Welcome to the Borders Best Places to Visit 2025-26 by Landmark Press

GLORIOUS GETAWAYS START HERE

If you’re after a unique escape from the hustle and bustle, look no further than the Scottish Borders. Our rolling hills and great open landscapes are peppered with a whole range of natural and historical treasures just waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re skimming through the treetops, exploring textile heritage along winding rivers or trekking through the open countryside on horseback, the Scottish Borders is the perfect place to come when you’re in need of a refresh.

And it gets better! We’ve even made an app to help you make the most of your trip through the South of Scotland. The Scotland Starts Here app is filled with interactive walking, cycling, driving and equestrian routes, as well as lots of other bits and pieces guaranteed to get you excited for your getaway.

Oh, and don’t forget! We’d love to see what gems you discover along the way. So, make sure to share some inspiration with your fellow South of Scotland lovers on social media, using the hashtag #ScotlandStartsHere

THE BORDERS

Map & Listings

Historic attractions

Discover the rich and fascinating history of the Borders, visit castles, museums, great house and chapels.

Museums, Galleries and Theatres

Browse inspiring art galleries, get dressed up for the theatre, visit top venues & take in a show.

Inspiring Tours

Lots of options for your exploration of the Scottish Borders - from fully guided luxury tours to your own self-guided journey.

best local walks

Discover the real Scotland... one step at a time.

Distilleries

Visit our world-famous distilleries and sample ‘the spirits of the Borders’ for yourself including whisky, vodka and gin.

Eat, Shop, Relax

Enjoy undisputable world-class food and drink from great cafes, pubs, restaurants or takeaways throughout the Borders.

Everything from the great gardens of stately homes to smaller town and country gardens and a splendid botanic garden. Family fun and adventures

Enjoyable days out for the whole family, fun for the kids, activities for the adventurous, and amazing experiences for everyone.

Highland Games, Festivals and shows

The epitome of Scottish heritage; watch tests of strength, skill, and endurance and enjoy the thrill of the massed bands.

Borders Distillery

Eyemouth Beach

Glentress Forest

DISCOVER the Borders

Johnstons of Elgin

Floors Castle

Beirhope Alpacas

Hawick Museum

The Borders Railway

Melrose Abbey

Coldingham Bay

Thirlestane Castle

Dawyck Botanic Garden

The Three Brethren Cairns, Southern Upland Way

Heatherslaw Light Railway

Guillemots at St Abbs Head

Glentress Forest

The Borders

Long-distance

Cover Photos: Eildon Hills; Dawyck Botanic Garden; Ad Gefrin Distillery; Jedburgh Abbey. Maps by Ashworth Maps and Interpretation Ltd.

Photo Credits: Kenny Lam, PRI Imaging, Paul Tomkins, Pete Robinson, Gareth Easton, David N Anderson, Ian Rutherford, VisitScotland; Beirhope Alpacas; Dorothy Carse; Thirlestane Castle; Ford & Etal Estates, Heatherslaw Light Railway; Famously Hawick; Heartland Arts/Shutterstock.com; Craig Duncanson/Shutterstock.com; Historic Environment Scotland; Phillip Halling, Mellerstain House; Jamie Pharr/Shutterstock.com; Pawel Libera, Alnwick Castle; Coldstream Museum; Great Tapestry of Scotland; Trimontium Museum; National Mining Museum Scotland; Lochcarron Visitor Centre; Sally Ann Norman, Ad Gefrin Distillery; Annandale Distillery; Harestanes Art Glass Studio; Milne & Pickle; The Mole House; Floors Castle & Gardens; Kailzie Gardens; Dawyck Botanic Garden; Monteviot House Garden; Go Ape; Bisley at Braidwood.

THE BORDERS THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Adverts for many of the attractions in The Borders can be found directly after this page. Locations are shown on the map opposite. (FLS) Forestry and Land Scotland (HS) Historic Scotland

l 1 DON COYOTE

Experience the beauty of the Scottish Borders countryside with an adrenaline fuelled target shooting experience! Perfect for stag and hen parties, corporate team building days, or maybe a special treat for family and friends! www.doncoyote.co.uk

l 2 BIGGAR AND UPPER CLYDESDALE MUSEUM

Explore 14,000 years of rural and small-town life in Upper Clydesdale. Discover the people who have lived and worked here from prehistoric times up to the mid-20th century. Biggar. ML12 6DH www.biggarmuseumtrust.co.uk

l 3 DAWYCK BOTANIC GARDEN

The world’s trees in the Scottish Borders, Dawyck offers woodland and burnside walks and is renowned for its displays of Meconopsis (pictured) in early summer. Visitor centre exhibitions, café, shop. Free parking. Open daily 1 Feb - 30 Nov. Tel: 01721 760254. rbge.org.uk/dawyck

l 4 EASTGATE THEATRE AND ARTS CENTRE

Nestled in the heart of Peebles, this vibrant arts hub offers live performances, cinema, and a welcoming café. Discover an eclectic programme for all ages and interests.

l 5 JOHN BUCHAN STORY

John Buchan, writer and public figure, His most famous work ‘The Thirty Nine Steps’. Visit the Peebles Museum. All information at www.johnbuchanstory.co.uk

l 6 KAILZIE GARDENS

Nationally acclaimed gardens with woodland walks, gardener’s putting green, petanque and great food in the flower filled Courtyard Café featuring garden produce. T: 01721 720 682. By Peebles. EH45 9HT kailziegardens.com

l 7 GO APE, PEEBLES

Located in Glentress Forest, Go Ape Peebles boasts an adrenaline-filled activity amid stunning scenery. A dramatically challenging course with a 325-metre-long, 160ft high Zip Wire. T: 01603 895500. questions@goape.co.uk

l 8 TWEED VALLEY FOREST PARK (FLS)

Glentress is the stunning gateway to the Forest Park. With a café, bike hire and shop, Go Ape tree-top adventure, wildlife viewing, walking and bike trails, there’s something for everyone. www.forestryandland.gov.scot/tvfp www.forestryandland.gov.scot/7stanes

l 9 FINDRA, SHOP AND CAFE

Visit FINDRA’s gorgeous retail and cafe space where you can browse & buy our premium activewear for women, and enjoy speciality coffee and home baking. T: 01896 208 170. 83 High Street, Innerleithen. EH44 6HD www.findraclothing.com

The Cheviot Hills

l 10 RIDE INNERLEITHEN

A small independent bike shop stocking a range of bike brands, clothing, parts, and accessories. Also providing bike servicing and repairs. Tel: 01896 830856. www.rideinnerleithen.co.uk Email: hello@rideinnerleithen.co.uk

l 11 TRAQUAIR

Scotland’s Oldest Inhabited House spanning over 1,000 years of Scottish history and with an 18th century working brewery, maze, Garden Café, woodland walks and craft workshops. T: 01896 830323. www.traquair.co.uk

l 12 THE WEDALE BOOKSHOP

The Wedale Bookshop is an independent bookshop, with a range of Scottish history, fiction, children’s and folklore books. Ethical and locally-made gifts and cards. T: 01578 730 431. www.wedalebooks.scot hello@wedalebooks.scot

l 13 THIRLESTANE CASTLE

Discover the incredible history and spectacular interiors of this 16th century castle on a guided tour. For opening times and special events calendar: www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk T: 01578 722430.

l 14 THE GREAT TAPESTRY OF SCOTLAND

Discover the story of Scotland made by the people of Scotland, from earliest times to today. Visually stunning, intensely moving & occasionally very funny. T: 01896 809353. E: tapestry@liveborders.org.uk www.greattapestryofscotland.com

l 15 MELROSE ABBEY (HS)

l 16 ABBOTSFORD

Home of Scottish legend Sir Walter Scott, an inspiring, fascinating & beautiful destination. Explore Scott’s home & gardens, plus chapel, woodland and riverside walks, play trail, exhibitions, events, café & gift shop. Near Melrose, TD6 9BQ T: 01896 752043. www.scottsabbotsford.com

l 17 TRIMONTIUM MUSEUM

Discover Roman Scotland! An award-winning visitor attraction exploring the fascinating story of the Roman occupation of Scotland. Stunning audiovisuals, authentic artefacts, children’s activities, guided walks, handling sessions and a unique VR experience bring history to life. T: 01835 342788. info@trimontium.co.uk trimontium.co.uk

l 18 DRYBURGH ABBEY (HS)

l 19 BISLEY AT BRAIDWOOD

Scotland’s largest, most versatile shooting ground with opportunities for all experience levels. Complete beginners or experienced shots? We’ll cater for you. T: 01835 870280. braidwood@bisleyshooting.co.uk

l 20 LOCHCARRON OF SCOTLAND WORKING MILL AND VISITOR CENTRE

Lochcarron Visitor Centre offers guided weaving mill tours. Visit the shop for gifts or book into the Morris Room for kilt and highland wear fittings. T: 01750 726100. Visit@lochcarron.com

l 21 THE BORDERS DISTILLERY

The first Scotch Whisky distillery in the region since 1837. Discover our collection of sustainably made gin, vodka & whisky blends. T: 01450 374330. TD9 7AQ thebordersdistillery.com distiller@thebordersdistillery.com

l 22 FAMOUSLY HAWICK

Discover what fashion houses, designers and discerning visitors have known for more than a century and source luxurious goods in the very place they were created. Made here. Sold here. Sustainable. www.famouslyhawick.co.uk

l 23 HERMITAGE CASTLE (HS)

l 24 BAIRNKINE FARM TOURS

Discover Bairnkine Farm. Enjoy an immersive farm tour. Experience nature and organic, sustainable farming near Jedburgh on our all weather trailer - sheep, cattle, birdlife, wildlife. www.bairnkinecottages.co.uk

l 25 JEDBURGH WOOLLEN MILL

Offers great shopping, including Ladies & Men’s fashions, outerwear, Harris Tweed and Cashmere, Pure Cashmere, Scottish Gifts & Souvenirs, Homewares, Outdoor Clothing, Proquip Golf Clothing, Whisky shop with free tasting. Restaurant and Coffee Shop. Tel: 01835 863585. TD8 6EB

l 26 HARESTANES GLASS STUDIO

A unique range of handcrafted glass gifts for the home and garden, as well as jewellery and other crafts. Classes & workshops are available, advance booking is essential. TD8 6UQ Tel: 01835 830451. www.harestanesglassstudio.com

l 27 MONTEVIOT HOUSE GARDEN

The Gardens at Monteviot lie along a dramatic slope of the Teviot valley with formal and informal gardens linked with meandering paths and bridges over water features. Tel: 01835 830380. TD8 6UH www.monteviot.com

l 28 KINSMAN BLAKE GALLERY AND WORKING STUDIOS

Visit & enjoy our beautiful & unique range of quality handcrafted ceramics, jewellery. paintings & sculptures,created here in the village of Smailholm.0pen Daily 10am-5pm April-Dec. Jan-March check website www.kinsmanblakegallery@gmail.com

l 29 VISIT KELSO

With an award winning High Street Kelso is nestled by the mighty River Tweed and surrounded by beautiful countryside. For more information on what to see and do please visit https://www.visitkelso.com

