TRAQUAIR is gearing up for its free Christmas Opening which takes place this weekend.

Lots of festive fun is guaranteed with plenty of Christmas present bargains.

And all proceeds from collections throughout the weekend will go to the Muscular Dystrophy campaign.

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, Traquair will be decorated for Christmas with floral displays by the Peebles Floral Art Society and staff in Victorian dress.

There is a sumptuous Santa’s Grotto in the Lower Drawing Room for under 10s as well as puppet shows by Poppy Browne, scavenger hunts and face painting.

In the Chapel there will be performances over the weekend from the Tweed Valley Male Voices, St Ronan’s Silver Band (Saturday only) and the new Traquair Village Choir (Sunday only) who will entertain with a range of music and Christmas carols.

In the courtyard you can feast on roasted chestnuts and hot dogs or try a glass of delicious mulled wine in the Dining Room.

There will be plenty of shopping opportunities with Crafts Stalls in the house and great discounts to be found in the Traquair Gift and Brewery Shop as well as the chance to win a Christmas Cake and luxury Traquair Hamper.

The 1745 Cottage Restaurant will also be open for lunches, teas and a hog roast.

The Festive Fayre runs from 11am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday.