Melrose, a civil parish once part of Roxburghshire, harbours a rich and intriguing history. The town was originally named Mailros and based on a peninsula by the River Tweed, where an ancient monastery was grounded in the 6th century. The present-day Melrose emerged in the 12th century, graced with the establishment of the Cistercian masterpiece, Melrose Abbey, by King David I of Scotland.

Melrose Abbey may be a ruin today, a consequence of the Reformation era, but it still stands as a monumental structure, under the careful custodianship of Historic Scotland, and open to the public. Bordered by quaint villages like Darnick and Newstead, Lilliesleaf, Gattonside and Bowden, modern-day Melrose has made its mark as a hub of rugby. The birthplace of Rugby Sevens, Melrose stands proud of its rugby union team the Melrose RFC, while the Melrose Sevens celebration is the highlight of the town's sporting calendar.

Dive into a game of golf set against the beautiful backdrop of the Eildon Hills at the Melrose Golf Club, or indulge in a literary feast at the annual Borders Book Festival. Further exploration will lead you to additional historical treasures, such as the Roman fort of Trimontium and Dryburgh Abbey, not forgetting Abbotsford House, home to famed writer Sir Walter Scott. And if you plan your visit right, you can be a part of the festive Melrose Festival, with its charming local traditions.

Melrose is also famed for events like the Eildon Two Hills Race and the Melrose Pipe Band Championships. Its notables are as diverse as the scenery, spanning from Sir Walter Scott to rugby stalwarts like Stuart Hogg and Craig Chalmers.