l 30 FLOORS CASTLE

The largest inhabited castle in Scotland & family home of the 11th Duke of Roxburghe. Visit the Castle, gardens, grounds, Terrace Cafe, gift shop & deli. TD5 7SF www.floorscastle.com enquiries@floorscastle.com @floorscastle

l 31 BERWICK BOAT TRIPS

We are a family run business operating sea Trips and river Trips from Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Join us for a trip on the river tweed or consider one of our sea trips. T: 07713 170845. david@berwickboattrips.co.uk www.berwickboattrips.co.uk

l 32 AD GEFRIN ANGLO-SAXON MUSEUM & WHISKY DISTILLERY

In Wooler, Northumberland, enjoy an immersive and multi-sensory journey into Northumbria’s Golden Age and visit the home of the first Northumbrian English Single Malt Whisky. T: 01668 281554. NE71 6NJ www.adgefrin.co.uk info@adgefrin.co.uk

l 33 ALNWICK CASTLE

Home to the Percy family since 1309, explore 950 years of history and travel through the centuries of this living castle. NE66 1NQ T: 01665 511100. www.alnwickcastle.com

l 34 BAILIFFGATE MUSEUM & GALLERY

Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery Award-winning, independent family-friendly Accredited Museum exploring 10,000 years of local history and a changing exhibitions gallery so there’s always something to enjoy. www.bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk

l 35 ROSSLYN CHAPEL

Explore over 550 years of history - discover the Chapel’s ornate stonework and hear its story from our Guides. Open all year. Fourteen miles from Peebles. Tel 0131 440 2159. EH25 9PU www.rosslynchapel.com

l 36 NATIONAL MINING MUSEUM SCOTLAND

Set in the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery, the National Mining Museum Scotland is a 5 star visitor attraction telling the story of coal for Scotland. T: 0131 663 7519. EH22 4QN www.nationalminingmuseum.com

l 37 GLENKINCHIE DISTILLERY

Discover the Garden Distillery at Glenkinchie, explore the Edinburgh malt and experience our full-sensory, immersive tour. Please visit our website for opening hours and to book. T: 01875 342012. EH34 5ET Glenkinchie@malts.com

l 38 CAMERA OBSCURA & WORLD OF ILLUSIONS

Venture through five floors jam-packed with over 100 illusions and remember: nothing is what it seems! You’ll need at least two hours to discover them all. Step outside onto our Rooftop Terrace & enjoy the best views of Edinburgh. Fun for all ages. Book online now. Tel: 0131 226 3709. www.camera-obscura.co.uk

l 39 CALEDONIA PARK

Discover exclusive outlet brands found nowhere else in Scotland, with up to 70% off RRP at Caledonia Park Designer Outlet in Gretna, Scotland’s premium designer outlet. caledoniapark.com

Historic attractions

Discover the rich and fascinating history of the Borders, visit castles, museums, great houses and chapels.

Hermitage Castle

historic highlights

• Monteviot House

Monteviot House Jedburgh opens to visitors annually from 1st-29th July (closed Mondays). Tour family rooms with knowledgeable guides to view paintings and furniture from 14th century to present day. www.monteviot.com

• Trimontium Museum

An award-winning visitor attraction exploring the fascinating story of Roman & Iron Age Scotland. One of the largest collections of Roman military artefacts in Britain, stunning audiovisuals, walks, and a unique VR experience bring history to life. www.trimontium.co.uk

• Thirlestane Castle

Discover the incredible history and spectacular interiors of this 16th century castle on a guided tour. For opening times and special events calendar: www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk T: 01578 722 430.

• Floors Castle

Built in the 1720s for the first Duke of Roxburghe, Floors has been home to Politicians, Soldiers, Heiresses and Statesmen throughout its rich history. www.floorscastle.com

Borders Abbeys

Nowhere else in Britain can you find so many magnificent abbeys so close to one another.

Built in the 12th century, the abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh originally all had an abbey church, cloisters, vaulted chapter house, refectory, dormitory and a warming room – the only room with a fire!

The monks came north from established abbeys in France and England and lived here for some 400 years, despite their buildings being badly damaged during the frequent wars with England. It was not until the Protestant Reformation of 1560 that the abbeys ceased to be religious houses. Even so, some monks stayed on for a further 20 years or more. Melrose was the largest and richest of these medieval abbeys and the burial place of the well-travelled heart of Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s warrior-monarch and victor over the English at the Battle of Bannockburn. He died and was buried at Dunfermline in 1329, but not before giving instructions that his heart be taken on a crusade against the Moors in Spain before being returned to Melrose for burial. The church has well preserved exterior carvings including a bagpipe-playing

Melrose Abbey

Floors Castle

DID

you know?

Rosslyn Chapel famously features in The Da Vinci Code. Author Dan Brown has said ‘I knew that its finale would have to take place at the most mysterious and magical chapel on Earth - Rosslyn.’

pig! Jedburgh had been a religious site for some 300 years before the monks arrived. Its abbey church is remarkably well-preserved. Kelso’s abbey church, or what remains of it after the English assault in 1545, is one of the most spectacular examples of Romanesque architecture in Scotland. Dryburgh, on the banks of the Tweed, has a superb 13th century chapter house with its original painted wall plaster.

Dryburgh Abbey

Stately Homes

This is the region of Scotland for serious stately homes. Floors Castle, the vast home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, was largely re-built between 1837 and 1847, and prides itself as the ‘largest inhabited castle in Scotland’. The more modest and enchanting TraquairScotland’s oldest inhabited house - was once a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland. Other outstanding historic houses are Mellerstain, Thirlestane and Abbotsford - the house built and lived in by Sir Walter Scott, the famous 19th century author, poet and historian.

Castles Small and Large

There is no shortage of castles here. Smailholm Tower, a well-preserved 16th century tower house, sitting on a rocky outcrop, is certainly the smallest. In a lonely spot in Liddesdale, you’ll discover Hermitage Castle, a vast and eerie fortress built in 1300. Further afield, just to the north of Dunbar is the dramatic, clifftop Tantallon Castle. Across the Border are the seriously impressive Bamburgh and Alnwick Castles. Alnwick, ‘The Windsor of the North’ was home to the Dukes of Northumberland for 700 years.

Roman Frontier

This is one of the best places in Britain to appreciate the power of the Roman Empire. Just to the south of the border with England is the amazing Hadrian’s Wall. Built between 122AD and 128AD, it stretches for 73 miles from coast to coast, and once marked the northern frontier of the Roman world. A good place to visit is the Vindolanda Fort and Museum with its famous writing tablets and the largest collection of Roman footwear found anywhere in the Roman Empire!

To the north near Melrose is Trimontium, the main Roman fort between Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall. The Trimontium Museum in Melrose will give you an excellent introduction to this important site.

Vindolanda Fort

Alnwick Castle

Once a pleasure ground for Scottish Kings in times of peace, then a refuge for Catholic priests in times of terror, the Stuarts of Traquair supported Mary Queen of Scots and the Jacobite cause without counting the cost.

Imprisoned, fined and isolated for their beliefs, their home, untouched by time, reflects the tranquility of their family life.

Spanning nearly a thousand years of Scottish history Traquair today is a unique attraction for all ages. Trace the footsteps of the Kings of Scotland as you climb the turnpike stair and discover how priests escaped in times of danger. See the wonderful collections of embroideries, letters and relics of former times. Then visit the ancient brewery and sample the delicious ales.

Outside you can wander in the extensive grounds and woodlands, entertain children in the Maze and adventure playground or simply relax for lunch or tea in the The Garden Café. A magical day out for all the family.

There’s more to TRAQUAIR than a house to visit!

Maze

Lose yourself in Scotland’s largest maze covering over half an acre.

The Garden Café

Award winning restaurant set in the delightful old walled garden serving home cooked lunches and teas.

Gift Shop

Gifts, plants, local crafts and souvenirs.

Brewery Shop and Museum

Free sampling of Traquair Ales, film of brewing process and history of brewing at Traquair.

Independent Craft Workshops

Four independent craft businesses are housed in the old outbuildings at Traquair. Leatherwork and jewellery, personalised fabric goods and cards, whisky barrel gifts and pottery.

Woodland Walks & Extensive Grounds

Extensive woodland walks with some of the oldest yew trees in Scotland leading down to the River Tweed.

Stay at Traquair

Come and spend a luxurious night in one of three spacious double rooms furnished with antique furniture.

Fun for Children

Maze, Adventure Play Area, Willow Tunnels, Sound Sculpture, Scavenger Hunts and wildlife activities.

TRAQUAIR HOUSE BREWERY

Lying in one of the wings of Traquair, right under the Chapel, is Traquair’s 300 year old brewery. Brought back into production in 1965 by Peter Maxwell Stuart, 20th Laird of Traquair, the brewery now produces a range of rich dark ales that have won awards all over the world.

Get Married!

We are also licensed for civil or religious weddings which can take place in the chapel, house or grounds.

STAY AT TRAQUAIR

For a night of luxury come and stay in one of our 3 double bedrooms, each furnished with canopied bed and antique furniture.

Mileage

Innerleithen 1.5, Peebles 6, Galashiels 12, St Mary’s Loch 12, Moffat 32, Selkirk 10, Dumfries 48, Carlisle 75, Edinburgh 29 (50 mins), Edinburgh Airport (40 minutes), Glasgow 60 (1.5 hours), Newcastle 96, Berwick-Upon-Tweed 60.

By Bus

X62 from Edinburgh - Melrose. Every hour. Nearest stop Innerleithen. (1.5miles) 20 mins walk by off road footpath or by taxi Tel: 07518 373992

Disabled Access D

There is partial access to house and grounds for wheel chair users. Contact us for more details.

Tickets can be purchased on arrival or in advance at

TRAQUAIR

King’s Room where Mary Queen of Scots slept High Drawing Room

Harpsichord made in 1651 by Andreas Ruckers

Discover your wow Visit our museums now

Find great family days out on your doorstep in the amazing Scottish Borders

Attractions and museums from our wonderful Mary Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre to Treasure Land Soft Play, Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum to an inspiring experience at the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum. We have Heart of Hawick live events and cinema and The Great Tapestry of Scotland; the Live Borders’ family of venues offer brilliant days out for all ages.

Across the Scottish Borders there is a diverse range of museums, galleries, attractions and leisure centres.

Some of our museums and attractions are seasonal. Please check www.liveborders.org.uk for opening dates and times.

1. Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum, Jedburgh

This fantastic attraction looks like a grand castle but inside is a different story! Visit the cell blocks of this 1820s jail and discover what life was like for prisoners and staff in what was a model prison in its day. The building is also home to Jedburgh’s town museum, exploring the traditions, industries and the lives of famous people of the town. Lots of children’s activities make this a fun family day out.

TD8 6QD

01835 864750

2. Mary Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre, Jedburgh

Set in the centre of historic Jedburgh, this 16th century towerhouse tells the story of Scotland’s tragic queen. Mary’s month here in Jedburgh in 1566 was a turning point in her life. A fine display of paintings, objects and textiles associated with her explores not only her life and times but the cult that has grown up around her.

TD8 6EN

01835 863331

3. St Ronan’s Wells Visitor Centre, Innerleithen

Housed in an historic spa, the exhibition tells the story of Innerleithen and St Ronan’s Wells, describing their connections with the great Scottish writers, James Hogg and Sir Walter Scott. Gardens, sculptures, picnic areas and plants for sale.

