Living in the Scottish Borders

Blessed with enviably beautiful countryside, where historic castles and stately homes decorate the landscape along with meandering rivers, enchanting woodland and rolling fields, the Scottish Borders is simply stunning. Stretching from the border with England along the way up to Midlothian whilst rubbing shoulders with neighbouring Dumfries and Galloway, the rural region is blessed with charming market towns, quaint villages and even a gorgeous stretch of coastline. Well connected to the capital but remote enough for a truly rustic rural lifestyle, the Scottish Borders offers an array of property options in numerous pretty places to live.

Is the Scottish Borders a good place to live?

The Scottish Borders, often simply called the Borders, is a region in southern Scotland known for its rolling hills, historic abbeys, and countless charming villages. As such a sparsely populated region, nature feels much closer, and there’s a real sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

From the major towns of the region such as Galashiels, Selkirk and Hawick to captivating royal burghs like Peebles and Jedburgh, the Scottish Borders is a wonderful place live. You’ll find beauty and history in the picturesque town of Melrose, a vibrant community ambiance in the traditional market town of Kelso, and a charming harbour and coastline in Eyemouth.

Whether you want the serenity of seaside, charm of the countryside or the friendly fibres of a tight-knit community, the Scottish Borders has it all. Discover a wealth of different property types in the region, from family houses, new developments, rural cottages and seaside residences.

What is the transport in the Scottish Borders like?

The Scottish Borders has a fairly robust transport system for a rural area, and with such good commuter links to the capital, it's a popular place to live for those who work in the city but prefer a more rural lifestyle.

The Scottish Borders by bus

As a largely rural region, the bus services are vital for connecting the scattered communities within the Scottish Borders. The main provider of bus services is Borders Buses, which provides regional routes linking Kelso, Peebles, and Hawick to Edinburgh and other key locations. This excellent service provides services northward into East Lothian and Midlothian, as well as across the border into Northumberland.

The bus network primarily serves the larger towns but also provides links to smaller villages, though frequency in rural areas can be limited.

The Scottish Borders by rail

Rail travel in the Scottish Borders was revitalized with the reopening of the Borders Railway in 2015, which takes passengers from Tweedbank to Edinburgh, passing through key towns such as Galashiels and Stow. Along with being a major boast for tourism in the region, the service has proved useful to commuters who work in the capital.

The Scottish Borders by car

Perhaps the most convenient way to travel is by car, and the road system is the backbone of transport in the Scottish Borders. Key roads in the region include the A1 which along the eastern coast, connecting Edinburgh to Berwick-upon-Tweed and England, as well as the A7 that passes through towns like Galashiels and Hawick while connecting Edinburgh to Carlisle. For travel to Glasgow from the region, you can use the A72 which passes through Innerleithen and Peebles before connecting to several roads for onward travel.

What are the schools in the Scottish Borders like?

Schools in the Scottish Borders offer a range of educational opportunities, from primary and secondary schools to special schools and further education institutions.

The region has a large number of primary schools spread across its towns and villages. Many of these schools serve smaller, rural communities, which means class sizes tend to be smaller compared to urban areas. This allows for more individualized attention and a strong community feel. Some schools, particularly in more remote areas, may combine classes across year groups due to smaller student populations.

Serving a wide catchment area due to the rural nature of the region, the ten high schools of the Scottish Borders are Kelso High School, Peebles High School, Hawick High School, Earlston High School, Galashiels Academy, Berwickshire High School, Eyemouth High School, Selkirk High School and Jedburgh Grammar Campus.

For students looking to pursue further education, the main institution is Borders College, which has campuses in Galashiels and Hawick. Borders College offers a wide range of vocational and professional courses, including apprenticeships, business studies, and healthcare. It also has partnerships with universities, allowing students to begin their studies locally before transferring to larger institutions like Heriot-Watt University.

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What are the best things to do in the Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is a region rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Locals can explore its many historic castles and abbeys, such as Melrose Abbey, Thirlestane Castle and Floors Castle, which offer a glimpse into the area's fascinating past.

The region’s stunning landscapes are perfect for outdoor activities, with popular hiking trails like the Southern Upland Way and the Eildon Hills, as well as world-class mountain biking at Glentress Forest. Fishing on the River Tweed, known for its salmon, is another draw for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Borders is also home to vibrant traditional festivals, including the Common Ridings, which celebrate the history of local towns through horse riding and parades. Literary lovers can enjoy the Borders Book Festival in Melrose, while Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, provides insight into the life of one of Scotland’s most famous writers.

For nature lovers, St. Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve offers dramatic coastal views and abundant wildlife, including puffins and seals. Scenic drives and train journeys, particularly on the Borders Railway, showcase the region's rolling hills and picturesque towns like Peebles and Kelso. These towns are perfect for leisurely exploration, with independent shops, historic sites, and local markets.

The Scottish Borders is also known for its golf courses and local food scene, with Borders lamb, Moffat Toffee, seafood from Eyemouth, and locally distilled whisky and gin from places like The Borders Distillery. The region's rich textile heritage is still alive today, with opportunities to visit working mills in Hawick, where tweed and cashmere are produced using traditional methods.

Whether you're interested in history, outdoor activities, or local culture, the Scottish Borders offers a unique and varied experiences for those that call the region home.

Types of property in the Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders offers an abundance of differing property types, from detached and semi-detached homes in thriving towns to quaint cottages in the heart of nature. Discover new developments along with Victorian and Edwardian homes, and everything in between. Whatever your dream home looks like, there’ a great chance you’ll find it in the Scottish Borders.

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Planning on moving to the Scottish Borders?

If you have decided to move to the Scottish Borders, what’s the next step? We recommend finding a solicitor estate agent to help you find your perfect property!

Find a solicitor estate agent in the Scottish Borders

You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in The Scottish Borders, or your local town or village, such as Galashiels or Hawick and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.

Where to live in the Scottish Borders

Looking to move to or within The Scottish Borders? Whether you are looking for a bigger family home, fancy a move to the charm of the countryside or love the quaint atmosphere of a rural town, the region has so much to offer. Click on each of our guides below to help narrow down your search!