Scottish Borders

Sir Walter Scott fell in love with the Scottish Borders and it’s easy to see why, its rolling green hills, picturesque valleys, and rugged coastlines are beautiful, romantic, and mythical all at once. Its rich, and sometimes violent, history helped form the frontier of Scotland as it was the site of several battles against England as well as the home of the notorious raiders known as the Border Reivers. Today, Melrose Abbey and Kelso Abbey attract visitors from around the world as does Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott himself while the Borders plays host every year to the oldest equestrian festival in the world, Common Ridings, a spectacular show of horsemanship. Outdoor enthusiasts will find this part of Scotland ideal for an array of activities including mountain biking at the Seven Stanes, fishing in the Ettrick and Yarrow Valleys, and kayaking on St Mary’s Loch.