Abbotsford The Home of Sir Walter Scott

11/06/2026

09/06/2026

This month for Abb Fab, we are looking at Charlotte Hope-Scott.

To kickstart, have a look at this amazing photograph!

Both Charlotte and her father, John Gibson Lockhart, were photographed by the famous Edinburgh photography duo Hill and Adamson around 1846. The pair had a strong interest in Scott, photographing scenes from Scott’s novels and famously chronicling the building of the Scott Monument on Princess Street.

Hill and Adamson’s images are famed for their spontaneity and vitality. This is born out in Charlotte’s photograph, where we get a real sense of her mischievous personality, quite the whippity stourie!

Charlotte Lockhart, later Mrs Hope. Grand-daughter of Sir Walter Scott. Photograph by David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson, ca. 1846. National Galleries of Scotland 📸

09/06/2026

Gala Day Visitors Invited to Explore Abbotsford for Free! 🖤

To celebrate the Braw Lads’ Gathering’s visit to Abbotsford during their ceremonial ride out, Abbotsford will be offering free entry to the Historic House on the Gala Day (27th of June) for everyone taking part in the celebrations. Simply show your Gala rosette at the Visitor Centre on the day to enjoy your free visit.



Image Credit: VisitScotland / Ian Rutherford

08/06/2026

🌟 What's On at Abbotsford This June? 🌟

June is shaping up to be a busy one! 📚💫

📖 Celebrate the Borders Book Festival:

- Watch the announcement of the Walter Scott Prize Winner
- Free guided tours at Abbotsford during the Borders Book Fest weekend!
- Join in on Family Fridays for free at Borders Book Fest!

🐎 Celebrate the Common Ridings:

- FREE ENTRY days for Melrosian and Braw Lads & Lasses supporters wearing their rosettes! 🎉
- Take part in a free crafts activity to raise your flag in celebration!
- Enjoy a Haggis Box at Abbotsford as you come to watch the Lindean Rideout!

Room for more?

- Join in on June's Family Friday session for free on June 12th at Abbotsford, drop in anytime between 1 pm - 4 pm and finish with a free kids meal with every adult meal at Ochiltrees Cafe! 🍽️
- View our new spotlight display focusing on the short, tragic life of Charlotte Hope-Scott 🤍
- Enjoy harp music in Abbotsfords chapel on June 18th! 🎵

Which event are you most looking forward to?

05/06/2026

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers!

As an independent Scottish charity, we rely on our volunteers to help keep Abbotsford alive.

If you are interested in volunteering, click the link in our bio for more info! 💫

04/06/2026

In celebration of MuseumWeek () and the theme If Objects Could Speak, Dr Matt Thompson turns our attentions to the dining table of Sir Walter Scott...

After hosting everyone from poets and painters to princes and politicians, it must have centuries of gossip stored in its oak panels...we think if objects could speak, this one wouldn't be able to stop!

Read all in Matt's new blog, link in bio ✨