Through the years Abbotsford has played host to many famous faces, from Charles Dickens to Henry Irving, Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II.
Today the wing still draws well known authors and actors, inspired by the great Scottish writer's home; Hillary Mantel, Sebastian Barry, Tan Twan Eng, Robert Harris, Rose Tremain and Alan Cumming to name just a few.
Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction
Honouring the achievements of the founding father of the historical novel, the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction is one of the most prestigious literary prizes in the world. The Prize is open to books published in the UK, Ireland and Commonwealth in the previous year, the winner receiving £25,000.
Traditionally the prize is awarded at the Border Book Festival in Melrose, in June, each year the shortlisted authors from the Walter Scott Prize are hosted at Abbotsford's Hope Scott Wing during the prize giving.
We look forward to welcoming the shotlisted authors in June.
Memorable family gathering. Our family of 13 aged 18 months to 73 years and 3 small dogs gathered at the Hope Scott Wing for a week in October from Sweden, Holland and Newcastle. The house and grounds are so beautiful. The dogs loved their long walks by the Tweed. We also appreciated the attention to detail to make our stay extra special. Such as Halloween decorations and a lovely welcome basket of treats. We celebrated a 15th Birthday and Golden wedding whilst we were there and enjoyed an amazing formal dinner arranged by the Abbotsford team and Orde Restaurant. The breakfasting kitchen was also great place for us all to gather to cook, eat and socialise The hot tub was also well used even in October! Great fun was had by us all. Activities included, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, golf and gin tasting.
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