Scottish Borders
Located in the south east of Scotland, the Scottish Borders is a hilly and largely rural area that takes its name from the fact that it lies on the border between Scotland and England.
Population: 114,000 (approx.)
Five Fascinating Facts:
| 1. The Borders boasts four magnificent ruined Abbeys which date back to the 12th century: Jedburgh, Melrose, Kelso and Dryburgh |
| 2. The Borders’ textile industry supplies wool and cashmere to the world’s most iconic fashion houses including Chanel and Dior |
| 3. Every year the region plays host to the world’s oldest and largest equestrian festival: The Common Ridings |
| 4. Sir Walter Scott built his beloved home of Abbotsford on the banks of the River Tweed |
| 5. The famous Rugby Sevens game was invented in the Borders town of Melrose in the 1880s |
Education:
There are 72 primary and secondary schools located throughout the Scottish Borders, so wherever you choose to settle you can be assured a local school is nearby. Among the many high-performing state schools in the area are Eyemouth High School, Galashiels Academy, Hawick High School and Peebles High School.
Further and higher education courses are available from Borders College, with four campuses spread across the region, while the Borders Railway allows local students quick and easy access to the many excellent tertiary institutions located in Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Napier University and the world-renowned University of Edinburgh.
Find out more about the school system in Scotland.
Find out more about universities in Scotland.
Local industries:
The textile industry in the Scottish Borders goes back centuries and it remains a major contributor to the local economy, accounting for thousands of jobs. This industry looks set to continue to thrive with a textile centre of excellence due to launch at Hawick High School, which aims to raise future generations of textile industry artisans and professionals.
The region’s other major industry is agriculture, which benefits from its unspoiled natural landscape and reputation for quality and innovation. In addition to its healthy number of industry cooperatives and a number of successful independent suppliers, it also boasts some of the best quality assured beef and lamb raised in Scotland.
Find out more about working in Scotland.
Transport:
Getting around the Scottish Borders is simple. The quiet country roads and lanes make driving a pleasure, while excellent public transport links ensure getting from A to B is positively stress-free. Three major trunk roads pass through the region: the A1, A7 and A68, while the signposted Borders Historic Route runs between Carlisle and Edinburgh and encompasses some of the region’s finest scenery.
The region’s main bus services are Borders Buses and Perryman’s Buses, both of which connect all of the major towns and villages and provide services to Edinburgh. Meanwhile the recent Borders Railway offers a direct link between Tweedbank in the Borders and Edinburgh Waverley, with a total journey time of under an hour.
The outdoors:
With its gently undulating hillsides and tranquil valleys, the Scottish Borders is a place of captivating natural beauty. And with more than 1,500 miles of dedicated walking routes – including six national walking trails – the best best way to experience it is on foot.
From the 840-metre summit of the mighty Broad Law, to the famous Scott’s View vantage point overlooking the Tweed Valley and the secluded coves and crystal-clear waters of the Berwickshire coast, discover a region ripe with stunning scenery.
Leisure:
The Scottish Border is made for outdoor adventurers. Anglers come from around the world to try their luck on the salmon-teeming Tweed and Teviot rivers, while Coldingham Bay is a magnet for surfers and sea kayakers. There are also over 21 golf courses as well as two ‘7stanes’ mountain biking trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.
From birdwatching in the 3,000-acre Hirsel Country Park to hitting the snow-covered slopes of the Lammermuir Hills, the choice of activities is huge. Throughout the year, the region also hosts a variety of events, including the Borders Book Festival in Melrose, the Innerleithen Music festival and horse racing highlights like Buccleuch Cup Day, to name just a few.
Find out more about the outdoors and leisure on VisitScotland.com.
Accommodation:
The proximity of the Scottish Borders to Edinburgh, made even more accessible thanks to the aforementioned Borders Railway, as well as the wide range of schooling options available, makes the region a popular choice among commuters and families. Properties located in or around towns located along the Borders Railway Line, as well as the larger market towns and neighbouring developments, are the most highly sought after. However, there are plenty more options located throughout the wider region, particular for those seeking a more rural or costal locale with easy access to local amenities.