Jedburgh Travel Guide

Mary really didn't live here, she just stayed here for a bit while she was ill. But, it is an old structure and worth photographing. We didn't actually go inside because we had Melrose Abbey, Kelso Abbey, and Scott's View to take in before the afternoon was over.

You can make an appointment in the visitor's center in Jedburgh to see the Kerr family's Ferniehirst Castle. Coming from Jedburgh, you can see the VERY, VERY old "hanging tree" on the right hand side of the road (it is now split in half) where the hot-headed, violent Kerrs hung the English during times of unrest between the borders.

Inside Ferniehirst Castle you will find Kerr family antiques, the original "Red Boy" painting ("Red Boy" was William Kerr), and carpet the Lothians had specially made to match the carpet in the painting.

Also, Bonnie Prince Charlie had a custom of leaving something of his wherever he stopped during his journeys. Ferniehirst Caslte displays Bonnie Prince Charlie's shoe-buckles.

It is a nice place to see if you have Kerr ancestors, or if you have extra time. But, if you are pressed for time or have no family interest, you'd enjoy Scotland's other castles just as well, if not more.

"The original entrance leads to a stair known as the 'Left-Handed Staircase', the story being that when Sir Andrew Kerr, who was himself left-handed, returned from Flodden in 1513 he had his followers trained to use their weapons with their left hands. This is said to be the origin of 'Corrie-fisted' or 'Kerr handed'. The basement is vaulted, and the hall has a 16th-century fireplace.

Ferniehirst was a property of the Kerrs and first built by Sir Thomas Kerr in 1476 on the remains of an earlier foundation, but was sacked by the English in 1523. It was recaptured with French help in 1549, and the leader of the English garrison was beheaded. Sir Thomas Kerr, protector of Mary, Queen of Scots invaded England in 1570, hoping to have her released, but all that resulted was an raid on Scotland, during which Ferniehirst was damaged. James VI destroyed the castle in 1593 because of help given by the family to the Earl of Bothwell.
The castle was rebuilt about 1598." -tripod

We were referred to the Simply Scottish Restaurant by a local man who was the tour guide of Ferniehirst Castle. He ate there quite often. When we ate there, we understood why.

Check their website for more information. You'll find their hours, menus, and more...

"Simply Scottish is recommended by the "Taste of Scotland" guide (1997, 98, 99 & 2000) and has been runner-up in the local tourist board "Best Eating Place Award" for its use of local produce."

Favorite Dish: We were there during lunch-time. I had salmon. Nothing could possibly surpass Scotland's salmon!

We were surprised by the quality of this pub / restaurant. The lamb was terrific, as was the sirloin salad. Also very friendly staff, fresh baked bread, good baked potatoes and we didn't have to wait long.

Favorite Dish: The lamb saddle (special dish) and the sirloin salad.