I choose to find out more about the design, craft and textile companies in which the Scottish Borders are famous for. The Scottish Borders are filled to the brim with talented crafts people, the village and towns are artistic hubs of small independent retailers who make a living from doing what they love, and selling their handmade gems into shops and online sites worldwide.
After a gorgeous drive through Midlothian, Galashiels and Selkirk our first stop was the thriving Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere factory and shop in Hawick (pronounced Hoyk, as the locals say, like you would Hoyk up your troosers!)
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I recently spent the weekend in the Scottish Borders with my fellow Scotlanders, exporing the region of the new Borders Railway. You can read about my trip here. I was lucky enough to spend the night at the HorseshoeRestaurant with rooms in Peebles.
As I was warmly welcomed into my accommodation for the night I was already enchanted by the picture perfect village of Peebles, Scotland. Set amongst the rolling hills and valleys of the Scottish Borders this market town straddles the majestic River Tweed and is filled with cute independent shops, timeless streets and flowers in blossom in every nook and crannie.

The Horseshoe Restaurant with rooms didn’t dampen my enthusiasm for this stunning area. Driving up the  stone driveway I was thrilled to find  a beautifully transformed former village School House, whitewashed and surrounded with colourful flower pots. This stands behind the restaurant itself, a traditional typically Scottish affair, whitewashed outside with dark woods and thick luxurious carpets, and hints of rustic Scotland in it’s decor. The rustic feel helps the restaurant feel cosy and comfortable, but that takes nothing away from the first class hospitality we experienced at every stage of our stay.
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