Five magical places to visit in the Scottish Borders 

Did you know that the Scottish Borders is home to some of Scotland’s most enchanting folklore? From hills raised by wizards to mischievous fairies, the magical tales that have been passed down through generations are sure to intrigue and enthrall all those who hear them. And whether you believe such stories or not, there’s nothing as spellbinding as stepping foot into the places that inspired them.

Keep reading to discover our top 5 magical places to visit in the Scottish Borders, and the myths and legends behind them. 

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Eildon Hills 

Standing over the quaint village of Melrose are the three summits of the Eildon Hills. The subject of many paintings and lauded most notably by the local artist and novelist Sir Walter Scott, the three hills are widely agreed to be the remnants of volcanic activity from millions of years ago. Ancient folklore, however, attributes the formation of these hills to the work of the famed wizard Michael Scot. 

Legend has it that, one day, a good friar paid Michael Scot a visit at his castle-abode in the Ettrick valley. Having been challenged to a contest of power by the friar, Michael Scot choose a hill to the east and split it into three. That hill was called Eildon Hill, and in his triumph over the friar he created the trio of hill tops we can see now, altering the landscape forever. 

Today, the Eildon Hills are enjoyed by visitors from around the world. Why not take an easy hike up one of the hills and enjoy the scenic views of the River Tweed, or set yourself the challenge to complete all three? With the town of Melrose offering an array of things to do and charming eateries just below, a visit to these hills makes for an ideal day out. 

Rhymer’s Stone

Beyond the story of their creation, the Eildon Hills and their surroundings are known for other mystical tales that are said to have taken place on their slopes. One of these stories is that of Thomas the Rhymer who, while resting under the Eildon Tree, met the Queen of Elfland upon a white horse.  After sharing a kiss, Thomas was magicked away by the Queen and taken to the Land of the Elves where he lived for seven years. When Thomas returned, he found himself bestowed with the gift of prophecy as well as the inability to tell a lie and became known as ‘True Thomas’.  

What became of Thomas is a mystery. Some say he became immortal, while others claim he returned to live with the Elves. Today you can visit the Rhymer’s Stone at the foot of the Eildon Hills, which marks the spot where Thomas met the Elfenqueen. And who knows, if you sit there a while, perhaps you’ll meet her too… 

Jedburgh Abbey 

Consider yourself a lover of ghouls and ghosts? Then Jedburgh Abbey, one of the four great abbeys built in the Scottish Borders in the 12^th century, might be the place for you. Now a fascinating place to visit with extensive ruins, an aromatic herb garden and welcoming visitor center, this ancient site was once the setting of a spine-tingling tale that some believed led to the untimely death of one of Scotland’s greatest rulers, Alexander III. 

The tale tells of an October day when King Alexander married his new bride at Jedburgh Abbey. In the following celebrations, a play was performed, much to the delight of the King, his new queen and many guests. The merriment quickly turned into chaos, however, when a ghostly skeleton appeared amongst the actors, wrapped in a shroud. The spectral figure vanished as quickly as it had appeared, but not before raising a boney finger and pointing it at the King and his new bride. This was considered an evil omen and was soon followed by the death of the King shortly after when he fell from his horse. Frightening as this may seem, you’ll be glad to hear that the Abbey has been largely free of such ghoulish tales ever since, and now makes for a delightful visit.  

Hermitage Castle 

Hermitage Castle, found in the South of the Borders in Liddesdale, is a 15^th century ruin known for its colourful and sometimes haunting past. The castle was visited by Mary Queen of Scots and celebrated by Sir Walter Scott, who had it added to the background of one of his portraits.   

But it was the castle’s original owner, Lord William II de Soules, who dominates stories of the castle. De Soules is said to have been a wizard of the black arts and a most hated man by his neighbours. Having had enough of his dark ways, folklore says that locals carried him to Ninestane Rig, a stone circle above the castle, and boiled him to death in a mighty cauldron. Historians, however, claim that de Soules instead died while imprisoned in Dumbarton Castle. Whichever version of events you choose to believe, those who take a trip to the ruined Hermitage Castle can still find the standing stones there. And it is said that if you listen closely, you might still hear the Lord’s howls in the wind… 

Tamlane’s Well 

The legendary story of Tamlane (also known as Tam Lin, Tamlin, Tambling) first appeared as a ballad from the Scottish Borders dating from the 16th century. The tale follows the story of the Elfin warrior Tamlane, who dwelled in Carterhaugh Woods near the town of Selkirk. Though feared by young lasses across the land, one day he fell in love with a local girl named Janet by a well in the woods, and she was soon pregnant with his child. Determined to be the child’s father, Tamlane revealed to Janet that he was actually imprisoned in the woods by the Fairy Queen and could only leave if she rescued him from her clutches. To do this, she would have to steal him away from the fairies and hold tight to him as he transformed into an eel, an adder, a bear, a lion and finally into a burning hot ember which she would have to throw into a nearby well.  The brave Janet did just that, and the Fairy Queen begrudgingly set Tamlane free.  

You can visit Tamlane’s Well, where he first met Janet, to this day – though the woods that once surrounded it has all but disappeared. Perched near the side of the road, the Well is considered to have the most enchanting history of all the ancient wells in the Scottish Borders. So, if you’re stopping in Selkirk for a visit, or perhaps fancy a short cycle in the area, keep your eye out for the well’s running water. You never know, there may even be some fairies visiting too.   

Enjoyed learning about folklore tales from the Scottish Borders? You can hear more ancient stories, legends and histories of the region told by local storytellers on the Scotland Starts Here App. Discover more about the app and how you can download it here.