SCOTTS from all over the world descended on the Borders to attend a recent clan gathering hosted by the 10th Duke of Buccleuch alongside Abbotsford House.

Guests travelled back to their ancestral home from France, Canada, USA, New Zealand and Australia to enjoy a packed programme of events celebrating their heritage.

Three days of activities took place in and around Bowhill House and Country Estate, located in the Scottish Borders just outside of Selkirk and Abbotsford House between Tuesday 24th June and Thursday 26th June.

Events were rounded off with a farewell banquet, attended by the 10th Duke of Buccleuch – who is Chief of Clan Scott – and 50 guests, all with a link to Clan Scott.

The heart of the original Clan area was at Bellendaine, a meeting place for the Scotts, so local band Scocha wrote and performed a new song especially for the Scott gathering, entitled ‘A Bellendaine*,’ meaning ‘to Bellendaine,’ it is the rallying or war cry of the Scotts of Buccleuch.

The Duke also received a special gift from Clan Scott America of a US flag which had been flown over Washington on Tartan Day earlier this year.  The gift held special significance for the Duke, who was involved in the instigation of Tartan Day in America.

Across the three days, activities included a birds of prey presentation, tours of Bowhill House, visits to the Selkirk Court Room, Smailholm and Dryburgh Abbey, followed by a tour of Abbotsford House, food and whisky tasting in the Abbotsford Restaurant, Ochiltree’s and a tour of the Sir Walter Scott exhibition.

The Scott Clan can be traced back to the 1100s, so covers almost one thousand years of history.

Helen Currie, House and Events Manager for Bowhill said: “The Clan Scott gathering was a big success and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

“It was excellent to see so many people from different parts of the world come together to enjoy an array of diverse and interesting activities over the course of the three days.

“I look forward to hosting another Clan Scott gathering with Abbotsford House in future.” For more information on opening times, charges, facilities or the events on offer, contact Bowhill House and Country Estate on 01750 22204 or email info@bowhillhouse.co.uk.