The Area

East Berwickshire forms the south-east corner of Scotland, stretching from Cockburnspath in the north down to Lamberton on the Border with England. Eyemouth is its largest community, but as many people again live in the surrounding villages.

Eyemouth is a good base from which to explore the rest of East Berwickshire, by car or bicycle, or on foot. There are over 30 miles of coastline, with stunning scenery ranging from high cliffs to sandy coves. Inland, you’ll find nature reserves where red squirrels and deer thrive, and buildings that include a castle you can get married in and a priory that was sacked by Oliver Cromwell’s army.

Marine biologists have long considered the waters around the Berwickshire coast to be very special. To help conserve the natural habitats, a Voluntary Marine Reserve was established, and this coastline also forms part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a European Marine Site

.: St Abbs

The old school in this picturesque fishing village houses a Heritage Centre and displays about the work of the St Abbs & Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve.

The best known landmark along the Berwickshire coast is St Abbs Head, formed by an extinct volcano millions of years ago. The 192 acres of the St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve is owned by the National Trust for Scotland, who run a visitor centre just outside the village.

.: Coldingham

With its sandy bay and traditional painted beach huts, this is a popular place for families. The Priory, restored since it was burned by Oliver Cromwell’s army in 1648, is open regularly to the public.

.: Cove

This clifftop hamlet’s picturesque harbour featured in the film ‘Mrs Brown’, and is reached through a tunnel cut into the rock.

.: Ayton

An attractive village on the River Eye. Ayton Castle is an imposing Victorian red sandstone building which opens to the public during the summer.

.: Burnmouth

Dating back to the 12 th century, this village at the very south-east corner of Scotland is built in two tiers. It has a tiny harbour and dramatic rock formations that are revealed at low tide.

.: Cockburnspath

This village on the edge of the Lammermuir Hills marks the end of the Southern Upland Way, a 212-miles long footpath across the south of Scotland. The Mercat Cross in the centre of the village was erected in about 1503 to commemorate the union of Scotland and England.

Worth a visit also are the villages of Reston, Auchencrow and Grantshouse, with their attractive stone built houses and historic inns.

Finally, a mention for Berwick-upon-Tweed, an interesting town just across the Border in England. Fought over by the Scots and the English throughout history, Berwick still has close links with the Scottish Borders (and their football team plays in the Scottish League!).