Unless you have been residing in a hermit’s cave in the hills, then you will undoubtedly have noticed that 2009 is Scotland’s year of Homecoming. Scots all over the world are being encouraged to return to their homeland to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. Inspired by this, I decided that a visit to the Borders, just a few miles from where I grew up, would be a pleasant way to spend a weekend. My destination of choice for this return to my roots was The Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course near the historic town of Kelso. Owned by the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, this country house hotel is certainly befitting of a noble family.

The Duchess has personally designed some of the 22 rooms in the hotel, including the impressive Bowmont Suite, which was our luxurious home for the weekend. The public rooms are resplendent in fine fabrics and no shortage of huge fire -places warm comfy couches and guests sipping afternoon tea or pre-dinner G&Ts. On our arrival we had the opportunity to see some of the gardens and grounds en route to the shooting range. This was to be my first foray into clay pigeon shooting, in fact, the first time that I had fired a gun at all, so I had my suspicions that all of the clays might fly wild and free. However, my fears were unfounded and under the expert tuition of our coach and mentor, Alistair Ferguson, at least some of our not-so-feathered friends came to a sticky end. There are a range of outdoor activities on offer around the hotel, giving guests ample opportunity to see some of the beautiful Borders countryside.

The championship golf course was bustling with activity during our visit. The Duke of Roxburghe, an avid golfer, commissioned Dave Thomas to build the challenging course, which was opened in 1997. The River Tweed flows through the Roxburghe Estate and is famous for its salmon fishing. The River Teviot, a tributory of the Tweed, also provides good fishing for both salmon and sea trout. Within the hotel grounds, a trout fishery is well stocked, with fly fishing tuition available for beginners. Also on offer you could try your hand at ballooning, archery, falconry, croquet, horse riding, mountain biking or shooting. And why not pay a visit to the home of the 10th Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe?

Just a short drive from the hotel, Floors Castle is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. Built in 1721 for the 1st Duke of Roxburghe, the castle is a magnificent building, set in stunning gardens. There is plenty on offer here to fill a day’s leisure time, with a garden centre and gift shop for those inclined to retail therapy and The Terrace Café, Castle Kitchen Produce Shop and Courtyard Restaurant to keep rumbling tums at bay.

Dinner for two

Following the chilly afternoon’s shooting there was just time to freshen up and enjoy a swift pre-dinner drink in front of one of the aforementioned roaring fires before being seated in the busy dining room. The distinct lack of empty tables bears testament to Head Chef Alasdair Stewart’s food prowess. Starting with tian of Eyemouth crab, avocado ice cream and horseradish cream brought me a fabulously refreshing taste of local produce and my partner enjoyed the red onion and goats cheese tart with pesto sauce. Our marine mains of halibut, saffron mash, langoustine, young leek and shellfish sauce and seared fillet of sea bream, mussel risotto and noilly prat foam went down equally well. Squeezing in a trio of chocolate desserts and a selection of Scottish cheeses, served with oatcakes, homemade chutney, grapes and celery, was no chore. Yet more sweet treats were enjoyed while ensconced once more in front of a fire and already fighting heavy eyelids. Coffee, tea and petit fours made staying awake well worth the effort, but it wasn’t long before we were heading up the grand staircase.

A fine night’s sleep on the puffiest feather pillows ensued and we awoke with remarkably healthy appetites considering the feast we had enjoyed the previous evening. Awaiting a cooked breakfast, the only way to start a Sunday in the Borders, I headed up to the buffet with good intentions of partaking of a bowl of fresh fruit salad with yoghurt. Unfortunately, my eye was caught by a huge steaming pot of porridge and the inevitable double cream and sugar. Returning to our table and ignoring the raised eyebrows of Ross, who knows better than to comment on the eating habits of this pregnant lady, the porridge was gone faster than yesterday’s clay pigeons. The delicious cooked breakfast shortly went the same way, and the only cure for our indulgence seemed to be a long walk in the spring sunshine. On our return, there was just enough time to peruse the Sunday papers before I wandered over to the courtyard adjacent to the hotel and into the calming environment of the beauty salon.

The salon uses Jessica products for nails, hands and feet and Decleor for facial and body care. Here I was treated to a special Mother to Be Treatment incorporating a facial and relaxing body treatment. What a fabulous way to end a luxurious weekend.

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The Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course, Kelso, Roxburghshire TD5 8JZ Tel: 01573 450331 Email: reservations@roxburghe.net www.roxburghe.net