Visit The Scottish Borders: A Hidden Gem

Where do we even start?! As well as being steeped in clan history there is so much to see and do in the Scottish Borders, we are spoilt for choice. Definitely a place to return to again and again...and again!

A very popular event in the Scottish Borders is the annual Jim Clark Rally! Over a weekend in May the town of Duns and surrounding areas are buzzing with rally cars. It attracts people from all over the world.

If you're a motorsport fan you'll probably know about Jim Clark. A local legend, he moved to Chirnside just outside Duns when he was six and spent his youth racing around the Borders. He won Formula 1 twice, but sadly died in a tragic crash aged 32. Read more about Jim Clark here.

There is also the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, Jim Clark Café Bistro and Jim Clark Trail - a fun day out to learn all about Jim Clark, see some classic cars he raced in and have an adventure driving the Jim Clark Trail around the Borders to see where he grew up and learnt to drive.

The Borders Book Festival is held in Harmony Garden, Melrose, over four days in June every year, with this year's festival taking place from 13th till 16th June 2024.

The Festival was started by Alistair Moffat and Paula Ogilvie as a small gathering and it has now grown into a festival visited by more than 34,000 people. It's not only a literary festival there is also a festival village in The Orchard with storytelling events, a bar, vintage vehicles, food vans and much more. Books can be bought from the Festival Bookshop along with book signings by visiting authors.

Included in this year's line up are David Nicholls, author of One Day, and Val McDermid, a prolific crime writer, as well as children's events, yoga and meditation, and crafting for gentle activism. It should be a great event!

For the 2024 programme of events click here!

Coldingham Bay is part of the St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve, and has a sandy beach - a popular spot for holidaymakers!

It's also very close to St Abbs and St Abbs Head nature reserve, a great place to go walking and birdwatching, especially in the summer, when the sea birds return to nest. The cliffs are full of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills. A sight and sound to behold!

You may even spot pods of dolphins in the sea - I have seen them there before! It's also a popular area for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Fans of the Marvel movies will be thrilled to know that St Abbs is the home of New Asgard! In case you didn't see the movie, St Abbs was used as a filming location in Avengers: Endgame to represent a village called New Asgard.

Nearby Eyemouth is great for fish and chips, or as we say in Scotland, a fish supper!

There is no shortage of accommodation in the Scottish Borders! We were delighted to interview the lovely people who run some of the beautiful places to stay.

We spoke to Pamela and Barry from Wigwam Holidays Sunnybank to find out more about the accommodation they offer, why they think the Scottish Borders are special and what their favourite tartan is!

How long have you been running Wigwam Holidays Sunnybank in Auchencrow and what kind of accommodation do you offer?

Sunnybank has been open since July 2023. We are a small site with 2 fully equipped luxury cabins that can sleep up to six people with a separate double bedroom, en-suite facilities and your own private decking area with an electric heated jacuzzi style hot tub.

What can you tell us a bit about how and why Wigwam Holidays Sunnybank started?

We moved down to Auchencrow around 7 years ago and fell in love with the peaceful calmness, dark starry skies and wealth of places to visit in the surrounding area. This is why we set up Wigwam Holidays Sunnybank, so others could enjoy what we live with every day.

What makes the Scottish Borders so special?

Its stunning landscapes, rich history and cultural heritage. Additionally, it offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and cycling. The Borders also has a unique cultural heritage like Border Ballads and Common Ridings, which celebrate the area’s history and folklore. Overall, it’s a special place due to its combination of natural beauty, heritage, and vibrant local culture.

What’s your favourite place in the Borders to recommend to your guests (if you can narrow it down!)?

Coldingham Bay, which is situated within the St. Abbs and Eyemouth Marine Reserve, which in itself is part of the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast Special Area of Conservation. The beach is popular with surfers and bodyboarders and a lifeguard attends the beach during busy periods in the summer. There are around 55 beach huts, some of which are around 100 years old.

Are your guests mostly from the UK on a staycation or do some come from abroad?

So far most are from various parts of the UK.

Are you and your husband Barry originally from the Borders?

Both of us were brought up in East Lothian. Both of Barry’s parents were born near Chirnside. Finding out also that his granny and her siblings lived and attended the village school in Auchencrow, we now class this as our true home.

We must ask of course, what is your favourite tartan?

One favourite is the Scottish Rugby Union tartan, and of course my husband would go for his Clan Knox family tartan.

Find out more about Wigwam Holidays Sunnybank on their website and Facebook page.

We spoke to Morag from Braeview Glamping about why she set up her glamping pods for adults only, what makes the Scottish Borders special and what she did with her father's kilt!

What made you set up Braeview Glamping, how long have you been running it and what kind of accommodation do you offer?

Braeview Glamping was inspired by what we choose to do at a weekend when we were living in Greater Manchester. We spent all week thinking about getting away to the space and tranquillity of the countryside. The places we were able to relax and unwind the best were accommodation providers that were exclusively for adults. It was a big decision to make, but we truly believe that it’s easier to unwind and relax with absolute peace and quiet.

