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| The oilseed rape in bloom |
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| The gates of Thirlestane Castle in Lauder |
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| Roadside daffodils |
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| Just before Melrose this granite pillar marks the location of the Roman fort of Trimontium. |
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| In Melrose I went to see the chain bridge. Built in 1826 the footbridge spans an impressive 90 meters across the River Tweed. Going by the old warning signs I was expecting a very lively bridge…. |
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| …..but it turned out to be pretty rigid. |
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| The reason was
obvious. The deck consists of a lattice of welded hollow sections - it
was replaced in 1991. Descriptions of the bridge are scathing about the
strengthening work but, as one who toiled in the industry, I think a
bridge has to be functional as well as aesthetic. Note that the
original contractor repaired the bridge in 1928 - at no cost. Not
something any contractor I ever worked with would have considered! | |
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| The mighty Tweed from the bridge |
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| Melrose Abbey, founded 1146. War with the English and the Scottish Reformation did for it, I think. |
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| Traquair House near Innerleithen. This claims to be the oldest continuously occupied house in Scotland - oldest parts dating to c1492. Undergoing some repairs before the tourist season starts. |
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| Impressive driveway. The kids in the foreground seemed to performing some sort of play. |
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| The entrance gates feature some fierce beasts…… |
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| ….which I assume are suppose to be bears. They look more like a sheep with a crocodile's head. |
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| The house contains a brewery. The 160 shilling ale has a potent 9.5% alcohol. |
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