Mr & Mrs O’Brien Visit The Scottish Borders – 21st August 2012 – Borders Journeys provide exclusive private and small group guided tours of the Scottish Borders, Dumfries & Galloway and Northumberland

Mr & Mrs O’Brien Visit The Scottish Borders – 21st August 2012

It was an early start for us as we were to be at South Queensferry for 8.30am to collect Ron & Tina from their cruise ship, Caribbean Princess. Ron and Tina decided that during their crusie they wanted to spend a day visiting the Scottish Borders as Ron’s grandfather had been born and raised in Walkerburn before emigrating to America.

We started our day by having a lovely late breakfast at the Scots Pine Tea Room at Eddleston. Next stop was Peebles, here Ron and Tina ‘stocked-up’ on shortbread at Forsyths to take home to America. Yesterday was Tina’s birthday, her birthday IOU from Ron was a visit to a Borders cashmere shop. We visited Caerlee Mills in Innerleithen where Ron bought Tina two cashmere scarves and handmade jewellery for her birthday.

Tina & Ian at Scots Pines Tea Room

Ron & Tina with Louise Coulson at Caerlee Mills, Innerleithen

We spent time in Walkerburn looking for Ron’s grandfather’s family home and for traces of his Dobson ancestors. The War Memorial commemorates Pte. George Dobson who Ron confirmed was a relative.

Ron & Tina with ‘Jeannie’ in Walkerburn

We next visited the newly opened Abbotsford Visitor Centre. The centre has an excellent exhibition dedicated to the life of Sir Walter Scott plus gift shop. We had a lovely lunch in the restaurant there. Our next stop was Melrose and its Abbey; Ron and Tina were amazed at the town’s stunning floral displays. The trip in the Scottish Borders ended with a visit to Scott’s View; Ron and Tina admired the breathtaking scenery from this famous vantage point.

Ron & Tina at Scott’s View

Returning to South Queensferry, Ron and Tina reflected on their day in the Scottish Borders. Both agreed that it was difficult to identify a highlight of the day as there had been many highlights. We were delighted that Ron and Tina enjoyed their day in the Scottish Borders as we very much enjoyed our day sharing the history, beauty and culture of the region with them.