Melrose By Day

Another day of blue skies and freezing temperatures.  A little shopping trip was necessary, so we headed up to Melrose - always a chilly place, it seems to me. But very pretty.

Errands done, we went to the Abbey. I have to admit that I've never been inside  before.

It has seen some troubles, but still has a romantic air about it - empty window arches that soar into nowhere, little doorways down to shadowy crypts, a staircase leading up to emptiness. (Apparently you can climb up to admire the view, but I decided to save that treat for next time.

"If thou woulds't view fair Melrose aright
Go visit it by the pale moonlight"

advised Sir Walter Scott, a local lad. Unfortunately it closes at 3.30 pm, and that's a bit early for moonrise, even in these short winter days.