We opened in May 2021 after building our site from scratch. Our gorgeous pods are all en-suite with under-floor heating, a well equipped kitchen, super free Wi-Fi, Smart TV and outdoor space with seating and a fire pit. Two of our most secluded pods have private hot tubs. Being able to provide a place where we can help guests improve their wellbeing and mental health by connecting with nature (without a loss of home comforts) and truly switching off, is our number one goal. We have lots of repeat visitors, so it appears that we are getting that right.

What makes the Scottish Borders so special?

The Scottish Borders are so special because, despite its incredible coastline, seaside villages, and historic heritage, it’s like a well-kept secret. We have so many guests who have stayed with us because they chose to come Glamping, but then come back again and again as they have discovered that it is a great area to explore. The Berwickshire Coast is so special and, in my opinion, totally underrated as a destination.

If you’ve never been to the area before, try Coldingham Bay for an invigorating dip in the North Sea (or watch everyone else!), followed by some local seafood in one of the quirky independent cafes, and a visit to the beautiful Coldingham Priory to whet your historical appetite - and that’s just for starters.

What’s your favourite place in the Borders to recommend to your guests (if you can narrow it down!)?

If I had to narrow it down, St Abbs is one of my favourite places. The coastal views are second to none. It’s a quaint little village where you can explore the coastline by land walking the Berwickshire Coastal Path or by sea if you take a trip on Riptide – St Abbs Rib Trips. It’s our number 1 thing to do in the area and we do it every year. Our guests can walk to St Abbs via Coldingham and Coldingham Bay – it’s a very popular option.

Are your guests from the UK on a staycation or do most visit from abroad?

Most of our guests are from the UK, although we are seeing a growing number of European guests, mainly Dutch and German. Last year we also hosted a few American guests.

Are you from the Borders originally and/or are you connected to a clan?

My Dad and Mum bought the farm where Braeview is based in 1964. I was brought up here and left in my teens to head off to College. After 25 years, I realised that there was no place like home. The Borders are unique and unspoilt. I can’t imagine being anywhere else now.

My mum's family originates from Brechin in Angus. My mum remembers wearing Lindsay tartan pleated skirts paired with a brown cardigan that she did not like! I think it’s a gorgeous tartan and something that I would definitely wear – but without the brown cardigan!

Over the past 60 years there have been many changes to move with the times and try new things. Although Braeview Glamping is the most recent change, we are also proud to be able to say that the farm and the pods are powered by a wind turbine making the business truly sustainable.

We must ask of course, what is your favourite tartan?

My Dad wore the Ancient Colquhoun and my brother wears the modern version. The Colquhoun tartan has to be my favourite tartan as it reminds me of home, ceilidhs and good times.

Any other good stories you’d like to add?

My Dad had 3 kilts during his life and even after all the wear (he wore a kilt to school) the fabric was still in great condition, so I had them made into cushions for his granddaughters. They are such a precious keepsake as they have the original labels and buckles attached.

When I returned home to Berwickshire I realised how much I had missed contact with animals. A pet wasn’t really an option so instead, I bought 5 little sheep. They are Bowmont Merinos – a cross between a Shetland Sheep (hardy for the Scottish Winter) and a Merino (incredible fleece). My quirky little sheep live next to the glamping pods and give all our guests a warm welcome. After the wool has been processed into yarn at The Border Mill in Duns we sell it in our honesty shop. The yarn is truly authentic to Berwickshire.

Find out more about Braeview Glamping on their website, Instagram and Facebook page.

We spoke to Elisabeth from airhouses about the history of airhouses and the site it is on, her favourite places to recommend to guests and the antics of her goat, Fred!

How long have you been running airhouses and what kind of accommodation do you offer?

My parents have been running airhouses for 17 years now, and my husband and I came on board about 5 years ago. We offer high quality, 5 star, award winning luxury self-catering accommodation in 4 Norwegian wooden lodges, one large purpose-built house and two glamping pods. We have recently been awarded the Best Luxury Experience in Scotland Thistle Award by Visit Scotland.

Please tell us a bit about the history of the site you are on?

There is so much history at airhouses! We know people have lived here as far back as the bronze age, and perhaps earlier. Flint arrow and axe heads have been found here, and can now be seen at the National Museum of Scotland. It is believed a weapons maker once lived here. We are very close to the Roman road Deere street, and opposite two hill fort remains, so it would have been a good place to have a business!

More recently the land has been farmed, initially as part of Thirlestane Estate and more recently as a private farm. Our family have owned Airhouse for nearly 40 years and mainly run it as an organic beef farm. We have recently also reintroduced some sheep, as it was traditionally a sheep hill farm. We are exploring using the fleeces of these sheep in traditional ways such as peg looming, spinning and felt rug making. We are hoping to share these ancient crafts with guests soon.

What makes the Scottish Borders so special?

