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Abbotsford, Scotland

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History is something that happens, but it is also something that is created later. The role of writer Walter Scott in creating a popular view of Scottish history is a good example of history's creation.

Scotland is traditionally associated with tartan, and there is a widely held belief that particular Scottish clans wore different designs of tartan. Sadly this is untrue. Weavers created tartan to their own design. A weaver in a particular area might have got into the habit of producing similar designs, but that was as far as it went. In 1822 George IV visited Scotland, and Walter Scott was appointed master of ceremonies. He took the decision to tartanise the country for the occasion. Colonel David Stewart of the Black Watch produced an illustrated guide showing which tartan was relevant to which family. This fanciful document was called Sketches of the Character, Manners and Present State of the Highlanders of Scotland. It was hoped that this tartan theme would help Scotland show a united front, and help overcome the traditional hostility between Highland and Lowland Scots. In the sense that tartan is now associated with the whole of Scotland, the plan worked.

Walter Scott was also responsible for another famous moment of Scottish "history. " The fourteenth century Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, on the run from his English and Scottish enemies, took refuge in a cave. He was supposed to have taken heart from the perseverance of a spider spinning its web. Walter Scott made up this story in Tales From a Scottish Grandfather.

The home of Walter Scott is a place of historical interest, as the home of someone who came up with ideas resonant enough for them to be considered as history. Abbotsford, built by Scott, still houses his collection of relics, weapons, armour, and his huge collection of books.

 

Opening Times: Abbotsford House will be closed until 2013 for a programme of extensive repair and refurbishment. A new visitor centre, cafe and shop will open summer 2012 along with the gardens and grounds. Please use contact details below for up to date information.

Directions: Abbotsford is two miles from Melrose in the Scottish borders. From the A68 take the A6091 Melrose bypass towards Galashiels. Turn left at the second roundabout onto the B6360. The turning for Abbotsford is a quarter of mile ahead on the left. Click here for an interactive map centred on Abbotsford.

Access: Access for wheelchair users is difficult. There are adapted toilet facilities available.

Contact:

telephone: 01896 752043

web site: www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk

fax: 01896 752916

e-mail: enquiries@scottsabbotsford.co.uk