Introduction
Tonight I am posting information on Traquair House which is located near Innerleithen and about 30 miles south of Edinburgh.
Information on Traquair House
- This building is reputed to be the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland with history dating back to 1107. It was originally a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland. In 1491, the property was gifted by the Earl of Buchan to his son, James Stewart. James became the 1st Laird of Traquair. The house is currently occupied by Catherine Maxwell Stuart, 21st Lady of Traquair and family. Catherine is a distant relation of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587). The Stuart family supported the Jacobites and remain Catholics. There is a Catholic chapel on site.
- The main entrance gates to the property have been locked since 1745. They will remain locked until the Stuart dynasty returns to the throne.
- Mary, Queen of Scots visited Traquair in 1566.
- The main building dates from 1500s and 1600s.
- Inside the building can be found old prints, maps, library, museum, vaulted cellars and a china collection.
- Outside is a maze, brew house, cafe, woodland walk, craft workshops, and gardens.
- Bed and Breakfast facilities are available for visitors.
- Tours of the building and wedding facilities are available. Check website for details.
- Onomatology: The name appears to be of Brittonic (Welsh) origin and translates as ‘hamlet on the River Quair’.
More information for tourists
Please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4, for more information on the Scottish Borders region, Mary Queen of Scots and many other aspects of Scotland. Also available via Kindle.