The Mentor: Scotland, The Land of Song and Scenery, Vol. 1, Num. 10, Serial No. 10, April 21, 1913

THE WALTER SCOTT COUNTRY

Between Loch Achray and Loch Katrine lies the Trossachs, beautiful in winding wooded roads and lake and mountain views – and famed chiefly for being Walter Scott’s own land of romance. It has often been said that one who has read Scott’s novels needs no guidebook in the Trossachs. Drive through this charming valley to Loch Katrine, a beautiful lake nearly ten miles long. From the east end steep cliffs ascend from the water’s edge, and there, looking through the brilliant foliage on the bank, you can see the pretty little Ellens Isle, made immortal in Walter Scott’s poem, “Lady of the Lake.” This is one of the most “pictured” spots in Scotland. You will find it in any illustrated volume of Scott’s poems. You will find it in color and in gravure, in large prints and on postcards, wherever you turn. It is the very heart of the Trossachs, and one of the most inviting spots in the British Isles – as attractive in its natural beauty as in the romantic associations that cast their spell about it.

MELROSE ABBEY

Hallowed by eight hundred years of history and immortalized by Walter Scott, Melrose Abbey stands today the most interesting, as well as the most beautiful, ruin in Scotland. It is the drawing attraction of the little town of Melrose, situated on the Tweed. Enticed by the magic of Scott’s lines, thousands visit the Abbey every year.

 
“If thou wouldst view fair Melrose aright,
Go visit it by the pale moonlight.”
 

So firmly have these verses stamped themselves on the hearts of readers all over the world that tourists feel that their visit is not complete unless they have seen the Abbey “by pale moonlight.” In response to this desire the Abbey is opened on moonlight nights for special visits.

Melrose Abbey was founded by David the First, in the twelfth century. After being destroyed by Edward the Second, it was rebuilt by Robert Bruce in the fourteenth century. It was again destroyed and rebuilt in the following century. During the many years of its history it suffered dreadfully from the ravages of war. Armies of invasion from England ruthlessly assaulted its sacred precincts and destroyed its beautiful features. In spite of that, after being reconstructed several times, it holds its place as a beautiful example of architecture and a most picturesque ruin.

THE HOME OF SCOTT

About three miles from Melrose, on the right bank of the Tweed, stands Abbotsford, a name most dear to readers of the Waverley novels. There the “Wizard of the North,” as he was called, wrote his way into fame and fortune; there he lived when his fortune was swept away with that of his publisher; and there in his old age he settled himself grimly to repay debts amounting to six hundred thousand dollars – all by the work of his pen. He finished this stupendous task in about six years. He discharged his debts honorably; but he gave his lifeblood to the task. Scarcely had he come clear of his debts when his pen fell from his hand, and, in the bright, sunny dining room of Abbotsford, he dropped wearily to sleep, with the waters of his beloved Tweed murmuring musically in his ears. He had kept faith with his creditors; he had paid the last penny; he had secured his home for his children – and his work was done.

Attended by a funeral procession more than a mile in length, including the great that came from distant parts to do him honor, and the humble peasant neighbors that knew and loved him, Sir Walter Scott’s body was borne reverently to Dryburgh Abbey, and in that beautiful ruin, a most appropriate spot, he now lies at rest.