About Scotland

Our tour of the Scottish borders begins with a visit to the mysterious 15^th century Rosslyn Chapel, the chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair and took 40yrs to build, the intricate carvings and magnificent barrel roof is what makes Rosslyn unique, other mysteries associated with Rosslyn are the Knights Templar, an ancient order going back to the days of the Crusades in the 12^th century and sealed burial vaults below the chapel said to contain the “Holy Grail” itself, whatever your beliefs Rosslyn Chapel is a must see during your time in Scotland. 

Leaving Roslin we head through the rolling countryside to the picturesque border town of Melrose and the ancient ruins of Melrose Abbey. This gothic style abbey was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks by order of King David 1^st . In 1385 the abbey was burnt to the ground by the English army led by Richard 2^nd . Over the following years the abbey was rebuilt by the Scots, to what you see today dating back to early 15^th Century. The Abbey is thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds.

Just West of Melrose stands the historic “Abbotsford”,  former residence of novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott,  author of timeless classics such as Ivanhoe, Rob Roy and The Lady Of The Lake. The building of Abbotsford took six years and was completed in 1824. The house contains an impressive collection of historic relics, including a library with over 9,000 rare volumes, weapons and armour Rob Roy’s Gun and the Duke of Montroses’ sword.  Abbotsford also has extensive gardens to enjoy during your visit. 

From Melrose our journey takes us to Kelso Abbey, built in 1128 in a Romanesque style.  Kelso was one of the largest and wealthiest abbeys in medieval times.James 3^rd  and James 4^th  were crowned in the Abbey while Prince Henry, son of King David 1^st ,  was buried here in 1152. Like all of the Abbeys in the borders Kelso suffered badly during the reformation to the ruins you see today.

From Kelso Abbey we head to the imposing Floors Castle the largest inhabited Castle in Scotland and home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburgh. The Country House as its better known was built in the 1720s. Floors also houses magnificent tapestries, porcelain, 17^th  Century French furniture and artworks. The Castle and its grounds were also the location for the movie Greystoke, as the home of Tarzan. The estate also has extensive gardens for you to enjoy during your tour.

From Kelso we begin our journey home to your accommodation and the end of what we hope has been an enjoyable day with us at AboutScotland.

Visit The Scottish Borders. We offer tours from Edinburgh & Glasgow.

1 Day Tour Scottish Borders Booking deposit per passenger - £ 20.00
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