Overview of Melrose

This large village is located 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Galashiels, 37 miles (60 km) southeast of Edinburgh, in the old county of Roxburghshire. St Aidan founded a monastery here in the 7th Century and was succeeded by St Boswell and then St Cuthbert yet the monastery was probably empty by the 11th century.

The present abbey (1136) was built by David I who brought in monks from Rievaulx near York. It was frequently and severely damaged in cross-border raids in 1322 and destroyed in 1385; rebuilt in the 15th century it was again damaged in 1544 and 1545 and repaired in 1822 with assistance from Sir Walter Scott and the Duke of Buccleuch. A later Duke gave it to 'the nation' in 1918. Alexander II is buried here and it is alleged that the heart of Robert the Bruce lies buried beneath the abbey's high altar.

Originally known as Fordel, Melrose produced linen until the late 18th century; it is now primarily a residential town. Notable buildings include Darnick Tower (1425) and the Commendator's House (15th century); there is also a Mercat Cross (1642) and the nearby Abbotsford House (1817-24) built by Sir Walter Scott to an elaborate design. Melrose is also known as the place where the game of Rugby Sevens originated. Priorwood Garden (National Trust for Scotland) includes an orchard and gardens with flowers suitable for drying.