EH44 6JE 01896 833583

EH44 6JE

01896 833583

4. Peebles Library, Museum and Gallery, Peebles

Established by William Chambers, one of the founders of the famous publishing house, this striking building is home to the town’s library, a museum and gallery which host a lively programme of exhibitions and events.

EH45 8AG

01721 724820

6. Borders Textile Towerhouse, Hawick

Visitors can discover the knitwear and tweed history of the area and how the Borders’ industry reached the height of luxury and fashion. Garments, fabrics, objects, photographs and art reveal over 200 years of tradition and innovation in the Borders industry.

TD9 9EN

01450 377615

8. Halliwell’s House Museum, Selkirk

Situated in the narrow, cobbled Halliwell’s Close, this unusual 18th-century building is part of the oldest surviving row of dwellings in Selkirk, and tells the story of the town and its long history including associations with William Wallace and with the Battle of Flodden. Programme of visual art and exhibitions throughout the season.

TD7 4BL

01750 726456

10. Coldstream Museum, Coldstream

Uncover the story of the Coldstream Guards and the town of Coldstream, with artefacts such as the Provost’s Robes and Chain of Office. Located in the centre of Coldstream, it was the site of General Monck’s headquarters before he marched on London in 1660 to restore the Stuart Monarchy.

TD12 4BD

01890 882630

5. Hawick Museum, Hawick

A parkland location with fascinating displays that reflect the history of the town and its people. This 18th-century mansion houses a collection of objects and art that are not just about Hawick, but a window to the world. Lively programme of exhibitions and events for all ages.

TD9 7JL

01450 364747

7. Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom, Selkirk

Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom is one of our direct links to the great Scottish writer. In this building, Sir Walter Scott sat as Sheriff of Selkirkshire, dispensing justice for nearly 30 years until his death in 1832. Explore the reconstructed courtroom and discover tales of past crimes.

TD7 4BT

01750 726456

9. Old Gala House, Galashiels

Set in beautifully maintained grounds near the centre of Galashiels, Old Gala House is an impressive building dating back to 1583. Once home to the Lairds of Galashiels, the house is now a vibrant museum and gallery which tells the story of the town and its people. Programme of changing exhibitions and events.

TD1 3JS

01896 752611

11. Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, Duns

12. The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels

11. Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, Duns

Scotland’s first, and double, Formula One World Champion, Indy 500 winner and one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. Celebrate the life and inspiring racing career of Jim Clark, exploring his incredible career within the motor racing world. Discover Jim’s cars and trophies and watch him race in films from the time. Take away a memento of your visit from the specially curated gift shop. Visit www.jcmm.org.uk for admission, opening times and to pre-book your tickets.

TD11 3AU 01361 883 960

12. The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels

The Great Tapestry of Scotland tells the story of Scotland’s history, heritage, and culture. It was hand stitched by over 1,000 people in communities across Scotland. The purpose-built national exhibition centre opened in Galashiels, in the heart of the UK’s premier textile region, in August 2021. It celebrates the creative talents of the stitchers and tell the people’s story of Scotland - from Mary Queen of Scots, Robert the Bruce, Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott to rugby, football, movies and music. Visit www.greattapestryofscotland.com to find out more.

TD11 3AU

TD11 3AU 01361 883 960

01361 883 960

13. Heart of Hawick, Hawick

An exciting assortment of live theatre, events and films each month, with a stylish café bar that offers the perfect accompaniment to your entertainment. Enjoy café and cinema snacks in the comfortable auditorium. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the café.

TD1 1SD 01896 809353

14. Teviotdale Leisure Centre, Hawick

A fantastic family day out in Hawick featuring swimming pool with flume, Treasure Land Soft Play suitable for up to age 12, café as well as leisure facilities. We also offer a first-class gym and a range of classes if you are looking to keep fit and healthy on your visit.

TD9 0AE

TD9 0AE 01450 360680

TD9 0AE

01450 360680

15. Leisure Centres

Live Borders offers a range of leisure centres across the region, with swimming pool fun and activities for all ages. Check them out at Eyemouth, Galashiels, Peebles, Selkirk, Kelso and Hawick.

Wow – donate now!

At the heart of Live Borders is a commitment to making our communities healthier, happier and stronger, and we couldn’t do it without you.

At the heart of Live Borders is a commitment to making our communities healthier, happier and stronger, and we couldn’t do it without you. We rely on support from you, our community, and would be eternally thankful for any donation you could make, big or small.

We rely on support from you, our community, and would be eternally thankful for any donation you could make, big or small.

TD9 8AG

TD9 8AG 01450 374440

To start your adventure, visit www.liveborders.org.uk

Historic Attractions

TripAdvisor review

Dating from 1446, Rosslyn Chapel took over 40 years to complete. The beauty of its setting and the mysterious symbolism of its ornate stonework have inspired, intrigued and attracted visitors ever since. Just one hour’s drive from Melrose. “Simply

Open daily –please book your visit in advance on our website www.rosslynchapel.com

PAXTON HOUSE

Another world inside the gates...

...another country at the bottom of the garden

Come and see our amazing collection of Chippendale furniture, explore 80 acres of gardens and parkland, eat delicious cake in our Stables Tearoom and have a great day out in one of the ﬁnest Adam neo-Palladian houses in the UK.

Paxton House, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1SZ www.paxtonhouse.co.uk

Unique storytelling of Battles, Tragedy, Kings & Queens, Wars, Sport, Innovation, Religion, Romans, Abbeys, Castles, Comedy and more... 420 million years of Scottish History

143 metres of linen | 160 individual panels | 1,000 stitchers | 300 miles of yarn

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

● 5* guided tour

● Historic home of the Duke of Lauderdale

● The splendid State Rooms with exquisite 17th century Dusterfield gold-gilded plasterwork ceilings

● One of the most extensive family portrait collections in Scotland

● Historic toy museum

● The Duke’s Bedroom with an ornate four poster bed

● Connections with Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of Scots

● Complimentary tea or coffee and a Scottish treat

● Option to extend your stay in the luxury castle suites

Thirlestane Castle, Lauder, Scottish Borders TD2 6RU T: 01578 722430 E: enquiries@thirlestanecastle.co.uk www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk

south of Edinburgh and

TD2 6RU.

HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE

Join one of our exceptional guided tours where Thirlestane is brought to life through incredible stories about the Castle’s history and the key role the Maitland family have held in Scotland over four centuries. Small groups of guests are taken on a journey by our experienced guides who share their vast knowledge in an engaging and entertaining style. They take the upmost pride in ensuring each tour has a personal touch and invite guests to join them for a complimentary tea or coffee and a Scottish treat to complete the experience.

2 025 EVENTS

Visit our website to find out about the exciting events taking place at Thirlestane Castle including the BVAC Classic - Festival of Motoring, children’s activity camps and horse riding holidays.

Alternatively, why not hold your own event? Thirlestane provides the perfect setting for weddings, corporate away days, private dining experiences, filming and much more.

2025 OPENING DATES & PRICES

Please visit our website for opening times, prices and to book your tour online at www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk.

Photography by Phil Wilkinson

BY ROAD: Thirlestane Castle

just

minutes

easily accessible just off the A68 at Lauder. SatNav:

Free parking. BY RAIL: Catch the Waverley Line from Edinburgh to Stow. We can assist with local taxi numbers.

Thirlestane Castle is owned and operated by The Thirlestane Castle Trust (Scottish Charity Number SC011491).

Complimentary hot drink and a Scottish treat at the end of every tour

Museums, Galleries AND theatres

Browse inspiring art galleries, get dressed up for the theatre, visit top venues & take in a show.

There are 12 museums in the Scottish Borders; visit any one for an insight into the people, history and culture of the region. Must see!

• ‘john Buchan story’ museum

Exploring this famous authors life and legacy. He had a passion for the Peeblesshire countryside and its people. www.johnbuchanstory.co.uk

• MacArts

MacArts is a 300-capacity converted Church in the heart of Galashiels that puts on a range of entertainment from live music, theatre to comedy. www.macarts.scot

• Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery

Award-winning, independent familyfriendly Accredited Museum exploring 10,000 years of local history and a changing exhibitions gallery so there’s always something to enjoy. www.bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk

• The Great Tapestry of Scotland

Discover Scotland’s story in thread –millions of years of Scottish history told in 160 handmade panels. The story of Scotland told by the people of Scotland. www.greattapestryofscotland.com

Here is a small selection of what you can uncover. Learn about coal mining in Scotland at the National Mining Museum Scotland, on the site of the old colliery at Newtongrange. You can tour some of the old mine workings and the informative exhibition is a good piece of social history, providing a clear vision of our industrial past.

Discover what life was like in Roman times at the Trimontium Museum or you may be interested in an event or the lively programme of exhibitions at the Tweeddale Museum & Gallery or the Museum in Hawick.

Why not head over to the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels? It tells the inspirational true story of the country’s history, heritage and culture (from 8500 BC to present day). Hand stitched by over 1000 people in communities across Scotland, it has been transported by land, sea and air to come together.

Great Tapestry of Scotland

Trimontium Museum

Set in the centre of historic Jedburgh, Mary Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre tells the story of Scotland’s tragic queen – Mary’s month in Jedburgh in 1566 was a turning point in her life. The displays of paintings, objects and textiles associated with Mary explore not only her life and times, but also the cult that has grown up around her story.

Explore the story of Border knitwear and tweed in a beautifully-restored 16th century towerhouse. Garments, artifacts and photographs bring to life over 200 years of tradition and innovation in the local woolen industries. Changing exhibitions showcase contemporary fashion, design, art and craft.

The Borders Textile Towerhouse

Museums, Galleries and Theatres

Explore

Opening Times

April to mid December (last entry 4 pm)

Tuesday to Saturday: 10am-5pm

Sunday: 1pm–5pm Monday: Closed

January to March (open weekends only)

Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 1pm–5pm

Admission charged. Group discounts available.

INSPIRING Tours

Lots of options for your exploration of the Scottish Borders - from fully guided luxury tours to your own self-guided journey.

Abbotsford House

Lochcarron Weavers

Waverley Mill, Rogers Road, Selkirk, Scottish Borders

Tiny Tours!

• Tweed Valley Blogger presents

TVB Tours

Join @tweedvalleyblogger on a fun, informative driver-led tour of The Borders. Immerse yourself in Southern Scotland’s culture, history and landscapes with your expert local guide. www.tweedvalleyblogger.com

• Thirlestane Castle

Discover the incredible history and spectacular interiors of this 16th century castle on a guided tour. For opening times and special events calendar visit www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk

• Lochcarron Visitor Centre

Get an insight into tartan design and manufacturing, as well as learning more about the history of Lochcarron. A trained tour guide will take you around the whole process of how Lochcarron operates. www.lochcarron.co.uk

• rambling historian

Experience history one ramble at a time with walking tours of Berwick-uponTweed and Lindisfarne that ignite a passion for the stories the past can tell! www.ramblinghistorian.co.uk

• Beirhope Alpacas

Beirhope offers a truly unique experience from alpaca walking in the Cheviot Hills to off-grid, eco camping in the most beautiful South of Scotland location. www.beirhope.co.uk

The Scottish Borders is one of the most accessible and reachable destinations in Scotland. With rolling hills and open countryside in the west to the gentle valleys and picturesque Berwickshire coastline in the east, the Borders is sure to make quite an impression on you.

