Annual Gathering – 4th September 2021

The Annual Gathering was held this year at Abbotsford House on Saturday 4th September, with lunch and supper in the George & Abbotsford Hotel in Melrose.

This location was inspired by the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth on 15 August 1771.  The location is also close to the village of Earlston where Walter de Lindsay and his family first settled in Scotland around 900 years ago.

Members and guests were welcomed at the front door of the Hotel by the Clan Piper and assembled in the dining room for a most enjoyable 2-course lunch.   The character of the former coaching inn was well preserved by the fittings and furnishings which, along with the magnificent staircase banister and heavy carpeting, provided a most pleasant and tranquil atmosphere.  Those who stayed in the hotel over the weekend certainly had no complaints about the high standard of the food provided.

The Melrose Pipe Band were playing in the town square as we left the Hotel after lunch.  The early morning rain had cleared up and the party proceeded to Abbotsford House around 2.30 pm where we divided into two groups and were guided through the property by well versed and extremely helpful staff members.  The artifacts on display were quite fascinating, placed in the setting of Walter Scott’s original furnishings.  The views from the windows across the grounds were stunning and must have been a great inspiration for his writings.

Following a walk round the gardens, we returned to the Hotel for afternoon tea, coffee and handmade shortbread biscuits and then had a quiet spell before the Saturday evening entertainments began, arranged by Ronnie.   Steak pie at 7.30 with accompanying refreshments provided the foundations for a highly entertaining and most convivial social evening.