Latest Posts
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Abb Fab: More from Marie Louise - Luxury, Shopping and Life at Abbotsford
30 September 2026
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Abb Fab: Abbotsford’s Very Own ‘Dollar Princess’? - Marie-Louise Maxwell Scott
10 September 2026
Categories
Estate & House News
A Light in the Dark
10 August 2026
Charting the Lighthouse Yacht Journal: Scott's Lost Manuscript - Dr Hilary Clydesdale and Dr Ainsley McIntoshRead On
Remembering Dame Jean & Patricia Maxwell-Scott
05 August 2026
Did you know Jean and Patricia? We're looking for local memories, stories and photographs to help celebrate their lives as part of our Abb Fab: Women of Abbotsford series...Read On
Abbotsford Joins International Effort to Protect Threatened Conifers
03 August 2026
Abbotsford is proud to be part of the International Conifer Conservation Programme (ICCP), a pioneering initiative established by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 1991 to help conserve endangered conifers from across the globe...Read On
Summer Savings at Abbotsford
12 July 2026
Find out how you can do days out for less at Abbotsford...Read On
Abbotsford X Melrose Abbey X Trimontium Museum Savings!
12 July 2026
Find out how you can save money on admissions to Abbotsford when you go to Melrose Abbey and Trimontium...Read On
Remembering Matthew Maxwell Scott
08 July 2026
Everybody at The Abbotsford Trust and The Walter Scott Prize are deeply shocked to learn of the sudden death of Matthew Maxwell Scott, trustee and host of the prize.Read On
Lord Sanderson of Bowden
06 July 2026
The Trustees, staff and volunteers of The Abbotsford Trust are deeply saddened by the passing of Lord Sanderson of Bowden.Read On
The Walter Scott Prize Winner Announced...
12 June 2026
Judges said “Originality, innovation, ambition – The Matchbox Girl not only more than fulfils the judging criteria for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, it confronts a topic of immense complexity in a gripping tour de force..."Read On
Walter Scott Prize Shortlist Announced 2026
16 April 2026
We are delighted to announce the Shortlist for the seventeenth Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction...Read On
Walter Scott Prize Longlist Announced 2026
05 February 2026
We are delighted to announce the longlist for the seventeenth Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction!Read On
The Story Behind the Stay: The Lockhart Library
30 January 2026
We continue our Story Behind the Stay series by looking to The Lockhart Library...Read On
The Story Behind the Stay: The Sophia Suite
14 January 2026
A closer look at the history and heart of our accommodation...Read On
Head Gardener's Blog: Autumn at Abbotsford 2025
06 November 2025
Head Gardener Tim reflects on the beauty of Abbotsford’s gardens and woodland as autumn unfolds.Read On
Scott is all around us….
28 August 2025
You cannot move in the Borders without bumping into Sir Walter Scott one way or another and around Galashiels in particular.Read On
Walter Scott's storytelling and the Scottish Borders
25 August 2025
Walter Scott made his home in the Scottish Borders- but did you know it was the setting for several of his poetical and literary works?Read On
Celebrating Scott's 254th birthday
15 August 2025
On this day, 254 years ago in 1771, Sir Walter Scott was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Join us as we raise a dram to one of Scotland’s best loved figures and a literary legend!Read On
Summer in Abbotsford's Gardens
01 August 2025
Abbotsford’s gardens have something for everyone, making a visit the perfect summer day out for families, garden lovers, curious minds, and anyone seeking a little moment of peace and wellbeing in nature.Read On
Into the wild - Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford
15 July 2025
A update from our Wildlife Volunteers, as they look at the year so far.Read On
Destination Abbotsford – A Summer of Fun for the Whole family!
