It’s no wonder the beauty of the south of Scotland proved such vibrant inspiration for literary legends, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns, and it’s no surprise the area has continued as a brilliant setting in literature and on screen. From the early days of John Buchan’s Thirty Nine Steps to St Abbs as New Asgard in Hollywood blockbuster Avengers: Endgame, Leaderfoot Viaduct appearing in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and of course the various locations featured in Outlander, there are many more Scottish locations that star in your favourite films, TV shows and novel that we’re keen to highlight and offer the perfect cosy homes to relax in as you explore.
Stay in Scott Country
Beatrix Potter loved to stay at Ashieburn Cottage (her brother’s home), sleeping 2/4, and was undoubtedly inspired by the array of wildlife in the lovely garden and nearby stream. It’s easy to imagine Peter Rabbit and his friends playing in the grass outside the cottage. During your time at Ashieburn, you’re close to the magnificent Scott’s view and award-winning bookshop Mainstreet Trading Company, where you can spend your day browsing their book selection, visiting the deli, lounging in the cafe or attending one of the exciting author talks.
Travel into nearby Selkirk and explore Sir Walter Scott’s courtroom (just over 10 miles) and learn about the time he spent as the Sherrif of Selkirk, or visit his wonderful baronial home of Abbotsford House, adjacent to the Tweed, in Melrose. On the shores of St Mary’s Loch, the Tibbie Shiels Inn is 30 miles away and is well worth the journey. The venue was frequently visited by William Wordsworth, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg, providing a rich literary history to discover on your visit.
Books and Barns in The Borders
The picturesque town of Melrose isn’t just great for attending the renowned Borders Book Festival in June but is an excellent base for exploring films, TV and novels set in the beautiful Scottish Borders. During your stay at East Barn in Melrose, happily accommodating 4 guests, visit the locations explored by DI Rob Marshall in Ed James’ crime series set in Melrose. Wander the streets of Melrose, then return to East Barn and choose another story from the excellent library wall and cosy in for the evening, gazing out to the same Eildon Hills that Walter Scott cherished.
During your time in the Borders, there are many exciting filming locations to visit, including Manderston House in Duns, not only a beautiful 18th century home, with 60 acres of magnificent gardens, but a sight of many famous film and tv appearances, including The Buccaneers, Belgravia and indeed Outlander. Exclusively open in April, it’s the only time of the year to experience the opulent halls and the only silver-plated staircase in the world.
Rest by the sea in Scotland’s National Book Town
Settle on the coat at Garlieston at the Wheel House, housing 6 guests, and explore Scotland’s National Book Town, Wigtown, the area which inspired the international bestseller, Diary of a Bookseller, home to the famous and largest second-hand bookshop in Scotland, The Book Shop. Read one of the bookshop owner Shaun Bythell’s several books and visit the brilliant shop during your stay at the Wheel House. Bythell’s work has introduced readers around the world to life inside the second-hand book shop, bringing customers from all over the world.
Caves and Castles on the Coast
Discover the abundance of filming locations from the cult classic 1973 film The Wicker Man during a stay at Appletree Cottage, housing 4 guests. Filming for the eerie classic took place across several locations in Dumfries & Galloway, including Kirkcudbright, Gatehouse of Fleet, Newton Stewart and surrounding coastal landscapes like the brilliant St Ninian’s Cave. Film fanatics may recognise each location, though, to help, The Wicker Man website is the perfect companion guide for your adventures. Another key location for the film was Culzean Castle and Country Park, as well as tracking down where the crew filmed it also offers a brilliant day out. Explore the wild garden and take a break in one of the many cafe’s, on warmer days grab an ice cream from the parlour, and make your way back to Appletree with some goodies from the Home Farm Shop.
The property’s sister cottage, Peartree Cottage, also sleeping 4, is also available for larger groups looking to explore the sights of Dumfries and Galloway together.
Enjoy Gardens Galore
As the filming locations for The Wicker Man covered multiple areas over Dumfries and Galloway, our cottage South Airies Farmhouse located near Portpatrick, just 8 miles from Stranraer is great for appreciating the magnificent scenery at Castle Kennedy Gardens (11 miles) and Logan Botanic Gardens (21 miles). Both gardens were key filming locations for The Wicker Man and beautiful locations to visit in their own right. Sleeping from 4-10 guests, South Airies Farmhouse is perfect for smaller or larger parties looking to escape to the rugged coastline of south-west Scotland.
Relax in your cottage in the south of Scotland and explore the abundance of stunning scenery, marvel at magnificent vistas and take on exciting adventures. With hundreds of years of storytelling to consult and home to Sir Walter Scott who pioneered Scottish tourism, it’s safe to say the south of Scotland is worth the visit.
