Hogmanay in the Borders, Dryfesdale Hotel

Sunday

We drive north to the Scottish Borders. Mulled wine and scones upon arrival as we settle into our rooms. Welcome drinks reception prior to dinner tonight, is followed by a leisurely evening in the hotel.

Monday

After breakfast we visit Abbotsford House – the extraordinary home of Sir Walter Scott, the 19th Century novelist and ‘Great Scott’ who popularised tartan, saved the Scottish bank note and rediscovered his country’s crown jewels (Soup & Sandwich lunch included). 3-course dinner followed by ‘In-House’ entertainment

Tuesday

This morning we visit the Devil’s Porridge Museum – a state-of-the-art museum, where we’ll experience life in WWI trench and explore the factory to discover what life was like for the thousands of girls who worked in this munition’s factory. The name is inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who visited the factory and witnessed the girls mixing the nitro-cotton by hand and commented that it was the ‘devil’s porridge’. Light lunch at our hotel. This evening you have a 4-course dinner which will be followed by a live musical evening with the Madison Band commencing at 9.00pm. With entertainment running through to the ‘wee small hours’ you will be able to see in the New Year in true traditional Scottish style!

Wednesday

Happy New Year – This morning we visit Gretna Green 1754 where someone might be getting married!!! – As we experience a fun wedding re-enactment and discover the Gretna Green Story. We include a light lunch before returning to our hotel in the early afternoon. Hot and cold buffet dinner followed by ‘In-House’ entertainment.

Thursday

After breakfast there is an opportunity to visit Dryfesdale Memorial Garden that is filled with touching tributes to the Lockerbie Air Disaster before we commence our journey home.