Archaeology Tour in the Scottish Borders: Romans Reivers & the Rough Wooing
About this Event
Join us in the Scottish Borders for a unique experience and learn how to read the landscape like an archaeologist.
Only an hour from Edinburgh, our small group, multi-day tours are led by professional archaeologists who have worked extensively in the area; a part of the country packed with prehistoric hillforts and Roman forts, and witness to centuries of Anglo-Scottish Border conflicts that were instrumental in the development of a 'reiving' way of life romanticised by Walter Scott.
- Experience archaeology for yourself and ‘have a go’ at recording monuments and handling real archaeological objects
- Gain exclusive access to hidden gems off the tourist trail
- Led by two dedicated guides/leaders, including a professional archaeologist providing unique, professional insights into all the sites that you visit
- Small group size containing a maximum of six participants
- Immerse yourself in a 3 day tour and sample the wares of traditional country inns and hotels
By taking part you will directly support local Heritage Societies and Trusts whose sites and activities will be front and centre of your experience, taking you further than a traditional tour ever could.
As a not-for-profit organisation, your support will also feed back into HARP's community outreach and educational programmes, helping more people to learn new skills and engage with archeological sites and their local heritage.
Get more than just snapshots from your holiday to Scotland!
Your unique activity break will change how you see the historic landscape around you. You will be guided through off-the-beaten-track sites by two expert guides (including a professional archaeologist) who have worked extensively in the area. Experience the historic landscape like you never have before and see things you have never seen before. Not only will you visit iconic Abbeys in Melrose and Kelso, but you will engage with archaeological skills and artefacts from the sites you visit and immerse yourself in local culture and fare. Your guides will take you through all the sites and will give you the opportunity to ‘have-a-go’ at being an archaeologist.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hume Castle, Village and Kirkyard
- Learn how to record an archaeological site in a fun and engaging way
- Historic Border Towns of Kelso and Melrose
- Trimontium Roman Museum and Fort
- Handle actual archaeological objects
- Melrose Abbey
- Kelso Abbey
- Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott
- Dere Street, the main North-South Roman road connecting York with the Antonine Wall and location of the Battle of Ancrum Moor
INCLUSIONS
- Two group leaders/guides, including a professional archaeologist
- Entry fees for all sites visited
- Bespoke training in archaeological skills
- Access to the Borders Family History Society in Galashiels
- Behind the scenes access and artefact handling at Trimontium Museum
- Guided walk down Dere Street
- All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3
- 2 nights accommodation at 3-star hotels in the centre of town**
* some limits apply, does not include alcoholic drinks; breakfast and evening meals not included if you chose to organise your own accommodation.
** separate rates are available if you prefer to organise your own evening meals and accommodation.
Availability
Our 3-day tours are available in March, April, September, October & November 2026; the listed dates are the first day of each tour
Prices
Prices start at £845 per person, accommodation is available for single room (supplement applies), double room (shared), or twin room (shared) and will be provided at the Cross Keys Hotel in Kelso and Burts Hotel in Melrose. Book your place with a £150 deposit per person.
£ 845.00 3-Day Itinerary per person*:
• No Accommodation
• No breakfast
• No evening meals
£ 1,095.00 3-Day Itinerary per person including:
• Accommodation (based on 2 people sharing)
• Breakfast
• Evening Meals**
£ 1,195.00 3-Day Itinerary per person including:
• Accommodation (Single Supplement)
• Breakfast
• Evening Meals**
*For those selecting to book their own accommodation and evening meals, you must ensure that you are at either Kelso Market Square or Melrose Market Square (depending on the day) by 9:30am to ensure no hold ups to the days activities; we bear no responsibility for collecting you from your accommodation at the start of the day, or returning you to your accommodation at the end of the day.
** Some limits apply, does not include alcoholic drinks
Meet your guides
Ian Hill has been a qualified archaeologist and working in the heritage sector since 2005. He has extensive knowledge and experience of Scottish heritage and archaeology and specialises in training in archaeological skills. He lives in the Borders and has worked with several local community groups and heritage trusts, delivering projects to help research and publicise their sites. His research and interest areas are in the Late Medieval and Post-Medieval periods.
Michelle Gamble has been a qualified archaeologist and working in the heritage sector since 2003. Living in Northumberland, Michelle has been involved in archaeological projects in the Borders for several years. With a specialisim in human osteology and skills training, Michelle also has a background in Classics with extensive knowledge of Roman Britain, previosuly working as a tour guide along Hadrian's Wall. Her research and interest areas include health, disease and medicine in the past, and mortuary archaeology.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 150.00
