See the sites your ancestors saw!
The Scottish Borders is not just an area of outstanding natural beauty. A colourful and turbulent history has shaped Borders life over the centuries, instilling a local pride and passion in all who live here. Castles, abbeys and stately homes all have their tale to tell of the part they played in Scottish history.
Our many museums tell the story of the people of the Scottish Borders from the earliest times to the present day, their struggles, their homes, their work and their leisure.
As the Borders is a region famed for its textiles we think you'll want to browse and buy beautiful tweeds and tartans and the highest quality knitwear from our mills and shops.
Scottish Borders Council has a network of libraries and archive centres that can assist you in your ancestral research and there are genealogists and family history groups that can offer additional help.
St Boswells, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 0RQ
Dryburgh sits by the Tweed River. Its remarkably complete medieval ruins makes it easy to appreciate the attractions of monastic life. The abbey buildings were destroyed by fire three times and ravaged by war on four occasions but fine examples of ecclesiastic architecture and masonry remain, and its chapter house reveals plaster and paintwork dating back to its inception.
Blue Bonnets Living History Society, Smithy Cottage, Houndslow, Gordon, Scottish Borders, TD3 6LX
Our primary aim is to promote interest in local and national heritage and history by the interpretation of the past from the archaeological and written evidence that has survived. We wish to present a picture of how people lived, worked, fought and played during all periods of Scottish history, and by presenting the historical details we aim to enable people to come away with an impression and feeling for what life was like at the time, and how this compares to the life they live today.
Hawick, Hawick, Scottish Borders, TD9 0LU
An awesome, eerie ruin, set in a lonely spot, Hermitage Castle has a history filled with intrigue, murders, trysts, torture, and treason.
1 Tower Knowe, Hawick, Scottish Borders, TD9 9BZ
new and exciting experience is coming to the Scottish Borders in April 2009.The heritage and the future of Scotland’s premier textile manufacturing region is presented within a beautifully – restored 16th Century Tower House. People, processes, products – from virgin wool to Vivienne Westwood. Border Knitwear and tweeds have been adopted by the whole world – come and explore the unfinished story!
Abbotsford, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 9BQ
It is hard to overestimate the importance of Sir Walter Scott to Scottish culture and history. From his image on Scottish bank notes, the names of novels and literary characters taking pride of place on streets and buildings in Scotland, to the popularity of tartan as a symbol of Scottish national identity.
Bowhill, Selkirk, Scottish Borders, TD7 5ET
"When summer smiled on sweet Bowhill" -
Sir Walter Scott wrote these words about Bowhill and though many summers have shone and gone since those dreamy days, the sweetness of the landscape remains and is only enhanced by the variety of activities on offer.
Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, TD8 6JQ
Jedburgh Abbey, founded in 1138, was a frequent target for invading border armies. Today, there is a cloister and herb garden to explore, and a visitor centre containing 8th century carvings and artifacts excavated from the abbey grounds.
Abbey St, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 9LG
Melrose Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a grand scale with lavishly decorated masonry. The Abbey is the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds. Visitors can also visit a small museum housing a display of artefacts found within the abbey.
Kelso, Kelso, Scottish Borders, TD5 7PG
Home to the Pringles and Scotts, Smailholm is a prominent landmark that proved inspirational to Sir Walter Scott who is buried at nearby Dryburgh Abbey.
44 Newtown Street, Duns, Scottish Borders, TD11 3AU
The Room is dedicated to the life of Jim Clark (1936-68), Formula 1 World Champion in 1963 and 1965 and the winner of the 1965 Indianapolis 500 race. He died in a Formula 2 race at Hockenheim in Germany.