01 July 2025
One of the unique qualities of Abbotsford is that there are 101 different experiences to be enjoyed on the 120-acre estate for family groups, solo adventurers, avid readers, history buffs, and nature lovers – and no one visit is ever the same.Read On
Walter Scott Prize Winner Announced
13 June 2025
Andrew Miller wins Walter Scott Prize for 'rare and delicate' novel set in the Big Freeze of 1963Read On
Cataloguing Abbotsford’s sacristy
29 May 2025
As part of our ongoing collections work, we have been cataloguing objects originally stored in our sacristy.Read On
Walter Scott Prize Shortlist Announced
15 April 2025
The six-strong Shortlist for this year’s Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction has been announced.Read On
Walter Scott Prize Longlist Announced
18 February 2025
We are delighted to announce the longlist for the sixteenth Walter Scott Prize for Historical FictionRead On
Kirsty Archer Thompson
09 January 2025
Celebrating the life of our friend and colleague, Kirsty Archer Thompson, who sadly passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 37.Read On
Abbotsford Curator Receives Honorary Fellowship for Contribution to Scottish Literature
21 June 2024
Kirsty Archer-Thompson, Collections and Interpretation Manager at Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, recently received an Honorary Fellowship from the Association of Scottish Literature.Read On
Hungry Ghosts wins 2024 Walter Scott Prize
13 June 2024
The Caribbean writer Kevin Jared Hosein has won the 2024 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction for his novel Hungry Ghosts.Read On
Walter Scott Prize Event - Thursday 13th June
07 June 2024
The winner of the 2024 Walter Scott Prize will be announced at a special public event at the Borders Book Festival in Melrose next week.Read On
New visitor experience launches in Walter Scott’s Garden
15 May 2024
A new interactive garden experience has been launched at Abbotsford.Read On
Abbotsford Wins CIE Tours Award of Excellence
25 April 2024
Abbotsford has won a CIE Tours Award of Excellence based on feedback from CIE customers from North America.Read On
The Walter Scott Prize Comes Home to Abbotsford
22 February 2024
The Walter Scott prize for Historical Fiction is moving to what might be considered its natural spiritual home, Abbotsford.Read On
Original Scott Manuscript goes on Display
28 October 2023
Sir Walter Scott’s original manuscript for his narrative poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel is going on display for the first time at Abbotsford.Read On
Thriving at Abbotsford
16 August 2023
Volunteers, staff and local people recently marked the end of the THRIVE community engagement project at Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, near Melrose.Read On
Government rejects housing development overlooking Abbotsford
16 August 2023
The Abbotsford Trust is delighted to report that the Scottish Government have overturned the recommendation to build 45 houses on land overlooking Scott’s historic Abbotsford house and estate.Read On
The EVOLVE Volunteering Project
28 April 2023
The Abbotsford Trust launched the EVOLVE project in summer 2022 with an aim to offer volunteering opportunities to young people from the local community.Read On
Parking System Changes
19 January 2023
The car parking system is changing at Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, near Melrose after the contract with our current car park management provider is ended.Read On
Winter Opening Hours
14 December 2022
Abbotsford's opening dates and times over January and February.Read On
HM The Queen 1926- 2022
09 September 2022
The Abbotsford Trust’s trustees, staff and volunteers are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.Read On
Mental Health and Wellbeing THRIVES at Abbotsford
08 April 2022
A new pilot project at Abbotsford is supporting local people who have been affected by the pandemic.Read On
Abbotsford to Introduce Car Park Charges
10 March 2022
Abbotsford will be introducing modest car parking charges this Autumn to help cope with financial losses after the Covid pandemic.Read On
Saved for the Nation: Scottish Institutions Celebrate Appeal Success
16 December 2021
The Scottish members of a consortium set up to save a unique collection of literature for the nation have welcomed the news that its international appeal has reached its target of £15 million.Read On
Abbotsford extends season to celebrate Christmas in Sir Walter Scott’s 250th anniversary year
11 November 2021
One of the Scottish Borders’ most popular visitor attractions is extending its season into December for the second year running to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott.Read On
Book Now for Half Price Tickets to Abbotsford
08 November 2021
Thanks to Visit Scotland's Great Days Out in Scotland scheme we're offering 50% off entry to our House, Chapel and Gardens while offer lasts/Read On
Defibrillator Installed at Abbotsford after Friends' Campaign
30 September 2021
