A BORDERS tourist attraction has been gifted a 20-foot Christmas tree.

Abbotsford House, near Galashiels, has received the tree from the Duke of Buccleuch.

For the first time in seven years, Sir Walter Scott's old home will remain open in December after a difficult tourism season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of a Twelve Days of Christmas event, the 10th Duke of Buccleuch officially gave the tree to the Abbotsford Trust during the Christmas market on November 21.

Abbotsford’s Chief Executive Giles Ingram said: “We are very grateful to the Duke of Buccleuch for gifting us with such a grand tree to help spread the festive cheer this year."

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The museum has also created a festive audio tour and will decorate the house ready for the celebrations which will run Thursday to Sunday from December 3-20 between 10am and 4pm.

After a difficult year for tourist attractions in the Borders, Abbotsford bosses hope that the event will be enjoyable for families able to visit.

Mr Ingram added: "Like many businesses, 2020 has been a really difficult time for Abbotsford due to the COVID pandemic and so we decided to extend the season for the first time in seven years rather than close in December as normal.

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"We are hoping it will provide a fun day out for families in the local community and any visitors who can travel to the Borders within government guidelines in December.

"If a success, we hope we can do the same next year for Walter Scott’s 250th Anniversary."

Entry to Abbotsford House and Gardens is by timed ticket only, and it is advised that you purchase tickets in advance.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk