There are more stately homes in the Borders than in any other part of Scotland – why? Well just look at the land, rich and fertile, once fought over - now just coveted. This is an area of estates and farms where the countryside is a way of life, a land of rolling hills, castles, abbeys, gardens, woods, flowing rivers and strong traditions and fields for as far as the eye can see and from Carter Bar on the A68 they will see for some distance. If you stop here and appreciate the view you will begin to understand why this land was so stoutly defended against the ambitions of our southerly neighbours! The majestic River Tweed is the artery that feeds the Border Lands. The textile industry may have waned of late but there are more salmon caught on fly here than in any other river in the UK. A number of famous towns lie on the banks of the river; Coldstream, Kelso, Melrose and Galashiels, Innerleithen and Peebles. Kelso’s Abbey together with those at Dryburgh, Melrose and Jedburgh were all destroyed at the hands of invaders. Walkerburn and Innerleithen (with Traquair House) are also former textile towns and near Peebles (with its 13th century Cross Kirk) is Glentress Forest, a magnet for lovers of wildlife as well as walkers and cyclists.

Another jewel of the Borders is its east coast and seascapes. Here, 13th century Eyemouth has an active harbour complete with a colourful fleet and fish market. The museum relates the fishing disaster of 1881 when 189 local people were lost at sea. St Abbs and Coldingham, two coastal villages both have religious pasts. Coldingham Priory was founded in 1098 by Edgar, King of Scots. St Abbs Head is now a national nature reserve. Duns is a former county town lying in rich farmland with a marvellously spacious Market Square. A frequent winner of national floral awards, Hawick is perched on the confluence of Teviot and Slitrig Waters and is at the centre of the Borders textile industry with many fine factory outlets ideal for groups.