Clan Scott Gathering & Muster of the Clans -1

[cessna152towser]

Its all happening here in the Scottish Borders, the guest houses have filled up this week with numbers of overseas visitors beyond expectations, already today I have chatted with visitors from New Zealand, Australia, Canada and at least half a dozen states of the USA. It appears that visitors to events earlier in Homecoming Scotland 2009 went back home with good reports and now all their friends are coming to see their Scottish roots.
This display in a local newsagent's window shows two new tartans, Guardian of Scotland and Guardian of Scotland Dress, which bring together the colours of Bruce and of Wallace, and were registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority in December 2008. But on with the photos:-

Two buses are ready to leave Selkirk Square for a tour of Scott Country. Let's join one of the buses.

Richard Walter John Montagu Douglas Scott, 10th Duke of Buccleuch and 12th Duke of Queensberry KBE, DL, and Chief of Clan Scott, welcomes passengers aboard the Scott Country bus tour.

First call was at Harden House, which has been a Scott household for many generations. The Scotts of Harden have been a well known Scottish Borders family since mediaeval times. There was a mediaeval peel tower here which was replaced by a seventeenth century house, this view shows the new frontage after the house was extended during the nineteenth century.

Lord and Lady Polwarth were waiting to welcome their guests. I worked with Lord Polwarth in the Scottish courts when he was known as Andrew Hepburne-Scott, before he inherited his father's title. He can trace his ancestry back through direct male line to Uchtred Fitz-Scott (Uchtredus Filius Scoti) who was known to have lived during the reigns of King Alexander I and King David I in the early twelfth century.

Viewing Harden House from the lawn on the east side we can see the gable end of the seventeenth century house on left (south) and the Victorian extension on right (north).

The south facing view from the terrace of Harden House

A view from the south showing the south wall of Harden House.
More to follow shortly.

[cessna152towser]

This gentleman had travelled all the way from Christchurch, New Zealand, to take part in the Clan Scott Gathering and the Muster of the Clans.

A rather misty view of Buccleuch, where the Scotts of Buccleuch originally came from.

A passing view of Dryhope, note the mediaeval peel tower in bottom right hand corner, a former Scott stronghold.

Your roving reporter from xmarksthescot during the lunch stop at St. Mary's Loch.

Newark Castle was built in 1423 for the Earls of Douglas. After the Douglas family fell from the King's favour the castle was forfeited and granted to the Scotts in 1550.

The west gable of Newark Castle.

From the approach path to Abbotsford House, which was constructed for Sir Walter Scott between 1818 and 1824.

Abbotsford House, the main frontage which faces the River Tweed.

The gardens at Abbotsford House.
One more instalment to follow shortly.

[cessna152towser]

A display of Scott tartans in Lochcarron Visitor Centre.

A visitor is tempted by that roll of tartan fabric in Scott green tartan.

Lisa James, Colorado Commissioner, Clan Scott Society.

A bewildering array of tartans.

Measuring up in the kilt department.
That's all folks.

[EagleJCS]

Wonderful pictures! TRhanks for the short tour! Wish I could have been there. (One day...)

[Arizona Scot]

Great pics thanks for sharing, really liked those new tartans in the first picture.

[Santa Kona]

Great photographs

[sydnie7]

Oh yes, that Guardian of Scotland Dress is a handsome one!

Thanks for all your pics. See you at Ventura, just a few weeks now!

[McClef]

A fascinating tour there Alex!

[GMan]

Thank you for a wonderful tour.

[SFCRick]

Grand photo trip