LOCAL AREA

Abbotsford House
Abbotsford is the house built and lived in by Sir Walter Scott, the 19th. century novelist, and author of timeless classics such as Waverley, Rob Roy, Ivanhoe and The lady of the lake. It is situated on the banks of the River Tweed west of Melrose. The house contains an impressive collection of historic relics, weapons and armour, including Rob Roy's gun and Montrose's sword, and a library containing over 9,000 rare volumes. Visitors will be able to see Sir Walter Scott's Study, Library, Drawing Room, Entrance Hall, Armouries and the Dining Room where he died on 21st. September 1832.

Mellerstain House
Mellerstain, the Border home of the Earl and Countess of Haddington, is one of Scotland's great Georgian houses. Begun in 1725 by the architect William Adam and completed several years later by his famous son, Robert.
First mentioned in 1451, the estate was granted by Royal Charter to George Baillie of Jerviswood in 1642. His descendant, George Baillie and his wife, Lady Grisel Baillie commisioned the design of the present house.
The interior decoration is outstanding - the ceilings are espescially worthy of note, having been preserved in the original Adam colours.The Library is a masterpiece of Classical decoration and colour - fine detailed plasterwork incorporating marble busts by Roubiliac.
Mellerstain houses a superb collection of paintings including works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Ramsay, Aikman and Nasmyth and many lovely pieces of period furniture. The portraits on show in the house depict many members of the family.
The house stands in beautiful parkland - the Italian-styled terraced garden was laid out in 1909 by Sir Reginald Blomfield and commands a glorious view overlooking the Lake to the Cheviot Hills in the distance.
There is an unusual thatched cottage, Gift Shop and Tea Room.

Thirlestane Castle
Thirlestane, one of the oldest and finest castles in Scotland is set in lovely Border hills at Lauder, 28 miles south of Edinburgh, on the A68 road.
Built originally as a defensive fort in the 13th. century it was rebuilt in the 16th. century as the home of the Maitlands. As the seat of the Earls and Duke of Lauderdale it was enlarged and embellished over the centuries but it still remains home to the Maitland family.The Duke's ghost is said to haunt the castle.