Kelso

A picturesque country town, Kelso lies in a fine setting at the junction of the rivers Tweed and Teviot. Kelso is full of architectural and historic interest. In 1128 David I granted monks permission to build an abbey across the water from his castle, Roxburgh. Even in its fragmented state, this is a superb piece of architecture. To the west, a grassy mound, deep ditch and a few ruined walls are all that remain of the once mighty Roxburgh Castle. James II was killed during a siege here in 1460, by an exploding cannon. The lively programme of events in the town reflects the predominantly agricultural community, with the Border Union agricultural show, ram and horse sales, Kelso Races, point-to-point and the Scottish Championship dog show. Kelso Civic Week, held in summer, is the town's annual festival, adopting many of the features of the older Border Common Ridings.