A defibrillator has been installed at Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott near Melrose, after a successful fundraising campaign led by the Friends of Abbotsford.Read On
Help us restore the historic heart of Scott’s gardens
14 September 2021
To mark Sir Walter Scott’s 250th anniversary, we want to restore Scott’s Pavilion and Furnace House, and bring a fresh lease of life to one of Abbotsford’s most historically significant buildings.Read On
Sir Walter Scott anniversary helps Abbotsford
25 August 2021
The Abbotsford Trust, which manages the legacy of Sir Walter Scott and his 200-year-old estate in the Scottish Borders, has this week (Tuesday Aug 17th) announced its financial results for 2020. It shows a year in which trading revenues were significantly depressed due to Covid-19 restrictions, but with the immediate future secured by substantial grant support to see the Trust into early 2021 and the 250th anniversary year of Sir Walter Scott.Read On
ScottFest 2021: New Annual Festival Inspired by Legendary Scottish Author
13 July 2021
Scotland’s fascinating history, stimulating literature and vibrant culture will be celebrated every year with ScottFest, a major new annual festival inspired by the life and works of Sir Walter Scott.Read On
RUNNING THE LONDON MARATHON FOR ABBOTSFORD
14 June 2021
On Sunday 3rd October, 50,000 participants will take to the streets of London for the Virgin Money London Marathon. And for the first time ever one of those runners, John Fraser, will be raising money for The Abbotsford Trust.Read On
Stonemasons Get Roped In For Major Spring Spruce Up At Abbotsford
15 April 2021
Major maintenance work has been completed at Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott near Melrose, in time to start celebrations for Scott’s 250th anniversary when the house re-opens to the publicRead On
BAILLIE GIFFORD BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL TO BE HOSTED AT ABBOTSFORD
09 April 2021
After a year of many forced changes due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Directors of The Baillie Gifford Borders Book Festival, have confirmed a further change of date and venue for this year’s book festival. Abbotsford House in the Scottish Borders, the home of Sir Walter Scott, will stage this year’s festival in its grounds as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the life and work of Scotland’s greatest writer.Read On
HELP SAVE OUR SKULL AND WIN
12 February 2021
Make a donation to help Save Our Skull and you could WIN a signed Scotland rugby shirt!Read On
HISTORIC HOUSE RE-OPENS FOR SCOTT’S BIRTHDAY
11 September 2020
Sir Walter Scott's historic home will re-open its doors on the famous author’s birthday, Saturday 15th August.Read On
LISTEN TO OUR AUDIO TOUR FREE
01 August 2020
While we work on getting the house ready for re-opening, you can enjoy listening to our audio tour for free and imagine yourself in our beautiful interiors.Read On
CREATE ABBOTSFORD ART WITH SKETCHING SCOTLAND
15 July 2020
We're delighted to be one of the destinations featured in Visit Scotland's Sketching Scotland campaign. Learn to draw Abbotsford with the video below and find out more about the campaign and it's tutorials covering iconic sights across ScotlandRead On
NATIONAL LOTTERY GRANT HELPS ABBOTSFORD SURVIVE THE PANDEMIC
18 June 2020
A grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Emergency Fund to the Abbotsford Trust will help to ensure that one of Scotland’s most significant cultural, architectural and historical icons survives the Coronavirus pandemic.Read On
SCOTT INSPIRES DURING LOCKDOWN
13 May 2020
A popular online course on Scottish legend Sir Walter Scott is being kept open and free until September in response to the Covid-19 crisis and the increased demand for armchair learning opportunities.Read On
ABBOTSFORD BUILDINGS & ESTATE NOW CLOSED
30 March 2020
Abbotsford’s historic buildings, café and Visitor Centre and its outdoor areas, including the car park, woodlands, riverside walks and playtrail, have been officially closed in line with Government guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic.Read On
SECOND CHANCE FOR ARMCHAIR EXPLORERS TO BE INSPIRED BY SIR WALTER SCOTT’S LEGACY
19 March 2020
Armchair explorers from the Borders and beyond can enjoy the re-run of a free online course exploring the life, work and legacy of one of Scotland's greatest literary figures, Sir Walter Scott.Read On
ABBOTSFORD STILL OPEN FOR VISITORS
17 March 2020
The Abbotsford estate, including the historic house, chapel & gardens, is still open to visitors.Read On
BRITAIN’S NEWEST SAINT CELEBRATED AT ABBOTSFORD
14 October 2019
The life of St John Henry Newman, Britain’s newest saint, and his links with the Scottish Borders are being celebrated at Abbotsford next month.Read On
VISITORS HELP CHARITY FINANCES
01 October 2019
An increase in visits and donations to Abbotsford in 2019 has helped the Abbotsford Trust improve its finances.Read On
NEW EXHIBITS AT ABBOTSFORD
12 July 2019