This fantastic destination has a host of picturesque towns and villages, impressive rivers and woodlands, and a countryside that inspired the works of Sir Walter Scott.

The Borders is connected by rail to Edinburgh with a few stops, most notably at Galashiels and Tweedbank. There is also an excellent local bus service connecting all of the Borders towns and villages. If you are on two wheels there are plenty of options, with many off-road cycle trails, cycle friendly roads and two national cycle routes. The whole area is very cycle friendly, and mountain biking can be experienced at the world-class 7stanes centres.

If you are out and about in the Borders and wanting to take in some of the history in the area, then you should consider the Borders Historic

DID you know?

Thirlestane Castle offer guided horse riding holidays.

The ancient routes have been ridden since the 16th Century where residents patrolled the boundaries of their settlement on horse back, defending against fearsome marauders.

Route which picks up near Carlisle before passing into the lush countryside of the Scottish Borders. Follow the route to Edinburgh and explore the charming villages you pass en route before reaching Scotland’s historic capital city. A wonderful self-guided experience not to be missed!

It can be great though, to rely on the services of a knowledgeable and charismatic local expert. You’ll discover a wide range of tours available from salmon fishing on the River Tweed or take a boat trip to St Abb’s Head to see the cliff-top nature reserve. Visit the mills and learn about the historic Borders textile industry. Take in the great outdoors on a walking tour, find the best spots to eat in picturesque towns and villages on a food trail, or for something completely different, likely to please the kids, try a guided alpaca trek.

Johnstons of Elgin Mill Tour

Abbotsford House

Borders Distillery

BEST LOCAL WALKS

Neidpath Castle and the Tweed

This enchanting walk heads upstream along the beautiful banks of the River Tweed from the town of Peebles. It passes the dramatic Neidpath Castle before crossing the river to climb to a viewpoint and then descending through woodland to return to the start.

Distance: 6.25km / 4 miles

Time: 2.5 hours

Check out

www.walkhighlands.com Scotland’s best walking website and app, for a wide choice of walks.

St Abbs’ Head

St Abb’s Head is a dramatic coastal headland, ringed by cliffs and famed for its seabird colonies. This walk takes you around the Mire Loch and across the cliffs of the Head, a National Nature Reserve for good views of the nesting areas and lighthouse before returning to the carpark and tearoom.

Distance: 6.25km / 4 miles

Time: 2 hours

St Mary’s Loch

Set in a remote location between Selkirk and Moffat, St Mary’s Loch ranks amongst the most attractive lochs in the Borders. The walk makes a complete circuit of the loch with a couple of detours to visit an fascinating old kirkyard and an impressive ruined tower house.

Distance: 14.75km / 9.25 miles

Time: 4 - 5.5 hours

Neidpath Castle and the Tweed

St Abbs’ Head

St Mary’s Loch

Cockburn Law and Edin’s

Hall Broch

Fabulous views of the rolling countryside of the Borders accompany this delightful circular walk from the pretty hamlet of Abbey St Bathans. Climb to the summit of Cockburn Law before visiting the remains of an iron-age tower and return via a suspension bridge over the Whiteadder Water.

Distance: 10.25km / 6.25 miles

Time: 3 hours

The Three Brethren

The Three Brethren are a trio of massive, solidly built cairns dating back to the sixteenth century; their position ensures they are a popular objective and a splendid viewpoint. This circular route reaches them from the southern side, near Selkirk.

Distance: 9.25km / 5.75 miles

Time: 3 - 4 hours

Walkhighlands App!

• Find walks near to where you are.

• Full descriptions of all walks.

• Detailed routes downloaded to your phone and retained even if you have no signal.

• Current position shown, based on your phone’s GPS.

• Free to download.

Scan now to get the Walkhighlands phone app

Eildon Hills

The three shapely summits of the Eildon Hills are a celebrated landmark. They make for a classic, although strenuous, half-day hillwalk from the attractive town of Melrose.

Distance: 9.5km / 6 hours

Time: 3 - 4 hours

Eildon Hills

Cockburn Law and Edin’s Hall Broch

The Three Brethren

Distilleries

Visit our world-famous distilleries and sample ‘the spirits of the Borders’ for yourself including whisky, vodka and gin.

Ad Gefrin Distillery

Slàinte

• the borders Distillery

The Borders Distillery is bringing whiskymaking back to the Borders using locally grown barley from neighbouring farms. Tour, shop & discover the spirit of the Borders. www.thebordersdistillery.com

• Ad Gefrin

Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery, Wooler, Northumberland. An immersive multi-sensory experience of Northumbria’s Golden Age and the inspiration behind their whisky journey www.adgefrin.co.uk

• Biggar Gin

Combining and blending ingredients that are natural to the unique setting. Using updated distilling methods and constantly refining processes and adapting new methods. www.biggargin.com

• Tempest Brewery

Come and take a glimpse behind the curtain to find out about the alchemy, magic and wizardry that goes into making one of our beers. www.tempestbrewco.com

Whisky lover or total newbie –everyone should visit a whisky distillery at least once for a genuine centuries old experience. In the Borders there is the aptly named Borders Distillery that is well worth a visit.

Bringing whisky making back to the Scottish Borders, the Borders Distillery is the first Scotch Whisky distillery to operate in the region since 1837. They make their spirit from barley sourced from 12 local farms, all within 35 miles of the distillery itself. This barley spirit goes on to produce their award-winning Kerr’s Gin and Puffing Billy Vodka, as well as their brand new release, Borders Malt & Rye. This limited edition release of their Workshop Series is the first blended Scotch to leave the Scottish Borders in 185 years. Join them for a tour and discover the spirit of the Borders.

Ad Gefrin Distillery

DID you know?

The Borders Distillery works with twelve local farmers to grow their barley. Each farm sits within 35 miles of the distillery, so every drop of Borders produce can be followed from seed to spirit!

If gin is your preference, then you have many options in the Borders. The 1881 Distillery, built upon an old Victorian swimming pool, has a gin school which is the largest residential gin school in the UK, offering a range of gin distillery tours and distiller experiences.

Selkirk Distillers produce a couple of gins, with the main botanical grown wild on the rolling lowland hills. As a small, family-run business, the distillers are not always on site but message ahead of time and they’ll try accommodating you for a small visit. The Biggar Gin Co. also produce a great range of award-winning gins for you to try, with many places in Biggar stocking them, as well as places across the Borders.

Tempest Brewing Co.

Ad Gefrin Distillery

Borders Distillery

Eat, Shop, Relax

Enjoy undisputable world-class food and drink from great cafes, pubs, restaurants or takeaways throughout the Borders.

A taste of Scotland

• Milne & Pickles

Cheese and wine shop offering platters and sourdough toasties in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Locally roasted coffee and delicious cakes too! Takeaway options available. www.facebook.com/milneandpickles

• Barony Castle Hotel

1536 Restaurant is an award winning restaurant serving traditional Scottish dining using locally sourced produce. Try our ‘Chef Recommended’ AA Rosette dishes. www.baronycastle.com

• The Tontine Hotel

Our seasonal menus showcase the best of Scottish produce from local suppliers, from light bites to full meals in the Adam Restaurant with stunning views. www.tontinehotel.com

• The Gordon Arms

80% of the ingredients we use at our GORDON ARMS Restaurant with Rooms are local produce, a further 17% are from rest of the UK and 3% are from other European countries. www.gordonarmsyarrow.co.uk

• Macdonald Cardrona hotel

Indulge in a selection of classic Scottish cuisine, made with the finest meats and fish, plus fresh and local produce, at Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/cardrona

The Scottish Borders has a strong heritage when it comes to arts and crafts.

Designers, artists and craftspeople continue to embrace this artisan culture today, weaving their own rich tapestry. You could watch glass being hand-blown into beautiful panels, treat yourself or a loved one to a unique piece of jewellery or even throw a pot guided by an expert potter in their studio. Whatever your fascination, the experience is guaranteed to be authentic.

The region’s association with textiles, particularly wool, stretches back hundreds of years. This legacy can still be seen today in Border towns such as Selkirk, Galashiels and Hawick with their abundance of shops selling quality knitwear and weaves.

You could call in to a visitor centre at one of the working mills or simply enjoy a leisurely walk perusing the High Street. In addition, the attractive towns of Melrose and Peebles are populated with a fine retail choice that serves the local community and the area’s many visitors.

Harestanes Art Glass Studio

Ad Geffrin Distillery Cafe

You can take a mill tour at Lochcarron Visitor Centre. Your journey will take you through the manufacturing process from yarn to woven fabric, giving you an insight into how they create and make tartan.

There is also no shortage here of great places to eat out, from award winning restaurants to cool cafes and traditional pubs serving real ale.

Wherever you are in the Borders you’ll not be far from good locally sourced food and a wide choice of cuisines including Italian, Chinese, Indian and Bangladeshi. From AA rosette restaurants, to contemporary cafes, a brasserie, a famous tea room and a ‘Lobster Shack’, there is many a gem awaiting discovery.

Discover FINDRA, a premium active lifestyle brand for women, nestled in the heart of the stunning Scottish Borders. Step into our beautiful shop and café, where nature-inspired designs meet style, versatility, and sustainability. Take your time to explore our unique collection, enjoy a delicious bite or a freshly brewed coffee, and soak up the welcoming atmosphere. Let FINDRA be a part of your next adventure!

FINDRA Retail Hub and Café: 83 High Street, Innerleithen EH44 6HD Shop Online: findraclothing.com

Milne & Pickle

The Mole House

Delicious cheese and charcuterie platters to enjoy in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

OFFERING A SUPERB SELECTION OF:

53 Northgate, Peebles, EH45 8BU

07506 348082

@milneandpickles

milne & pickles

• ARTISAN COFFEE AND SWEET TREATS

• SOURDOUGH TOASTIES, HOMEMADE QUICHE, FRESH SALADS & DELICIOUS SOUPS

• PAIRED WINE AND CHEESE FLIGHTS

• ARTISAN CHEESE TOWERS

• GIFTWARE AND WE’RE DOG FRIENDLY TOO!

EVERYTHING FROM QUALITY CASHMERE TO THE FINEST SCOTTISH WHISKIES

Textiles

Whisky Shop

Welcome to Jedburgh Woollen Mill.

Situated in Jedburgh, an historic royal burgh just 10 miles north of the English border.

At Jedburgh Woollen Mill, you’ll find High Street brands, Harris Tweed® and the finest Cashmere are all available, alongside a vast selection of Scottish gifts, concessions, food and alcohol.

How to get here

When travelling from the south, follow the A68 to the north end of Jedburgh. Pass the centre of town, with our site on your left shortly after crossing the River Jed. From the north, follow the A68, turning right into our site, shortly after passing the Rugby and Football facilities on your left.

• Ample Free Parking

• Open Every Day except Christmas Day

And while you’re here...

Reivers Restaurant

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Drop by anytime to enjoy delicious breakfasts, light snacks, main meals, fresh baked produce and Puro fair-trade coffee.

Selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones with cream and jam, served with a pot of tea or cup of filter coffee.

