Introduction

This evening, I am reprising a one day tour focused on the Scottish Borders.

Spider’s Web at Dryburgh Abbey

Information on the Tour-Part 1

First, we departed our lodgings in Melrose and drove to nearby Dryburgh Abbey. Now a romantic ruin, the Abbey was founded around 1150 for a cadre of monks known as premonstratensians. Influenced by its location, the abbey was subject to attacks by English armies in 14th and 16th centuries. Final denouement was caused by the Reformation in 1560. Here are buried Sir Walter Scott and Earl Haig.

Dryburgh Abbey

Dryburgh Abbey

Next to Hawick to join 11.30 am tour of the Johnstons of Elgin cashmere textile mill. We benefited from a private tour which proved a fascinating and instructive experience.

Johnstons Cashmere, Hawick

Johnstons Cashmere, Hawick

Machinery at Johnstons Cashmere, Hawick

Tour Guide at Johnstons Cashmere, Hawick

After a light lunch at Johnstons restaurant we moved on to visit the Hermitage Castle near Newcastleton. This semi-ruined edifice is symbolic of the lawlessness of the borders region until merger of the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603.The current structure dates from the 14th century having developed from an earlier, 13th century castle. Ownership has variously rested with such prominent Borders families as Douglas, Hepburn and Scott.

Hermitage Castle. Scotland

Tour Guest at Chapel of Hermitage Castle

Hermitage Castle

Information on the Tour-Part 2

Next, we returned north, along a narrow road passing through stunning scenery. En-route we encountered a farmer moving a flock of sheep with aid of his collie dog.

Our next and final destination was Smailholm Tower, near Melrose. This is a restored example of a Peel Tower with a history dating back to the 15th/16th centuries. This was a high status residential building designed for defence. It survived attacks by the English in the 16th and 17th centuries but fell into decay during the 18th century. Restoration was undertaken during the 1980s. Connected with the Scott family.

Smailholm Tower, Scottish Borders

Smailholm Tower

View from Smailholm Tower

Tomorrow, we travel south to England and Hadrian’s Wall.

More Information for the visitor to Scotland

The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes a section on the Scottish Borders and much more. This book is heavily illustrated and contains a wealth of information on Scotland. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.