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Expat Exchange - Discovering the Best of Scottish Borders 2024
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Discovering the Best of Scottish Borders

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

Summary: Exploring the Best of Scottish Borders: Your Guide to Top Sites, Restaurants, Nightlife, and More. From Cultural Experiences to Outdoor Adventures, We'll Help You Make the Most of Your Time in the City.

Welcome to Scottish Borders! If you're planning to move to Scottish Borders, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Scottish Borders has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Scottish Borders.

The Scottish Borders is a region in Scotland that offers a wealth of attractions and activities for both tourists and locals. The area is steeped in history, with numerous castles, abbeys, and stately homes to explore. One of the most famous sites is Melrose Abbey, a beautiful Gothic ruin that was once a powerful monastery. Nearby, you can also visit the impressive Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, and the stunning Thirlestane Castle, which dates back to the 16th century.

Another historical site worth visiting is the Jedburgh Abbey, a ruined Augustinian abbey that offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the monks who once lived there. The Scottish Borders is also home to the picturesque town of Peebles, which boasts a range of independent shops, galleries, and cafes, as well as the beautiful River Tweed. The town of Kelso is another popular destination, with its cobbled streets, elegant Georgian buildings, and the impressive Kelso Abbey.

For those interested in the literary history of the region, the Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom in Selkirk is a must-visit. This historic building is where the famous author served as Sheriff for 33 years and now houses a fascinating exhibition on his life and work. The nearby Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, is also open to the public and offers a glimpse into the life of this influential writer.

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the beautiful countryside of the Scottish Borders, with its rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and rugged coastline. The region is home to several nature reserves, such as the St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve, which offers stunning coastal views and the chance to spot a variety of seabirds. The Tweed Valley Forest Park is another popular destination, with its beautiful woodland walks and mountain biking trails.

The restaurant and nightlife scene in the Scottish Borders is diverse and caters to a range of tastes and budgets. Some of the most popular restaurants in the region include the award-winning Seasons Restaurant in Melrose, which offers a seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients. The Hoebridge in Gattonside is another highly regarded restaurant, serving delicious Scottish cuisine in a beautiful setting overlooking the River Tweed.

For a more casual dining experience, the Mainstreet Trading Company in St Boswells is a popular choice, offering a range of delicious homemade dishes in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The Cobbles Inn in Kelso is a popular pub that serves a range of traditional Scottish dishes, as well as a selection of local ales and whiskies.

When it comes to nightlife, the Scottish Borders offers a range of pubs and bars to suit all tastes. The Bridge Inn in Peebles is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike, offering live music and a lively atmosphere. The Cross Keys in Selkirk is another popular spot, with its traditional pub setting and regular live music events. For those looking for a more sophisticated evening, the Buccleuch Arms in St Boswells offers a stylish bar and lounge area, perfect for enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine.

Recreational activities in the Scottish Borders are plentiful, with a range of outdoor pursuits on offer. The region is particularly popular for walking and hiking, with numerous trails and routes to explore. The Southern Upland Way, a long-distance walking route that stretches across the region, offers stunning views and varied terrain. The Eildon Hills, located near Melrose, are another popular destination for walkers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Cycling is another popular activity in the Scottish Borders, with a range of routes and trails to suit all abilities. The Tweed Valley is particularly popular for mountain biking, with the 7stanes Glentress and Innerleithen trails offering a range of challenging routes and stunning scenery. For those looking for a more leisurely ride, the Borders Abbeys Way is a circular route that takes in the region's historic abbeys and beautiful countryside.

For water sports enthusiasts, the River Tweed offers a range of activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The Tweed Valley is renowned for its salmon fishing, with several stretches of the river available for anglers to try their luck. The St Mary's Loch Sailing Club offers sailing opportunities on the picturesque St Mary's Loch, while the Eyemouth and St Abb's Head coastline provides excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

Golf is another popular pastime in the Scottish Borders, with numerous courses available for players of all abilities. The Roxburghe Golf Course near Kelso is a championship course that offers a challenging round in a beautiful setting, while the Peebles Golf Club is a popular choice for both locals and visitors alike.

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Insider Tips from Expats in Scottish Borders: Making the Most of Life and Connections

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Home finding, schooling, moving, settling-in and more for UK, London and Ireland. Cornerstone is a tech-driven, innovative relocation company. Making relocating to London, UK, Ireland and beyond a happy experience!

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

CORNERSTONE RelocationCORNERSTONE Relocation

Home finding, schooling, moving, settling-in and more for UK, London and Ireland. Cornerstone is a tech-driven, innovative relocation company. Making relocating to London, UK, Ireland and beyond a happy experience!
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

CORNERSTONE RelocationCORNERSTONE Relocation
Connect

Home finding, schooling, moving, settling-in and more for UK, London and Ireland. Cornerstone is a tech-driven, innovative relocation company. Making relocating to London, UK, Ireland and beyond a happy experience!

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

CORNERSTONE RelocationCORNERSTONE Relocation

Home finding, schooling, moving, settling-in and more for UK, London and Ireland. Cornerstone is a tech-driven, innovative relocation company. Making relocating to London, UK, Ireland and beyond a happy experience!
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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