T : 01835 863585

Jedburgh Woollen Mill

famously HAWICK DISCOVER

The Cashmere, Tweed and Whisky Town

Five premium Scottish producers One famous Scottish town

Hawick in the Scottish Borders has a rich manufacturing heritage and an international reputation for producing quality goods.

From the ‘Home of Tweed’ and some of the best cashmere and knitwear producers in the world today to the first whisky distillery to open in the Scottish Borders since 1837. This special collection of weavers, knitters and distillers are all located between the four bridges of Hawick.

Discover what fashion houses, designers and discerning visitors have known for more than a century and source luxurious goods in the very place where they were created.

HAWICK

Distillery and Visitor Centre

Commercial Road Hawick TD9 7AQ

T: 01450 374330

www.thebordersdistillery.com

@thebordersdistillery

Opening hours:

Shop - Monday to Friday, 10am till 4.30pm. Saturday 10am till 4pm (during tour season).

Tours - Monday to Saturday 11am, 1pm & 3pm.

Please note tours and visiting hours run on a seasonal basis from April 1st to October 31st. Please check our website for the most up to date timings and for bookings.

Visitor Centre and Factory Store

Arthur Street Hawick TD9 9QA

T: 01450 371221

www.hawico.com

Opening hours (retail outlet):

Monday to Saturday 9.30am till 5pm

Heritage Centre, Retail Store and Coffee Shop

Eastfield Mills Mansfield Road Hawick TD9 8AA

T: 01450 360500 Coffee Shop T: 01450 360517

www.johnstonsofelgin.com

Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday 9am till 5pm

Sunday 11am till 4pm Customer Car Park

The first Scotch Whisky distillery to open in the Scottish Borders since 1837, dedicated to making great Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The Borders Distillery uses barley grown on twelve local farms. Water is drawn from the Teviot and from a borehole directly underneath. Join one of the distillers for a tour to learn about Scotch Whisky and the award-winning architecture, before taking time to enjoy a wee dram.

Alongside Scotch Whiskies, Gins and Vodka, the Visitor Centre sells a range of carefully selected local products and gifts.

As one of the leading cashmere brands in the world today, this specialist manufacturer is committed to producing luxurious cashmere knitwear from its Trinity Mills in Hawick.

Hawico invites you into the heart of production in its Visitor Centre where you can watch seamless garments being knitted from the spacious viewing gallery. And in the adjoining Factory Store there is the opportunity to purchase a huge selection of knitwear in almost every colour, including previous seasons’ collections at much reduced and very affordable factory prices.

Knitwear Store Teviotdale Mills

Commercial Road Hawick TD9 7AQ

T: 01450 375566

www.williamlockie.com

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am till 5pm

Johnstons of Elgin’s historic Eastfield Mill has been at the centre of textile production in Hawick for more than 140 years. Experts in cashmere and fine woollens, preserving craftsmanship and passing traditional manufacturing techniques and hand skills down through generations.

Visitors can enjoy an immersive Discovery Experience at the Hawick knitting mill, learning about the brand’s rich Scottish heritage and witnessing craftspeople at work.

A bright and spacious retail store in their 5-star Visitor Centre allows guests to choose the perfect piece to take home.

As one of the oldest family run luxury knitwear businesses based in the Scottish Borders, William Lockie is steeped in history and tradition.

“Lockies” as they are fondly known, dates back to 1874 and are renowned for producing the softest, finest and most luxurious knitwear in the world. The William Lockie Knitwear Store stocks a wonderful selection of the knitwear including cashmere, lambswool, merino, camelhair and super geelong sweaters and accessories.

Commercial Road Hawick TD9 7AQ

T: 01450 373231

www.lovatmill.com

Opening hours (retail outlet):

Monday to Friday 8.30am till 5pm

Proud to be ‘The Home of Tweed’, Lovat Mill continues to tell the story of Tweed in its birthplace and produces the largest selection of stocked Tweeds in Scotland. Woven here in the mill, these are available by the metre, suitable for country pursuits and home furnishings.

Lovat Mill is also famous for its woven throws and blankets as well as offering a wide selection of accessories, including Tweed caps and hand-crafted bags, all available from the mill shop.

2 7 y e a r s o n a n d t h e s h o p i s w e l l - k n o w n a n d v e r y w e l l

s u p p o r t e d b y b o t h l o c a l a n d v i s i t i n g c u s t o m e r s , r e t u r n i n g a g a i n a n d a g a i n t o s e e a n

b e a u t i f u l t r e a s u r e s t h a t f i l l t h e s h o p T h e s e c u s t o m e r s h a v e

a l s o v o t e d t h e s h o p t h e b e s t r e t a i l b u s i n e s s i n M e l r o s e !

D e p e n d i n g o n w h i c h d a y o f t h e w e e k y o u v i s i t , y o u w i l l f i n d o n e o f t h e 1 3 c o - o p e r a t i v e m e m b e r s t a k i n g t h e i r t u r n i n

b e i n g i n t h e s h o p

Open 10am - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4pm Sunday (Closed Monday)

Ready to taste the best sourdough bread in Kelso?

Visit our bakery and witness the passion and dedication that goes into every loaf we bake. Ourfriendlyteamwillbehappytoassistyouandproviderecommendationsbasedonyourpreferences. Come and discover why we are the go-to bakery for bread lovers in the Scottish Borders.

Artisan Bread

We craft each

Award-Winning

Our sourdough breads have won multiple awards for their exceptional taste and texture. Taste the difference for yourself.

Local Ingredients

We source our ingredients from local farmers and Scottish suppliers to support our community and ensure the freshest flavours in our products.

RIDE ALONG ON THE CREST OF A WAVE AT

Beach Club

Winner of Best Café and Deli 2018 at Edinburgh Restaurant Awards and VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards, Regional Finalist Award 2018/19 with Letters of Thanks from The Scottish Parliament and Lord Provost of The City of Edinburgh for Regenerating Silverknowes Promenade.

Escape the city and retreat to Boardwalk Beach Club, just three miles from the city centre. Enjoy delicious Illy coffee, luscious cakes and tasty food in a relaxed atmosphere. Surrounded by incredible scenery overlooking the stunning beach, with rolling countryside in the distance, there’s no better place to enjoy Edinburgh than on Scotland’s Bondi Beach. Live the dream.

Visit us at 50 Marine Drive, Silverknowes Beach, Edinburgh, EH4 5ES Scotland’s Bondi Beach, 3 miles NW of Edinburgh City Centre via 29 Lothian Bus to Silverknowes Promenade, 1 minute walk from café. Over 50,000 Facebook Page Followers.

gardens

verything from the great gardens of stately homes to smaller town and country gardens and a splendid botanic garden.

Kailzie, Peebles, Scottish Borders EH45 9HT

Floors Castle Gardens

Garden

Highlights

• Monteviot house gardens

Consisting of a number of distinct gardens, each leading to the next designed to display interesting and special plants, great colour, and innovative designs and ideas. They are open to the public every day from 1st April to 31st October from 1200 to 1700 (last entry 1600). www.monteviot.com

• Floors Castle

Combining one of the finest Victorian kitchen gardens in the spectacular Walled Garden with the formal Millennium Garden, Floors gardens are a showpiece of seasonal interest. www.floorscastle.com

• Kailzie Gardens

Nationally acclaimed gardens with woodland walks, gardener’s putting green, petanque and great food in the flower filled Courtyard Café featuring garden produce. www.kailziegardens.com

• Bird Gardens Scotland CIC

Enjoy connecting with friendly, rare birds living in a variety of gardens, orchards and waterways. Join us celebrating new developments welcoming new plants and birds. www.birdgardensscotland.com

• Paxton House Gardens

With sweeping lawns, herbaceous borders and 80 acres of parkland running down to the river Tweed, this beautiful Adam house is well worth a visit and after a delightful walk you can eat delicious cake in our Stables Tearoom. www.paxtonhouse.co.uk

The Scottish Borders has much to offer, from the great gardens of stately homes to smaller town and country gardens and a splendid botanic garden.

On the banks of the Teviot and the Tweed are two historic houses, each with beautiful and very different gardens. Monteviot Gardens has eleven quite different gardens, imaginatively landscaped with water features. The grander, more formal gardens of Floors Castle, on the banks of the Tweed include a large walled garden with superb herbaceous borders, peach houses, a parterre garden and a new perennial garden.

Nestled in the hills of the picturesque Scottish Borders, the 65-acre Dawyck Botanic Garden is home to one of Scotland’s finest tree collections and to an abundance of plant treasures from Nepal, Chile, China and more.

Kailzie Gardens

Dawyck Botanic Garden

Dawyck enjoys an almost continental climate comprising of warm dry summers followed by cold, snowy winters, allowing plants from mountainous regions of the world to thrive here.

The Garden is home to one of Scotland’s finest tree collections and includes a silver fir (Abies alba) which was planted in 1680. Some fine Douglas firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii), named after the plant explorer David Douglas, were grown from seed collected by Douglas himself in North America.

On the Azalea Terrace, visitors can enjoy a spectacular display from the Garden’s collection of hardy azaleas. They provide glorious colour and heady scent from late spring to early summer.

Other highlights at the Garden include beds of Himalayan poppy (Meconopsis X sheldonii). The strikingly coloured blue petals form pools of sky-blue beside the stream and beneath the trees.

Follow the Scottish Rare Plant Trail around the Garden to see many of Scotland’s most endangered and exceptional plant species. Look out for the woolly willow (Salix lanata), a plant threatened in its native habitat by overgrazing, which RBGE has successfully reintroduced to the wild.

Dawyck Botanic Garden

Kailzie Gardens

Deep in the Garden lies the Heron Wood Reserve - an area of wild beauty established as the world’s first cryptogamic sanctuary in 1993 for the study of fungi, mosses, liverworts and ferns. RBGE is a world leader in cryptogam research and the area provides a haven for the conservation and study of these fascinating natural treasures.

Dawyck Botanic Garden became a Regional Garden of RBGE in 1979. Tickets to the Garden currently cost £10 (including a small voluntary donation to the Garden) and it is open daily from March – November. www.rbge.org.uk/ visit/Dawyck-botanic-garden

For more modest gardens try the Harmony and Priorwood gardens in the heart of Melrose, or the Teviot Water Garden.

Many delightful private gardens are open, in aid of charity, on certain days throughout the year. Well worth visiting, you can check out their opening dates through Scotland’s Gardens at: www.scotlandsgardens.org

Paxton House Gardens

Monteviot House Garden

Kailzie Gardens

The World’s Trees in the Scottish Borders

Walk among some of Britain’s oldest and tallest trees including the ‘Dawyck Beech’, Douglas firs, Scots pines and giant redwoods. Enjoy seasonal displays of snowdrops, bluebells, Himalayan blue poppies, rhododendrons and azaleas.

Surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque valleys, Dawyck enjoys a continental climate in which an abundance of plant species thrive. Visit in any season and discover treasures from Nepal, China and Chile and more.

The 65-acre Garden offers woodland and burnside walks and themed trails for all the family. Discover the world’s first reserve for mosses, liverworts, lichens and fungi. Visit Dawyck’s hydro-electric scheme at the burn which enables the Garden to be carbon neutral.

Four Gardens – One Botanic World

We are a leading botanic garden and a global centre for biodiversity science, horticulture, and education. All life depends on plants and fungi, but biodiversity loss and climate change are putting thousands of plant species at risk of extinction.

