Fairytales in the Scottish Borders

Monday

We drive north to Peebles, arriving late afternoon with tea/coffee and shortbread served on arrival. Time then to relax before dinner this evening.

Tuesday

Today we visit Thirlestane Castle for a 90-minute private tour. From great ‘keep’ to grand palace and country mansion this 16th century, 5-story tower house is the ancient seat of Earls and Duke Lauderdale, and now the family home to the influential Maitland family. With it’s unmissable rose-pink sandstone, fairy-tale turrets and a proud, dominant vantage point overlooking Leader Water, this finest and oldest retreat of the aristocracy holds a unique place in history that is filled with stories to tell.

Wednesday

First we make our way to Jedburgh Castle, dubbed the most comfortable jail in Scotland, because of its appearance of a grand castle. It is a 4-star visitor experience giving a true taste of 1820’s prison life. Enjoy a 90-minute ’Storyteller Tour’ with the chance to walk the original cells, learn of the inmates and hear their stories, complete with a ghost or two! (Please note accessibility is limited as there are narrow staircases and doorways. There is no lift between the ground and the first floor. Access to the ground floor is good although wheelchair users will require some assistance). This afternoon we visit the world-famous town of Hawick – ‘where cashmere is king and where tweed was invented!’ Here, we explore five key attractions including Borders Distillery, where you will enjoy a tour and tasting, Lockies, one of the oldest family-run luxury knitwear businesses, Hawico of Scotland and Johnsons of Elgin Mill who produce cashmere and woollens, and Lovat Mill with a worldwide reputation for woven excellence and the original home of Tweed. Your local guide will walk you through the history and background of each venue, providing a fascinating introduction to their business and product offering, and where you will enjoy a relaxing cup of tea with cake at the Johnstons of Elgin Coffee Shop.

Thursday

Our excursion today takes us to the iconic country house of Floors Castle – the largest inhabited house in Scotland, home to 11 generations of Duke of Roxburgh, and the Innes-Ker family for over 300 years. In fact, it is a true fairy-tale! In fact, the grandeur and setting of the house prompting Sir Walter Scott to declare Floors, ‘a kingdom fit for Oberon and Titania (the king and queen of fairies in medieval literature) to dwell in’.

Friday

After breakfast we leave our hotel and make our journey home with comfort stops en-route.