THE Roxburghshire town of Kelso has been listed as one of the ‘14 Places You Must Visit in 2023’ by the national tourism organisation VisitScotland.

The chosen venues are described as Scottish gems with huge amounts to offer and exciting things to shout about in 2023.

VisitScotland work closely with the tourism industry helping visitors to find the best possible experience.

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It describes Kelso as a picturesque country town which lies in a fine setting at the junction of the rivers Tweed and Teviot where there is plenty to keep you busy, from marvelling at its grand architecture to hanging out with some new furry alpaca friends.

Visitors are advised to head to Floors Castle and marvel at its incredible interior and exterior design work.

Then, just a short walk away, is the Victorian Walled Gardens with plenty of waymarked woodland and riverside walks to enjoy.

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And there is the chance to meet some new four-legged friends at Beirhope Alpacas.

Visitors can choose between a leisurely stroll or if their legs are feeling up to the challenge, take on the Alpaca Trek and climb the hills of Beirhope to be treated to the stunning views of The Cheviots and Eildon Hills.

Kelso is full of architectural and historic interest. In 1128 David I granted monks permission to build an abbey across the water from his castle, Roxburgh.

Even in its fragmented state, this is a superb piece of architecture. To the west, a grassy mound, deep ditch and a few ruined walls are all that remain of the once mighty Roxburgh Castle. James II was killed during a siege here in 1460, by an exploding cannon.

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The spacious Kelso Square claims to be the largest in Scotland. At its centre is still the Bull Ring, a reminder of past market days. The square is now host to many specialist shops.

The graceful five-arched bridge over the Tweed, built by John Rennie in 1803, was the model for London's Waterloo Bridge.

The other venues in VisitScotland’s top 14 include Dunbar, The Isle of Raasay in Skye and Lochalsh, Aberfeldy, Dundee, The Inverclyde, Ayrshire & Firth of Clyde Islands, Caithness, Clackmannanshire, Ballater, Dumfries, The Kintyre Peninsula, Linlithgow, The Isle of Hoy and Unst in Shetland.