Traquair is a tiny hamlet (though a boom-parish 900 years ago) famous for having the oldest inhabited house in Scotland. Deeds go back to the 12th century. Traquair House was built as a castle for the kings of Scotland, and the building you see today has looked the same since the 17th century. The Palace of Traquair, as it was once known, was by repute the favourite residence of Scottish kings. It was here that William the Lion granted Glasgow's Burgh Charter in 1176.

It is full of historic treasures, secret staircases, and a priest's chamber which provided refuge for priests during a time of terror for Catholics. The mighty Bear Gates at the top of the drive were closed for the last time when Bonnie Prince Charlie fled Traquair after the Jacobite uprising was crushed at Culloden in 1746.

The Maxwell Stuart family - still in situ - swore never to open them again until a Stuart once again took the throne. You can look around the house, there's a restaurant, craft workshops, museum and brewery and a couple of rooms to let. (adult tickets: £5.60. T: +44(0)1896 830323 www.traquair.co.uk).

23. Traquair		Back to
Jennifer Caird		School House, Traquair, Innerleithen, EH44 6PL
Tel/Fax		01896 830425
Mobile		07986 682426
Web		www.stay-in-traquair.co.uk
Email		info@stay-in-traquair.co.uk
Rooms		1D, 1T, 1F
B&B		£25
Packed Lunch		£3.50
Distance from C&C		1km

Comfortable old school house with beautiful views on the edge of the village, garden with birds. Log fire, plus friendly dogs and cats. Lock up for bikes.

Pat & Brian Hudson		Quair View, Traquair, Innerleithen, EH44 6PL
Tel		01896 830506
Mobile		07719 544208
Email		hudson.b@btinternet.com
Rooms		1D, 1T
B&B		£22.50 - £25
Packed Lunch		£3.50
Distance from C&C		1km

Recently built bungalow half a mile from historic Traquair House and less than that from the World Championship downhill cycle track at Elibank, and 10km from Glentress forestry cycle track. Warm house, nice atmosphere.