A tour which can depart from in and around Edinburgh, or anywhere in The Borders, our Mary Queen of Scots Borders Tour is a must for anyone who wants to know more about the troubled life of Scotland’s first crowned Queen. We will depart at 09:30 and return to your agreed drop off at around 17:30. Like all our Driver Guided Tours, the day will be tailored to you.

Mary Queen of Scots has long been a subject of fascination. Her time in Scotland was short, but eventful and The Borders played a significant part. Visit great houses she stayed in, the lonely castle which almost cost her life and see the romantic ruins of buildings destroyed during the so called ‘rough wooing’. This tour is a must for history fans or anyone wishing to appreciate the wild grandeur of the Border Country.

Departing from Edinburgh, we make for Peebles where we will visit Neidpath Castle, where Mary stayed in 1563. From Peebles, we follow the Tweed to the great house of Traquair, where artefacts relating to her stay (and that of her infant son James) can be found. After lunch we head South, to Jedburgh where we visit a museum dedicated to Mary’s life, and her notable stay in the town. While here we will see Jedburgh Abbey, and witness the destruction of the so called ‘Rough Wooing’, the military action which attempted to marry Mary to Henry VIII of England’s son. Finally, we make for the rough country of Liddesdale, and the imposing Hermitage Castle, the Border fortress Mary rode to in difficult conditions to visit her trusted advisor, and later husband, Lord Bothwell.

The tour is customisable to you, we will have many different options for stops and attractions which we will discuss on the day, taking weather conditions and all other factors into consideration. Please note entry to Traquair House & Hermitage Castle are not included in your fee, these will be added separately.