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Scottish Borders

Table of Contents

Cities / Other destinations / Culture and History / Talk / Travel to Scottish Borders, visa requirements / Get around / Scottish Borders attractions and sightseeing / Itineraries / City tours / Good restaurants and cheap meals / Scottish Borders nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs. / Stay safe / Get out

The Scottish Borders [1] is a region in south eastern Scotland adjoining the border with England, a fact which has heavily influenced the history of this region. In the days before the British union, this area was frequently fought over, and had a reputation for banditry and lawlessness. At the same time, the Scottish kings were keen to develop and embellish the region - their efforts are proably best seen in the four "Border Abbeys" to be found within the region.

Today the Borders is best known for its wonderful landscapes, historic connections, summer festivals and friendly locals, though it is sadly often overlooked by tourists who often drive through the area to head to Edinburgh or further north.

Cities

Coldstream
Dryburgh - location of Dryburgh Abbey, burial place of Sir Walter Scott
Galashiels
Hawick
Jedburgh - location of Jedburgh Abbey
Kelso - location of Kelso Abbey
Melrose - location of Melrose Abbey
Peebles
Selkirk - location of Sheriff Court Museum, where Sir Walter Scott dispensed justice.

Other destinations

Abbotsford - close to Galashiels, the home of Sir Walter Scott
Kirk Yetholm - northern end of 'The Pennine Way', a long distance footpath coming from Derbyshire

Culture and History

Talk

Many people speak localised Scots in this area, but you are unlikely to have any problems communicating as locals will be more than happy to speak in clear English to you.

An interesting feature of the Borders is that the natives of each town, especially the older residents, often speak completely differently to each other. For example people from the town of Hawick speak a vastly different way from those in surrounding towns such as Selkirk or neighbouring Langholm. Again there should not be any problems communicating as all people will gladly speak clearly and in plain English once they understand that you are not local.

Travel to Scottish Borders & Visa Requirements

Tours & Getting around Scottish Borders