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Arrive in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. The seat of government and, for centuries, home to renowned writers, scientists, philosophers, artists and entrepreneurs, Edinburgh has a wealth of places to visit for those keen to explore their Scottish heritage. Don't miss Edinburgh Castle (although given its imposing location, it would be hard to do so!) and, of course, The Scott Monument on Princes Street. This impressive tribute to the writer is one of Scotland's most famous landmarks and celebrates his outstanding contribution to Scottish culture.
The Scott family holdings are in Roxburghshire, now part of the Borders region, and that brings within easy reach the many towns and villages associated with the clan. Hawick, Jedburgh and Kelso are prime among these; all are important historical towns and all are very picturesque. Other places with strong Scott connections include Maxton, Kirkton and Yetholm.
The current clan chief is the Duke of Buccleuch, a member of the Montagu Douglas Scott families who can trace their connections back almost a thousand years. The magnificent family castle of Drumlanrig in Dumfries and Galloway is home to a fine art collection - although some way from the Scott family heartlands, the beauty and sheer grandeur of the place is worth the trip.
No exploration of Scott's life could be complete without a trip to Abbotsford, the house he had built for himself in the early years of the 19th century. Abbotsford is home to Scott's impressive collections of historic relics, including armour and weapons and over 9,000 rare books and papers. Visitors can tour this library, along with his study, drawing room and the dining room overlooking the Tweed where Sir Walter died on 21 September 1832.
If you're feeling fit, then you might like to walk a little of Sir Walter Scott Way, a 92 mile trek through the open countryside that inspired many of his great poems and novels, and where he spent a very large part of his life.
Wind your way back to Edinburgh and, perhaps, a last opportunity to sample life in the Scottish capital.
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