Coldstream - The border town where General Monk raised the famous Coldstream regiment in I660. Saw much border warfare, and was continually being occupied by opposing nations. The countryside is described in Scott's Marmion. Flodden Field is to the south-east. Trout-fishing.

Duns - 16 miles from the east coast, Duns is a small market town at the foot of Duns Law. Duns Castle that stands to the north west still retains an ancient tower. A small museum is devoted to the life of Jim Clark the racing driver born in the town. Manderston House gardens display some of the finest examples of rhododendron and azaleas.

Earlston - Originally called Ercildoune, this village is on Leader Water, associated with the 13th century poet and prophet 'Thomas the Rhymer'. South of the town is Rhymer's Tower, the ruined remains of his home.

Eyemouth - Attractive fishing town 10 miles north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. In October 1881, 129 men (nearly the entire male population) lost their lives in an horrific storm. Smuggling took place during the 18th century through a network of secret passages. Based around the harbour, Eyemouth's main trade is still herring fishing. The picturesque buildings make the area popular with tourists.

Gordon - A small village west of Eden Water. In the main street stands a circular clock tower, with ruins of the L-plan Greenknowe Tower lying to the north. Built in 1581, the castle served as a home for a Covenanter.

Hawick - Famous for its hosiery and tweed manufactures. An interesting ceremony, Riding the Marches, is performed in June, commemorating the capture of flags from the English in Border warfare. A conical mound overlooking the town, is probably the site of an ancient wooden castle, such as is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestries. The surrounding country is very fine. Adjoining Witton Lodge Park has an exhibition on Border history.

Jedburgh - Five miles from the Border. A very old county town, and noted for its tweed, woollen and artificial silk goods. The ruins of the 12th century Abbey are extraordinarily fine and very picturesquely situated. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here. Prince Charlie spent the night at here on his way from Prestonpans; The Castle Jail is a museum on prison life. On Shrove Tuesday a hand-ball match is played, in which the whole town takes part. Curfew is rung daily. Golf. Fishing.

Lauder - The only Royal Burgh in old Berwickshire, the market town of Lauder has some fascinating buildings. Sir William Bruce built the grand entrance gates to Thirlestane Castle, along with the west front. South east of the town is the ancient tower of Thirlestane, associated with the 16th century castle. Nearby are the impressive 1673 cruciform church and 18th century town hall.

Melrose - A quiet town on the Tweed beneath the Eildon Hills. The ruins of the beautiful abbey, founded in 1136 by David I, attract thousands of visitors annually. Most interesting carving, preserved with the help of Sir Walter Scott who lived nearby at Abbotsford, the mansion which he built. On the route of the Southern Upland Way. Nearby at Galashields is the Borders Wool Centre.

Peebles - The handsome town of Peebles is surrounded by breathtaking countryside on the north of the River Tweed, twenty miles south of Edinburgh. Once a town who’s livelihood relied on the manufacture of wool, it’s now a popular holiday resort with fishing, golf, tennis and pony trekking facilities. The traditional Beltane Festival is held on the last Saturday of every June and is celebrated with burning bonfires that light up the surrounding hills.

Reduced to ashes twice, once by accident and another time at the hands of Hertford’s troops, who torched the town, Peebles history is linked to conflict and battle, yet it’s fortress, Neidpath Castle originally built for the town’s first sheriff, Sir William de Haya withstood even Cromwell’s attacks and not surprisingly so, for the walls of the oldest part of the building are eleven foot thick.

Other historical attractions in the area include Cross Kirk, now in ruins, this Trinitarian friary was founded by Alexander III at a site where an old cross was found in 1261 and Tarquain House at Innerleithen is the oldest inhabited house in Scotland

Both the adventure story writer Juhn Buchan and Robert Louis Stevenson were but two of the towns famous past residents.

Selkirk - The town will always be remembered in connection with the Battle of Flodden Field in which James IV was defeated in 1513.Shoemaking was the speciality of Selkirk, and its shoemakers provided over 2,000 pairs of shoes for Prince Charlie's army when it passed through the town. Scott was Sheriff here between 1799 and 1832. There is a museum in Halliwell House. Scott's house Abbotsford is nearby, off the road to Galashields. Annual ceremony of Riding the Marches.