Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 26 on 21/04/2006.

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Worth exploring

This issue Charles Douglas visits Newbattle Abbey, in Midlothian

Some years ago, I visited the late 12th Marquess of Lothian at Ferniehirst Castle, his home at Jedburgh, close to the Scottish border.

On the walls of this ancient family keep, which he and his wife were in the process of restoring, I noticed some paintings and was told that they had originated from Newbattle Abbey, near Dalkeith.

Newbattle Abbey, now transformed into a further education college, had been the principle residence of the Kerr family, who became marquesses of Lothian, from the 16th century. When it was inherited by the 11th Marquess in 1937, the death duties which accompanied his inheritance were so crippling that he decided to make over the Newbattle estate to the nation.

However, he stipulated that the abbey should be used as a college to provide opportunities for those who had hitherto not been able to fulfill their potential.

And that, possibly, explains why this gem of a place has been largely overlooked in Scotland’s country house trail. What is not generally known is that visitors are welcome to come and have a look around, providing they notify the staff in advance. Believe me, it is well worth the effort.

Located a mile (1.5 km) south of Dalkeith in Midlothian, the mansionhouse we see today dates from the 16th century, but occupies the site of the 12th century abbey. Founded by King David I of Scotland for the Cistercian order around 1140, its monks were at the centre of a thriving commercial enterprise, which included coal-mining, salt production .....

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By Charles Douglas

Section : Historic Houses

Page number : 16