Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
can still view its sandstone shell, filled with elongated windows and carved capitals,
and the finely decorated masonry. It is believed that, per his wishes, the heart of Rob-
ert the Bruce is interred in the abbey.
Abbey St., Melrose.
&
01896/822-562.
www.historic-scotland.org.uk. £5.20 adults, £4.20 seniors,
£3.10 children. AE, MC, V. Apr-Sept daily 9:30am-5:30pm; Oct-Mar daily 9:30am-4:30pm.
Traquair House
Little changed since the beginning of the 18th century and
dating in part to the 12th century, Traquair House is among Scotland's most roman-
tic mansions. The Stuarts of Traquair still live in the great mansion, making it, they
say, the oldest continuously inhabited home in Scotland. One of the most poignant
exhibits is in the King's Room: An ornately carved oak cradle, in which Mary, Queen
of Scots rocked her infant son, who was to become James VI of Scotland and James
I of England. Other treasures include embroideries, silver, manuscripts, and paint-
ings. Of particular interest is the brewery, still producing very fine ales. On the
grounds are craft workshops—such as wrought ironwork and woodturning—as well
as a hedge maze and woodland walks. There are three rather sumptuous overnight
rooms, too, at £180, including full breakfast.
Innerleithen; 47km (29 miles) south of Edinburgh.
&
01896/830-323.
www.traquair.co.uk. Admission
to house and grounds £7.50 adults, £6.80 seniors, £4 children, £18 families. MC, V. April, May, and Sept
daily noon-5pm; June-Aug daily 10:30am-5pm; Oct daily 11am-4pm; Nov Sat-Sun 11am-3pm. Closed
Dec-Feb.
Where to Dine & Stay
Burt's Hotel
SCOTTISH Within walking distance of Melrose Abbey, this family-
run inn was built in 1722. All guest rooms are well furnished and equipped with
shower-only bathrooms. Alternative accommodations are offered across the street at
the Townhouse Hotel. The restaurant menu offers main courses such as baked hali-
but with crab and pea risotto or pan-seared pheasant with butter bean purée. In
addition to the more formal dining room, Burt's serves meals in the bistro/bar.
Market Sq., Melrose.
&
01896/822-285.
Fax 01896/822-870. www.burtshotel.co.uk. Reservations
recommended. Fixed-price dinner £36; bistro main courses £9-£14. 20 units. £130 double with break-
fast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; babysitting; room service.
In room:
TV,
hair dryer.
Chapters Bistro
SCOTTISH/INTERNATIONAL You only need to cross a foot-
bridge over the River Tweed to reach this unassuming bistro near Melrose, run by
Kevin and Nicki Winsland. The menu ranges from the house stroganoff and red
snapper to scallops St. Jacques and venison with juniper berries.
Main St. (off the A6091), Gattonside by Melrose.
&
01896/823-217.
Main courses £10-£16. MC, V.
Tues-Sat noon-2pm, 6:30-10pm.
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FIFE
North of Edinburgh, the region of Fife still likes to call itself a “kingdom,” a distinc-
tion dating to Pictish prehistoric times when Abernethy was Fife's capital. Some 14
of Scotland's 66 royal burghs lay in this rather self-contained shire on a broad pen-
insula between the Forth and Tay rivers. The highlight for golfers is St. Andrews,
which many consider the most sacred spot of the sport. But the town, named after
the country's patron saint, is also of ecclesiastic and scholarly importance. St.