The Scottish borders are special for so many reasons, many people would cite the beauty of the landscape, the wilderness that can still be found but also the proximity to the capital. For me personally it is the history. It has always been caught up in the big events, and has a fascinating history.

What’s your favourite place in the Borders to recommend to your guests (if you can narrow it down!)?

Apart from ScotlandShop?! We love Abbotsford for the history, walks and café! Likewise the market towns of Kelso and Melrose. I am also a huge fan of Dryburgh Abbey and surrounding walks. It feels like a special spiritual place full of history.

With the increase in interest in ancestry over the last few years, have you noticed any of your guests wanting to explore their clan or Scottish heritage while they are staying at airhouses?

Yes absolutely, and this is an area we are starting to really think about. We are exploring how we can facilitate this more easily for guests. There is a great genealogy hub at Hawick for example, and we are starting work with a local tour guide who does ancestry specific tours.

Are your guests mostly from the UK on a staycation or do some come from abroad?

We have a mix of guests. The majority are from within the UK but we have a growing base of repeat customers from the Netherlands, Germany, US, Israel and the UAE.

How long have you lived with your family in the Borders and are you from Scotland originally and/or linked to a particular clan?

We have lived here since 1989. My mother grew up in Glasgow and we have been tracing her ancestry – we are Ramsay along this line, blacksmiths from Fife, East Lothian and then settled in the Newcastle area. We have named our lodges after Scottish family names in our ancestry: The Buchanan, The Lamont and The Ramsay.

We must ask of course, what is your favourite tartan?

It would have to be the Ramsay tartan! I like the Ancient Blue very much.

Any good stories you’d like to share?

We have so many good stories from so many wonderful guests. I think one of my favourite is probably when Fred our goat was a baby and had worked out a way to escape his field. He kept visiting people in their lodges, even tried to get in a hot tub. One day he knocked on the front door to ask if he could play with a guests' two dogs!

Find out more about airhouses on their website, Facebook page, Instagram and Tiktok.

In the small conservation village of Allanton, a ten minute drive from Berwick-upon-Tweed / A1 and just six miles from the border is the award-winning Allanton Inn, run by William and Katrina Reynolds.

The beautiful coaching inn dates back to the 18th century and is located in the centre of the village. Providing not only rooms, but also a bar and restaurant, The Allanton Inn was awarded VisitScotland's Scottish Thistle Award for the Best Eating Experience in the South of Scotland in October 2023 and won the 2023 South East Scotland CAMRA for Real Ale. William and Katrina are passionate about food, both having grown up surrounded by good food and drink, so it's no surprise they have won awards!

Sourcing local produce, The Allanton Inn offers an informal dining experience and also features an enclosed private beer garden with views of the Borders countryside. There are seven bedrooms that feel homely and have modern facilities. Its location is the perfect place for a stop over on your way to exploring Scotland, or to use as a base to discover why the Scottish Borders are a hidden gem.

Which brings me to Borderland Tours - Tours with Tastes & Tales, a new unique tour launching in September 2024 for people who love food, drink and exploring as much as William and Katrina! They will take you through North Northumberland and Eastern Scottish Borders for a journey into discovering what the Borderlands have to offer. We are delighted we have been able to supply Borderland Tours with their tartan Borderland Scottish waistcoats and caps!

Find out more on The Allanton Inn website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X.

Visit Borderland Tours on their website here.

If you are contemplating a wedding or special event, just a mile or so from ScotlandShop HQ in Duns is Wedderburn Castle, where you can have the whole venue to yourselves complete with ballroom and a fabulous sweeping stone staircase so you can really make an entrance. With accommodation for your guests in the castle and on the estate in picturesque cottages the Wedderburn events manager can help you arrange all the special details. Designed and constructed 1771-5 by the famous Scottish architect brothers Robert and James Adam, our favourite fact about Wedderburn Castle is that it has 365 windows, one for every day of the year.

Tweed Valley Blogger is run by Stewart Wilson who is a tour guide and blogger based in the Scottish Borders.

Stewart is passionate about being from the Borders and shares our love for this hidden gem, and is equally enthusiastic in telling the world about it. He started on social media, sharing his photos and words inspired by his childhood in the Borders. As his interest in Scottish history, culture and geography grew, he realised he needed a new platform to showcase his content. That was the start of Tweed Valley Blogger in 2022!

Stewart left his corporate job in 2023 to set up TVB Tours to offer bespoke, tailored private tours of Scotland (and not just the Scottish Borders). He has showcased the Borders on BBC One's Escape to the Country and Radio 4's Ramblings with Clare Balding! You'll be in great hands with Stewart, he knows the Borders inside out.

For more info and to connect with Stewart visit his website here. For Stewart's feature on our Clan Wilson stories blog recently, click here!

Image Sources:

Lotus Formula 1 car, Jim Clark Museum Duns cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jim Barton - geograph.org.uk/p/6231053

Borders Book Festival bookshop - Lloyd Smith Photography

Borders Book Festival Harmony House - Lloyd Smith Photography