The Scottish Borders is a region of rolling hills, historic abbeys and fertile valleys between Edinburgh and the English border. The area is steeped in history, much of it turbulent, as evidenced by its many fortified houses and towers which once protected against border raiders known as Reivers.

Four magnificent medieval abbeys stand as testament to the region’s religious importance – Melrose, Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Kelso. Melrose Abbey, perhaps the most famous, holds the heart of Robert the Bruce and showcases some of Scotland’s finest medieval architecture. The ruins remain hauntingly beautiful, particularly in the evening light.

The area is known for its textile heritage, particularly in towns like Hawick and Galashiels, where high-quality cashmere and wool products are still produced today. The region’s main town, Peebles, offers a charming high street with independent shops and cafés, while Melrose is known for its boutiques and annual rugby sevens tournament.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Borders offers excellent walking and cycling routes, including parts of the Southern Upland Way and the famous Borders Abbey Way. Mountain biking is particularly popular at Glentress Forest, one of Scotland’s premier mountain biking venues. The River Tweed, meandering through the region, is renowned for its salmon fishing.

Literary connections abound – Sir Walter Scott‘s home, Abbotsford House, is a remarkable mansion filled with historical artefacts and set in beautiful grounds near Melrose. The region also inspired many of his novels, and you can follow the Sir Walter Scott Way through landscapes he wrote about.

The area’s traditions are kept alive through the Common Ridings – summer festivals where horseback riders check the boundaries of their towns, a practice dating back to the days of the Border Reivers. These celebrations, unique to the Borders, feature spectacular horse rides and festive community gatherings.

The recent addition of the Borders Railway, connecting Edinburgh to Tweedbank, has made the region more accessible, offering visitors scenic railway journeys through the heart of the countryside.