How to Find Us

Dawyck Botanic Garden is 28 miles south of Edinburgh on the B712, eight miles south-west of Peebles in the Scottish Borders.

Opening Times

Open daily from 1 February to 30 November.

Hours: March to October 10 am – 5 pm February and November 10 am – 4 pm

Admission

Adult £10, concession £8.70, under 16s go free.

Prices include a small voluntary donation to the Garden.

For standard prices please see our website rbge.org.uk

Discounts available for groups of 11 or more, providing payment is by a single transaction. Call 01721 760254 to pre-book.

Stobo, Scottish Borders

EH45 9JU

Tel: 01721 760254

Email: dawyck@rbge.org.uk

Web: rbge.org.uk/dawyck

Across our four Gardens, we conserve one of the world’s richest botanical collections. Through cuttingedge science, conservation efforts, and educational programmes, we are working to create a positive future for plants, people, and the planet.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

A World of Plants in the Heart of the City 20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR Tel: 0131 248 2909 | rbge.org.uk

Open daily from 10 am (except 1 January and 25 December) Free admission

Benmore Botanic Garden

Argyll’s Magnificent Mountainside Garden Dunoon, Argyll PA23 8QU Tel: 01369 706261 | rbge.org.uk/benmore

Open daily from 10 am 1 March – 31 October

Admission charge applies

Logan Botanic Garden

An Exotic Paradise for Plant Lovers Port Logan, Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway DG9 9ND Tel: 01776 860231 | rbge.org.uk/logan

Open daily from 10 am 1 March – 15 November (+ weekends in February)

Admission charge applies

Become a Member

Become a Member and lend your support to our vital role in plant research and conservation. You will be kept informed by our regular Botanics magazine, gain free entry to each of our four Gardens, and enjoy exclusive events and priority bookings. Join online at rbge.org.uk/membership or call 0131 248 2929

Dawyck Botanic Garden

Benmore Botanic Garden

Logan Botanic Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Dawyck Botanic Garden

Broughton Biggar Stobo

Eddleston

Blyth Bridge Romanno Bridge

Peebles

0 5m

Visitor’s Information

Opening Times:

Garden: 1st Apr – 31st Oct, 12pm – 5pm. Last entry at 4pm. House: 1st – 29th July (closed Mondays), 12pm – 5pm. Last entry 4pm. Coach parties by arrangement only.

Prices: Adult: £6.00 Under-16: Free

Facilities & Access: Drinks available on site with full café facilities nearby at Harestanes Visitor Centre. Free parking and toilets with dedicated disabled parking and toilets. Wheelchair access to the ground floor only.

Please note, no dogs are allowed except for special needs dogs.

THE HOUSE

RHS Members: Free entry on Fridays

The Kerr family acquired the lands in the 16th century; the Kerrs themselves are an old Borders family, recorded in the Lowlands from the 12th century. Monteviot itself is an ancient site, and Dere Street, the Roman road from York to Newstead at Melrose (Trimontium), runs through the park.

The present house of Monteviot began as an early-18th century lodge built by the 1st Marquis of Lothian. In the 19th century Monteviot was greatly admired and was developed into the principal seat of the Marquises of Lothian.

In 1961 the interior was re-planned to the design of Schomberg Scott.

THE GARDENS

The Gardens, extending to some thirty acres, surround the House itself, spilling down over the lawn and through beautiful woodland walks, onto the River Teviot below.

The overall Garden is comprised of a series of differing gardens including: a Boxwood Parterre style Herb Garden, a formal Rose Garden, Herbaceous Perennial River Garden, a Laburnum Tunnel, an Oriental Style Water Garden with bridges & islands and Woodland walks to the Arboretum.

Directions: Monteviot is on the B6400, approx. 1 mile from the A68. Sat Nav Postcode: TD8 6UH

family fun AND adventures

Enjoyable days out for the whole family, fun for the kids, activities for the adventurous, and amazing experiences for everyone.

biking in the borders

• Ride Innerleithen

Dealers for Pivot Cycles, Whyte Bikes, Yeti Cycles, Merida Bikes & Frog Bikes offering servicing and repair, Demo/ Hire, MTB accessories, parts, protection and clothing. Visit our website www.rideinnerleithen.co.uk

• Bspoke cycles, Peebles

Set in some of Scotland’s best biking, Bspoke Cycles Peebles offers hire bikes, spares and repairs and plenty of advice & information for you to get the best out of your biking visit. www.bspokepeebles.co.uk

• ebike hire scotland

Do you love great views and being outdoors but hate pedalling up big hills? Well, we have the answer for you! Ebikes! Visit us at www.ebikehirescotland.com

• Tweed valley bikes

Our expert local guides live and breathe mountain biking in the Tweed Valley. Their intimate knowledge of the trail network and current conditions means they can build the perfect day riding for you. www.tweedvalleybikes.co.uk

• Innerleithen bike shop

Make the most of your ride! With over 514 Trails across Innerleithen and the Tweed Valley, Choosing where and what to ride has never been harder. Let us make it easy for you.

www.innerleithenbikeshop.co.uk

You can enjoy an adventure, whatever your age, and with so many activities and experiences to enjoy in the Borders, you are simply spoilt for choice.

There are endless possibilities for adrenaline packed action, or how about a taste of country sports? Bisley at Braidwood offers clay, air rifle and even virtual reality shooting disciplines. Suitable for everyone, from the complete novice to the seasoned professional in both game and clay.

Situated in the Tweed Valley in the Scottish Borders, Glentress has a massive reputation for providing some of the best mountain biking in the UK. 7stanes offers mountain biking trails with a wide range of gentle to exhilarating rides and also a visitors centre, Wild Watch Room, Cafe and Bike Hire on site.

Cycling in Glentress Forest

For the adventure seeker Go Ape in Peebles is a given. Featuring a 325-metre-long zip wire across a valley that’s a whopping 160ft high! You’ll traverse the huge Douglas fir trees and zip over the mountain bike trails and open water.

The Borders are also known for superb golf courses. Amongst them are the championship layouts at Roxburghe and Cardrona. Other challenging courses include Peebles, Hawick, and clifftop Eyemouth with its 6th ‘A Still No Ken’ Hole, voted ‘Britain’s No 1 Most Extraordinary Golf Hole’! All courses welcome visitors with many offering online booking. Some will require a handicap certificate. Others are more family-friendly, where beginners are welcome and you can just turn up, pay and play.

Come rain or shine you’ll be sure to find something that the whole family can enjoy.

Traquair House offers one of the largest hedged mazes in Scotland, covering over half an acre. They also offer scavenger hunts and activity sheets for children. If you are visiting the house, there is a children’s guidebook in which you are taken on your own tour of Traquair with puzzles and games. There’s also plenty of wildlife; from peacocks, duck, swans and rare breed poultry to pygmy goats and kune kune pigs.

Discover the stunning views and rolling hills of Cheviot and Eildon Hills with alpacas. Beirhope Alpacas offer a variety of Treks with their alpaca family. With a pocket full of treats, you’re sure to have a new best buddy for the day.

St Abbs Head Nature Reserve is home to 50,000 seabirds including guillemots, razorbills, puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars and rare butterflies.

DID you know?

Experience Scotland’s story at The Great Tapestry of Scotland crafted by the people of Scotland! Explore 143 meters of stunning hand-stitched embroidery and enjoy a family-friendly app with a kids’ tour for added fun!

Border

Segways

Bisley at Braidwood

Alnwick Castle

Peebles only. Treetop Change only. Subject

(Dealers for Pivot Cycles, Whyte Bikes, Yeti Cycles, Merida Bikes and Frog Bikes)

5 Floors of Interactive Fun!

Enjoy wonderful unique displays, breathtaking views, clever illusions and hands-on exhibits; where 21st-century tech meets classic optical tricks. Beside Edinburgh Castle. It’s a great day out for everyone! camera-obscura.co.uk

Highland Games, festi vALS & SHOWS

Saturday 16th August • 10:00 to 17:00

Stirling Sports Village, Borrowmeadow Farm Road, Stirling, FK7 7UJ

• International Gathering • Highland Games Competitions

• Traders Village with over 50 Scottish Traders • Creative Arts performances

• The Stirling Stones challenge

Games, festi vALS &

High Life Highland

High Life Highland develops and promotes opportunities in culture, learning, sport, leisure, health and wellbeing throughout the whole of the Highlands, for both residents and visitors. highlifehighland.com

l 1 Attadale Gardens

20 acres of outstanding gardens with Monet bridges over water, old rhododendrons, unusual trees, fern collection, conservatory, kitchen garden and sculpture with views of Skye. Tel: 01520 722603. www.attadalegardens.com IV54 8YX

l 2 Lochcarron Weavers Shop

Traditional Scottish Clothing, knitwear, accessories, tartans, tweeds and made to measure highland wear. SUMMER: March to October 9am – 5pm WINTER: November to end February 10am – 4pm. CLOSED SUNDAYS. Tel: 01520 722212. IV54 8YS joy@lochcarron.com

l 3 Smoo Cave, Durness

l 4 Strathnaver Museum, Bettyhill

l 5 The Caithness Collection

The Caithness Collection is made up of three beautiful hotels in Caithness – The Norseman in Wick, The Pentland in Thurso and The Castletown Hotel in Castletown. All positioned on the North Coast 500. Tel. 01955 603344 / 01847 893202 / 01847 821656.

l 6 Skara Brae

l 9 Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

Wonderful displays of paintings, tapestries, furniture, silver and ceremonial robes. Magnificent formal gardens. Pictish Stones, Gift Shop, Tea Room, Falconry displays (ring for details). Tel: 01408 633177. Email: info@dunrobincastle.co.uk www.dunrobincastle.co.uk

l 10 Rogie Falls (FLS)

Rogie Falls is a beautiful spot off the main road to Ullapool to stop for a walk and a picnic. There are lots of waymarked walks with seating at viewpoints overlooking the falls, and a bridge crossing the gorge near the falls. www.forestryandland.gov.scot

l 11 Cruise Loch Ness

Explore the world famous Loch Ness. Daily departures from Fort Augustus with a variety of tours from 50 minute scenic cruises to 3 hour RIB experiences, we have something for every age and budget. Sat Nav: PH32 4BD Tel: 01320 366277. www.cruiselochness.com

l 12 Urquhart Castle (HS)

l 14 Coyote Burger

Premium burger bar serving up burgers, fries, shakes, local beer, cocktails and more! 27 Bank Street, Inverness. IV1 1QU - reserve a table @coyoteburger.co.uk

l 15 Dolphin Spirit - Boat Trips Inverness

Experience the wildlife of the beautiful Moray Firth from Inverness, aboard Mischief or The Spirit, the choice is yours! IV1 1FF Tel: 07544 800 620. www.dolphinspirit.co.uk

l 16 Highland Aviation

Unmissable award winning Air Tours and Pilot Training at Inverness Airport, Highland Aviation offers only the very best flight training and experiences. T: 01667 460361.info@ highlandaviation.com highlandaviation.com

13

The Loch Ness Centre

Walk through 500 million years of history. Delve deeper into ancient Scottish myths, legends and scientific research. Uncover the mysteries of the loch and become part of the story in this unique tour. Drumnadrochit IV63 6AN | lochness.com

l

l 18 Culbin (FLS)

