Scottish Borders,
Southern Scotland |
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The Borders region in the south of Scotland is dominated by fertile
countryside and hills around the emerald green Tweed Valley, and
is a haven for walkers and cyclists.
The history
of the region can be discovered through the many fascinating stately
homes and ruined medieval abbeys. The 19th century novelist, Sir
Walter Scott, moved to the Borders as a child and found his imagination
sparked by the beauty and bloody past of the area, which includes
the magnificently decorated Melrose Abbey, said
to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Originally
dating from 1136, the abbey suffered badly from English attacks
and was later rebuilt. Most of the delicately carved stonework
dates from the 14th century onwards and is Gothic in style.
Many impressive
Abbeys can be found in the area. Founded in 1138, the red sandstone
ruins of Jedburgh Abbey near the historical border town of Jedburgh
boast a wonderfully preserved church and fine examples of Romanesque
and early Gothic architecture, with 8th century carvings and artefacts
also on display in the award winning visitor centre. Kelso Abbey
was devastated by English raids and its ruins are hardly intact,
although overlooking the Tweed nearby is the ostentatious Floors
Castle, Scotland's largest inhabited house, with Brussels tapestries
and various other historical items within its galleries. Smailholm
Tower, a 15th century rectangular tower perched on a rocky hillock,
is also nearby. The tower has fantastic panoramic views, as well
as historical associations with Sir Walter Scott whose grandfather
owned the adjacent farm.
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