Overnight, the wind had subsided and we awoke to brilliant sunshine. After breakfast we set off across the border to Thirlestane Castle, home to the Maitland family who have lived there for over 400 years. We had an interesting introductory talk and the room guides provided us with extra information as we toured the house. There are connections with the Royal family and the upper rooms of the house are quite stunning. When we reached the last room of the house we had an interesting conversation with two of the room guides regarding Major General Maitland who commanded the Brigade of Guards at the Battle of Waterloo and also Captain Maitland, Commander of HMS Bellerophon. HMS Bellerophon was the Royal Navy warship that transported Napoleon Bonaparte to England from France immediately after his abdication. It is interesting that the two Maitlands had a part to play in his downfall.
Next we went to Abbotsford, the former home of Sir Walter Scott where our first port of call was the cafe for lunch; I chose a cheese scone with chutney. The house which looks more like a fairytale castle reveals itself as you walk along the path to the visitor centre. By this time the sky was overcast so we chose to walk round the gardens first in case there was a change in the weather.
The inside of the house is museum like with the historic rooms having been left as it was before Walter Scott’s death. We were greeted by a gentleman who advised us to take the audio guide as this was the best way to understand the items displayed. Then we were asked if we would like a male or female voice; I opted for the male voice and Mr C opted for the female voice. It became obvious as we walked around that the male guide had a lot more to say than the female guide, Mr C kept getting ahead of me. Unfortunately the chapel was closed due to Storm Ali having caused a flood in the adjoining property cutting off the power supply. Before departing from Abbotsford we had afternoon tea in the cafe where I indulged in a slice of lemon and poppy seed cake.
We took the scenic route back to the hotel, first stopping in Melrose where purchased a teapot to go with the tea cosy we had purchased in Arundel earlier in the year. We also had a look round Prior Wood gardens which were a hidden delight.
We continued on our journey, heading towards Dryburgh Abbey, stopping briefly to take in the spectacular scenery at ‘Scott’s View’. We decided not to go into the Abbey grounds as it was a little late in the afternoon. Instead we headed back to the Collingwood Arms to freshen up before we dined in the Bluebell pub at Crookham. The Bluebell serves good honest pub food and I opted for scampi and chips. After dining we returned to the hotel for a nightcap.
Sir Walter’s mansion looks just right for the sort of book he wrote
I think his mansion reflects how he saw the world
That path towards the castle, what a grand view that is, Cherry. (also the piece of cake
)
The cake was delicious
You find the places I would want to see, Cherry!!!
I know
We both enjoy the same type of places 
Castle is glorious!!!
this is great to provide guidance to the visitors which eases their visit
loved the all pics specially the second last is breath taking!!!
Thank you Shabana
It sounds a really lovely day with visits to interesting places. A lovely set of photos and the cake looks delicious!!
It was a lovely day and made up for our aborted excursions the previous day
Oh I haven’t been to this castle yet.
Only been to Peebles, Jedburgh Abbey etc in the Borders.
Off to Jersey tomorrow
So I see you next week!
PS: Which Tartan did you wear?
Watt. After my uni, Heriot-Watt!
A few years ago, they opened another campus in Malaysia!
Ha ha… Heriot-Watt wasn’t really my first choice.
I really wanted to study at the University of Reading, but they wanted me to provide additional financial statements. So I couldn’t be bothered to do that.
Oddly, after Heriot-Watt, they also opened a new campus in Malaysia!!
The Castle is well worth a visit, as is Abbotsford
“What Tartan did you wear” I love the connection with your university
What a strange coincidence that another campus was opened up in Malaysia! Did you have a hand in that
Have a great holiday
Second pic – I want to walk down that path.
Third pic – I want the icing
The cake was even more delicious than the icing
For some reason, I was drawn almost immediately the photo of the cake.
I’ve forgot the proper name of the engraved disc on top of the hill showing distant points of interest.
Haha You being tempted by a photo of a cake does not surprise me
The cake was particularly delicious 
I had had forgotten the name (if I ever knew it) of the disc too. By checking up on a local viewpoint Google has informed that it is a Toposcope.