After breakfast this morning we transfer to Edinburgh Waverley railway station and take a train ride on the Borders Railway, which opened in 2015 and follows the alignment of the old North British “Waverley Line” as far as Tweedbank, just south of Galashiels. Here we alight and continue by coach to nearby Abbotsford House, built by Sir Walter Scott following the success of his great novels. There are extensive grounds leading down to the River Tweed, a fine walled garden and a woodland walk, however, it is the house that steals the show. Scott was a passionate collector of armor and weapons – Rob Roy’s gun and Montrose’s sword along with over 9,000 rare volumes are in his library. Scott died in the dining room overlooking the Tweed in September 1832.
On our way back to Edinburgh we visit Rosslyn Chapel, which has enjoyed huge popularity since the publication of The Da Vinci Code, in which it plays a key role due to its reputed links with the Knights Templar. The Chapel was founded in 1446 and has had a chequered history as we will discover in the course of our guided tour.
We return to our hotel in time for dinner.
