Kelso Attractions

Scottish Border Town

Kelso Abbey

In the early times, about AD 1100, the main settlement in the area was in what was then known as Marchmount. The site of a castle which stood on the mound between the

Teviot and Tweed.

In 1124 David I, renamed the Town and Castle as Roxburgh (Rokesburgh).

Today Roxburgh Castle is a ruin.

David I founded Kelso Abbey, in 1128, in Easter Kelso which expanded around the abbey.

Kelso Abbey was inhabited by monks from Normandy (Tiron) in France which Alexander I brother to David I had first brought to Selkirk. In 1143 the Abbey was dedicated to The Blessed Virgin and Saint John. After the final destruction of the Abbey buildings in circa 1587. Most of the Abbey ruins were cleared in 1805 leaving what you can be seen today.

Kelso War Memorial

The War Memorial can be seen in gardens next to Kelso Abbey ruins. The garden was gifted by the Duke of Roxburghe in 1921. Kelso War Memorial commemorates the people of Kelso who were lost in World War I (92 names) and World War II (42 names). The memorial resembles a medieval Scottish Mercat Cross, with a sculpture of St George slaying the dragon, a symbol for the triumph of good over evil. There are bronze plaques with the names of the fallen.

War Memorial Kelso George and the Dragon

Waverley Lodge Kelso
Sir Walter Scott

Walter Scott lived with his aunt Janet in 1783 for 6 months and attended Kelso Grammar School.

While at Kelso Grammar school he met James Ballantyne, who was later to become Walter's publisher and business partner.

He live in Waverley Cottage which has a bust of Scott and a dog statue.

Kelso Grammar School

Bridge and River Tweed

Floors Castle Gates
Floors Castle is one of the most historic residences in Scotland with centuries of family history.

The Castle has been home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe since 1730.

Floors Castle was first constructed between 1721 and 1726 for the 5th Earl of Roxburgh, who became the 1st Duke of Roxburghe in 1707, moving from their main residence in Dunbar (Broxmouth Park) to their new residence at Floors Castle in 1730.

Floors Castle stands in a 52000 acre estate which includes the Cheviot Hills, Tweed Valley and Lammermuir Hills. It Overlooks the River Tweed and the ruins of Roxburgh Castle.

There is many things to see, and do, a great day out for all the family.

Beirhope Alpacas

Beirhope Farm Kelso is where you can go trekking with Alpacas. The Alpaca originates from South American are a camelid mamma. Like a small Llama. They have been present in Kelso since 2006 and there is a herd of over 25.