The Scottish Borders occupy the quiet south eastern corner of Scotland on the frontier with England and stretch from Tweedsmuir in the west to the North Sea in the east. The Borders is full of impressive scenery and habitats; indeed Scotland’s fierce protection of its natural and cultural history has attracted more and more film directors to shoot in Scottish Borders locations. Further, the River Tweed and its many tributaries meander through the region, a region which varies from undulating moorland to rich agricultural plains and rocky coastline with secluded coves and picturesque fishing villages. These rivers are said to offer some of the best fishing in Scotland and attract anglers from home and abroad.

The Borders has had a turbulent and sometimes violent history, which is commemorated in the Common Ridings and other local festivals. Normally, however, the region’s tranquil air is a world away – encapsulated in its distinctive moors, beautiful forests, scenic rivers and lochs, and picturesque towns and villages. Within easy reach of Edinburgh, it is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and to indulge in outdoor pursuits of varying degrees of activity. There are plenty of things to do, and the changing seasons do nothing to lessen the copious ways to enjoy the region.

Walking, golfing and fishing are favourite pastimes, and some visitors are attracted by the chance to take a rural trek with a local horse and guide. For the more energetic, mountain-biking is a great favourite. Glentress, near Peebles, is rated 'the best dedicated mountain bike centre in Britain' by Mountain Bike Rider Magazine.

Geographically, the region may be divided into three - Western, Central and Eastern Borders. The Western end is at its most scenic. The Tweed rises here and is great for salmon fishing. The main town is Peebles, a genteel settlement with mostly Victorian architecture. A series of footpaths and trails meander through the surrounding hills, and from Peebles, you can gain access to the 90-mile Tweed Cycleway.

The central region Central contains the towns of Kelso, Jedburgh, and Melrose. Between Melrose and Peebles, the dominating Tweed Valley is at its best. Here there is an abundance of attractions, such as Scott's mansion at Abbotsford and numerous ruined abbeys. A treat for wildlife enthusiasts lies in the Ettrick Marshes, designated a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest near Selkirk. The Tweed Valley widens to the east where there are a few rather grand stately homes, such as Floors Castle. It is this central region which contains the famous textile production. Many people make a particular point of stopping at the factory shops in Hawick and Galashiels.

The eastern Scottish Borders is a mixed landscape of low-lying hills, extensive moors and a dramatic coastline. The Lammermuir Hills with their extensive grouse moors and wooded valleys form a natural border with the Lothians to the north. The area is excellent walking terrain and the Southern Upland Way cuts along the slopes on its way to the dramatic coastline, from where there are spectacular views. The best known landmark along this coast is St. Abb's Head which has been a National Nature Reserve since 1983 and is home to thousands of nesting seabirds in summer, and a cornucopia of other wildlife. The 90 metre high cliffs are home to colonies of cormorants, fulmars, guillemots, herring gulls, kittiwakes, puffins, and razorbills which nest on narrow ledges from April to August.