Kelso was described by Sir Walter Scott as 'The most beautiful, if not the most romantic town in Scotland'. It has a glorious setting, nestling in the Cheviots, with the River Tweed sweeping round the backs of pretty Georgian cottages and the unusual octagonal parish church. The 18th century cobbled square and handsome townhouses give Kelso the elegant air of a French market town.

There are reminders of the towns magnificent medieval past in the ruins of its Romanesque Abbey, built for David I in 1128. It was one of the biggest abbeys in the area before it was razed to the ground in 1545 during Scotland’s rough wooing by Henry VIII. Floors Castle is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and you can wander through spectacular staterooms filled with priceless European paintings, tapestries and furnishings.

Kelso has had a large amount of work done in 2014 and is aseptically pleasing to the eye.

It was lovely before but now it is dramatically improved. There is an enormous cobbled stone creatively designed by a local craftsman, Mr Harvey.It is a work of art. Local landmarks, villages and farms have carved their names including Cliftonhill . There are new flower pots and benches, cobbles re-laid, shops painted, parking is free.

The cobbled square has a wonderful collection of shops... Hawick cashmere, finest tweeds, kilts country clothes from Archie Hume, pottery, gift shops, pictures and material. Orvis are helpful for fishing and shooting and are a source of local knowledge also Tweed side Tackle. Wyllie’s, the butchers for really good beef and pies, the Delicatessen, Collins an amazing fish shop and there is a unique assortment of gift shops including Itzy Bitzy and Cloud nine, Gifted and Seasons in Roxburgh Street. The Art House for interesting paintings on Bridge Street. Eating places and coffee shops are numerous including The Hoot and Cat. Klondyke has been redesigned and also has a good coffee shop.

I am happy to give recommendations during your stay.

BIRDWATCHING AT

ST ABBS HEAD

CLIFFTOP

DISCOVERY

WILDLIFE TOURS

CYCLING IN THE BORDERS

FISHING THE RIVER TWEED

HORSE RIDING IN THE BORDERS (BORDERS FESTIVAL)

HIRSEL GOLF CLUB

KELSO RACES

TWEED GUIDE

WALKING ST CUTHBERTS WAY

ABBOTSFORD, HOME OF SIR WALTER SCOTT
ALNWICK CASTLE
ALNWICK GARDEN
DUNS CASTLE
FLOORS CASTLE
FORD AND ETAL ESTATES
THE HIRSEL COUNTRY PARK
MELLERSTAIN HOUSE
MANDERSTON HOUSE
PAXTON HOUSE
THIRLESTANE CASTLE
TRAQUAIR HOUSE

The cobbled square has a wonderful collection of shops... Hawick cashmere, finest tweeds, kilts country clothes from Archie Hume, pottery, gift shops, pictures and material. Orvis are helpful for fishing and shooting and are a source of local knowledge also Tweed side Tackle. Wyllie’s, the butchers for really good beef and pies, the Delicatessen, Collins an amazing fish shop and there is a unique assortment of gift shops including Itzy Bitzy and Cloud nine, Gifted and Seasons in Roxburgh Street. The Art House for interesting paintings on Bridge Street. Eating places and coffee shops are numerous including The Hoot and Cat. Klondyke has been redesigned and also has a good coffee shop.

Kelso Farmers' Market on Saturday 20th December
from 9.30am till 1.30pm in Kelso Square.