Border Country…

Due to incompetence (mine) this blip belongs to the 7th June and 8th June blip belongs here  *rolls eyes*

We woke to another dry and bright day. Patricia has been in Scotland for almost three weeks and the weather Gods have been very kind that may change tomorrow :-(

We headed off just after 10am and had a pleasant journey down to Melrose, where we sat in sunshine in the town square while we ate lunch from a very lovely coffee shop.  

Afterwards we meandered our way down to Melrose Abbey.  Sadly access to the abbey is currently prohibited as repair work to the ancient structure is taking place but we managed to get some photos.  

Then it was time to get back in the car and head to Dryburgh Abbey Hotel.  We last stayed at the hotel when attending a wedding in 2008 (our friends got married in the Chapter House in the Abbey ruins.  A stunning setting) and we’ve looked forward to returning.

The sun was still shining as we arrived so after checking in we went off to explore Dryburgh Abbey, which is just opposite the hotel.  

Sadly the Abbey was closed as it’s also under repair.  I think Historic Scotland must have a designated time when checks/repairs are made to its ruins as it surely can’t be coincidence that Doune Castle, Melrose Abbey and Dryburgh Abbey all currently have restricted access.  This was disappointing for Patricia as she was keen to see the tomb of Sir Walter Scott, but alas we were only able to see it from a distance.   We were able to wander around the grounds though and followed the path to the banks of the Tweed where we sat in the sunshine listening to the birds sing as the river flowed slowly past.  Bliss.

We returned to the hotel garden and proceeded to enjoy a bottle of Prosecco to toast a lovely end to Patricia’s holiday (one more day to go)

We enjoyed a lovely dinner before collapsing into the absolutely enormous bed!!