Friends of Brodick Castle visit the Borders
Last week, in glorious autumn sunshine, the Friends of Brodick Castle enjoyed a full programme of visits in the Borders area for a threeday tour. Having on the way visited New Lanark to see the historic cotton-spinning mills and the village created beside the beautiful Falls of Clyde, we arrived at the Barony Castle Hotel near Peebles.
In the grounds of the hotel is the great ‘Polish Map of Scotland’ - a 3D scale model of Scotland and the major islands; all done in concrete.
When fully restored and surrounded by water, it will be a remarkable sight.
Enthusiastic
The next day, Wednesday, September 30, we went to Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott. The guide was enthusiastic and proud of his generosity and literary success and the house is immaculately preserved to keep his memory alive.
The grounds and gardens were a pleasure to sit in, as was the restaurant in the light and airy visitor centre.
From there we went to Melrose Abbey’s tranquil ruins where we visited in the afternoon sun and the place where Robert the Bruce’s heart is buried.
Thursday saw us at Traquair House, the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, lived in since the 12th century, with a maze of stairs, small rooms and passages. It was full of interesting objects and creaking floorboards and with fascinating outbuildings containing a chapel, brewery, dining room and a lovely tea room in the courtyard of the walled garden. We then went to Innerleithen to visit Robert Smail’s Printing Works.
Now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, but still a working business using the old fashioned methods of typesetting by hand, and with various sizes of printing press.
Amazed
The original water wheel which powered it 150 years ago is still visible. We were amazed to find that many of today’s sayings are derived from typesetting and printing.
On our final day, we spent time exploring Peebles with its pleasantly laid-out town centre and interesting shops before setting off for home, via a good garden centre with a great tea room.
Our little holiday was organised and managed superbly by Ann Hollingworth, ably assisted by Michelle, the coach driver, whose caring nature allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the trip.