Duns Area

The peaceful market town of Duns lies at the crossroads of the A6112 from Coldstream and the A6105 from Berwick to Earlston.  Nearby Chirnside is where Jim Clarke, the world champion motor racing champion in the 1960s, lived and farmed, and his achievements are displayed in the Jim Clarke Room in Duns.  Duns is alleged to be the birthplace of John Duns Scotus, a scholar and theologian in the 13th century whose followers were known as 'Dunses' from which the term 'dunce', meaning slow to learn, originates (his teachings were rejected following his death and were associated with stupidity).

The local walks include one to Dun Law in Duns Castle Estate which provides views of the Merse and Lammermuir Hills.  Nearby is the Covenanter's Stone which is the site of the Covenanter's army camp in 1639 - a copy of the Covenant was subsequently signed at Duns Castle.  Duns has a golf course and golf driving range.

Worth a visit is Manderston House, a stately Edwardian/Georgian home with Robert Adam interiors and a silver staircase.  There are also extensive gardens and Edwardian cream teas are served in the courtyard tearoom.

Eating places in Duns include the White Swan and Barniken House hotels and the Whip and Saddle pub.  Another good restaurant is the Wheatsheaf in Swinton, six miles south of Duns on the A6112.

The library in Duns is on Newtown Street and is open each day and until 12.30pm on Saturdays.

Our cottages:

Easter Cottage Swinton, Berwickshire Sleeps: 2, Bedrooms: 1

Abbey Cottage, Abbey St Bathans Estate Near Duns, Berwickshire Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2

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