The downward view into the gulf below, while they hung suspended over the abyss, is described by Mr. Wilson as being singularly impressive.* exports of Shetland are much the same as those of Orkney. These islands formerly belonged to the kingdom of Denmark, but, in 1468, on the marriage of James III. with the Princess Margaret of Denmark, they were given in pledge for the payment of her dowry, and have never since been disjoined from Scotland. They were at various times bestowed by the Crown on different persons, some of whom subjected the inhabitants to great oppressions. At length in 1707, James Earl of Morton obtained the great part of them from the Crown in mortgage, which was rendered irredeemable in 1742, and in 1766 he sold the estate for £60,000 to Sir Lawrence Dundas, the ancestor of the Earl of Zetland, their present proprietor. * A Voyage Round the Coasts of Scotland and the Isles. By James Wilson, F.R.S.E. Vol. ii., pp. 289-298. I. EDINBURGH.-GALASHIELS.-MELROSE.-JEDBURGH.-51 MILES. Jedburgh is situated on the west bank of the Jed, in the midst of a country beautifully wooded. It is a royal burgh of very ancient erection, and was one of the chief Border towns, and a place of considerable importance before the Union. After that period its trade was, in a great measure, destroyed; it has now, however, greatly revived. The remains of the Abbey form the principal object of curiosity in Jedburgh. It was founded either in 1118 or 1147, and, after various damages in the course of the Border wars, was burnt by the Earl of Hertford in 1545. It is a magnificent ruin, and is considered the most perfect and beautiful specimen of the Saxon and early Gothic in Scotland. Part of the west end is fitted up as a parish church. The Castle of Jedburgh, situated on an eminence at the town head, was a fortress of very great strength. The ground is now occupied by a Jail. The environs of Jedburgh abound in rich woodland scenes. Some remains of the famous ancient forest are to be seen in the neighbourhood of the half ruined castle of Ferniehirst, belonging to the Marquis of Lothian, and the original seat of his ancestors, the Kers. Jedburgh contains above 4000 inhabitants, and joins with Haddington, North Berwick, Dunbar, and Lauder, in electing a member of Parliament. II. EDINBURGH.-DALKEITH.-LAUDER.-KELSO.-42 MILES. Kelso is a handsome town, containing a spacious square or market-place, in which stand the town-house, and many elegant houses and shops. The Tweed is here crossed by a handsome bridge of Rennie's construction, from which the view, looking westward, and taking in Fleurs, the seat of the Duke of Roxburghe, is extremely beautiful. Kelso Abbey is well deserving of attention for its venerable antiquity, and the purity of its Saxon architecture. It was founded in 1128 by David I. who dedicated it to the Virgin Mary and St. John, and endowed it with immense possessions and privileges. In this Abbey James III. was crowned in 1460. The ruins of Roxburgh Castle, so celebrated in Scottish history, are situated about a mile from Kelso, near the junction of the Tweed and Teviot. Kelso contains above 4000 inhabitants; it votes with the county for M.P. 2 c IV. EDINBURGH-MUSSELBURGH.-HADDINGTON.-DUNBAR-BERWICK. Esq. 299 Lochend House, Sir G. Warrender, Bart. Two celebrated battles have been fought in the 27 neighbourhood of Dunbar, 26 the first in 1296, when the 24 Scotch were defeated by the English under Earl Warren, and the second in 1650, when they were 224 defeated by Cromwell. Dunglas House, Sir John 184 Hall, Bart. situated amidst beautiful plantations. It stands on the site of an old castle which was origi- 16 Lally a strong fortress of the Earls of Home. Houndwood House, Mrs. 7 Coulson, said to have been a hunting seat of the Scottish monarchs. Remains of Lamerton Kirk, where James IV. of Scotland was married by proxy to Margaret, eldest daughter of Henry VII. of England. of 12 68 3 Belhaven vill. DUNBAR. East Barns vill. A short distance from Dunbar is Broxmouth, a 28 large mansion of the Duke of Roxburghe, surrounded with wood. 30% The ruins of Dunbar Castle, about 200 yards west of the town. Here Edward II. found refuge after his defeat at Bannockburn. To the north of the town is Dunbar House, a seat of the Earl of Lauderdale. The town of Berwick is more remarkable for its historical recollections than for its present importance. It is 23 miles distant from Kelso, and 58 from Edinburgh, and is a respectable looking town, containing about 9000 or 10,000 inhabitants. It is still surrounded by its ancient walls, which only of late years ceased to be regularly fortified. Its principal trade is the export of salmon. |