Climb Hill 99, Culbin’s highest sand dune at 99 feet. Here, a state-of-the-art viewpoint will take you high into the treetop canopy. This trail has been designed as accessible for walkers of all ages and for wheelchairs. www.forestryandland.gov.scot/culbin

17 Fort George (HS)

Gairloch Beach

MONADHLIATH MOUNTAINS

cairngorms aberdeen & Tayside

l 19 Scottish Crannog Centre

Experience the Iron Age hands on & get a feel of what life was like 2500 years ago. Join the 21st century crannog community today!

l 20 Karelia House

Karelia House stocks a wide range of fabric, yarns, patterns, Brother sewing machines and accessories and a lovely coffee shop - this is simply a crafter’s paradise. T: 01887 822027. info@kareliahouse.co.uk www. kareliahouse.co.uk PH15 2LS

l 21 Visit Aberfeldy

Visit Aberfeldy and Loch Tay… an area rich in history, outdoor activities, family fun and incredible beauty set in Highland Perthshire, the heart of Scotland. www.visitaberfeldy.co.uk admin@visitaberfeldy.co.uk

l 22 Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery

The award winning visitor attraction. Share our pursuit of whisky perfection. Tour the distillery and explore our interactive exhibition, before tasting whisky and unwinding in our welcoming Whisky Lounge and cafe. Open all year. Tel: 01887 822010. PH15 2EB www.DewarsAberfeldyDistillery.com

l 23 Queen’s View (FLS)

Queen’s View lies at the heart of Highland Perthshire and is one of the area’s most iconic visitor attractions with stunning views along Loch Tummel. Toilet facilities and forest walks can be found at nearby Allean forest, around ½ mile away. www.forestryandland.gov.scot/tayfp

l 24 The House of Bruar

On the A9 ten miles north of Pitlochry, it comprises Men’s and Ladie’s Country Clothing Halls, Cashmere Hall, Gifts and Homewares, Fishing Tackle Shop, Whisky Shop, Food Hall, Restaurant and Gallery. Fish and Chip Shop open late. Excellent reviews. Tel: 01796 483236. Open 7 days. PH18 5TW

l 25 Cairngorms Trust

Inspiring communities and visitors to encourage and donate to sustainable and community led projects for our landscapes, wildlife, local culture and economic health throughout the Cairngorms National Park. www.cairngormstrust.org.uk

l 26 Glenmore Forest Park (FLS)

Situated in the Cairngorms National Park, the impressive pinewoods and the spectacular Loch Morlich make this a must visit destination. The visitor centre and cafe are a great place to relax and take in the stunning surroundings. www.forestryandland.gov.scot/glenmorefp

l 27 Speyside Centre

Family run Attraction and Visitor Information Centre with Restaurant famous for its Clootie Dumplings, Gift & Whisky Shops, Garden Centre specialising in heather, Red Squirrel/Bird watching area, Play Area & Function Lounge. T: 01479 851359. PH26 3PA speysidecentre.com

l 28 Caorunn Distillery

Set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, Balmenach Distillery is home to Caorunn Gin. Visit & book a tour to see our unique process in action. General and Tours contact@caorunngin.com + 44 (0)1479 874933.

l 29 Logie Steading

Contemporary Art, New and Secondhand Books, Jewellery, Gifts, Timeless Fashion, Farm & Garden Shop, Countryman, Timber Supplies, Heritage Centre, acclaimed Café. Logie House Gardens, Playpark and River walks. Tel 01309 611378. www.logie.co.uk

l 30 Brodie Countryfare

A wonderful day out for all the family. Enjoy top Womenswear, Menswear, Gifts & Interiors, Scottish Gifts, Toys, Foodhall & Deli and impressive Family Restaurant. Open Mon - Sun 9.00am - 5.30pm (5pm winter). IV36 2TD Tel: 01309 641555. www.brodiecountryfare.com

31 l 32 The Glen Moray Distillery

A warm welcome awaits at this friendly and informal Visitor Centre in Elgin. Distillery tours, whisky tastings and coffee shop, reservations recommended. Book Online Now www.glenmoray.com

l 33 WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre

See the East Coast Bottlenose dolphins wild and free! The Centre is based in a 200 year old salmon fishing station where the river Spey meets the North Sea. Onsite is a café, gift shop & interactive exhibition area. Take a tour of the historic Tugnet Icehouse. Call 01343 820339. IV32 7PJ dolphincentre.whales.org

l 34 Speyburn Distillery

Take a tour behind-the-scenes of our distillery, experience our meticulous process, and immerse yourself in our rich history. Visit Speyburn.com to book your experience.

l 35 Balmoral Estate

Highland home of the Royal Family. Gardens, exhibitions, and Castle Ballroom display. Audio tour in six languages. Gift Shop and Restaurant. Tel: 01339 742534. www.balmoralcastle.com

l 36 Newton Farm Holidays & Tours

Award winning tours & experiences on our working farm in Angus, North of Dundee. Learn about farm life interacting with highland cows, alpacas, goats, lambs & more. T 01307 820229. DD8 2JU www.newtonfarmholidays.co.uk stay@newtonfarmholidays.co.uk

l 37 Rama Thai

Elegant Thai restaurant with ornate wood screening, carved seats and floorto-ceiling windows. We’re a family friendly restaurant in central Dundee, offering traditional Thai food. Tel. 01382 223366. 32-34 Dock St, Dundee. DD1 3DR

l 38 Cairn O’Mohr Winery

Free tastings of our delicious award-winning fruit wines and cider, fermented from local fruits, leaves and flowers. Seasonal tours and cafe. Open daily. Tel: 01821 642 781. PH2 7SP www.cairnomohr.com

Elgin Cathedral (HS)

Argyll, Skye and Lochaber

l 39 Benmore Botanic Garden

Magnificent mountainside 120 acre Garden with dramatic scenery. Rich in history, it is home to a world-famous plant collection and unique Victorian fernery. Café, shop, plant sales. Free parking. Open daily 1 Mar - 31 Oct. Tel: 01369 706261. rbge.org.uk/benmore

l 40 Argyll Forest Park (FLS)

This magnificent stretch of mountains, lochs and glens was the first designated Forest Park in the UK. Enjoy the numerous waymarked trails for a walk or leisurely cycle. www.forestryandland.gov.scot/argyllfp

l 41 Inveraray Jail & Escape Room

Listen to original Courtroom trials. Meet the warder, matron & prisoners. Visit the cells, lie in the hammocks, sample the punishments! Escape Room integrates real stories from Debtor’s Prison, an experience that combines education & entertainment. Book online. www.inverarayjail.co.uk

l 42 Sonas Hotel Collection

Four award winning, family run West Coast hotels in Skye and Oban. Each unique in character but all with log fires, cosy lounges and garden terraces. Enjoy a local dram, delicious menus featuring local produce and great Highland hospitality. Non-residents welcome. www.sonsascollection.com

TEL + 44 (0) 1470 373737.

l 43 Resipole Studios Fine Art Gallery

Featuring a unique selection of artwork in a stunning setting on the shores of Loch Sunart. www.resipolestudios.co.uk T: 01967 431506.

l 44 Forests of Lochaber (FLS)

Explore some of Highland Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. Visit the Great Glen for world class biking & walking trails. www.forestryandland.gov.scot

l 45 Glencoe Mountain Resort

Mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, sledging, summer tubing, disc golf, chairlift rides, walking, climbing, stunning scenery, amazing wildlife, microlodge accommodation & great home cooked food. T: 01855 851226. www.glencoemountain.co.uk

l 46

Ben Nevis Distillery Visitor Centre & Café

Ben Nevis Distillery has the highest water source in Scotland and was established in 1825. Come and experience our distillery tour and enjoy some fine whisky. Lochy Bridge, Fort William. PH33 6TJ tours@bennevisdistillery.com Tel: 01397 700200.

l 47 The Jacobite Steam Train

From Fort William to Mallaig (return).

Described as the greatest railway journey in the world. Runs: 7 days a week April - October. Departing 10.15 and 12.45. Book online www.westcoastrailways.co.uk

l 48 Treasures Of The Earth

PH33 7JL One family’s amazing collection of beautiful crystals, rare gemstones and a ncient fossils collected from around the world. A real eye-opener! Tel: 01397 772283. www.TreasuresOfTheEarth.co.uk

l 49 Ragamuffin: On the pier @Armadale

Wonderful knitwear • beautiful clothes • gorgeous gifts. Open 7 days 10-5 (closed Sundays January & February). Tel: 01471 844217.

l 50 Duncan House Fine Jewellery Gallery and Workshop

Outstanding jewellery and knives by Garth Duncan artist and master goldsmith. Original designs handmade by Garth and son here in his shop on the beautiful Isle of Skye. Tel: 01471 866 366. www.duncan-house.com

l 51 Hotel Eilean Iarmain

Set in a stunning location on Skye, Eilean larmain offers great local food, atmospheric pub & outdoor dining, traditional music, Gaelic Whiskies & Gins with tastings in our onsite shop. www.eileaniarmain.co.uk

T: 01471 833332. IV43 8QR

l 52 Isle of Skye Ferry

A great day out! Take the original ferry crossing to the Isle of Skye for your chance to see eagles, otters, seals and dolphins. No need to book. Open April to mid October

l 53 Kylerhea, Isle of Skye

(FLS)

The Kylerhea otter hide is in a spectacular location with fantastic views across to Glenelg and the Kintail mountains. Observe wild otters and other animals in their natural environment. www.forestryandland.gov.scot

l 54 Sandbank Studio

Quality paintings of Skye and the North West. Duncan works in mixed media and water colour. Wide range of Cards & Prints available. www.duncancurrie.net

Tel: 01471 822 064. IV49 9AE

l 55 Stardust Boat Trips

Spectacular scenery & wildlife, witness the White Tailed Sea Eagle in flight, Dolphins, Seals, Whales & many other sea birds. Locally owned and run for over 20 years. Tours from PORTREE harbour (IV51 9DD) from £20. Booking advisable. skyeboat-trips.co.uk

T: 077 98 74 38 58 / 077 95 38 55 81.

l 56 Skye Batiks

The world famous, multi-award winning craft shop with a difference. Do not miss the Skye Batiks experience. IV51 9BY Tel: 01478 613331. www.skyebatiks.com www.gugahandlooms.com

South east Scotland

l 57 Dawyck Botanic Garden

The world’s trees in the Scottish Borders, Dawyck offers woodland and burnside walks and is renowned for its displays of Meconopsis (pictured) in early summer. Visitor centre, exhibitions, café, shop. Free parking. Open daily 1 Feb to 30 Nov.

