Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine,
By Callander, Stirling FK17 8HZ. Scotland, United Kingdom
Tel: 00 44 (0)1877 332000
Sir Walter Scott
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) was a renowned historical novelist and poet, popular throughout Europe during his time - but always and forever associated with his homeland, Scotland.
He was one of the first English-language authors to have a truly international career in his own lifetime, with his works read all across Europe, Australia, and North America. His novels and his poetry are as popular still today, and many are regarded as classics - ‘Rob Roy’, ‘The Lady of The Lake’, ‘Waverley’, and ‘The Heart of Midlothian’ to name just a few.
Whilst he was born in the city of Edinburgh, his early childhood home was in the Scottish Borders, where he grew to love the surrounding countryside. His education however was centred on Edinburgh - where he was a pupil at The Royal High School, before going to The University of Edinburgh to study classics - later taking classes in Moral Philosophy and Universal History, and qualifying as a lawyer.
His legal career was mirrored by his literary career - and at the age of 25 he began writing, translating German ballads, before publishing his own first collection of Scottish pieces. He founded his own printing press, and his poetry brought him recognition and fame - most notably when his epic piece The Lady of the Lake, set in the Trossachs, was published in 1810. Just a few years later he published his first novel - ‘Waverley’, the first of a series, each of which had a Scottish historical setting.
As Sir Walter Scott he organised the visit of King George IV to Scotland in 1822, and the spectacular pageantry he arranged to mark the occasion is often recognised as having made tartans and kilts fashionable, and established as symbols of the Scottish national identity.
Suffering from failing health he died at Abbotsford, his iconic home in the Borders, in 1832, and was buried in Dryburgh Abbey where nearby, fittingly, a large statue can be found of William Wallace— one of Scotland's many romanticised historical figures.
Abbotsford
Abbotsford is open to visitors every day from mid March until 31 October.
Situated on the banks of the River Tweed, west of Melrose, the house built and lived in by Sir Walter Scott contains an impressive collection of historic relics, weapons and armour, including Rob Roy’s gun, dirk and sword, and an internationally renowned library containing over 9,000 rare volumes. The house is surrounded by gardens, and has delightful walks to the river and through extensive woodland. Visitor facilities include a Tea Room and Gift Shop.
For further information - call (01896) 752043 or visit www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk
