The Border lands of Scotland were, for many years, hotly contested between various factions and witnessed a great deal of violence, bloodshed and battle.

Local family rivalries, cross-border tensions with the English and livestock rustling were common causes of war down the centuries, so we can understand why those with the means protected their lands and families with hardy, stone-hewn, secure and often heavily fortified towers.

Many of these Borders towers - the correct name for one is a Pele (pronounced Peel) -  can still be seen dominating their landscape including such fine examples as Smailholm and Greenknowe.

Others were incorporated into larger, grander homes by the more wealthy and powerful - Duns Castle still has at its heart a 13th Century Norman pele though it is on the outside a glorious mansion in the Gothic revival style of reknowned architect, James Gillespie-Graham.

Additionally, powerful local Earls liked to ensure that their homes were of the most palacial nature and many of these still stand majestically today. Floors Castle near Kelso is the family seat of the Dukes of Roxburghe while Bowhill near Selkirk is that of the Dukes of Buccleuch.

The House of the Hirsel in Coldstream, Mellerstain Castle near Gordon, Thirlestane near Lauder and Manderston House near Duns are all beautiful examples of stately homes which survive in the Scottish Borders and most are open to the public (grounds only at The Hirsel).

Visitors who enjoy being steeped in history, who marvel at works of art and precious artifacts or who simply thrill seeing how the other half lives are spoilt for choice in the Scottish Borders.