Tel: 01721 760254. rbge.org.uk/dawyck

l 58 7stanes Mountain Bike Centres (FLS)

World-class mountain biking centres that span the south of Scotland. Award-winning trails, including the internationally renowned Glentress, offer some of the best mountain biking in the country suitable for beginners, families and experts. www.forestryandland.gov.scot/7stanes

l 59 Tweed Valley Forest Park (FLS)

l 60 Linlithgow Palace (HS)

l 61 Edinburgh Castle (HS)

l 62 Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

l 63 Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

A world of plants in the heart of the city, over 350 years old, 72 acres and nearly 60,000 plants to discover. Visitor centre, cafes, shop, events & exhibitions. Free Garden entry. Open daily at 10am (excl 1 Jan & 25 Dec). T: 0131 248 2909. rbge.org.uk

l 64 Tantallon Castle (HS)

l 65 St Andrews Castle (HS)

l 66 Tentsmuir (FLS)

Whether on bicycle or foot, there are many different routes for you to explore at Tentsmuir. Follow the seashell path along the dunes for sea, sand and seals, or explore deeper into the forest where roe deer and red squirrels live. www.forestryandland.gov.scot

l 67 Caerlaverock (HS)

l 68 Creetown Gem Rock Museum

A beautiful and inspiring collection of gemstones, crystals, minerals and fossils. This extensive collection has many world class exhibits. Quality gift shop, silversmith/lapidary workshop and tea room serving home baking. Tel: 01671 820357. DG8 7HJ www.gemrock.net

l 69 Logan Botanic Garden

An exotic paradise for plant lovers, and warmed by the Gulf Stream, Logan is home to a remarkable collection of southern hemisphere plants. Conservatory, visitor centre, café, shop, plant sales. Free parking. Open daily 1 Mar to 15 Nov. Tel: 01776 860231. rbge.org.uk/logan

l 70 Galloway Forest Park (FLS)

UK’s first ‘Dark Sky Park’. Visitor centres at Glentrool and Kirroughtree with stunning views, waymarked trails & fantastic cafes offering local produce. www.forestryandland.gov.scot/gallowayfp

l 71 Heads of Ayr Farm Park

Fun and adventure for all the family. Zoom around the Park on our new train ride, meet lots of animals, combine harvester play zone, explore Frontier Fort, Buccaneer Bay, the Farmers Yard and our giant indoor soft play. KA7 4LD www.headsofayrtickets.co.uk

l 72 Woods of Arran (FLS)

Giants’ graves, waterfalls, red squirrels and much more await you in the woods of Arran. Waymarked walks provide the perfect background to enjoy the scenery, wildlife and history of ‘Scotland in miniature’. www.forestryandland.gov.scot

l 73 Dumbarton Castle (HS)

l 74 Antartex Shopping Village

High street fashions, Outdoor Clothing, Cashmere and knitwear, homewares, food & gifts, Bon Marche, whisky shop with free tastings! Restaurant serving full meals or snacks - Free Parking, Open every day. Tel: 01389 721045. G83 0TP

l 75 Loch Lomond Tours

Boat tours operate daily from Luss & Balloch. Scheduled tours depart at regular times & private tours are available. Advance booking is recommended. Please visit our website for tour information & pricing, or to book online. T: 0345 257 4545. www.lochlomond-tours.com

l 76 Loch Lomond Leisure

Boat Tours, Boat Hire, Paddlesports, & Watersports. Open 7 days at Luss, Balloch & Rowardennan. Self-drive motorboats, Row & Pedal boats, Canoe, Kayak, SUP, Bike Hire, E-bike & more. T: 0333 577 0715. www.lochlomond-scotland.com

l 77 Sweeney’s Cruise Co, Loch Lomond

Loch Cruises from Balloch Village & Loch Lomond Shores visitors centre. Open All year offering a variety of cruises, speedboat tours, private charter & waterbus services linking Balloch, Luss and Balmaha. Tel: 01389 752376. G83 8SW www.sweeneyscruiseco.com

l 78 The Scottish Wool Centre

Quality clothing, Cashmere, Scottish food gifts & Souvenirs. Large Whisky shop offering free tasting. Restaurant serving full meals and snacks. Tel: 01877 382 850. FK8 3UQ

l 79 Doune Castle (HS)

l 80 Stirling Castle (HS)

l 81 Queen Elizabeth Forest Park (FLS)

Find inspiration and exhilaration amongst bristling wooded hills and sparkling lochs. The best place to start your forest adventure is from the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre in Aberfoyle with stunning panoramic views from the cafe.

www.forestryandland.gov.scot/qefp

l 82 The Clydeside Distillery

A Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery, visitor experience and specialist whisky shop in the heart of Glasgow. Open daily. Tel: 0141 212 1401. Book your tour online at www.theclydeside.com/tours info@theclydeside.com

l 83 Glasgow Cathedral (HS)

Goatfell, Arran

Please

Step back in time and discover Aberdeenshire’s Archaeology with these exciting heritage trails, available at visitor information points or online.

www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/stonecircles www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/pictishstones www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/historicchurches

Date: 2nd October

Ben Ne vis Distille ry (For t William) Limited L ochy Bridge, Fo rt William PH33 6TJ, Scotland

V I S I I T O R C E N T R E & C O F F E E S H O P

G U I D E D T O U R RS & TASTINGS

Tour enquiries & bookings:

tours@bennevisdistiller y.co m

Te l ephone 01 397 70020 0

O P E N I N G T I M E S

All ye ar Mo n — Fr i: 9:30am — 5p m

June — July — A ugus t Sat: 10am — 6p m Sun: 12pm — 6p m

closed

RiverLochy

Mallaig

Nevis

THE HOME OF COUNTRY CLOTHING

Scotland’s Most Prestigious Independent Store

No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to The House of Bruar, situated in majestic Highland Perthshire just off the A9 ten miles north of Pitlochry. Established in 1995, we are proud to be celebrating 30 years experience as purveyors of luxury country clothing, gifts and food in Great Britain.

UNIQUE LADIESWEAR

Our ladieswear halls showcase a covetable range of ladieswear courtesy of our own design team, as well as a select range of leading brands, including Holland Cooper, Crew Clothing, Joules, Marble and Barbour, along with accessories from Dubarry, Ariat, Brics and Gianni Conti. With so much to choose from there is always our fireside sofas where patient partners can relax with the papers while you shop! Stunning natural fibre knitwear is showcased in our Pure Cashmere and Knitwear Hall.

MENSWEAR & COUNTRY PURSUITS

Men are well catered for, with our exclusive British tweeds sitting alongside top brands including Levi’s, Barbour and Schoffel. Extensive ranges in shirts and shoes can found alongside impressive designs in leather, pure cashmere tailoring and luxurious knitwear. Our dedicated Technical Department brings you the best sporting equipment including Harkila, Croots and Deerhunter, whilst our Fishing Department is a haven for anglers, providing equipment, accessories and even expert advice.

LIVING THE BRUAR LIFE

Our glorious Gift Hall is a treasury of unique items for the home, children, garden and kitchen - even the family dog! Find an inspired memento of your visit to Perthshire, with gifts made in Scotland and featuring elements of wool, leather or hand-woven Harris Tweed. To secure a legacy piece, our Rural Art Gallery offers art and sculpture celebrating Scotland’s natural beauty.

‘SCOTLAND’S BEST FOOD HALL’

Our celebrated Food Hall was declared Scotland’s best by The Guild of Fine Foods. The Smithfield Award winning butchery offers locally-sourced meats, homemade sausages and pies under the watchful eye of our Master Butcher. You’ll also discover Scotland’s finest smoked salmon, trout, shellfish and lobster, and fully-laden counters with artisan cheeses and moreish mezze items.

REFRESHMENTS TO DINE FOR

Our ‘Taste Our Best’ informal restaurant offers delicious locally-sourced snacks and meals under our all-weather Victorian-inspired glass canopy. Another favourite is our Lobster, Fish & Chip Shop, with a decadent menu including whole lobster alongside freshly caught Scottish cod and haddock. Ice cream lovers can indulge with a visit to our new Scottish Ice Cream Parlour.

THE SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND

Our Whisky Shop is a destination in its own right with the finest malts from across Scotland, including rare Macallans and Dalmores. In the Food Hall, discover local and Scottish gins, hand-selected wines including our very own Champagne, and a vast range of other libations.

SHOP FROM A FAR

Call us or visit our website to discover more stunning styles from Autumn/Winter 24 or our upcoming Spring/Summer 25 collections. Our website offers everything you need to live the Bruar Life.

5 Floors of Interactive Fun!

Welcome to the Borders Best Places to Visit 2025-26

GLORIOUS GETAWAYS START HERE

Contents

THE BORDERS

Historic attractions

Museums, Galleries and Theatres

Inspiring Tours

best local walks

Distilleries

Eat, Shop, Relax

Highland Games, Festivals and shows

DISCOVER the Borders

The Borders

THE BORDERS THINGS TO SEE AND DO

l 1 DON COYOTE

l 2 BIGGAR AND UPPER CLYDESDALE MUSEUM

l 3 DAWYCK BOTANIC GARDEN

l 4 EASTGATE THEATRE AND ARTS CENTRE

l 5 JOHN BUCHAN STORY

l 6 KAILZIE GARDENS

l 7 GO APE, PEEBLES

l 8 TWEED VALLEY FOREST PARK (FLS)

l 9 FINDRA, SHOP AND CAFE

l 10 RIDE INNERLEITHEN

l 11 TRAQUAIR

l 12 THE WEDALE BOOKSHOP

l 13 THIRLESTANE CASTLE

l 14 THE GREAT TAPESTRY OF SCOTLAND

l 15 MELROSE ABBEY (HS)

l 16 ABBOTSFORD

l 17 TRIMONTIUM MUSEUM

l 18 DRYBURGH ABBEY (HS)

l 19 BISLEY AT BRAIDWOOD

l 20 LOCHCARRON OF SCOTLAND WORKING MILL AND VISITOR CENTRE

l 21 THE BORDERS DISTILLERY

l 22 FAMOUSLY HAWICK

l 23 HERMITAGE CASTLE (HS)

l 24 BAIRNKINE FARM TOURS

l 25 JEDBURGH WOOLLEN MILL

l 26 HARESTANES GLASS STUDIO

l 27 MONTEVIOT HOUSE GARDEN

l 28 KINSMAN BLAKE GALLERY AND WORKING STUDIOS

l 29 VISIT KELSO

l 30 FLOORS CASTLE

l 31 BERWICK BOAT TRIPS

l 32 AD GEFRIN ANGLO-SAXON MUSEUM & WHISKY DISTILLERY

l 33 ALNWICK CASTLE

l 34 BAILIFFGATE MUSEUM & GALLERY

l 35 ROSSLYN CHAPEL

l 36 NATIONAL MINING MUSEUM SCOTLAND

l 37 GLENKINCHIE DISTILLERY

l 38 CAMERA OBSCURA & WORLD OF ILLUSIONS

l 39 CALEDONIA PARK

Historic attractions

historic highlights

• Monteviot House

• Trimontium Museum

• Thirlestane Castle

• Floors Castle

Borders Abbeys

DID

Stately Homes

Castles Small and Large

Roman Frontier

TRAQUAIR HOUSE BREWERY

STAY AT TRAQUAIR

3. St Ronan’s Wells Visitor Centre, Innerleithen

4. Peebles Library, Museum and Gallery, Peebles

6. Borders Textile Towerhouse, Hawick

5. Hawick Museum, Hawick

11. Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, Duns

11. Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, Duns

12. The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels

12. The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels

13. Heart of Hawick, Hawick

13. Heart of Hawick, Hawick

13. Heart of Hawick, Hawick

14. Teviotdale Leisure Centre, Hawick

14. Teviotdale Leisure Centre, Hawick

15. Leisure Centres