright headshaw farm / last updated November 27, 2007