Sir Walter Scott, novelist, poet, playwright and historian, was born in Edinburgh in 1771. To aid his recovery from a childhood bout of polio, he was sent to stay with his grandparents on their farm at Sandyknowe near Smailhom Tower in the Scottish Borders. It was here that the young Scott heard tales and ballads of the Borders, told to him by his aunt and grandparents, many of which were to inform his later work.
By the early 1800s Scott was a best selling author. His most famous works include the epic poem, The Lady of the Lake and the Waverley series of historical novels.
Around 1812 Scott bought a little farmhouse with a steading and 110 acres of land nicknamed Clarteyhole for 4000 guineas from the minister of Galashiels. As the land had once belonged to the monks of Melrose and a ford below the house had been used by the monks, he changed the name to Abbotsford. Over time, the ongoing success of his writings enabled him to enlarge the house.
Scott died at Abbotsford in 1832, and is buried at nearby Dryburgh Abbey.
Today the house is open to the public and it is a fascinating place to visit. Not only does it sit in a simply beautiful spot overlooking Scott’s beloved River Tweed, but it remains just as it was in Scott’s day. An avid collector, the house is filled with his antiques, objets d’art, weapons, suits of armour, and a fine library… We highly recommend a visit to Abbotsford, followed by a stroll through the elegant gardens and down to the river – a fine way to spend an afternoon in the Scottish Borders.
So the Commonwealth Games kicked off in Glasgow last night 🏅🏅🏅
The opening ceremony was typically bonkers, and featured a massive Tunnocks teacake 😂🏴
Tunnocks teacakes consist of a thin biscuit layer topped with whipped marshmallow and covered in chocolate 😋 They are wrapped in iconic red and silver foil packaging and sold all over the country, in supermarkets and often in cafes. They are a taste sensation, and the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea. Be sure to try one if you’re visiting this summer!
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*If you’re travelling in the Highlands just now please be advised to avoid the Glenmore / Loch Morlich area due to wildfire 🥲**UPDATE - 14:15 on 16 July
Emergency services and partners continue to tackle a large-scale fire near Ryvoan Bothy. The emergency response is being coordinated at a national level involving the Scottish Government, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Park Authority and multiple other partners.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that the fire is currently affecting an area of approximately six squared kilometres. We are asking the public to follow the following guidance:
- Please do not travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing. A strict cordon remains in place and road closures continue to support the emergency response.
- Those impacted by evacuations will have been contacted and we would ask everyone to cooperate fully with Police Scotland and other relevant authorities for their safety.
- Residents in Aviemore and surrounding areas are asked to close windows and doors to prevent smoke entering.
-Anyone with known respiratory conditions nearby is encouraged to contact 111 if they experience any difficulties. Contact 999 in an emergency.
Thermal drone footage captured by Park Authority staff last night has helped inform fire fighting efforts and highlight the scale of the fire, but the extent of the damage and the cause is not yet known.
Overnight emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff were on the scene working tirelessly to control the fire. We are deeply grateful for their efforts, and those of the businesses and local community providing support to those affected.
We will provide further updates when we have them.
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