The Scottish Borders is a region in the east of Scotland, bordered by England to the south. It is known for its rich history, beautiful countryside, and charming towns and villages. If you’re planning a trip to this picturesque part of Scotland, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about where the Scottish Borders is located.

The Location of the Scottish Borders

Scotland’s Borders stretches along the southern part of Scotland, covering around 1,800 square miles. It borders the county of Northumberland in England to the south, as well as several other Scottish council areas:

  • East Lothian to the north
  • Midlothian and the Scottish Capital Edinburgh to the northwest
  • South Lanarkshire to the west
  • Dumfries and Galloway to the southwest

Some of the major towns in the Borders include Galashiels, Hawick, Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose, Peebles, and Selkirk. The region is known for its rolling hills, picturesque rivers like the Tweed, and wealth of historic abbeys, castles, and stately homes.

A Brief History of the Borders

The name “Borders” refers to the region’s history as a frontier area between Scotland and England. For centuries, the Borders was a contested region that switched hands many times between the two kingdoms as they battled for control.

Major conflicts took place here like the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 13th-14th centuries and the Rough Wooing of the 16th century. Remnants of this tumultuous past can be seen in the many ruined abbeys, fortified castles, peel towers, and bastille houses dotting the landscape.

After the Acts of Union in 1707 united Scotland and England, the need for heavy fortification diminished. The Borders developed an economy around textile mills, agriculture, and mining. Today, it is a prosperous region focused on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.

How to Get to the Scottish Borders

The closest major airports are Edinburgh Airport, about an hour’s drive north of the Borders, and Newcastle Airport just across the border in England. Here are some step-by-step directions for getting to the Scottish Borders from these airports and other locations:

From Edinburgh Airport:

  1. Exit the airport and get on the M8 highway westbound
  2. Take the M9 exit toward Falkirk/Stirling
  3. Merge onto the M876, then take the A768 exit toward Bathgate/Livingston
  4. Merge onto the A7 and follow signs for the Scottish Borders

From Newcastle Airport:

  1. Get on the A1 highway northbound toward Scotland
  2. Cross the England/Scotland border and continue on the A1
  3. Take the A68 exit toward Jedburgh
  4. Follow the A68 into the heart of the Borders region

From Glasgow:

  1. Take the M8 eastbound toward Edinburgh
  2. Merge onto the M9 toward Falkirk/Stirling
  3. Take the M876, then the A768 exit toward Bathgate/Livingston
  4. Get on the A7 northbound to the Scottish Borders

From Carlisle, England:

  1. Get on the M6 northbound
  2. Take the A7 exit toward Langholm/Galashiels
  3. Follow the A7 across the Scottish border into the Borders region

No matter where you’re coming from, be sure to take your time and enjoy the drive through the scenic Borders countryside! Stop in towns like Jedburgh, Melrose, and Kelso to experience their charm.

What to See and Do in the Borders

Scotland’s Borders is an ideal destination for enjoying the outdoors, exploring history, and experiencing Scottish culture. Here are some of the top attractions and activities:

  • Visit impressive abbeys like Dryburgh, Jedburgh, Kelso, and Melrose
  • Tour historic houses such as Abbotsford (home of Sir Walter Scott), Floors Castle, and Traquair House
  • Go hiking or cycling along the Borders Abbeys Way trail
  • Fish for salmon and trout on the River Tweed and tributaries
  • Sample whisky at distilleries like Glenkinchie
  • Attend annual festivals like the Melrose Sevens rugby tournament
  • Shop for tweeds, tartans, and other Scottish goods in towns like Peebles

With its pastoral landscapes, ancient ruins, cozy villages, and wealth of outdoor activities, the Scottish Borders makes for a wonderfully scenic and historic getaway. Whether you’re interested in its turbulent past, natural beauty, or simply experiencing authentic Scottish culture, the Borders has something for everyone.