Let Scottish Field guide you around four truly beautiful Border towns. But, whatever you do, don’t stop there! A visit to the Scottish Borders is sure to see you find your own little gems and favourite haunts. The gentle beauty, rolling hills and patchwork farmland of the Scottish Borders provide a serene backdrop to the friendly towns and villages dotted around this area. Today, this quiet countryside belies a turbulent past, full of bloodshed and vicious border disputes. This all makes for a fascinating history and provides some wonderful monuments to visit on a trip to the area. For those who prefer to live in the now, pleasant days can be lost wandering around market squares and town centres packed with charming independent shops, with interests spanning fashion, art, food, country pursuits and much more.

Jedburgh

Just 10 miles north of the English border and known locally as Jethart, the town of Jedburgh sits peacefully in the valley of Jed Water in truly beautiful countryside. Jedburgh Abbey is an imposing landmark standing on the left bank of the Jed Water near the centre of the town. It was originally founded in 1138 by King David I as a priory. It is believed that the King wished to prove to the English that the Scots could build on a grand scale so close to the often disputed border. This, however, meant that the abbey was a frequent target for invading armies. The abbey is now owned by Historic Scotland.

A visit to Jedburgh would not be complete without sampling Jethart Snails. This local delicacy can be found in jars in the Brown Sugar Coffee Shop on the Canongate, rather than smothered in garlic butter in a French restaurant. These hard mint flavoured boiled sweets are handmade only in Jedburgh. Jedburgh Castle Jail sits above the town on the original site of the castle of Jedburgh. The 19th century jail was built in 1820 to a design by Archibald Elliot, one of the most fashionable architects of the day. The museum now illustrates the history of Jedburgh and prison life. Wander amongst the cells and learn about the prisoners who once occupied them. Mary Queen of Scots spent a month in Jedburgh in the autumn of 1566.

It proved to be a turning point in her life, and the beginning of the troubles that led to her death. The fated Queen held the town in high regard and famously said ‘Would that I had died in Jedburgh’. The house that Mary stayed in is now a visitor’s centre, where you can find out about the life and downfall of this enigmatic queen. Set in a beautiful pear tree garden, the house is a beautiful building and a fascinating monument. This August is a great time to visit Jedburgh as Jed-Forest Rugby Club opens its doors to a ‘Taste of the Tattoo’. This free lunchtime event on 27 August will see a selection of acts from the Edinburgh Tattoo perform in Jedburgh as part of the 2009 Homecoming celebrations.

Kelso

Situated in the heart of the Borders, on the banks of the iconic River Tweed, Kelso is a flourishing town with much to offer visitors. A striking Georgian cobbled square is the centrepiece to this picturesque town and the largest of its kind in Scotland. A wander around the square provides shopping, eating and drinking opportunities aplenty. Kelso Abbey, also built by King David I in the 12th century, is a striking ruin and yet another reminder of the fierce battles that once ravaged this town. One of the finest salmon fishing spots on the River Tweed can be found in Kelso.

The Junction Pool is the confluence of the Tweed and Teviot rivers. Here salmon rest on their arduous journey upstream, making this deep pool one of the country’s most desirable spots to spend a day’s fishing. An impressive bridge spanning the Tweed sits above the Junction Pool. Designed by famous Scottish civil engineer John Rennie, it inspired London’s Waterloo bridge. Floors Castle is Scotland’s largest inhabited castle. This imposing building is the family home of the current Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and was built in 1721 by the first Duke.

The state rooms of the castle house an outstanding collection of paintings, tapestries and furniture to peruse and the castle’s friendly guides have a wealth of local knowledge about Floors and its history to impart. The castle grounds and gardens are equally impressive and can be seen at their best by following one of the sign-posted trails through the most beautiful spots. Music fans planning to visit the town should time their visit to coincide with Rock @ the Racecourse. Kelso Racecourse is situated just outside the town and on 29 August will play host to this festival of live music. The town’s Border Union Showground at Springwood Park in Kelso hosts a variety of events throughout the year. If you like a good agricultural show, then the 195th Border Union Show takes place here on 24 and 25 July 2009. Over 250 trade stands exhibit at the show, along with livestock and equestrian events, making it a great day out for all the family.

Melrose

Melrose is a charming town with delightful shopping on offer. Make the time to wander around the quaint town centre and pop into the variety of local shops. Yet another stunning abbey can be found in the town of Melrose. Founded in 1139 by David I, the abbey was the first monastery of the Cistercian order established in Scotland. It is also the burial place of the heart of Robert the Bruce, marked by a commemorative carved stone within the abbey grounds.

Amongst the intricate carvings and gargoyles, be sure to look out for the famous bagpipe-playing pig! Just a few steps from the abbey, you can find Harmony Gardens. This three acre walled garden is most famous as the venue for the Borders Book Festival. The garden is set around an elegant Regency townhouse, available as a holiday let. The ornamental areas include unusual bulbs, herbaceous and shrub plantings, fruit trees and a kitchen garden. Abbotsford, the house built and lived in by Sir Walter Scott, lies just two miles West of Melrose. Author of classic novels ‘Rob Roy’, ‘Ivanhoe’, ‘The Lady of the Lake’ and ‘Waverley’, the world’s first best seller, Scott lavished the substantial sums he made from his books on Abbotsford. The house contains an impressive collection of historic relics, including Rob Roy’s gun, dirk and sword. The library is extensive, housing over 9000 rare volumes.

Take a trip even further back in history at Trimontium, the site of a huge Roman fortified garrison, named after the three peaks of the Eildon Hills. You can explore artefacts and aerial photographs of the site in the Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre in The Ormiston, sited in Melrose Square. From here you can also join a guided walk to the site on Thursdays, and Tuesdays throughout July and August. Melrose is also notably the home of rugby sevens, and the town plays host to a major sevens tournament each spring.

Coldstream

Situated where the River Tweed forms a natural boundary between Scotland and England, Coldstream is a small but bustling Border town. This year, Coldstream Civic Week runs from 2 – 8 August. The highlight of the week will take place on the Thursday, when a mass mounted procession rides from the town to Branxton Hill. Here the Coldstreamer, a young man who is elected to carry the town standard, along with principals from other Border towns, pays homage to the men who fell at the battle of Flodden in 1513. The town gave its name to the famous British regiment, The Coldstream Guards. Pay a visit to the site of their headquarters to find out more about this famous military institution.

To the north of the town stands The Hirsel, the seat of the Earls of Home. The 14th Earl, Sir Alec Douglas Home, renounced his title to sit in the House of Commons and served as Foreign Secretary and later Prime Minister. A memorial to him stands just inside the estate entrance. While the house itself is not open to the public, the grounds hold much of interest to visitors, whether your interests lie in ornithology, botany, archaeology, history or wildlife. If you’re now inspired and raring to get out and explore the Borders, then In the Footsteps of the Reivers may be for you. This is the 15th Scottish Borders Walking Festival, this year from 5-13 September. The programme comprises 64 walks over 440 miles, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging all-day hikes in the remote Cheviot Hills.

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For further information on the area visit: www.ourscottishborders.org.uk or www.visitscottishborders.com