The drinking cup of the original Robinson Crusoe and a bridle used by Sir Walter Scott to ride his favourite pony are now on display at the author’s home, thanks to loans from National Museums Scotland.Read On
NEW EXHIBITS AT ABBOTSFORD FOR MARCH OPENING
22 April 2019
A wooden Jacobite quaich, a rare pack of 17th century playing cards, a slop bowl and a Persian charm are among a range of items added to the Sir Walter Scott exhibition, at Abbotsford, ready for the opening of the new season on Friday March 1.Read On
BAG THE BIG HOUSES IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
16 April 2019
To mark the release of a new updated illustrative map of the Big Houses in the Scottish Borders, a new ‘Bag the Big Houses’ scheme is being launched for visitors.Read On
HOLY RELICS SET TO BECOME STAR ATTRACTION AT ABBOTSFORD
14 April 2019
Vestments belonging to Cardinal John Henry Newman are set to become the unexpected star attraction at Abbotsford when the home of Sir Walter Scott reopens on Friday March 1, after the Pope gave final approval this week for the churchman’s canonisation.Read On
ACCESS TO ABBOTSFORD DURING MAINTENANCE WORKS ON GALAFOOT BRIDGE
04 April 2019
Due to Phase 2 of essential maintenance works being carried out at Galafoot Bridge for 12 weeks from Monday, 4th February, access to parts of Abbotsford is changing.Read On
ABBOTSFORD CELEBRATES PRESTIGIOUS VOLUNTEER AWARD
10 January 2019
The Abbotsford Trust, responsible for the legacy of Sir Walter Scott, is celebrating becoming the first historic house museum in Scotland to gain a prestigious national award for its volunteer programme.Read On
ICONIC PORTCULLIS GATE REINSTATED AT ABBOTSFORD
18 December 2018
The iconic entrance gate that secured Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, has been reinstated, after a year-long absence for major conservation work.Read On
LAST CHANCE TO VIEW TRIO OF RARELY SEEN ARTWORKS
14 November 2018
Visitors to Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott between Melrose and Galashiels, have only a short time left to see three rarely seen watercolour paintings before they disappear back into private collections.Read On
SCOTT’S LEGACY INSPIRES COMMUNITY PROJECT
04 October 2018
A new community project to help people develop new life skills through gardening and outdoor activity is now underway at Abbotsford, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, between Galashiels and Melrose.Read On
EARLY CAFÉ CLOSURE ON 26TH SEPTEMBER
24 August 2018
Please note that Ochiltree's Café will close early on Wednesday 26th of September for a private event.Read On
EARLY CHAPEL CLOSURE ON 14TH SEPTEMBER
12 August 2018
Please note that the Hope Scott Chapel will close early on Friday 14th of September for a wedding.Read On
ACCESS TO ABBOTSFORD DURING GALAFOOT BRIDGE MAINTENANCE
03 August 2018
Due to essential maintenance being carried out at Galafoot Bridge for 10 weeks from Sunday, 5th August, access to parts of Abbotsford is changing.Read On
‘LOST’ TURNER WATERCOLOUR ON SHOW AT SIR WALTER SCOTT’S FORMER HOME
02 July 2018
A small painting is causing great excitement at Abbotsford, near Melrose, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, where it is on display as part of an exhibition this summer.Read On
TRAVEL ACCOLADE BOOSTS VOLUNTEERS WEEK CELEBRATIONS
04 June 2018
A place in TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame has added an extra cause for celebration at Abbotsford during National Volunteers’ Week.Read On
BORDERS’ BIG HOUSES LAUNCH ONLINE HERITAGE TRAIL
24 May 2018
Eleven of the finest historic houses and castles in the Scottish Borders have joined forces to produce an online guide for heritage enthusiasts visiting and living in the area.Read On
NEW VISITOR PASS TO BOOST TOURISM TO MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
21 May 2018
A new visitor pass designed to drive tourism to Midlothian and the Scottish Borders has officially launched on Friday 18 May.Read On
EARLY CLOSURE ON 19TH MAY
19 May 2018
Please note that the house and gardens will close early on Saturday 19th of May for a wedding.Read On
TURNER’S 1831 VISIT TO THE BORDERS CELEBRATED IN NEW EXHIBITION
18 April 2018
Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, is delighted to announce the opening of a new exhibition next week (Monday April 23rd) dedicated to the personal relationship between two of the most famous and influential figures in British history.Read On
WEALTH OF LOCAL SKILLS HELPS RESTORE HISTORIC BORDERS WOODLAND
29 March 2018
The experience and skills of Borders’ foresters, craftsmen and young people were brought together to achieve the successful restoration of a 200-year-old historic woodland at Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott.Read On
EASTER CELEBRATION OF £300,000 WOODLAND RESTORATION PROJECT
22 March 2018
A family day of fun-filled festivity is being held at Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott, on Easter Sunday, to celebrate the completion of the estate’s £300,000 woodland restoration project - and families are invited to bring their dogs along too.Read On