Look out for the famous bagpipe playing pig gargoyle in the stonework
Melrose Abbey is a partly ruined monastery of the Cistercian order in Melrose, in the Scottish Borders. It’s proximity to England has resulted in it being sacked numerous times over the centuries by unscrupulous Englishmen. However, being in the Gothic style, the ruins really just add to its effect.
This red-sandstone abbey was founded in 1136 at the request of David I of Scotland and was a key religious institution until the Scottish Reformation. Alexander II and may other Scottish kings and nobles are buried there. An inscription in the abbey reads, “Be halde to ye hende” ("Keep in mind, the end, your salvation”), which has since become the dour motto of Melrose.
The good, the bad, the ugly
During the famine of 1148, Waltehof, step son of David I and the abbot of Melrose, miraculously fed 4,000 peasants for three months. For such acts he was revered as a saint. He was buried at Melrose and you can still see fragment of his tomb.
But, according to legend, Melrose has some more sinister associations too. The 13th century wizard Michael Scott is said to be buried here, along with his books of magick. He allegedly prophesied his own death (a small stone fell on his head) and also split the Eildon Hills from one peak into the three we see today.
My heart is in the highlands
When Robert the Bruce died, his heart was sent on a crusade with ‘Good Sir James Douglas’. When confronted with a huge Moorish army while travelling through Spain, Sir James led the charge into battle, holding Bruce’s heart before him and crying, “Lead on brave heart, I’ll follow thee!” Another Scottish knight found the heart among the bodies the next day and sent it back to Melrose — it was since discovered during an 1998 excavation.
Scotland is a nation renowned for its natural beauty. On this full-day excursion to the Scottish Borders, discover the stunning architecture of Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin Castle, and Melrose Abbey.
On your private tour, you will:
Your tour will begin your tour with a short scenic drive to Roslin, a small village just 7 miles from Edinburgh. The tiny village of Roslin is home to an amazing legacy of Templar knights, medieval conspiracies, and bloody battles.
Heralded as the eventual reliquary of the Holy Grail, the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel is full of exquisite medieval carvings depicting intriguing biblical, masonic, pagan and Templar themes, not found anywhere in the world. You will also have a chance to visit Roslin Castle, which remains an imposing shadow of its former glory.
You will then head into the heart of the Scottish Borders, to the town of Melrose, an area rich in hills, valleys and rivers – and the birthplace of the game of Rugby Sevens. Home to the lavish Melrose Abbey, founded in 660, you will explore the beautiful architecture and the fascinating lives of the medieval monks who lived and died here. In Melrose, your guide will recommend a spot for enjoying some traditional Scottish fare before you continue your tour.
After lunch, you will head to Scott’s View, one of the most spectacular vistas of Scotland. Rounding the day to warm your insides, visit the charming Glenkinchie Distillery, one of the few Lowland distilleries left in Scotland. Here you will learn about, and sample some of Glenkinchie's finest malts.
Enjoy Scotland's treasured lowlands and enjoy the beauty of Scotland's natural landscapes, while marvelling at several of its most world-renown sites.
Please note: If your travelling party is larger than 3, please be in touch so we may work with you on a custom booking. Also, consider that children under the age of 8 are not permitted on Glenkinchie Distillery's tours due to health & safety reasons.
Immerse yourself in the captivating charm and historic intrigue of Scotland’s rich heritage on this private day trip to the Scottish Borders including Craigmillar Castle, Roslyn Chapel, Abbotsford House, and the scenic Scottish Abbeys.
On your private driving day trip, you will:
On this immersive tour, you will journey through centuries of Scottish history, visiting iconic sites and uncovering the stories of the people who shaped the nation. From the royal intrigue of Craigmillar Castle to the literary legacy of Abbotsford House, this tour offers a deep dive into Scotland’s rich cultural tapestry.
Stop and marvel at Craigmillar Castle, set against a backdrop of rolling hills, this castle’s grand architecture and past offer a captivating glimpse into medieval life. Hear tales of political intrigue and royal dramas through history. Continue your journey onto Roslyn Chapel, an architectural gem that is renowned for its mysterious carvings and legends where your guide will explain the significance of the chapel’s intricacies and allow you to discover the connections between ancient orders and modern-day mysteries.
After lunch, you will be heading to Abbotsford House, a stunning estate, designed by Sir Walter Scott, showcasing his love for Scottish heritage. Before returning to Edinburgh, your last stop will be the Scottish Abbeys. These historic ruins are architecturally stunning and steeped in history. Learn about the monks who once lived here, the abbeys’ roles in religion and politics, and enjoy the peaceful nature of these sacred sites.
Embark on this unforgettable journey through Scotland in a classic London Taxi, where every site tells a story and every corner reveals a piece of history.
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