Abbeys and Museums to visit in the Scottish Borders

Scotland and the Scottish Borders spectacular abbeys give an insight into the former wealth of the area.

Melrose Abbey was built by the Cistercian Monks and boasts some of the most intriguing architectural features in Scottish history. The foundation of Melrose Abbey in 1136 was part of King David’s major reorganization of Scottish churches. It sits majestically in the busy town of Melrose built around the Abbey.

Kelso Abbey built from 1128, was one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture, and when finally completed in 1243, it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and St. John and soon took its place in Scottish history as the largest and richest Abbey in Scotland.

One of Scotland’s most beautiful abbeys, Dryburgh, is situated on a very scenic stretch of the famous River Tweed, Dryburgh became the premier house of the Premonstratentian Order in Scotland, although it never matched its neighbouring Border abbeys for wealth and influence. Dryburgh is the final resting place of many famous Borderers such as Sir Walter Scott, The Earl of Buchan, and Earl Haig, and is steeped in Scottish heritage. The original site of the Abbey was 4 miles down the River Tweed, just below Scott's View. Founded by St Aidan in about A.D. 660, it's first prior was St Boisil who was succeeded by St Cuthbert, the apostle of the Borders, who dwelt there until 664 when he became prior of Lindesfarne. Later, when St Cuthbert died, it became one of his resting places before his body was taken to the place where Durham Cathedral was founded. Then in 1131, David I, King of Scots, encouraged the Cistercian monks who had been sent by Bernard of Clairvaux from France to found a new abbey on the present site below the Eildon Hills. It was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin on Sunday 28 July 1146.

Jedburgh Abbey, the Abbey of St. Mary, sitting high up on the bank of the Jed Water.  For nearly 1000 years this spot was the focus of Christian worship in Jedburgh.  The tranquil beauty of the abbey belies the turbulent history that came with its close proximity to England. With work beginning soon after 1138, the abbey church is one of the most complete you will see when you visit Scotland.

The Borders abbeys are sparkling jewels in Scottish history, and as you visit Scotland and the Scottish Borders, you will discover the joy of this region’s crowning glories.