The Scottish Borders

The shape of the border between England and Scotland is evidence alone that it was not agreed upon in a gentlemanly fashion using a pencil and a ruler. Competing for land in the Borders used to be a regular pastime as the abundance of castles indicates. Healthy competition is now restricted to the "innocent" game of rugby with the majority of the towns lending their names to a worldwide marketplace - Hawick, Selkirk, Melrose, Jedburgh (Jed-forest), Kelso and Galashiels. Rugby players have to be tough and where better to find such men but in the farms of the borderlands - this is rich agricultural land and worth fighting for!

Jedburgh always seemed to take the brunt of Border Raids. Founded in 1138 by King David 1, it is a very historic and attractive town and its fine Abbey often enjoyed Royal patronage including Mary Queen of Scots. Notable buildings abound in the borders - Melrose, Drybrough and Jedburgh Abbeys, Abbotsford House (Sir Walter Scott’s home), Floors Castle, Mellerstain House, Manderston House, once dubbed as "the finest Edwardian country house in Scotland", Neidpath Castle, Traquair House, Ayton Castle and Coldingham Priory being the foremost.

Scotland is fortunate to have had such strong people in its front line!

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