Melrose, birthplace of the game of rugby sevens and still very much a strong rugby playing town, lies in the tweed Valley at the foot of the distinctive triple peaks of the Eildon hills. Melrose 's ruined 12th century abbey, at one time probably the richest in Scotland , is the burial place of the casket believed to contain the heart of Robert the Bruce. The abbey is also the starting point for St Cuthbert's Way , a 62-mile (100km) cross border walking route towards Lindisfarne , and the starting point for the Four Abbeys Cycle Routes. Maps for both are available from local Tourist Information Centres and our on-line shop.
Just along the road at St Boswells is Dryburgh Abbey, whose ruins are still remarkably complete. Look out for the final resting place of Field Marshall Earl Haig and Sir Walter Scott, as well as s 22-foot high sandstone statue of 'Braveheart' himself, William Wallace, at the end of a woodland walk. Abbotsford, three miles west of Melrose , was Sir Walter Scott's home for 20 years and is open seasonally to visitors.
Lauder, the main town in Lauderdale, is crossed by the A68, following the oldest established route between Edinburgh & England, a route which has witnessed the passage of many an army over the centuries. Today the Southern Upland Way, Britain‘s first coast to coast footpath passes through the town on its 212-mile journey.
Lauder preserves its original medieval form with a single main street widening into the market place, dominated by the old Tollbooth. Take time out to visit Thirlestane Castle with its renowned plasterwork ceilings from the Restoration period, its historic toy collection and its Border country life exhibitions.
To search for events in Melrose please click here
Nearest Tourist Information Centres are in Melrose
Nearest Tourist Information Point located at The Library in Galashiels.
Information Service Tel: 01835 837170
Email: bordersinfo@visitscotland.com
Opening Times: Click Here