Medieval abbeys in the Scottish Borders

The remains of Coldingham Priory stand in an attractive setting in this rural Berwickshire village. The peaceful ruins are deceptive, for Coldingham Priory was once one of the largest and most important monastic centres in Scotland. The priory began in 1098 when King Edgar gave permission for monks from Durham to erect a priory church here.
High Street, Coldingham, Borders, Scotland

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Dryburgh Abbey was one of the great medieval monasteries of Scotland. Substantial ruins of the 12th-century Premonstratensian abbey stand in a beautiful secluded setting on the River Tweed. See the grave of Sir Walter Scott in the north transept.
Melrose, Borders, Scotland, TD6 0RQ

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Heritage Highlight: 13th century chapter house

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A famous Border abbey founded in 1138 by David I as an Augustinian priory. Roofless but mostly complete Abbey church with both Romanesque and Gothic details. The 12th-century west front is almost complete, but the foundations are all that remains of the cloister buildings. The coronation of Malcolm IV and the marriage of Alexander III took place here.
Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh, Borders, Scotland, TD8 6JQ

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Heritage Highlight: 12th century Romanesque architecture in the abbey church

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Pillaged for stone after its destruction, little remains of this 1128 abbey, once the Borders greatest and richest. Founded by King David I for Tironensian monks from France, the west front and tower are all that remains of the abbey church where the infant James III was crowned.
Bridge Street, Kelso, Borders, Scotland, TD5 7JD

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Melrose Abbey was founded in 1136 by David I, sacked by Edward II, and destroyed by Richard II. Substantial Gothic ruins of the abbey date from the reconstruction of 1400. The decorative sculpture is superb, with fine traceried stonework. Robert the Bruce's heart is reportedly buried here. There is a small museum in the Commendator's House showcasing objects found during excavation.
Abbey Street, Melrose, Borders, Scotland, TD6 9LG

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Heritage Highlight: Superb 14th century carving and tracery - and a carving of a pig playing bagpipes

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